Long time reader, first time poster... Help

[duke5021]

Hi guys, been reading for awhile looking to make the plunge in the next couple of months. Need help picking out a diamond.

Here is what I'm looking for and what I have narrowed it down to:

Budget for a stone: $13k - 15k
Cut- understanding this is the most important in terms of "bling" would like to be "Ideal / Excellent"
Clarity- VVS2, VS2, or VS1
Color- H (maybe drop down to I, but don't want yellow hue)
Shape- round

Anyone have some recommendations with what will give me the most "bang for my buck" and sparkle the most?

Thanks for the help

Here is the one I've been eying up: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.72-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-280861

 

[RockyRacoon]

Here's a beautiful option, that would be under $15k after Pricescope discount:

1.686ct, I, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.686-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104069928005

 

[SHOWBIZ]

Cut- understanding this is the most important in terms of "bling" would like to be "Ideal / Excellent"

I'm no expert, but cut is definitely the most important. What I have learned from the experts here is that just because a diamond has been graded "Excellent" cut doesn't necessarily mean it will perform well. Based on the proportions of the James Allen stone, that one has an HCA score of 2.5 so you can probably find a better stone.

I think for the most "bang for your buck" would be in the VS2/SI1 range for clarity. H or I colour would both be fine. But you need to take a closer look at the diamond cut proportions and ask for idealscope images if they score 2.0 or less with the HCA tool.

 

[Gypsy]

The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F. And GIA Ex is not enough.
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want?
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut
Well one method is to start with a GIA Ex, and then apply the HCA to it.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/holloway-cut-advisor
The HCA is a rejection tool. Not a selection tool. It uses 4 data points to make a rudimentary call on how the diamond may perform.
If the diamond passes then you know that you are in the right zone in terms of angles for light performance.
Is that enough? Not really.
So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an idealscope image does. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/firescope-idealscope
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile, as they do not provide idealscope images for their diamonds. James Allen and WF do.

The Idealscope is the 'selection tool'. Not the HCA.
So yes, with a GIA stone you need the idealscope images. Or you can buy an idealscope yourself and take it in to the jeweler you are working with to check the stones yourself. Or if you have a good return policy (full refund minimum 7 days) then you can buy the idealscope, buy the stone, and do it at home.


Now if you want to skip all that... stick to AGS0 stones and then all you have to do is pick color and clarity and you know you have a great performing diamond. Because AGS has already done the checking for you. That's why they trade at a premium.

 

[duke5021]

Thanks for the detailed reply Gypsy. Think I have to go back to the drawing board a bit. I'm leaning toward purchasing off JA as they have setting I really like, but think I need to go back and look at my options. Appreciate the help again.

Any other recommendations you or anyone else have would be welcomed.