Some advice would be appreciated :)

[Suspenders83]

Hi all!

I've been researching diamonds to the best of my ability and have been trying to look for triple excellent cut, symmetry, polish stones graded by GIA or AGS. I'm also looking for stones with a table from 54-57%, and a depth of 61-62.5%.

My girlfriend would like a simple solitaire ring in a 6 prong setting in 18K yellow gold.

For the diamond itself, my budget is $10,500 CAD ($7,700 USD) excluding taxes.

Would this be okay?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2519524

Or should I consider dialing it down to an I-Color and go bigger, such as with this?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2219396

I'm considering I-Color because it would be a yellow gold ring.

Thanks for your help!

 

[bmfang]

Welcome

Great start with searching using those table and depth percentages.

H & I coloured stones will still appear quite white face up with a tiny tiny bit of colour when viewed from the side. You could safely set them in white gold or platinum but if the boss has expressed a preference for yellow gold, stick with that!

Not everyone is colour sensitive but almost everyone can notice a difference in size, so the I coloured stone would be my pick. Plus, looking at the hearts images, the I stone looks better (more even hearts sizes and chevrons). That plus the inclusion plot on the I is better (I can see something that looks like a cloud in the H stone's magnified video on certain angles).

Have you checked out stones at Whiteflash or are you set with using James Allen?

 

[Suspenders83]

Thank you for your feedback!

What you mentioned are subtle differences that I can't tell by looking at those images, so thanks again!

I am open to looking at whiteflash as well but haven't done an extensive search there yet.

 

[bmfang]

Over at Whiteflash, how about these?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3823444.htm - 1.292 I SI1 Expert Selection

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3820557.htm - 1.141 H VS1 A Cut Above

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3801997.htm - 1.142 I VS2 A Cut Above

 

[tyty333]

Over at Whiteflash, how about these?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3823444.htm - 1.292 I SI1 Expert Selection

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3820557.htm - 1.141 H VS1 A Cut Above

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3801997.htm - 1.142 I VS2 A Cut Above

Love these options...I would call WF and talk to them about the 1.29 and make sure it is eye-clean at every distance. If not,
I like the H and also the smaller I.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Those are good options with a company that has a great trade-in policy should you ever want to upgrade the diamond down the road.

 

[Suspenders83]

Over at Whiteflash, how about these?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3823444.htm - 1.292 I SI1 Expert Selection

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3820557.htm - 1.141 H VS1 A Cut Above

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3801997.htm - 1.142 I VS2 A Cut Above

Thank you for looking into these for me

I will contact WhiteFlash about the 1.29C diamond to ensure it's eyeclean. I do like the smaller H diamond.

On another note, my girlfriend does not care for a big ring. She's repeatedly told me she'd be fine with a 0.5C diamond, but I personally would like for her to have a bigger ring. (She probably wouldn't mind a bigger ring, as long as the style - classic solitaire - is selected).

She does have tiny fingers (about a 3.5-4) and I've been looking through pictures of different size stones on smaller fingers. My (stupid) concern is that people may perceive it to be a fake ring because a 1.29C stone may look really big on her tiny fingers.

C'est la vie.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I love this one and it seems like a really good deal for H VS1:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3820557.htm

1.29 isn't going to look all that much larger than a 1.14, so don't worry about that. I'd just rather have an H VS1 over I SI1, personally.

 

[bmfang]

I put the 1.29 in as a contender in the event you were looking to maximise carat size vs price.

To be honest, I'd lean towards the two ACA stones more. If your budget can stretch up to the cost of the H VS1, then that is my suggested stone for you Suspenders83. Otherwise, the I VS2 is a pretty solid looking stone IMHO.

 

[Suspenders83]

So much to learn about diamonds! I visited a local jeweler who showed me a triple excellent GIA stone.
1.21C
Color - H
Clarity - VS2
Table size; 59%
Depth; 61.1%
Pavilion angle; 41.0
Crown angle; 34.0

It did sparkle quite a bit, but it seems to fall just outside of the ideal table size, and the pavilion angle seems a bit too big. I think the HCA score was 1.8.

I was wondering why it was selling for $9,500 CAD.

Anyway, I'm really interested in this stone: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3820557.htm (The ACA H VS1).

Am I seeing things by noticing an inclusion by the table in the video?

 

[Dancing Fire]

I love this one and it seems like a really good deal for H VS1:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3820557.htm

Very nice looking stone!..

 

[bmfang]

So much to learn about diamonds! I visited a local jeweler who showed me a triple excellent GIA stone.
1.21C
Color - H
Clarity - VS2
Table size; 59%
Depth; 61.1%
Pavilion angle; 41.0
Crown angle; 34.0

It did sparkle quite a bit, but it seems to fall just outside of the ideal table size, and the pavilion angle seems a bit too big. I think the HCA score was 1.8.

I was wondering why it was selling for $9,500 CAD.

Anyway, I'm really interested in this stone: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3820557.htm (The ACA H VS1).

Am I seeing things by noticing an inclusion by the table in the video?

The offer from the jeweller is ok. As you point out, table size is a bit high but the angles are complementary (shallow 34 CA coupled with steepish 41 PA).

The WF H VS1 is a beautiful looking stone.

 

[Suspenders83]

I have my eye on that 1.141 H VS1 stone...

The lady has expressed interest in a rose gold solitaire ring (versus yellow gold).

After reviewing a few other sites, they've mentioned that it's better to go with a lower color grade (I.e. I - J) with rose gold, because otherwise it'd be wasting money?

From anyone's experience, is this true? Or should I stick with this stone: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3820557.htm

 

[bmfang]

If rose gold, you can safely drop down to J/K colour stones (or lower). As a bonus, you should be able to go up in carat weight.

 

[whitewave]

Put the ACA h on hold before it gets poached

 

[MollyMalone]

Don't know who "they" is, but from my perspective (I too much prefer the warmer colors of metals for my jewelry) I'd say if you can comfortably afford the H 1.141 ct diamond & you think it would give her pleasure (it IS a lovely stone), her preference for a ring other than platinum or white gold isn't a reason imo to put the kibosh on the H stone purchase. I'm weirdly sensitive to diamond colors (but don't ask me to distinguish nuanced differences in reds!) & I never looked at the F stones in my peach gold anniversary ring and thought, "well, those were a waste of money"!

 

[Suspenders83]

If rose gold, you can safely drop down to J/K colour stones (or lower). As a bonus, you should be able to go up in carat weight.

That would be the intention

Put the ACA h on hold before it gets poached

Good point.

Don't know who "they" is, but from my perspective (I too much prefer the warmer colors of metals for my jewelry) I'd say if you can comfortably afford the H 1.141 ct diamond & you think it would give her pleasure (it IS a lovely stone), her preference for a ring other than platinum or white gold isn't a reason imo to put the kibosh on the H stone purchase. I'm weirdly sensitive to diamond colors (but don't ask me to distinguish nuanced differences in reds!) & I never looked at the F stones in my peach gold anniversary ring and thought, "well, those were a waste of money"!

Sorry, website such as "Beyond4Cs" and "YourDiamondTeacher".

When I visited a local jeweler, I did have a hard time detecting the color difference in an "I" stone and a "G" stone. He had them side by side, and I viewed them from every angle. They were both GIA triple excellent cut. Now, they weren't cut as well as the ones I've posted, but they were beautifully shiny.

I found another stone that (to me) looks good.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3785267.htm?a_aid=recommended

Thoughts?

 

[ac117]

I think an I color would still be a safe choice but I personally wouldn't go lower than that in a MRB unless you absolutely know she wouldn't mind the color. I is usually where people start to notice tint and it will be visible from the side of the diamond. Loveee the I VS2 you picked!

This stone really maximizes size and looks to be very clean! https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3826687.htm

 

[Austina]

This is what the WF 1.337 ct stone will look like on a size 4 finger, absolutely perfect!

 

[MollyMalone]

I think an I color would still be a safe choice but I personally wouldn't go lower than that in a MRB unless you absolutely know she wouldn't mind the color. * * *

That's my thought as well. I'm also going to encourage you to resist budget creep. $10,500 (CAD)/$7700 (USD) is far from a miserly figure -- and every US dollar beyond that is $1.37 more to you at today's exchange rate. And your SO has expressed a wish for a stone more modest than anything you've indicated you're considering. So here are some links to pics of solitaires, somewhat under 1 carat, on fingers of the size of hers (or quite close to it) so you can see how lovely they look on the hand, very proportional, especially for someone who doesn't want "bling"
The 1+ ct stones within your budget will be no less lovely

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/page-81#post-4025135
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/page-81#post-4051358
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/page-58#post-3155144
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/page-34#post-2006255
(it may take a few seconds for the photos to come into view after you click on the link)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree with the others. I color is a great choice and I would not go lower than that for an engagement ring even if set in rose gold. I advise you to put that stone on hold because WF sells stones like that fairly rapidly. I was looking at a matched pair to potentially upgrade my studs two days ago and one of the stones has already sold!

 

[Suspenders83]

That's my thought as well. I'm also going to encourage you to resist budget creep. $10,500 (CAD)/$7700 (USD) is far from a miserly figure -- and every US dollar beyond that is $1.37 more to you at today's exchange rate. And your SO has expressed a wish for a stone more modest than anything you've indicated you're considering. So here are some links to pics of solitaires, somewhat under 1 carat, on fingers of the size of hers (or quite close to it) so you can see how lovely they look on the hand, very proportional, especially for someone who doesn't want "bling"
The 1+ ct stones within your budget will be no less lovely

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/page-81#post-4025135
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/page-81#post-4051358
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/page-58#post-3155144
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/page-34#post-2006255
(it may take a few seconds for the photos to come into view after you click on the link)

Thank you for the reminder, and you're absolutely right. I should try to stay closer to budget if possible. It is sometimes hard to resist going with something a bit more substantial because, she's not one for much jewelry, nor does she have extravagant tastes. I figure that this would be one opportunity to get her something slightly extravagant? As long as it doesn't look ridiculous on her finger...

The worst thing I'd want is for others to look at it and think it's fake. But I suppose that doesn't matter, because it's a gift from me to her.

I agree with the others. I color is a great choice and I would not go lower than that for an engagement ring even if set in rose gold. I advise you to put that stone on hold because WF sells stones like that fairly rapidly. I was looking at a matched pair to potentially upgrade my studs two days ago and one of the stones has already sold!

Thank you for the advice and I agree I will not go lower than an I color stone.

And thank you for the info. I didn't realize that they sell that quickly.

 

[Suspenders83]

Hi Everyone,

I'd greatly appreciate your input on the following choices:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3826687.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3798130.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793589.htm

I know, they are deviations from the criteria that I first mentioned. But since she's interested in a solitaire rose gold ring, I thought I'd push the carat size up a bit more, and slightly stretch my budget (which I am able to).

Thanks again for your help.

 

[MollyMalone]

I'm about to scoot off to bed, Suspenders, but before you make your final decision, I thought I'd ask if you have looked at any of Whiteflash's Expert Selection diamonds:
https://www.whiteflash.com/expert-selection-diamonds
Although a step down from ACAs, they too are AGS 000, hearts-and-arrow stones & you'll get the same trade-up policy with an Expert Selection diamond as with an ACA. I've seen Expert Selection diamonds on the WF web site in the past that I thought were well worth considering.

 

[Suspenders83]

I'm about to scoot off to bed, Suspenders, but before you make your final decision, I thought I'd ask if you have looked at any of Whiteflash's Expert Selection diamonds:
https://www.whiteflash.com/expert-selection-diamonds
Although a step down from ACAs, they too are AGS 000, hearts-and-arrow stones & you'll get the same trade-up policy with an Expert Selection diamond as with an ACA. I've seen Expert Selection diamonds on the WF web site in the past that I thought were well worth considering.

Perhaps this one?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3634201.htm

 

[JDDN]

Perhaps this one?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3634201.htm

I don't like the looks of the booger under the table. It very well may be that you won't see it IRL, but I just don't like inclusions like that under the table. You have a nice budget and many beautiful choices .

 

[ac117]

Hi Everyone,

I'd greatly appreciate your input on the following choices:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3826687.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3798130.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793589.htm

I know, they are deviations from the criteria that I first mentioned. But since she's interested in a solitaire rose gold ring, I thought I'd push the carat size up a bit more, and slightly stretch my budget (which I am able to).

Thanks again for your help.

Of these 3, I like the 1.337 I SI1 most (def looks eye clean, has smaller table and fatter arrows and great price for super ideal over 7mm). Although I like the 1.288, it just misses 7mm and I don't think the extra money is worth it for that 1.33 H with the black scuff on the table.

As another person said, be careful with your budget creeping up and up. I'm also not a fan of the ES stone and for that price I'd take either of these in a heart beat:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3826688.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3719442.htm

 

[Suspenders83]

Of these 3, I like the 1.337 I SI1 most (def looks eye clean, has smaller table and fatter arrows and great price for super ideal over 7mm). Although I like the 1.288, it just misses 7mm and I don't think the extra money is worth it for that 1.33 H with the black scuff on the table.

As another person said, be careful with your budget creeping up and up. I'm also not a fan of the ES stone and for that price I'd take either of these in a heart beat:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3826688.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3719442.htm

Oh Boy... the 1st one you quoted looks SO good... But it's an extra ~1860 CAD more. D'oh...

I'm heavily leaning towards this one: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3826687.htm

It'll be set in a simple classic 6 prong rose gold ring. Ring size ~3.75.

 

[ac117]

Will be gorgeous!!!

 

[Snowdrop13]

You can do the ring with a rose gold band and have a platinum top on it- gets the best of both!