Help! Upgrading my ring and need help!

[girlmom]

Hi all! We are celebrating 10 years next month and are upgrading my current ring (1.33 round brilliant). For the engagement ring, I wasn't involved in the process at all and I'm thrilled that I get to be a part of choosing this time. But I'm feeling very overwhelmed trying to educate myself on diamonds!

Here's what we're looking for...

2.3-2.9 carat round brilliant
excellent/ideal cut
G color
vs2-si1 eye clean

The things I care about most are:
1. sparkle (Is this all based on the dimensions?)
2. size (bigger the better )

Other than that, I'd obviously like it to be eye clean (no visible black spots) and not too yellow.

We are hoping to spend around $20,000. Is this doable at all?

I'd really appreciate any insight. Also, online or brick and mortar? If we go online, is JamesAllen best with all their pictures and technology?

Thanks sooo much in advance!!!

 

[girlmom]

Can anyone help me assess these rocks? TIA!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.22-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-782368

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.70-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1009125

Do you think the inclusions will be really visible in person?

 

[Fulvia]

Hi girlmom,

Sparkle (i.e. how it reflects light) is determined by a diamond's cut. You need to ask James Allen for ASET images of these diamonds and post them for evaluation. PS also has the HCA tool which allows you to evaluate a diamond's optic performance by entering its stats.

You can also avoid all this by going straight to the best diamond vendors who do all this work for you and sell only the best cut diamonds. Check out Whiteflash's A Cut Above category, Brian Gavin and maybe contact Good Old Gold.

BTW why are you so set on G colour? A well-cut I or J (esp with florescence) faces up beautifully without the premium associated with such a high colour (just a thought).

 

[girlmom]

Really? I previously had an H and I'm just worried about it looking yellow. I really would like it to be very white looking. Now you have me rethinking this..

What do you think of this one?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.62-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-867251

 

[girlmom]

Can you explain a little more about what kind of fluorescence I would need to make an I or J look whiter? Thanks!!