Need some advice

[str8crusin]

I am looking to purchase a loose diamond for an engagement ring and have done all my research, but still have a dilemma. My price range is $6-7.5K for a diamond, but can''t seem to get everything I want for this range.

Wants:
XXX
Color D-F
Clarity VS2 or better
Carat around 1.2

Below is what I can find in my price range:
1.) Excellent diamond, but in an H color (i.e. 1.20-1.24 ct, XXX, H, VS2, TIC ranges 0.8-1.7)
2.) Excellent diamond, but in a SI1 clarity (i.e. 1.20-1.24, XXX, E, SI1, TIC ranges 0.8-1.7)
or
3.) Excellent diamond, but smaller ct. (i.e. 1.09 ct, XXX, F, VS2, TIC ranges 0.8-1.7)

If you were in my shoes which one would you pick?

Thanks,

This has been killing me... I either have to sacrifice carat, color, or clarity. I don''t want to sacrifice cut, polish, or symmetry as i was told that it was a must to get XXX. Maybe its wrong, don''t know?

Please Help

 

[DiamondExpert]

If you think you will see a difference between X and VG polish and clarity with the naked eye...I don''t think so. However, if you mentally require XXX then go for it.

 

[stone-cold11]

Date: 1/17/2009 8:39:27 PM
Author:str8crusin
I am looking to purchase a loose diamond for an engagement ring and have done all my research, but still have a dilemma. My price range is $6-7.5K for a diamond, but can''t seem to get everything I want for this range.

Wants:

XXX

Color D-F

Clarity VS2 or better

Carat around 1.2


Below is what I can find in my price range:

1.) Excellent diamond, but in an H color (i.e. 1.20-1.24 ct, XXX, H, VS2, TIC ranges 0.8-1.7)

2.) Excellent diamond, but in a SI1 clarity (i.e. 1.20-1.24, XXX, E, SI1, TIC ranges 0.8-1.7)

or

3.) Excellent diamond, but smaller ct. (i.e. 1.09 ct, XXX, F, VS2, TIC ranges 0.8-1.7)


If you were in my shoes which one would you pick?


Thanks,


This has been killing me... I either have to sacrifice carat, color, or clarity. I don''t want to sacrifice cut, polish, or symmetry as i was told that it was a must to get XXX. Maybe its wrong, don''t know?


Please Help

H VS2 is a sweet spot for many too, although there is nothing wrong with a Eye-clean SI1 as you can''t see anything too. I would let polish go to a VG and see if any other options pops up.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/17/2009 9:54:14 PM
Author: DiamondExpert
If you think you will see a difference between X and VG polish and clarity with the naked eye...I don't think so. However, if you mentally require XXX then go for it.

Ditto.

It depends, if you really want D/F VS then you might have to go smaller, if not then you might need to lower clarity and colour to get the size you want. Are these with an online vendor? If so then make sure the SI clarity is eyeclean to your standards by asking the vendor.

 

[str8crusin]

I checked on diamonds with a VG polish and no extra options popped up.

I found a good SI diamond, but don't know how bad the inclusions are as I am not an expert,

What do you think?

http://www.bluenile.com/certs/2080/GIA5101518609_zoom.jpeg

(You have to hold your cursor over the picture until an expand option comes up in the lower right hand corner. Click expand and you are set)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would absolutely go to G or H color and stick with VS2, personally. I think it''s nice to get XXX, but it''s mostly just a mental thing because it is quite unlikely we could see the difference between vg and ex! Do stick with excellent for the cut, though!

 

[str8crusin]

Looking at vendors, Bluenile seems to be the best prices. I looked at whiteflash and jamesallen, but for some reason they seem a little more in price? Anyone know the reason why?

 

[JulieN]

Date: 1/18/2009 11:34:30 PM
Author: str8crusin
Looking at vendors, Bluenile seems to be the best prices. I looked at whiteflash and jamesallen, but for some reason they seem a little more in price? Anyone know the reason why?

Remember to compare apples to apples.

 

[LGK]

I'd drop clarity, and shop carefully. You can definitely find eyeclean SI1s, even ones that are eyeclean from any angle.

Personally, H would be fine for *me*, but you can visually see color difference whereas a carefully chosen SI1 will look the same as an IF to the naked eye.