Most important thing to look for when shopping on a budget

[NikitaNo]

I am new to the boards and wanted people''s opinions on what they would focus on if buying a diamond on a budget. I would like to stay under $3700 for a round stone, around 1 carat. I know it is subjective, but I would appreciate knowing what you all think.

 

[belle]

at any budget, you should focus on the cut. a well cut diamond will outperform a lesser quality stone no matter what the other characteristics are.
have fun shopping!

 

[JulieN]

Maintain an open mind.

 

[Ellen]

Hi!

THE most important thing is CUT, hands down.

If you haven''t already read the tutorial section here, I would suggest doing that, there''s a lot of helpful info in it to get you started!

http://diamonds.pricescope.com/

 

[kcoursolle]

There are also some really good tutorials on goodoldgold website. They helped me a great deal.

As everyone else has said, cut, cut, cut is important!!! A well cut diamond will outshine and outsparkle a poorly cut diamond with better color and clarity.

 

[Regular Guy]

Sure, well cut. Start with the search by cut db, if you''ll shop here on the boards.

Here''s one!

There''s 5 more between .9 & .99, if you''ll constrain I - K, SI 1 & SI 2.

Wink frequently has some specials.

 

[Lorelei]

Don't dismiss some well cut I1 diamonds as you could get lucky and find a clean one which will give you the size you want as long as the cut is good. Also a colour grade such as an I or J even K will face up well in an excellent cut, if this has blue flourescence then so much the better IMO.

As an example there are 2 I1's on this page.
http://www.winkjones.com/specials/sa_diamonds.php

There are some more on this page too.
http://www.winkjones.com/specials/diamonds.php