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Help with upgrading round solitaire...

Chloe9

Chloe9

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 30, 2017
Messages
3
I need your help with the following. I have a very nice round diamond that I like very much. It's 2.3 ct (about 8.5 mm in diameter), VS1, H color. I am thinking of upgrading to a bigger stone, i.e above 3 ct (about 9.5 mm in diameter and above), definitely eye-clean, and as white-looking as the one I have. My budget is around $43K. The new stone has to be from James Allen, since this is where my current stone came from (plus I had an excellent experience buying from them).

Do you think that if I decide to upgrade, the new diamond would look noticeably bigger than the one I have? Is it really worth doubling the cost of my ring? And if you think I should do it, are there any stones that you can recommend that would fit my budget and expectations? TIA
 
I think it will look much bigger. Is it worth doubling the cost? Up to you. I can't even fathom that much on a ring.
 
You will definitely notice a difference. Is it worth it? Up to you. What color clarity are you looking for?
 
Yes, the size difference would be noticeable. I see that James Allen has this stone although it is an I color and still might not meet your price threshold: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-1887937.
It is well cut but only you can decide if that amount of money is worth the size upgrade to you. You might always consider selling or consigning your stone so that you could buy from whichever vendor you choose. Their 2x the original price to upgrade is rather steep when you get into the size range you are currently in.
 
LLJsmom said:
You will definitely notice a difference. Is it worth it? Up to you. What color clarity are you looking for?
Click to expand...
I am thinking similar to the one I have, i.e. minimum H, minimum VS2. However, I am open to a SI1 if it is really eye-clean, and would consider an I color if the difference is not noticeable. My biggest concern though is whether it is worth upgrading when I already have a good sized ring that I like. Am I being greedy or is it a worthy investment? I know it's a personal decision but I am interested in what the PS community thinks...
 
Chloe9 said:
I need your help with the following. I have a very nice round diamond that I like very much. It's 2.3 ct (about 8.5 mm in diameter), VS1, H color. I am thinking of upgrading to a bigger stone, i.e above 3 ct (about 9.5 mm in diameter and above), definitely eye-clean, and as white-looking as the one I have. My budget is around $43K. The new stone has to be from James Allen, since this is where my current stone came from (plus I had an excellent experience buying from them).
Click to expand...

Hi
I am wondering you are trading your stone plus 43k ?and yes there is a bigger visual look if you go for about 1.00ct. higher
my advise is if you do upgrade try to be at around 1.00ct+ from your stone, if you like the color of your current stone stay with the same color and you can go with as low as vs2
all depending on your budget.(that's why the question about your trade)
 
If you have a ring that you like, I'd be tempted to stay put. Some folks are willing to sacrifice color/clarity for a larger size stone but it sounds like you want to try to stay with the same color and clarity. That would be a lot of money to spend on one stone - unless it is something you feel you can't live without, maybe you should take a look at other jewelry that you might like to have.
 
Here is a visual for you. I entered 2.3 and let it default mm size of your stone (came up about 8.6) and had to enter 3.1 to get up about 9.5mm.
3.1 faces up 22% bigger than the 2.3
round difference.PNG
 
Hi, my current round is 8.25mm and I am considering a 3+ carat that is around 9.5mm. However, I am going down in color because I have discovered that I can tolerate up to I/J if it is an amazing cut. I have wanted 3+ carat around for many years and just did not pull the trigger and instead looked at other shape for coverage but in the end, I think I love a larger round so that is on the list for me. I think a classic solitaire look would be amazing at that size!
 
Hi Chloe9

Well - wow! Between what you're looking for, and what Diamondseeker posted, you pretty much nailed my experience! I had an H SI1 2.15ct stone which was 8.25mm. I now have an I VS2 3.61ct 9.75 - 9.8mm. It's a GORGEOUS diamond, the size diff is huge, and I regret nothing.

You said your budget is around 43k - but what's the amount you *have* to spend to meet the 'double the original cost' proviso?

I agree with DS re clarity - at that size, keep it VS2 or above. Mine, at VS2 ,is definitely eye clean. I love that about it. :) Its light return is spectacular, and looks very white. I'll include a combo shot.

My e-ring_a.jpg
 
if it were me, I would rather put the money into a second stone. I would get a killer 2.5-3 carat J/K AVC with a CVB setting!
 
Just came back to add a couple of diamonds. This diamond doesn't quite make the cut on the HCA - but it gets a 'worth buying if the price is right' grading. It's also an H VS2 - and I'm adding it because I REALLY liked the faceting on it - which I get a lot out of.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2695894

I thought this was very nice also and would perhaps be attractive to you - it's a beautifully clean stone with very good stats and gets 1 on the HCA:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2695928

This one is much cheaper and gets a .7 on the HCA - but again - I'm not sure what your minimum price point is. This one is also 9.6mm across:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2438488
 
Chloe9 said:
I am thinking similar to the one I have, i.e. minimum H, minimum VS2. However, I am open to a SI1 if it is really eye-clean, and would consider an I color if the difference is not noticeable. My biggest concern though is whether it is worth upgrading when I already have a good sized ring that I like. Am I being greedy or is it a worthy investment? I know it's a personal decision but I am interested in what the PS community thinks...
Click to expand...
At current market / era, i will never consider diamond an investment, as it's bound to drop badly in years to come.
More and more people are realizing that diamond are not rare, it's actually something cheap and only priced due to the marketing ages ago, hence in recent years, there are people whom are opting for other kind of stones or even watches for proposal....so its a definite answer that decades down the road, diamond value will be crashing down.

Just buy what you like and if it makes you feel good, why not.
 
I think that you should go with a Vs2 ,lately I have seen many si1 that have a black imperfection right in the center of the table,
you should be able to get a 3.00+cts for around your budget without trading in your stone, and yes do get one that has the ideal proprtions
 
Chloe9 said:
I have a very nice round diamond that I like very much.
Click to expand...
What you said contains the answer! No, do not trade your so nice diamond for possible lower color and possible lower clarity just to get bigger size!
How I understand the upgrade: size, color, clarity - upgrade one or more of the 3 characteristics keeping the same level of the remaining.
Going lower in some of the 3C does not mean upgrade for me.
 
Thank you all for your answers! I think I am now inclined to keep my ring and maybe buy a new one. I am thinking fancy color or a difference shape, like emerald-cut or Asscher...
 
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