The Pain...

[seaglass]

of seeing a loved one buy a crappy diamond.

OK, I really need your help PSers. A relative just purchased a diamond from a brick and mortar store that is not up to par. He only contacted me after the fact. I convinced him to put it on hold while I look for a better one. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find one I thought was good enough in his price range.

Budget for the diamond is $7500 USD
He wants 1.5 ct.
The setting is this halo by Verragio in rose gold : https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-4938.htm#size=6

Any help is appreciated. The only super ideals I could find are around 10k. But since it is a halo, maybe we can compromise on light performance?...

 

[Snowdrop13]

I’m not seeing much at $7500 even in the virtual inventory. Your relative is spending such a huge chunk of the budget on the setting, could he be persuaded to go for something simpler/cheaper to invest more in the diamond, maybe this, or similar?

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...on-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-4694.htm

 

[rockysalamander]

I’m not seeing much at $7500 even in the virtual inventory. Your relative is spending such a huge chunk of the budget on the setting, could he be persuaded to go for something simpler/cheaper to invest more in the diamond, maybe this, or similar?

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...on-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-4694.htm

I can't agree more. Buying a $5000 setting is not sensible at all. Really. Tell him to buy a big diamond and simplier halo. This is beautiful in RG.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-edge-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49492

For $7500 budget, these are the best options I can find.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4253854
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3258335 {good IS, good number, clarity should be eyeclean at VS2, not my favorite inclusion, but it is not mirroring all over}
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3826685.htm {super-ideal and very well priced, similar in size to the two JA options}

$8500 budget
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3420065 {60/60, needs an IS but its huge at 7.6 mm}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4044594 {another 60/60, need to confirm clounds are not an issue, but VVS2 should not be. 7.41 mm. Need an IS}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4241020 {one inclusion off the table which should be eyeclean at VS2. Solid numbers}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-j-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3540320 {AGS0, good IS, great numbers}

 

[seaglass]

Thanks for all the input. You're right in regards to the budget. Something has to give. Unfortunately he showed her this ring before looking at the price tag and they seem set on it.... I told him he's trying to buy a ring like a rock star when we're just mere mortals. I'll check all of your suggestions when I get a chance after work. We'll do the best we can.

 

[rockysalamander]

Thanks for all the input. You're right in regards to the budget. Something has to give. Unfortunately he showed her this ring before looking at the price tag and they seem set on it.... I told him he's trying to buy a ring like a rock star when we're just mere mortals. I'll check all of your suggestions when I get a chance after work. We'll do the best we can.

Suggest to him that they buy a big diamond now that will last a lifetime for its beauty. Then, upgrade her setting to the expensive one for they 5th wedding anniversary. My grandmother's rule was always to tell people to buy the best diamond they can with no debt and upgrade the setting later. What she wants "now" may change quite a bit as life changes (job, hobbies, kids).

With $10k for the diamond, I'd bump the color to I (in case she want to move this out of RG in the future). Something like this.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-4197602