Help with choosing a diamond

[kb4vdw01]

Hi everyone,
I've had a lot of fun learning about diamonds (this site has been so helpful!), but sometimes it feels like I am drinking from a firehose. I'm in the market for a diamond center stone for this Memoire setting at my local jewelers: .

I've been looking at online vendors for something in the 1 carat range and around the $5000 mark. I'm comfortable with spending a bit more for the right stone if it comes to that. I don't think that my girlfriend or I are color sensitive, but I am a little concerned that a near colorless stone might not match the stones in this setting. Below are some diamonds I have been looking at.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.080-k-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104081959028

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.970-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104082875023

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3565122.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3189856.htm

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/dzdunu-1.015-j-si1-ideal-hearts-arrows-round

So am I on the right track with one of these? Anything else I should consider before I buy?

Thanks so much in advance,
Chris

 

[tyty333]

What color stones are in the setting you are looking at?

You are looking at well cut stone so that's a good start.

 

[kb4vdw01]

I just checked with the jeweler and they are 0.09 carat, G/H color, SI clarity.

 

[kb4vdw01]

After researching some more and seeing some videos, I don't think color differences of one or two grades is going to be all that noticeable once it is set (although I could be wrong). Does anyone have opinions on the diamonds I have referenced? Would one of them work for this ring, or is there something subtle I am missing that I should look for? At the moment I'm leaning towards the Brian Gavin Blue.

Thank you for your time!
Chris

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Don't go lower than I color or you very well may see some tint in the center as compared with the sides. Is the jeweler ordering the setting made for your stone and in her ring size or are you considering buying the sample set? Because I do not recommend buying a sample set unless it is exactly her size and discounted.

 

[kb4vdw01]

Thanks for the quick response! I'll have to get it ordered then as the sample setting is a 6.5 and she is a 6.25. I'll start looking for I and lower.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If you can, be sure the setting has a sizing area and is not full eternity, because they are impossible to size and many women do not wear the same ring size throughout their lifetimes. She does need to try on both rings together, because sometimes with two rings, you might need a quarter size bigger than when wearing one.

Does your jeweler offer a discount on Memoire? Because Pearlman's Jewelers online is a well known and respected jeweler here and they have offered discounts in the past.

I will try to check in later today to help with the diamond. Have to travel for awhile today!

 

[flyingpig]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-i-colored-center-stone-with-f-g-side-stones.114456/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-i-colored-center-stone-with-f-g-side-stones.114456/[/URL]

I and J with f-g sidestones

 

[kb4vdw01]

I really appreciate all the input! I do see a slight difference in color in some of those pictures, but I don't think it would bother either of us. Honestly I'm being more picky/thorough about what to buy than she is. I guess it is the engineering training Also, I'm sorry if I confused you with the picture. I'm just looking at the engagement ring and not the matching band. As for the setting, I am getting a bit of a discount and I like the idea of supporting a local business.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[flyingpig]

I is definitely recommended over J. It is a safe choice. But it is hard to ignore the value J gives; 15-20 percent discount compared to I, especially if you are not color sensitive. It is hard.
Think of this way. Google M color diamond with white sides stones. Some people find this contrast desirable. J color will appear plain white in most situations, but will give you a slight tint under a certain angle and light condition. If you find this contrast desirable and appreciate the natural color of diamond, go with J or K. If not, I or higher

 

[kb4vdw01]

Now that the holidays and business trips are over, I'm back for round two. I've done some more searching and expanded my budget a bit. I'd like a diamond that is I or lower in color and I'd like to keep it under $7000 if I can. The three below look promising to me, what does everyone think?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3328837.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3596860.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3596861.htm

They are all listed as eye clean, but I'm wondering if the inclusions might impact the performance? I'm not sure if I'm being too picky or not picky enough.

Would something like this be safer assuming it has a good ASET image?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.08-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-786049

I don't strictly need a super ideal stone, but I like the idea of one as a safe bet for best performance.