Please Advise if My Research is Correct

[setesami]

I'm going to be buying a .92 -.96 carat stone for the center of an engagement ring.

From what I've read here cut is most important followed by color then clarity since the stone isnt large.

My budget is about $4000-$4500 max for the stone since the setting she wants is about $2000.

I was thinking of getting a GIA certified I color with an HCA grade of 2.5 or less and VS2.

Or would it be better to upgrade the color to a G or H with and slightly lower HCA grade of around 3-4 and lower the clarity to SI1?

I've seen some EGL certified diamonds for much cheaper but from the research I've done here it appears GIA or AGS is the best way to go?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

 

[smc43084]

Go with GIA or AGS... H, SI1... I color is cutting it too close to an off color stone. H,SI1 gives you the most bang for your buck, so to speak. It is an eye clean, nice color stone. Keep the polish, symmetry and cut between Very Good and Excellent.

 

[setesami]

Awesome thanks! I found this diamond for $4000 which seems pretty good.

Carat Weight:0.96
Cut:Very Good
Color:H
Clarity:SI1
Lab Name:GIA
Certificate No:2146647528
Depth:64.80
Table:54.00
Polish:Excellent
Symmetry:Excellent
Girdle:TK
Culet:None
Fluorescence: None
Ratio: 0.00
Measurements: 6.12x6.17x3.99

I also found this one that is a G color, but its smaller and $500 more.
Carat Weight:0.92
Cut:Very Good
Color:G
Clarity:SI1
Lab Name:GIA
Certificate No:6147952094
Depth:62.50
Table:56.00
Polish:Very Good
Symmetry:Excellent
Girdle:M-STK
Culet:None
Fluorescence:None
Ratio:0.00
Measurements:6.17x6.21x3.87

 

[JulieN]

less heavy does not mean smaller. visually, the first one is smaller.

 

[setesami]

less heavy does not mean smaller. visually, the first one is smaller.

oh ok, I didnt know that. So the second one is a better bet then? What should I be looking at to see how thats figured? The measurements I presume?

The difference in polish from excellent to very good wont make that big of a difference, correct?

Sorry I'm very new to buying diamonds and since this is hopefully the only engagement ring I will ever buy I just want to make sure I'm making the correct choice.

Thanks

 

[luvmysparklies]

An I colored stone is not necessarily cutting it too close. It is still in the near colorless range and at this size will be quite white. Also, in color grading diamonds, there is a range. So, there are high "I" colors that are closer to a low H.

What setting is she looking at? I ask because depending on the jeweler you go with, they may discount the setting (if they carry it) with the purchase of a diamond. That would possibly give you more $$ toward your diamond.

 

[tyty333]

You need to go with a better cut. Those stones are deep.

 

[setesami]

You need to go with a better cut. Those stones are deep.

What is a better cut size? I was just going by the GIA cert notice of very good or higher and inputting the specs into the HCA tool on this website.

Is there a specific formula I should look for in a cut?

The setting is a halo setting, but the diamond will sit slightly higher than the halo, not flush with the halo. the setting is .75 carats total and I can post a photo of it if itll help give an idea of what would be my best bet for a center stone.

 

[AprilBaby]

Look for an ideal cut.

 

[marymm]

You said you are looking for a diamond between 0.92-0.96ct, which equates to a face-up size of apx 6.2mm to 6.3mm, I believe...
So I looked very quickly at Brian Gavin Diamonds and found a gorgeous 0.854ct I-VS2 H&A diamond that is within your budget and faces up at 6.1mm - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.854-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104061069089
-- visually there would be a negligible difference between a 6.1mm diamond and a 6.2 diamond.

Please do post a picture of the setting you have in mind, and provide the vendor, style name/number, whatever info you have on it. Halo settings are readily available at most vendors, so it is possible we could find you a setting very similar to the one you have in mind, perhaps at a better price and/or better quality.

Also, it is usually best to buy the diamond and the setting from the same vendor - it is generally cost-effective and also you are assured your diamond is covered insurance-wise during the setting process. If you buy from one vendor and then have the stone shipped to another vendor for setting, the ring vendor will usually charge you a setting fee and your diamond may or may not be covered by their insurance, depending on the vendor.

 

[setesami]

Heres the photos. I bought the setting from Ben Bridge so I know I probable got ripped off. I was going to send the pictures to a jewler online and see what he would charge to make the same setting and return this one. Its .75 carats total weight.

That diamond looked great that you found. Basically I want to find a diamond within my budget that looks as large as possible that reflects extremely well. Obviously I know thats what everyone is looking for, but like you said if that .854 diamond will look like a .95 theres no reason for me to spend the extra money.

 

[04diamond<3]

that's a gorgeous setting! Are you open to other options for the stone? Like getting it from one of our vendors?

 

[setesami]

that's a gorgeous setting! Are you open to other options for the stone? Like getting it from one of our vendors?

I'm open to any option for the stone. I just want to make sure its GIA or AGS certified is all. Thank you all so much for your help. I really appreciate it.

 

[04diamond<3]

that's a gorgeous setting! Are you open to other options for the stone? Like getting it from one of our vendors?

I'm open to any option for the stone. I just want to make sure its GIA or AGS certified is all. Thank you all so much for your help. I really appreciate it.

How about this?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2937164.htm

They'll tell you honestly about the color if you're concerned about a J, but it should look fine in your setting. I'd still double check though. It's a gorgeous cut and going to a J will get you a great cut diamond without spending so much. A savings of 1.5k would always make my DH happier.

EDIT to add that if you're interested, put it on hold ASAP.

 

[diamond_concierge]

With your budget, you should have no trouble finding a decent stone in the G-VS2 range just under a carat. I wouldn't get too attached to finding an ideal cut. Ideal cuts follow very strict facet alignments and proportions and you will pay a premium for that level of excellence. There is plenty of beauty out there that falls outside the ideal parameters.

 

[Christina...]

Have you already purchased the setting? Do you know what size diamond will fit the head?

 

[setesami]

Regarding the J diamond I'll give them a call tomorrow when theyre open to discuss it with them but that is a pretty inexpensive price. My only concern is I tried a J in the setting at the store and the color was significantly less shiny than the halo stones so it didnt match well. But it could have been a much poorer cut.

Regarding the setting size i tried it with a 1 carat diamond and it looked really good. The jeweler also put a .75 diamond to let me see the difference and I didnt care for it as much.

 

[Christina...]

Typically the head will fit a small range of diameters, for instance one might fit a stone measuring 6.4-6.6mm. I think its much more unusual to see a setting, especially a halo setting.that will accommodate a .75-1ct stone, that's sort of a large range. I think that you should confirm with the jeweler what size stone the setting will accommodate without having to make adjustments which could become costly.

 

[setesami]

Ok that might be why the .75 didn't look as good. They just kept telling me it wasn't a big deal and they can make whatever stone I choose fit.ill make sure to find out.
Also, not sure if this helps but since the diamond isn't going to be flush with the halo, but sitting slightly above it maybe that's why they said size didn't matter?

 

[Christina...]

Maybe. I considered that as well but even solitiare settings are designed to hold a specific diameter so I'm not sure. I'm not a setting guru by any means so hopefully someone else will chime in but I would want to make sure before I chose a stone that it would be a perfect fit and visually pleasing. Pretty setting btw.

 

[AprilBaby]

Your setting is beautiful and that Brian Gavin stone would be stunning in it!

 

[setesami]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Brian Gavin stone. I hope it doesnt look too small in the setting, but from everything I've read here and talking with the rep at Brian Gavin since the cut is so good it'll make the size and color appear better.

I was torn since that J stone was so much cheaper, but I figure there must be a reason for that and I want to make sure the center stone matches the halo.

Thanks for all your help everyone.

And if there are more suggestions please list them, I can always return this stone if I find something better

 

[delight]

I don't think you will be disappointed. Let us know how it goes when you receive the diamond.

 

[AprilBaby]

Sounds wonderful! Come back with finished pictures!

 

[setesami]

Yeah I'll definitely post some pictures once i get it set. You were all very helpful.
I've read nothing but good reviews on Brian Galvan diamonds so I think I'll be really pleased with it.