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Help getting a diamond with a tight budget

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Lee Ming Han

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2018
Messages
16
Need advice from experts for getting a 0.5ct diamond. I am new to in this and these are the few requirements I am looking at right now:

Budget: $1500
Carat: 0.5
Color: Preferably G, but I am not sure if lowering it will affect much
Clarity: Vs2-Si1
Prefer getting from jamesallen

I did a quick search in this forum and currently I am looking at the following 2 diamond:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3409391
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3523572

However both of them are Si 1. Will Vs 2 be better as i read somewhere that Si1 might be affecting structure integrity.

Feel free to recommend other diamonds as I have no idea how to look at other factors such as HCA or the ASET scope analysis.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys! =)2
 
Lee Ming Han said:
Need advice from experts for getting a 0.5ct diamond. I am new to in this and these are the few requirements I am looking at right now:

Budget: $1500
Carat: 0.5
Color: Preferably G, but I am not sure if lowering it will affect much
Clarity: Vs2-Si1
Prefer getting from jamesallen

I did a quick search in this forum and currently I am looking at the following 2 diamond:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3409391
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3523572

However both of them are Si 1. Will Vs 2 be better as i read somewhere that Si1 might be affecting structure integrity.

Feel free to recommend other diamonds as I have no idea how to look at other factors such as HCA or the ASET scope analysis.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys! =)2
Click to expand...
Those are nice. 1.6 and 1.2 on HCA.
SI1 should not affect structural integrity. I have a 1.05 ct. H SI1 Jubilee and the inclusion is no problem. Are you set on a G color? You could go down to an H or I and get a larger stone.

1.2 on HCA https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3305065
1.7 on HCA https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4014662
1.6 on HCA https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3576946

I'm not the diamond expert here, though. Hopefully others will weigh in soon!
 
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I'd prefer to maximize the size you get while still getting a great cut. I personally don't feel like the differences of a super ideal will be appreciated or necessary unless the upgrade policy is very important to you. I'm color sensitive in larger MRBs but at this size an H or I will still be very white.

:love: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3510689
:love: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3716964
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3866533
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-i-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2480968
 
Starfacet said:
Those are nice. 1.6 and 1.2 on HCA.
SI1 should not affect structural integrity. I have a 1.05 ct. H SI1 Jubilee and the inclusion is no problem. Are you set on a G color? You could go down to an H or I and get a larger stone.

1.2 on HCA https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3305065
1.7 on HCA https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4014662
1.6 on HCA https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3576946

I'm not the diamond expert here, though. Hopefully others will weigh in soon!
Click to expand...

Thanks for your opinion! Will consider though getting a slightly bigger one
 
ac117 said:
I'd prefer to maximize the size you get while still getting a great cut. I personally don't feel like the differences of a super ideal will be appreciated or necessary unless the upgrade policy is very important to you. I'm color sensitive in larger MRBs but at this size an H or I will still be very white.

:love: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3510689
:love: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3716964
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3866533
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-i-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2480968
Click to expand...

Looks like I should focus on getting a slightly bigger one then. Ok! Shall consider getting a H or I, thank you so much for your advice!

Btw, should i be concern about the fluorescence? Some of it is strong and some of it is faint
 
I second @ac117 's suggestion on maximizing the size while having a great cut.

However, I would like to ask if your intended has a hard preference for higher color, or what are her priorities re: size/ color etc? Years ago I helped a friend pick out a 1.2 carat E versus a 1.6 carat H color, in the same price range, which were both ideal cut. Even though in person the color difference wasn't much, she picked the smaller E color diamond as her culture focused on high color and high clarity, and it was important to her. I have also had girlfriends who don't care what others say and would gladly go down in color / clarity to maximize size.
 
Alexiszoe said:
I second @ac117 's suggestion on maximizing the size while having a great cut.

However, I would like to ask if your intended has a hard preference for higher color, or what are her priorities re: size/ color etc? Years ago I helped a friend pick out a 1.2 carat E versus a 1.6 carat H color, in the same price range, which were both ideal cut. Even though in person the color difference wasn't much, she picked the smaller E color diamond as her culture focused on high color and high clarity, and it was important to her. I have also had girlfriends who don't care what others say and would gladly go down in color / clarity to maximize size.
Click to expand...

I believe her preference would be around G-J range, alright, I will do the same maximizing the size and maintaining the excellent cut.
 
Lee Ming Han said:
No i didn't manage to get it..
Click to expand...
Oh, bummer, but there are some other nice options out there! James Allen is a great resource! Do you have any ideas for a setting?

Just to add, I once had an I color SI1 diamond and it was very white. Tiffany sells I color stones. In case you were worried about color. But like one of the other posters said, color sensitivity comes down to personal and cultural preference.
 
Starfacet said:
Oh, bummer, but there are some other nice options out there! James Allen is a great resource! Do you have any ideas for a setting?

Just to add, I once had an I color SI1 diamond and it was very white. Tiffany sells I color stones. In case you were worried about color. But like one of the other posters said, color sensitivity comes down to personal and cultural preference.
Click to expand...

its ok hahaha I shall spend some time finding better ones out there, alright most likely I will be getting or G or maybe H diamond thought.
My gf have some rough idea on the ring but I have yet to do research on the setting! Any recommendations? :razz:
 
Do you know exactly what she likes? If not, proposing in a simple, 6 prong solitaire on a thin band would be my suggestion.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ld-presentation-solitaire-six-prong-item-7990

It's a classic look, and the thin band coupled with a 6 prong head (as opposed to a 4 prong) based on my experience would make the center stone look larger. The setting is also affordable enough to be a temporary setting if she does decide to change the setting down the road.
 
For half carat diamonds, I love halo styles! But would she like that? There are also metal color options. Do you know her preference?
 
@Lee Ming Han It is very rare that fluorescence is an issue but you could ask JA to confirm whether there are any negative effects from it when they evaluate a stone.

Are you ready to purchase a stone? We suggest at least placing stones on hold while you decide (this is free to do) because inventory moves fast. That E was a great buy but I have another stone in mind that is slightly more ($1640) but you could get a $100 off with a referral coupon and a little extra if you send a wire.

What's your budget for the setting? I would suggest putting the majority of your budget into the center stone and I also second @Alexiszoe suggestion of putting the diamond into a simple solitaire for now and perhaps upgrading the setting for an anniversary or special occasion at a later time. Halos are usually more expensive and you should definitely find out if your gf would like them or not.
 
ac117 said:
@Lee Ming Han It is very rare that fluorescence is an issue but you could ask JA to confirm whether there are any negative effects from it when they evaluate a stone.

Are you ready to purchase a stone? We suggest at least placing stones on hold while you decide (this is free to do) because inventory moves fast. That E was a great buy but I have another stone in mind that is slightly more ($1640) but you could get a $100 off with a referral coupon and a little extra if you send a wire.

What's your budget for the setting? I would suggest putting the majority of your budget into the center stone and I also second @Alexiszoe suggestion of putting the diamond into a simple solitaire for now and perhaps upgrading the setting for an anniversary or special occasion at a later time. Halos are usually more expensive and you should definitely find out if your gf would like them or not.
Click to expand...

Not ready to buy yet currently just looking around and find out which type I am looking at. May i know which one are you talking about? - the $1640 stone.

Also, sorry for asking this but i couldn't find out how do you place stones on hold? And how long will they hold it?

My budget for the setting is around $350 i guess, she said she like this https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...d-15mm-comfort-fit-engagement-ring-item-22606
But i have yet to really research on the different type of solitaire ring :l

It is similar to the one shared by @Alexiszoe
 
Lee Ming Han said:
Not ready to buy yet currently just looking around and find out which type I am looking at. May i know which one are you talking about? - the $1640 stone.

Also, sorry for asking this but i couldn't find out how do you place stones on hold? And how long will they hold it?

My budget for the setting is around $350 i guess, she said she like this https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...d-15mm-comfort-fit-engagement-ring-item-22606

It is similar to the one shared by @Alexiszoe
Click to expand...

You just need to chat online or call a JA representative and ask them to place the stone on hold - I believe you have 24-48 to decide before they remove the hold...you should confirm with them. You could also ask if they have an ideal scope available so we could assess the light return (which they may not if the stone is overseas).

This is the diamond I was referring to - Gorgeous H SI1 that gets you .60 and great spread: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3757972

Another nice H VS2 for the same price but I prefer the above: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4104697
Nice D SI1 that should be eye clean at this size: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3406277
Another nice D SI1 with white crystals that should be clean at this size: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4104697
 
ac117 said:
You just need to chat online or call a JA representative and ask them to place the stone on hold - I believe you have 24-48 to decide before they remove the hold...you should confirm with them. You could also ask if they have an ideal scope available so we could assess the light return (which they may not if the stone is overseas).

This is the diamond I was referring to - Gorgeous H SI1 that gets you .60 and great spread: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3757972

Another nice H VS2 for the same price but I prefer the above: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4104697
Nice D SI1 that should be eye clean at this size: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3406277
Another nice D SI1 with white crystals that should be clean at this size: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4104697
Click to expand...

Unfortunately they don't have the Idealscope images for the .60 one and the H VS2, I am currently looking at this 2 and yes the .60 one is really tempting.

I was chatting with one of the JA representative looking for opinion and she recommended the .57ct for a higher clarity and also the physical measurements of the .57 and .6 won't be much of a difference to the naked eyes.. Hmm.. Tough choice haha :lol:
 
Lee Ming Han said:
Unfortunately they don't have the Idealscope images for the .60 one and the H VS2, I am currently looking at this 2 and yes the .60 one is really tempting.

I was chatting with one of the JA representative looking for opinion and she recommended the .57ct for a higher clarity and also the physical measurements of the .57 and .6 won't be much of a difference to the naked eyes.. Hmm.. Tough choice haha :lol:
Click to expand...


I personally disagree with them - it may not be much of a difference, but *to me* every mm counts with a stone this size and it's .10 difference and you could say it's a .6 stone. I also prefer the cut of the H SI1, the lower halves and fatter arrows are more pleasing to me eyes. They're both nice, though! Here's a comparison of how they'd look on a size 5, 2mm ring (.6 on left .57 on right).
.60 vs .57.PNG
 
ac117 said:
I personally disagree with them - it may not be much of a difference, but *to me* every mm counts with a stone this size and it's .10 difference and you could say it's a .6 stone. I also prefer the cut of the H SI1, the lower halves and fatter arrows are more pleasing to me eyes. They're both nice, though! Here's a comparison of how they'd look on a size 5, 2mm ring (.6 on left .57 on right).
.60 vs .57.PNG
Click to expand...

No offence but to someone amateur like me i really can't see the difference :D but I do agree with you the fatter arrows are much pleasing! Anyway after looking at so many of them, it makes me wonder if there are any better ones by increasing my budget just by a little bit.

I managed to found two .60 which looks pretty decent as compared to the one you found and are of the similar "specs" H-SI1- .but slightly pricier.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3571205
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3561443

Anyway, i won't be getting them any time soon, probably around March. Currently i think the .6 one that you found is my top choice, thanks for the help!
 
Lee Ming Han said:
No offence but to someone amateur like me i really can't see the difference :D but I do agree with you the fatter arrows are much pleasing! Anyway after looking at so many of them, it makes me wonder if there are any better ones by increasing my budget just by a little bit.

I managed to found two .60 which looks pretty decent as compared to the one you found and are of the similar "specs" H-SI1- .but slightly pricier.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3571205
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3561443

Anyway, i won't be getting them any time soon, probably around March. Currently i think the .6 one that you found is my top choice, thanks for the help!
Click to expand...

The first stone is too deep and the second stone has a larger table and the angles aren't as complimentary. Also, the stone I suggested is the same price for the same thing so why would you want to pay more with no trade off? If you can spend a little more, at least get something for it!

Like better color and/or clarity and/or size! https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2717884
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3703283

Regardless of what you like now, these stones won't be available once you're ready to buy so it may be best to come back when the time comes and we'll pick some new stones for you!
 
And depending on the setting, it could take several weeks to get your ring from when you order it.
 
ac117 said:
The first stone is too deep and the second stone has a larger table and the angles aren't as complimentary. Also, the stone I suggested is the same price for the same thing so why would you want to pay more with no trade off? If you can spend a little more, at least get something for it!

Like better color and/or clarity and/or size! https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2717884
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3703283

Regardless of what you like now, these stones won't be available once you're ready to buy so it may be best to come back when the time comes and we'll pick some new stones for you!
Click to expand...

Hmm ok sure! Those 2 looks pretty good as well wow.
Okay I will be back to look for you when I am ready to buy. Meanwhile I will just look around! Thank you so much for your help! @ac117
 
@ac117, I'm back and ready to purchase anytime now! My current budget has increased slightly to around $2300 though! Will be able to get a slightly bigger stone :lol:

Budget: $2300
Carat: 0.65 - 0.7
Color: G-H
Clarity: Vs2-Si1
Only from Jamesallen

I'm open to all suggestions that are within my budget!

Once again thanks in advance people! Really appreciate all the advice! :wavey:
 
Lee Ming Han said:
@ac117, I'm back and ready to purchase anytime now! My current budget has increased slightly to around $2300 though! Will be able to get a slightly bigger stone :lol:

Budget: $2300
Carat: 0.65 - 0.7
Color: G-H
Clarity: Vs2-Si1
Only from Jamesallen

I'm open to all suggestions that are within my budget!

Once again thanks in advance people! Really appreciate all the advice! :wavey:
Click to expand...

Here are a few really pretty options in your budget from a quick search:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4707028
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3716204
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4647283
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4482363
 
Thanks so much! Based on the 4, i believe i am more inclined to purchase the 0.70ct, g color diamond. I have requested for the ideal scope and it might takes up to 3-5 working days. Will get back to you once I have it!
 
Hi guysss,

@ac117 ,

I received the idealscope image of the diamond from JamesAllen as attached!

Is this considered as excellent light performance? Looks fine to me judging from the image! I will be going through Jamesallen site to see if there is any other suitable diamond else I will be purchasing this I guess!


4482363.jpg
 
It's got strong light return, so it should perform very well. The one thing I'd ask is if the stone is eye clean, specifically bc the feather(s) seem to be reflecting in the stone. I'm not really concerned bc at this size, the light colored inclusions should be eye clean but it never hurts to ask!
 
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