Need to find just the right diamond

[karend26]

Hello all!

I have posted a few times over the last few months and really appreciate all the experience and knowledge that exists on this message board. What a find this site, and especially this forum was!!!

Anyway, my boyfriend and I have been looking at rings and we have chosen the setting we both love! Now we need a diamond! I really want to be able to find a great diamond at an even greater price, so I have been keeping my eyes open for that perfect combination that will fit into the budget. I found one on Blue Nile a couple of weeks ago that got a 1.2 on the HCA. It was an I, SI2, 1.0 carat for $3500. Now, keeping in mind BN does not offer IS images, that still seemed pretty good!! But, we didn''t jump on it and now it''s gone. I have been checking the Pricescope searches but haven''t found anything even close to that deal. The people on here seem to have a knack for finding great deals so I thought I would throw it out here and see if anyone is in the mood for a treasure hunt! This is what I''m looking for:

1 carat or larger, or just under
Color: G, H, I, or J
Clarity: VS2 or lower
Cut: Ideal, AGS0
Price: under $4000

Can it be done??? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!!!

 

[JulieN]

any reason why you''re not considering SI1?

 

[wapila1]

Date: 1/5/2009 7:33:04 PM
Author: JulieN
any reason why you're not considering SI1?

Seems as though her desired clarity is VS2 or lower, so I think she is considering SI1.

 

[jstarfireb]

Hmm...there''s a nice one from Blue Nile...but BN doesn''t provide much info, and you run the risk of it not being eye-clean. Plus, if you''re into upgrading, they don''t have an upgrade policy.

I think the limiting factor (besides budget) is the requirement for an AGS0. There are a lot of GIA-graded diamonds (at James Allen in particular) that could be contenders. Any chance you could relax that a bit and go with a GIA excellent that''s within AGS ideal proportions?

 

[karend26]

Date: 1/5/2009 8:28:40 PM
Author: jstarfireb
Hmm...there's a nice one from Blue Nile...but BN doesn't provide much info, and you run the risk of it not being eye-clean. Plus, if you're into upgrading, they don't have an upgrade policy.

I think the limiting factor (besides budget) is the requirement for an AGS0. There are a lot of GIA-graded diamonds (at James Allen in particular) that could be contenders. Any chance you could relax that a bit and go with a GIA excellent that's within AGS ideal proportions?

Yes, definitely! I just meant that it should be a cut that is within ideal proportions; getting a good score on HCA.

That BN one does look good! But what about the girdle being thick? Is that a concern?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/5/2009 8:48:55 PM
Author: karend26

Date: 1/5/2009 8:28:40 PM
Author: jstarfireb
Hmm...there's a nice one from Blue Nile...but BN doesn't provide much info, and you run the risk of it not being eye-clean. Plus, if you're into upgrading, they don't have an upgrade policy.

I think the limiting factor (besides budget) is the requirement for an AGS0. There are a lot of GIA-graded diamonds (at James Allen in particular) that could be contenders. Any chance you could relax that a bit and go with a GIA excellent that's within AGS ideal proportions?

Yes, definitely! I just meant that it should be a cut that is within ideal proportions; getting a good score on HCA.

That BN one does look good! But what about the girdle being thick? Is that a concern?

Thanks so much!!!

This seems to be a common typo of BN when listing the girdle measurements on their website. The girdle is actually fine, I can only see the number 4 as the highest number on my screen but this falls within slightly thick range at the most, so no need to worry. It looks like a great diamond Jstar found for you!

 

[karend26]

Thanks Lorelei and jstar!! I definitely feel better about a diamond if you all have "signed off" on it!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/6/2009 9:50:23 AM
Author: karend26
Thanks Lorelei and jstar!! I definitely feel better about a diamond if you all have ''signed off'' on it!

Most welcome and I know Jstar is glad to help also!!!

Make sure the diamond is eyeclean to your standards by checking with BN if you decide to purchase, if the verdict is a yes then it could be a lovely rock!

 

[:)]

A few additional options...

1.01 G I1 - ask re: eyecleanliness $3924
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3815/

1.2 H I1 with an AGS 0 - need to ask re: eyecleanliness $3760
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122744.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131


1.08 G I1 AGS 0 $3400 - ask eyecleanliness
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1087021.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

1.04 G Si2 $3940 - ask eyecleanliness (inclusions appear to be reflecting around in the photo)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1108290.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

 

[karend26]

Date: 1/6/2009 10:14:44 AM
Author:
A few additional options...

1.01 G I1 - ask re: eyecleanliness $3924
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3815/

1.2 H I1 with an AGS 0 - need to ask re: eyecleanliness $3760
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122744.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131


1.08 G I1 AGS 0 $3400 - ask eyecleanliness
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1087021.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

1.04 G Si2 $3940 - ask eyecleanliness (inclusions appear to be reflecting around in the photo)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1108290.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Wow!!! Thanks so much!!!

That 1.2 sounds great, but it didn''t score well on the HCA . The 1.08 looks like a definite possiblity though!!!

Thanks again!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/6/2009 11:59:06 AM
Author: karend26

Date: 1/6/2009 10:14:44 AM
Author:
A few additional options...

1.01 G I1 - ask re: eyecleanliness $3924
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3815/

1.2 H I1 with an AGS 0 - need to ask re: eyecleanliness $3760
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122744.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131


1.08 G I1 AGS 0 $3400 - ask eyecleanliness
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1087021.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

1.04 G Si2 $3940 - ask eyecleanliness (inclusions appear to be reflecting around in the photo)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1108290.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Wow!!! Thanks so much!!!

That 1.2 sounds great, but it didn''t score well on the HCA . The 1.08 looks like a definite possiblity though!!!

Thanks again!!!

Ask for an Idealscope image of that diamond if you are interested, that angle configuration doesn''t score so well on the HCA but the diamond is an AGS0 and could still be a contender.

 

[:)]

Yes, as Miss Lorelei said it is still a contender - I posted it because it was a little larger (in case you wanted a little more size for your budget) and because it has the AGS0 cut grade. If you do like the size check to see if it is eye clean. Then ask for an IS pic if it is eyeclean to your standards.

 

[fizix]

Here is a 1.01 F I1 ($3420 w/pricescope discount) which may be nice if it meets your standard of eye-clean (just make clear your standard to James Allen):

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1135445.asp


It is GIA graded, but judging from the angles it could be AGS0.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/6/2009 10:28:44 PM
Author:
Yes, as Miss Lorelei said it is still a contender - I posted it because it was a little larger (in case you wanted a little more size for your budget) and because it has the AGS0 cut grade. If you do like the size check to see if it is eye clean. Then ask for an IS pic if it is eyeclean to your standards.

LOVE the new avvie Doc!!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/7/2009 4:44:45 AM
Author: Lorelei

LOVE the new avvie Doc!!!

Yesssss, I saw that..... Dear Lord, what have I created???

 

[:)]

Date: 1/7/2009 4:44:45 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/6/2009 10:28:44 PM
Author:
Yes, as Miss Lorelei said it is still a contender - I posted it because it was a little larger (in case you wanted a little more size for your budget) and because it has the AGS0 cut grade. If you do like the size check to see if it is eye clean. Then ask for an IS pic if it is eyeclean to your standards.

LOVE the new avvie Doc!!!

Thanks! Now we can dance....

 

[:)]

Date: 1/7/2009 7:27:32 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 1/7/2009 4:44:45 AM
Author: Lorelei

LOVE the new avvie Doc!!!

Yesssss, I saw that..... Dear Lord, what have I created???

Come on El, you know you want to