SOS! Need help...24K to spend for 2c RB F can it be done?

[eric99]

Hi Everyone,
First off, I hope everyone here is having a great holiday season! I’ve been a longtime lurker here, maybe 2 years or so, but have a whooper of question for my first official post.

I have a budget of 20-24K, and I’m looking to upgrade my wife’s diamond from 1c to 2c.

Current diamond:

GIA cert

Carats: 1.04
Cut: RB
Color: F
Clarity: VS2
Symmetry: VG
Polish: VG
Girdle: Thin to Slightly Thick, Faceted
Cutlet: None
Depth: 60.3
Table: 62
Dimensions: 6.52 x 6.61 x 3.96
Flourescence: Faint

The 2c that I’m interested in (but don’t have all the specs)
GIA cert

Carats: 2.0
Cut: RB
Color: F
Clarity: SI1
Symmetry: VG
Polish: G
Girdle:
Cutlet:
Depth: 62.9
Table: 59
Dimensions:
Flourescence: None

Price: approx 24K

I wish I had a copy of the cert to give more information but my main concern here is the cut. I’ve seen the diamond and it looks great, but after punching in some numbers here on PS, I think maybe they’re asking too much it.

I would really like to hit the 2c mark and I think I’d sacrifice color to get a better cut in the upgrade. Also the SI stone I looked at was really eye clean and to me looked more like a VS2.

I’m using the same jeweler so I could use the existing stone for trade up (about 6K) so that helps a bit.

I guess my main question here is could I do better? This is probably going to be the one big upgrade for a while and I want to make sure I don’t screw it up.

Thanks for any help.

BTW, I was trying to get this for a Christmas present but now that I think about it, I may be rushing things a bit. Also, sorry for the spacing, I tried to fix it, but it keeps double spacing.

 

[Mara]

Hmmm..I guess my first question is what is your priority here?

Is it just to hit the 2c mark within your budget?

Is it to hit the 2c mark within your budget with a colorless eye-clean stone?

Is it to hit the 2c mark within your budget with a colorless eye-clean stone with an exceptional cut?

For me it would be the last option....but both stones you have listed here are not ones I would consider. The existing stone has specs I don't like and the new stone has specs that I don't like.

In my opinion, if you feel like you want to get a stone with a great cut...now is your chance. It will look better most likely in more lighting situations than your wife's existing stone which seems kind of brilliant ideal cuttish with the larger table.

My two cents. 24k is alot of money...spend it wisely!! I would pass on that 2c stone and find something that is going to be more ideally cut.Also, I'd get an idealscope for $30 online and take it with you to view stones that your jeweler brings in. It will really help guide you.

Oh and yes please don't rush the purchase....that would most likely just lead to regret later. Do it right with that extra $$!

 

[Mara]

Here's a diamond for comparison...on specs only. It's no longer available but was a virtual H&A for sale.

2.02c F SI1
Depth: 60.2%
Table: 56%
Girdle: vt
GIA Certified
No Culet
EX, EX Polish and Symmetry
Faint Fluor
Dimensions: 8.21-8.26x4.96
Price: $21658

From the specs listed here, this would be a diamond that to me has alot of potential to be a stunning 'ideal' cut stone.

Notice it is ~$2500 under your $24k budget.

Use the PS engines for comparison while you are shopping...in terms of what to look for in terms of specs...here are my 'strict' specs on what I would look for. And use that Idealscope to help weed things in or out!

Table: 54-56%
Depth: 60.2-61.8%
Crown Angle: 34.4-34.7
Pav Angle: 40.4-40.8

Edited to Add: Found one more which has promising specs....use this for comparison as well...notice it's a higher carat E SI1 for still under the $24k budget. Table is a tiny bit larger at 57% but it would still be worth checking out if it was a local stone.

2.10 E SI1
Depth: 61.8%
Table: 57%
Girdle: thin-medium
AGS Certified
No Culet
EX, EX Polish and Symmetry
No Fluor
Dimensions: 8.11-8.16x5.08
Price: $23792

 

[Jelly]

How about this one from Whiteflash?

here

Item Code: AGS-6809001
Price: $24,149.00
Report: AGS
Shape: A Cut Above H&A
Carat: 2.155
Color: D
Clarity: SI2
Depth: 61.1
Table: 56.1
Crown Angle: 34.6
Crown %: 15.1
Pavilion Angle: 40.7
Pavilion %: 42.9
Girdle: Thin to Slightly Thick Faceted
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Culet: Pointed
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 8.31-8.34X5.09

 

[eric99]

Hi Mara,

Thanks for the reply! I''m totally with you, I want what''s behind door number 3

Although my wife loves her current diamond, I''ve had this nagging feeling about the stone that did bug me. I wish I had found this site before I purchased it(about 7 years ago). So yes, I do want to do this right the second time around. That being said, I really am looking for a diamond that looks stunning.

My main problem here was the whole xmas timing, but you are right on the mark with your advice. I''d rather get a great stone than rush to put something under the tree.

Well that solves my current issue (timing), now I just need to find that right rocky!

-eric

 

[eric99]

Hi Jelly,

Funny you mentioned that stone as I took a look at that same one earlier this morning! Looks nice!

I think that my biggest hurdle going into this purchase will be trying to personally see any stones I''m interested in. I''ve looked a few from WF and GOG but wonder how much trouble it would really be to see them.

Why do I get the sinking feeling this will take me some time?

 

[Jelly]

Check out the online vendor''s return policy. You can always get your money back if the stone is not to your liking.

Good things come to those who wait (and research!)

 

[Regular Guy]

Since your missing some data on the option you have in mind, and yet are interested in the cut...do whatever checking you want to make sure you''re getting what you want.

Not sure, but here''s an option that might allow you a zero cost alternative, and let you keep your current diamond, to boot.

Check with WF to make sure the clarity is what you want though. But, it does come with promising cut data, and gives you both your size and color!

 

[valeria101]

It seems very much feasible - the grade, size and budget. There is even room for some branding (AGS cut certs, H&A or such).

A couple more:

F-SI1 at Icestore

and

there are a few E-F, SI1s with AGS reports at Blue Nile.


Given the SI part, the winner between these would the be very much about clarity - whichever stone comes ''eye clean''.

Blue Nile does not send pictures,I do nt know about Icestore, the others mentioned on this thread do.

And the return policy bit holds for all the stores.

Best of luck!

The cut branding part means that clarity will probably be SI (hoping SI1). W/o that, F-VS2 would work out and I would dare try (i.e. having the seller pic up a stone based on proportions and looks) from among the few GIA Ex-Ex VS2 diamonds listed. Sure enough, the same option may be avaialble either locally to you or elsewhere. These online are easier to talk about there.

Such a candidate may be: THIS

 

[eric99]

Thanks to everyone for the replies, been searching a bit. Do you think that going from an F to H color would be okay? I would assume that with the better cut, this diamond would look very nice. Any opinions?


Item Code: AGS-6809004
Price: $22,470.00
Report: AGS
Shape: A Cut Above H&A
Carat: 2.062
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
Depth: 61.1
Table: 56
Crown Angle: 34.6
Crown %: 15.2
Pavilion Angle: 40.7
Pavilion %: 43
Girdle: Thin to Slightly Thick Faceted
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Culet: Pointed
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 8.18-8.22X5.01

 

[Kaleigh]

This one I like a lot!!!

 

[decodelighted]

Since she loves her original diamond, have you thought at all about setting it in a pendant instead of trading it in? Even if you had to go to just below 2ct to do it ... I might prefer that option.

Does she know about this or is it a total suprise?

BTW ... that last stone looks phenomenal (I love my "H" & mine isn''t even an ideal cut)

 

[eric99]

kaleigh, I like it alot too! I wish WF was in Los Angeles, instead of Houston!

so I could see these rocks!

decodelighted,

I'll most likely do what you suggest, due to the fact that I'm probably not going to be using my local jeweler for this transaction and not get the upgrade credit. I'm sure my wife wouldn't mind that idea. I also think a pendant would make a lovely family gift for my 3 month old daughter later on down the road.

I would have loved for this to be a total suprise but unfortunately she already has an idea that I'm shopping for an upgrade. I wanted to have this done for Christmas, but being a guy and all, I have great intentions but terrible timing (read procrastination

) and waited a bit to long to start this process. But the flip side is with everybody here, I'm sure that the final choice will be awesome! Much better than I could've done on my own. A big THANK YOU to everyone.

BTW, I just got off the phone with Bob from WF and we discussed a few options. Hopefully, over the next week or so, I can put together a short list and make a decision from there.

Whew! This is tough work! Kinda stressful, but fun nonetheless.

Thanks again,

eric

 

[solange]

You can have Witeflash orone of the other vendors send the stone to a Pricescope authorized appraiser where you can see it before youpay.That is what Whiteflash did for me and I bought the stone.

 

[Mara]

That 2c H looks YUMMY!! Keep us posted!

 

[rosy]

The H looks great! I have a 1.85 H & love it!

 

[JDgirl]

I have to agree...I like that H! I love the color of G-H-I stones, so it would be really easy to go down n color to get a bigger, better cut stone.

 

[eric99]

Hi everyone,

Okay, I think I''ve narrowed the search down to 3 stones. Before I send these off to WF for review, was wondering if you experts out there see anything that jumps out at you. Or am I just splitting hairs here?

I appreciate all the help and input here. Thanks!!

-Eric

Stone #1 Stone #2 Stone # 3

Item Code GIA-13681037 AGS-6809004 AGS-6148204
Price $21,256.00 $22,470.00 $21,915.00
Report GIA AGS AGS
Shape Round Ideal Cut A Cut Above H&A A Cut Above H&A
Carat 2.04 2.062 2.113
Color H H H
Clarity VS2 SI1 SI1
Depth 60.8 61.1 61
Table 56 56 55
Crown Angle 34.7 34.6 34.7
Crown % 15.2 15.2 15.4
Pavilion Angle 40.9 40.7 40.7
Pavilion % 43.1 43 42.9
Girdle ThnToMedium Fac Thin to Slght Thck Faceted Thin to Slightly Thick
Polish Excellent Ideal Ideal
Symmetry Excellent Ideal Ideal
Culet None Pointed Pointed
Fluorescence No Negligible Negligible
Measurements 8.19-8.25X5.00 8.18-8.22X5.01 8.28-8.30X5.06

 

[belle]

yes..i did notice something right away..

they are all beautiful!

you can''t go wrong here eric...those are all great!

i''ll be looking forward to seeing what you pick!

 

[Mara]

They all have seemingly nice specs...I really like #3 the best, it''s biggest and it has nice angles and table/depth combo.

 

[Regular Guy]

Actually, the dissonance between the title of your thread and your picks is striking. Since you''re going to WF anyway, at least consider throwing in the option I suggested earlier (look up for the frog); it''s still waiting for you. By the thread''s title, I would have thought you were more holding out for color than for clarity. Of course, everyone wants the best of both. But, if the specific SI2 is judged eye-clean, I''d entertain it.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Kaleigh]

They are all awesome stones, if pressed I would go for #3 as well. Great numbers and it''s the biggest.

 

[Regular Guy]

Sorry, I hate loose ends. WF, I love ya, but since you were looking for F, and you may have trouble with SI2, you might consider 2.08 F SI1 for less than some you''re looking at. Note also the new cert from AGS showing 000.

Regards,

 

[eric99]

Ira,

Believe me, I took a really hard look at your first (edit) suggestion, but in the end, I was concerned about the inclusion (cloud?) on the table at the 8 o' clock. I've also softened up my position on the color from my original post. After reading many PS posts regarding H color vs F and G, I believe that I'm going to be okay sacrificing color for the right clarity and cut. Bottom line for me is I really want this stone to be eye-clean because it will bug me if I can see it. Although, I may ask Bob to pull that one also to eyeball it for me.

That being said....Mara, how did you get that 2.10 E SI1 stone in your second post to turn up in PS? I'd like to see that one too if it's still online.

Thanks again,

eric

 

[eric99]

...Okay I like that one too ( 2.08 F SI1 )! Damn this is tough. Does Blue Nile have any lightscope or images that they can send?

-eric

edit: I may have to rule out BlueNile because of the no upgrade policy. My wife and I are pretty young (LOL! last time I checked 36 was young...except when my 22 year old sister in-law talks about the creepy 30 yo's trying to pick up on her) And dare I say, she may want to bump up from 2ct. I don't know why.....

 

[belle]

bluenile does not have idealscope images, they are mainly a drop shipper so most of their stones arent'' in stock.
i would continue to look outside of ''f'' color stones, you will never see the difference between a well cut ''f'' or ''g'' ...even lower than that face up.

 

[Mara]

Eric if it is not showing up now, it may be sold or on hold? When you call WF I would also have them advise if there are any other stones in that range that they just had come in or something that is on hold that may be available if the sale falls through etc.

 

[UCLABelle]

I would also go with # 3, but they do actually all look pretty nice (specs wise)

 

[Jelly]

They all look like winners, but I''d go with Stone #3 as long as it''s eye clean! Good luck!