Newbie needs help with 0.8 carat stone!

[jcubed2011]

Hi there,

I'm fairly new to the world of diamond buying, but I'm trying to get something together for a planned proposal for next weekend. I've been doing as much research as I can, and I have the planned setting in mind, as well as a general idea on what type of diamond I'm looking for:

0.8+ carat
I color or better
SI1 clarity or better
Excellent/VG cut GIA certified
$3000-$3500 budget

I'm leaning towards James Allen as the vendor. What do you guys think of this diamond? Do you think I can do better?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1402552.asp

Thanks so much! I'm going to keep reading in the meantime...

 

[jcubed2011]

Actually with the Loupe view, I noticed the inclusions in that stone, and now I'm leaning towards:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1430284.asp

Any thoughts?

 

[slg47]

Actually with the Loupe view, I noticed the inclusions in that stone, and now I'm leaning towards:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1430284.asp

Any thoughts?

remember the loupe view is WAY more magnified than the diamond in real life...in real life it is only about 6 mm!

since JA will review 3 diamonds for you I would also consider these...pick your three favorite (remember you will get the pricescope price if you mention you are on PS!). Ask JA for an idealscope image and ask them which one they recommend.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1398077.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1421585.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1371105.asp

 

[jcubed2011]

Thanks for the advice slg47! How are the HCA values on these? Less than 2 is what I should be looking for, right?

I'm off to read up on what good idealscope images look like...