Loose Diamond Search Canada

[hoost]

Hey guys,

I am from Canada right near the US border and I am wondering what would be the best vendor to deal with. I have read alot on these forums, and it seems like WF or James Allen is the way of most, however BN also has a Canadian website. Can anyone help me through this process.

My budget is roughly 8k for loose diamond and the most important characteristic for me is CUT.. I have looked at BN signature series and James Allen True Hearts. Kknow it was said that if you are a member of Pricescope you get additional savings at WF and James Allen, where is this located on this site?

These are the characteristics I am looking for and would like others input since colour and clarity are difficult to decide on.

1.10-1.30 Carat
SI1 - VS1
F-H
Ideal AGO or H$A

Can anyone give me any suggestions as I still unable to discern the proper ratio that I should be looking at for my budget with Cut being the driving factor. Note: Sidestones on the setting are in the F-H color range, so would anyone go with an I colour to save or would it be too obvious. I have heard that a well cut diamond hides more of the colour. Is this true?

Thanks guys, appreciate the help!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/17/2009 12:00:48 PM
Author:hoost
Hey guys,

I am from Canada right near the US border and I am wondering what would be the best vendor to deal with. I have read alot on these forums, and it seems like WF or James Allen is the way of most, however BN also has a Canadian website. Can anyone help me through this process.

My budget is roughly 8k for loose diamond and the most important characteristic for me is CUT.. I have looked at BN signature series and James Allen True Hearts. Kknow it was said that if you are a member of Pricescope you get additional savings at WF and James Allen, where is this located on this site?

These are the characteristics I am looking for and would like others input since colour and clarity are difficult to decide on.

1.10-1.30 Carat
SI1 - VS1
F-H
Ideal AGO or H$A

Can anyone give me any suggestions as I still unable to discern the proper ratio that I should be looking at for my budget with Cut being the driving factor. Note: Sidestones on the setting are in the F-H color range, so would anyone go with an I colour to save or would it be too obvious. I have heard that a well cut diamond hides more of the colour. Is this true?

Thanks guys, appreciate the help!!!

Hi Hoost and welcome!

Is your 8k budget just for the diamond or does it need to cover the setting also? Standard advice with centre and sidestones is to keep within 2 colour grades so you could possibly get away with an I colour, check with your vendor once you have chosen the stone as to how it would look with the particular sidestones. Have you already purchased or decided on the setting?

Normally the price shown on diamonds using the search through Pricescope is the discount which you can get if you pay with a bank wire but ask each vendor you deal with to be certain of what discounts apply in your case.

Your specs sound fine, just make sure when dealing with SI clarity grades that you make sure the diamond is eyeclean to your standards by asking the vendor. For example, if you don't want to see any visible inclusions at any angle or distance make sure you tell the vendor that so you are both on the same page. And yes, a great cut can help a diamond face up a little whiter although a well cut I colour will not look as white as a D as an example.

Here is one which might suit you if verified eyeclean by WF, just a few dollars over 8k with bank wire.

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2192365.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2145428.htm another

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2192358.htm#

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4878/

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2192366.htm#



A few to be going on with, lots out there which might suit you and we can suggest more if you wish.

 

[hoost]

Thanks Lorelei!!

I think I may be leaning towards VS2 quality and G-H colour. I noticed that you chose WF and GOG, are James Allen and BN less desireable?

 

[hoost]

And the ~8k Price is jus for the diamond, I am having a custom setting made as we speak

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/17/2009 12:42:53 PM
Author: hoost
Thanks Lorelei!!

I think I may be leaning towards VS2 quality and G-H colour. I noticed that you chose WF and GOG, are James Allen and BN less desireable?

No not at all, it just happened with a quick search using your initial parameters the stones from WF and GOG popped up, James Allen are also a very reputable vendor who supply the images we need. BN are also reputable but they don't supply images such as Idealscope which are so helpful when buying online.

VS2 and G H colour would be fine also if thats what you prefer.

This one looks good, ask JA for the hearts image ( those are essential to judge a h&a diamond).

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1193781.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2192341.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1262670.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

With the diamond above it looks like the loupe image is tilted, not seeing the asymmetry in the Idealscope image or the hearts so much.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1193780.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Hearts image is needed for the diamond above.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1195066.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5764/ a little over budget with bank wire.