help choosing a diamond, with budget 14K

[cactus88]

I am looking for a ring with budget of 14k, 1.0 carat or over, round brilliant, ideally color F and VVS1,
also is it worth to downgrade clarify/color to get a bigger carat?

here are two i am spoting so far

1. james allen
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.06-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73508

2. james allen
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-262339

3. blue nile (this one was available last night, just found stone not avaialble any more
http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-signature-ideal-cut-f-color-vvs1-clarity_LD02708087?keyword_search_value=LD02708087


thanks

 

[JulieN]

You should definitely drop your clarity. I mean, its basically up to you, someone is buying the high color/clarity combos. How do you feel about spending the same on a 1 ct when someone else gets 1.5 cts for H SI1?

 

[RockyRacoon]

Here are a couple options to consider (both under budget, with top-notch cuts) -

If you're color-sensitive, check out 1.535ct, F color, SI1 clarity:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.535-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104066186015

If you find that you're less color-sensitive, check out 1.766ct, I color, VS1 clarity:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.766-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104066186004

 

[ecf8503]

You should definitely drop your clarity.

2nd. VVS is complete overkill, unless it's a "mind-clean" thing for you. There are plenty of stones that are eye clean and structurally sound at lower clarity grades (VS, and many SI's).

Cut is key - do NOT compromise on cut quality - it's what makes the diamond sparkle! An ideal cut stone will face up whiter and bigger than a poorly cut one, regardless of color or clarity (99% of the time).

ETA: I like the first one - the AGS 0.

The second one is a 60/60 stone, and although it scores well on the HCA it needs an idealscope image to assess light performance.

 

[cactus88]

You should definitely drop your clarity.

2nd. VVS is complete overkill, unless it's a "mind-clean" thing for you. There are plenty of stones that are eye clean and structurally sound at lower clarity grades (VS, and many SI's).

Cut is key - do NOT compromise on cut quality - it's what makes the diamond sparkle! An ideal cut stone will face up whiter and bigger than a poorly cut one, regardless of color or clarity (99% of the time).

ETA: I like the first one - the AGS 0.

The second one is a 60/60 stone, and although it scores well on the HCA it needs an idealscope image to assess light performance.

what do you mean by 60/60?

i do see lots of people go with VS/SI clarity. isnt it VVS more sparks and holding its value as well?

 

[ecf8503]

A VVS will always be "worth" more than, say, an SI2, all else being equal. But diamonds are not an investment - you buy at retail, and if you sell you'll get about 70% of that on average, depending on the condition of the stone, how long it's been since it was originally purchased, etc.

No, a VVS will not sparkle more than a VS or an eye clean SI. The sparkle all has to do with cut quality, not color or clarity. It's all about how the light reflects and refracts, which is dependent on the right combination of angles.

Here is a little info on 60/60 stones - https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond. They're not inherently good or bad - just a different "flavor" than what is considered to be a classically cut ideal. The table is larger, which will result in a bright stone, but with less fire (colored light return) than a stone with a smaller table / higher crown.

 

[heididdl]

You should definitely drop your clarity.

2nd. VVS is complete overkill, unless it's a "mind-clean" thing for you. There are plenty of stones that are eye clean and structurally sound at lower clarity grades (VS, and many SI's).

Cut is key - do NOT compromise on cut quality - it's what makes the diamond sparkle! An ideal cut stone will face up whiter and bigger than a poorly cut one, regardless of color or clarity (99% of the time).

ETA: I like the first one - the AGS 0.

The second one is a 60/60 stone, and although it scores well on the HCA it needs an idealscope image to assess light performance.

what do you mean by 60/60?

i do see lots of people go with VS/SI clarity. isnt it VVS more sparks and holding its value as well?

Carity has nothing to do with sparks its all about the cut and proportions. If its eye clean MY 3.66 emerald is H si1 and there is one tiny inclusion only seen by 10x in the upper left corner not seen by human eye.....

 

[Gypsy]

If a stone is eyeclean, clarity doesn't effect sparkle. Or performance. An SI and an IF are going to be the same to the naked eye.

Cut is what differentiates which diamond sparkles more.

You need more knowledge before you spend thousands. Start here: https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds and here: https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut then go here: https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/tolkowsky-ideal-cut-diamond


If I had your budget my goal would be something like this: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-178046 if eyeclean (which I suspect it is) I suggest putting it on hold (no cost no obligation) while you read up on what you need to know. The HCA score is 1.9 on the stone.

Other options:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11312/
Or
http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/rmhmrs if eyeclean.

 

[cactus88]

Not sure how to edit, but the followings are new findings and appreciate if you could give feedback

1.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2672988.htm

2.
http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-07-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-D1WWS1?cvosrc=referral.pricecope.listing

3.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.06-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73508

4.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.03-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-262340

 

[cactus88]

You should definitely drop your clarity. I mean, its basically up to you, someone is buying the high color/clarity combos. How do you feel about spending the same on a 1 ct when someone else gets 1.5 cts for H SI1?

Hi Thanks
I seriously thought about your suggestion. 1.0 carat is big enough for me and i do prefer fine quality over the size

 

[ecf8503]

The WF and the first JA are AGS 0 - those look good. The Ritani and the second JA need idealscope images since they are GIA stones.

Who has the setting you want?

 

[cactus88]

The WF and the first JA are AGS 0 - those look good. The Ritani and the second JA need idealscope images since they are GIA stones.

Who has the setting you want?

Thanks

for the setting i am thinking of Platinum 6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring, the basic one from JA(or WF), any idea which one is better for overall value, the WF or first JA?