Help needed for engagement ring!

[wantastic]

First of all, thank you for checking this thread!

I have been monitoring bluenile.com for about 3 weeks and still cannot decide which diamond to pick. Once there was a perfect ring I was eyeing upon, then it got sold out. Since then, I am not able to find the diamond that has similar quality.

I have been looking for:
1. Carat: 1.00
2. Cut: Ideal
3. Color: Above F
4. Clarity: Above VS2
5. Price: 7000 ~ 8000

I have never checked out diaminds at a local store and am sorely judging the quality based on the GIA report. I have read hundreds of threads to figure out which characteristics I should value more and compromise others, and it seems that I should keep my preference in cut as "ideal" for now.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD04018931
This one seems to be a good value, but that crystal inclusion really bothers me. Do you think I should ignore?
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD04047402
Also this one seems to have less inclusion but a bit more expensive.

Do you think it's better to put $7500 for these diamonds? I would like to know if I'm spending too much for the diamond for something that is not really worth putting more money on.

Once again, thank you for spending time to read this and PLEASE, I would like to hear any suggestion you have!

 

[JulieN]

I don't' think it is possible to get a top cut F VS2 for 8000. THe table on these is too big for a top cut. You are probably looking at G/H color.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Here are a couple of really nice stones, which both have top-notch cuts. These should be close to budget, after Pricescope discount:

1.016ct, G, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.016-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104067973020

1.113ct, H, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.113-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104066186026



If you need the color to be F, here is a great choice (will be a bit over budget):

1.021ct, F, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.021-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104050981014

 

[wantastic]

Here are a couple of really nice stones, which both have top-notch cuts. These should be close to budget, after Pricescope discount:

1.016ct, G, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.016-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104067973020

1.113ct, H, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.113-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104066186026



If you need the color to be F, here is a great choice (will be a bit over budget):

1.021ct, F, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.021-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104050981014

Thank you RockyRacoon!
I forgot to mention this: I prefer using bluenile to get the 5x points back for my credit card. However, thank you for the suggestions. I will compare these with others as well.

 

[wantastic]

I don't' think it is possible to get a top cut F VS2 for 8000. THe table on these is too big for a top cut. You are probably looking at G/H color.

Hello JulieN,
Thank you for your feedback. I agree that the table might be too big for a top cut.

What do you think about these then?
1. http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD04026023
The cut seems to be okay, but lots of little inclusions..
2. http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD04017801
3. http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD04011807
I think 2 and 3 are about the same.. not sure if the cut is okay with these.

 

[RockyRacoon]

I forgot to mention this: I prefer using bluenile

I understand the preference to save $ and many here have had made successful purchases via BN.

Let me say - You should weigh the value of having an expert inspect your prospective stone, take images (possibly video), and conduct light performance analysis, so that you know the stone is the best it could be.

Since I haven't spent the majority of my life viewing/evaluating diamonds, I find it's helpful to have an expert opinion, as part of the selection process. There is peace of mind in knowing that stone in the engagement ring is of the highest quality, and not just a lucky blind pick.

The lowest price isn't always the best deal.

 

[wantastic]

Thank you!

I am looking at this one:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD04017801

1.03 carat / F / VS2 / Cut: EX, Pol: EX, Sym: EX
HCA: 1.4

Table: 55%
Depth: 62.3%
Crown: 34.5%
Pavilion: 40.8%
Cutlet: 0

Do you think this is a good deal based on the budget?

 

[mrs-b]

Thank you!

I am looking at this one:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD04017801

1.03 carat / F / VS2 / Cut: EX, Pol: EX, Sym: EX
HCA: 1.4

Table: 55%
Depth: 62.3%
Crown: 34.5%
Pavilion: 40.8%
Cutlet: 0

Do you think this is a good deal based on the budget?

Hi wantastic.

Yes, I think that's a very good deal based on your budget. I'm guessing that the only thing keeping the price down is the strong fluorescence. Assuming that doesn't worry you (and it certainly doesn't worry me, and a whole lot of people on PS actually prefer it), then I'd say go for it. You *can* ask BN to contact whoever is holding the stone and ask them to eyeball it for any visible inclusions or effects from the fluorescence, but I'm guessing that, at VS2, that shouldn't be a problem. Just so you know, the fact that it can't be delivered for a week means it's not in the US, so it might take a day or 2 for them to get back to you with the comments of whoever is holding this stone. Alternately (and this is what I'd do so as not to risk missing out on a very good deal), you can simply buy the stone and see it yourself and return it if you decide it's not for you.

I suspect, though, that this will be a gorgeous stone. Good luck!

ETA Blue Nile will put the stone on hold for you for a couple of days while waiting for the wholesaler to get back to them with their thoughts on the stone. Personally, I always wonder how much value this has, though I have had reports come back along the lines of 'meh - maybe not what you're looking for'. Even so, you wonder about complete objectivity. Sometimes BN holds extra photos of the stone and can tell you what they see. Anyway, on balance, I'd say take a look yourself. My bet is still that it will be more than adequate!