Need some Price Scope advice - buying for engagement!

[gonnamarryjennie]

I've read gobs of good information on here, so I believe the choice is pretty obvious for me, but I want to seek some guidance all the same.

I'm diamond shopping. I'm aiming for a 1.65 - 1.75 carat stone with the following characteristics:

I've learned on here that cut is a characteristic that I should not compromise on, so I'm aiming for ideal/excellent with the following measurements:
crown angle: 34-35.0
table: 54-58
depth: 60-62.3
pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9

Color : G or better
Clarity: S1 or better, eye clean

My budget is around $15k for the diamond, but if that's not realistic, I'd like to know.

The stone my local jeweler (the jeweler my girlfriend trusts) recommended a stone I'm not terribly impressed by:
GIA Cert 2173128573
cut: good
table: 65
crown angle: 37
depth: 59.8
pavilion angle: 41.8

This stone doesn't seem like a winner to me. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much!!!

-Zach

 

[gr8leo87]

Usually a good cut isn't so good. What I don't understand however is that how can a stone with 65 table and 59.8 depth have those crown and Pavilion angles . You may have the table and depth swapped. Which will make the stone with those proportions kind of in the horrible range. That's all I can say being from the trade as I can't criticize other vendors stones no matter how horrible they might be.

 

[gr8leo87]

Infact you may not have those information swapped at all. My apologies. Just noticed the decimal in the depth. Well that large a table means a fish eye effect.

 

[gonnamarryjennie]

Thanks for the feedback, this fairly confirms my concerns about this stone. The jeweler touted that the 1.66 stone "is so spready that it has the appearance of a 2 carat stone." I don't agree with their assessment.

I've meanwhile asked them to find stones that meet my criteria. The prices for their settings are very competitive, but I'm left to wonder if that's because they sell stones like this realizing them a great deal of margin.

I'm meanwhile searching white flash, good old gold, and others.

Anyone have an opinion re my requirements relative to my budget? Am I being realistic?

 

[16ocean]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3075972.htm

this might be very nice and within your budget

 

[Gypsy]

That diamond is spectacularly bad. I'll look for you.

 

[Gypsy]

The specs you were given are very restrictive. If you work with a vendor that can give you an IS you can expand them a bit.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.63-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872699 I'd just tell you to this. sOr at least put it on hold. It's a perfect stone.

 

[gonnamarryjennie]

My next question is this -

If I prioritize cut, does it render color less important? I've read that opinion a few places here, and I expect it's probably among the most subjective considerations.

I'd like to hear some more opinions. G vs. H with as ideal a cut as possible.

 

[gonnamarryjennie]

I'd like to hear some opinions on this stone:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3137124.htm

Pushes my budget a bit, but it's a great combination of attributes.

Pick it apart for me!

 

[flyingpig]

It is a beautiful stone, though it is not the best.

For a price comparison, here is a comparable stone with arguably better light performance (based on IS image) and proportions, and larger carat weight (10% cheaper).
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.73-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-762216

Another worth considering around 17k.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.76-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872707

But, WF comes with a better upgrade policy. Also, choosing a diamond also depends on the setting you want.
I like to stick with ACA when shopping from WF.

Tough decision.

 

[Gypsy]

Make sure that when you are 'pushing your budget' you are getting bang for buck.

Within 10 points the spread difference (dimensions) between a 1.63 and a 1.73 may not AT ALL justify a 'budget push' depending on the actual stones.

You need at least .2mm to get a VISIBLE spread difference. Anything less is money down the drain.


Here's what I mean:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.63-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872699
versus:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.73-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-762216

That's a great deal. Only one color grade lower (and yes an H will be plenty white), cheaper AND about .2mm difference. Equal performance.

But compare the G with this:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3137124.htm it's one color grade lower, NO DIFFERENCE IN SIZE THAT IS VISIBLE, and at least 1,000 more.

That's not a good deal. Yes, you hit 1.7. But there's no point in it when the 1.63 gives you higher color and a cheaper price tag, the same size, and better performance too.


So make sure that you aren't chasing weight over dimensions and end up getting a poor bargain out of it.

What type of setting, or what particular setting does your lady want? If you like the WF settings, then you can always send the JA stone to WF for setting. All you have to do is go Jewelers Mutual online and get insurance before WF sets the stone.

I do prefer WF's settings to the JA settings.

 

[gonnamarryjennie]

Thank you SO MUCH for the feedback. Feedback is fantastic. Feedback that can save me $1,000 is AMAZING.

I'm sourcing the setting locally. While I'm not thrilled with the center stone options they've discussed with me, I like some of their setting options.

The setting will be a combination of these images. An eternity band with approximately .05 carat stones, and a four-prong setting with a bit of a basket-like construction to it. They have an option where there would be miniscule stones set in the prongs and basket - hidden from above by the center stone, but visible from the sides.

Truth be told - I wonder if having a solitaire with that much metal under it will only serve to block light that would otherwise help illuminate the diamond? What do you think?

Here's the eternity ring - I like that it's not very scalloped and the posts are minimal, the diamonds take center stage over the balance of the ring:
http://www.genovesejewelers.com/products/329/316/engagement/womens-wedding-bands/14k-white-gold-shared-prong-round-diamond-eternity-band

Here you can see the mount:
http://www.genovesejewelers.com/products/326/422/engagement/engagement-rings/18k-white-gold-cathedral-semi-mounting

 

[gonnamarryjennie]

Meanwhile I have both of these stones reserved:


Here's what I mean:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.63-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872699
versus:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.73-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-762216