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budgetful

budgetful

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 30, 2017
Messages
21
Hello All,

Long time lurker, first time posting! As mentioned in my title, I'm not a lady in waiting.. just LOVE drooling over gorgeous diamonds.

Still very uneducated about diamonds, and would really love to hear your valuable (and admirable) opinions about this diamond I found on JA (HCA score of 1.1).

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...color-si1-clarity-True-hearts-cut-sku-3353505

Partner has jokingly mentioned that he is saving up for my diamond ring, hence my excitement!

I'm thinking USD $12k budget (after 25% discount). MRB, G-H colour, SI1, and best cut and carat I can get with that budget.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance for reading, any comments and feedbck will be much appreciated =)2
 
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Why will you be getting a 25% discount?

Also I don't love the inclusions on this. I would think you could safely get a gia I with better clarity and achieve the same look as this diamond.
 
Black spots , esp ones near the top of the stone would drive me nuts ( even if "eye clean" from 12-18 inches away)
Personally i would look for a diamond with inclusions that are not visible from the table when looking at it up close ( 6 inches or so ) or in less than ideal lighting.
Im sure at first i wouldnt care ot notice, but 5 years later id probably see them when looking up close
 
Niel said:
Why will you be getting a 25% discount?

Also I don't love the inclusions on this. I would think you could safely get a gia I with better clarity and achieve the same look as this diamond.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your feedback=)2 I will change my filter to include both "Ideal" and "True Hearts".

JA sent me a 25% off promo code, though expiring soon. I seem to remember in a different thread that they provide discount for PS members? And recalling someone getting 25% off. I might've been dreaming though!
 
tkyasx78 said:
Black spots , esp ones near the top of the stone would drive me nuts ( even if "eye clean" from 12-18 inches away)
Personally i would look for a diamond with inclusions that are not visible from the table when looking at it up close ( 6 inches or so ) or in less than ideal lighting.
Im sure at first i wouldnt care ot notice, but 5 years later id probably see them when looking up close
Click to expand...

Thank you! I was really nervous posting a thread, but couldn't contain my excitement when I saw HCA 1.1 (I understand it's a rejection not selection tool). The other stones I've looked at (without visible spots from tbe table) seem to score 5 and above.

Still early stages of learning, really appreciate your respose!
 
You might want to double check your promo code because the codes dont usually apply to diamonds. They apply to the settings and maybe some
Jewelry...double check to make sure.

That is a nicely cut stone but I would look for a cleaner SI1. At least ask if it is eye-clean. Remember once you know something is there it is sort
of hard to "un-see" it so make sure that it is something that will not bother you in the future. Basically ditto what everyone else said :bigsmile:.
 
OP - in case it is helpful, while James Allen often has discounts/sales throughout the year, they are expressly limited to settings and jewelry and specifically exclude loose diamonds.

Based on the video, I doubt the JA diamond you posted would be eye-clean.

If your budget tops out at $12K, and your color preference is G-H, I don't think you'll hit 1.75 carat weight but more like 1.5-1.6.
 
tyty333 said:
You might want to double check your promo code because the codes dont usually apply to diamonds. They apply to the settings and maybe some
Jewelry...double check to make sure.

That is a nicely cut stone but I would look for a cleaner SI1. At least ask if it is eye-clean. Remember once you know something is there it is sort
of hard to "un-see" it so make sure that it is something that will not bother you in the future. Basically ditto what everyone else said :bigsmile:.
Click to expand...

Thanks ty, much appreciated =)2

Ahh, might be too good to be true! Makes absolute sense it wont apply to diamonds. Can't imagine how other reputable vendors will survive otherwise! I'll just have to contribute to a stone I fall in love with. Just can't live with myself asking more than 12k :(2
 
marymm said:
OP - in case it is helpful, while James Allen often has discounts/sales throughout the year, they are expressly limited to settings and jewelry and specifically exclude loose diamonds.

Based on the video, I doubt the JA diamond you posted would be eye-clean.

If your budget tops out at $12K, and your color preference is G-H, I don't think you'll hit 1.75 carat weight but more like 1.5-1.6.
Click to expand...

Perfect - thanks for putting me into perspective. Greedy ol' me was being too hopeful!
 
In my opinion a gia I and a ags H are comparable so for 12 k you might not he out of luck. What setting we're you after.
 
I like these, depending on where you want you final cost to fall...

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3187060 {1.8 I VS2, AGS0}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3151835 {1.68, I VS2, AGS0; tiny dot on the table will never be seen)

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3818566.htm {1.502 I SI1 $10,245, well below your $12k and would allow incremental size upgrade}

Just read updates, ignore #1 as well over budget.
 
Niel said:
In my opinion a gia I and a ags H are comparable so for 12 k you might not he out of luck. What setting we're you after.
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I fell in love with Canturi "Needle" engagement ring in palladium 5 years ago when I was engaged once. But fiance back then wasn't a massive fan. I'll try attaching a photo of the setting.
 

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rockysalamander said:
I like these, depending on where you want you final cost to fall...

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3187060 {1.8 I VS2, AGS0}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3151835 {1.68, I VS2, AGS0; tiny dot on the table will never be seen)

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3818566.htm {1.502 I SI1 $10,245, well below your $12k and would allow incremental size upgrade}

Just read updates, ignore #1 as well over budget.
Click to expand...

Awww thank you so much for the suggestions! I will definitely look through all of them. I'm ok going over budget, as I can pay the difference myself ;)2
 
budgetful said:
Awww thank you so much for the suggestions! I will definitely look through all of them. I'm ok going over budget, as I can pay the difference myself ;)2
Click to expand...
How do you feel about upgrades? I'd be inclined to head over to WF or HPD or somone not requiring 2xcost for upgrade -- given you are a diamond lover and DSS is real.

With the setting you selected, it would not be hard to replace the head as your diamond size desire also increases. =)2
 
Niel said:
I like this one, and it's not over budget.
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD08753062
(You may have to go to blue Nile website and search LD08753062) you should be able to save an additional $100 if you have someone email you a referral discount (you can find that by googling blue Nile referral)
Click to expand...

Thanks heaps again! Really appreciate your (and rockysalamander) efforts in providing links. I'm hoping to educate myself more through this avenue, as lazy as it sounds! :rolleyes2:
 
rockysalamander said:
How do you feel about upgrades? I'd be inclined to head over to WF or HPD or somone not requiring 2xcost for upgrade -- given you are a diamond lover and DSS is real.

With the setting you selected, it would not be hard to replace the head as your diamond size desire also increases. =)2
Click to expand...

I honestly haven't thought that far yet. I think I will be too emotionally attached to my ering, hence looking for ideal cut and preferably over 1.5ct (I have size 4.75/J finger).

However.... Pretty sure I will covert if I continue to lurk in PS :twisted2:
 
For SI1, when budget allows, I prefer higher colors G or higher...I think @valeria101 said the same. Like others said, I look for less dense inclusions that don't impact light return...no black except at the girdle and can be hidden under a prong. I just can't "unsee" them even with my 40+ year old eyes. Of course, I have a 40x dissection scope at work that I put all my rings under. I do, however, love to look at inclusions under magnification. I love to see how they look and all the cool shapes and colors and how you can see how the diamond formed.

Re: upgrade. A 1.5 is within your budget with WF or HPD -- with careful selection through the choices. So....maybe keep your options open? Plus, if you want a setting like your inspo., I'd rather see WF or HPD create that for you. I'm not a huge fan of the 2 totally custom JA settings I've seen in person. They were cast fine, but I did not find the finishing sufficient. Both gals ended up sending their rings to a local jeweler I like to clean up and finish the polishing on the settings.
 
rockysalamander said:
For SI1, when budget allows, I prefer higher colors G or higher...I think @valeria101 said the same. Like others said, I look for less dense inclusions that don't impact light return...no black except at the girdle and can be hidden under a prong. I just can't "unsee" them even with my 40+ year old eyes. Of course, I have a 40x dissection scope at work that I put all my rings under. I do, however, love to look at inclusions under magnification. I love to see how they look and all the cool shapes and colors and how you can see how the diamond formed.

Re: upgrade. A 1.5 is within your budget with WF or HPD -- with careful selection through the choices. So....maybe keep your options open? Plus, if you want a setting like your inspo., I'd rather see WF or HPD create that for you. I'm not a huge fan of the 2 totally custom JA settings I've seen in person. They were cast fine, but I did not find the finishing sufficient. Both gals ended up sending their rings to a local jeweler I like to clean up and finish the polishing on the settings.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much again for your valuable comment =)2 Will definitely keep my options open. It was good to know the realistic options I should filter my search criteria with my budget ( I colour, SI1) for 1.7ct range or G SI1 around 1.5ct.
 
valeria101 said:
SI2 is not bad
Click to expand...

I do have a question regarding SI2. I read in a thread that one should not buy SI2 without seeing the stone in person. What are your thoughts on that? I am based in Australia, so chances of me flying to the States to see a stone before committing to buy it would be rather slim. Thanks in advance =)2
 
The magnified videos show inclusions I would be scrambling to locate with a loupe - not all would show up without some instrument - which does complicate things a little: it seems reasonable to take magnification down a little from the best offered (e.g. the macro mode at James Allen) to decide what is acceptable in 'real life'. Not sure how often such a decission might come up for SI2s - perhaps less than half the time; I1 is the first clarity grade where something is expected to show in person sans magnification. (IHMO)

A few kinds of details do not show online: fluorescence & fine but visible fog-like inclusions ... I'd say that fluorescence matters from 'Strong' up - less it is very subtle in sunlight. Fog - would be there in an SI if 'clouds' (or internal grain, in theory - I am not sure how GIA defines its 'clouds' & 'grain') are the only clarity characteristic, or with barely anything else adding up to SI2; otherwise, mentions of 'clouds' or 'grain' aside a list of other stuffs, refer to localized & very subtle objects (possible to see in videos more often than not). I feel that rare exceptions of colored grain & whisps are the few cases of inclusions not plotted on reports & quite glaring in videos that are worth seeing in person, since it is difficult to guess if & how they show up... - not much chance to seeing such things at all (alternative description: as thin trails of colored suggar on a sheet of paper).

2c


Perhaps it does show that I am rather enjoying these details ! Wouldn't pay for most, sure enough. Would not mind their subtle presence either.


____
Ps.
Need to vent: I'd LOVE to have the 40X video capability on an optical microscope ! ... showe sample in, sit back & relax ,-)
 
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valeria101 said:
The magnified videos show inclusions I would be scrambling to locate with a loupe - not all would show up without some instrument - which does complicate things a little: it seems reasonable to take magnification down a little from the best offered (e.g. the macro mode at James Allen) to decide what is acceptable in 'real life'. Not sure how often such a decission might come up for SI2s - perhaps less than half the time; I1 is the first clarity grade where something is expected to show in person sans magnification. (IHMO)

A few kinds of details do not show online: fluorescence & fine but visible fog-like inclusions ... I'd say that fluorescence matters from 'Strong' up - less it is very subtle in sunlight. Fog - would be there in an SI if 'clouds' (or internal grain, in theory - I am not sure how GIA defines its 'clouds' & 'grain') are the only clarity characteristic, or with barely anything else adding up to SI2; otherwise, mentions of 'clouds' or 'grain' aside a list of other stuffs, refer to localized & very subtle objects (possible to see in videos more often than not). I feel that rare exceptions of colored grain & whisps are the few cases of inclusions not plotted on reports & quite glaring in videos that are worth seeing in person, since it is difficult to guess if & how they show up... - not much chance to seeing such things at all (alternative description: as thin trails of colored suggar on a sheet of paper).

2c


Perhaps it does show that I am rather enjoying these details ! Wouldn't pay for most, sure enough. Would not mind their subtle presence either.


____
Ps.
Need to vent: I'd LOVE to have the 40X video capability on an optical microscope ! ... showe sample in, sit back & relax ,-)
Click to expand...

Wow, thanks for the detailed response! Will definitely come back to PS (if thats ok!) for advices if I find an SI2 stone of interest.

I once read or heard somewhere that inclusions gives stones characters, makes it unique. Thought that was a rather nice way of putting it =)2
 
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