Help choosing a diamond!

[caymanbound]

Hello everyone!

I've been researching diamonds for a couple of months now. I'm looking to propose in the near future, but there is no time crunch on the ring. I want it to be perfect! I live in Canada and I've been to many local jewellers. I have not been impressed with the inclusions on expensive diamonds here ($7,000+) so am looking online. As I've seen how different each diamond with the same grade can be, I need to see it with my own eyes, I also don't want to have to return a sight unseen diamond. Cue James Allen.

My wish list:
- 1 carat (between .95 and 1.05 is ok)
- Best cut possible, I want as much fire/brilliance/sparkle as I can get
- Really eye clean (in all lighting conditions at 3 inches)
- Colour G or H is probably the best I can get. Have to compromise somewhere! As long as it faces up pretty white.
- Budget is between 6-6,500 (USD)

Early on I found this diamond, which appeared to be very sparkly and a pretty clean SI1. However a little pricey. But it's one of my "benchmarks" for comparison.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-282780

Yesterday I found a well priced AGS000 and VVS1, but upon further inspection, seems quite foggy.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-296295

After emailing JA, they linked me to some more diamonds, the best two (in my opinion) are below. Both within the budget.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-287073

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-289204

So! I'm looking for some input, specifically:

- Is the VVS1 foggy like I'm thinking and should be avoided? (Sparkle is more important to me than the stats/grades)
- Which of the four would you pick? Is there a big difference between any of them?
- Is the first one noticeably better in terms of fire and brilliance? I've compared the diamonds side by side and it appears to be, but I don't know if it's my own bias.

I've realized that there are no "deals" with diamonds, you get what you pay for. I just want some reassurance that I'm not looking at any duds. I really want her finger to sparkle!

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[tvle84]

The James Allen VVS1 has an AGS report. This report shows you an ASET image. Use this information:

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/aset-%E2%80%93-diamond-evaluation-tool

to compare the light return (brilliance, sparkly, shine factor). This should help you determine how shiny the diamond is since you can't see it in person.

Sorry I can't help you out with your other questions, I'm quite the newbie myself! Good luck!