Have a budget on a loose diamond, but need some advice

[kpui]

Hi guys,

I've been scouring pricescope for the past month now and have to say that there has been a wealth of information that I've been trying to digest! Everyone here is so open and friendly that it's great. I've decided that it was my time to take the plunge and have been trying to apply a lot of what I've read here towards getting the best beautiful diamond (that I can afford) for my future fiancee (assuming she'll say yes

).

I have a budget of approx $7-$8k for the loose diamond, and was hoping for an opinion on a few that I've found on-line.

My ideal specs are:
Cut: Round
Colour: D-F
Carat: 1 - 1.05 ct.
Clarity: VVS2-VS2
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Depth: 60-63%
Table: 57-59%

Here is what I've found thus far online:

Diamond 1)
http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-230522.htm#

Diamond 2)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1093270.asp

Diamond 3) (this one is just slightly over the 8k budget i had)
http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-419946.htm

The ideal setting which I would put this diamond on is the Felicity Split Shank Solitare design by Hearts on Fire. My gf really loves the split shank design and esp this one in particular. (This stemmed from after looking at the Birks Amorique Split Shank design ring.. but that was priced at a crazy $25k).

http://www.heartsonfire.com/JC_search.aspx?item=FelHofSpShR&type=8

Another thing is she has really tiny fingers (she was measured at Birks at a 3.25).

Any thoughts, suggestions, advice?

Much appreciation!

 

[Ellen]

Hi kpui,

I assume you are aware if you lowered color to even G, and clarity to SI1, you''d save some money/could go bigger.

As for your specs, I''m not sure why you want tables at 57-59. Any table from 54-58 would be fine. That and your girdle preference are going to limit your choices (thin-slightly thick is fine), I''m just not sure why you feel you need that.

As for the WF stones, not enough info, they''d have to be called in. I found a very nice one already in their possession.

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-54982.htm# 2% off with PS discount


The JA stone looks fine so far. I would ask for an IS pic.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Agree with Ellen. Your specs are a little off of ideal cut. In looking at the WF site, I'd only consider the ones in the ACA category or the Expert Selection ideal cut. Most of the rest are just virtual listings and not stones they have had cut for their inventory. The whole reason I'd buy from them is to get one of their diamonds because they are cut so well. I absolutely LOVE the stone Ellen posted as well!

 

[kpui]

Thanks guys.

I admit, I''m pretty much a newbie when it comes to this stuff and everything that I''ve read so far suggested that those were the optimal conditions but I guess I was incorrect.

Yes, that stone that Ellen posted is definitely very good.

The reason I am hestitant to go above 1.05 ct is because my gf''s fingers are tiny and she had told me previously that she doesn''t want a stone too large (it would almost look too gaudy if so).

Some of our friends have purchased ''E'' colour stones for their wives so I wanted to find something comparable so that when she goes and shows it to our friends as well she won''t be disappointed when they put their rings side by side.. maybe i''m just making a big fuss out of nothing here?

 

[Independent Gal]

Well, in terms of colour, this is something that REALLY matters to some women and not to others. Personally, I would not want a G colour stone on my hand because I am extremely colour-sensitive. I can see the difference, even in a well-cut stone, in a heartbeat and to me, it really matters. For me, it's got to be a D or an E. But many women aren't fussy about it.

However, since you have the budget wiggle-room and want a reasonable sized stone (and I get this - some of my friends wouldn't want a stone bigger than that either), why NOT stick to the icey-whites since you can afford it!

Sweet point could be E, VS2?

I agree with the others that some of your stats are a little off in terms of table, etc. There's a chart on here somewhere with the specs for a 1A stone (I think according to AGS?)

 

[Ellen]

Date: 10/21/2007 3:36:54 PM
Author: kpui
Thanks guys.

I admit, I'm pretty much a newbie when it comes to this stuff and everything that I've read so far suggested that those were the optimal conditions but I guess I was incorrect.

Yes, that stone that Ellen posted is definitely very good.

The reason I am hestitant to go above 1.05 ct is because my gf's fingers are tiny and she had told me previously that she doesn't want a stone too large (it would almost look too gaudy if so).

Some of our friends have purchased 'E' colour stones for their wives so I wanted to find something comparable so that when she goes and shows it to our friends as well she won't be disappointed when they put their rings side by side.. maybe i'm just making a big fuss out of nothing here?

I wouldn't say you're making a fuss out of nothing, but rather trying to make sure your gal is happy with her ring, even when compared to others. Very thoughtful, nothing wrong with that.

However, most are not as sensitive as IG is. Even the diamond experts will tell you almost no one will see the difference between D-F. G is at the top of the near colorless range. So unless you know your gal is highly sensitive, I think a G would be fine too. The thing is, unless all her friends have super ideal cut stones, their E may actually appear a color grade or two lower.

So, besides the one from WF, I found a couple more for you to consider.

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-283297.htm#



Need to see if eyeclean.

http://204.17.89.15/diamond/3686/

This one has medium fluorescence, which may or may not help it appear a bit brighter/whiter. Need to ask for pics.

http://204.17.89.15/diamond/3697/

Bankwire price on GOG stones is the discount, listed underneath regular price.