Need help finding a diamond, $7000 budget

[aldo999]

Need to replace a lost stone, $7,000 budget. Original stone was H VS1 1.05, uncertified, bought from local jeweler. DW wants a bigger stone this time. I was thinking that I may be able to go to 1.25-1.35 H VS2. Trying to decide if AGS ideal cut, SuperCert or H & A are worth the premium. I would really appreciate any suggestions.

 

[phoenixgirl]

Yes, I think they are worth the premium. Actually, any well cut stone is worth the premium, it doesn't have to be a certain brand. The problem is that tracking down a well cut, non-branded stone on your own can be hard. Make sure to get a sarin analysis if it is not AGS certed.

Here are some in your general range. The cut may bump the size, color, and clarity you want a bit out of your budget. But hey, if your original stone was not certified, the color and clarity may have been a bit exaggerated anyway. An I VS2 or SI1 in an ideal cut will look much better than an H VS1 mediocre cut any day.

Not ideal cut but a great performer with a big spread -- a great option if you decide not to go ideal: http://www.goodoldgold.com/127.htm

H&A but only so-so B scope results: http://www.goodoldgold.com/126cthvs2h&a.htm

Yum -- ask for a clarity analysis: http://www.goodoldgold.com/new_page_19.htm

Ask if it is H&A and for sarin analysis: http://www.dirtcheapdiamonds.com/diamond_detail.cfm?did=1732089

only $7030 with Pricescope discount: http://www.whiteflash.com/acut/diamond_details.asp?ItemCode=492041

These are some ideas. None of them are jumping out at me as the obvious choice. It's up to you to weigh size, budget, cut, color, and clarity. By the way, the SuperbCert site was down so I couldn't search it.

Here's a yummy stone at the high end of your size that, unfortunately, bumps it out of your budget. But wowzer! http://www.goodoldgold.com/1_35ct_h_vs2_h&a.htm I found it in the new stones waiting to be scanned section, which is why it doesn't have a clarity analysis yet.

 

[phoenixgirl]

Ok, I found one that sings to me:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/1_197ct_h_vs2_h&a.htm

It's 1.197 -- hey, feel free to round up to 1.20ct

-- a little under in size, but every thing else is what you asked for, and the cut is sweet.