shape
carat
color
clarity

Need help with best value

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
I posted this in jewelry pieces and I think a mod was supposed to move it here but it is just deleted so I posted it here myself. Please let me know if this is double posted but I can't find it.

Hi, Long time lurker of the forum. I have been searching for a diamond for the my soulmate for over a year now. A little background I am disabled with a disease called Systemic mastocytosis/mast cell activation syndrome.I can't work because of this disease. I started having problems with this about 3 years ago. I met my girlfriend a little over 5 years ago and I really couldn't have made it through everything without her. I am truly a very lucky person.


To get down to my question; I had about $800 extra dollars saved up and have since saved up about $700 more doing things online the last couple years which brings my total to $1500 dollars to spend. I don't have any income and the government deems us "married" because we live together so I don't get any money from the government since my SO makes too much, not that I would want any. I have spent the last year looking for a ring. I feel like I can't give her what she deserves and I want the feeling that I earned what I give her so I don't want any help from anyone paying for the ring including her. I had 800 saved up from when I was in college working and I have worked hard to get 700 extra(I know not much). I really want to get the best value out of this 1500 dollars. I am looking to spend around 1000 - 1300 on the diamond. I will probably sell something of mine to make up any extra money for the band if I go over 1500. I have looked for a diamond for around a year now and I just can't pull the trigger on any because I never feel like it's good enough or maybe a better one will come along. I have found a few on blue nile but I am scared an inclusion will be ugly and very visible since you can't see the rings. I really like jamesallen but I know I don't know what I'm doing even though I've looked at countless diamonds and looked at tutorials, guides, ect.

So TL:DR here.. Budget(1000-1300) I really would appreciate some help from you guys finding a diamond that gives me the best value since I can't spend a ton of money. I want a solitaire that doesn't have naked eye inclusions and is near colorless. I want it to be cut at least good but I like very good. I want above .5 but I would like near .6 and .6 or higher would obviously be great.
I have studied for hours but I know i'll never be able to look at diamonds and say, hey this i1 is a steal because you can't really see it. So I know by myself I'd never be able to get the best for the most special person in the world to me. I actually can't buy one without your help because I just never feel like it's good enough. I've had my bank number in before but I just can't pull the trigger. I've noticed how educated this community is and having your help would really make me feel so much better about buying. I don't need the perfect diamond I really just want that diamond that you'd say is a steal at its size. Like its rated i1 but you can't see the inclusion so its a .65 but it the price of a .5 I just really feel like I can't get her what she deserves even though I know she won't care so I want to try to just get her the best I can. I know I'm asking a lot but thank you for your time and help. Could you please give me some diamonds to look at?
 

ac117

Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Apr 28, 2014
Messages
4,060
We love shopping on a budget! As for the stone you picked, we recommend sticking to GIA or AGS graded stones only. That stone is graded by IGI which is usually softer on color and it looks like it would probably be a GIA J or lower.

I found these two on a quick search. Would you be open to other vendors?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.54-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2219745
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.53-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1963271

ETA: I would contact BN and see if they could get you a picture of this stone:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07486808?click_id=350307958
 

farrahlyn

Brilliant_Rock
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Sep 22, 2015
Messages
1,170
would you be open to an oval or marquise stone? Are you sure what she would prefer? Just suggesting those bc an oval or marquise will get you more finger coverage than a round. however, a fancy shape is not for everyone.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,033
If you are open to something unique, this one has been for sale for a while (pre-loved) so the owner might consider 1500.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/49911/GIA-Fancy-Yellow-OEC-Diamond-Plat-size-7.html

I don't know if your GF is open to a yellow diamond, but IMHO it's a gorgeous ring.

A few other options, but these are also non-traditional shapes. But the halo will give you more "bang" for your buck in terms of size.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/colorless-diamond-ring-38ct-g-si1-marquise-diamond-halo-ring-r6705
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/diamond-halo-ring-42ct-n-vs1-daussi-cushion-cut-diamond-soft-yellow-color-r3644
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/diamond-halo-ring-36ct-k-vs1-daussi-marquise-diamond-beautiful-halo-r3627
 

flyingpig

Ideal_Rock
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2,975
cjg320|1479476699|4100139 said:

I have a slightly different opinion than other members, in this case.
When it comes to color/clarity grading, GIA and IGI are about equal, according to various studies, some PS trade members' comments, including John Pollard.
In general, I still don't recommend IGI stones for other reasons. (I won't go into details)

However, for a budget shopper, in this price range, and with Jame Allen, I think IGI stones are reasonable options. James Allen is one of a very few companies that offer life-time upgrade option on IGI stones they sell. If you find this stone is not for you later, spend 2x (or 2.5k in your case) and upgrade to a GIA/AGS or even True Hearts diamond. There is relatively less risk for buying a IGI stone at James Allen.

The stone is potentially well-cut. I like the appearance, although I think it does have, at least in the video, a slightly deep yellow/brown tone for a I. I would place it somewhere between I and J.
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Dec 17, 2008
Messages
27,198
Looks like James Allen is having a 25% off engagement rings right now...does give you any extra money for the stone?

What setting are you looking at?
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
She has mentioned that she doesn't like the oval/marquise after seeing other girls rings. I actually really like the radiant cut diamonds though.'d be open to looking at other cuts though especially radiant. Also I would definitely be open to other vendors. I'm looking for the best deal I don't have a favorite vendor. I'm just scared I'll get an ugly diamond from somewhere like blue nile where you can't see the diamond.

As for the setting it is going to have to be very simple ring that I will probably upgrade for her sometime down the road. This ring will be a solitaire most likely. I actually like the simplistic rings that show off the diamonds and don't have a lot going on anyways though.

I'm also open to si2/i1 that you wouldn't be able to see the inclusion. This could give me a good deal possibly on a really good diamond.
 

dollyanjuli

Brilliant_Rock
Trade
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Messages
592
what a sweet story, and how wonderful that she has supported you through so much!

Are you open to pre owned pieces or ebay? Or a colored stone, like a sapphire? There is something to be said about getting a certed modern stone, but with your budget a unique antique with a pretty design may be a good option.

Also as another poster said, you will get some more size with a marquise or oval...

Whatever you end up with I know she is going to love it! Good luck!
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
I know it's silly but I just don't want a pre owned. I know it is exactly the same but it's just not for me. And I definitely want to get her a diamond. Also yes she is so much more than I deserve and the support she has given me is beyond words. I truly feel like the luckiest person in the world and I want to give her everything she deserves.
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
ac117|1479479167|4100153 said:
We love shopping on a budget! As for the stone you picked, we recommend sticking to GIA or AGS graded stones only. That stone is graded by IGI which is usually softer on color and it looks like it would probably be a GIA J or lower.

I found these two on a quick search. Would you be open to other vendors?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.54-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2219745
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.53-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1963271

ETA: I would contact BN and see if they could get you a picture of this stone:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07486808?click_id=350307958

I contacted blue nile and they said they would get back to me with a picture within 2 days
 

cchloe

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Nov 14, 2012
Messages
195
I would get this diamond

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2178138

In this setting

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-presentation-solitaire-six-prong-item-7990


I have a K colored cushion (that doesn't hide color as well as rounds) with fluorescence and I can barely see any tint at all. I really feel it's a great choice for value when you're looking for some size. The six prong setting with also help to give the stone some presence and 14k gold is another great value choice. All under budget!
 

dollyanjuli

Brilliant_Rock
Trade
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
592
james allen has 25% off their pre-made rings, and if you are on a budget this may not be a bad option. Some really pretty ones, and most have Halos which help with a bit more punch!

https://www.jamesallen.com/fine-jewelry/royal-halo/platinum-royal-halo-petite-classic-engagement-ring-item-41192

https://www.jamesallen.com/fine-jewelry/royal-halo/platinum-royal-halo-classic-cathedral-engagement-ring-item-41210

Edit: just saw that you are looking for solitaires. Going to keep this up here in case any of these halos strike your fancy- especially with the one that has the plain band, its not very fussy at all
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
Those halo rings are really pretty but it says the total weight is .5 so with all the little diamonds they center one is probably pretty small? Also it doesn't show the specs of the diamond. I am open to everything though thanks for showing them to me they are very pretty.
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
cchloe|1479501758|4100344 said:
I would get this diamond

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2178138

In this setting

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-presentation-solitaire-six-prong-item-7990


I have a K colored cushion (that doesn't hide color as well as rounds) with fluorescence and I can barely see any tint at all. I really feel it's a great choice for value when you're looking for some size. The six prong setting with also help to give the stone some presence and 14k gold is another great value choice. All under budget!

Does anyone else have an opinion on this diamond? I always read that 4 prong was the way to go for smaller diamonds as it showed off more of the diamond, can you expand on what you meant by give it some presence. Thanks for the help.
 

flyingpig

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Nov 7, 2015
Messages
2,975
cjg320|1479581385|4100579 said:
cchloe|1479501758|4100344 said:
I would get this diamond

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2178138

In this setting

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-presentation-solitaire-six-prong-item-7990


I have a K colored cushion (that doesn't hide color as well as rounds) with fluorescence and I can barely see any tint at all. I really feel it's a great choice for value when you're looking for some size. The six prong setting with also help to give the stone some presence and 14k gold is another great value choice. All under budget!

Does anyone else have an opinion on this diamond? I always read that 4 prong was the way to go for smaller diamonds as it showed off more of the diamond, can you expand on what you meant by give it some presence. Thanks for the help.

The numbers are ok. The appearance is not. I don't like those washed and unclear arrows. The actual pavillion and crown angles may not be complementary, and the diamond may have light leakage, and I think it does.
 

pinn

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
23
Will you have to pay any sales tax on the ring where you are located? If so we'll need to factor that into the budget.

It's worth mentioning that there is a four prong version of the setting mentioned above, they're both a great price and will allow you to stretch your budget for the diamond. I prefer a slightly thinner band for the setting, but somehow those ones are slightly more expensive.

Four prong version:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115

Thinner band:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-15mm-comfort-fit-engagement-ring-item-22606

I'm hoping one of the cut experts will chime in on the specs of these two, but they were my favourite I found when searching (haven't run them through the HCA or anything fancy like that, just eye-balled them).

I felt like the arrows were really clear on this one and with vs2 there should be no clarity issues:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2007295

As long as this inclusion presents no durability issues it might be worth looking into whether it can be hidden with a prong or if it's even that noticeable:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.51-carat-h-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2210615
 

gm89uk

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
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Messages
1,491
Big fan of this one:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8879428-0.63-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

For some reason their certificate link is broken so here it is:

http://www.gia.edu/UK-EN/report-check?reportno=6241144971

Lets you hit just above 0.6 with a J colour rather than K, within budget, ($1,256.32 bank wire) and sometimes they knock off a bit more if they can find a pricescope link

EDIT:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8879428-0.63-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?sku=8879428&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
here is the cheaper price but it only saved $15 .
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
ac117|1479479167|4100153 said:
We love shopping on a budget! As for the stone you picked, we recommend sticking to GIA or AGS graded stones only. That stone is graded by IGI which is usually softer on color and it looks like it would probably be a GIA J or lower.

I found these two on a quick search. Would you be open to other vendors?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.54-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2219745
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.53-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1963271

ETA: I would contact BN and see if they could get you a picture of this stone:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07486808?click_id=350307958


Here is the picture for that blue nile diamond.. the vault guy said it's "eye clean"
chris_image_0.png
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
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Messages
22
gm89uk|1479593332|4100634 said:
Big fan of this one:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8879428-0.63-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

For some reason their certificate link is broken so here it is:

http://www.gia.edu/UK-EN/report-check?reportno=6241144971

Lets you hit just above 0.6 with a J colour rather than K, within budget, ($1,256.32 bank wire) and sometimes they knock off a bit more if they can find a pricescope link

EDIT:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8879428-0.63-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?sku=8879428&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
here is the cheaper price but it only saved $15 .

Also any other opinions on this diamond.. it looks like it has potential
 

gm89uk

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
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Messages
1,491
cjg320|1479632131|4100753 said:
gm89uk|1479593332|4100634 said:
Big fan of this one:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8879428-0.63-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

For some reason their certificate link is broken so here it is:

http://www.gia.edu/UK-EN/report-check?reportno=6241144971

Lets you hit just above 0.6 with a J colour rather than K, within budget, ($1,256.32 bank wire) and sometimes they knock off a bit more if they can find a pricescope link

EDIT:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8879428-0.63-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?sku=8879428&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
here is the cheaper price but it only saved $15 .

Also any other opinions on this diamond.. it looks like it has potential

Ask b2c for an ASET / idealscope and video and post them here. The photo is promising though
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
gm89uk|1479638535|4100771 said:
cjg320|1479632131|4100753 said:
gm89uk|1479593332|4100634 said:
Big fan of this one:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8879428-0.63-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

For some reason their certificate link is broken so here it is:

http://www.gia.edu/UK-EN/report-check?reportno=6241144971

Lets you hit just above 0.6 with a J colour rather than K, within budget, ($1,256.32 bank wire) and sometimes they knock off a bit more if they can find a pricescope link

EDIT:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8879428-0.63-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?sku=8879428&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
here is the cheaper price but it only saved $15 .

Also any other opinions on this diamond.. it looks like it has potential

Ask b2c for an ASET / idealscope and video and post them here. The photo is promising though

Ok i asked them and they said they will provide this to me within 48 hours. It is from an overseas dealer idk if that matter. I'm getting a little excited though it looks like a great price for that diamond.
 

gm89uk

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
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May 26, 2015
Messages
1,491
Great, make sure to ask if it's eye clean or no as well, as we not seeing a video, just a photo. Overseas dealer is fine but sometimes they can't reserve the diamond for you (as per the dealers policy).

Ask if you can reserve it for free while you wait for the images as lurkers come on here, read the posts and order the diamonds for themselves.
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
cjg320|1479683561|4100876 said:
gm89uk|1479638535|4100771 said:
cjg320|1479632131|4100753 said:
gm89uk|1479593332|4100634 said:
Big fan of this one:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8879428-0.63-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

For some reason their certificate link is broken so here it is:

http://www.gia.edu/UK-EN/report-check?reportno=6241144971

Lets you hit just above 0.6 with a J colour rather than K, within budget, ($1,256.32 bank wire) and sometimes they knock off a bit more if they can find a pricescope link

EDIT:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8879428-0.63-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?sku=8879428&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
here is the cheaper price but it only saved $15 .

Also any other opinions on this diamond.. it looks like it has potential

Ask b2c for an ASET / idealscope and video and post them here. The photo is promising though

Ok i asked them and they said they will provide this to me within 48 hours. It is from an overseas dealer idk if that matter. I'm getting a little excited though it looks like a great price for that diamond.

They got back to me after 3 days and this is all they said. I am glad to inform you that, the diamond stock#: 8879428 is currently available and is stocked with our overseas diamond partner. Our partnered gemologist have inspected the diamond and have confirmed that, this diamond is completely eye-clean and inclusions are not visible to the naked eyes. This diamond is proper "J" color and there are no noticeable color tinge in it. The light performance of the diamond is excellent and the Brilliance, Fire and Scintillation of this diamond amazes the viewer's eye. Our gemologist have confirmed that when mounted on an adequate setting this diamond will look none less than a Ball of Fire.

Please share your thoughts on the above and I will be glad to assist you further.​

For any questions or assistance, please reply to this email or call customer service at the below numbers. You can also use our Live Chat feature on the website.​

​Thank you for contacting B2C Jewels. I look forward to your reply.​

I requested the ASET / idealscope and video again. Do you think I should pull the trigger on this diamond or wait for the aset/idealscope?
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
Ok I got the images from the diamond. What do you guys think? I think this could be the one.

Magnified image
8879428_-_actual_magnified_image.jpg
Idealscope
8879428_-_idealscope.jpg
Aset
8879428_-_aset.jpg
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
I was emailing b2c and between the time I posted the pictures and now, the diamond was sold. I would like to think someone wouldnt look at this thread where I am asking for help and snipe the diamond but it really seems like thats what happened. What a piece of shit honestly. I am heartbroken. I looked so long and thought I finally found the perfect diamond. I couldn't reserve the diamond on that website. Will you guys help me again maybe try to find one somewhere I can reserve the diamond.
 

gm89uk

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 26, 2015
Messages
1,491
It is a nice diamond and there will be other nice ones! You're after 0.6carat range where they are renewed plentifully, at a higher carat you may be waiting longer for another perfect diamond

I'm sorry this happened to you, very annoying, such is the internet. If you have very strong feelings towards another diamond, you could just buy it and you will have 30 days refund with free returns at JA and B2C.

Also at B2C (and JA I believe) they can send you the images before they ship (after you've paid) and cancel the shipping if you're not happy. The bank wire also takes a few days to complete, if anything drastic came up in the mean time you could also cancel your order after it has been placed.

Here are some other diamonds (slightly more expensive but also an upgrade in colour :angel: )

The IVS1 has better angles, but I prefer the look of the IVS2,and both have the potential to be top performers like the one above! It is worth getting images for both.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8882567-0.60-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?sku=8882567&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8796279-0.60-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS1-clarity.aspx?sku=8796279&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Neither of these diamonds were available last time I looked for you, so don't worry at all.
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
How does this diamond look to you guys? Gemologist says it's "eye clean" I don't want to publish a link b/c I lost out on my last one right after I put pictures up. It has a .7 on hca. It is a 20x-40x magnification.
infoonthediamond.png
diamondlookforme.jpg
 

gm89uk

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 26, 2015
Messages
1,491
Looks OK, crown a bit shallow and the top arrow is a bit washed out (this maybe a photography issue). I prefer the ones I put before, but images would be critical for this one before going ahead with it.
 

cjg320

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2016
Messages
22
gm89uk|1479897358|4101775 said:
Looks OK, crown a bit shallow and the top arrow is a bit washed out (this maybe a photography issue). I prefer the ones I put before, but images would be critical for this one before going ahead with it.

Do you mean more images for the one I posted or images for the ones you posted?
 
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