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Help! Overwhelmed trying to search for diamond online

L

lismelut

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 26, 2011
Messages
3
I've done basic research on round cut brilliant diamonds for an engagement ring and thought I knew what to look for until I came across this site and read so many helpful posts other people had posted. Originally I was looking on bluenile, but realized that you need to see more than just the GIA report. Also, I've also started considering getting a princess cut diamond, but am even more clueless as to what to look for in a princess cut. I started searching on James Allen, but am overwhelmed. Can someone please recommend some good round brilliant and princess cut diamonds online and point out to me why they are good and what to stay away from?

My basic search criteria I've been looking at is the following (excuse my lack of diamond knowledge!):

Round brilliant or Princess Cut
Ct: preferably 1.5ct if my price range would allow it
Cut: Ideal to very good
Color: H-J (or better?)
Clarity: VS2
Price range: max $10,000

Again, I'm a novice so if I can sacrifice in one area to get more value for my money, please let me know what to look for!

Thanks!!
 
with the diamond price going up crazy, you may get a J color (can ask if eye clean) for that price range. you may either want to lower the ct weight on the diamond a little.
 
Check with your gf. Most girls have a mark preference for either a round or a princess.
 
Stone-cold11|1311689413|2977036 said:
Check with your gf. Most girls have a mark preference for either a round or a princess.
Click to expand...

Totally agree! I would want a round and would be unhappy with a princess, and some girls will be the opposite. If you have no idea and want to surprise her, round is the more timeless, classic choice. Then she can always put it in a squarish halo if she wants to make it have a more cushion or square appearance.

To make the looking really easy, just shop on sites such as Good Old Gold, WhiteFlash, and Brian Gavin who consistently carry top cut quality stones.

You won't get 1.5 cts. at todays prices. You can probably get into the 1.2-1.3 range.

Examples:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2657805.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2638942.htm
 
I am the gf! LOL. I'm trying to help my bf out because he is even more overwhelmed and wants to make sure I get what I want. Being that I don't know much about diamonds, I wasn't sure if you can get more for your money with a round or princess cut. I like both of them.

From my initial searches, I was noticing rounds were more expensive and also that 1.5 ct may be hard to find with my price range. I'm not set on 1.5... I was just hoping for something more than 1 ct, whether is appears larger or is actually larger.

Are there any recommendations as far as getting a better priced diamond online or from a local jeweler? We haven't gone to a jeweler yet to look at diamonds. The thought of sales guys taking advantage of us not having much diamond knowledge scares me.
 
diamondseeker2006|1311690726|2977043 said:
Stone-cold11|1311689413|2977036 said:
Check with your gf. Most girls have a mark preference for either a round or a princess.
Click to expand...

Totally agree! I would want a round and would be unhappy with a princess, and some girls will be the opposite. If you have no idea and want to surprise her, round is the more timeless, classic choice. Then she can always put it in a squarish halo if she wants to make it have a more cushion or square appearance.

To make the looking really easy, just shop on sites such as Good Old Gold, WhiteFlash, and Brian Gavin who consistently carry top cut quality stones.

You won't get 1.5 cts. at todays prices. You can probably get into the 1.2-1.3 range.

Examples:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2657805.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2638942.htm
Click to expand...


Thanks for the examples of good diamonds! I'm realizing I'd rather have a good quality diamond than just go for a specific ct size.
 
ok. That makes it easier.

Rounds are more expensive because more of the rough is polished away to make the final product. You can get a heavier princess than a round from the same piece of rough. Since the stones are sold by the final polished weight, the round will have to be charged at a higher price to justify it being cut that way. Also it is more popular, so demand is also driving the price up.

Princess is more difficult to buy, prefer to stick to AGS0 cut graded stones as AGS is the only lab that grades the cut performance of a princess. If that is not available, stick with a vendor than can provide ASET image.
 
Try to go to some stores and ask to see ideal/excellent cut stones. From there comes color and clarity grading and see what your comfort level is...
 
Also, when you do go to look at the stones, make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. It is the general consensus here that the real reputable certificates come only from GIA and AGS. Some jewelry stores have EGL, IGI, or perhaps no certification, and try to pass them off as being "ideal". With AGS and GIA being consistently strict with their standards for grading, you know that if GIA says its an excellent cut G SI1, it is just that and you are able to compare diamonds more accurately. Being that you are in the beginning part of your search, follow 'Amys Bling's advice and get a solid idea for what you're looking for. If you find you're not color sensitive (or don't mind a warmer look), you will be able to get a larger J diamond than if you find you are particular about it being very 'white'. After you find what you like, come back here, give your specs, and let the avid PS community assist you in your search! Good luck!
 
 
Here is one from WF

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2230986.htm

I don't know if you have picked a setting yet but they are running a special that you can get 10% off a setting with a purchase of a WF ACA princess

http://www.whiteflash.com/promotions/aca-princess-diamond-discount-ring-setting.aspx

I love this setting for a princess and it also would make it look bigger

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/amphora-for-princess-diamond-engagement-ring-1521.htm
 
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