Suggestions for 1.2-1.5ct?!

[lalala]

Some of you have seen my previous posts about upgrading but here's an update (and some background if you haven't)...

So here is my current diamond (.70, G, SI1, GIA XXX--- only 2.9 on HCA). I'm looking to upgrade to at least 1.2 but prefer as close to 1.5 as I can get. This will be my first upgrade of many (I'm guessing, lol). I went and looked at different colors in store and I am sensitive to color but don't mind them (actually find a lot of I's and J's to be really pretty). We've upped our budget to $8K. Not sure if it's possible but hoping so! Could probably go to $10k for the right one. I do care about quality but I think my main concern right now is size. When I do my next upgrade I'll worry more about color and clarity. Right now I want an excellent or ideal cut and don't mind if it's a J or up. Obviously I want eye clean. I want to keep my current setting (I know the top part will have to be replaced, that's fine). I'm looking for more finger coverage. My current ring is a 7 and needs to be resized (I was told a 5.5 in store but I feel more comfortable in a 6). I'm 5'8" and have long fingers. I really need a 3ct + if anyone is willing to donate...

Here's the kicker: I need to stay with James Allen as that's where my current diamond and setting are from so I'm working with their upgrade policy. I've thought about changing the setting to a halo to accommodate my need for size but I just can't do it. I love halos on 2cts + but I feel like a halo on anything lower is trying too hard. I've tried to convince myself otherwise but I just can't. Plus, I'm a "classic" kind of gal and just love a good solitaire. My plan is to upgrade the diamond now and then upgrade my setting in a year or two (eyeing a Victor Canera solitaire). Probably looking at another diamond upgrade in 5-7yrs which is why I want to stay around $8-10K now (considering the 2x upgrade policy). We currently do not have any debt (no car loans, no student debt, etc) and plan to keep it that way until we purchase our first house (which we are also currently saving for). EDIT to add: so no going over $10K and prefer under $8K if possible.

I can't figure out how to post pics on mobile so here's a link to my current ring:

https://i.imgur.com/nGaS3zb.jpg

I'm slightly concerned that a J will be noticeable against my setting (F/G diamonds and 14K white gold). Please advise!

 

[lalala]

Here's an image of my current GIA report:

https://i.imgur.com/IqDd382.jpg

It's not perfect but it's sparkly (to me) in person. So if I can do better or equally as good, I'll be satisfied.

 

[HDer]

Alright, someone after my own heart.

If you want something with guaranteed light performance, I'd go with this and be done: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-j-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3426140 AGS 0; J. Is it going to look yellower than your G? Yes. Noticeable against your backdrop diamonds? Maybe if you look at it for a while. Check out the real photos of the K color under James Allen's unforgiving lighting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ut-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7092

Now, if you don't need AGS 0, I like this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3394119 HCA 1.0 1.6 carats. J with medium blue fluor.

Rounding out the J stones, I would also consider this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3276284 Now, IGI in general has a worse reputation than GIA, and I don't know exactly how good the grading IGI Antwerp provides is. But the proportions look decent and the face up looks decent, and the discount is built in for an IGI stone so you'd be getting something bigger for the price.

Now, onto I color:

True hearts I like, but am not totally happy with this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3160818

Otherwise, maybe this one? https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3254266 or this one? https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3055049

Finally, what would be the absolute largest we could go with your parameters and budget? Of the biggest stones under 10K, at least a J and at least a SI2, I like this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3245544

Is it quite as nice as the other ones? No. But the inclusions are mostly off the table so can be partially hidden with prongs, and if you put a pave on it that's a 2 carat ring.

 

[HDer]

Also, if you talk to the customer service agent you can ask for an "Advantage Discount" which is supposed to be the unofficial Pricescope discount. I think it might be something like 1-2% on the total order? James Allen also runs a 25% discount on settings that's not stackable with it during holidays. They also offer a 1.5% wire transfer discount although personally I would just use a 2% cash back credit card instead.

 

[HDer]

One last one I just saw. Let's be clear, I do not recommend this one, because it's I1: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-d-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3291149 But to be honest, if I were in your shoes I would be super tempted to have James Allen put this in a solitaire setting and ship it out to me for in person inspection. Will you be able to see some of the inclusions with a naked eye? Probably. But it's a 2 carat D with decent proportions, and I don't know, I think 50% chance that it could be a really nice looking stone in real life. And if not? Just return it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Even though you think you will upgrade again later, always buy with the idea that it is your forever stone. Again, I'd advise sticking with I color at the lowest, and this stone that HDer posted would be my pick. (HDer, she already has a setting that she wants JA to change the head to accommodate the new stone.)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3160818

This one is good if you want larger size:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3254266

 

[HDer]

Again, I'd advise sticking with I color at the lowest

The reason I would personally go for the AGS0 J over the AGS0 I is that assuming the AGS0 J is eye clean (and based on the videos I think it is) she would be giving up a quarter of a carat for a single color grade. It's definitely possible that the color difference between the two, as you've shown in your personal experience (and photos), is what turns the stone from great to meh, but unless her personal cutoff is the same as yours, which is relatively unlikely, I feel like she'd enjoy the extra quarter carat more.