Need Help! Looking for sub $1.5k loose diamond for an engagement ring

ivandjaw · Feb 6, 2018

Hi everybody, first of all, I'm very new at the diamond world so that's why I ended up being here for suggestions...

I've done most of my HW, I have already educated myself about the 4Cs, etc, but still, since this is going to be my first time buying a diamond for the love of my life, I want it to be the best that I can afford...

I am a graduate student who's just about to graduate so I can't afford fancy diamonds (just yet) for my gf...

I talked with my sister and a few of my friends, every one of them has their own opinion which confuses me even more...

So what I want now is:
- Carat: between 0.5 - 0.75
- Cut: Ideal
- Color: J or better
- Clarity: VS2 or better
- Shape: Round
- GIA certified

My questions:
- I've read some forums, someone said that buying from a local wholesaler is cheaper than local jewelry store / online store (e.g.: BN, JA, etc). Is this generally true? Which one is more recommended?
- My sister told me that SI1 clarity is good enough as long as you get something that's not obvious on the eye, is that true?
- I heard that I can get a pretty good discount by paying cash/bankwire (~5%) and additional discount from pricescope (or by mentioning pricescope), is that true?
- Is there a guideline somewhere on this forum for a guy like me who will be a first timer in purchasing diamonds?

Thank you, and sorry if I repeat some of the very basic questions that most probably a zillion other people may have already asked.

tyty333 · Feb 6, 2018

- I've read some forums, someone said that buying from a local wholesaler is cheaper than local jewelry store / online store (e.g.: BN, JA, etc). Is this generally true? Which one is more recommended? There really is no such thing as a wholesaler that sale to individuals because if they sale to individuals they are not wholesalers.
- My sister told me that SI1 clarity is good enough as long as you get something that's not obvious on the eye, is that true? TRUE
- I heard that I can get a pretty good discount by paying cash/bankwire (~5%) and additional discount from pricescope (or by mentioning pricescope), is that true? I think 5% is a little high

At James Allen you are looking at a .6ish. They are running 25% off settings right now for Valentines day.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3410982

Edit...this is a Super Ideal Branded ACA...a little over budget but WF has an excellent trade up policy. Just
spend more than your original stone (no 2x your original diamond).
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3952943.htm

ivandjaw · Feb 7, 2018

Thank you for the reply.

After talking with BN & JA diamond consultant and more searching online, I ended up with these options:

1. 0.63ct H SI1 $1547 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
2. 0.7ct H SI2 $1550 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
3. 0.6ct I SI1 $1410 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3238290
4. 0.6ct I VS1 $1470 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
5. 0.65ct I SI2 $1500 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2726269

Basically, I was told that the most important parameters after carat size is cut (which should be ideal), whereas clarity can go down to SI1 or even SI2 as long as it's eye clean (learned new lingo here). As for color, both agents suggested me not to go lower than I, but recommended H if possible. Are these suggestions valid?

What do you guys think? Or do you guys have any other suggestions?

Also, I wonder why some of the same grade diamond (same ct size, clarity, cut and color) can be priced differently? I asked this to the BN diamond expert consultant and she told me that it's basically because some supplier priced their diamond higher so that's why it's priced higher. When I asked why is this priced higher, she told me that many times it's the inclusions, but it really depends on a diamond to the other diamond, which doesn't really answer the questions...

TreeScientist · Feb 7, 2018

ivandjaw said:
Thank you for the reply.

After talking with BN & JA diamond consultant and more searching online, I ended up with these options:

1. 0.63ct H SI1 $1547 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
2. 0.7ct H SI2 $1550 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
3. 0.6ct I SI1 $1410 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3238290
4. 0.6ct I VS1 $1470 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
5. 0.65ct I SI2 $1500 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2726269

Basically, I was told that the most important parameters after carat size is cut (which should be ideal), whereas clarity can go down to SI1 or even SI2 as long as it's eye clean (learned new lingo here). As for color, both agents suggested me not to go lower than I, but recommended H if possible. Are these suggestions valid?

What do you guys think? Or do you guys have any other suggestions?

Also, I wonder why some of the same grade diamond (same ct size, clarity, cut and color) can be priced differently? I asked this to the BN diamond expert consultant and she told me that it's basically because some supplier priced their diamond higher so that's why it's priced higher. When I asked why is this priced higher, she told me that many times it's the inclusions, but it really depends on a diamond to the other diamond, which doesn't really answer the questions...

I would not believe that rep. Diamond suppliers are not stupid. I would say that, more than 99% of the time, a diamond is priced correctly according to the value they can expect on the market.

The first one from Blue Nile looks good on the surface, but it has "cloud" listed as the grade-setting (first) inclusion. Anytime cloud is listed as the grade-setting inclusion in an SI1 diamond, there's a high probability that the transparency and light return of the diamond will be affected. Not always the case, but it would need to be looked at by a gemologist to confirm that the diamond doesn't appear "cloudy".

I like this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4231120
It has a brown undertone, but could look good in a rose-gold setting

This is also beautiful but slightly smaller at .55 carat
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4371373

Also, the WhiteFlash J VS2 recommended above is very nice as well.

Snowdrop13 · Feb 7, 2018

Diamond prices fluctuate all the time and the vendor pricing may reflect when they were oringinally purchased.

SimoneDi · Feb 7, 2018

What about a pre-loved ring? Here is one with a decent cut and it is larger at 0.8ct: https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...g-0-dot-80-round-gia-cert-ideal-14k-solitaire

rockysalamander · Feb 7, 2018

I did a search looking for 60/60 style diamonds, which often can have more spread -- but return more white-light than fire. Here are a few that gain some size. These are about 0.10 mm bigger than the ideal round others posted.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-j-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2662802 (5.52 mm, crown a little low, but if JA can provide an IS this might be a great option with good size}

But, the pre-loved ring posted by @SimoneDi is a great value. This one is more vintage inspired but would give great finger coverage.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...al-reduction-diamond-and-sapphire-target-ring

This is a gorgeous GIA graded diamond that is antique and cut as the Old European Cuts transitioned to the modern brilliant. Its an H color.
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/0-58ct-transitional-cut-diamond-gia-h-si-1 {5.33 mm}

ivandjaw · Feb 7, 2018

Thank you for the reply everyone, really appreciate it...

Anyway, some questions:

rockysalamander said:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-j-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2662802 (5.52 mm, crown a little low, but if JA can provide an IS this might be a great option with good size}

Does IS stand for Ideal Spread?

SimoneDi said:
What about a pre-loved ring? Here is one with a decent cut and it is larger at 0.8ct: https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...g-0-dot-80-round-gia-cert-ideal-14k-solitaire

Thank you, this definitely caught my interest only if the ring is 18k as it's the norm in my home country (although I will be buying this in the US and both me & my gf are living in the US).

Another thing, I may have to scale down my budget a little bit due to some unexpected circumstances, do you guys have any other recommendation for a loose diamond that is in the range of $1000-$1300?

My choices so far are:
1. 0.5ct I VS2(Crystal, Feather) HCA 1.4 $1172 https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
2. 0.59ct J SI1(Crystal) HCA 0.9 - $1155 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
3. 0.52ct I VS1(Feather) HCA 1.2 - $1280 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3684730

What do you guys think of my choice? Or do you have any other suggestions?

Thank you!

SimoneDi · Feb 7, 2018

ivandjaw said:
Thank you for the reply everyone, really appreciate it...

Anyway, some questions:

Does IS stand for Ideal Spread?

Thank you, this definitely caught my interest only if the ring is 18k as it's the norm in my home country (although I will be buying this in the US and both me & my gf are living in the US).

Another thing, I may have to scale down my budget a little bit due to some unexpected circumstances, do you guys have any other recommendation for a loose diamond that is in the range of $1000-$1300?

My choices so far are:
1. 0.5ct I VS2(Crystal, Feather) HCA 1.4 $1172 https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
2. 0.59ct J SI1(Crystal) HCA 0.9 - $1155 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
3. 0.52ct I VS1(Feather) HCA 1.2 - $1280 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3684730

What do you guys think of my choice? Or do you have any other suggestions?

Thank you!

The two BN picks are good, the JA one is a no- too low of a crown angle.

Btw here is another pre-loved that seems like it could be decent buy. We don’t know much about the center stone, but overall the set provides a lot of diamonds and you can offer lower: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/142672785085

rockysalamander · Feb 7, 2018

JA is running a special on settings at 25% off.

This is a good size and VS1 J color. In a 18k YG setting. Angles are solid.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3598814 {$1270, 5.12 mm}.

These are smaller and less expensive, so you can make your budget work. All good angles.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4284582 {$1230}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3768611 {$1160, this has a higher crown angle but with a well-paired pavillion angle. This needs an IS=ideascope image. JA should be able to provide one}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3545020 {$1140. beautiful clarity, good numbers again with a good CA/PA pairing. Still want an IS on this one}

Wildcard. This is an SI2 with excellent angles. It has a clear inclusion on the table, but that appears to be the only inclusion. This would maximize size and raise color to H if you can live with that inclusion.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4288179 {$1150, 5.29 mm}

Settings. 18k YG and suit a stone of this size. I'm not thrilled with JA's solitaires at this size.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...w-gold-petite-pave-engagement-ring-item-56278
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...alo-cabled-diamond-engagement-ring-item-17893 {I like this and the bezel below the best at this size}
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-bezel-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53580 {Ask if they can refine the band}

You could also reach out to David Klass in LA to see about a custom setting that would actually be more comlimentary. You can peruse this vendor for ideas (https://www.etsy.com/shop/MinimalVS/items?ref=pagination&section_id=11847257&order=price_asc&page=2), but I'd get a quote from David Klass.

If you are open to colored stones, have a look at this vendor. All precision cut stones and they do delicate well. I don't consider white sapphire a good diamond alternative, just FYI. This lovely green sapphire is in budget.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PristineJewelry?section_id=11340170&order=price_asc