shape
carat
color
clarity

Please help me pick a diamond for engagement ring

BluePanda

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 17, 2013
Messages
5
Hello everyone,

I am a first time poster but have lurked on the boards for the last few months. I am trying to buy an engagement ring for my awesome girlfriend of 4.5 years :D I originally started my research at local retail stores because the the girlfriend stipulated that she wanted a ring from a local place in case she needed work done on the ring. However, not long after we discussed our desire to explore and live elsewhere after school, as such, I have been much more open to buying online. I have also been impressed with the level of customer service, available options and pricing for online retailers. I am primarily looking at Brian Gavin, WhiteFlash and James Allen. My favorite setting is at Brian Gavin but I have a setting I like for each of the other two.

I am in need of some help as I feel my head is spinning trying to find the right diamond. I am hoping some other pricescoper's have some recommendations or advice. Below is my budget and criteria that I have been searching. Thank you kindly!

Budget: $10,000 ($8k for diamond, approx $2k for setting)

Shape: Round

Carat: I get the feeling that the size is important to her; bigger is better
Color: G, H
Clarity: SI1 to VS2
Cut: Ideal/excellent

Setting: platinum, 6 prongs

I know that she prefers a bigger diamond; however, I am trying my best to find a diamond that has good size, yet is also a good all around performer.

I was interested in one diamond from Brian Gavin
1.15carat
G color
Sl1
6.69x6.73x4.16
cut: excellent
polish: excellent
Symmetry: excellent
table: 57
depth: 62
Flu: none
med-slightly thick
pav: 41
Crown: 35

The rep said it was "eye clean" however, the HCA calculator gives a value of 2.4. Also, in the report it appears that there is a lot of clustered inclusions and I am worried about the prongs (feather, needle, crystals). I am emailing the reps for other suggestions. Any help is appreciated! Thank you.
 
Who graded the stone - GIA or AGS? Do you have ASET and Idealscope images or can you link to the stone? If the rep says it's eye clean, then it is - but make sure you specify at what distances and from what angles you are talking about (i.e. 6" from the table, 10" from the side, etc).
 
Honestly, I would go bigger if she said that's what she wants. You should be able to do a 1.5 J SI1 or something like that.

2.4 HCA with good symmetry is fine, did BGD post a picture?
 
JulieN,

Yea, it definitely seems like size of the diamond is important to her. I guess it's my own inexperience and inhibition in selecting a lower color grade. So, you think I should be open to broadening my searching to J color and above?

Thank you
 
At least something around 1.25/1.3 in the H/I range.

Lots of people on PS looking for something bigger go for the I/J, and some posters even go for the faint color range.
 
If she wants size, you should look at I/J's, SI1 or even SI2's, and get a simple white gold solitaire. That way you could spend $9,000+ on the stone and go big as possible. In my circle, size is the first thing people notice, then they come in for a closer look and notice sparkle. (and they WILL notice sparkle, so make sure you get a great cut)
 
BluePanda|1366231505|3429195 said:
Hello all,

The stone was graded by GIA (report # 5146008729). I did not get a idealscope image with this stone.
Link to the stone:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.150-g-si1-round-diamond-gia-43541932

This stone you have linked to is not a BG stone. It is virtual inventory through his approved other vendors. Just be aware it may not be cut to the same standards as BG's in house stones and is also not included in the upgrade policy.

If you want a BG stone, look in his Signature line or to save a bit of cash, the Blue line (fluorescent). If you don't want to look at either of those 2 lines from him, you might be better off looking through JA where you can see pics and get images.

I'd also agree with the others, if she is looking for size, try down towards I (and fluor will give it a bit of a boost in face up). (For instance, the stone in my avatar is an I with medium fluor.)

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.211-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104063639012
 
Thanks everyone for the responses. I am still continuing my search and have lowered my color grade while searching. Any opinions on the following diamond? It was recommended by one of the venders I have been talking to.

1.38c , VS1, J color, cut: very good
polish: very good
Symmetry: very good
Depth: 60.7
Table: 58.0
CA: 35.5
PA: 40.4
Fluorescence: none
HCA score. 0.8
eye-clean
GIA:13938028

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2680217.htm

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Also, If I drop in color grade to a I or J would it be advisable to search for diamonds that are "ideal" cut only?
 
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