First time and I need help

[umayer]

Hello,

I want to propose to my gf in August to coincide with our 3 years together and I am really struggling to find the right ring for my price range. I would like to get the best bang for my buck and a friend of mine told me that this is a good place as people are very good in giving the right advice and also suggesting the diamonds. I have done some research and here is what I am looking at:

Price Range: US$ 7000 to 11,000
Shape: round
Color: D, E and maybe F
Carat: Anything over 1 but willing to sacrifice clarity and possible color to get upto 1.2 or 1.3 carat
Clarity: Based on my research, I am ok to go with S1 or S2 as long as the diamond is eye clean
Cut: Any ideal cut
In terms of Posh and symmetry, I am guess it should be nothing less than "Excellent" but to be honest, I do not know much about it.

I have looked through James Allen collection and there are a few that I like but still not sure. I have been told that james Allen provides the ideal scope score so I like the idea of buying a diamond online from a place that is willing to share all the information. Let me know if you think there are better options.

So, what I am looking for is the best possible combination within my price range. I still am not sure what areas I can cheap out on and which areas I should not cheap out on but I was hoping to get some ideas from you and possibly a list of diamonds that you can recommend. My friend told me that people on this forum do that. Let me know if I need to post this at a different branch of the forum.

Thanks so much for all your help!
umayer

 

[nfowife]

Here are 2 from WF:
One in your specs but slightly over budget:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2668683.htm

This one's a G but would still be very white and it's in your budget:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2631626.htm

Here's another one well within budget that's a G:
http://www.niceice.com/certcopies2009/ags0010224401/index.htm

another G in budget:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1391369.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

What setting are you looking for?

 

[tyty333]

Here are a few JA stones that look good that are in your budget/specs. I would certainly drop down to a G to get a larger
size. You would need to make sure they are eye-clean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1391373.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1391366.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1371197.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1338299.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1384271.asp

 

[umayer]

Thanks tyty333 for the list. Yes, I am considering dropping down to G to get a larger size but do you think it is a wise call to go for a larger size with a color G or is it better to stay with color D and E and stick with a size around 1.21 as this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1371197.asp

Also, any comments on differences between the labs AGS and GIA. Anything I need to worry about in terms of which labs are better?

nfowife, I am actually not sure what setting is best. I was thinking that I pick the diamond and then choose the setting but as I write, I have a feeling that setting plays a major role.... so please let me know if you think, there is a setting I should be considering? I would guess Cathedral or Knife edge with 4 prong might be good. She doesn't want too much bling bling on the side.

Thnks guys for your help!

much appreciate it!

 

[rubybeth]

You'd have to confirm eye clean, but this is a 1.24 G SI2 for around $9K wire price:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104051364017

This setting is cathedral style with a knife edge, and 4 prongs, for $850:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5374

This would keep you under budget by about $1K, which could go toward a wedding band.

 

[rubybeth]

Also, any comments on differences between the labs AGS and GIA. Anything I need to worry about in terms of which labs are better?

And, no, GIA and AGS are what Pricescopers recommend sticking with. Shy away from any EGL or IGI graded stones.