Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Help Needed ASAP!! 25K to Spend on a Diamond

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
J

Justinkeats

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 23, 2007
Messages
14
I am in desperate need of some help here and was hoping the membership could guide me in my purchase. I am looking to get an engagement ring for my GF of 3 years. I have already spent 5K on an amazing setting, and now have $20-25K left for the diamond. I am most concerned with finding the best cut possible, looking good to the naked eye, and having it fall around or near 2.3 carats due to the setting I have. Where do I go? I have gone to some local wholesalers in Los Angeles, and have searched several websites. It looks like online is the way to go especially considering the tax savings. But where specifically? Anyone know if www.JamesAllen.com is a good bet? I saw they have hearts and arrows diamonds which I would guess would be a safe purchase.

I am specifically looking at a hearts and arrows 2.33 F SI2 EX/EX for $22,380. Is this a good buy and how do I know if it is truly a hearts and arrows? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

thanks,

Justin
 
either you trust whoever is selling it that it is hearts and arrows, or ask for pictures
 
OK, well that doesn''t really help since I clearly do not have a relationship with a website I''m perusing for the first time. I was asking if there is a general consensus for that particular online vendor and their signature hearts and arrows diamonds? After some research I have learned that some vendors advertise hearts on fire when in fact the diamond is not up to the real standards of HAA.
I was hoping someone could give me some advice on either that particular stone, or what I should be looking for to find the best stone within my parameters:

20-25K
2.2-2.5 Carats
F-H(i)
Ideally Cut
VS1-SI1(maybe SI2)
 
The F looks very nice, you need to ask if it is eye-clean.
 
I can''t quite stretch the $28K, but of the 2 you posted and the one I have at the top, any preference? And Why?

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate the time to help me out here.
 
Date: 4/24/2007 1:39:30 AM
Author: Justinkeats
I can''t quite stretch the $28K, but of the 2 you posted and the one I have at the top, any preference? And Why?

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate the time to help me out here.
Click to expand...
If the one you posted is eye-clean, it would be worth getting more info on . . . angles, images, etc . . . at that price, I would guess it isn''t eye-clean but you never know till you ask

The blue nile one I posted looked good because it is an H color and has an AGS0 light performance and would be worth a look if you are NOT requiring an upgrade policy because though they don''t have images, an AGS0 is worth a look.

The GOG one is an I color so that is based on personal preference. I would think with all the info they provide, that one is the best choice except for how you feel about the color.

Personally, for that much money, I would have all 3 shipped to an independant appraiser and choose from there. Or have them shipped to you one at a time and make decisions yourself. There isn''t a lot out there right now for your price point and carat needs. Or just keep waiting and looking at what is out there.

Good Luck.
 
Date: 4/24/2007 12:21:43 AM
Author: Justinkeats
OK, well that doesn't really help since I clearly do not have a relationship with a website I'm perusing for the first time. I was asking if there is a general consensus for that particular online vendor and their signature hearts and arrows diamonds? After some research I have learned that some vendors advertise hearts on fire when in fact the diamond is not up to the real standards of HAA.
I was hoping someone could give me some advice on either that particular stone, or what I should be looking for to find the best stone within my parameters:

20-25K
2.2-2.5 Carats
F-H(i)
Ideally Cut
VS1-SI1(maybe SI2)
Click to expand...

"Hearts on Fire" is a branded cut of diamond.
Hearts and arrows is a general cut style used to describe a diamond with a hearts and arrows pattern. See this thread for more information: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/hearts-arrows-cut-branded-non-branded-standards.21569/


Blue nile does not have a general 'standard' for hearts and arrows diamonds. They are mostly GIA certified, although you can get an AGSL certifed diamond from them (which is arguably more strict in terms of light performance).
Shopping with blue nile can sometimes be like shopping blind. You may consider calling their toll-free number to get images sent to your email. They took forever to respond to my emails, so i eventually called them. Because you basically shop blindly on their website, they have a great return policy. Call them and ask for the IdealScope images if they have any, and/or ASET images. Post them with the stats of the diamond, and one of the experts here on PS will let you know what they think.

Whiteflash, however, has their own general standard for premium hearts and arrows diamonds because they are diamond cutters. They are known as ACA or A Cut Above. This, like the "hearts on fire" diamond, is Whiteflash's branded diamond cut style. They also sell Expert Selection diamonds, which are diamonds that just missed the ACA requirements by a hair, but they can also be a great deal and just as beautiful. They are very hands-on, friendly to work with, and have a great reputation here on PS.

Like Whiteflash, GoodOldGold has an extensive website dedicated to consumer education of diamonds but they also sell all types of branded and non-branded diamonds. Their website has great pictures, and they also have wonderful reviews from their customers.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2992/ This could be a beautiful diamond if it's eye clean.


EDITED: Whiteflash doesn't seem to have anything else other than the ones hikerchic posted, but I'm sure you could call them and they'd help you. You also have the ability to video conference with them here on PS and they can show you what they have live.

GoodOldGold has a neat "chat with a live member of our staff" feature. Tim is usually online during the day, and he'll tell you what he honestly thinks about the diamond's brilliance and performance.
 
Jim, welcome to PS
35.gif


Jim from JA is a highly trusted and respected vendor here, you can work with him in confidence. Best thing is to ask him about the diamond you are interested in, he will be straight with you as to if it is suitable or not, also he can suggest alternatives. He is a pro and will gladly help you.

The others have given good advice too and some suggestions, that is the trouble that prices have rocketed and the size diamond you mention is highly desirable, also there is a shortage of the higher carat rough from which these are cut. So it might take a little time to source the rock you want, but you will get there. Also you could consider dropping your colour requirements possibly if you haven''t already done so, this will broaden your options.
 
Hi! I happen to love James Allen.. they have excellent customer service there and though I didn''t buy a diamond from them, I''m sure they would be helpful and wonderful to work with.

Here are some diamonds to consider...I would also have James Allen bring the diamond that you liked in house to take some pictures and idealscope images for you

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2992/
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131&item=861212
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-150433.htm
 
So I just spoke with Julianna at JA regarding http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=864508

I was asking if the inclusions were visible to the naked eye. She pulled the diamond out and said that she could see it, but that she didn''t think an untrained eye could. What do you guys think? What does that usually mean in Diamond Lingo? Would I likely be happy with this stone?

This is the other one I am considering, but I can''t get any pictures as Blue Nile said they don''t have it on hand. http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&pid=LD00198059&filter_id=0#grading_report

Thoughts on each please???
 
Why not order it and look at it yourself ... return it within the return period if you don''t like it?
 
Have you bought the BN diamond, it says not available?
33.gif


The JA diamond looks a possible, basically someone who looks ar diamonds for a living can more than likely zoom in on a visble inclusion, but it depends on the individual eyesight etc. Ask her what the colour and type of inclusion it is for starters and it's location. I would want more info before pulling the trigger on this diamond. JA will gladly give you more detail, then you can decide if you want to order it or move on to something else.
 
Date: 4/24/2007 12:24:37 PM
Author: yellowsparkles
Why not order it and look at it yourself ... return it within the return period if you don''t like it?
Click to expand...

I second that
 
you should see the diamond for yourself. some people may not see the inclusions, but some are sensitive to it...especially if you know where the inclusion is. will it bother you to be able to see it? is it a dark inclusion or not? is the inclusion in the center of the stone or is it in a spot where it can be hidden by a prong? if you are spending that kind of $$ then be sure...see it for yourself.
 
The inclusion in the JA diamond is on the outer edge of the table at about 7 o''clock. I believe she said it was white in color. I of course could order it and always return it, but I am under a time constraint if I am going to pull off a proposal by our anniversary and it won''t allow me to send it back, and wait for refund to buy another in time.

As for the BN diamond, it shows not available as they are holding it for me as they try to contact their "vendor" to see if it''s inclusions are visible to the naked eye.

This is such a difficult process for someone like me with such limited experience. I have read as much as I can online to educate myself, but that doesn''t seem to give me enough confidence to pull the trigger on anything and it why I am reaching out to you guys for some guidance. The wholesaler my family has used in the past is good, but substantially higher in price than everyone I am considering online. I really want to get the best stone I can under 25K.
 
Date: 4/24/2007 12:40:03 PM
Author: Justinkeats
The inclusion in the JA diamond is on the outer edge of the table at about 7 o'clock. I believe she said it was white in color. I of course could order it and always return it, but I am under a time constraint if I am going to pull off a proposal by our anniversary and it won't allow me to send it back, and wait for refund to buy another in time.

As for the BN diamond, it shows not available as they are holding it for me as they try to contact their 'vendor' to see if it's inclusions are visible to the naked eye.

This is such a difficult process for someone like me with such limited experience. I have read as much as I can online to educate myself, but that doesn't seem to give me enough confidence to pull the trigger on anything and it why I am reaching out to you guys for some guidance. The wholesaler my family has used in the past is good, but substantially higher in price than everyone I am considering online. I really want to get the best stone I can under 25K.
Click to expand...
I remember from an earlier post you possibly didn't have much time. If it was me, ask them if it could be hidden under a prong when set, this might be an option, also if they could take some pics to send you so you could get an idea of the inclusion's visibility. It sounds as if this diamond might be worth a little more investigation, of course there is nothing like seeing it with your own eyes, but I would try and get some more info on this one. I just had a look at the magnified pic of this diamond provided, the small feather type inclusion looks as if it could be hidden, there are some small scattered inclusions by the looks of it which might not be visible, tough call...
 
Justin,

I haven't seen either of these two mentioned...they are just under 2.3. FYI.

ETA...and while I'm at it...here's one more...an H VS2 2.31 carats from BN, at $25,450...
 
Date: 4/24/2007 12:20:21 PM
Author: Justinkeats
So I just spoke with Julianna at JA regarding http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=864508

I was asking if the inclusions were visible to the naked eye. She pulled the diamond out and said that she could see it, but that she didn't think an untrained eye could. What do you guys think? What does that usually mean in Diamond Lingo? Would I likely be happy with this stone?

This is the other one I am considering, but I can't get any pictures as Blue Nile said they don't have it on hand. http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&pid=LD00198059&filter_id=0#grading_report

Thoughts on each please???
Click to expand...

I just saw that diamond, and I'd be concerned about the inclusion. With time, you'll eventaully notice it.


As for the BlueNile, it's an AGS0 and you're probably safe with it. But it says it's not available for purchase, so I'm not sure if this one has been sold already.

It's an SI1, but the report looks pretty good. It's also got a Medium Blue Fluorescence, which most PSers love. Click on the GCAL report at the bottom, underneath the AGSL report. It DOES provide a picture. Maybe one of the experts can chime in here regarding that report?

The picture doesn't really represent the arrows very well, but that's not to say it's not cut well; it may just be the photograph.
 
Date: 4/24/2007 12:47:24 PM
Author: Regular Guy
Justin,

I haven''t seen either of these two mentioned...they are just under 2.3. FYI.

ETA...and while I''m at it...here''s one more...an H VS2 2.31 carats from BN, at $25,450...
Click to expand...

I like that last H VS2 2.31
18.gif
 
Date: 4/24/2007 2:25:12 PM
Author: curiopotter



Date: 4/24/2007 12:20:21 PM
Author: Justinkeats
So I just spoke with Julianna at JA regarding http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=864508

I was asking if the inclusions were visible to the naked eye. She pulled the diamond out and said that she could see it, but that she didn't think an untrained eye could. What do you guys think? What does that usually mean in Diamond Lingo? Would I likely be happy with this stone?

This is the other one I am considering, but I can't get any pictures as Blue Nile said they don't have it on hand. http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&pid=LD00198059&filter_id=0#grading_report

Thoughts on each please???
Click to expand...

I just saw that diamond, and I'd be concerned about the inclusion. With time, you'll eventaully notice it.


As for the BlueNile, it's an AGS0 and you're probably safe with it. But it says it's not available for purchase, so I'm not sure if this one has been sold already.

It's an SI1, but the report looks pretty good. It's also got a Medium Blue Fluorescence, which most PSers love. Click on the GCAL report at the bottom, underneath the AGSL report. It DOES provide a picture. Maybe one of the experts can chime in here regarding that report?

The picture doesn't really represent the arrows very well, but that's not to say it's not cut well; it may just be the photograph.
Click to expand...
Depends on the individual and the actual diamond whether this is a problem or not, some like to have a small inclusion so they can identify their diamond easily. You can't really tell that much from the picture provided, I am just saying don't reject it out of hand if JA think it might be a good pick. They will be honest. However you might prefer to up the clarity to be on the safe side. Also you could consider Sharon's pick ( Canuk) as Wink is a brilliant vendor and the diamond she posted is cut by Infinity, which is a highly sought after diamond, would be a wonderful choice.
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top