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The Search Has Began! Need Some Guidance. Budget of around 16k.

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diamondsearch123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 31, 2017
Messages
14
Hello all,

I came across this website a few days ago and I must say that it has been enormously helpful so far.

We went and looked at a few jewelry stores to get a general idea of what she likes. What I learned:

Shape: Round
Color: We looked at several different colors and frankly had a hard time telling the difference between H/I and anything above. So as long as it in that range, she is content.
Clarity: Again, we had a hard time telling the differences between the VS1/2 and the VVS1/VVS2 with the naked eye. But from reading on here, every diamond is unique and depending on where the abrasions are located can make one diamond totally different than another even if they have the same clarity.
Cut/Carat: These are obviously the most important aspects. Looking for the best I can get for my budget in these two areas. It would be AWESOME to find something around 2 carats at this price range.
Budget: I would like to keep it around 16k for just the diamond.

The kicker:
If possible, I would prefer to stick to bluenile for the purchase. I already have a credit card with them and they allow for 18 months no interest if paid in full. I love interest free money and would like to take advantage of this if possible! But I understand that a lot of people here are not fans of them since they don't provide as much info on the diamonds. Because of that, I may be willing to try out somewhere such as James Allen.

After doing some searching, I came across the following example:

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09582015

It rates "excellent" on the HCA score, is just over the 2 carat threshold, the pinpoints don't appear to be too noticeable, and it doesn't have any sort of clouding according to the GIA report.

Am I on the right track here or are there much better options out there at that price point?

Thanks in advance!
 
Rocky or some of the other cut-wizards will chime in. My $.02 is the following:

Have you seen what a strong blue fluorescent diamond looks like? Not everyone likes their diamonds to be blue in sunlight. Might be worth googling or checking here on PS. It tends to reduce the cost of a diamond, so it can be a good deal as long as it's not milky/hazy as a result (it looks fine).

BN's upgrade policy - you would have to spend twice what you paid on this diamond in order to be eligble for an upgrade. Not sure if this is something you care about, just an FYI.

Is it possible to request an idealscope of this diamond? I can't remember if BN does that.

I get why you'd want to use BN, so hopefully someone here will help you find something perfect :)
 
I actually have no idea whether or not should likes a blue fluorescent! I guess that is yet another variable to consider (as if there weren't enough already). :lol:

I don't believe BN offers idealscopes. And the upgrade policy is nice but not a super important metric at this point in time.
 
The crown is a little shallow.

HNL means BN has a crappy upgrade policy. You have to spend double to upgrade.
 
I might be blind but how are you seeing the specific dimensions for the crown? All I am seeing is a percentage?
 
diamondsearch123 said:
I might be blind but how are you seeing the specific dimensions for the crown? All I am seeing is a percentage?
Click to expand...
It’s on the GIA certificate, as a percentage
 
I can look around this evening, but it you are considering buying diamond without ASET or IS, then I'd stick to these numbers. Other PS members may chime in with their narrow/ideal list.

table 54-56%,
total depth 60.8-61%
crown angle 34.2-34.4
pavil angle 40.7-40.8
pavil depth 42.8-43%
girdle thin-med faceted
Hearts&Arrows {may not be avail. at BN}
giaXXX or AGS000
HCA score 1.0-1.5

Other vendors will look at include JamesAllen, Whiteflash (ACA, Expert Selection), Brian Gavin Design (Signature,Blue), Brilliantly Engaged, Enchanted Diamonds, HighPerformanceDiamonds, and others.
 
Rockysalamander,

Thanks so much for looking into this for me! I may also be open to James Allen if there is a particular diamond that stands out significantly more there than others.

Overall, I just want to go with somewhere that finds a happy medium between quality and cost.

I will continue to look as well and see if there is anything worth posting here.
 
ac117,

Thanks for looking into these. On that first JA diamond: I see quite a few abrasions on the image. Are those not going to be detectable by the naked eye?
 
farrahlyn,

I have the money to pay cash for the diamond. I just will happily take free interest where I can get it!

But if buying a diamond from BN is that risky then I can go with a different vendor such as JA for peace of mind.

Looking at the three diamonds you posted:

#1 I like the tiny table as well. Worried that mark on the surface would be visible though? Scores a 1 on HCA.

#2 Great size and no significant marking from what I can tell. Also I really like that it is a VS1. I guess only concern is the color? Looks pretty good from image though... 1.6 on HCA.

#3 Again, worried about the mark on surface being visible. Also, HCA is pretty low at 0.6. Not sure if this is an issue though? But good color at G.

I think I am leaning towards #2 out of those so far. Did you happen to look at the diamond i listed from JA? How would you say it compares?

Thanks for all the help so far everyone.
 
diamondsearch123 said:
Thoughts on this diamond?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3527132

It is a bit out of the optimal range listed above but I am curious how significant that would be.

It scores a 0.7 on HCA
Table is a bit larger at 57%
depth is a bit lower at 60%
crown angle is lower at 32.5

And a few other differences.
Click to expand...

This sucker is huge and hits "excellent" for all HCA criteria. I'd put it on hold while JA gathers you an idealscope on it. It's probably such a good deal due to the strong fluor - ask JA whether the diamond appears hazy as a result (it doesn't look like it in the video).
 
I like #2 from @farrahlyn. I love the size of the JA stone, but that low crown angle may make the diamond leaky. For such a low crown angle, you'd expect a high pavilion angle as a pairing. But, it may be worth confirming with an IS.

These are also worth considering.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3297805 {inclusion on the table is the size of punctuation, bothers some and not others, nice high crown and light movement}

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3498123 {smaller table a plus, dot maybe a bit smaller. I like the look.}
 
diamondsearch123 said:
Thoughts on this diamond?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3527132

It is a bit out of the optimal range listed above but I am curious how significant that would be.

It scores a 0.7 on HCA
Table is a bit larger at 57%
depth is a bit lower at 60%
crown angle is lower at 32.5

And a few other differences.
Click to expand...

CA is a little lower than I would like, but I suspect it scores well on HCA due to the angle combo (shallow crown, steep[-ish] pavilion). I think it’s the type of angle combo that Garry H likes. I would generally prefer to ensure that a stone falls within AGS Ideal proportions AND GIA XXXx

That being said, the video of it looks beautiful and the grade setting twinning wisp is only just barely visible to my eyes at the right angles on the magnified vid. IRL, I don’t think you’d be able to notice it at all. If you are interested in it, reserve and ask JA to get an Idealscope image from the supplier.
 
diamondsearch123 said:
farrahlyn,

I have the money to pay cash for the diamond. I just will happily take free interest where I can get it!

But if buying a diamond from BN is that risky then I can go with a different vendor such as JA for peace of mind.

Looking at the three diamonds you posted:

#1 I like the tiny table as well. Worried that mark on the surface would be visible though? Scores a 1 on HCA.

#2 Great size and no significant marking from what I can tell. Also I really like that it is a VS1. I guess only concern is the color? Looks pretty good from image though... 1.6 on HCA.

#3 Again, worried about the mark on surface being visible. Also, HCA is pretty low at 0.6. Not sure if this is an issue though? But good color at G.

I think I am leaning towards #2 out of those so far. Did you happen to look at the diamond i listed from JA? How would you say it compares?

Thanks for all the help so far everyone.
Click to expand...

no, i wouldn't say that BN is risky, you can get a REALLY great deal if you shop right over there. I am not a HUGE fan of a lot of their settings, their prong work leaves a lot to be desired but i have seen an improvement in their setting choices recently.

Stone 1 - i doubt this will be visible to the naked eye. It's a white crystal and if you zoom out you'll be hard pressed to find it.
Stone 2 - the color should be fine unless she's particularly color sensitive. Artists tend to be more discerning when it comes to color and in that case, stick to H or above. A setting can disguise body color too. you'll see the tint from the side so a halo or a solitaire with basket that covers more of the stone will help "hide" the tint.
Stone 3 - again, the crystal is white. Very likely eye clean though you may be able to see when tilted a certain way.

If you go the route of stone 1 or 3, you can always ask JA to inspect the stone in regards to clarity.

As far as the stone you posted, YMMV. The crown is really shallow and even though i do like some stones with a 33 or 33.5 crown angle, 32.5 is a little too low for me. I have a stone with a shallow crown and i do sometimes wish we had gone with a higher crown angle. it throws mostly white flashes of light, rarely "fire" which is so often discussed here. I prefer the 2.05 ac117 posted, higher crown (which i think is particularly lovely in a larger stone) and even though it's smaller than the JA one you posted, i prefer the look.

Have you also considered whether or not she will want to upgrade her stone in the future? If so, let's stop for a minute and discuss the different policies and what works for you.

What type of setting are you going with?
 
@farrahlyn’s second BN choice is beautiful to my eyes, as is the first choice.

Totally get why you’d prefer to purchase from BN, even though it isn’t where I’d usually search for at first instance.
 
Farrahlyn,

She has picked out a setting from a local jeweler that she wants. So I am going to purchase the diamond online and take it to the jeweler for the setting. I don't know exactly what it is called but it is basically a solitaire setting so the side of the diamond will be somewhat exposed. That is partially why I was worried about going with a super low color diamond.

So it sounds like the leader of the pack right now is:

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09386713

I am still looking around and came across this example that is pretty similar in size and price.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09203533

Which of these would ya'll consider a "better" diamond overall?
 
Smart man, stick with what you know she likes! ;)2 Have you checked with the jeweler to make sure he will set an outside stone?

As for the stones, they both score well on the HCA, I VS1 for both.... i'd simply stick with the least expensive which is the 2.08ct stone. Be sure to check out the stone in all lighting conditions when you get it in to make SURE you're ok with the color. (make sure it stays clean!)
 
I guess I should verify that the jeweler will work with an outside stone. If he doesn't then I suppose I will need to figure out another option in regards to the setting. I like the jeweler but his prices on diamonds are simply too high compared to what I can get online. If I have a set budget I want to get the best diamond I can even if it means not going with the local guy.

So I actually contacted JA about getting an idealscope on the diamond mentioned above:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3527132

And they said that they can't do an idealscope unless I first purchase the diamond? Is that normal? I was under the impression that you can request an idealscope before the fact.

I really like the diamond (it is my favorite from the pictures) but I trust ya'lls judgement that the shallow crown will impact the performance and without seeing an idealscope I will not be able to confidently go with it.

That leaves

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09386713
and
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09203533

Which appear to be very similar diamonds. Plus, both are through bluenile so I can take advantage of free financing.

Please let me know if my thought process is the best one! And if anybody happens to come across another diamond that is better at this price range please do share before I pull the trigger!
 
diamondsearch123 said:
I guess I should verify that the jeweler will work with an outside stone. If he doesn't then I suppose I will need to figure out another option in regards to the setting. I like the jeweler but his prices on diamonds are simply too high compared to what I can get online. If I have a set budget I want to get the best diamond I can even if it means not going with the local guy.

So I actually contacted JA about getting an idealscope on the diamond mentioned above:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3527132

And they said that they can't do an idealscope unless I first purchase the diamond? Is that normal? I was under the impression that you can request an idealscope before the fact.

I really like the diamond (it is my favorite from the pictures) but I trust ya'lls judgement that the shallow crown will impact the performance and without seeing an idealscope I will not be able to confidently go with it.

That leaves

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09386713
and
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09203533

Which appear to be very similar diamonds. Plus, both are through bluenile so I can take advantage of free financing.

Please let me know if my thought process is the best one! And if anybody happens to come across another diamond that is better at this price range please do share before I pull the trigger!
Click to expand...

The JA diamond is most likely overseas which is why they said they can’t do it unless you purchase. If they have the diamond in house they can do the ASET
 
diamondsearch123 said:
I guess I should verify that the jeweler will work with an outside stone. If he doesn't then I suppose I will need to figure out another option in regards to the setting. I like the jeweler but his prices on diamonds are simply too high compared to what I can get online. If I have a set budget I want to get the best diamond I can even if it means not going with the local guy.

So I actually contacted JA about getting an idealscope on the diamond mentioned above:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3527132

And they said that they can't do an idealscope unless I first purchase the diamond? Is that normal? I was under the impression that you can request an idealscope before the fact.

I really like the diamond (it is my favorite from the pictures) but I trust ya'lls judgement that the shallow crown will impact the performance and without seeing an idealscope I will not be able to confidently go with it.

That leaves

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09386713
and
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09203533

Which appear to be very similar diamonds. Plus, both are through bluenile so I can take advantage of free financing.

Please let me know if my thought process is the best one! And if anybody happens to come across another diamond that is better at this price range please do share before I pull the trigger!
Click to expand...

Given the BN options, I'd get the one without fluorescence. I don't personally like my diamonds changing color in certain lighting
 
What is it that you're drawn to with the JA stone vs the others? I will point out that JA has a better setup for videos/pictures than BN does. BN tends to be at more of an angle than straight on and to me, that does affect how symetrical the stone looks.

And i'm just going to throw this setting out there. i love 6 prongs on a larger stone and this setting is just stunning in its simplicity and fluidity.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/230453061/the-cvb-id-jovyn-classic-six-prong
 
HappyNewLife said:
Given the BN options, I'd get the one without fluorescence. I don't personally like my diamonds changing color in certain lighting
Click to expand...
My original engagement ring has super strong fluro and for 23 years I never knew until I bought a black light lol. It never "changed color" in certain lighting.
 
Farrahlyn,

It may just be that like you said, JA does a better job of setting up their videos and pictures. The diamond just looks cleaner and I can see much more prominent arrows and diamonds in it than I do in the BN examples. But from what everybody is saying on here, the real-life experience may not be as good as compared to the BN diamonds that are more closely aligned with the target parameters.
 
whitewave said:
My original engagement ring has super strong fluro and for 23 years I never knew until I bought a black light lol. It never "changed color" in certain lighting.
Click to expand...

ah, ok. I don't speak from experience. I speak from... google. lol
 
HappyNewLife said:
ah, ok. I don't speak from experience. I speak from... google. lol
Click to expand...
I would love to have a fluoro stone .. and I actually have one without fluoro that looks lavender in bright sunlight.. so you could get colour changes anyway!
Google has a lot of anti-fluoro sentiment that mirrors a lot of the conventional wisdom that fluoro is bad with no really good reason. I think it’s like a secret magic bonus effect and a great way to get a bit of a discount on price :lol-2:
 
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