Help finding/choosing a diamond please

[da4e]

Hi,

I am looking to buy an engagement ring and have done some research using this excellent site, as well as a few others.

The characteristice I'm looking for are:

Round diamond
Highest Quality cut (GIA excellent / AGS 0)
Colour G/H
Clarity SI1 if eye clean or VS2
Carat 1.65-1.85

I'd be grateful to receive some help with finding one please! I've looked on Blue Nile, White Flash, James Allen etc. Whilst the latter are clearly cheaper in USD terms, once I factor in Import taxes and VAT (I'm in the UK), the prices are all largely equivalent.

I've found the following 3, though none of them have Ideal/ASET Scope images.

1.72ct / G / VS2 / Ex Ex Ex
Depth 61.1%
Table 57%
Crown 34.3 deg
Pavilion 40.9 deg

1.73ct / H / VS2 / Ex Ex Ex
Depth 60.2%
Table 58%
Crown 34.0 deg
Pavilion 40.6 deg

1.81ct / H / VS2 / Ex Ex Ex
Depth 62.5%
Table 55%
Crown 36.0 deg
Pavilion 40.6 deg

In terms of price, they are all similar (GBP 900 difference between most and least expensive), the larger one being the most expensive. I like all 3 and am tempted to go for one of them, but I'm a bit concerned that I won't see any Ideal or ASET scope images before, nor will I see them in person before buying.

I'd very much appreciate any advice please.

Many thanks,
Dave

 

[solgen]

In terms of proportions and specs diamond #1 might be the safest option. Is it an AGS graded stone?

All have specs that can lead to a nice diamond though.

I'd also look at the actual spread of the diamond as #3 is a little deep and might not face up any bigger than the other two.

 

[drruby]

G color VS2 at 1.8 Ct and X cut is a nice stone

With a GIA cert the retail is close to 20K and a dealer will pay 10K on spot

USD

If you are considering 1.8ct G with VS2 I would suggest you stretch a little more VS1

IMO the 1's are easier to resell down the road if you want to upgrade or if you split up, whatever.

At this level of grade you are looking at almost 1K more in what a dealer will pay for VS2 over VS1 and the 1 is faster sell to dealers.

Now if it was a smaller stone, then VS1 or VS2 no big deal, but as you move into the 2 carat ranges VS is a nice level and the 1 is worth that extra 1K or so it takes to get to it.

In the states GIA is king, I'm not sure in UK what cert is preferred in carbon, I know in Europe the CG certs are usually Gubelin.

I wouldn't touch SI at that size, for one reason, the color is a high grade and SI doesn't match that level of color to most dealers.

IMO almost 2 carats of common carbon with a nice G color, you need VS1 to go with it, sure VS2 is okay, but VS1 is the normal threshold for that color and size IMO.

Now you do see a ton of 2 carat plus in off color and SI and even I ranges, but high color usually means stone should of been cut to maximize clarity as well.

 

[da4e]

In terms of proportions and specs diamond #1 might be the safest option. Is it an AGS graded stone?

All have specs that can lead to a nice diamond though.

I'd also look at the actual spread of the diamond as #3 is a little deep and might not face up any bigger than the other two.

Thanks Solgen. You're absolutely right in that now I look at them, the third is not much bigger in terms of diameter than the other two. In terms of certification, the 1st diamond is HRD and the other two are GIA. Does this impact on whether you think 1 is the best option out of the three?

Thank you.

 

[iLander]

G color VS2 at 1.8 Ct and X cut is a nice stone

With a GIA cert the retail is close to 20K and a dealer will pay 10K on spot

USD

If you are considering 1.8ct G with VS2 I would suggest you stretch a little more VS1

IMO the 1's are easier to resell down the road if you want to upgrade or if you split up, whatever.

At this level of grade you are looking at almost 1K more in what a dealer will pay for VS2 over VS1 and the 1 is faster sell to dealers.

Now if it was a smaller stone, then VS1 or VS2 no big deal, but as you move into the 2 carat ranges VS is a nice level and the 1 is worth that extra 1K or so it takes to get to it.

In the states GIA is king, I'm not sure in UK what cert is preferred in carbon, I know in Europe the CG certs are usually Gubelin.

I wouldn't touch SI at that size, for one reason, the color is a high grade and SI doesn't match that level of color to most dealers.

IMO almost 2 carats of common carbon with a nice G color, you need VS1 to go with it, sure VS2 is okay, but VS1 is the normal threshold for that color and size IMO.

Now you do see a ton of 2 carat plus in off color and SI and even I ranges, but high color usually means stone should of been cut to maximize clarity as well.

Take all advice from drruby with a grain of salt, this is a quote from drruby,

I met an alien once he said he used huge synthetic gemstones to stabilize his FTL drive, it seems aliens prize 5 foot wide synthetic gems for their technology, since the natural inclusions in gems usually mean a WARP drive goes crazy.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/geographic-origin-of-rubies.215817/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/geographic-origin-of-rubies.215817/[/URL]

Thought you’d like to consider ALL the facts before taking his advice.

 

[drruby]

Take all advice from drruby with a grain of salt, this is a quote from drruby,

I met an alien once he said he used huge synthetic gemstones to stabilize his FTL drive, it seems aliens prize 5 foot wide synthetic gems for their technology, since the natural inclusions in gems usually mean a WARP drive goes crazy.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/geographic-origin-of-rubies.215817/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/geographic-origin-of-rubies.215817/[/URL]

Thought you’d like to consider ALL the facts before taking his advice.

Wow you have to copy and paste your hatred now?

LOL

Yes, PLEASE READ that thread, it was my comical retort to some guy saying he was the only person in the universe that really understood sunlight since the sunlight in LA is not the same sunlight as bangkok.

So I went on a long rant about light and aliens and how alien tech desires syn CG

haha

So by all means READ THE THREAD it is very funny

haha

 

[tweeter8177]

What is your budget? I personally would explore other diamonds that do have ideal scopes/asets, particularly since returns will be costly for you! Seems risky otherwise. Also have you verified with the vendor that the diamonds are eye clean? Being VS2, they most likely are but not guaranteed. I am sure PS members can help. I am not an expert on judging cut by the numbers otherwise I would help on the 3 you have chosen, but I have been on this site long enough to know how important it is to have images to help with a diamond purchase!

 

[tweeter8177]

Oh, I should add that I am not advocating going higher in clarity. VS2 is perfectly fine (or even SI eyeclean), but it is important to work with a vendor that can verify that for you. All my diamonds are in the SI range.

 

[drruby]

I personally think SI1 is the best range for more diamond that has wow factor for the buck.

Nice color with SI1 is usually a nice stone and way easier on any 'budget'.

SI1 is a nice stone 'usually' if it's a hard graded stone with high color G or higher.

 

[solgen]

In terms of proportions and specs diamond #1 might be the safest option. Is it an AGS graded stone?

All have specs that can lead to a nice diamond though.

I'd also look at the actual spread of the diamond as #3 is a little deep and might not face up any bigger than the other two.

Thanks Solgen. You're absolutely right in that now I look at them, the third is not much bigger in terms of diameter than the other two. In terms of certification, the 1st diamond is HRD and the other two are GIA. Does this impact on whether you think 1 is the best option out of the three?

Thank you.

I wouldn't say #1 is the best option but going by proportions it should be a safe bet. These all have the potential to be great diamonds so it would help to have reflector images to get an idea of how they perform. Ideally, you could see them all in person and find that one that please your eye the most. They do have some minor differences that can effect the personality but you might not even notice these minutiae.
I'm not very familiar with HRD though they should be close to par with GIA. In either case you'd get an appraisal to see if it confirms the grading report.

If you have to buy blind then I'd probably opt for the one that allows you to return it for full refund should you not be enthralled with your purchase. If no one offers that option then you might be relegated to buying from a store whereby you can see it in person even though that will likely incur a price premium.

 

[da4e]

Thank you all for your help.

Unfortunately none of the diamonds I listed have ASET or Ideal Scope images. I can ask the vendor to confirm they are eye clean (even though they are VS2), but I won't be able to see them before I buy.

I'd be grateful if anyone could help find something better/safer with the criteria I'd outlined above please. My budget is around 15-16k USD. I've looked on whiteflash but to be honest I don't really know enough about the ASET scope images to be able to tell what is great and what isn't as good!

 

[drruby]

I just found out some facts about ONLINE diamond dealers

The PUBLIC COMPANY with the most ering sales is BLUE NILE

Here is their nasdaq

http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=NILE

They are drop shippers

No stock

Yet they have exclusive listings with the top dealers in carbon so if you want to deal with a company with every level of stone there is

It is BLUE NILE

You're looking at the higher end of E ring investment, unless you are from elite money and do huge heirloom CG stuff

So in carbon after buying for 40 years I can tell you based on my experience

women always want UPGRADES

now mater how big and nice it is before marriage, if it lasts you have to RESELL the first stone down the line

Then IF you have

1ct or 2ct and high color and grade in ROUND, bingo you have something dealers WANT

to put 16K into a marq brother, you are making a bad move IMO

So get the nicest 1 carat one or 2 carat that 16K can buy on blue nile

good luck I hope you are not in the 60% that get divorced within 7 years today

it's hard to find a 'good one' to give a 'good stone' to

GOOD LUCK

 

[MollyMalone]

* * * If you have to buy blind then I'd probably opt for the one that allows you to return it for full refund should you not be enthralled with your purchase. If no one offers that option then you might be relegated to buying from a store whereby you can see it in person even though that will likely incur a price premium.

All of the dealers listed here (it's the Featured Sponsors list under the Resources tab near the top of your screen)
https://www.pricescope.com/featured-sponsors
offer full refund policies upon the return of a loose stone (think that's a criterion for being a PS sponsor), although the terms are not always as cut-and-dried as the info vendors provided suggests; see, e.g., Leon Mege's actual return-refund policy re loose diamonds:
https://leonmege.com/index.php/policies/refunds-returns
But you being in the UK is problematic because, so far as I know, no US vendor provides international customers with free return, insured shipping. Blue Nile, for one, also expects its US customer to pay for the return, insured shipping. To get a more informed idea of what it would cost you to return a Blue Nile diamond, here's the contact info for Blue Nile, UK:
http://www.bluenile.com/uk/contact-us

 

[Diamond_Hawk]

Hello.

On consideration of the 're-sale' value of the diamond before your purchase.

While, for some, this is certainly a consideration, I've found the best advice is get what you (your SO) really desire(s). There is no telling what will happen 5, 8, 10 or 20 years down the road - there are many unpredictable factors that could change pricing.

Some diamonds bought with a terrific grading report pre-2005 suddenly were not as 'desirable' once GIA started adding a cut-grade to their reports. Optical performance technology, which is used far more commonly today than, say, 20 years ago changes the criteria by which many diamonds are evaluated. and, frankly, some people form such a sentimental attachment to their original engagement diamond they simply do not want to change, though their circumstances or budget allow it down the road.

I would not dissuade you from considering factors that may effect a future re-sale of the diamond, but I would caution you to not consider it so strongly that you are steered away from a beautiful diamond you may otherwise find perfect for your needs.

 

[da4e]

Thanks for all the advice. I definitely agree that re-sale value is not particularly important to me.

I also appreciate the links to sites that have been posted. However, would anyone be able to help me actually source the stone that fits the criteria and budget in the posts above please?

I have the H&A images for the one I originally was looking at:








Thank you.

 

[chrono]

H&A only tells you about optical symmetry, not the light performance of the diamond. That is what an ASET is for.

 

[tweeter8177]

Here are a few other options for you to consider. If you want to drop to an I color, there are a bunch more. I just don't know that you would gain that much size/diameter to make it worth it. These would all be much safer in my opinion than the 3 you have chosen. You could also contact WF to have them do some comparisons for you. These are in-house diamonds so they can pull them and help you choose the best option. Good Old Gold is another great vendor that provides images. They didn't have much in your range though.

WF ACA - Top of the line Cut
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3565125.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3508606.htm

WF Expert Selection
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3075972.htm

Good Old Gold Option
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-63ct-g-si1-superior-round-ideal-cut-diamond.html