Help with finding a diamond for a friend - $25K budget !

[frankiextah]

A friend is proposing to his GF of 6 years on valentine's day and in need of some urgent help to find a diamond with an approx. $25K budget (close to 2ct as possible) ...

so far i have (all prices are after PS and wire discount)....

2.19ct H VS2 at $26,771 (a little over budget)


2.06ct H VS2 at $25,775


2.03 H VS1 at $27,000 (a little over budget)


1.82ct H VS1 at $20,134



i've also advised him to set the diamond in a temp solitaire setting and let her choose the setting of her dreams after the proposal ... consider there isn't really much time until V-day...

what do you all think, and do you have other suggestions and advice ?

thankyou!

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.225-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104055873018

Leaves enough for a beautiful solitaire setting like the Grace: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/grace-18k-white-gold-5414w18 or my personal favorite, the Elegance: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/elegance-18k-white-gold-5415w18

 

[Dreamer_D]

I like these two the best of the ones you posted. What are the diameters? Can you get idealscope images? Or real photos?

2.06ct H VS2 at $25,775


1.82ct H VS1 at $20,134



This one is really unusual, 72 lgfs are so short. It could be baaaad or cool, you would want to see it in person and see how the center looks in particular.

2.03 H VS1 at $27,000 (a little over budget)

 

[frankiextah]

thanks dreamer !

for the 2.06ct ... i didn't even think about that! here's the image....

 

[frankiextah]

thanks gypsy - i will include this in the diamond "list" for my friend to consider.... it looks beautiful !!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, I might be interested in this one: 2.03 H VS1 at $27,000. Do you have the image of it? I'd like to see it's fat facets! It appears to be an AGS0, which should be a great stone.

The one I'd eliminate is the top one. I wouldn't want a very small culet on a modern round brilliant (but I'd want a large one on an antique stone!). I'd also stay at H VS2 or above since he can still get to the 2 ct. mark that way.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

thanks dreamer !

for the 2.06ct ... i didn't even think about that! here's the image....

Is that the 2.03 H VS1??? I love it and would choose it if he can stretch the budget.

 

[vintagelover229]

http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/26311/214-ct-Diamond-in-Leon-Mege-Platinum-Pave-Ring.html

 

[vintagelover229]

Here is a link to the preloved posting and her ebay listing
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/selling-my-2-14-ct-rb-diamond-in-leon-mege-platinum-pave-t171265.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/selling-my-2-14-ct-rb-diamond-in-leon-mege-platinum-pave-t171265.html[/URL]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350528748671&category=164342&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_500wt_1413

 

[Amys Bling]

I like these two the best of the ones you posted. What are the diameters? Can you get idealscope images? Or real photos?

2.06ct H VS2 at $25,775


1.82ct H VS1 at $20,134



This one is really unusual, 72 lgfs are so short. It could be baaaad or cool, you would want to see it in person and see how the center looks in particular.

2.03 H VS1 at $27,000 (a little over budget)

I like the first one of these.

 

[Amys Bling]

http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/26311/214-ct-Diamond-in-Leon-Mege-Platinum-Pave-Ring.html

That's a nice option

 

[frankiextah]

Oh oops yes the image is of the 2.03ct diamond !

 

[Dreamer_D]

thanks dreamer !

for the 2.06ct ... i didn't even think about that! here's the image....

Is that the 2.03 H VS1??? I love it and would choose it if he can stretch the budget.

If that is the 2.03 it could be killer and I would opt for it too. The fatty arrows will give the stone tremendous bold flash, and in that carat weight it will be spectacular. But you would want to see it in person too. The AGS0 grade means it is very unlikely to have any issues but still good to be sure.

ETA: Do yo uhave a photo of the 2.19? GIA rounds its lgf values so at 75 it could also have nice fatty arrows. If that is what you want. One of the other options has 80lgf which if really that high and not just rounded up, could give a cool splintery look. And the rock is larger.

 

[frankiextah]

thanks again dreamer !

that image is indeed the 2.03ct ! this is also my personal favorite, but the friend is a little reluctant on the H color, i am crossing fingers that he would like this one when he goes to see it ! it is currently reserved at James Allen. along with 2 other G colored VS stones (both slightly smaller between 1.8-1.9ct) for comparison.

i've emailed eternity diamonds for images on the 2.19, and received an unexpectedly brusk response ... this is their reply :

"we arent setup for those images. We are booked up with appointments this week."

i guess they are not interested in business, so i'll probably stick with JA for my friend ....

 

[Dreamer_D]

Hmmm. That is not a good response. If the stone is a virtual stone then ID or JA might be able to order it in for you.

 

[gerryherschaft]

So awesome.

 

[Gypsy]

thanks gypsy - i will include this in the diamond "list" for my friend to consider.... it looks beautiful !!

They may prefer higher color. But if you can, encourage them to go to a Hearts on Fire dealer. Make an appointment and sit and be trained for an hour. And make sure to tell them when the appointment is booked that they are interested in seeing G, H and I colored stones specifically in the 1.8-2.0 carat range. Also have them look at SI Hearts on Fire diamonds.

I have found that many times when people see these colors in person their fears are alleviated. There is no substitue like first hand experience and seeing the diamonds, colors and clarities in real life to give a buyer confidence.

And remember, please to clarity to them that being color sensitive is not just because able to see color. Seeing color is just your eyes functioning properly. Being color sensitive is seeing the color and being bothered by it. If it doesn't bother you, then all you have is good eye sight and a nice potential for saving money on a near colorless H-I stone.

Best to your friend.

 

[mokafrosty]

Is there an update to this thread? I am actually in a remarkably similar situation--same carat size, same budget, pretty close clarity and color tolerances. Would be great to hear what you decided on, and why. Thanks!

 

[Skippy123]

I thought of you Frankie when I saw this http://www.exceldiamonds.com/Diamonds-1/AGS-Graded-Round-Diamond-3-03-Carat-H-Color-SI1-Clarity-147666.html