Need Help! What can $5k-$8k buy?

[seth_cummings]

I need to buy an engagement ring this weekend. This board is full of great advice that has helped to shorten my learning curve on the purchase. I''m learning about cut, clarity, color, and carat - but would appreciate feedback on what I can expect to get for each for $5-8k based on the following:

-Princess cut diamond
-Platinum Setting with 1 Baguette Diamond Accents on each side
-1.5 carat diamond
-.25-.5 carat baguettes

I''m set on the 1.5 carat so I may be willing to spend more in order to not sacrifice quality. I care about quality of diamond. Today I was quoted $8500 for a 1.5 carat, .5 baguettes, platinum, SI1 ring - and $9500 for a 2.5 carat, .5 baguettes, platinum, SI3 ring. Seems like I could get a higher clarity and better color diamond for those prices.

 

[Boulder]

I'd be a bit wary of SI3... If you go for something with this kind of clarity grade it'd probably be a good idea to see it in person. With the high clarity grades you pretty much know what the inclusions are going to look like, but with the lower grades there's quite a variety and some are going to look much better (or worse) than others.

 

[lucy]

i have a similar setting-with the baguettes on each side-and a few days ago i read here somewhere (could have been a really old post) to stay away from baguettes as they "lose their luster over time." what does that mean? i know they arent as sparkly as say side rounds instead but....? is there a correct cut for a baguette? or a correct length? they're so small should it really make a diff?
thx

 

[aljdewey]

A few notes:

You didn't specify the color of the diamond you were considering, so it's hard to say if your pricing is good.

SI-3 is a grading that is not utilized by the more reputable labs (AGS, GIA). I know it's definitely used by EGL....don't know if it's used by others also. If it's an SI-3 with EGL, it would likely be an I-1 with AGS or GIA.....meaning it would have visible inclusions. Couple that with the fact that EGL can run true on grading sometimes, and not as true at other times.

Finally, keep in mind that clarity is magnified in larger stones. For example, an SI-1 stone under 1ct may show no visible inclusions, but an SI-1 stone at 1.5 ct may be visible.

If you get an excellently cut stone, you can likely get a 1.35 or 1.4 stone that displays visually like a 1.5 ct, and sacrificing the weight may allow you to get a better clarity.

I'd definitely suggest an appraisal prior to purchase if you go with the stone you've described.

Good luck whatever you decide.