Help with selecting a diamond.

[hoss_dbz_33]

I would like some help on selecting a diamond. I have been looking on JamesAllen.com at some diamonds and many of them seem nice, but it is only one picture. I am also in talks with my local jeweler about a diamond and I have been able to look at the diamond in person. The diamond is a princess shape diamond
1.09 carat
G color
SI2 clarity
Good - very good cut
I figure the diamond is between $3500-$4500. But I am not sure because the diamond and ring together cost $4900. The ring is a 14k White Gold ring with two .25 carat sapphires on the side. That's why I guessed between $3500-$4500 for the diamond.

The certificate is from IGL, so I know it is possibly even a lower clarity and color especially if reported by GIA. I thought the diamond was nice. It did sparkle to me, but I believe it could have been better. I did notice a few clouds or crystals when I viewed it from the side. I am no expert, but I barely noticed only one inclusion when I viewed it from the top or through the table. My concern is I can't look at JamesAllen diamonds as thorough, but I'm sure they are better than this diamond.

I was interested in these diamonds.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Very%20Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1465693.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Very%20Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1462472.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Very%20Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1487547.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1467910.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1485341.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1487045.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Very%20Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1484938.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Very%20Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1484938.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Very%20Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1468701.asp


I have been talking with Mr. Michael from TheTruthAboutDiamonds. He has suggested this diamond.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Very%20Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1471801.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x

After Mr. Michael's suggestion, I also looked at these two diamonds

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Very%20Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1487455.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS1-Very%20Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1487514.asp

Mr Michael said he believed the 1.00 Carat H-VS2 diamond was not clean. I will admit that I can't see anything wrong with the diamond from the picture on JamesAllen.com. (at least for the price). I think that this diamond will shine and be more brilliant than the diamond I have looked at at my local jeweler and I'm sure this diamond will easily fit in my budget. My overall budget is between $5000-$5500 maybe $6000 if the ring and diamond are a great deal.

I know I'm asking a lot, especially for a first time poster, but I really want to get a nice sparkling, brilliant diamond for my money and this is a very expensive purchase. So any thoughts and suggestions on any of these diamonds, or any other diamonds that any of you feel are better, regarding my expectations would be greatly appreciated. I thank anyone in advance and after for any post or response. You guys are great and I hope to help others in the future myself. This is a great forum and webpage.

 

[hoss_dbz_33]

I know my post was very long and I may be asking too much, but this is a big purchase for me and I want to get it right.

Any help on finding any eye clean, brilliant sparkling diamond for a good price would be a great help. It looks like I have a budget of about $4000-$4500 for the diamond, maybe up to $5000. Thanks so much for any assistance guys.

 

[slg47]

no, you are not asking too much.

would you consider this one that is slightly under a carat?

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9336/

 

[hoss_dbz_33]

Well I am buying the ring setting through JamesAllen.com, so I have to buy the diamond from them. That is a nice diamond, but do you have any opinions on any of the diamonds I posted. Thanks for your help.

 

[hoss_dbz_33]

Is there any other suggestions? Should I have posted this in this category or should I have posted this message in different forum category?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

What setting is it? Because Good Old Gold has MANY more setting options than James Allen. The problem with buying the stone from James Allen is that they don't have as much information on the stones and that is why I prefer some other vendors for princess cuts. I wouldn't even look at diamonds that are labelled "very good". One had a thick girdle which often makes the stone face up smaller than it should (looks like a smaller weight stone) and the other only had "good" symmetry. The diamond he suggested right before the last two has a very thin girdle. I don't think you have been getting good recommendations at all! I'll look and see if I see any that have potential.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Very%20Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1465692.asp (says excellent cut on the webpage)

 

[farmer gal]

This one be promising if it's eyeclean
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1487978.asp

 

[diamondseeker2006]

This one be promising if it's eyeclean
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1487978.asp

Like this one much better. I wasn't looking at higher colors.

 

[hoss_dbz_33]

So a GIA graded excellent cut princess cut diamond isn't a good diamond? I am starting to get a little confused. What diamond would you suggest then? The setting is a custom design with two sapphires on each side of the center stone. The two sapphires are turned a 45 degrees into what some people call a kite position, but the sapphires are princess cut diamond. Thanks guys.