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Looking for an engagement ring

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jmall7

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 8, 2009
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Hey all,

First time posting here. I am looking for an engagement ring and I can honestly say the only thing I know about diamonds is that I know nothing about diamonds. I have about a $15k total budget for the ring so I''d like to find a diamond in the $13-14k range. I know I am looking for an ideal cut round brilliant diamond that''s in the 1.5-1.8 carat weight range, but what is the value sweet spot for the color and clarity? Are there other more advanced specifications i should be looking for as well?

Also, is it worth shopping for diamonds online or should I stick to jewelry stores? Can anyone recommend a few websites or stores?

Thanks in advance!
 
Date: 7/8/2009 5:44:30 AM
Author:jmall7
Hey all,

First time posting here. I am looking for an engagement ring and I can honestly say the only thing I know about diamonds is that I know nothing about diamonds. I have about a $15k total budget for the ring so I'd like to find a diamond in the $13-14k range. I know I am looking for an ideal cut round brilliant diamond that's in the 1.5-1.8 carat weight range, but what is the value sweet spot for the color and clarity? Are there other more advanced specifications i should be looking for as well?

Also, is it worth shopping for diamonds online or should I stick to jewelry stores? Can anyone recommend a few websites or stores?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Welcome!

Many go for G or H colour and VS2 to SI1 clarity if verified eyeclean by a trusted vendor ( GIA or AGS graded) as an average sweet spot, also you could consider I or J colour and SI2 clarity, that is a huge sweet spot for those who want as much extra size as possible.

Here are some trusted online vendors.

www.goodoldgold.com

www.highperformancediamonds.com

www.briangavindiamonds.com

www.whiteflash.com

www.exceldiamonds.com

www.niceice.com

www.jamesallen.com

Also it is cut which is crucial for a pretty stone, I would start looking at AGS0 cut grade and GIA Excellent, we can suggest some you might like or post your contenders here and we can look them over for you. We will either need the grading report link for the diamond or all the info on it posted here, plus any images you have for the diamond.

ASET and Idealscope images are incredibly useful tools when buying a diamond online, if you are not familiar with these, this link explains.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=education-performance

Also depending on where you are located, some of the vendors have stores you can visit as well as online services.
 
Date: 7/8/2009 5:44:30 AM
Author:jmall7
Hey all,

First time posting here. I am looking for an engagement ring and I can honestly say the only thing I know about diamonds is that I know nothing about diamonds. I have about a $15k total budget for the ring so I'd like to find a diamond in the $13-14k range. I know I am looking for an ideal cut round brilliant diamond that's in the 1.5-1.8 carat weight range, but what is the value sweet spot for the color and clarity? Are there other more advanced specifications i should be looking for as well?

Also, is it worth shopping for diamonds online or should I stick to jewelry stores? Can anyone recommend a few websites or stores?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
I love your honesty!
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You've gotten great advice and suggestions. You'll get a better stone at a better price online for the most part, so I'd suggest going that route. If you know your gal isn't color sensitive, I'd consider going to I anyway, that will allow you more size. If you aren't sure, H should still be safe, and then just as long as it's eyeclean. As Lorelei pointed out, cut is really most important as to the sparkle and performance of the diamond, so just don't skimp too much in that area.
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Of the 3 Sc posted, I like both the GOG and WF stones. Here's a nice I.

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1466936.htm#
 
Thanks for the help and suggestions everyone. Much appreciated! I''ve been reading the information in the knowledge section of this site and I can say it''s been a HUGE help! I have one more question, for anyone that knows. I co-own a retail clothing store and therefore have access to a retailers license. I have never used it to shop for diamonds before (obviously) but I have a trip to Dallas planned in the next couple weeks. Can anyone tell me anything about buying a diamond wholesale? Are they even graded at the wholesale level? Being a novice, would you suggest sticking to online stores with a return policy over wholesale?
 
Date: 7/9/2009 1:01:14 AM
Author: jmall7
Thanks for the help and suggestions everyone. Much appreciated! I''ve been reading the information in the knowledge section of this site and I can say it''s been a HUGE help! I have one more question, for anyone that knows. I co-own a retail clothing store and therefore have access to a retailers license. I have never used it to shop for diamonds before (obviously) but I have a trip to Dallas planned in the next couple weeks. Can anyone tell me anything about buying a diamond wholesale? Are they even graded at the wholesale level? Being a novice, would you suggest sticking to online stores with a return policy over wholesale?
Click to expand...
they don''t sell to consumers.
 
Date: 7/9/2009 1:35:02 AM
Author: Dancing Fire

Date: 7/9/2009 1:01:14 AM
Author: jmall7
Thanks for the help and suggestions everyone. Much appreciated! I''ve been reading the information in the knowledge section of this site and I can say it''s been a HUGE help! I have one more question, for anyone that knows. I co-own a retail clothing store and therefore have access to a retailers license. I have never used it to shop for diamonds before (obviously) but I have a trip to Dallas planned in the next couple weeks. Can anyone tell me anything about buying a diamond wholesale? Are they even graded at the wholesale level? Being a novice, would you suggest sticking to online stores with a return policy over wholesale?
Click to expand...
they don''t sell to consumers.
Click to expand...
Ditto
 
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