SI1/VS2 on a 2ct RB? 25k max budget, doable? ideas?

[sky322]

Hi all - starting my diamond search and I have lurked here for about 6 months. I have yet to step foot into a jewelry store yet, but I hope to do so in the next couple of weeks. I'll probably be purchasing some time this year, but I would like to get some info. I'm only looking at GIA XXX graded diamonds, should I expand out? I just read that the cut is what really makes it. I looked through the search and I think I'm able to fit it all under the budget

Here is what I have been looking for with a 25k max budget, would love to stay around 21-22k.

2.0+ ct RB, GIA Excellent x 3
G/H color (which one is more important with diamond this size?)
SI1/VS2 (Same question as above, which is more important?)

Thanks all in advance!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Welcome! It is great you came here before buying! We'd be happy to help you locate some outstanding diamonds! I think G or H color is fine, and VS2 and eyeclean SI1 clarity. But if you want 2 cts., you are going to be looking at H SI1, probably. If you go a little under 2 cts., you'll be able to go a little higher in color and clarity. You can look for GIA Excellent cut or AGS Ideal cut. Those are the two respected, reliable labs.

Some ideas:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2400041.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1491858.asp (this picture looks tilted. ask for idealscope image)

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1442316.asp (be sure it is eyeclean and ask for idealscope)

 

[sky322]

Thanks for those suggestions! Going to try and see some up close to see what if any difference I can tell!

 

[sky322]

Which one of those stones would you guys choose? I'm having a hard time deciphering without actually looking at it =\ Any other suggestions elsewhere would help as well!

Thanks!

 

[Christina...]

I really like the WF stone that DS posted and the first JA stone. I prefer a more traditional ideal cut than a 60/60 type stone like the third suggestion, but that's just personal preference. 60/60 have the advantage of a larger spread for weight and some people prefer that. If I had to choose just based on the information provided here, I would go with WF, but you should really contact JA and ask for IS images of both the stones that were suggested. The more information that you have available the better prepared you will be to make a really great choice. JA will evaluate three stones for you and provide magnified images, idealscope or ASETs, sarin reports and a geological assessment on each of the diamonds for free.

 

[sky322]

Just updating this post as JA and a gemologist has gotten back to me with these two IS pictures.

Strange enough he gave me a write up and recommended that the G-SI1 definately looked better between the 2 and surprisingly is the cheaper of the two as well.

How do these look?

 

[GreenBling]

@sky322, have you made a decision? The G's IS image looks comparatively paler in the table area, does that mean less light return?

Did the gemologist explain in what ways the G look better?

I'm new to this, therefore interested in learning from your case if that's ok with you. Thanks

 

[Dancing Fire]

i'd prefer the HVS2 based on the IS pic and the specs.

 

[Christina...]

yeah, I agree with the others I prefer the specs and the image of the HVS2.

 

[sky322]

No decision yet as there seems to be buyer for the recommended stone... Here is specifically what the gemologist saw.... interesting as they recommended the SI1 and the consensus here is for the VS2


Diamond 1491858 (2.03crt H VS2) is also perfectly eye clean and very bright in its own right. The trained eye of the gemologist saw it as just a tint warmer and slightly smaller.

Diamond 1442316 is your best, brightest, and whitest option. It's our gemologist's favorite between the two and I highly recommend it for your diamond purchase. Best of all, it's also the least expensive diamond between the two.

 

[0-0-0]

I think it really depends on what you are looking for. Well cut 60/60 stones like the G SI1 are going to face up marginally brighter/whiter relative to well cut stones with smaller tables and higher crowns like the H VS2. But well cut stones with smaller tables and higher crowns are likely to display more fire vs well cut 60/60 stones.

 

[Haywood74]

I'm a little late to the party for making a stone suggestion, but I did a little searching using your given specs. If you could stretch your color specs 1 more grade to possibly include an I color, it opens the door for a lot more diamonds that could be considered. The one linked below was one I found. HCA score was a 1.1 and is 20 pts bigger than the ones already given. Almost identical angle numbers to the HVS2 that was linked earlier in your thread. Not sure about the eye-clean though as I have trouble seeing flaws in pictures unless they are pointed out to me. Might be worth a shot to consider it.

Best of luck in your search!

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2813945.htm

 

[GreenBling]

No decision yet as there seems to be buyer for the recommended stone... Here is specifically what the gemologist saw.... interesting as they recommended the SI1 and the consensus here is for the VS2


Diamond 1491858 (2.03crt H VS2) is also perfectly eye clean and very bright in its own right. The trained eye of the gemologist saw it as just a tint warmer and slightly smaller.

Diamond 1442316 is your best, brightest, and whitest option. It's our gemologist's favorite between the two and I highly recommend it for your diamond purchase. Best of all, it's also the least expensive diamond between the two.

We are all commenting the pictures and images while the GG get to see the stones side by side in person so i'd value his/her recommendation a lot. Like others, I am concerned about the paler table so perhaps ask the GG what he thinks of the paler table? Just a thought.

 

[sky322]

Will ask that question, haven't considered the "I" colored diamond until it was linked. Goodness, I'm reading so much and I might have to go to a store to actually compare what an I looks like vs an H. I could barely tell the difference online...