Help find a round diamond for my budget (9.5k)

[ycat]

Hello,

I was originally going to get a cushion cut diamond to go along with a more expensive setting, however I am changing my gameplan and going with a round diamond with modest setting. As such, I have more $$$ to play with (around 9.5K) when looking for rounds.

I am not going for rarity. I want the best bang for my buck in terms of diamond performance and face up size. I like GOG and would prefer to use them.

Cut: Ideal
Clarity: VS2-SI1??? (i dont know if I want to drop down to SI1 or not. The last thing i want is my soon to be fiance to notice something with her naked eye. but then again, perhaps some of the stronger cuts can allow for this. not sure)
Color: H-I (preferably H, as im not sure if dropping it down to I would make much difference or not. I dont want it to be too 'off white' if i can avoid it. Then again, would an ideal cut make an I appear very similar to an H?)
Carat: 1.2-1.4 (not a big deal, all about face up size. But this girl is pretty obsessed with carat size lol).

Here are some examples of what I have found in this price range. Lots of these have ASET/scope images too which is nice.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11808/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12372/
http://www.uniondiamond.com/Round-Brilliant-Shape-IDEAL-Cut-AGS-Certified-125-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity_AE0803663
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063719.htm
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5156861-1.34-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=5156861&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Please let me know if I am on the right track, or if im totally off my mark in terms of bang for my buck. Also let me know if any of these are definitely winners, or if there are better out there.

Thanks again.

 

[heididdl]

I THINK if you want to use GOG call Jonathan and have him select a couple of stones. He can do a video for you or if you put down deposit he will send you a stone. I believe.

 

[RockyRacoon]

From those options, I would go for the 1.22ct, H, SI1 from GOG.

For a one-time purchase, it would be unfortunate for you to get an I and then found out that your bride-to-be is color sensitive and she doesn't like the body color.

However, if you do find that I-colored stones would work, I would suggest an option with blue fluorescence, with your goal of maximizing size:
1.487ct, I, SI1 (with Blue fluor)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.487-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104072305005

This one is likely to go quickly as it is a very desirable size/color/clarity combo, especially at this price point (likely under budget after Pricescope discount)!:
1.236ct, F, VS2 (with Blue fluor)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.236-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104072305012

 

[ycat]

From those options, I would go for the 1.22ct, H, SI1 from GOG.

For a one-time purchase, it would be unfortunate for you to get an I and then found out that your bride-to-be is color sensitive and she doesn't like the body color.

However, if you do find that I-colored stones would work, I would suggest an option with blue fluorescence, with your goal of maximizing size:
1.487ct, I, SI1 (with Blue fluor)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.487-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104072305005

This one is likely to go quickly as it is a very desirable size/color/clarity combo, especially at this price point (likely under budget after Pricescope discount)!:
1.236ct, F, VS2 (with Blue fluor)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.236-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104072305012

Yeah, i think the 'I' is too much of a risk lol. Definitely looking at that 1.2 GOG.

I love how those blue diamonds look. Great prices too. I showed her the BGD video and she didnt seem to be too much of a fan of the blueness in certain lighting conditions. Boo

 

[teobdl]

A few more options from JA, which generally, IMO, have slightly more "bang the for buck" (as a vendor). Individual diamonds may vary.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.31-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-240538 $9,150 (minus discounts on all)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-311046 $8,930

nice 60/60's
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-322047 $9,640 (my top choice)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.35-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-268314 $9,530

They will pull 3 diamonds, have a gemologist inspect them with comments and provide idealscopes for you/people on PS to evaluate.

 

[teobdl]

BTW the diamonds you posted are very nice. If I had to choose from one you already selected, it'd be the WF diamond. Bonus--they have great setting options as well.

 

[ycat]

Thanks teobdl

So i did some additional research, requested additional images, etc. Some good options in this thread.

Can anyone give me their thoughts on this ES diamond from WF? Looks good based on the images and specs.


http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3150818.htm

 

[teobdl]

The first WF diamond you posted is a better value. There is no reason to go to VS2 unless you can't find an eye clean SI1 (or even SI2) (or if you want a VS2+ for rarity reasons).

 

[ycat]

The first WF diamond you posted is a better value. There is no reason to go to VS2 unless you can't find an eye clean SI1 (or even SI2) (or if you want a VS2+ for rarity reasons).

I see. The issue with the other one is that it wasnt eye clean from all angles and distances otherwise i would have got it for sure.

 

[teobdl]

Okay. In that case, wait for the JA gemologist's impressions, and go with the one his/her eye prefers! I am strongly against going over budget unless you can justify it by a change in financial circumstances.

 

[ycat]

Okay. In that case, wait for the JA gemologist's impressions, and go with the one his/her eye prefers! I am strongly against going over budget unless you can justify it by a change in financial circumstances.

Thank you teobdl. I definitely appreciate your help with everything.