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Princess $10k budget - thoughts?

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mallymcl

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 28, 2015
Messages
14
Hi All,

My research so far has taught me that at a certain price point you are paying for qualities not recognisable to the human eye. Common sense says this is where I should use budget to increase carat size.

I know I want a princess cut and a very plain classic setting, so to the diamond specs, my budget and research tell me weight will be in the range of 1-1.5 carat depending on other specs. Are the cut offs I should be working with:

Colour: F+
Clarity: VS1+
Cut: VG+
Table/Depth: ??

Here are some of the 1.5ct that JamesAllen products with those searches:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-511579
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-509774
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-495005

What should I be on the lookout for / any advice?

Thanks in advance!
 
You can get three Idealscope/ASETs from JA. That will help you determine the performance of those stones. My issue is that they say 'Ideal' stones, but GIA doesn't even rate light performance to determine if these are Ideal or not.

Here's the stone I would choose, if I were in your situation:

1.552ct, G, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3062367.htm

That stone is eye-clean, a great size, and has AGS 000 Ideal light performance, all under your budget. Reserve it if you want to investigate, as it was the only one in the price range with these specs I was able to find and lurkers often snatch up these stones quickly.


If you really want to stay F color and VS1 clarity, here is a solid option (also with AGS 000 performance):

1.235ct, F, VS1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3189832.htm


Personally, I would take the G-colored stone in a heartbeat.
 
Thanks RR, really appreciate your feedback. I've never looked at whiteflash, is that your preferred or was that just where the stones happened to be from?

When you say performance what are you referring to? Is light performance something I should be using to strongly benchmark the stone after making sure its eye-clean? Should I note expect clouds etc with SI1?

Thanks again for your feedback, really helps and really appreciate it.
 
mallymcl|1435538092|3896021 said:
Thanks RR, really appreciate your feedback. I've never looked at whiteflash, is that your preferred or was that just where the stones happened to be from?

When you say performance what are you referring to? Is light performance something I should be using to strongly benchmark the stone after making sure its eye-clean? Should I note expect clouds etc with SI1?

Thanks again for your feedback, really helps and really appreciate it.
Click to expand...

Whiteflash is a great vendor. They are not the only game in town, but for AGS 000 Princess stones, they are an excellent option. GOG is another worthwhile vendor to look at, for this type of stone.

I am referring to Light Performance. Here is some interesting and relevant info:
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/ags-laboratories-diamond-cut-grading-princess-cut

Best of luck!
 
I would also recommend Whiteflash and Good Old Gold for ideal cut princess cuts. I have bought great diamonds from both of them!

F is certainly a great color if you definitely want colorless, although I would personally consider G, also. I do think you could consider VS2 as well as VS1 in clarity. As far as going to SI1 is concerned, every stone is different and you'd have to find out how eyeclean the stone is.
 
Thanks! I went to loupetroop and signed up but there is no PM there either! I was hoping to enlist your services for a humble reward? Although i've put in a fair amount of effort researching i know I don't have the eye of an expert and that is what I need. I know I want to order online to get the extra value but want to avoid the disappointment of something arriving not to my satisfaction, so this is my idea. What do you think?
 
mallymcl|1435564597|3896154 said:
Thanks! I went to loupetroop and signed up but there is no PM there either! I was hoping to enlist your services for a humble reward? Although i've put in a fair amount of effort researching i know I don't have the eye of an expert and that is what I need. I know I want to order online to get the extra value but want to avoid the disappointment of something arriving not to my satisfaction, so this is my idea. What do you think?
Click to expand...

I just gave you your answer for free.

If you don't like either of those stones (both are A++ btw), let us know why and we'll find you something that suits your needs.
 
The WF 1.55 G would be my choice!
 
Thanks RR you are right and thanks for the suggestions tyty, telephone and kobe.

Just working out what sort of duties I have to pay getting it into australia, looks around 11-12%. I wish I was doing this when our dollars were closer to parity!!
 
mallymcl|1435612932|3896490 said:
Thanks RR you are right and thanks for the suggestions tyty, telephone and kobe.

Just working out what sort of duties I have to pay getting it into australia, looks around 11-12%. I wish I was doing this when our dollars were closer to parity!!
Click to expand...
As a canadian i feel your pain as well!
 
mallymcl|1435612932|3896490 said:
Thanks RR you are right and thanks for the suggestions tyty, telephone and kobe.

Just working out what sort of duties I have to pay getting it into australia, looks around 11-12%. I wish I was doing this when our dollars were closer to parity!!
Click to expand...

Yes - this seems to be an issue affecting a lot of folks right now.

I believe people have worked it out that it still makes sense to purchase in the US and have it shipped, but it just is a bit tough to stomach the conversion + fees.

I understand you want to make the right choice the first time, not sending stones back and forth, so I would sending Whiteflash a message to get some more details about the linked stones, or other suggestions that might work with your price range. It is in their best interest to find you a stone that meets your specs the first time, as the shipping back and forth and insurance can really add up.
 
In the FAQ that place looks like it does?

With 10kUSD = 13k AUD is there much value there in your opinions?
 
The other thing worth mentioning is my sister studies in Antwerp, so would it be worth asking her to buy for me and send to me?
 
mallymcl|1435664307|3896694 said:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3052167.htm

?
Click to expand...

That looks like a great pick!
 
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