Help finding a RB diamond!

[QueenofDiamonds33]

Hi,

My boyfriend and I have started looking at rings and need some help from the experts in finding the perfect diamond. We have looked at a few diamonds in person - but just aren't that comfortable in terms of our knowledge/what the local stores seem to be "pushing" on us. Went to a very high end store this weekend and they really wanted us to buy an in-house 2.41 carat RB - but wouldn't give us a copy of the GIA report or even the number to do our own research. It was also a very good cut (not excellent), which made me a little uneasy. Is that normal??

I've also done quite a bit of research on this site (it's amazing!!) - and none of the local jewelers we've visited use IS/ASET images (one told me they weren't necessary with an excellent cut diamond). Anyway, we've talked and feel much more comfortable turning to online sources (and will hopefully find a better deal too!)

We are looking for an excellent cut, H color, SI1 or better (eye clean, prefer not to pay up for higher clarity unless necessary), size in the 2-2.5 carat range (hoping for around 2.3 with our budget). Our budget is a little flexible, but we're hoping to stay around $25-27k for the diamond.

Can anyone provide any suggestions please??

Also, in terms of the setting - I have fallen in love with Victor Canera's work (completely because of this site). Victor has said that he can source a stone for us (because his line is a little out of our price range in the size that we're looking for) - does anyone have experience with this? Or does it make sense to try to find the diamond ourselves and have it shipped to Victor? Or at least suggest a few diamonds to him that we might be interested in?

Any guidance would be very much appreciated!!

 

[blingbuyer]

thats strange that they wouldnt give you the GIA report or number. Good call moving on. Where do you live? Someone may be able to recommend someone local for you that has a good reputation on here. That way you could still search online and still easily see it in person.

 

[luvdajules]

Hi OP, have you seen this one on Jewels by Grace? Since you're the intended wearer, are you open to pre-loved? There's a couple more I could suggest if you were open to this.
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/2-51ct-round-brilliant-diamond-gia-triple-x-g-si1.html#.VCA3FUjGNiU

 

[QueenofDiamonds33]

I'm in South Florida - so anything from West Palm Beach to Miami would be close enough to me.

I haven't really considered pre-owned, but I don't see why not. Is there a disadvantage to this? (assuming the advantage is the cost savings).

That stone is very pretty - great color and size - but not sure about fluorescence?? From what the research I've done, that's really only a positive when you're moving down in color (otherwise can be a little milky in sunlight)...

 

[luvdajules]

Hi OP, if you are interested in that stone, I would call Grace and ask her if the fluoro helps the color (maybe it makes a G look like an F) also, I took a look at the GIA report: cloud is listed second and also in the comments. So, you can ask Grace if those pose an issue, as well as the crystal inclusion.

Generally speaking about 1-2% of diamonds have a negative effort from fluoro making them milky or hazy, called overblue. It is something to screen for but not be overly concerned about.

 

[QueenofDiamonds33]

Thanks luvdajules - I just sent Grace an email!

 

[QueenofDiamonds33]

Any other suggestions? And anyone that has used Victor to source?

 

[WillyDiamond]

VC does beautiful work and you can ship him the diamond.

In reference to your original question, I have had great experience buying from Brian Gavin Diamonds, speak with Lesley.

Best of luck.

edit: what about this one:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.146-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104063703004

 

[luvdajules]

What about this one by WF ACA Hcolor eye clean? It's above budget, but might help nail down what you want, branded cut or not branded.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3215927.htm

 

[QueenofDiamonds33]

Both are beautiful...I was hoping to get a little more size for the price of the Brian Gavin one. And size looks good for WF, but a little above budget. I don't think branded is important to me - so I will keep looking! Appreciate the suggestions

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Please just give Victor the chance to source one for you. You can see on his site that he chooses excellent diamonds. You are under no obligation to see what he can find, but it will make everything easy if his is the best choice!

Other than that, I have had great success using WhiteFlash and Good Old Gold for diamonds. They specialize in the best cut stones available. Local stores rarely carry a wide selection of well cut stones because the average buyer is looking based on price and does not understand the value of great cut.

Oh, and I love fluorescence! You have to use a UV light to see it, but it is a beautiful natural phenomenon, and I prefer it over a stone that has none! Before I switched to an AVR from GOG, I had an excellent cut G VS1 with strong blue and loved it!

 

[QueenofDiamonds33]

Thanks diamondseeker - we actually decided to do just that. Just got off the phone with him and put down a small deposit so that he can start looking...very excited!!

Appreciate all the feedback

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks diamondseeker - we actually decided to do just that. Just got off the phone with him and put down a small deposit so that he can start looking...very excited!!

Appreciate all the feedback

Great! Victor is a fine person as well as an outstanding jewelry maker! You are in good hands!