Help appreciated - Have I found the right 1.3-1.6 carat diamond?

[cmw021]

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4205952

This is my favorite that I have come up with so far - please talk me out of it if I'm wrong!

I'm looking for a 1.3-1.6 ct round diamond with an ideal cut. I am willing to sacrifice color and clarity for size and cut, especially for imperfections not appreciable to an untrained eye. Am I on the right track? Aiming for a budget of <$10,000 after all is said and done.

The setting, which I will work on next, will likely be a thin, simple micropave with 6 prongs, white gold or platinum (if my budget allows, which is doubtful).

Thank you in advance

 

[rockysalamander]

This is intriguing. Its close to a 60/60 style, but the low crown and 41 pavilion seem to really create balance. Its gets a surprising HCA of 1.7 and would get AGSL Ideal or Excellent (rounding of GIA numbers dependent). The light return on this will strongly favor white light over fire, but its got enormous spread. I would quickly put it on hold and request and IS image from JA. The IS will let us better understand the volume of light return and is really important (but even more so for 60/60 style stones).

 

[cmw021]

Thank you. I did exactly that. I was told the ID image would be delivered within 24 hours.

 

[rockysalamander]

Lovely. Make sure to post it here. Finger's crossed!

 

[cmw021]

IS image* (autocorrect). I called back asking if there was any way to expedite the image, but unfortunately it sounds like I wont receive it until Monday. May have to do a little more perusing to see what other options I can find too.

 

[cmw021]

Surprise surprise, the IS was delivered today. Please let me know your thoughts - I'm shocked your able to get much from this image.




Thank you for your interest in James Allen. This is Adam with the gemological department. I was informed that you were interested in seeing the idealscope image of diamond 4205952<https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4205952> ($7,880). I’ve found that we have this image on file, so I’ve attached it to this email for your review. The image looks fantastic, featuring lots of red coloration, indicating strong brilliance. In addition to offering great light performance, the diamond is white in color and the average eye should find it to be eye clean. I believe you’ll be more than pleased with it when you see it in person.

 

[rockysalamander]

This passes the IS. Edge to edge brightness (red). The whiter/pinker areas are areas of light leakage which are not strong (bright white). The white the sharp-edge triangles on the girdle are planned. The girdle is painted, which is basically saying is varies more than some in thickness to add weight to the stone. If I'm guessing, that was probably to make sure it hit the 1.5 c mark. So, you can see those triangles on the girdle have some variation in brightness. It is cut to give great spread (about .2 mm larger than average 1.5c).

The grading report lists 'additional clouds'. So, if you buy this, make sure that once the JA gemologist has the stone in had (and before setting) they examine it for any impact from the clouds. Its something that needs visual inspection.

But, I'd call this a keeper where it me.

You can afford platinum with certain settings (and that would be my advice). Just be sure you have her correct ring size. Pave can be sized down minimally and up maybe 1 size. After that, you risk making the stones fall out.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ench-cut-six-prong-engagement-ring-item-50022 {6 jprong}
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ite-pave-cathedral-engagement-ring-item-50083 {4 prong}

But, if she works in health-care or with kids, people, or animals or delicate fabrics (high-end retail) in a hands-on way, you might discuss a bezel or semi-bezel with her.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-bezel-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53652
http://sholdtdesign.com/sholdt-ring/r388-2d/

 

[tanalasta]

If you like the stone, I second comments above. Trust your gut feel on this one

 

[cmw021]

It seems like exactly what I am looking for. 1.5 ct with a great cut, and solid clarity/color to help with the affordable aspect. Any reason to not pull the trigger today?