Looking for best 0.9-1 ct diamond under $6.75k

[stewart715]

I'm glad to find a place where people know what they're talking about Any help is appreciated.

I would like to to my best to spend a total of $9k or less on the engagement ring. I don't know much about looking for diamonds (which is why I'm here)

This is the setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/Platinum-Cross-Prong-Surprise-Engagement-Ring.html

I would like to get as closest to 1ct without compromising the diamond quality, but I realize under $6.75k won't give me much wiggle room, so I'm willing to go down to 0.9ct -- this is what I've liked so far:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very%20Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1443567.asp

I realize you can get diamonds elsewhere (outside of where you get the setting) but in the essence of time and convenience, I'd like to purchase from jamesallen.com since I will be purchasing the setting there.

You guys are the experts, any suggestions greatly appreciated

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would ask for idealscope images on the stone you selected as well as these two. You are allowed three. Then come back and post them and we can give you opinions on which look best. Did she pick out that setting? I am just asking because generally a wider band like that tends to make the center stone look a little smaller than a narrower band would.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1393101.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1461378.asp

Or if you could go up to $7370, you could get 1 ct.:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1446837.asp

 

[stewart715]

I would ask for idealscope images on the stone you selected as well as these two. You are allowed three. Then come back and post them and we can give you opinions on which look best. Did she pick out that setting? I am just asking because generally a wider band like that tends to make the center stone look a little smaller than a narrower band would.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1393101.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1461378.asp

Or if you could go up to $7370, you could get 1 ct.:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1446837.asp

Thanks for your help - she likes that one, but is 0.9-1 too small for it? should I try to find something a bit thinner? If you have any recommendations, I'm interested in buying online, preferably from James Allen or Blue Nile - I like James Allen because you can view the diamond itself..

 

[0-0-0]

Here's a 1.08ct G SI2 within your budget that you may want to ask JA about: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1446873.asp