So excited but I need help

[eh613c]

In the last few weeks my brother has been asking about diamonds because he wants to propose to his gf. His gf and I happen to be great friends and she told me from prior conversations what she likes and her style. I'm so excited to help him out but I do need help as well. After doing some research and finding MRBs with HCA score less than 2, I look at the proportions and start wondering if I'm relying too much on the score. I found MRBs with tables as big as the total depth and I wonder if it will have the fish eye effect.

So I need your help finding the right stone. His preferences are
-must be at least 1 carat (over 6.5mm)
-color G H I
-VS1 to VS2
-GIA XXX or AGS0
- he's ok with fluorescence

As for the setting, his gf likes a halo setting with no diamonds on the shank. I have shown him standard 14k halos from JA, WF and other PS approved vendors. He would like to spend most of his budget on the stone rather than the setting. His total budget is $6500.

We have found some candidates from B2CJewels but I personally haven't dealt with them or have read much about them. If anyone has experience with this vendor, please share your thoughts.

 

[JulieN]

Ags 0
http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/diamond-page.asp?diamid=1673186

 

[2jzzzz]

I used b2c jewels and they were great. Very helpful using live chat, lots of ring designs. Delivery was always updated, arrived packaged in a good box, then inside two other boxes with FedEx. I can't praise them an ought and the final product.

 

[Gypsy]

I don't have personal experience with B2C. But you can do a search (top right) of your screen to see about other's experiences with them.

Diamond Hawk posts on here and his posts bode well.

Plus they have ASETs and idealscopes. And their pricing is good. So... if you are happy with the reviews, I don't see a reason not to buy from them.

James Allen is another very well regarded vendor.

Have you looked at settings though. Since you want a RB and well, everyone carries those, you may want to narrow vendors by the setting options.

His total budget is LOW for what he wants. Frankly something's got to give. Clarity is the easiest thing to sacrifice. Eyeclean is good enough.

You can ask if any of these is eyeclean:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4696757-1.03-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=4696757&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5041730-1.01-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=5041730&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4969404-1.02-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=4969404&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com


If they are, they can get you an idealscope image.

I have no idea what this setting will look like in real life, but the price is good: http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Halo-Cathedral-Engagement-Ring-14K-White-Gold-8265-1.aspx and it allows for a flush fit wedding band.

They do send replicas for free (just pay shipping) though so you can do that.

 

[eh613c]

Thanks everyone for the response. JulieN, I have forwarded that diamond to him. 2jzzzz thanks for your input regarding the vendor. Gypsy, you are always a great help in this forum. I had a feeling that his budget was too low based on the results I got from a quick search. I will talk to him about going down in clarity or size to fit his budget. I have also looked at different vendor's halo settings, I think they all pretty much the same to him and so he's leaning towards JA because it's the lowest in price. I wasn't aware that vendors ship out replicas so I will let him know that.

 

[Gypsy]

Thanks everyone for the response. JulieN, I have forwarded that diamond to him. 2jzzzz thanks for your input regarding the vendor. Gypsy, you are always a great help in this forum. I had a feeling that his budget was too low based on the results I got from a quick search. I will talk to him about going down in clarity or size to fit his budget. I have also looked at different vendor's halo settings, I think they all pretty much the same to him and so he's leaning towards JA because it's the lowest in price. I wasn't aware that vendors ship out replicas so I will let him know that.

JA doesn't send out replicas. Just B2C.

So let's not get him all confused.

You might also want to mention that in a halo a 90 point 6.2 stone is going to look the same as a one carat 6.5. And that might be something that has to give as well.

 

[eh613c]

Got it. Thanks.

He's determined to get at least a VS2 clarity so he will sacrifice size. I also mentioned to him that maybe a standard 6 prong solitaire will do for now and change the setting later as an anniversary gift.

 

[JulieN]

The 1 ct diamond I posted earlier... looks another PSer put it on hold.