Looking for a real good 1 carat round

sunk318 · Mar 31, 2013

Hey all,

I am in search for a 1 carat round diamond

My qualification is...

D/E/F
VS1 (or high quality IS1)
Ideal cut
1 Carat
Budget: $8000 or less

I've been looking for a while and blue nile seems to have the best selection and fair price.

I found these two, what do you think? Both are very similar, but are $700 beyond my price budget
#1
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=tab#certViewer_cert_pid=LD03250030|cert_num=1

#2
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=tab#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD03250030

#3
I've also walked into a local store and saw a 1.01ct/VVS2/E with 6.5-6.4 x 3.97, very good polish, good symmetry.
It didn't have cut grade as GIA report was from back in 90s. Price was $8900 firm after I nego a little. I think I can cut down a few hundreds more but I am concerned about the polish and symmetry on this one. Other than that, it looked fantastic under the microscope. This one comes with free setting as well (around $300 value)

On the other hand, I found a very nice IS1 gem for much cheaper. But, GIA says it received SI1 because of the cloud and that concerns me. Also the fact that it's been out since last year July but hasn't been sold yet concerns me as well. Link below:
#4
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=tab#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD02899753

What would be the best option for me? Also if you find anything that may be better, please let me know.

I am trying to buy one within couple weeks. Thank you all.

JulieN · Mar 31, 2013

1 and 2 link to same diamond.
#3 Any diamond with a report from the 90s should go back to the lab.
#4 Proportions are poor.

slim pickins.... does it have to be Blue Nile?
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-201425

sunk318 · Mar 31, 2013

Oops, here's the correct link for the #2

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=tab#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD03268957

And no, it doesn't have to be from blue nile.

heididdl · Mar 31, 2013

You are right slim pickins right now White flash also has that $8,800 diamond. I would Call JamesAllen and let them find you one. I wouldn't touch the GIA stone from the B&M only because you have such high qualifications for the color and clarity you should go for an ideal /excellent cut as well. The cut is what gives the stone its sparkle...I know you are set up DEF should consider G if you want a superior cut.....Just MO

sunk318 · Mar 31, 2013

heididdl|1364769087|3417581 said:
You are right slim pickins right now White flash also has that $8,800 diamond. I would Call JamesAllen and let them find you one. I wouldn't touch the GIA stone from the B&M only because you have such high qualifications for the color and clarity you should go for an ideal /excellent cut as well. The cut is what gives the stone its sparkle...I know you are set up DEF should consider G if you want a superior cut.....Just MO

Thank you for the suggestion. So would one like this be a better choice than all the ones I listed above?

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.04-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-154793

sunk318 · Mar 31, 2013

I perhaps need to tell you where I'm coming from.

I am trying to buy an engagement ring to propose and had absolutely no idea about diamonds until about two weeks ago.

I mostly researched on online and went to couple stores to look at diamonds so far.

I appreciate your help since it boosts my confidence in choosing the perfect diamond for my girlfriend.

diamondseeker2006 · Mar 31, 2013

Okay, the problem with Blue Nile is that they don't have pictures of the stones, for one thing. Vendors that have hundreds if not thousands of references on the forum who also provide pictures and information regarding light return (idealscope images) are Good Old Gold, WhiteFlash, James Allen, and Brian Gavin. They have diamonds in house and all but James Allen specialize in top cut quality stones. James Allen is more like BN in that it has a full range of stones and not all are in house, so you have to specify ideal/excellent cut when you search there. Go for either GIA Excellent cut or AGS Ideal cut only! Cut is THE most important factor in choosing a beautiful diamond!

I have a feeling your budget may not get you into D-F VS1, but I will also take a look. And VS2 is the step below VS1.

JulieN · Mar 31, 2013

I like this one http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.05-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-204599

diamondseeker2006 · Mar 31, 2013

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2762646.htm ($9320 with Pricescope/wire discount)

They have some G VS2's that will meet your budget:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2762637.htm ($8199 " " )

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2762638.htm ($7749)

sunk318 · Mar 31, 2013

I meant VS2, not VS1. I am still new so I get confused with the terms.

And it seems that I should get ideal/excellent cut and be willing to go for G color to stay under $8k.

diamondseeker, I am very used to GIA reports and none of the AGS ones. How do they compare? Also I notice that AGS would state "negligible" on fluorescence whereas GIA will most likely state "none". Is this something to worry about?

Thank you.

ariel144 · Mar 31, 2013

Here are some on GOG, they look at angles on H & A's stones that no one else considers. Look at all the testing they produce with their stones.

Watch this video and See the diff. in faceting between H & A and August Vintage Round

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea7G1PWU9BU&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA&index=1

Comparing SolasFera H & A to AVR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7M2aFvM4s4&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA&index=13

GOG will make a video with several stones that you want to compare which is really nice when buying online.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10448/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9787/

I know you will probably recoil in horror but this AVR G I1 will be a knock out.
No one else you know will have a stone with this type of faceting...they are awesome and way under budget:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7022/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9595/

These SolasFeras H & A's are beautiful too...$8k (click on "Reserve Diamond" for price):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10101/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10452/

Brian Gavin also has nice H & A stones:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.060-g-si2-round-diamond-ags-104062318001

Lots of good choices out there, good luck!

ariel144 · Mar 31, 2013

Just remember CUT IS KING. High Color and Clarity do not make a diamond beautiful. A well cut high performing stone but a lower color and clarity will out perform a higher color/clarity that is not well cut. It is hard for newbies to wrap their minds around this principle. As long as the stone is eye clean or relatively eye clean the inclusions will not be easily seen with the naked eye.. ...these stones are so small that even I1's will not be noticed by most people. That is why I recommended the G I1 AVR which will save you about $3,000 off your budget. Those stones are amazing if you like that Old European cut faceting. Most newbies don't even know what they are.

Since you are new I suggest using GOG...as they will do a video of several stones so you can get the stone that is most pleasing to your eyes. You will be able to see premium cut H &A's; Solasfera H& A's and AVR's.

Hope this helps with your search.

Here is a great thread that was just started on inclusions...very educational.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/do-you-can-you-love-inclusions.187540/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/do-you-can-you-love-inclusions.187540/[/URL]

sunk318 · Apr 13, 2013

Hi all,

So I've reserved this one, 1.02 G VS2

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/10448/

However, I just came across a different diamond from James Allen that is very similar, 1.01 E VS2

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-176735

Not only is the color better, I've put'em on holloway cut advisor and the score came out to be 2.1 and 0.9 respectively.

The second one comes out to be $300 cheaper too after the setting.

Is there anything I'm missing? To me, both are eye clean, except the second one has better color, better HCA score for better price.

ecf8503 · Apr 13, 2013

Those HCA scores are for all purposes identical. Don't split hairs there - HCA is just a weed out tool, not a selection tool.

Have you asked JA for ASET / idealscope images yet? I wouldn't make any decisions for or against that one without that info. And JA will do 3 stones for you, so you can select 2 more to compare to as well.

Now this is just my personal taste speaking here, but I don't like the super thin arrows of the stone at GOG. Compare how it looks with this one which has fatter arrows: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10609/

In an ideal cut stone from the face up position you may or not see the difference in color between a G and an E. I have a D and 2 G's, and I can barely see the difference when they are side by side and not at all when they are at any distance apart, and I am color sensitive. An ideal cut G will face up extremely white - don't worry there! Find the stone with the best light performance for your budget and you won't be disappointed.

JulieN · Apr 13, 2013

The 1.01 E VS2 is too shallow, skip it.

sunk318 · Apr 13, 2013

JulieN|1365877870|3426276 said:
The 1.01 E VS2 is too shallow, skip it.

Can you elaborate? The cut and symmetry seems to be "excellent"

JulieN · Apr 13, 2013

The cut grade is VG because the pavilion angle is 40, which is too shallow. A 36 crown angle usually goes well with a 40.4-40.6 pavilion angle.

If you look at the picture of the E, there is a lot of extra obstruction.

Here is a steep crown, shallow pavilion angle that has less darkness, also called FICs. http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-151046

This is Tolkowsky style angles: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-123179

sunk318 · Apr 18, 2013

Thank you all for helping.

I've purchased the one on the left in the picture.

They were both eye-clean but I prefer VS2 over SI1 and size doesn't matter as long as it's 1 Carat.

I've got the 6 prong solitaire setting. I will post pictures once I receive them.

Thank you all again!

sunk318 · Apr 19, 2013

The ring has arrived!

I've seen 1 carat diamonds in person many times but mine looks smaller than those for some reason. Maybe the saying "the grass always looks greener on the other side" is true here.

But I am very happy with my decision, I'm sure my girl will love this ring.

Thank you all for helping!