Help needed for newby buying Round 1.82ct diamond

[futuresmarket]

Hi everyone,

I was hoping to get opinions from seasoned diamond buyers on my upcoming purchase of an engagement ring for my girlfriend.

Through much research I have figured out that I want a round cut to maximize brilliance/sparkle. Cut being the most important factor for this. The next important factor is size. I want to be close to 2 ct but not over as the actual 2ct stones seem to carry a premium even though the diameter looking down at the stone look almost identical.

I have looked at many options and I am satisfied with a SI1 or even 2 clarity. The tiny spots only visible under microscope dont really matter to me.

Im also open on the color as I dont know how much of a difference this actually makes.

My budget is $15k-$20k.

Currently Im looking at a Diamond that is:

Triple Excellent cut/polish. I think the numbers are 62% and 59% for the table/depth or however you say it.
SI1 clarity
I color
1.82 ct

The price is around $14k. Is this good/bad? Should I consider moving up in color and paying $2k-$3k more?

Thanks for any help you can give...

 

[JulieN]

love your name, "futuresmarket"

need angles off of GIA report or Sarin, please.

 

[futuresmarket]

Thanks! Thats what I do for a living and its what is always on my mind when I fill out usernames...


It is GIA certified

 

[JulieN]

post the GIA report number.

 

[futuresmarket]

GIA 2146699972

 

[futuresmarket]

DIAMOND GRADING REPORT
ROUND BRILLIANT

Measurements 7.91 - 7.92 x 4.77 mm
Carat Weight 1.82 carat
Color Grade I
Clarity Grade SI1
Cut Grade Excellent
PROPORTIONS

Depth 60.3 %
Table 59 %
Crown Angle 33.0°
Crown Height 13.5%
Pavilion Angle 41.0°
Pavilion Depth 43.5%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 75%
Girdle Medium, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet None
FINISH

Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
Fluorescence None
CLARITY CHARACTERISTICS

Clarity Characteristics Cloud, Feather, Crystal, Needle
COMMENTS

Additional clouds are not shown.
Pinpoints are not shown.

 

[tweeter8177]

Well I am not a seasoned diamond buyer but I have purchased a few. The proportions of this diamond score well on the HCA calculator so that is good. As far as color and clarity, I personally am very happy with color I (but color J did bother me from a side view) and it should face up very white still. I also like SI clarity from a price perspective. Maybe I have been lucky with eyeclean SI diamonds or I just can't see inclusions no matter how hard I try! Other experts can weigh in on your other questions...

 

[futuresmarket]

I agree with the SI1


Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[Heycurt]

I see lots of "I"s here. I'm curious after 30 years happily married, what does SHE think?

 

[JulieN]

Should be good looking if tightly cut.

 

[FlightGuy]

I'm pretty new at this myself, but just made my first purchase after looking at well over 100 diamonds in person, and who knows how many sifting through GIA reports on the 'net. This is only my (non-expert) opinion based on my recent experience in diamond-hunting. Apologies if some of this is obvious.

1) Look at as many loose diamonds in person as you can, from a number of different jewelers. In my opinion, there are some great values to be had looking in the SI1 and SI2 range, but the variance here is LARGE and it feels to me there is a lot of subjectivity among the graders as to what exactly constitutes a SI1, SI2, and even I1. I saw an SI1 that I swear I could easily see the inclusion with my naked eye (it had a big black carbon spot just under table). I ended up buying an SI2 that looked better than most SI1's I'd seen, and I had looked at a lot. So in my opinion, in the SI1/2 range you need to be less concerned with which clarity grade it got, and more concerned with viewing the stones in person, in varying light, and with / without a loupe so you can start getting a really informed opinion. Finally, the SI2 I bought's clarity issue was only a few "twinning wisps" that were frankly few and far harder to see than dark carbon spots, bubbles, feathers, and most clouds. You might consider looking at a few SI1/2's where these are the primary issue on the clarity grade.

2) Bargain if you can. If you have anything to barter where you can save some additional money, that's not a bad thing either. I'm a corporate pilot and traded a sunset flight around my hometown in a deal that netted me a few hundred extra $$ off.

3) Get referrals from friends and clients. Three of the jewelers I saw were referrals, and every one treated me very well, but there was a level of comfort knowing someone I trust had picked that person after doing a ton of due diligence on their own.

4) The more time you invest in the process, the better the outcome is likely to be. This probably goes without saying, but it's similar to making a substantial investment in the stock (or futures) market. All the hours of research, phone calls, emails, and trips to look at stones will eventually really pay off.

 

[futuresmarket]

There are lots of "I's" because this is a surprise. We have been together for 8 years so will be excited for anything at this point. Myself on the other hand am very picky about price and quality equally.....

 

[Heycurt]

My question my have come off as a dig, but was not meant to be. To be the best kind of surprise, a new ring must be pleasing in the eye of the recipient. While you may not be sensitive to color or SI2 clarity, your soon to be fiancee may be. I am not qualified to direct you toward a particular diamond. I'm learning just like you. However, I have read many PS recipients comments after the fact, even years later, that there was something about their ring that made them want to upgrade or change. These are often not size related but something else about the stone that they learned after the newness wore off.

After eight years you may know all the correct answers as to what will not only surprise her but please her long term. My question was to see if that is the case. It looks like you are headed in the right direction. I wish you sucess in your persuit.