I'm looking for a diamond for $12k

[zlunn]

This is my first time buying a diamond. I've done some research, but I was wondering if I could get some help. I know I want as many carats as possible while still getting a nice, colorless, shiny stone. Any reccomendations out there?

Edit
Color - H or lower
No visible inclusions with the naked eye
Cut- Very Good - Excellent

 

[eh613c]

You may want to give the experts a little bit more information (e.g. min/max requirements for cut, clarity and color).

 

[ecf8503]

By H or lower do you mean warmer (K-L-M) or whiter (D-E-F-G)?

 

[Gypsy]

I assume you want a round?


Would you prefer ideal light return and precision patterning?
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.232-h-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104054185007
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.267-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104055873013
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.232-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104054564004

Or excellent light return and size maximization:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1395522.asp

 

[zlunn]

How much would you pay for this diamond?
Round
1.71ct
H
SI1
Cut Grade Good
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Good

 

[UberClaire]

$0 because the cut grade is only listed as good. If you read back through the posts and answer some of the questions asked there, I'm sure people will be happy to find you a great stone.

 

[Gypsy]

Cut grades simplified.

GIA Excellent: Get an idealscope to verify performance
Very Good: Not good enough.
Good: Poor
Poor: Terrible

The only way I would buy that diamond is if it was selling at less than 50% retail. And then I would get it recut.
Cut is King.

 

[zlunn]

By H or lower do you mean warmer (K-L-M) or whiter (D-E-F-G)?

H or whiter
Round
I'd like to stay above 1.5ct
SI1 is the lowest I'd go (is it too low?)
Cut - Very Good

Can I accomplish this with my budget?

 

[tyty333]

Cut grades simplified.

GIA Excellent: Get an idealscope to verify performance
Very Good: Not good enough.
Good: Poor
Poor: Terrible

I got a good laugh out of this one Gypsy!

 

[mrswahs]

SI1 is definitely not too low, but you'll have to see the diamond in person to see if there are any visible inclusions. You can get an "eye clean" SI1.

 

[UberClaire]

Not a lot of inventory on James Allen for what you're looking for. You want "excellent" or "ideal" cut. "Very good" is what Gypsy said -- not very good.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1507151.asp

This looks like your best bet, but I don't know if it would be eye-clean.

 

[UberClaire]

If you're willing to increase your budget by $500 to $1000, these three might be worth looking into more:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1471835.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1508168.asp (a 60/60 diamond I think -- I don't know much about these)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1465250.asp

They're above 1.5 carat and have scores of less than 2.0 on HCA, but again, I'm not sure if they would be completely eye-clean.

 

[Rhino]

Cut grades simplified.

GIA Excellent: Get an idealscope to verify performance
Very Good: Not good enough.
Good: Poor
Poor: Terrible

I got a good laugh out of this one Gypsy!

I did too! Gypsy has a way of cutting through the mustard.

 

[zlunn]

Thanks for the help. I could probably go up a little. My goal was to get the entire thing done at around $14k.

 

[Gypsy]

Always happy to entertain.

Claire posted some nice ones. I didn't care for the spread/depth on one of them so I wouldn't, personally, follow up on that one considering you have a better choice. The other was probably not eyeclean but had a prongable inclusion, if you are willing to compromise there it would be a good choice, but I didn't include it.

I like this stone the best if the idealscope confirms performance. It's nicely balanced. Good price, color and clarity and spread. Put it on hold and ask for an idealscope image from JA and then post it here and we can help you. It's going to be eyeclean so that's not a worry. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1508168.asp