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Help I'm a beginner

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katerich

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 7, 2012
Messages
4
Hi!! I'm new to the sight and trying to do some of the leg work in terms of researching and finding the perfect ring.

We just started the process and are on a budget of about 6000-7000. Reasonably, could we find something that is at least 1 ct within this budget? Also, if we had to sacrifice any of the 4 C's to remain within budget, which is best to sacrifice...meaning, which will allow for the diamond to still be beautiful without the additional cost.

Lastly...is it safe to shop online and buy a diamond without actually seeing it soley based on specs? If so, where?

Any insight is appreciated!!
 
A 1ct stone *is* doable within your budget but you will have to sacrifice in some areas since size is a priority and you will probably have to do quite a bit of leg work. Your setting choice might complicate the search if you are wanting a more expensive setting. With your budget I would probably recommend a temporary solitaire setting then you could upgrade to your dream setting when you can afford it. I would suggest looking for stones with lower color (H,I, J) and lower clarity (SI1, SI2) I would never sacrifice cut, a well cut diamond of a smaller size will have a lot more visual impact than a larger diamond with a mediocre cut.

Shopping online is safe but you have to deal with the right people. I would never buy a diamond solely based on the specifications. Many of the trusted PS vendors will provide pictures of the diamonds and some will also provide ideal scope and aset images. I would suggest checking out these vendors:
http://www.whiteflash.com/
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/
http://www.jamesallen.com/
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/
http://idjewelryonline.com/index.php

What shape diamond are you looking for?
 
WOW thanks for your help. I planned on a simple solitare setting anyways, nothing expensive so we can focus the majority of the budget on the stone. My dream would be a roud diamond but sadly im discovering this is on of the most expensive cuts (i think?). I would settle for a princess or cushion cut. I have never considered an antique before, is that a good option?

In regards to color, it seems that even the lower colors are very sparkly and nice looking. Is that usually the case?

I will look around online. My dad also has "a guy" that he used to make a ring about a year ago. In your opinion can private jewelers/wholesalers usually make a HUGE difference in terms of cost savings?
 
katerich|1354929888|3325918 said:
WOW thanks for your help. I planned on a simple solitare setting anyways, nothing expensive so we can focus the majority of the budget on the stone. My dream would be a roud diamond but sadly im discovering this is on of the most expensive cuts (i think?). I would settle for a princess or cushion cut. I have never considered an antique before, is that a good option?

In regards to color, it seems that even the lower colors are very sparkly and nice looking. Is that usually the case?

I will look around online. My dad also has "a guy" that he used to make a ring about a year ago. In your opinion can private jewelers/wholesalers usually make a HUGE difference in terms of cost savings?
Click to expand...
they are usually more expensive than online vendors here. ;))
 
No, rounds face up larger than the other shapes you mentioned so they are not more expensive considering the fact they look larger for the same carat weight. You should absolutely stick with round if that is what you like!

I have bought ring and earrings diamonds from Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash. I recommend both because they carry top quality diamonds and also show you pictures of the stones and show images that show light return (idealscope and ASET).

Examples with your budget:

Just under a carat:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9656/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9812/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2763667.htm ($5022 with pricescope discount and wire payment)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2829732.htm ($4319 ")

1 carat + :

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-283299.htm ($5526 with pricescope discount and wire payment)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2829748.htm ($5941 ")
 
Oh, and get an inexpensive setting from the jeweler you buy the diamond from. That is safest because they cover the diamond if it just happened to be damaged during setting (which is rare).
 
My first concession would be color. I think all diamonds colors a beautiful, the color just has to match the cut. I would go and actually see what a lower stone looks like ( particularly in regards to olde stones) If you don't mind it then GOG's Austin vintages are an option. Now cushions face up smaller than rounds but you can go a lower color with an AVC and make it to your 1 ct and above
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10010/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8849/

Then you also have the option of looking at other fancies that are less popular. Like a pear.
You wouldn't have to go lower than a g or h and could probably get a 1.25 ct if you did some searching. And those you can go lower in clarity because the facets hide them.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI2-Good-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1440345.asp

Oval are similar to pears. Fancies are usually cheaper.also if you look ovals and pears and even marquise ( though I know those are an acquired taste ) also face up larger per ct weight
 
I would ABSOLUTELY drop to an I color, personally. I've seen 2 carat I's that I could NOT tell apart from a G or H when set.

PUT ON HOLD IMMEDIATELY.

Here is a stone with great potential. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1519213.asp I would put it on hold and ask for an ASET image. James Allen has a FLEET of beautiful solitaire settings under $600 to go with it.

Genuinely great stone.
 
Thanks all. This is encouraging

What are other opinions about I color? It seems low to me but I really have no idea. I looked at an H in a store and loved it. How much of a difference would an I be?

What's an ideal scope picture?
 
Gypsy has given you two amazing diamonds! GHI are still considered near colourless and a great 'bang for your buck'. IRL - if you were to go to a mall and check out the erings in their cases, you'd be surprised how many there are I's & J's that they sell!

I personally do not think I would be bothered by an I colour at all - even with F/G/H melee, if you are adding melee. But when trying on options just to assess what appeals to you - if you can - ask to see the rings/diamonds in natural light. Viewing them in store lighting is set up to be nothing but sparkle heaven!

You will definitely have your money go further if you use one of the recommended PS vendors. Click on resources tab above and go to diamond search - just to get a feel for what's out there in your price range.
 
I would be very comfortable with an I in a round brilliant. If you were concerned about it, do you like any metal other than a white metal? because making the shank rose gold or yellow gold helps make it seem a tad whiter, because of the contrast. those stone gypsy pointed out on hold??
 
I love this one that Gypsy posted :love:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1519213.asp

Please call and put it on hold. You are under to obligation to buy by doing so.

Settings:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-twisted-shank-contemporary-solitaire-11191w14.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-double-bevel-knife-edge-engagement-ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-tied-ribbon-engagement-ring-17874w.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-wrapped-hearts-bombay-engagement-ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-double-pave-leaf-engagement-ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-crescent-ribbon-engagement-ring.html
 
Unless you are super color sensitive, I think you'll be fine with and I and that one Gypsy posted looks great!

I'd put it on hold too. You've got at least 24hrs and you don't have to buy, and you can request an idealscope image from them and post it here for people to see and help you. You can also get the stone in from JA to look at, and decide for yourself how the color is. They have 2 free returns and free shipping. Returns from them are very easy to do, but I don't think you'll need it once you see it.

Trouble with jewelry stores is they are going to be more expensive, and in general, sales associates are trying to make a sale, not educate you on what a nicely cut diamond looks like. Also, if you've gone to stores to look at stones, depending on the kind of store you have been to, the stones in the rings (if they've been graded by someone other than GIA or AGS) are possibly lower in color than what is marked. So if it says something like IGI H, well, it may be more like a J in GIA terms. If you go to a store that sells GIA graded stones, then you'll get a better idea of color. It's the cut of the stone that makes it sparkle well, not getting a D/E/F color.
 
farmer gal|1354976451|3326156 said:
I love this one that Gypsy posted :love:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1519213.asp

Please call and put it on hold. You are under to obligation to buy by doing so.

Settings:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-twisted-shank-contemporary-solitaire-11191w14.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-double-bevel-knife-edge-engagement-ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-tied-ribbon-engagement-ring-17874w.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-wrapped-hearts-bombay-engagement-ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-double-pave-leaf-engagement-ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-crescent-ribbon-engagement-ring.html
Click to expand...


I think she meant NO obligation to buy :) And if you have them pick the 2 they can compare the two for you tell you which one they think is best
 
nielseel|1354979730|3326192 said:
farmer gal|1354976451|3326156 said:
I love this one that Gypsy posted :love:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1519213.asp

Please call and put it on hold. You are under to obligation to buy by doing so.

Settings:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-twisted-shank-contemporary-solitaire-11191w14.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-double-bevel-knife-edge-engagement-ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-tied-ribbon-engagement-ring-17874w.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-wrapped-hearts-bombay-engagement-ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-double-pave-leaf-engagement-ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-crescent-ribbon-engagement-ring.html
Click to expand...


I think she meant NO obligation to buy :) And if you have them pick the 2 they can compare the two for you tell you which one they think is best
Click to expand...


LOL. Yes, that is what I meant :twirl:
 
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