I've done a good amount of research on this site, in brick and mortar stores, and elsewhere, and I still feel like I've barely scratched the surface of diamond knowledge. With that said, I defer to the collective knowledge here and beg for assistance...
The scenario: I'm going to propose to a very beautiful woman/the most wonderful person in my life in late October.
Her desire: Sneakily, I've found out exactly what she wants in a diamond ring, and it is thus: decent size (.9 to 1 ct), round, on a 14k-18k white gold petite solitaire band.
My research: I've come to the conclusion that on a 3k budget, 1 ct isn't going to happen. I've looked at the difference in say, a J color and an F+. I know that when compared to a sheet of white paper, one looks "less white". I've looked through the jeweler's thingy and seen the difference between a VS1 and S2 under magnification. I've been told, and read, that cut is the most important factor, and GIA is the benchmark for certifications. If any of these are half-truths, please let me know.
My conclusion: My desire is to find a .9 ct, J-G color, SI2 to VS1, round, ideal/VG (GIA rated) stone for under 3k.
My questions: Am I crazy? The .8 ct and smaller diamonds are just too small. She has tiny fingers, but it would still look ridiculous and to be honest, I can't tell the difference between a J or an F or an SI2 and a VS1 unless I go through the tricks. Is it possible to get what I'm looking for? I've used the diamond search and found these things in my price range, but I can't tell if it's actually a pretty looking diamond or not...things like culet, fluorescence, etc. are still beyond my understanding in regards to how they affect the diamond. Any advice on a good diamond that will fit my needs please? Thank you in advance.
The scenario: I'm going to propose to a very beautiful woman/the most wonderful person in my life in late October.
Her desire: Sneakily, I've found out exactly what she wants in a diamond ring, and it is thus: decent size (.9 to 1 ct), round, on a 14k-18k white gold petite solitaire band.
My research: I've come to the conclusion that on a 3k budget, 1 ct isn't going to happen. I've looked at the difference in say, a J color and an F+. I know that when compared to a sheet of white paper, one looks "less white". I've looked through the jeweler's thingy and seen the difference between a VS1 and S2 under magnification. I've been told, and read, that cut is the most important factor, and GIA is the benchmark for certifications. If any of these are half-truths, please let me know.
My conclusion: My desire is to find a .9 ct, J-G color, SI2 to VS1, round, ideal/VG (GIA rated) stone for under 3k.
My questions: Am I crazy? The .8 ct and smaller diamonds are just too small. She has tiny fingers, but it would still look ridiculous and to be honest, I can't tell the difference between a J or an F or an SI2 and a VS1 unless I go through the tricks. Is it possible to get what I'm looking for? I've used the diamond search and found these things in my price range, but I can't tell if it's actually a pretty looking diamond or not...things like culet, fluorescence, etc. are still beyond my understanding in regards to how they affect the diamond. Any advice on a good diamond that will fit my needs please? Thank you in advance.
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