Opinions on 1.5+ round diamonds needed

[robertmack]

Hello All,

I have to decided to get a tiffany channel replica from excel diamonds. I can't afford the real deal and I figure/read that excel makes a ring soo close that it has been mistaken for the actual ring itself. I am 100% set on the setting as my current GF already tried it on along time ago and loves it! Here is a link to the setting:

http://www.tiffany.ca/Engagement/Item.aspx?GroupSKU=GRP10016

Now I need to find the diamond! My budget for the diamond is around $16,000. I would like the diamond to be at least 1.5 carats, H or better, VS2 or better with excellent sym/polish. and no natural indents or no fluorescence and only ideal/excellent cuts.

Excel doesn't really have a diamond I like but the one that is close:

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/Diamonds-1/GIA-Graded-Round-Diamond-1-64-Carat-H-Color-VS1-Clarity-343544.html

IT a HCA:2.0

I also found this one at BLUENILE.
http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03831199

HCA: 1.3

Just wondering which one you guys/girls think is better and I would also appreciate any recommendations on other diamonds.

Thank you,

Rob

 

[robertmack]

Any feedback/response would be greatly appreciated..

 

[robertmack]

Also if people could posts there experiences with excel I would appreciate it

 

[robertmack]

Bump

 

[c-k]

Any feedback/response would be greatly appreciated..

You have a nice budget, I would look at GoodOldGold, Infinity, Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds and look for the best cut in a diamond...you can get a AGSL Ideal cut in a F G H I color in a VS1 VS2 SI1 clarity in the 1.50 range.

 

[krisjon]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3009312.htm#
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2982228.htm#
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2708995.htm#

 

[robertmack]

ThAnks for posting out of those three which one do you guys like the best..

 

[robertmack]

Thanks for posting Ck why do you prefer those sites over bluenile, James Allen etc?

 

[ecf8503]

Some of those other sites provide a lot more "workup" of the stone so you know what you are buying. BN doesn't provide any light performance images such as idealscope or ASETs. Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin, Whiteflash, Crafted By Infinity, etc all have proof that what you are buying are the best stones you can get. James Allen will provide idealcope images for up to 3 stones that you choose, as well as a gemologist's review.

You want to stick with AGS 0 stones or GIA excellents that score under 2 on the HCA. Do NOT compromise on cut quality - it is what makes the stone sparkle. And an ideal cut stone will look bigger and whiter than a less well cut one.

Re: Excel... I bought a stone from them several years back when they had more info on the stones on their site, like pictures, brilliancescope images, etc. I don't see that from them now - and that's a big turn off. I would never buy a stone unseen, and it seems like Excel doesn't care as much as they used to about carrying the best.

Tiffany replicas are all over the place. I'm positive Brian Gavin could make you a beautiful one!

 

[c-k]

Thanks for posting Ck why do you prefer those sites over bluenile, James Allen etc?

ecf8503 answered this question (thank you)

as far as which one of the 3 posted above....my pick would be the first one, the ACA Whiteflash 1.512 H VS2 top of the line.

 

[krisjon]

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-56-Carat-I-color-AGSL-certified/D-T9QHFR

More of a 60/60 cut, but has potential with a bigger spread:

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-61-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-MPVSF9

 

[robertmack]

Thanks Ck I bought this diamond.. I figured it was the best cut, they promised me it was 100% eye clean and was an acceptable color to me.. Thanks alot!!

 

[krisjon]

Thanks Ck I bought this diamond.. I figured it was the best cut, they promised me it was 100% eye clean and was an acceptable color to me.. Thanks alot!!

Great choice - that's why I listed it first. You won't be sorry with that stone as it's better than Tiffany specs and half the price. Please post pics when you get the ring put together!

 

[robertmack]

Yeah thanks Kris for posting it. I will post pics when it is done. I must say Sheerah at White flash gave me great customer service. In the end I decided to with this setting instead of the excel.

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,15&startRow=6&id=17

I even got a 2% discount at whiteflash for being a pricescope member.

Your bang on about it being less than half the price of the tiffany. The price for the tiffany with a 1.57 ct VS2 G was $44000. I couldn't believe it!!

Thanks again

 

[krisjon]

Yeah, Tiffany has nice stuff, but it's ridiculously overpriced. I've looked at several Tiffany stones through my IdealScope and while all nice and sparkly, the cuts weren't even close to the quality and symmetry of a branded cut like the WF ACA. Trust me when I say that you saved yourself a ton of money and ended up with something better.