First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HELP?

[bears2006]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking PS for a few weeks now and have done some initial homework on the 4C's (read through PS's guide and most of James Allen site's education). I have begun narrowing my preferences for the diamond and know I want a thin setting (GF's ring finger is only size 3.5). I'm hoping all of you more knowledgeable folks can help me out!

Diamond preferences
Carats: 1.5-2 (targeting a larger diameter) -- would 2 carats be too big for a size 3.5 finger from a practical viewpoint?
Cut: Ideal
Color: G, H, I (maybe J)
Clarity: VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2 (as long as undetectable with naked eye)

My budget would ideally be <$15k for the entire ring, but I assume this would be near impossible after looking at prices at James Allen and Blue Nile. I may consider going up to $20k for the entire ring, but prefer not to since I want to save money for down payment for a house between engagement and wedding (in the next 1.5 years).

Where can I get the best bang for my buck? The site I like the best is James Allen because they provide 360 views plus the GIA certificate that shows the inclusions. HELP?

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

Here are a few options that leave room for a nice setting, and still have you under your budget:


1.535ct, F, SI1 (verified eye-clean)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.535-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104066186015

1.62ct, J, VS1 (will be eye-clean)
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=1093

1.79ct, I, VS1 (will be eye-clean)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.791-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104068964031

1.88ct, I, SI1 (verified eye-clean)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10549/

 

[heididdl]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

Here are a few options that leave room for a nice setting, and still have you under your budget:


1.535ct, F, SI1 (verified eye-clean)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.535-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104066186015

1.62ct, J, VS1 (will be eye-clean)
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=1093

1.79ct, I, VS1 (will be eye-clean)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.791-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104068964031

1.88ct, I, SI1 (verified eye-clean)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10549/

I love Rockys selections. Out of these four I would select the 1.52 or 1.79. or 188 The 4 c have a lot to say but CUT IS KING and all these stones are great cut. Your parameters are very wide but Stay if you can I would stay I or above in color (J if you want to go larger) and stay si1 EYE CLEAN only.......

 

[Gypsy]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

I think an eyeclean SI1 has the most value.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.842-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104068650003 I like this one. Nearly 8mm and H color. I am betting its eyeclean, and BGD is scrupulous about telling you the truth about that. I think this is one of the most balanced options in your price range in terms of size, color and as long as it is eyeclean: clarity.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.715-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104068964005 Similar to the above, higher clarity and a slight loss in size (.2 mm).

 

[bears2006]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

Thanks for the recommendations! I actually got a chance to check out a couple of brick and mortars today and have refined my search some more. I noticed firsthand how important a cut is, and that I actually do care about the color to some extent (want to keep it between G or H, as the I's I saw were noticeably yellow -- all were GIA certified). I have also decided that I want to target a diamond closer to 1.5 carats (1.4-1.6'ish) as I feel a 2 carat ring would be an overkill for my gf's size 3.5 finger.

With that said, I have found a diamond that I think seems pretty awesome on paper, but would appreciate all of your expertise and feedback. I think this diamond would actually help me stay closer to my $15k budget rather than my $20k budget as well. Sales associate mentioned it's clean to the naked eye.

Pros and cons to the diamond below?

Carat: 1.6
Dimensions: 7.57 x 7.59 x 4.69mm
Color: H
Clarity Grade: SI2
Cut: Excellent
Depth: 61.8%
Table: 56%
Crown Angle: 34.5 degrees
Crown Height: 15.0 degrees
Pavilion Angle: 40.8 degrees
Pavilion Depth: 43.0 degrees
Star Length: 50%
Lower Half: 75%
Girdle: Medium to slightly thick, faced 3.5 degrees
Culet: None
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: Faint
Clarity Characteristics: Feather, Crystal, Pinpoint
Comments: Additional pinpoints are not shown



]

 

[JulieN]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

It looks really nice if it is eye clean, but 15K gets you a nice 1.5, wondering why you feel the need for SI2. I love a good SI2 but I wouldn't go there unless i was trying to maximize size.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-187789

 

[bears2006]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

It looks really nice if it is eye clean, but 15K gets you a nice 1.5, wondering why you feel the need for SI2. I love a good SI2 but I wouldn't go there unless i was trying to maximize size.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-187789

Thanks for the suggestion on another ~1.5ct, JulieN! Both seem similar to me in almost all aspects. Of course, I know one is SI2 and yours is SI1. If both are clean to the naked eye, should I be concerned with an SI2? (honest question)

Price difference is about $900:
SI2 = $11,950
SI1 = $12,860

 

[JulieN]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

You get to pick 3 for gemologist review. I was expecting more of a discount for the SI2, 900 seems not very much, though of course I would expect to pay more for a good SI2 over a bad one. It looks like a good one.

If it is eye-clean from all angles, has no deleterious effects on performance, and you insure it, there's nothing to worry about. JA also has a good return policy.

 

[bears2006]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

I ultimately sent James Allen 3 stones to get reviewed by gemologist (see below). What's everyone's opinion on these?

187789 ($12,860)
Carat weight:1.55
Certificate:GIA
Color:h
Shape: Round
Clarity: SI1
Cut: Excellent
Depth %:61.60
Girdle: Medium - Slightly Thick
Table %:56.00
Culet:None
Polish:Excellent
Crown ∠:
Symmetry:Excellent
Crown %:
Fluorescence:None
Pavilion ∠:
L/W/D (mm): 7.43*7.45*4.59
Pavilion %:


280784 ($11,840)
Carat weight:1.50
Certificate:GIA
Color:h
Shape: Round
Clarity: VS2
Cut: Excellent
Depth %:62.80
Girdle: Thin - Slightly Thick
Table %:56.00
Culet:None
Polish:Excellent
Crown ∠:
Symmetry:Very Good
Crown %:
Fluorescence:Medium Blue
Pavilion ∠:
L/W/D (mm): 7.32*7.24*4.58
Pavilion %:


281993 ($11,950)
Carat weight:1.64
Certificate:GIA
Color:h
Shape: Round
Clarity: SI2
Cut: True HeartsTM Excellent
Depth %:61.80
Girdle: Medium - Slightly Thick
Table %:56.00
Culet:None
Polish:Excellent
Crown ∠:
Symmetry:Excellent
Crown %:
Fluorescence:Faint
Pavilion ∠:
L/W/D (mm): 7.57*7.59*4.69
Pavilion %:

 

[JulieN]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

#2 is not as good of a choice. I will find you another one under 12500.

ETA: Oops, I missed that it is a VS2. For 1.5+, VS2+ it is okay.

 

[bears2006]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

JulieN - you ROCK!

 

[bears2006]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

#2 is not as good of a choice. I will find you another one under 12500.

ETA: Oops, I missed that it is a VS2. For 1.5+, VS2+ it is okay.

JulieN and other PS experts - are the prices I listed good prices for the diamonds I'm targeting? Would these diamonds appear fiery and compare with Lazare diamonds?

I was at a local B&M and really liked a Lazare 1.51ct color H SI2. The sales manager wanted to charge me $20k for this 1.5ct, then the owner brought the price down to $16k. This is still ~$4k difference from the James Allen prices listed above.

Help?

 

[JulieN]

Re: First time jewelry buyer ready for my e-ring search! HEL

JA charges a reasonable price for the level of information you get. Some outfits are right to charge more if they offer more information, and some outfits will charge less, but cannot provide you with more than the GIA report.

Yes, it will be stunning.