Help a newbie choose a 1ct diamond!

[sammy23]

Hi Everyone

Newbie here I've been reading up on the basics of diamonds I am searching for a 1ct diamond around $6000-7000, I'm still unsure of what to look for around this price range. So far to start off with Blue Nile and James Allen (they recommended 3 in the link below) have come back to me with the diamonds below. Should I be looking at only VS2 clarity and at least G color ? I've read about things such as Eye clean and idealscope are these the 2 essential things I should request? Hoping all you diamond experts can help, thanks!

http://www.jamesallen.com/?q=124851#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut//CaratFrom:0.99|CaratTo:10.00|Color:I|Clarity:IF,VVS1,VVS2,SI1|Cut:Ideal,Excellent,TrueHearts|PriceFrom:400|PriceTo:6560|Sort:Carat%20asc,%20DefaultOrder|TabSelected:3|ps:15||DiamondID:129932,169707,173568

http://www.bluenile.com/au/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-g-colour-vs2-clarity_LD03167399?keyword_search_value=LD03167399

http://www.bluenile.com/au/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-g-colour-vs2-clarity_LD03039014?keyword_search_value=LD03039014

 

[bunnycat]

Hi there-

I didn't run the numbers on the 3 from JA, but do you have a preference for color because you span from D-I? What are your most important criteria?

You won't be able to get IDealscope images from the ones at BN, so you aren't going to be able to check light performance other than seeing them in person with those.

If size is an important criteria, then what I am about to suggest is probably not the most budget friendly, but if you want a really nicely performing stone at a 1ct size:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.027-h-vs2-round
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10259/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10399/

 

[jmarshall]

I did run the numbers, and the TIC from JA has the best HCA score.

If you can afford it though, I have a preference for the H&A 1.02 H from GOG.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Wow, those are nice prices on the GOG hearts and arrows stones! I like the H color the best!

 

[04diamond<3]

I like this one the best:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.12-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73731

I know it's a J, but it faces up really white and has a better idealscope than the GOG H. Also, JA offers PS members a discount on their stones.

I also really like that D SI2 that they recommended. I'd put that on hold and request an idealscope image.

 

[bunnycat]

ALternately, if you are fine with an I, you can push past the 1ct envelope and get something like this:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.150-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104062571011

The Blue line is fluorescent, so it helps the stone face up whiter in lighting conditions where UV is present (outside, in an office in fluorescent lighting) than one without fluor. The reason I like this line in particular is because you get the benefit of excellent cutting (all AGS 0) so great light performance, a small discount for the fluorescence, and a small discount because Hearts and arrows symmetry is not guaranteed. You also would get an additional discount for being a PS member. You just have to call and ask for it.

 

[JulieN]

I like that D Si2 from JA, looks like a really good SI2.