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Help to choose diamond on 9k budget

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saitek

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 18, 2022
Messages
14
Hi

I am currently in the market for an engagement ring with a total budget of 10k. With my budget in mind I think I will spend 1k on the ring and 9k on the diamond.

I have done a little bit of research and found a round diamond on blue Nile which fits the 9k budget
It is :
  • Size 0.9 carat
  • Clour H
  • Clarity VVS1
  • Cut ideal

As I do not know to much, I would like to see if i can get some much needed help

I would perfer to have a diamond size of 0.9 carats as I think this is a must for my partner. The other 3 c's I am not too sure and just chose the middle for those selections. Is there some c's which are more important and cause a more noticeable difference to the average eye?
If so what c's would this be and your suggested selection for the budget

Also, is blue Nile a good place to purchase from?

Thank you and all help will be very appreciated
 
Is your budget $9K AUD?

I'd highly recommend a diamond from Whiteflash for your budget. You'd be getting the best of the best cut, with superior light performance and optical symmetry. As for the other Cs, G-H and VS1-VS2 (or eye-clean SI1) are often considered safe choices as well as getting more value for your money.

Here are some options you can take a look at.

Diamond | 0.910 ct E SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4465567

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.910 carat E color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4465567
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.918 ct H VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4462552

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.918 carat H color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4462552
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.914 ct F VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4366944

This fabulous 0.914 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of F.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4366944
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.942 ct F SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4462558

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.942 carat F color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4462558
www.whiteflash.com
 
saitek said:
Is there some c's which are more important and cause a more noticeable difference to the average eye?
If so what c's would this be and your suggested selection for the budget

Also, is blue Nile a good place to purchase from?

Thank you and all help will be very appreciated
Click to expand...

The most important C is actually 'Cut' for getting the best sparkle.

Although BN is a reputable online vendor, I personally wouldn't choose that BN diamond because 63.2% depth is too deep and won't face up the size it should for its ct weight (max PS recommended is 62.5%). VVS1 is extremely high on the clarity scale but I personally don't like any 'chip' inclusions.

Depending on your partner's color sensitivity, I would consider getting a higher color and/or largest diamond within your budget and lowering on requirement on clarity so long as eye-clean (perhaps even SI1).

Agree with @Kim N on recommendation to use WF. They specialize in superideal cut diamonds and their upgrade policy is the most generous.
 
Kim N said:
Is your budget $9K AUD?

I'd highly recommend a diamond from Whiteflash for your budget.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the recommendation. I should have also said I am in Sydney, Australia.

When importing from Whiteflash, would there by many things I should consider? GST/duties and freight times/insurance
 
saitek said:
Thank you for the recommendation. I should have also said I am in Sydney, Australia.

When importing from Whiteflash, would there by many things I should consider? GST/duties and freight times/insurance
Click to expand...

As far as I've read, Whiteflash would take care of the paperwork, but you would need to pay GST. I'm unsure of freight time/insurance, but you can chat with them online and ask.
 
saitek said:
Thank you for the recommendation. I should have also said I am in Sydney, Australia.

When importing from Whiteflash, would there by many things I should consider? GST/duties and freight times/insurance
Click to expand...
I'm also in Sydney. Here is a page with relevant info:

The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement | Whiteflash

Information and Links regarding preferential treatment of Australian customs for jewelry products from the United States.
www.whiteflash.com

WF will include the AUSFTA paperwork so that a made in USA ring can be imported into Australia duty-free (if you are just importing a loose diamond, it is always duty free). The 10% GST will need to be paid and you'll probably get a link via SMS/email from Fedex after it ships for the amount which you can pay by credit card. FedEx will also charge $88 for custom/import fee. You can double check the process with WF and they can also answer any other questions you may have.

Also register with WF before you make a purchase if you decide to use them so that you can get $100 off on your first order.
 
Here is one from Brian Gavin Diamonds (another superideal diamond vendor) that might be worth considering:

www.briangavindiamonds.com

0.89 E VVS2 Brian Gavin Blue

Buy diamonds online - AGS Graded 0.89 carat E VVS2 super ideal cut Brian Gavin Blue Round Cut diamond. Lifetime Upgrade Policy!
www.briangavindiamonds.com www.briangavindiamonds.com

This is from BGD's Blue range if you don't mind fluorescence. The proportions look beautiful but no pics or videos have been loaded yet probably because it is a recent listing (you can chat with them to request if interested). It is 0.89ct but actually faces up larger then the initial diamond you posted.

BGD currently has a sale until Apr 30. Works out to be 5% off if you pay by credit card:

www.briangavindiamonds.com

Special Offers on Loose Diamonds, Engagement Rings, & Jewelry

Discover Loose Diamond, Engagement Ring, & Earrings offers and specials. Shop now at Brian Gavin Diamonds!
www.briangavindiamonds.com www.briangavindiamonds.com
 
Can I ask why you looking at US based diamond/jewellery company’s when Australia has equal to and without the associated costs of international exchange rates, shipping, insurance etc?
PS has a very knowledgeable Australian diamond expert on the forum, you could reach out to him via his business for direction & information.
I don’t mean to sound anti International but over many years of research I have often found what I want around the corner.
 
Brigid said:
Can I ask why you looking at US based diamond/jewellery company’s when Australia has equal to and without the associated costs of international exchange rates, shipping, insurance etc?
PS has a very knowledgeable Australian diamond expert on the forum, you could reach out to him via his business for direction & information.
I don’t mean to sound anti International but over many years of research I have often found what I want around the corner.
Click to expand...

I am not look at US based companies only, but from what I've seen they seem to be quite good value compared to Australian stores. Even when taking into account the extra 10% GST. Also, shipping and insurance appears to be free on WF

do you guys recommend using this search shortcut:
www.pricescope.com

PriceScope Diamond Buying Shortcut

Congratulations on finding PriceScope. We are the world’s Premier Diamond & Jewelry Community with the industry’s most in depth and objective knowledge base. PriceScope has been a unique authority among […]
www.pricescope.com

Just need to figure out the ring now.
My partner suggested she wanted the diamond set in a 6 prong yellow gold solitaire

I had in mind about $1k for the ring in AUD but this is about double that

6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring by Vatche | 3608

6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring by Vatche. Experience classic elegance with the timeless beauty of the 6 prong solitaire engagement ring by Vatche. | 3608
www.whiteflash.com

if I spend 25% on ring and 75% on diamond is that a bit too much on the ring
 
If you choose to go with WF this is another option that many PSers like.

Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring | 6159

Embrace the classic charm of the Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring. Find your dream ring at Whiteflash and symbolize your everlasting bond. | 6159
www.whiteflash.com

Here is a thread with more pictures of the Valoria.

Show me your Valoria setting!

Here's the link to the setting: https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/valoria-petite-six-prong-solitaire-engagement-ring-6158.htm#size=6.75 A lot of PSers have been interested in the is setting lately including myself so I thought I would consolidate some pictures. If you have...
www.pricescope.com
 
"My partner suggested she wanted the diamond set in a 6 prong yellow gold solitaire
I had in mind about $1k for the ring in AUD but this is about double that

6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring by Vatche | 3608 ​

This Platinum Vatche U-113 6-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring is refined elegance, with clean, fluid lines. Learn more about this ring at Whiteflash. | 3608
www.whiteflash.com"

Platinum is usually more expensive than yellow gold.
 
Would you and your partner be OK with a J-K color that's extremely well-cut since you're setting it into a yellow gold ring?

Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring | 6159

Embrace the classic charm of the Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring. Find your dream ring at Whiteflash and symbolize your everlasting bond. | 6159
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.023 ct K VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4477313

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.023 carat K color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4477313
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.064 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4451152

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.064 carat J color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4451152
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.094 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4430030

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.094 carat J color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4430030
www.whiteflash.com

Price range for this setting and any of these three ACAs would be between AUD$8167-9658, with the current exchange rate (before any applicable AU taxes and import fees).

 
DejaWiz said:
Would you and your partner be OK with a J-K color that's extremely well-cut since you're setting it into a yellow gold ring?

Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring | 6159

Embrace the classic charm of the Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring. Find your dream ring at Whiteflash and symbolize your everlasting bond. | 6159
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.023 ct K VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4477313

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.023 carat K color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4477313
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.064 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4451152

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.064 carat J color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4451152
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.094 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4430030

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.094 carat J color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4430030
www.whiteflash.com

Price range for this setting and any of these three ACAs would be between AUD$8167-9658, with the current exchange rate (before any applicable AU taxes and import fees).

Click to expand...

Wow that is great for the budget

When setting in a gold ring, is J-K in different to the usual safe colours of G-H?
 
saitek said:
Wow that is great for the budget

When setting in a gold ring, is J-K in different to the usual safe colours of G-H?
Click to expand...

^ What fel said. It will greatly depend on your own subjective color sensitivity and tolerance.

Keep in mind that a GIA or AGS I-K color grade diamond is still less tinted than your run of the mill chain/mall store diamond with a cut rate grading lab report stating G-J color.
Not trying to sway you one way or the other: if you don't feel comfortable moving up into the J-K range, then don't do it.
Plenty of diamonds available in every price range all over the globe.
 
Last edited:
Yekutiel at IDJ got my daughter's fiancé the most beautiful 1.4 carat diamond it is J color SI1 beautifully got stone that is so Amazing. He works with any budget. I would give him a try.

IDjewelry.com
 
OP, you can ask White Flash to give you video of stones next to each other. Perhaps, pick I, J, K or H, I, J. Then you can figure out if the color works for you.
 
How hard a criteria is 0.9ct for your partner actually?

For the search that has been done by fellow posters according to your budget (with the chosen setting budget in mind), we are likely at H colour or above, in the .8x ct range, which is normally 6mm while .90ct is around 6.2mm when talking about top cut. This is normally where many can see face up size difference side by side.

If such size is good enough for you both, it’s quite hassle free to go with WF, one stop for stone, setting, great upgrade policy. If you do desire larger, perhaps as heididdl suggested, consider vendors like IDJ.

There isn’t many unicorns like the .89 E BGD stone, that it almost equals the diameter of .9x ones. However, with an E colour and VVS2,you are not saving much in fact.

Agreed having colour comparison with WF could help.
 
Double E said:
How hard a criteria is 0.9ct for your partner actually?
Click to expand...

I think this is one of her main wants in the ring, a bit tough for the budget I have, so the other C's will have to suffer a little

I decided I will probably budget around $1k AUD for the setting, $9K AUD for the diamond and allow for 10% ontop ($1k AUD) for GST. Total $11K all up which is good

With the setting, she has changed her mind and now wants a white ring. So I will probably have to be more careful with the colour of the diamond now

What are peoples thought about this diamond (I used the PS shortcut search)

Diamond | 0.952 ct I VS1 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4473418

This fabulous 0.952 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of I.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4473418
www.whiteflash.com

Also some that other's have suggested which I am also contemplating:
Smaller Carat but better colour -

Diamond | 0.918 ct H VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4462552

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.918 carat H color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4462552
www.whiteflash.com

Slightly smaller Carat and slightly worse clarity but better colour -

Diamond | 0.942 ct F SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4462558

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.942 carat F color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4462558
www.whiteflash.com

What's the difference between WF's "A cut above" Vs "Expert Selection" ?

What are people's suggestions on 14K white gold, 18K white gold and platinum?
If I can get away with the cheapest being 14K white gold I will !
This is probably the setting on WF I am currently most interested in-

Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring | 6158

Embrace the classic charm of the Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring. Find your dream ring at Whiteflash and symbolize your everlasting bond. | 6158
www.whiteflash.com
 
OP, I think the .952 I VS1 was incorrectly labeled as Expert Selection. If you look at the certificate, it states it’s an ACA. I would double check with WF.
 
saitek said:
I think this is one of her main wants in the ring, a bit tough for the budget I have, so the other C's will have to suffer a little

I decided I will probably budget around $1k AUD for the setting, $9K AUD for the diamond and allow for 10% ontop ($1k AUD) for GST. Total $11K all up which is good

With the setting, she has changed her mind and now wants a white ring. So I will probably have to be more careful with the colour of the diamond now

What are peoples thought about this diamond (I used the PS shortcut search)

Diamond | 0.952 ct I VS1 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4473418

This fabulous 0.952 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of I.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4473418
www.whiteflash.com

Also some that other's have suggested which I am also contemplating:
Smaller Carat but better colour -

Diamond | 0.918 ct H VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4462552

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.918 carat H color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4462552
www.whiteflash.com

Slightly smaller Carat and slightly worse clarity but better colour -

Diamond | 0.942 ct F SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4462558

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.942 carat F color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4462558
www.whiteflash.com

What's the difference between WF's "A cut above" Vs "Expert Selection" ?

What are people's suggestions on 14K white gold, 18K white gold and platinum?
If I can get away with the cheapest being 14K white gold I will !
This is probably the setting on WF I am currently most interested in-

Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring | 6158

Embrace the classic charm of the Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring. Find your dream ring at Whiteflash and symbolize your everlasting bond. | 6158
www.whiteflash.com
Click to expand...

First of all I don’t think I will be able to see the face up size difference between the three. I will focus on how important or influential the colour and clarity condition on each stones are instead.

With roughly similar cost and size, I normally prefer higher colour. However I am aware there’s a cavity on the F si1. How uncommon is a top cut branded diamond with cavity? Hope more experienced members could chime in.
 
Last edited:
saitek said:
What are people's suggestions on 14K white gold, 18K white gold and platinum?
If I can get away with the cheapest being 14K white gold I will !
This is probably the setting on WF I am currently most interested in-

Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring | 6158

Embrace the classic charm of the Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring. Find your dream ring at Whiteflash and symbolize your everlasting bond. | 6158
www.whiteflash.com
Click to expand...

So mileage may vary and I am not a prongs person generally -- the ring you selected do you see how the tips of the prongs are little balls, so that when you look at the diamond face up you see little balls around it where each prong ends? I really don't care for that kind of look personally. In fact I have a colored stone ring with those balls, and I am finally getting it remade to remove them, as I can't stand wearing the ring like that.

Claw ends or double prongs are much more attractive. Of course, my personal favorite is bezel or semi-bezel settings...
 
Since you mentioned that your partner wants a white ring, will you consider this?

Diamond | 0.923 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4462553

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.923 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4462553
www.whiteflash.com

More mind clean on both clarity (VS2) and colour (highest within near colourless range being a G). I also like the proportions very much, relatively high crown, smaller table!

Not the cheapest one among your list, but extremely close to the .918 H VS1, that I guess you’re fine with it.
 
fel said:
So mileage may vary and I am not a prongs person generally -- the ring you selected do you see how the tips of the prongs are little balls, so that when you look at the diamond face up you see little balls around it where each prong ends? I really don't care for that kind of look personally. In fact I have a colored stone ring with those balls, and I am finally getting it remade to remove them, as I can't stand wearing the ring like that.

Claw ends or double prongs are much more attractive. Of course, my personal favorite is bezel or semi-bezel settings...
Click to expand...

Just wanted to note that the prongs on this ring (as well as others Whiteflash makes) are customizable. You can choose from claw, petite claw, tab or round. There is a visual on WF website that shows the difference.

What prong styles does Whiteflash offer?

Across our entire catalogue of designer items, as well as Whiteflash designs, you will see a full range of prong styles. In many cases, we can accommodate a customer’s preference.
www.whiteflash.com
 
Hi All,

Thank you for the suggestions so far

I am about to lock in the below setting and diamond, just wanted to double check if this looks all good or if you would have any suggestions:

Ritani 1RZ7241 Solitaire Engagement Ring - Whitef... | 3990

Unveil pure sophistication with Ritani 1RZ7241 Solitaire Engagement Ring. Celebrate your love story with this timeless piece at Whiteflash. | 3990
www.whiteflash.com
(will request for the petite claw)

Diamond | 0.923 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4462553

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.923 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4462553
www.whiteflash.com
 
If one must have prongs I like the petite claws best. That diamond looks lovely.
 
fel said:
If one must have prongs I like the petite claws best. That diamond looks lovely.
Click to expand...

Vote for Petite claws~ Size of claws of four prong is usually a bit larger than six prongs, applying claw prongs makes the four points of prong less obvious and the whole face up view more rounded.
 
saitek said:
Hi All,

Thank you for the suggestions so far

I am about to lock in the below setting and diamond, just wanted to double check if this looks all good or if you would have any suggestions:

Ritani 1RZ7241 Solitaire Engagement Ring - Whitef... | 3990

Unveil pure sophistication with Ritani 1RZ7241 Solitaire Engagement Ring. Celebrate your love story with this timeless piece at Whiteflash. | 3990
www.whiteflash.com
(will request for the petite claw)

Diamond | 0.923 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4462553

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.923 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4462553
www.whiteflash.com
Click to expand...

And the stone, your wife will have a gem with sparkle and fire that beat those commercial and generic 1 ct diamonds without being too tinted~
 
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