What should I be looking for in my budget range?

[SolarCoaster]

I have decided that I can cap out at $12,000 all in, meaning setting + diamond + taxes + whatever other hidden fees pop out.

I have found various diamonds across various sites ranging from F to H, SI1 to VS2, 80 to 175 points, and I won't go below Ideal cut. Beyond that, I don't know much about the dimensions and depths and most diamonds look the same so I can't distinguish between them at this point. This is either a round or oval, and it's the only stone, so a very simple solitaire setting. I don't know what the easiest thing to 'change' is, i.e. do I drop from G to H so I can gain 5 points, or do I drop from VS2 to SI1, etc. I'm also not clear on the 14k versus 18k and the rose / white / yellow settings.

Thank you for any help!

 

[gm89uk]

How much are your taxes? I.E what is your US$ pretax budget.

 

[LouisianaGeaux]

Well, you have plenty of options online that will save you money with taxes if you are not in the same state as the store so that is a big plus.

If you dont care about the specs, SI2 should be perfect and find you a really nice option that is eye clean.

H should be fine, but it really depends on the person. I went down to a J with true hearts cut and you cant tell the difference really. Its all about the cut!

 

[SolarCoaster]

I live in Texas and my sales tax is 8.25%, which means I could spend just slightly over $11,000. Which stinks, because something like this is incredible https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2100446

Hence my problem. If I dropped down 10 points, I could get within my budget. But is that better than sticking at 129 points and going from D to F? Or dropping down from VS1? Etc.

 

[foxinsox]

Is this for you or someone else? If someone else, does she have a Pinterest that will help you work out what she likes?
Is there any cultural requirement to be white white white or is size more important to the wearer?
How colour sensitive is the wearer? Have you tested this by looking at GIA/AGS stones? GHI range is usually white to most people but some very colour sensitive people may see a tint.
How much do you mind if there are inclusions as long as you can't see them (remember even IF has inclusions, they're just not visible at 10x magnification)? This could let you open up your range of acceptable clarity.
First priority should be cut - this is what determines the light return the best - a poor cut will swallow up or leak light and not return it out the top of the diamond to your eyes. A well cut diamond will look bright and sparkly and bigger than a poorly cut one because all the light is coming back to you.
You want to be looking at Excellent or Ideal cut in rounds. There isn't a cut grading on ovals so you have to use Idealscope and ASET imaging as well as your eyes to work that out.

 

[LouisianaGeaux]

I live in Texas and my sales tax is 8.25%, which means I could spend just slightly over $11,000. Which stinks, because something like this is incredible https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2100446

Hence my problem. If I dropped down 10 points, I could get within my budget. But is that better than sticking at 129 points and going from D to F? Or dropping down from VS1? Etc.

Why not order online, and honestly, that one from JA, not very impressive for the money.

 

[Tourmaline]

SI2 should be perfect and find you a really nice option that is eye clean.

I STRONGLY disagree with this. Stay away from SI2. SI1 can be eye clean, but isn't usually. VS2 can be eye clean, but isn't always. It depends on the stone.

 

[LouisianaGeaux]

I STRONGLY disagree with this. Stay away from SI2. SI1 can be eye clean, but not always. VS2 can be eye clean, but isn't always. It depends on the stone.

I meant SI1* *edit*

 

[Snowdrop13]

My 2 cents:

You have a good budget so stick to top cut stones which are eye clean. Going down to an H colour should be fine unless the wearer is very colour sensitive. It's much easier to find a nice round than an oval, too.

Here's one:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3634201.htm

If it's for an engagement ring stick to 18ct gold or platinum- there are lots of lovely solitaire settings, for example:

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...tche-venus-solitaire-engagement-ring-2377.htm

 

[tyty333]

Are you anywhere near Houston? It would be great if you could go to Whiteflash and check some
colors out in person. Snowdrop13 posted an excellent option. Here is another WF stone.
ACAs are considered Super Ideal branded stones. They are AGS000, H&As with tight specs.
They provide idealscope and aset images, H&A images and a nice up close video. I have seen
several in person and they are lovely stones.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3801995.htm