Upgrading .90ctw Studs to 1.40-1.50 ctw

[FitMi]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to upgrade my diamond studs next month and I wanted to know if there is a noticeable difference in size going from .90 ctw to 1.40-1.50 (would prefer to stay just below 1.50 ctw for cost). Around how much would diamond studs in the SI 2, very good cut cost me? Please help.

 

[c-k]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to upgrade my diamond studs next month and I wanted to know if there is a noticeable difference in size going from .90 ctw to 1.40-1.50 (would prefer to stay just below 1.50 ctw for cost). Around how much would diamond studs in the SI 2, very good cut cost me? Please help.

I upgraded some time back, went from .88 to 1.44, stayed below the magic 1.5 and yes they are noticeably larger, I like this size, not big, not small, kinda an ok size. Mine are GIA xxx in G color VS2....I think you could easily get a pair in a 1.40's H I color SI1 SI2 in a EX cut/Ideal cut for around $4K



I

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, there would be a noticeable size difference. But definitely only look at excellent/ideal cut stones because ones that aren't may face up small for their weight or not be as bright because of leakage, etc.

The big price jump comes at .70 and then at .80, so you don't need to worry about .75 if it is in your budget. (The 1.5 ct price jump is for a single stone.) If you could find a pair in the .60 each range, you'd save a lot. But then you might want to upgrade again sooner.

If you go with I color, SI1 to SI2, you'll be looking in the $4000-5000 range. Here are a few:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3019467.htm ($2324 with PS/wire discount)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2937166.htm ($2596 " )

or

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2978566.htm ($2695 ")

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2937166.htm ($2596 " )


Two more good ones but I'd want them to match either one with a closer size match:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11714/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11716/

 

[FitMi]

Thanks for the feedback..does anyone have any recommended jewelers in the NY DD?

 

[Andelain]

Thanks for the feedback..does anyone have any recommended jewelers in the NY DD?

James Allen is in that area, but you'll probably get better stones for the money if you shop online at companies like Whiteflash ot Brian Gavin Diamonds. I second what diamondseeker said, don't sacrifice cut. Drop down to J color if you need to, but stay with AGS Ideal cut.

 

[MarionC]

Thanks for the feedback..does anyone have any recommended jewelers in the NY DD?

James Allen is in that area, but you'll probably get better stones for the money if you shop online at companies like Whiteflash ot Brian Gavin Diamonds. I second what diamondseeker said, don't sacrifice cut. Drop down to J color if you need to, but stay with AGS Ideal cut.

Is this true? I've gotten 5 excellent cut solitaire stones from JA in the past 2 months, and the studs I got from them had noticeably H&A although they were not tagged as such.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks for the feedback..does anyone have any recommended jewelers in the NY DD?

James Allen is in that area, but you'll probably get better stones for the money if you shop online at companies like Whiteflash ot Brian Gavin Diamonds. I second what diamondseeker said, don't sacrifice cut. Drop down to J color if you need to, but stay with AGS Ideal cut.

Is this true? I've gotten 5 excellent cut solitaire stones from JA in the past 2 months, and the studs I got from them had noticeably H&A although they were not tagged as such.

Well cut rb's will have that H&A basic cut design, but stones designated as "H&A" should have superior cut precision. The problem with JA is that they only allow idealscope images on three stones, and their trade-up policy is not nearly as good as WhiteFlash and Good Old Gold because they (JA) require a purchase double the cost of the original diamonds. But if you know how to sift through the JA stones, you certainly can get great diamonds, and I am sure yours probably are! I just don't find that there is enough price difference to buy there since the others provide more info on all their stones and better trade-in policies.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks for the feedback..does anyone have any recommended jewelers in the NY DD?

I have always ordered my stones online because I find you get more info on the stones such as idealscope images, and you aren't going to find that at many stores in the DD. However, some people have gone to ID Jewelry and gotten nice studs, etc. They won't be up to the cut quality of H&A, usually, but if your priority is to get very good studs at the lowest possible price, that would be a good trustworthy place to go. Just tell them you want GIA Excellent cut, well-matched, and the color/clarity range you are interested in. Ask them if they can be traded up, just for your information. You need to call at least a few days before you are coming in so they can be sure they have some stones in to show you.

 

[Andelain]

One things that makes online vendors a better deal is that you save tax. If you live in NY, you'll pay whatever the % is there in tax.