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Need help choosing a diamond, ~30k budget

ayn

ayn

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 6, 2009
Messages
7
Hi there, very long time lurker here, finally looking into buying a ring. Budget is around ~32k total for the ring after PS wire-transfer discount. I'm thinking about a 2ct rock of some H&A variety such as the Whiteflash ACA, BGD Signature, etc.

From browsing around the searches on PS and on their sites, I found these 3 stones around my budget, I'm looking for feedback on these, and if you have other suggestions like maybe going up/down on the ct and get a better/worse color/clarity/whatever, I'd love to hear them too!

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2645111.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2599704.htm
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040399230006

For the setting I'm thinking about the Tiffany-style "knife edge" in Pt like this.

Thanks so much for your help!

-Andrew
 
those 3 all look like wonderful choices. Of the 3 I'd honestly choose either the cheaper WF 2.01. Great choice and it will be stunning!

If you want to go up a bit in size, there are 2 expert selections on WF that are 2.13ish H/SI1's that look nice, but they are not sold as H&A. But they are also a bit less $$. Not sure if you are looking to go bigger or if a H&A stone is more important.

Best of luck!
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I'm definite leaning toward the lowest price one among those 3. Regarding H&A, I was under the impression that H&A is a higher quality cut that produces more fire while maintaining the traditional number of facets (vs something like a Solasfera). We saw some HoF stones and they looked amazing. So I guess the question is if H&A are worth the extra money.

About going larger, she tried on a 2.5 and a 3ct and they looked a bit ridiculous (albeit in a good way) on her tiny fingers. ;)
 
ayn|1315528586|3013113 said:
Thanks for the replies so far. I'm definite leaning toward the lowest price one among those 3. Regarding H&A, I was under the impression that H&A is a higher quality cut that produces more fire while maintaining the traditional number of facets (vs something like a Solasfera). We saw some HoF stones and they looked amazing. So I guess the question is if H&A are worth the extra money.

About going larger, she tried on a 2.5 and a 3ct and they looked a bit ridiculous (albeit in a good way) on her tiny fingers. ;)
Click to expand...

Is H&A worth it, well thats up to you. H&A doesnt't mean a better stone or more fire or light return, it just means that your diamond was cut to certain precision to display the H&A's. Most well cut stones will display arrows anyway, and once a H&A stone is set you will probably never see the hearts again. What really will tell if you have the best cut is the Idealscope image, and ASET image.
 
Mrs W|1315529292|3013125 said:
ayn|1315528586|3013113 said:
Thanks for the replies so far. I'm definite leaning toward the lowest price one among those 3. Regarding H&A, I was under the impression that H&A is a higher quality cut that produces more fire while maintaining the traditional number of facets (vs something like a Solasfera). We saw some HoF stones and they looked amazing. So I guess the question is if H&A are worth the extra money.

About going larger, she tried on a 2.5 and a 3ct and they looked a bit ridiculous (albeit in a good way) on her tiny fingers. ;)
Click to expand...

Is H&A worth it, well thats up to you. H&A doesnt't mean a better stone or more fire or light return, it just means that your diamond was cut to certain precision to display the H&A's. Most well cut stones will display arrows anyway, and once a H&A stone is set you will probably never see the hearts again. What really will tell if you have the best cut is the Idealscope image, and ASET image.
Click to expand...

whether or not you will see a visible difference with H&A is debated. Some people think there may be 'crisper' scintillation...but it depends on what you are comparing it to (i.e. near H&A? totally non H&A?) Anyway, it does represent a higher level of precision with cutting so if that is important to you then there is nothing wrong with that! You do not need H&A to have a beautiful sparkly diamond but many of the H&A branded diamonds like you linked have good upgrade policies and come with lots of information already on the website (idealscope image, ASET image, etc) that you don't have to hunt down.

I think any of those three diamonds would make a great choice for an engagement ring...please come back and post pictures when you get the finished ring!
 
Thanks everyone, one of the 2 WF stone got reserved this morning so I reserved the other one just in case. I was searching more and looks like going down to I is about 5k cheaper, like this one, what do you guys think?
 
have you seen diamond colors in person? that is probably the best way to determine where you are most comfortable with color. Make sure to look at ideal cuts...Jared's peerless or Hearts on Fire is a good place to look. Try to look by a window if you can because color can look different in the jewelry store spotlighting. Also remember that color will be most visible from the side view.
 
I would strongly recommend looking at various colors in person in various lighting, especially northern daylight. Since your fiance will be the one wearing it, it would be even better if she was the one looking at it. People perceive color differently. My husband cannot see the tint in my I color diamond, but I can.
 
Thanks, that one is starting to look good, and BGD actually has a few settings that she really likes (2mm or less in width).
 
ayn|1315631410|3014247 said:
Thanks, that one is starting to look good, and BGD actually has a few settings that she really likes (2mm or less in width).
Click to expand...

They make each setting to order for each individual stone so if there is a tweak (like shank width) you want, you should feel free to inquire about it.

I'm a fan of the BGD Blue line as well. Good value there.
 
ayn|1315586240|3013641 said:
Thanks everyone, one of the 2 WF stone got reserved this morning so I reserved the other one just in case. I was searching more and looks like going down to I is about 5k cheaper, like this one, what do you guys think?
Click to expand...


defore dropping down in color make sure you view ideal cut stones in various colors- in various lighting. You ned to assess your color threshold- what are you comfortable with- before you pull the trigger on a stone.
 
WHen you check out various colors try to see larger size stones so you can assess what your would look like.
 
That should be gorgeous! Please come back with pictures soon!!!!
 
AprilBaby|1322013253|3067216 said:
That should be gorgeous! Please come back with pictures soon!!!!
Click to expand...
Yes, pics please!!!
 
OT but I have no idea why my avatar is some random dude. :nono:
 
ayn|1322038768|3067533 said:
OT but I have no idea why my avatar is some random dude. :nono:
Click to expand...

Well at least its a dude! Could have showed up as a girl :bigsmile: !

Your ring will be gorgeous...post pics when she gets it.
 
Great choices!!! It will be gorgeous!
 
Congrats on your decision!

Those look like great choices - a gorgeous stone in a classic, elegant setting. She'll be over the moon ::)
 
Quick update, the ring is amazing and she loves it. Here's a quick snapshot:


full res here

Thanks for all the info and help here, I couldn't have pulled it off without PS. WF was awesome also.

6724339983_bd6304d212_b.jpg
 
WOW!!! You did really really good! It's spectacular, congratulations!! :love: :love: :love:
 
Its gorgeous!! We need more pics of that beauty!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :appl: :appl:
 
Perfect!!! :love: It looks beautiful on her hand!
 
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