Max Sparkle on a Budget

[tarator]

So I am looking for a 1c, SI2, I color, AGS0, Ideal Cut, Excellent Polish and Symmetry.

Starting price seems to be 4000 (which is probably what I will end up paying). But is it necessary, would I notice a different for ring of slightly less value say 500 less?

What aspects should be the first to forgo on, if trying to save money but maximize sparkle?

After all the excitement about the champagne diamond on this board, beautiful pics by the way, I''m even considering J or maybe K, but I won''t consider them until I visit a jeweler''s in South Africa to exam diamonds for myself...but I will probably stick with I.

I will also look at buying slightly under 1k, as well, say .96c.

Cheers.

 

[tarator]

I forgot to say I''m looking for a round diamond.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/30/2009 11:54:52 AM
Author:tarator
So I am looking for a 1c, SI2, I color, AGS0, Ideal Cut, Excellent Polish and Symmetry.

Starting price seems to be 4000 (which is probably what I will end up paying). But is it necessary, would I notice a different for ring of slightly less value say 500 less?

What aspects should be the first to forgo on, if trying to save money but maximize sparkle?

After all the excitement about the champagne diamond on this board, beautiful pics by the way, I'm even considering J or maybe K, but I won't consider them until I visit a jeweler's in South Africa to exam diamonds for myself...but I will probably stick with I.

I will also look at buying slightly under 1k, as well, say .96c.

Cheers.

That's kind of hard to say. Diamonds are priced partly on cut, or lack of. Different things raise/lower the price. Now, having said all that, if a diamond has EX cut, Ex Symmetry, but has Very Good Polish (which will lower the price some), I would definitely consider that one, because you are not going to be able to tell the difference between VG and EX polish. In some stones, you might not be able to tell the difference between the two grades with Symmetry either, but without seeing them, I would not say you could not. There could be a visable difference.

Also, a stone with Strong to Very Strong blue Flourescence will have a lower price. You need to know if you like the look though, and also need to know it's not having a negative affect on the stone. (unlikely in most cases)

Looking just under the carat mark could really help pricewise, without sacrificing much in size.

 

[tyty333]

Date: 7/30/2009 11:54:52 AM
Author:tarator
So I am looking for a 1c, SI2, I color, AGS0, Ideal Cut, Excellent Polish and Symmetry.

Starting price seems to be 4000 (which is probably what I will end up paying). But is it necessary, would I notice a different for ring of slightly less value say 500 less?

What aspects should be the first to forgo on, if trying to save money but maximize sparkle?

After all the excitement about the champagne diamond on this board, beautiful pics by the way, I'm even considering J or maybe K, but I won't consider them until I visit a jeweler's in South Africa to exam diamonds for myself...but I will probably stick with I.

I will also look at buying slightly under 1k, as well, say .96c.

Cheers.

Ditto Ellen

Looks like you already have the color/clarity about as low as you can go. There are some I1
clarities that can be well hidden (hard to see) if you really have to go there.

What champange diamond? I must have missed it can you give me a link?

EDIT
Here is a lovely .96 K that should sparkle at $3100. (as usual check for eye clean on SI2)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4536/

 

[tarator]

I really liked the K diamond, I am going to have to do some serious thinking about a J or K diamond, maybe even M??
Well my boyfriend is taking me to look at diamonds in South Africa, so I will have to wait until then to decide. (Will buy online though, just need to look at diamonds in person).

Here is one of the posts I was referring too Old post

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/30/2009 3:14:06 PM
Author: tarator
I really liked the K diamond, I am going to have to do some serious thinking about a J or K diamond, maybe even M??
Well my boyfriend is taking me to look at diamonds in South Africa, so I will have to wait until then to decide. (Will buy online though, just need to look at diamonds in person).

Here is one of the posts I was referring too Old post

Just remember, a stone that is not cut well, will show more warmth/color than a well cut stone. So when looking, know what you''re looking at!

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI Tarator,
Just curious- seeing as how you''re working within a budget, why limit yourself to AGS0?

There are some amazing VG cut grade stones ( GIA report) that might very well look just as beautiful to your eye! ( and nicer to your wallet!)

 

[tyty333]

Date: 7/30/2009 3:14:06 PM
Author: tarator
I really liked the K diamond, I am going to have to do some serious thinking about a J or K diamond, maybe even M??
Well my boyfriend is taking me to look at diamonds in South Africa, so I will have to wait until then to decide. (Will buy online though, just need to look at diamonds in person).

Here is one of the posts I was referring too Old post

Oh yes, that stone is lovely. Correct me if I''m wrong but I dont think that is considered a champagne diamond
(well, atleast thats not what I thought a champagne diamond was

)

Can anyone answer our/my question?

 

[Rockdiamond]

The term "champagne" diamonds refers to stones that have brown as part or all of their body color.

 

[tyty333]

Thanks RD! I would not consider that diamond a champagne!
(final answer

)