Need consensus opinion

[Butkusrules]

I Am trying to get am engagement ring done for my GF before Christmas, and I have narrowed some things down. I ordered a Tacori Setting from overstock http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Tacori-Platinum-CZ-1-2ct-TDW-Diamond-Wedding-Ring/2623284/product.html
and I am looking for diamond to set into it. I have between 5000-7500 to spend. I found this diamond online and was wondering what everyone thought of it. it seems very nice but I am wondering if I am making a mistake here not buying a bigger one that is less pristine?
Diamond Information
Item Number :
13262921
Shape :
Oval
Carats :
1.06
Cut Grade :
Very Good
Color Grade :
E
Clarity Grade :
IF
Certificate No. :
16161876
Measurement :
7.90x5.85x3.55
Ratio :
1.35
Depth :
60.7
Table :
57
Girdle :
TN-TK
Culet :
None
Polish :
Very Good
Symmetry :
Good
Certification :
GIA

Fluorescence :

 

[Sparkalicious]

Not sure exactly what you are looking for Butkusrules but in my humble, not an expert, opinion, you may want to research other stones that are closer to "ideal" cut that will do that beautiful setting you just purchased some justice.

So you say your budget is $5,000 - $7,500 ... and you are not averse to buying online? Have you tried checking out some online vendors like Whiteflash or Good Old Gold. While I have never personally purchased anything from them ... yet anyways, a lot of PSers seem to have and love the quality product they receive. Also, they make it easy for newbies like me and you ...

Maybe you can give them a call and make some recommendations for some lovelies in your price & desired carat range?

Another personal preference would be to have both Excellent polish and symmetry ... at the very least, Very good.
The IF clarity is amazing, however, much of your expenditure might be tied into that classification ... If all that you are worried about is that no inclusions are visible or detracting from the beauty of the stone ... something in the VS 1 or 2 range ... sometimes even in the SI 1 or 2 range would be just fine and would save you A LOT of money that you could better allocate towards an increased carat size.

Good luck and happy shopping ...

 

[Butkusrules]

OK so by "ideal" you mean what exactly? I understand the Polish and Symmetry are not great but are they really that bad? I guess my problem is where to place my priorities when looking for a diamond. There seem to be so many possible factors to take into account. Which ones should get the highest reverence for a Oval Diamond in my particular Setting?

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 11/28/2007 9:46:29 PM
Author: Butkusrules
OK so by ''ideal'' you mean what exactly? I understand the Polish and Symmetry are not great but are they really that bad? I guess my problem is where to place my priorities when looking for a diamond. There seem to be so many possible factors to take into account. Which ones should get the highest reverence for a Oval Diamond in my particular Setting?

Unfortunately, I don''t know much about Oval shaped diamonds ... I know that they are lovely, however, I don''t know what the ideal range is for them ...

I did find the following website when I first starting researching diamonds and found it quite informative and helpful. Click Here

I found the following info on this site for you ... It might help you out with what, by this theory, anyways, is considered "ideal".

Oval Shape Diamond Education

OVAL SHAPE DIAMOND CUT GUIDE

Specification Range for Ideal to Very Fine Cut

SELECT
To Learn Ideal to Fine Cut

total depth % 62% - 68%
table % 50% - 62%
girdle thickness Very Thin - Thick
culet None - Medium
polish Excellent - Good
symmetry Excellent - Good
fluorescence None - Faint
length to width ratio 1.3 - 1.7 to 1

With regards to placing priorities, I think the general consensus around here would be cut. After all, cut has so much influence over how the rest of the qualities present themself in a diamond.

Next, I think is really personal ... Some people prefer size, however, some people would be what you call more "quality conscious" for lack of a better term and they are more focused on getting the best quality & color that they can afford!

Personally, I chose to prioritize as follows ... Cut, color, clarity and the biggest I could afford after that.

This being said, some people are also more color conscious than others.

Some like the icy white of the D, E, F and others prefer the warmer tones of the H, I, J color range.

Some people are seeking IF or VVS clarity for "purity" reasons - or they are seeking a "spotless" "perfect" diamond. Others are okay with the VS range b/c you are pretty much assured few inclusions, especially none that would involve the structural integrity of your stone, and others still are fans of SI1s or 2s b/c you get the most bang for your buck. Often the inclusions present in these stones are not visible to the eye, thus the stones would be termed eye clean so why pay for what you can''t see right? However, for others, like me, silly me, if you know an inclusion is there, especially if it is somewhere like on the table of the diamond, it will bother you so you have to try to get one that is more that eyeclean.

I would suggest actually going to take a look at some "ideal range" diamonds yourself and establishing, throughout this process, what your preferences are ...

I hope this helps or is a better explanation.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I don''t think you can choose an oval by numbers. I think you have to see pictures of the stone. I know Kaleigh on this forum had Good Old Gold choose 4 and they made a video for her to choose from. They have sent me photos of stones in the past. You really need to rely on someone who knows what to look for to help you.

I looked at the setting, and it doesn''t exactly say the size of the center stone. Did you ask them? I am guessing it is one carat, but it will be for a specific size range. So I''d probably be certain of that before I bought a stone.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 11/28/2007 10:35:52 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I don''t think you can choose an oval by numbers. I think you have to see pictures of the stone. I know Kaleigh on this forum had Good Old Gold choose 4 and they made a video for her to choose from. They have sent me photos of stones in the past. You really need to rely on someone who knows what to look for to help you.

I looked at the setting, and it doesn''t exactly say the size of the center stone. Did you ask them? I am guessing it is one carat, but it will be for a specific size range. So I''d probably be certain of that before I bought a stone.

Thanks for the additional info, Diamondseeker ... I have no idea about Ovals so it is great to learn something new. It''s so interesting how changing the shape of a diamond changes so many things. Ovals are such a neat shape. Not sure why they don''t appear that popular. The ones I have seen in person are just fabulous. Any ideas on what contributes to the "fabulosity" of an oval vs that of a round brilliant?

 

[Butkusrules]

Just thought of another issue. The side stones are G, VSI. Are they going to contrast with the E, IF main stone?

Also just looked around Blue Nile, and Good Old Gold. After reading good as gold I am much more willing to move down to a G VS1 but even those qualifications on supposedly good cuts they seem to be not much bigger for the money. I thought that if I was giving up some color and clarity I would see my dollar stretched farther in other areas. Secondly how do we judge Oval Cut quality over the Net?

Lastly thanks for the help, this forum has been a blessing. I seriously don't know how people lived before without the internet.