Help Needed for a Buyer on a Budget!

[Khalsa007]

Hi All,

I have been looking and looking and looking but to no avail finding a diamond that suits what my gf wants and what I want in a ring. My budget is total $12K (Pushed from 10K) after the vendor showed us a 1.7 carat which my gf had loved (but the diamond was crap quality)...the ring attached is Tacori HT2311 for $2790 which leaves me only $9210 for the actual diamond. What''s the best I can do on this budget? I wanted the diamond to be 1.65-1.75 carats so the total carat would be 2.00 for the ring and had found a few decent options on BN but after asking the Experts said that the inclusions could not be pronged and were noticeably visible from 6-8 inches away..could I get some expert opinions on what my options are?

Carat: 1.65-1.75 (possible or go lower?)
Cut: Ideal, VG
Color: G, H
Clarity: SI1, VS2 (if possible)
Polish: Ex, VG
Symmetry: Ex, VG
Fluorescence: None, Faint

Thank you in advance!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Kkhalsa

To get that size on a budget something will have to give unfortunately to get a GIA or AGS graded stone, would you consider SI2 clarity if verified eyeclean and I or J colour? If so it might be doable.

 

[stone-cold11]

This? It has a larger diameter than the 1.7c you posted. Just slightly above your budget with PS and wire discount. Check with JA if it is eye-clean and ask for an idealscope image if interested.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1254340.asp

EDT:
This looks good too.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1266598.asp

 

[Khalsa007]

@Lorelei, I definitely would consider an SI2 if it was eye-clean! My experience has led me to believe there are no eye-clean SI2s =/ but I certainly would. Would I always have to ask the vendor if they are eye-clean? I would have to right since I can''t actually see the stone and SI2 have many inclusions...

@Stone, wow thanks! This is really helpful. Yeah I''m going to change my specs to looking for a GSI2, HSI1 and see what''s the best I can do. When the diamond is put into the setting, I won''t be able to see the difference in color anyways right?

Thanks All, this forum has been extremely helpful the last few days!

 

[stone-cold11]

Color, depends on the color sensitivity of the person, some might just be able to see the difference from the side, when mounted.

 

[Khalsa007]

Thanks Stone, I did a HCA and AGA analysis and found these results.

Diamond #1 (1.65):
HCA: Ex, Ex, Ex, VG
TVP: 1.4 - Excellent within TIC Range
AGA Grading Tool: 1As down the board, 1A Final Grade

So even though this is a "smaller" carat it will actually be bigger because of the diameter?

Diamond #2 (1.60):
HCA: VG, VG, VG, VG
TVP: 2.6 - Very Good
AGA Grading Tool: 2A for the Crown Angle, 1A for all the rest, 1B Final Grade

I asked for the IS and asked if the diamonds are eye-clean. Very nice diamonds though it seems from first glance...

 

[stone-cold11]

The diameter is the physical measurement of the stone, and it is bigger than the 1.7c you posted. Added to the better light return of this stone, it will look bigger and more lively.

Post the IS image when you receive them.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/19/2010 8:20:06 AM
Author: Khalsa007
@Lorelei, I definitely would consider an SI2 if it was eye-clean! My experience has led me to believe there are no eye-clean SI2s =/ but I certainly would. Would I always have to ask the vendor if they are eye-clean? I would have to right since I can't actually see the stone and SI2 have many inclusions...

Yeah I'm going to change my specs to looking for a GSI2, HSI1 and see what's the best I can do. When the diamond is put into the setting, I won't be able to see the difference in color anyways right?

Thanks All, this forum has been extremely helpful the last few days!

Glad you have found us helpful Khalsa, thats what we like to hear!

The key with SI clarities is to work with a vendor who has physical access to the stone so they can advise whether it is eyeclean to your standards. Make your expectations extremely clear; for example, if you don't want to see any inclusions from any angle or distance at close scrutiny, then make sure you tell your vendor that so you are both on the same page.

You will probably find this article helpful concerning the matter of eyeclean diamonds by Pricescope's Coatimundi - What is an Eyeclean Diamond. There are eyeclean SI2 clarity diamonds out there as a fair amount of Pricescopers can attest, so it is possible you might be able to find one using the advice I mentioned earlier. Those are two good diamonds SC found, with the first just check with one of James Allen's gemologists if you are interested that the cloud inclusions marked around the edge aren't impacting performance, it is unusual in SI1 but always best to check.