First-time buyer needs help

[Stoneman]

Ok, so I'm looking for a diamond for an engagement ring. It's been taking up life for a while. You could spend so long seaching, but you eventually just have to pull the trigger I guess. I've been doing my research about diamonds for a while, but I'm curious if my standards are too high. She is the type that would care more about size than quality, but obviously we need to make sure there's no obvious defects that can be seen by the naked eye. I had been looking at F-G, VS1, Ideal cut, EX-VG polish & symmetry, no fluorescence. The ones I could afford tended to be around 0.5 carat. I'm a graduating college student so I can't afford more than around $1800 for the stone.

Something like this is what I originally had in mind:

Shape: Round Ideal Cut
Carat: 0.556
Clarity: VS2
Color: G
Depth %: 60.3
Table %: 56.3
Crown Angle: 34.3
Crown %: 14.9
Pavilion Angle: 40.9
Pavilion %: 43.2
Girdle: Thin to Medium Faceted
Measurements: 5.35-5.37X3.23
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Culet: Pointed
Fluorescence: Negligible


Should I drop some of my quality limits in order to get a larger weight? If so, how low can I go on quality and balance the color/fluor? Was there anything I missed on this diamond that I should stay away from?

Thank you so much for your help.

 

[JulieN]

1855 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/a-cut-above-h-a-cut-diamond-114368.htm

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome to PS

You can easily drop the clarity to an SI1 or even an SI2 to get more size, colour could go to an H or I - even J, better still with some flourescence in my opinion. When looking at SI clarities it is important to ask the vendor if the particular candidate is eyeclean. The diamond you have listed has excellent cut proportions, it is a case whether you want to broaden your colour and clarity options or stick with smaller. You are obviously doing your homework and will find a lovely rock!