Looking for a engagement diamond advice

[KG142]

Hi all! My friend pointed me to this forum to help me find an engagement diamond. I've been lurking for a few days and I've already learned a lot. I'm planning to propose in about a month, and I want to maximize diamond size while keeping all other specs in "good value" territory (i.e. difficult to see flaws with an untrained/unaided eye). So I'm thinking:

Budget: $12,000
Cut: Very Good, Modern Round Brilliant
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
Carat: Maximum given budget
Other possible useful info: Her ring size is 6.5. The setting will be yellow or rose gold. Leaning toward a solitaire setting.

- Any advice on where to purchase? Any online links to specific diamonds?
- What size am I looking at for my $12k budget?
- Are there any other reasonable concessions I can make in order to increase carat?
- Likewise, should I increase my cut, color, or clarity targets?

Thank you - I really appreciate the help!

 

[sledge]

Diamonds are a zero sum game meaning that if you have a fixed budget ($12k) then all the other 4 C's will need to adjust up or down to even out.

Limit your search to ideal cut diamonds! An easy way to do this is look for AGS certified ideal 0 stones. A harder way is GIA triple excellent (3x) with ideal proportions.

If shopping with a trusted vendor that vets their stones I'd be okay with dropping clarity to an SI1 and going with a good eye clean stone. If you shop virtual inventory I'd be more inclined to increase clarity to VS2+ as the vetting process isn't there and it's added security.

Does $12k include your stone & solitaire, or just the stone only? If both, I'd leave about $1k for the setting so you have some flexibility in your options.

Here are a few options to kick off.

1.645ct I SI1 @ $11,564
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4066983.htm

1.435ct I VS1 @ $10,394
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3961913.htm

1.447ct I VS1 @ $11,268
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947657.htm

 

[KG142]

Thanks for your reply! These direct links are very helpful! I didn't put much value in the cut, but some further reading is showing me the importance.

My budget is $12k for the diamond, with some wiggle room. Indeed I was expecting to add about $1k for the setting.

If I can get away with SI1 from a reputable vendor, then I'm liking that first diamond you recommended.

I'm not really familiar with any diamond vendors. Is Whiteflash a good source online? Are there other good ones? Would buying from a brick and mortar store be more ideal? I'm nervous to wire $12k to a vendor I've never dealt with before, but I trust the recommendations on this forum.

Thanks again!

 

[lovedogs]

Echo @sledge. Cut is most important, and definitely make sure your getting the best cut you can. Whiteflash is one of the most trusted vendors on this board for good reason. Their service is outstanding, and product is top notch. Other vendors for ideal cut stones are high performance diamonds and Brian Gavin (signature line, I think).

Buying from one of the recommended vendors here is 100% better and safer than buying in store. You'll get a better product for a more fair price. In person stores (unless you can visit WF/HPD) can't compete, and just won't have the same quality choices.

 

[lovedogs]

Ps. If you aren't comfortable wiring $, you can pay by CC or other method. You won't get the wire discount, but if it makes you feel more comfortable then it's likely worth the extra cost.

 

[farrahlyn]

the recommendations above are perfect but i wanted to touch on the setting. are you positive she wants a solitaire? Most ladies are pretty sure on what style of engagement ring they like and just going with a solitaire because its what you prefer (or it makes it easier) is not the route i'd recomment. Now, if you know for a fact she wants a nice solitaire, ignore the above! lol!

 

[KG142]

Thank you @sledge @lovedogs and @farrahlyn! This is all great advice. I feel much more comfortable with the online vendors.

@farrahlyn Yeah, I didn't make it clear that she's the one leaning toward a solitaire setting She has picked out about 5 setting styles she likes, and 4 of 5 are solitaire. One is a 3-stone ring. She particularly likes the work done by David Klass.

 

[farrahlyn]

Thank you @sledge @lovedogs and @farrahlyn! This is all great advice. I feel much more comfortable with the online vendors.

@farrahlyn Yeah, I didn't make it clear that she's the one leaning toward a solitaire setting She has picked out about 5 setting styles she likes, and 4 of 5 are solitaire. One is a 3-stone ring. She particularly likes the work done by David Klass.

then well done!!! That 1.6ct WF posted is a really nice choice, REALLY good price, especially when you look around at other vendors.