shape
carat
color
clarity

Narrowing down the field...

RockyMountainRoad

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 28, 2015
Messages
2
I'm so glad that I found this site!!

A couple of weeks ago I went to the local Robbins Bros as my first engagement ring shopping trip to really just get a lay of the land, I had no intentions of buying that day. I happened to find the perfect setting (http://www.tacori.com/engagement/46-25rd65.html) that I know my girlfriend will love. We then went on to look at their recommended diamonds based on my budget ($15-$18k). Rather impulsively, I ended up purchasing a 2.02 ct E SI2 diamond (EGL US graded), somewhat comforted by the 30day return policy. The gemologist and sales associate couldn't (or wouldn't) fully explain why this particular diamond was cheaper than other diamonds of comparable size/quality. They instead gave some lame reasoning claiming that they sometimes source diamonds at a discount and they pass the savings on to the consumer. This didn't sit well with me so that evening I did some research on this site and others and discovered the different grading methodologies and the meaningful impact on prices/values. I returned the diamond the next day. It made me realize that I don't know what I don't know about diamonds. From there, I decided to educate myself and start from scratch.

Now, I believe I've figured out some parameters for my ideal diamond. I'm looking for a round ideal/excellent cut diamond, ~1.75-2ct, I color or better, and SI1 or better (eye clean). Again, my budget is in the $15-$18k. I'm currently considering the following three stones:

http://m.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3265546.htm
http://www.since1910.com/diamond/2-01ct/i-vs2/round/brilliant/cut/diamond/-r-21677-56663992
http://www.since1910.com/diamond/2-02ct/i-vs2/round/brilliant/cut/diamond/-r-8258-62014206

How do these look? Which appears to be the best out of the three?Am I on the right track as to what I should be looking for in a diamond given my budget? I'm slightly leaning towards the white flash diamond but I'm not sure.

I greatly appreciate any feedback!
 
I'd lean towards the whiteflash one. The second link doesn't work so can't comment on that. The third I would exclude as it doesn't look very impressive.
 
Thank you for your thoughts. If I were to select the other two diamonds it would be based on the strong stated specs-- I agree that they don't look impressive in the pictures but seemingly it's a function of bad photos as most of the diamond photos on that site make them appear a bit dull
 
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