Engagement ring help, Please!

[bluehen10]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to pricescope and to diamond hunting. I'm looking for an engagement ring for my partner. She likes cushion and radiant cut solitaires. I've been to a ton of jewelery stores, looked on internet sites as well as wholesale clubs, but I've been getting mixed information about the best cuts/clarity/ect that I need within my price range. It appears that the wholesale clubs have the best prices, but I'm not really sure how to assess factors like depth/table/symmetry/girdle, etc of these rings. I'm also concerned about ordering a ring online because I don't have a great deal of knowledge about these factors and don't want to order the wrong ring or get taken advantage of.

I'm looking for something between 0.80 and 1ct that's VS1-VS2 and G-H or better, under $4,300 if possible.

I found the following online, but I feel overwhelmed. If any of you experts can tell me what you think about these rings (below) and provide more detailed specs that I should be looking for as well as where to look I would be extremely grateful! I just want a good quality diamond that isn't over priced.

Thanks for your help!


Cushion cut:
.81 ct
VS1
D
Table: 61
Depth: 70.1
Polish/ Symmetry: VG/VG
Girdle: Thin/Sl. thick
18K
GIA certified
$3800

Radiant cut
1.02 ct.
H
VS2
H
Depth: 67.8
Table: 65
Polish / Symmetry: EX/EX
Girdle: STK - THK
platinum
GIA certified
$4300

 

[purplesilk]

You need ASET images: they can tell you if your diamonds are great performers or not.

 

[Amys Bling]

the best way to determine the cut quality and life of a fancy stone is to get ASET images... numbers are not a good telling factor for fancy cut stones like they are for RB stones.

 

[E B]

James Allen lets you request up to 3 ASET images, so here are a few I'd consider asking about:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1281060.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1278869.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1281056.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1289924.asp

These are a couple of hundred $ above your budget (if paid by wire) but will be excellent performers:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7525/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7260/

This one's in budget and will look a lot like the first square cushion H&A but it's an I-color, if you're comfortable with that:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7909/