What Can I Get For My Money???

[mlee980]

Hi, as some of you, I stumbled upon this amazing forum on diamonds... I''ve been following some threads for about a week now and learned so much!!! I am browsing online in many sites for the "right" ring. I''ve been looking for a round brilliant solataire for quite some time. My budget is $5000 tenatively, and my question is: What Can I Get For My Money????? I am a size girl with a dash of quality as well. I''m willing to sacrifice some clarity, cut, color for a bigger size. Preferably, I want something between 1.3-1.5 carats. Is this realistic or am I being too naive???? Please help me with some advice as I will be anxiously looking forward to this forum...

THANK YOU...

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I don''t think you can get something between 1.3 and 1.5 in your price range!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/9/2010 1:55:13 PM
Author:mlee980
Hi, as some of you, I stumbled upon this amazing forum on diamonds... I've been following some threads for about a week now and learned so much!!! I am browsing online in many sites for the 'right' ring. I've been looking for a round brilliant solataire for quite some time. My budget is $5000 tenatively, and my question is: What Can I Get For My Money????? I am a size girl with a dash of quality as well. I'm willing to sacrifice some clarity, cut, color for a bigger size. Preferably, I want something between 1.3-1.5 carats. Is this realistic or am I being too naive???? Please help me with some advice as I will be anxiously looking forward to this forum...

THANK YOU...

Hi mlee and welcome!

Glad you like us!

You can definitely get a carat or over for the budget but 1.5 cts is going to be difficult...Would you like us to look for some suitable diamonds for you as an example?

Here is one almost 1.30cts, you would need to request an Idealscope image and find out if it is eyeclean or not,

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1210052.asp

 

[Lula]

Here''s a Crafted by Infinity diamond for just under 5 grand from Wink at High Performance Diamonds.

1.30 M SI1

This will get you a decent size, good clarity (check with Wink to see if it is eye-clean), and a killer cut. You''d need to be okay with the M color, which will be an antique white face up, and a very pale yellow from the side and bottom.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Yep. . .I was just searching and seems the highest size is about 1.15 ct, but even with that size, you''ll be spending more than $5K.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 3/9/2010 2:01:17 PM
Author: sarap333
Here''s a Crafted by Infinity diamond for just under 5 grand from Wink at High Performance Diamonds.

1.30 M SI1

This will get you a decent size, good clarity (check with Wink to see if it is eye-clean), and a killer cut. You''d need to be okay with the M color, which will be an antique white face up, and a very pale yellow from the side and bottom.

How much are you willing to sacrifice with color? Something like an M will have a wamer color. Some love that and find it charming and others prefer a crisper white.

 

[Lula]

And here's a 1.28 I I1 that I'm hesitant to suggest because I've been coveting it for myself for my fantasy upgrade

if you'd prefer a whiter color and if you'd be okay with an I1 clarity.

I have an I1 diamond from Crafted by Infinity through Wink, and I can't see a thing in it with my naked eye. Everyone's different. But they are bargains, price-wise.

1.28 I I1

This one is $5222, but with the 3% wire discount, it would bring it close to your budget.

 

[BRS]

Hi mlee1980

I am also pretty new to this forum, but I have been reading and researching for about a month now, so I'll share my findings. I also have a budget of $5000 to spend on my girlfirend's ring. From what I have seen, it will be very tough to find any 1.50ct diamonds for that price unless you really sacrifice on the color or cut. My gf also seemed to prefer size over an excellent cut, but after all that I read here, I decided I would compromise and buy as big a diamond as I could afford, while still getting an "excellent" or "very good" cut diamond.

I ended up with a 1.24ct J Si1 from James Allen for just under $4900.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1192781.asp

Another example would be a diamond like this:
1.34ct J Si1 $5025.00
EX/VG/EX
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-details/?product_id=25224886


I think if you start looking at diamonds above 1.30ct you will be looking at diamonds whose cut will likely NOT pass the mustard around here. I'm no expert so I can't tell you what those types of diamonds will look like in real life, but from what I have read on this site, they won't look very good.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/9/2010 2:14:25 PM
Author: BRS
Hi mlee1980

I am also pretty new to this forum, but I have been reading and researching for about a month now, so I''ll share my findings. I also have a budget of $5000 to spend on my girlfirend''s ring. From what I have seen, it will be very tough to find any 1.50ct diamonds for that price regardless of the color or cut. My gf also seemed to prefer size over an excellent cut, but after all that I read here, I decided I would compromise and buy as big a diamond as I could afford, while still getting an ''excellent'' or ''very good'' cut diamond.

I ended up with a 1.24ct J Si1 from James Allen for just under $4900.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1192781.asp

Another example would be a diamond like this:
1.34ct J Si1 $5025.00
EX/VG/EX
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-details/?product_id=25224886


I think if you start looking at diamonds above 1.30ct you will be looking at diamonds whose cut will likely NOT pass the mustard around here. I''m no expert so I can''t tell you what those types of diamonds will look like in real life, but from what I have read on this site, they won''t look very good.

That one does have potential, it could be a non inventory diamond that BG would have to call in but it might be worth doing so.

 

[mlee980]

Thanks for the advice. I would love that you would point me in the right direction. Another amateur question would be, how is it possible that I am looking for various cuts, clarities, carats, etc., on, lets say UnionDiamond, BlueNile, and come up with carats such as 1.5-1.6 with a price range of $6-7k only. In your opinion, what should I be looking for, or more importantly, what should I avoid if I''m looking for the bigger size without sacrificing too much??? Thanks (I was secretly hoping you guys would help)

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/9/2010 2:18:10 PM
Author: mlee980
Thanks for the advice. I would love that you would point me in the right direction. Another amateur question would be, how is it possible that I am looking for various cuts, clarities, carats, etc., on, lets say UnionDiamond, BlueNile, and come up with carats such as 1.5-1.6 with a price range of $6-7k only. In your opinion, what should I be looking for, or more importantly, what should I avoid if I''m looking for the bigger size without sacrificing too much??? Thanks (I was secretly hoping you guys would help)

Could be in some cases the diamonds are EGL graded, very often these have a lower pricetag, or the cut qualities aren''t good, could be various reasons.

Take a look at some of the diamonds we added above, that will give you an idea of what to look for. You can sacrifice on cut * a bit* but you still want a stone with good proportions even if it doesn''t have top symmetry and polish and so on.

Colour and clarity, you can look at J colour or even K but I wouldn''t go any lower personally unless you don''t mind distinct warmth, clarity SI2 or even I1 if verified eyeclean by a trusted vendor could be an option.

 

[Lula]

Date: 3/9/2010 2:18:10 PM
Author: mlee980
Thanks for the advice. I would love that you would point me in the right direction. Another amateur question would be, how is it possible that I am looking for various cuts, clarities, carats, etc., on, lets say UnionDiamond, BlueNile, and come up with carats such as 1.5-1.6 with a price range of $6-7k only. In your opinion, what should I be looking for, or more importantly, what should I avoid if I'm looking for the bigger size without sacrificing too much??? Thanks (I was secretly hoping you guys would help)

My guess is because the diamonds you are pulling up on your search of these sites are not well cut. An ideal cut diamond costs more than a poorly cut diamond.

If size is your main objective, that's okay, but you will have to make big sacrifices in the color, cut and clarity grades to get what you want. For me, I'd put cut first (so it sparkles) and then maximize size, but think hard about how low you want to go in color and clarity to get the size you want.

 

[mlee980]

Thanks for the links and advice. Hmmm, my heart is so set upon a 1.5 carat, but I''m sure the 1.3 listed is exquisite as well. Loralei, let me ask you, if you were to pick out a 1.5 carat, what are the specs?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/9/2010 2:41:58 PM
Author: mlee980
Thanks for the links and advice. Hmmm, my heart is so set upon a 1.5 carat, but I'm sure the 1.3 listed is exquisite as well. Loralei, let me ask you, if you were to pick out a 1.5 carat, what are the specs?

Well.....It would depend but if I wanted size above all, I would look at J or K colour and SI2 to I1 clarity if verified eyeclean or eyeclean enough by a trusted vendor. I would also drop slightly under the 1.5 ct weight mark in order to avoid the price jump for that weight, for example if I could find a 1.4 - ish stone that would give essentially the same look as 1.5 without the price.

Cut, the best I could get but I would have a broader range of proportions in order to maximize the size which I would verify with images to make sure the proportions worked well together.

Let me take another look for you to see what I can find, does it have to be a round diamond?

I found this, beautiful cut from GOG, it is a P colour though so it would be tinted.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6786/

 

[mlee980]

Lorelei, thanks for the suggestion. I understand now, that it''s not all just about the 4c''s and that the specifications and technicalities play a factor in getting the right ring... I am disheartened that my ideal ring is such a lower color. I guess I am very naive in thinking that with that budget a 1.5ct would be feasable... I love to pick your brain to see what you can come up with a higher budget with the same specifications as before but with a better color... I''m going to tell all my girlfriends about this forum... I wish I could take you with me on my diamond shopping expedition. I''m just glad I''m not a guy fervently trying to find the right ring for his fiance, I''d go out of my mind!!! Thanks in advance...

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/9/2010 3:10:11 PM
Author: mlee980
Lorelei, thanks for the suggestion. I understand now, that it's not all just about the 4c's and that the specifications and technicalities play a factor in getting the right ring... I am disheartened that my ideal ring is such a lower color. I guess I am very naive in thinking that with that budget a 1.5ct would be feasable... I love to pick your brain to see what you can come up with a higher budget with the same specifications as before but with a better color... I'm going to tell all my girlfriends about this forum... I wish I could take you with me on my diamond shopping expedition. I'm just glad I'm not a guy fervently trying to find the right ring for his fiance, I'd go out of my mind!!! Thanks in advance...

Not naive, it can be a surprise certainly when you really start looking seriously and see the prices!

Is the budget flexible at all? I will take a look to see what would be feasible at 1.5 carats so you can see the price but I will try to keep the price down as much as possible.

Here is one, J colour and SI clarity, it appears to be of excellent cut quality and it is within fiery ideal cut range, this means it could show a little more fire if the lighting is right in theory. It is a touch deeper than I prefer, but that isn't an issue so much for these types of diamond ( FIC) as extra depth is a common trade off but it could still be a worthy stone if eyeclean,

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1288891.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

This one has potential from what I can see, you would need to check it is eyeclean and that the clouds aren't dulling the stone. An Idealscope image would also be needed which James Allen can supply on request.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1287310.asp

Another,

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1288890.asp

 

[mlee980]

Thanks for the posts, all the rings look beautiful and amazing!!! I really wish there was no budget and I could get whatever I wanted... Anyways, I''m still following the discussion, so if you still have the time to post more, please do as I am still very eager to see more beautiful rings. Thank you.

 

[swingirl]

This one has potential. It might not be an in-house stone but it's a Brian Gavin Select which means BGD thinks it's a great value.

1.51ct K SI2

For your budget K isn't so bad, especially if you are putting it in a solitare setting. 0.9 on HCA.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 3/9/2010 2:44:26 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 3/9/2010 2:41:58 PM
Author: mlee980
Thanks for the links and advice. Hmmm, my heart is so set upon a 1.5 carat, but I''m sure the 1.3 listed is exquisite as well. Loralei, let me ask you, if you were to pick out a 1.5 carat, what are the specs?

Well.....It would depend but if I wanted size above all, I would look at J or K colour and SI2 to I1 clarity if verified eyeclean or eyeclean enough by a trusted vendor. I would also drop slightly under the 1.5 ct weight mark in order to avoid the price jump for that weight, for example if I could find a 1.4 - ish stone that would give essentially the same look as 1.5 without the price.

Cut, the best I could get but I would have a broader range of proportions in order to maximize the size which I would verify with images to make sure the proportions worked well together.

Let me take another look for you to see what I can find, does it have to be a round diamond?

I found this, beautiful cut from GOG, it is a P colour though so it would be tinted.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6786/

oooh, the GOG P color stone has a fabulous cut!!!

 

[mlee980]

Swingirl, thanks for the link. It''s pretty encouraging to find that special diamond that can look great, if you search hard enough. I wish I knew enough to actually agree or search for a diamond that is a great find even if it isn''t the most ideal or colorless. I still want the size, but am looking for a balance between all the criteras and of course has to be eye clean. The diamond sounds promising, thanks.

 

[Gypsy]

The vast majority of recommendations here are ones that are very well cut and well priced for the quality. So you can''t go wrong in picking any of the diamonds posted here.

You will need to balance what is more important to you, because something has got to give unfortunately. I would personally go for the largest superideal J SI1 I could find with a dealer that offers 100% trade in policy (GOG, WF, BGD, HPD) on the diamond you buy. And just upgrade later when I have more funds, until I reach my ideal carat mark. If you don''t want a tinted diamond or one with big black spots, or one that is poorly cut... the one thing that can give and rather painlessly is TIME. In a couple of years, upgrade.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I like that K that swingirl posted

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/9/2010 7:29:19 PM
Author: Gypsy
The vast majority of recommendations here are ones that are very well cut and well priced for the quality. So you can''t go wrong in picking any of the diamonds posted here.

You will need to balance what is more important to you, because something has got to give unfortunately. I would personally go for the largest superideal J SI1 I could find with a dealer that offers 100% trade in policy (GOG, WF, BGD, HPD) on the diamond you buy. And just upgrade later when I have more funds, until I reach my ideal carat mark. If you don''t want a tinted diamond or one with big black spots, or one that is poorly cut... the one thing that can give and rather painlessly is TIME. In a couple of years, upgrade.

This is what I would do too.

Before you decide how low in color you are willing to go, you need to go see seom GIA/AGS graded J/K stones to know if it is for you. In my experience, there is a world of difference between a J and a K, so you need to see them in person beforey ou decide to go there.

 

[mlee980]

Date: 3/9/2010 7:29:19 PM
Author: Gypsy
The vast majority of recommendations here are ones that are very well cut and well priced for the quality. So you can''t go wrong in picking any of the diamonds posted here.

You will need to balance what is more important to you, because something has got to give unfortunately. I would personally go for the largest superideal J SI1 I could find with a dealer that offers 100% trade in policy (GOG, WF, BGD, HPD) on the diamond you buy. And just upgrade later when I have more funds, until I reach my ideal carat mark. If you don''t want a tinted diamond or one with big black spots, or one that is poorly cut... the one thing that can give and rather painlessly is TIME. In a couple of years, upgrade.

Thanks for the suggestion Gypsy. You have a great point as well. If the size of the carat with the lower color grade does not work out, I could go the other way which is exactly as you suggested. It is a GREAT plan to find a dealer that offers 100% trade in policy. Can you suggest something with those specs??? I am totally awful, well not exactly awful, but inexperience in that area and anything that sounds good, may not be good. I want to tell everyone that I REALLY do look at all the suggestions and links and that I do take it to consideration that that diamond might be the one for me. So please keep them coming!!!! Thanks.

 

[mlee980]

Date: 3/9/2010 6:22:02 PM
Author: swingirl
This one has potential. It might not be an in-house stone but it''s a Brian Gavin Select which means BGD thinks it''s a great value.

1.51ct K SI2

For your budget K isn''t so bad, especially if you are putting it in a solitare setting. 0.9 on HCA.

What would I expect with the color grade K with clarity SI2??? With the excellent grade, should I expect a sparkling diamond with some inclusions that I may or may not see with the naked eye and some yellowish tint? I need to go to the jeweler probably to have a feel of what a K color would be. Thanks.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/9/2010 11:57:21 PM
Author: mlee980

Date: 3/9/2010 6:22:02 PM
Author: swingirl
This one has potential. It might not be an in-house stone but it''s a Brian Gavin Select which means BGD thinks it''s a great value.

1.51ct K SI2

For your budget K isn''t so bad, especially if you are putting it in a solitare setting. 0.9 on HCA.

What would I expect with the color grade K with clarity SI2??? With the excellent grade, should I expect a sparkling diamond with some inclusions that I may or may not see with the naked eye and some yellowish tint? I need to go to the jeweler probably to have a feel of what a K color would be. Thanks.

I have owned a K. It will look warm creamy or beige in most lighting, though face up it will still look fairly white. At its worst it will have an almost taupe tinge to it.

Clarity depends on the diamond. You can find eye clean SI2s that show nothing to the naked eye at all!

Be sure to look at GIA or AGS graded diamonds when you compare color.

 

[bagelboy]

mlee,I would follow Gypsy advice about buying from a vendor with a 100% trade up policy. Have you thought about buying a used ring? Some women have gotten some pretty good deals.You should look at diamonds at a Hearts on Fire dealer as their diamonds a very well cut and sometimes in lower colors. Then you will have a good idea if you like a K color for example. Also different labs grade color differently. I would keep looking until you find the right one for you. Just be patient and keep learning and enjoy the journey!

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040381680037 I color, VS clarity for 4840. Great deal on a very well balanced stone good color, and good clarity combo. Overall, my favorite of all the ones listed here. Qualifies for full upgrade policies.


http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=638 Ask if eyeclean. There''s a good change that it is not eyeclean though. E color I1 clarity. It''s an Infinity so it could be a stunning stone. And the price is nice at 4933. Qualifies for Upgrade policies.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=413 J SI one carat. A little over $5200. Lovely stone. HPD has a great upgrade and buy back policy on all Infinity stones.


http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6886/ J SI hearts and arrows. $4807. Upgrade and buyback polciy are good.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040399230036 H SI2 BGD Signature. qualies for all BGD polices. $5150

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040397620006 J VS BGD signature qualifies for all BGD policies. $4780



I''d take one of these and just plan to upgrade. Which one would I pick? I like the balance of I color and VS quality a lot. So I''d pick that one stone in your pricerange I found.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/9/2010 11:57:21 PM
Author: mlee980

Date: 3/9/2010 6:22:02 PM
Author: swingirl
This one has potential. It might not be an in-house stone but it's a Brian Gavin Select which means BGD thinks it's a great value.

1.51ct K SI2

For your budget K isn't so bad, especially if you are putting it in a solitare setting. 0.9 on HCA.

What would I expect with the color grade K with clarity SI2??? With the excellent grade, should I expect a sparkling diamond with some inclusions that I may or may not see with the naked eye and some yellowish tint? I need to go to the jeweler probably to have a feel of what a K color would be. Thanks.

A K colour will still be white but its more of a creamy/ ivory white and you might see some tint from the side. It would be best if you could see some K colour in person ( similarly lab graded, size and shape) in order to see if this colour is for you.

If you really want to try to hit 1.3 - 1.5 cts then a lower colour might help you do so.

 

[caolsen]

The P color at GOG is jaw droppingly cut well.

The other posters are SO much more knowledgeable than me, so they have great suggestions. Go with them.

My .02 cents on the color: You would be shocked how lovely a ''lower'' color stone looks when cut well. I have an L with very good cut/ploish/symmertry and it is a fancy.

NO one ever thinks it is anything lower than an H. And I am of the understanding that fancys show much more color.

It is only when the stone is unmounted, face down, on white paper that you see the color. And in truth, I really have learned to like the warmer stones. And the bargins in the warmer colors are great.

Have fun shopping!