Help me find the right stone to right a wrong

[dyer_maker]

First time poster, lurked here for many years. First off, I appreciate the time many here spend assisting others in finding the right diamond for hopefully those once in a lifetime moments. After over 9 years and two children, I've finally decided to do what I should have done many years ago. Yes, officially call me stupid. Needless to say I'm not messing around this time.

My plan is to purchase a diamond and the most basic setting available, it's all about the diamond and the commitment. I can probably pull off picking a beautiful setting however I'd prefer to allow my, hopefully future wife an opportunity to make the decision on the setting.

I have a $10K - $15K budget for the diamond; traditional round stone with of course the best quality available. From what I've seen once you start trending in the upper teens things start to rise from there quickly. If an additional $2K for example truly matters than I don't have issue there.

I can go Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks everyone

JD

Also if there are any particular vendors which are easier to deal with when it comes to acquiring the stone and setting later if would be nice to know. I've familiar with GoG, WF, JA and so on.

 

[chrono]

Have you thought about where your tolerance lies with regards to colour and clarity?
Do you want the best of the best cut, or just super sparkly but don't need precise perfection cut wise?
Do you prefer branded cut or non branded cut?
Do you want a standard round brilliant, perfect H&A or some other fancy patterned round cut?
Is there a specific mm size you'd like to hit at minimum?

All the questions above will help us suggest a few potential stones for your consideration.

 

[dyer_maker]

Yes, sorry. More details in BOLD. Thanks


Have you thought about where your tolerance lies with regards to colour and clarity? My searches have been I/H and VS2 or better. With a bigger diamond I'm expecting these could be a more important factors
Do you want the best of the best cut, or just super sparkly but don't need precise perfection cut wise? Best cut preferred however it only matters to me frankly. There are probably other quality cuts which are acceptable.
Do you prefer branded cut or non branded cut? No preference as I'm not able to discern the value a branded cut provides
Do you want a standard round brilliant, perfect H&A or some other fancy patterned round cut? Standard round or H&A
Is there a specific mm size you'd like to hit at minimum? 1.5 would be ideal

All the questions above will help us suggest a few potential stones for your consideration.

 

[tyty333]

At your lower end, here is an I/SI1 AGS000 at $10,860. Have to ask JA if it's eye-clean.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-476048

An AGS000 I/SI1 H&A
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-486254

Moving up to an H color...

H/VS1/AGS000 $13,900
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-129279

Whiteflash branded stones
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2982231.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3430624.htm

BGD
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.625-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104078104003
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.687-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104074030045 ask if eye-clean

BTW - Congratulations on your upcoming engagement/marriage!!!

 

[dyer_maker]

Thanks, the Gavin Blue is interesting. I think I've settled on Whiteflash ACA. Ultimately what I have looked at in the past. Now to pick the best one.