gift to myself

[donbon03]

I am wanting to buy a diamond for myself, a gift for working hard over the past few years. Therefore I want as much bling as I can buy for my money. I was thinking about 2.5 - 3 carat, (the later a push I expect) either a cushion cut or a round brilliant. Guess I would need to go down to an SI1 and around G.. I am not very educated in this field and was hoping for you guys to point me in the right direction. I do not even mind a second hand stone… That way I might be able to buy a larger stone...I was thinking about a solitaire or perhaps with a pave band. I have about 22K to spend. Appreciate some advice.

 

[MarionC]

Good for you. Here is a place you can go to see videos of diamonds and plug in your criteria:
I would go for an excellent cut, then look at diamonds in your budget. Does the 22k include the setting?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.58-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-39891

 

[Christina...]

Very exciting! how do you feel about antique cuts? They are very popular right now and I find them incredibly romantic and feminine. So popular in fact that cutters are cutting new rough to look like antiques. However...you mentioned G color and while that may not be impossible in an antique it won't be a quick or easy find...most old cuts are lower color but have a tendency to face up whiter than many modern cuts. How do you about lower colors?

 

[LaraOnline]

Yes, the more I see lower colour the less concern I have about them.
And antique stones carry colour so elegantly!!
But it depends on what you are after!

 

[minousbijoux]

Yes, the more I see lower colour the less concern I have about them.
And antique stones carry colour so elegantly!!
But it depends on what you are after!

This exactly. Antique cuts + lower color = amazing warmer pastel sparks. Oh, lord, I'm starting to drool

 

[donbon03]

Thanks for the reply, I do not mind going lower in colour, since I have found your site and reading some of your previous posts, I see there are quite a few rings that are lower in colour. So would look at a number of options. As for the setting, I have kept about 3K aside for that.

 

[Boatluvr]

I love this OMB! It's got a beauty 'spot' but I think it's just gorgeous.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.53-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-203912

 

[Christina...]

Thanks for the reply, I do not mind going lower in colour, since I have found your site and reading some of your previous posts, I see there are quite a few rings that are lower in colour. So would look at a number of options. As for the setting, I have kept about 3K aside for that.

This is great information! We certainly don't have to eliminate modern rounds or cushions from our search, but it's helpful to know that you are shopping with an open mind and are willing to consider options that you may not have considered previously. 3k is a great budget for a setting, I'm confident that we can find you exactly what you are looking for!

I've been in and out all day, but I will take a look around and post some options. We can eliminate them or short list them as we go. If you happen to come across something your interested in be sure to post it so we can determine if it's a good fit. Off to take a look around, I'll be back to post some findings!

Edited to add: While I adore old cuts and find them incredibly beautiful, I don't have the experience that many others here have. My interest and research thus far has been with modern cuts, specifically modern round brilliants and step cuts. If you are interested in some antique options, I, and many others are more than excited to help you, but I would encourage you to perhaps start another thread specifically asking for antique cut guidance, because there are many here more knowledgeable than I am. Of course I can continue to search for you but as I said, I would be more comfortable in making modern cut recommendations for you than old cuts. Once you feel as though you have sufficient information and recommendation you can then decide which is the option for you. I love that you are shopping with an open mind though. I feel as though so many miss finding the perfect stone 'for them' because they come here with a ridged idea of what they want or what is 'best' and are unwilling to consider other alternatives.

 

[donbon03]

Oh how exciting! Sorry not really wanting a visible beauty spot, thanks all the same. I too will be away for the next day or 2. So will be not able to access the internet. So please do not think it rude of me if I do not respond immediately.

 

[Christina...]

Here are a couple old cut options...

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/265ct-Antique-Cushion-Cut/33264559_tQM6JB#!i=2887343653&k=ZGVZJm5 I love the shape of this one!

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/304ct-Antique-Cushion-Cut/31965462_RGL2Lw#!i=2774738892&k=XmsXDzF

I forgot to ask....is your 22k budget including the setting, or just the stone?

JbEG, have incredible setting options as well, so they are truly a full service vendor and have a great reputation here. I've contacted them myself a few times and have found them to be very honest and insightful.

Old World Diamonds is another great option for true antique cuts, and we may find a completed piece that you love. Good Old Gold, Victor Canera and Engagement Rings Direct all offer modern versions of old cuts.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Here are a few REALLY nice, diverse options, all under your budget:

2.226ct, J, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.226-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-104068814002

3.02ct, Fancy Brown (there is a note that this can be re-cut into a 2.58 AVR, as well)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10585/

2.5ct, K, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9218/

2.288ct, I, SI2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.288-i-si2-round-diamond-ags-104064814015


If you end up going the cushion route, this one is AWESOME:

2.8ct, N, VS2 - AVC
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11735/

 

[Christina...]

These may satisfy your craving for higher color, but they aren't as large as you'd like. The downfall of branded old cuts is their price. They are very beautiful though and don't have some of the wonkiness found in true antiques.



http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8214/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9509/ If you really want to stretch your budget and perhaps settle for a simple solitaire, this is a gorgeous stone...perhaps unfair to recommend though. Fun to look at just the same.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11735/

I wasn't able to find an August vintage round within your criteria, but it may be worth calling and inquiring as often times new inventory is expected...

I really like these modern round options..

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2945662.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938301.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.51-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-276321
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.51-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-267731
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.55-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-271544
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.42-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-272370

James Allen's gemologist will compare three stones side by side, provide photos, and idealscope images and determine if they are eye clean to your standards. they also offer a Pricescope discount which, if I remember correctly is about 1.5% which should put these all within budget.

I will keep looking, but I have to cook dinner for my guys. I just saw that you won't be around for a couple of days so I will continue to post options as I come across them.

 

[Christina...]

Here are a few REALLY nice, diverse options, all under your budget:

2.226ct, J, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.226-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-104068814002

3.02ct, Fancy Brown (there is a note that this can be re-cut into a 2.58 AVR, as well)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10585/

2.5ct, K, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9218/

2.288ct, I, SI2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.288-i-si2-round-diamond-ags-104064814015


If you end up going the cushion route, this one is AWESOME:

2.8ct, N, VS2 - AVC
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11735/

opps! I didn't highlight it, but I was referring to the N VS2 cushion
I liked this one too.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Here are a few REALLY nice, diverse options, all under your budget:

2.226ct, J, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.226-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-104068814002

3.02ct, Fancy Brown (there is a note that this can be re-cut into a 2.58 AVR, as well)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10585/

2.5ct, K, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9218/

2.288ct, I, SI2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.288-i-si2-round-diamond-ags-104064814015


If you end up going the cushion route, this one is AWESOME:

2.8ct, N, VS2 - AVC
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11735/

opps! I didn't highlight it, but I was referring to the N VS2 cushion
I liked this one too.

Right? It looks NIIICE.

The 3.02 Fancy Brown I linked above can be cut down to a 2.58 AVR, at a final cost of about $15k, so that is kind of a cool option, as well!

 

[Christina...]

Here are a few REALLY nice, diverse options, all under your budget:

2.226ct, J, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.226-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-104068814002

3.02ct, Fancy Brown (there is a note that this can be re-cut into a 2.58 AVR, as well)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10585/

2.5ct, K, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9218/

2.288ct, I, SI2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.288-i-si2-round-diamond-ags-104064814015


If you end up going the cushion route, this one is AWESOME:

2.8ct, N, VS2 - AVC
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11735/

opps! I didn't highlight it, but I was referring to the N VS2 cushion
I liked this one too.

Right? It looks NIIICE.

The 3.02 Fancy Brown I linked above can be cut down to a 2.58 AVR, at a final cost of about $15k, so that is kind of a cool option, as well!

I spent time looking at the 3.02 as well, and think that it could be a cool option with some additional information. I'm a little worried about the inclusion, since OP stated that she wasn't interested in any 'beauty marks' and the fact that Jonathon is only offering a limited guarantee on the stone and there appears to be no lab report. :/ I do think it's an interesting option for the right person and for the right project.

 

[donbon03]

Wow, thanks guys for all the options, appreciate you taking the time for me., Now that I have some time I will go through your suggestions. It's a hard one, one minute loving the round then I switch to the cushion. It appears the cushion cut is a little less expensive than the round brilliant cut. Get back to you once I isolate a few for your final thoughts.