Help selecting a 1ct loose diamond

[J-Man]

I've been browsing a bunch of online sites...Blue Nile, Whiteflash, James Allen, etc.

I am looking for a 1ct round diamond

From what I've read, it seems like H, VS2, excellent cut.....is a decent balance of the 4 c's. I'm looking in the $6-7k price range for the loose diamond. Any suggestions which site is best and if my criteria is a good balance of the 4 c's or how I should be adjusting it to get the best bang for my buck?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Niel]

I think an H VS2 is a save bet, but i wouldnt throw out a stone if it dipped down to I SI1. Carity is a tricky thing. You are paying for the inability to see inclusions, essentially. So in theory, if you can find a stone thats SI1 but is eye clean, then why pay for a higher price?

Also, most people, even with very sensitive eyes for color, can go down to an I with out seeing tint.