[Purchase Advice] - 2 ct+ Round Cut for <$25k

[SplendaDaddy]

Hey all, I'm looking for a diamond for a ring and looking to maximize carat size, sparkle, and value for less than $25k. Not quite as concerned with color or clarity (so long as it's eye-clean).

I found the below as starting points -- anyone have thoughts on the value here?

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R243-624579Z32?
https://parcelandstone.com/diamond/Round/2.60-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-stockNo-190130-181?

Open to suggestions as well!

Thanks all in advance!

 

[lovedogs]

Hey all, I'm looking for a diamond for a ring and looking to maximize carat size, sparkle, and value for less than $25k. Not quite as concerned with color or clarity (so long as it's eye-clean).

I found the below as starting points -- anyone have thoughts on the value here?

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R243-624579Z32?
https://parcelandstone.com/diamond/Round/2.60-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-stockNo-190130-181?

Open to suggestions as well!

Thanks all in advance!

Neither of those are great choices, IMHO. If you want to maximize sparkle, then cut needs to be the #1 priority.

We recommend sticking with the following parameters:
Table between 54-57
Depth between 60-62.4
Crown angle: 34-35
Pavillion angle: 40.6-40.8

Run all stones through the HCA calculator to make sure angles are complementary.

If you buy one of the branded super ideal stones that are often discussed here (whiteflash ACA, HP diamonds CBI, or brian gavin signature/black, then you can ignore the above and just buy the biggest stone in your $ range and color comfort).

If I were you and had 25K, I would want the best cut from the best vendors. I would be looking at:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4095779.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4113564.htm
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10631

 

[kmoro]

I would like to say “ditto” to @lovedogs post .... cut is what will determine how beautiful your diamond is.

Just to elaborate ... with the super-ideal vendors, you don’t need to analyze anything yourself ... if you spend some time on the forums, you’ll see people like smaller tables (around 54-55) and shorter lower half length (75/76) .. but those are really the only things you might want to compare or look for with super-ideals ...they are all gorgeous ... and those details are serious nit-picking.

If you’re looking at GIA stones, the HCA calculator is a rejection tool not a decision tool ... reject anything that scores under 2 ... and be aware that GIA rounds crown angles to the nearest .5 and pavilion angles to the nearest .2. Nothing beats the actual light performance images like ASET and Ideal Scope. Also, diamonds are about how all angles work together and there will be slight variations throughout each stone, for example, the crown angle will not be 34.5 at every point around the diamond ... this is why it’s unwise to shop for diamonds based on numbers alone as is often the case with GIA diamonds.

Stones graded by AGS and that have received “AGS000” for cut grade have the light performance evaluation right on the certificate. These are proven great performing diamonds and you don’t need to analyze the numbers.

I really like the choices listed by @lovedogs above ... and to add one more with slightly higher clarity and is a Whiteflash Expert Selection ... meaning it’s an ACA “near-miss” due to some green on the ASET that you would never notice with your eyes ... so it’s a good value and is still eligible for their $1 more trade-up policy.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4113563.htm

Vendor trade-up policies are worth something as well. HPD and WF have the best ones, BG is good but you have to upgrade two of the “c”s, which can become restrictive as you upgrade. Even if you think you’ll never trade-up, even if you just happen to see a diamond you like better one day, you can trade-up for spending at least only $1 more. It’s like a life-long satisfaction guarantee.

Good luck!

 

[ac117]

Agree with above posts about going with one of the super ideal vendors. Although I personally feel I/J is too warm unless you absolutely know the intended is okay with that color. I really like these:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4060810.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3999632.htm
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...s/2.064-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-1040381680012

WF does have the better upgrade policy, though, so I have a preference for them but wanted to throw the BG stone out there.

 

[jp201845]

If you’re looking at GIA stones, the HCA calculator is a rejection tool not a decision tool ... reject anything that scores under 2 ...

You mean reject anything over 2

 

[lovedogs]

You mean reject anything over 2

Ugh yes. Stupid phone typing

 

[kmoro]

You mean reject anything over 2

Oh sorry! Yes, reject anything OVER 2 ... geez.