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Please help me choose the best value round up to $25k

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soldat88

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 11, 2015
Messages
25
Hi All,

Just started the search in New York City and am desperately in need of some good advice. I am planning on completely surprising my girlfriend of 5 years so have been making all the decisions on my own. I am a big fan of the classic tiffany engagement ring, so am currently planning on setting a round diamond in that classic/elegant and minimalistic setting. (always open to other suggestions though!)

I really just want the round diamond to be at least 2 carats, appear colorless to the eye, and have no inclusions visible to the eye. My budget for the ring is roughly $25k, but by no means do I need to spend that full amount; I really would like to get a "good value". I have read on the forum how important cut is, so definitely want an "excellent cut" with a HCA below 2.

I haven't been overly impressed with the quotes I've been getting in the Diamond District here as I see better prices online..please see a few general examples from the District below:
  • 2.00 Carats | H Color | SI1 Clarity-eye clean | VG Polish | EX Cut |VG Symmetry |Strong Blue Fluorescence w/ a brown Tinge | $14,880
    2.01 Carats | I Color | VS2 Clarity- eye clean| VG Polish |VG Cut |Ex Symmetry | No Fluorescence | $16,200
    2.00 Carats | H Color | SI1 Clarity- eye clean| VG Polish |VG Cut |VG Symmetry |No Fluorescence | $17,150

I upped the criteria from the diamonds listed above in the below search and see a few results that really look like good buys based on https://www.pricescope.com/diamond-prices/round#range9 - would love opinions on what is the "best value stone"; search is included here:https://www.pricescope.com/diamond-search-results/XSWjHPZ8

I am really open to any and all suggestions/feedback and welcome any questions that may help narrow down the field.

Thanks so much!!
 
soldat88|1431370981|3875179 said:
Hi All,

Just started the search in New York City and am desperately in need of some good advice. I am planning on completely surprising my girlfriend of 5 years so have been making all the decisions on my own. I am a big fan of the classic tiffany engagement ring, so am currently planning on setting a round diamond in that classic/elegant and minimalistic setting. (always open to other suggestions though!)

I really just want the round diamond to be at least 2 carats, appear colorless to the eye, and have no inclusions visible to the eye. My budget for the ring is roughly $25k, but by no means do I need to spend that full amount; I really would like to get a "good value". I have read on the forum how important cut is, so definitely want an "excellent cut" with a HCA below 2.

I haven't been overly impressed with the quotes I've been getting in the Diamond District here as I see better prices online..please see a few general examples from the District below:
  • 2.00 Carats | H Color | SI1 Clarity-eye clean | VG Polish | EX Cut |VG Symmetry |Strong Blue Fluorescence w/ a brown Tinge | $14,880
    2.01 Carats | I Color | VS2 Clarity- eye clean| VG Polish |VG Cut |Ex Symmetry | No Fluorescence | $16,200
    2.00 Carats | H Color | SI1 Clarity- eye clean| VG Polish |VG Cut |VG Symmetry |No Fluorescence | $17,150

I upped the criteria from the diamonds listed above in the below search and see a few results that really look like good buys based on https://www.pricescope.com/diamond-prices/round#range9 - would love opinions on what is the "best value stone"; search is included here:https://www.pricescope.com/diamond-search-results/XSWjHPZ8

I am really open to any and all suggestions/feedback and welcome any questions that may help narrow down the field.

Thanks so much!!
Click to expand...

Unless the "DISTRICT" shows you certified stones don't believe one thing they say. I have far to much experience from those dealers oh yes ones recommended by family yadda yadda. You are so much better off here or if you are in the "distrit go to IDJewelry or GOG on long island...they are two well respected pricescope vendors. Otherwise White flash online.....

You shoud be looking for ideal cut 3x which means all three C should be excellent not VG ....

to start:

Table size 53-57.5
Depth 59-61.8
Crown angle 34.3-34.9
Pavilion 49.6-40.9
Floresence is a personal thing your choice. then plus your numbers into ACA to eliminate anything over 2....then ask for assets. District dealers won't have this and I wouldn't buy anyting without GIA or AGS certificates not any thing else
 
Here is a pretty nice looking stone that has a nice price point as well. The twinning wisps are typically a good clarity characteristic as they are tough to see so there is a good chance it is an eye clean SI1. Also the medium blue should help it face up very white in any UV rich environment, although as a GIA G it should safely look pretty white in all conditions. An H might start to show just a hint of color at that size, especially if you are sensitive to color. ASET and IS look great and I like the fat arrows. One to consider.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R205-AXKTGX
 
Did you stop by ID Jewelry when you were at Diamond District in NYC?
Yekutiel made a gorgeous tiffany style ring for a guy here recently on pricescope and the diamond was gorgeous. Also stayed within the guys budget. You may want to call him and make an appointment so he can get some diamonds for you to view.
 
Thanks for the responses all. All the stones I have been looking at are GIA certified, I will try to stop by ID Jeweler to see their selection.
Have a few questions below!

Generally speaking, will i find a better price in the diamond district or online?

Is White flash the best site to buy from? I kind of like the idea of buying online because I can have you all opine on which stone to pick! :mrgreen:

Jimmianne, you posted two stones that were not GIA, but AGS certified. I heard AGS was an easier grader and to stay away from them, is that not the case?

heididdl, you are spot on...they are all "family recommended" haha!...you posted "You shoud be looking for ideal cut 3x which means all three C should be excellent not VG ...." I'm sorry but I dont really understand what that means! could you please explain.

pfunk, that is a nice stone at a great price that you posted and I'm glad to hear that a medium blue g stone should face up white..the medium blue definitely knocks the price down. is enchanteddiamonds a reputable dealer? how does it compare to White Flash
 
Here are a few...If you really want best value, these are excellent. Keep in mind the lower colour, and I believe there was a previous thread about the BGB diamond but I cannot remember the outcome. I will look for it.

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/2-01-to-3-00/2-51ct-round-brilliant-bgd-blue-ags000-j-si1
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/3-01-ct-and-up/4-20ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-n-si1
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/3-01-ct-and-up/3-22ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-n-vvs2
 
AGS and GIA are the only worthwhile certs IMO. AGS with an IDEAL cut rating trumps a GIA triple ex- again IMO. 3x as i understood it meant that for GIA grading Cut, Polish and Symmetry all had to be rated as excellent. That still does not guarantee optimal light performance though.

You're looking for a round brilliant cut which is fairly easy to tell if it's a good one or not. One thing you might want to decide is what type of cut patterning you want, ex. Heart and Arrows or an Old European Cut.
 
solgen|1431469342|3875740 said:
AGS and GIA are the only worthwhile certs IMO. AGS with an IDEAL cut rating trumps a GIA triple ex- again IMO. 3x as i understood it meant that for GIA grading Cut, Polish and Symmetry all had to be rated as excellent. That still does not guarantee optimal light performance though.

You're looking for a round brilliant cut which is fairly easy to tell if it's a good one or not. One thing you might want to decide is what type of cut patterning you want, ex. Heart and Arrows or an Old European Cut.
Click to expand...

I mostly agree with all of this except for AGS ideal trumping GIA excellent. There are PLENTY of GIA excellent cut stones that would also make AGS ideal cut grade. In your search, you should not automatically consider AGS ideal cut to be better than GIA excellent.
 
pfunk|1431470642|3875749 said:
solgen|1431469342|3875740 said:
AGS and GIA are the only worthwhile certs IMO. AGS with an IDEAL cut rating trumps a GIA triple ex- again IMO. 3x as i understood it meant that for GIA grading Cut, Polish and Symmetry all had to be rated as excellent. That still does not guarantee optimal light performance though.

You're looking for a round brilliant cut which is fairly easy to tell if it's a good one or not. One thing you might want to decide is what type of cut patterning you want, ex. Heart and Arrows or an Old European Cut.
Click to expand...

I mostly agree with all of this except for AGS ideal trumping GIA excellent. There are PLENTY of GIA excellent cut stones that would also make AGS ideal cut grade. In your search, you should not automatically consider AGS ideal cut to be better than GIA excellent.
Click to expand...

OP -

Think of it this way:

All AGS 000 would qualify for GIA XXX

Not all GIA XXX would qualify for AGS 000

AGS 000 is a much tighter subset of values, when compared to GIA XXX.


Although not all AGS 000 are superior to all GIA XXX, an AGS 000 is a MUCH safer bet than a GIA XXX, when buying blind.
 
is it possible to get the AGS000 diamond 2carats+, Hcolor+, and VS2+ (or SI1 eye clean) online for under 25k? having trouble finding it :cry:
 
OP -

Think of it this way:

All AGS 000 would qualify for GIA XXX

Not all GIA XXX would qualify for AGS 000

AGS 000 is a much tighter subset of values, when compared to GIA XXX.


Although not all AGS 000 are superior to all GIA XXX, an AGS 000 is a MUCH safer bet than a GIA XXX, when buying blind.[/quote]

I'm going to bookmark this succinct explanation. It cuts to the chase : )
edit: when chasing to the cuts!
 
I think i will go the internet route at this point and really need everyones help to make the decision and find the perfect stone for under 25k! Which do you think is the better buy of the below just so i know where to start..the more recommendations the better! thanks so much
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3337364.htm
or
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3372538.htm (slightly below 2carats..)
or
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/2-05ct-h-si1-superior-round-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html
or
a GIA 3x like http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/diamond_detail.php?id=1842199&ref=pricescope
 
MNS- I love that stone! great find. I am not in the market but wish I was :)
 
Hi Soldat88

I dont know if you've seen the stones you're looking at, but I've mentioned before on these boards that I've seen and held that 2.05 H SI1 at Good Old Gold. It's a GORGEOUS stone. For the price it's on at, I'd certainly buy it if I were looking in that range. (I'm not - but if I were...)

As to the rest, I can't comment. But I know for a fact that that one is lovely.

Good luck in your search!
 
soldat88|1431529486|3876068 said:
I think i will go the internet route at this point and really need everyones help to make the decision and find the perfect stone for under 25k! Which do you think is the better buy of the below just so i know where to start..the more recommendations the better! thanks so much
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3337364.htm
or
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3372538.htm (slightly below 2carats..)
or
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/2-05ct-h-si1-superior-round-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html
or
a GIA 3x like http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/diamond_detail.php?id=1842199&ref=pricescope
Click to expand...

Have you requested images on that last stone? It says they have IS, ASET, and hearts images and I would ask for those and post them here. Also I guess I am a bit confused as to exactly what you are looking for? Are you now set on getting a superideal h&a stone? Or are you open to stones that are unbranded but very well cut with the images to support it like the one I posted earlier? Are you wanting to spend the full 25k on a stone or is that a maximum that you'd like to avoid if possible. Are upgrade or buyback policies important to you for the future or not? Are you now set on getting an AGS 000? Are you still concerned about AGS color grading as you were before?
 
pfunk,

-just requested images on the last one
- I would like the superideal h&a stone, but would be open to other stones that are unbranded and very well cut
-I would prefer NOT to spend the full 25k, but will do so if the $25k stone is much more visually stunning than lets say a $20k stone
-Upgrade/buyback is not terribly important, but a good initial return policy is
-Based on what i read, my interpretation has been that the cut is most important which would be the AGS000 and GIAxxx, but didnt realize that AGS's color grading is questionable..am i better off going with a GIAxxx then?

Unfortunately I really don't know what i truly want except for the stone to appear colorless without visible flaws and to have a great cut for that wow factor. Hope that helps..feeling very overwhelmed by this process..

on another note, i do know that i want the mark morrell petite sunburst setting!
 
soldat88|1431539063|3876137 said:
pfunk,

-just requested images on the last one
- I would like the superideal h&a stone, but would be open to other stones that are unbranded and very well cut
-I would prefer NOT to spend the full 25k, but will do so if the 25k stone is much more visually stunning than that 20k stone
-Upgrade/buyback is not terribly important, but a good initial return policy is
-Based on what i read, my interpretation has been that the cut is most important which would be the AGS000 and GIAxxx, but didnt realize that AGS's color grading is questionable..am i better off going with a GIAxxx then?

Unfortunately I really don't know what i truly want except for the stone to appear colorless without visible flaws and to have a great cut for that wow factor. Hope that helps..feeling very overwhelmed by this process..

on another note, i do know that i want the mark morrell petite sunburst setting!
Click to expand...

Earlier you said you had heard that AGS was an easy grader, and I assumed you were speaking about their color grading. Some folks feel they are a little softer on their color grading than GIA is, but I still think they are a very reputable lab and you should have no hesitation buying either a GIA or AGS graded stone.

The advantage to whiteflash or Good Old Gold is that they have stones in house and they own them. They have lots of info on them and can pull them quickly to tell you more about them. They also have good upgrade and buyback policies which is valuable to some, not so much to others. The disadvantage is that owning these stones increases costs for them and they have to charge more for their inventory.

The other type of vendor is the one who deals mainly in virtual inventory (though they own some stones), such as James Allen, Enchanted Diamonds, B2C jewels, etc. They don't physically have the stones so they can't pull them and get info to you ASAP. They have to request that info from their suppliers and pass the information along to you. Obviously this is not as advantageous as having the stones on hand, but it means that they can get the stone to you for less money. Their buyback and trade up policies are not usually as good as the stones who stock their own inventory, but their return policies are typically just as good. For example, James Allen and Enchanted Diamonds both allow returns for up to 30 days and even pay the return shipping. They also have every stone sent to them prior to sending it to you so that their gemologists can inspect prior to shipping to make sure you get everything that was described to you.

If you go with a branded superideal, you will end up with a beautiful stone and typically great upgrade policies. If you go with unbranded, you will save some money and if you look around can find a stone which will look nearly the same with only subtle differences you may never even see. Here is a very recent example of an ubranded stone that would, IMO, be indistinguishable from a branded stone.
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-5-crn-40-8-pav.213109/#post-3875719#p3875719

And to answer your earlier question about enchanted diamonds... I bought an engagement ring diamond from them recently and it is absolutely gorgeous. The independent appraiser who inspected it for me was really impressed and assured me I got a fantastic deal. I also had purchased a stone from James Allen (which I returned) and they were also top notch. I hear nothing but good things about whiteflash, good old gold, brian gavin diamonds, and high performance diamonds as well.
 
soldat88|1431539063|3876137 said:
pfunk,

-just requested images on the last one
- I would like the superideal h&a stone, but would be open to other stones that are unbranded and very well cut
-I would prefer NOT to spend the full 25k, but will do so if the $25k stone is much more visually stunning than lets say a $20k stone
-Upgrade/buyback is not terribly important, but a good initial return policy is
-Based on what i read, my interpretation has been that the cut is most important which would be the AGS000 and GIAxxx, but didnt realize that AGS's color grading is questionable..am i better off going with a GIAxxx then?

Unfortunately I really don't know what i truly want except for the stone to appear colorless without visible flaws and to have a great cut for that wow factor. Hope that helps..feeling very overwhelmed by this process..

on another note, i do know that i want the mark morrell petite sunburst setting!
Click to expand...

I know it is subjective but one thing I'll comment on re: AGS color grading. I had my AGS000 "I" color (WF ACA) appraised by David Atlas yesterday. I had read all the talk about AGS grading softer then GIA on color as well, so I was a tad concerned on where my stone was on the spectrum (low "I" vs. high "I"). I was very happy to hear David appraise my stone as GIA borderline H/I.

Of course this is just one point of view but figured I would share my experience.

On a positive note it is great that you have settled on the setting, because that is half the battle!
 
This is still my favorite. If the pricing is correct I would definitely be looking at this stone. It's listed under $18k but is for sale at another vendor for nearly $21k. Great images, good chance of eye cleanliness, great color, size, and proportions.
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R205-AXKTGX
 
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