Too many to choose from, my head is spinning.

[EverlyBlue]

I'm looking to update my engagement ring for our 10 year wedding anniversary. I have a budget of up to $13,000 for the stone.

I like round, princess, pear, oval and cushion cuts. I'm not very color sensitive so all the way to J is fine. I'd really like to get the best cut/clarity possible with size being the secondary preference.

I'm not too worried about the setting as I'd like a solitaire in white gold.

I've been looking at Whiteflash, Ritani, James Allen and Brian Gavin.

At this point I think I've seen too many diamonds and my head is buzzing with the possibilities. Can anyone help me pick out a pretty, well cut stone?

 

[HopeDream]

Hi Everlyblue,

How many shapes have you actually tried on? If you've only looked at stones online, then you don't know what looks good on your hand in real life - the answer may surprise you. If you narrow it down to the shape you want, then we can definitely recommend some options.

Keep in mind that if size is a major consideration, different shapes will give you more or less face-up spread for the stone weight, so an oval is going to give you more coverage than a cushion, for example.

So which shape?

 

[EverlyBlue]

Hello HopeDream,

I've actually been able to try them all on in person. And if given the choice I'd pick the round as my top favorite. A few suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[HopeDream]

Ok, That makes it much easier.

You mentioned that you're ok with color as low as a J, Do you actually want a higher color? What is your clarity threshold?
Is $13k your budget for just the stone or stone and setting? If you need a setting in the budget, What metal do you prefer?
Do you need to purchase from a vendor with a specific upgrade policy?

I prefer eye-clean Hearts and arrows stones with great HCA scores, so here are some of my top pics for 13K or less:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3236284.htm?source=pricescope
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3157619.htm?source=pricescope
size but slightly wonky aset:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3256274.htm?source=pricescope

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-j-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-178804

Might not be hearts and arrows:
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Diam...-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...nd-ags-104074030082#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/1/

http://www.winkjones.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=1262

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-53ct-j-si1-superior-round-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-45ct-h-si1-superior-round-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html
Do you like older style cuts?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-36ct-i-vs2-august-vintage-round-diamond.html
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-36ct-j-si1-august-vintage-round-diamond.html

Decide on a clarity, color, and size, then buy from the vendor that has the setting you like.

Let us know if you need more help narrowing it down, or want something with different specs.

 

[kenny]

Maybe this will stop your spinning head.

Cut is more important than color and clarity when it comes to the astonishing light show that only a diamond is capable of.

It is easier to locate a well-cut round than any other shape.
There are WAY more rounds for sale than any other shape.
Being the shape with the highest demand it may be easier to resell some day than other shapes.

If you like all those shapes equally, the above are good reasons to to get a round.

There is an easy 2-step process for picking a well cut round.
1. HCA: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca
2. Idealscope: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/ideal-scope

Plug four numbers from the GIA, or AGS, report into the HCA, Depth %, Table %, Crown and Pavilion angle in degrees.
Reject rounds that score over 2.0.
Get an Ideal scope pic on rounds that score under 2.0.
Compare them to this chart: http://ideal-scope.com/reference-chart-ideal-scope-images/

 

[EverlyBlue]

Thanks for the help everyone!

I took your advice and thought about what clarity color and size I'd like. I'd like the diamond to be eye clean so SI1 and above and the color really just needs to be a J or above, I really don't mind warmer gems and as for size around 1.5 carats would be pretty great.

I think I found a very lovely setting at James Allen. http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...-white-gold-double-prong-solitaire-item-41059

I also found a diamond I like a lot. I used the above tools and checked the numbers, it looks like it'll be a great diamond though I'd really be grateful for any feed back on it.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.73-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-366568

 

[HopeDream]

Nice find!

With an HCA of 1.3, I think you have a lovely option there. You might want to reserve it before someone else snipes it.
JA has a vry good return policy, so If you don't love it, changing stones or getting your money back is no problem (Note that this doesn't apply to settings though, which are usually final sale at almost every PS vendor.)

Please post pics when you get your ring.