Help needed - 3.5 to 4 carat radiant or oval

[Foreverdiamond]

Hi everyone,

I am on the hunt for my forever diamond (!) - and I need some help. I have a reasonable knowledge of diamonds but feel I'm still shooting in the dark a little with regards to best quality, sparkle and bang for buck. I'm also conscious that both of the shapes I'm considering are subject to the dreaded bow tie!

Hoping experts on this forum can suggest a few options available:

Radiant (rectangular) or Oval

• 3.5 - 4 carats
• G-I
• eye clean
• no / minimal bowtie
• I'm fine with fluorescence
• dimensions (10 x 8 MINIMUM for radiant)
• Budget $40 - 45K US (I'm dealing with the dreaded Aus $ conversion rate - not good!)

Setting - to be set with side stones (probably trapezoids - see below)

I'd be so appreciative of any suggestions you have.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[AV_]

Vote for oval & traps! - to begin somewhere.

 

[CareBear]

I vote oval as well! A 4 ct oval will look huge!!

 

[Eellee44]

I vote radiant because I love radiants with the trapezoid sides.

I actually have no idea with fancy cuts about proportions etc but this one seems nice. Just under the 3.5ct though. Hopefully some experts give your some good options.

3.23 Carat radiant diamond

This radiant cut 3.23 carat G color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[AV_]

I like this: WWW

& these are around www [they make such things] - but the sidestones are usually delegated to the maker of the setting.

To keep in mind, perhaps.

 

[monipod]

I like both but just wanted to comment that since you'll incur 4/4.5K in GST by buying from a US or overseas vendor, can you fly to NYC and visit the diamond district to find your forever stone?

 

[KKJohnson]

With your budget and the fact that there are really not many options on the market right now (BN,JA,AV) I would contact this guy to help pick and make the ring

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[Cristallo]

I would contact Jonathan at www.augustvintageinc.net. He managed to find me a stunning 3 carat diamond at a very competitive price. My well known appraiser was impressed with both the stone and purchase price! I would not hesitate to use his concierge service again.

 

[headlight]

I’m personally not a fan of the oval with traps, no offense to anyone. I would do half moons. I just feel that ovals are a softer look and the traps are too harsh for it.

 

[rockysalamander]

For radiants and other fancy shapes, I always think of David at Diamonds by Lauren. He always finds amazing stones and he'll be able to match your setting preference. No large enough, but look at this lovely one.

2.56ct G SI1 Radiant Diamond

This is an awesome 2.56ct G SI1 Radiant Cut Diamond. The cut on this stone is top notch - absolutely no dark areas on it.

www.diamondsbylauren.com

For a setting, its really a personal choice, but some thoughts...

For radiants, I really love half moons or maybe some more tapered sides (traps, but with a smaller bottom dimension to make them more strongly angled).

1.53ct Brown I1 Radiant Diamond Ring

This is a great 1.53ct Fancy Brown-Yellow I1 Radiant Cut Diamond Ring. Set with two colorless half moon diamonds.

www.diamondsbylauren.com

If you go oval, I'm don't love the proportion of those traps with the oval. I think you lose the shape unless the side stones are smaller.



Not big enough, but nice faceting.

3.14 Carat radiant diamond

This radiant cut 3.14 carat F color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[Mixtress]

I suggest reaching out to Ring Concierge, they make very nice 3 stone rings using ovals and radiant cuts.

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[rockysalamander]

I suggest reaching out to Ring Concierge, they make very nice 3 stone rings using ovals and radiant cuts.

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Just be aware that they tend to be on the high end of price.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Just be aware that they tend to be on the high end of price.

Seconding this. Search on Pricescope, there have been several threads in the past

 

[Mixtress]

Maybe for the old cuts? I have seen her post some nice fancy cuts and, out of curiosity, ran a search on James Allen or Blue Nile for comparable stones and the prices seem competitive.

 

[Foreverdiamond]

I like both but just wanted to comment that since you'll incur 4/4.5K in GST by buying from a US or overseas vendor, can you fly to NYC and visit the diamond district to find your forever stone?

I’ve made one trip to diamond district and got an amazing eternity band from the lovely tram and ID Jewellery. But sadly this one needs to be a remote purchase

 

[Foreverdiamond]

For radiants and other fancy shapes, I always think of David at Diamonds by Lauren. He always finds amazing stones and he'll be able to match your setting preference. No large enough, but look at this lovely one.

2.56ct G SI1 Radiant Diamond

This is an awesome 2.56ct G SI1 Radiant Cut Diamond. The cut on this stone is top notch - absolutely no dark areas on it.

www.diamondsbylauren.com

For a setting, its really a personal choice, but some thoughts...

For radiants, I really love half moons or maybe some more tapered sides (traps, but with a smaller bottom dimension to make them more strongly angled).

1.53ct Brown I1 Radiant Diamond Ring

This is a great 1.53ct Fancy Brown-Yellow I1 Radiant Cut Diamond Ring. Set with two colorless half moon diamonds.

www.diamondsbylauren.com

If you go oval, I'm don't love the proportion of those traps with the oval. I think you lose the shape unless the side stones are smaller.



Not big enough, but nice faceting.

3.14 Carat radiant diamond

This radiant cut 3.14 carat F color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Many thanks!

 

[Foreverdiamond]

I really appreciate the recommendations on here - I’ll keep hunting and touch base with a couple of the suppliers recommended!

 

[Fancygems]

I was pricing out radiants and they seem to be expensive ? Why ? I like oval as a three stone and radiant as a solitaire.