First time buyer and feeling pretty overwhelmed...

[dazedandc0nfused]

I've been researching and lurking this forum for over a year but really started to get serious for the last couple months. I am completely overwhelmed by all the variables. My budget is $8-9K max for the diamond itself. I'm targeting a round, I color at the least, SI1 at the least, and ideal/excellent for the cut, polish, symmetry. This is going to be a surprise proposal so I won't be able to ask her what she wants.

Can someone please post a few examples of what they would consider really solid diamonds? I am hoping for a bigger diamond and would choose a 1.20c with a good ideal-scope over a 1.05c with a superb ideal-scope.

Thank you!

 

[Gypsy]

That was easy. Buy this: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12074/ Just ask if it is eyeclean.

 

[Gypsy]

Other options:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.237-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104064813021 This one is already labelled as eyeclean. And I prefer BGD's settings. So I revise my earlier statement. Buy this one.

 

[Gypsy]

Ok. ONE MORE (I should have just done this as one consolidated post).

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-314360 Since you said you would prefer size over perfect super ideal... this one is a strong choice at 1.3 carats. You can put it on hold and ask for an idealscope. They will ask you to chose three. But if this one is eyeclean (ask) there is no reason to waste your other two idealscopes (you only get three per purchase).

There is also this one, which gets you H color and hearts and arrows. Nice idealscope. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.22-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-329146


I do still prefer the settings at BGD though. So I suggest you decide on a setting (if you plan to buy one online as well), then go with the stone at that vendor.

 

[Gypsy]

One last option: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3172009.htm H color and good idealscope.

 

[dazedandc0nfused]

Thanks Gypsy.

What do you think about this stone? The crown angle and depth worry me. There are no other images/reports yet.

GIA
Round Brilliant
Measurements
6.90 - 6.94 x 4.32 mm
Carat Weight
1.27 carat
Color Grade
I
Clarity Grade
Internally Flawless
Cut Grade
Excellent
Depth
62.4 %
Table
56 %
Crown Angle
36.0°
Crown Height
16.0%
Pavilion Angle
40.6°
Pavilion Depth
43.0%
Star Length
55%
Lower Half
80%
Girdle
Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet
None
Polish
Excellent
Symmetry
Excellent
Fluorescence
Medium Blue

comments

Minor details of polish are not shown.

 

[Gypsy]

No need to worry. The angles are complimentary and the depth is right at the acceptable cut off.

Again, you should work with a vendor that provides idealscope images.

 

[dazedandc0nfused]

Just curious Gypsy, what would be your picks for a $6500 max stone, 1c or close?