Ouch, my aching head!!!

[kingston TX]

size=2">The stress is building. I really want to make a decision in the next week on selecting a stone for an engagement ring and feel I am reaching a point of paralysis by analysis. This site is an amazing resource, but it can really get your head spinning

(and the prospective fiancée a little anxious as I try to figure everything out).

So, I thought I would come to the experts. I am looking for a round brilliant and have approximately $14,000 to $15,500 to spend on the stone. I am looking in the 1.5 to 2.0 carat range and for an S1(1) or greater, G or greater truly ideal cut stone.


I was hoping some of you might be able to make suggestions from what you have seen online or recommend online stones that look particularly well cut. I don''t get many chances to do something spectacularly right and hope I can make the most of this one. Thank you so much in advance for your advice and assistance. I hope that I can keep everyone posted as I move along in the process and can share the experience with other newbies later on. She is a great girl and I really want to do her justice.

 

[Hest88]

So many to choose from. Here are a few from some trusted vendors, all within your price range and all with enough analysis to give you a good picture.

http://www.niceice.com/certcopies/ags0005438202/index.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-756271.htm

http://www.goodoldgold.com/1_58ct_h_vs2_h%26a.htm


And this one doesn''t have all that info, but this brand of stone is supposed to be quite impressive.

http://winkjones.com/xcart/customer/product.php?productid=16223&cat=255&page=1

 

[nicknomo]

I found this one from the search here at price scope..

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-5196401#

They also had a lot at blue nile..

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00274708&query=2&filter_id=0

And this may be a steal if the angles turn out good:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00361724&query=2&filter_id=0

unfortunately, there is no certificate for it. That is big for the money, and by the look of the table and depth, it is typical of stones with good angles. I''d take a look.

 

[perry]

If you want a "truly ideal" cut, and have the money to pay for it.... I would head straight to your nearest EightStar dealer. Sorry no Pricescope discounts; but "stunning" seems to sum up EightStar diamonds.

The next level down based on what I know is Eighternity (and I am hoping to see some of those this weekend). Good Old Gold can help you with those.

 

[kingston TX]

Thank you so much for all your assistance. I think I have generally narrowed it down to three stones, all at Whiteflash:

1. http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-499318.htm ;

2. http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-5196401 ; and

3. http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-630766.htm

Which stone do you all prefer on a price performance basis. Stone #1 is my favorite but I noticed that it tends to show a little bit more light leakage (or at least "white areas") in the idealscope image. Is this a concern? Would it have any "real world" impact on performance vs. the idealscope image for #2 (with fewer white areas).

If I don''t mind the price but am more concerned with the value, is the much discussed ACA H&A premium worth it (ie 1 & 2 vs. 3). Can any one think of any drawbacks or weaknesses in stone #1 I should consider?

Thank you all again for your help.

 

[longtimelurker]

I think if I were you, I would call Whiteflash and ask them which is "the best." I''m not sure you could go wrong with any of them. They can line them up and discuss the pros and cons of each stone (sorry to wimp out on you), since they''re all in their stock.

I am biased towards the ACAs, maybe because I have one, and it ROCKS!

 

[Hest88]

Honestly, I doubt a "real person" would notice any difference between the 3. I don''t think, in this case, #2 is worth the extra price.

 

[fortheloveofdiamonds]

I like #3