Seeking Diamond - Setting has been purchased

[hdig88]

My girlfriend chose the below setting from Jared. I'm sure there are very similar settings available all over the place since it looks pretty straightforward but she loved it and I felt ok purchasing a setting from them. However, I never planned on buying a diamond from them.

http://design.jared-diamonds.com/engagement-rings/scott-kay-settings/ring/item8_11563/

I'm looking for a diamond in the 1.5 carat range. I'd like a quality cut but certainly willing to go down the scale a little bit on the clarity and color, as long as it is eye clean. My budget is $8,000-$10,000 for the diamond.

Many thanks for the feedback.

HD

 

[JulieN]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/?DiamondID=271802,280540,230038

 

[RockyRacoon]

All of these are top-notch cuts, all under your budget. There is a range of color and clarity choices, so you can compare to determine what works best for you:

1.207ct, F, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.207-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104067041019

1.55ct, H, SI2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11676/

1.58ct, I, SI2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11685/

1.62ct, K, VS2
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=31

 

[krisjon]

Rocky to the rescue! You rock with the recommendations. Seriously.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Rocky to the rescue! You rock with the recommendations. Seriously.

Thank you much!

I got great help here when I was looking for the stone for my wife's ering, and I want to be able to return the favor.

When I'm making a major purchase, it's nice to have a few choice options presented, so one can really make an informed decision!

 

[hdig88]

I appreciate the feedback from all. I'm talking to Wink about the earlier suggestion:

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=31

I'm also considering this JA diamond (they've put it on hold for me for a few days, listed at $8220):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-273734

These two are at separate ends of my budget, so if you have any additional feedback on comparisons between the diamonds and the two retailers, I'd be most appreciative.


cheers,
HD

 

[RockyRacoon]

I appreciate the feedback from all. I'm talking to Wink about the earlier suggestion:

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=31

I'm also considering this JA diamond (they've put it on hold for me for a few days, listed at $8220):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-273734

These two are at separate ends of my budget, so if you have any additional feedback on comparisons between the diamonds and the two retailers, I'd be most appreciative.


cheers,
HD

The JA stone is too deep, and it has some other cut issues, as well. It scored a 5.3 on the HCA (a score under 2 is worth considering).

You may be on the right track with that stone from Wink. Ask about the See It To Believe It program, so you can be sure this is the stone for you.

 

[hdig88]

The HPD diamond sold before I could check it out. I'm going to call WhiteFlash about the following 3 stones. I've knocked down my carat size target so I can stay closer to my realistic budget ($8000-$8500 for the stone).

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=2972960,3016689,3034514

They all have pros and cons but I'd like to know if anything jumps out positively or negatively. I know I have to give up something to stay in this price range with an ideal cut. The "Expert Selection" has a 3.9 HCA which concerns me. Although I don't know how much I should put into that when WF gives a stone the Expert Selection designation and its an AGS0.

The middle ACA diamond may not be eye clean. The ACA in the right column is smaller but looks preferable everywhere else in relation to the other two diamonds.

As I'm sure regularly happens on these boards, the more I dig in the harder it is to pull the trigger. I'm a classic over-thinker so any more feedback or advice you can give is much appreciated!

HD