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Help choosing the best diamond

Tgosu84

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
4
All,

First, thank you for an amazing resource. I started my search for an engagement ring like a lot of others. Kay had really shiny rings and the saleswoman really talked them up so I almost took the easy, uneducated route and just bought from there. Later, I went to Tiffany and saw expensive, really shiny rings so I thought those must be better. After almost spending over $10k on a .88 H-SI1, I started learning about diamonds and reading the forum. I come to you all for help with what I believe to be the best two options I have found for the ring:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07154693

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07226579

Both are being held for a day for me.

I have looked at James Allen and Whiteflash but these two stood out to me based on size, price, and the IF clarity on the one example. Either one will be set in a simple 6 prong platinum solitaire setting with no side stones. I would prefer to be under $10k (closer to $8-9k is ideal). I think I have settled on H and VS1 or better with the best possible cut in about a 1 carat size.Thank you for any opinions on these two or other suggestions you may have.
 

Tgosu84

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
4
Yes, to a point, I would base the premium to me on both reasons. The HCA score was a little better as well but not much. While searching around on sites, the IF stood out but I took it as more of a luxury than a needed clarity level. Would something like this be a better selection based on the A Cut Above line and being an eye clean SI1?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3634210.htm
 

LadyMCh

Shiny_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 30, 2016
Messages
318
Between those 3, the 1.18 H VS1 has the best HCA score and spread (will look largest). The SI1 may not be eye clean, as you can see the main black inclusion between 3 & 4 o'clock near the girdle in the first pic and in the video rotated to be near 7 o'clock. You won't see an inclusion in the VS1, plus the grade-setting inclusions in that stone are clear. Also, IF clarity does not mean it's free of inclusions. It just means none can be seen at a certain level of magnification.
 

Tgosu84

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
4
I think I have settled on the 1.18 from Blue Nile but am interested in any last opinions on that stone vs the 1.11 from James Allen. Thank you again for all that you do on the website to help amateurs like me make the best, informed decision.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
I prefer the blue nile stone.
 
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