Need help finding a great diamond for a deserving woman

[undersiege]

Hi All,

I've been lurking here in the forums for a little bit now and really appreciate how you've always seemed to be able to help newbies out. Well, now it's my turn. I need to find a diamond for an engagement ring for my girlfriend.

My approach is to find the diamond first and then tackle the setting.

I live in San Francisco, but am not familiar with any jewelers in the area so I don't know where to get the best deal on a diamond.

I'm looking for a Round diamond.
Ideal Cut or better.
1.8 - 2.0 size
SI1
H-I

Not sure what local or online dealer would be best for me. I think that what I'm looking for is really stretching my budget so I'm really looking for the best bang I can get for my buck. Any guidance would be much appreciated!

 

[Gypsy]

I live in the bay area too. Locally. I highly recommend Joe Escobar Diamonds in Campbell. Ask for Erik or Maya and tell them PS sent you. They are really great and I even if you buy elsewhere they are the best for sizing and repairs as well.

Online my favorite vendors for rounds are highperformancediamonds.com and briangavindiamonds.com

K?

 

[elliemay]

Welcome to PS!

Do you mind sharing your budget? That'll make it a bit easier for the experts (which I am NOT) to help.

 

[Gypsy]

A budget of 25k for the stone would be reasonable.

My first choice would be this beauty: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.002-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104049675004 2 carat I VS AGS0 for $20,773 And the Strong Blue Fluorescence is an asset in this stone. I ADORE strong blue and so do many of the women on this broad.

I'm hoping Diamondseeker and her new SB Flour stone pops in to tell you about hers.

 

[undersiege]

My budget for the stone is $18K-$20. I hope there's a lot of options in that range, but when I went to the JewleryMart downtown, I was disappointed in what I saw. Maybe I need to just see more diamonds to be comfortable with what my budget actually gets me, but I wasn't totally comfortable that the vendors there were giving me the best prices. Maybe I'm paranoid? haha

 

[undersiege]

Thanks Gypsy! I'll definitely go check Joe Escobar out!

 

[Clairitek]

Another Bay Area PSer here who LOOOOOVES Joe Escobar. Also check out McConnell and Songs (aka The Kings Jewellers) in Walnut Creek.

ETA: That BGD stone is gorgeous. I think that stone would blow your mind. I would love to own a BGD stone of that size!

 

[Amys Bling]

The stone linked above is lovely!

 

[tyty333]

Here are some that are under $20k. You would have to check if eye-clean to your standard.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1429301.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1442390.asp

 

[sna77]

A budget of 25k for the stone would be reasonable.

My first choice would be this beauty: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.002-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104049675004 2 carat I VS AGS0 for $20,773 And the Strong Blue Fluorescence is an asset in this stone. I ADORE strong blue and so do many of the women on this broad.

I'm hoping Diamondseeker and her new SB Flour stone pops in to tell you about hers.

looooooove that stone

 

[Gypsy]

A budget of 25k for the stone would be reasonable.

My first choice would be this beauty: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.002-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104049675004 2 carat I VS AGS0 for $20,773 And the Strong Blue Fluorescence is an asset in this stone. I ADORE strong blue and so do many of the women on this broad.

I'm hoping Diamondseeker and her new SB Flour stone pops in to tell you about hers.

looooooove that stone

Me too. I know someone is gonna snap it up and get a ferociously gorgeous diamond.

 

[Gypsy]

Honestly, since I am local and do go down to Joe Escobar quite often I would be happy to meet you down them to help you learn what you need to know about diamonds, what too look for in term of performance and also help you with setting styles and choices.

I'd be happy to meet you there, in the next couple of weeks I'm going to be in and out pretty often so if you want to let me know when you plan to go in, I can check my calendar and see if it's a good match.

 

[Ravinmad]

Honestly, since I am local and do go down to Joe Escobar quite often I would be happy to meet you down them to help you learn what you need to know about diamonds, what too look for in term of performance and also help you with setting styles and choices.

I'd be happy to meet you there, in the next couple of weeks I'm going to be in and out pretty often so if you want to let me know when you plan to go in, I can check my calendar and see if it's a good match.

+5 for a awsome PS. willing to go that extra mile for someone and the cause.

 

[undersiege]

Clairitek, what kind of experience have you had with McConnell & Son? I'm in the East Bay so Walnut Creek is easier for me to get to than Campbell.

How are their diamond prices versus online dealers?

 

[undersiege]

Thanks for the offer Gypsy! I'll take a look at my calendar and see when I can get down there. I have to plan my time away wisely so I keep my gf off the scent!