Help a clueless layman find a rock for his discerning future fiancee

[rbarr24]

Hi all,

I''ve spent the past couple weeks skimming the diamond universe and am humble to all of your knowledge and passion. I, like most men, am a clueless moron who has no clue what to buy for an engagement ring. I bring to the Pricescope community my requirements and pray for your compassion and kindness in answering and helping me out:

Budget - Around $18k. Can go to $19, but no higher

Shape - Round

Cut - As ideal as possible

Color - I am hoping for a F or G color

Clarity - I am realistically looking at SI1 or perhaps VS2

Carats - I am looking to get something over 2 carats

I live in Manhattan and my recent jaunt to 47th St. left me feeling as if I could be bent over and treated like a fish in prison. I am out of my waters here and would love some guidance as to the best ring I can get for the money.

My girlfriend is not going to bust out a loupe here, so the match of size with fire/brilliance coming from the ring are key. I''d also like as little yellow to be visible, but again, I don''t really know what to expect.

Thanks in advance for all that you do.

RB

 

[JulieN]

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-981003.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

 

[rbarr24]

I hope the title didn''t offend or violate any standard. I obviously love my girlfriend or else I wouldn''t propose to her, so she and I both chuckle at the fact she is high maint, and I only added that to highlight that the ''look'' of the ring is critically important to her (size/brilliance/color/etc)

However, I will request a title change to ensure my intentions are not misconstrued.

Thanks for the ring suggestion!!!!

RB

 

[Ellen]

Julie found you a great stone, don''t know that you could do much better for your budget! (if eyeclean)

One note, make sure you read their upgrade policy if that might be a consideration in the future.

 

[Regular Guy]

You might check this one out, too. Ask them to explain why the plot is so clean, though.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome rbarr,

Julie and Ira are diamond finding pros, so you would do well to consider their selections! One thing to mention as El did, JA have an upgrade policy whereas BN do not, so if your lady might ever want to go larger then that is another factor to add to the decision process.