Whoops I forgot about buying an engagement ring!

[JJkirk]

Hello all,

I've been so swept up in school and work that I don't know where all my time has gone. I've booked an engagement shoot/proposal shoot for the end of April, and I haven't purchased a ring yet. I need your help, and advice. I've been lurking around for the last year, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I found some diamonds I like on Blue Nile, but I heard its all about actually seeing the diamond and not just going off the GIA report. I also feel like diamonds have gotten more expensive since last year. I'm assuming it must have to do with the shit CAD/US exchange rate as of now. I'm hoping I can get some suggestions on where to buy from, and maybe some diamonds. The GIA reports make it hard to notice if the diamond will be eye clean or not. Please see what I'm looking for and my budget below. I can't really move on the size and color of the diamond.

Budget : $15,000 CAD (but I'm willing to go a few thousand up 17k if it's a must)
Shape: Round
Cut: Excellent - Ideal
Carat: 1.5+
Color: D-F
Cut: Excellent - Ideal
Clarity: Si1+
Florence: None

Another important factor is that the overall size does resemble a 1.5C, so I'm not considering anything not near the 7.4 mm top measurement. I don't want the diamond to be bottom heavy.


Thanks everyone!

 

[telephone89]

With your clarity requirement so low, would you be willing to bump your colour a bit? G is still amazingly white, and so is H.

Yes, it's terrible trying to buy from the US with the exchange rate - so you are looking around $10,000 USD. 1.5 is going to be pushing that.

ETA - here are a few that in your top budget (17k). They will be top performers, but are a bit more expensive as they are branded premium cuts. I'll keep looking.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.303-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104084595007
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3586208.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3599774.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3521171.htm (lower colour, but bigger)

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.31ct-d-si2-round-ascendancy-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.52ct-h-si1-platinum-select-round-ideal-cut-diamond.html

 

[JJkirk]

Thanks for all the examples. I'll take a look at them right now! Also, how much would I be looking at spending for what i'm looking for? I can't move on the color and weight/size of the diamond for sure. I could spend more, but obviously rather not. Do you think if I spent 20k I could find what i'm looking for?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Here are some great ideal cut stones with D-F color and VS2 clarity. I just think if you want top cut and color, I'd recommend VS2 clarity minimum. Many or most ideal cut stones close to 1.50 cts will be just under 7.4mm.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3617118.htm?source=pricescope

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73549

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7094636-1.52-carat-Round-diamond-F-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=7094636&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3488749.htm?source=pricescope

http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/diamonds/HPD7540/

 

[MollyMalone]

For the convenience of those of us who live in the US,
$15,000 CAD = $10,966 USD under today's exchange rate;
$17,000 CAD = $12,428 USD; and
$20,000 CAD = $14,621 USD.
JJkirk, how much will your taxes add on to the purchase?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

For the convenience of those of us who live in the US,
$15,000 CAD = $10,966 USD under today's exchange rate;
$17,000 CAD = $12,428 USD; and
$20,000 CAD = $14,621 USD.
JJkirk, how much will your taxes add on to the purchase?

Thank you!

JJkirk, I think you are going to have to drop down a color grade or two to get anywhere close to your budget.

 

[ringo865]

Or drop down in size …

Not sure if you have cultural reasons for your color limits or just based on stuff you've seen in stores. Have you seen a GIA graded G or H in person? They are very white. Maul jewelers don't always have GIA color grades, some don't have any certs. The color is whatever they say it is. But GIA has a standard.

Just saying, if you don't have a cultural reason, and have only seen non-GIA colors, consider opening your options. You'll get closer to your size at your budget. Not recommending to compromise on cut, so it's gotta be one of the other Cs.

 

[JJkirk]

I appreciate everyones help!

Here are some great ideal cut stones with D-F color and VS2 clarity. I just think if you want top cut and color, I'd recommend VS2 clarity minimum. Many or most ideal cut stones close to 1.50 cts will be just under 7.4mm.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3617118.htm?source=pricescope

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73549

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7094636-1.52-carat-Round-diamond-F-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=7094636&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3488749.htm?source=pricescope

http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/diamonds/HPD7540/

These all look amazing, but definitely way out of my budget. I guess i'm realizing now that I was an optimist. Is there really a huge difference between these websites ideal and "signature/Heart" ideal cuts? I see the price difference, but not the relations in the pictures at least.

For the convenience of those of us who live in the US,
$15,000 CAD = $10,966 USD under today's exchange rate;
$17,000 CAD = $12,428 USD; and
$20,000 CAD = $14,621 USD.
JJkirk, how much will your taxes add on to the purchase?

I'm so rattled at how bad our dollar is right now. A par dollar would make this much easier . Taxes will be 5% where I live!

Or drop down in size …

Not sure if you have cultural reasons for your color limits or just based on stuff you've seen in stores. Have you seen a GIA graded G or H in person? They are very white. Maul jewelers don't always have GIA color grades, some don't have any certs. The color is whatever they say it is. But GIA has a standard.

Just saying, if you don't have a cultural reason, and have only seen non-GIA colors, consider opening your options. You'll get closer to your size at your budget. Not recommending to compromise on cut, so it's gotta be one of the other Cs.

No cultural reasons, maybe just the marketing has gotten to me. I went and saw all the color grades for diamonds at spence and have shopped around a few stores, but not really focused on it too much. There is also that my girlfriend has a GIA 1.5C round diamond on her pendent and is grade J and she believes it is very yellow.

 

[JJkirk]

I thought a fresh post will make this clearer. I decided to drop my color to a G, and wanted to ask your opinions on the following diamonds. I've listed all the one's i'm considering to purchase as of now. I've decided to spend a little more on the diamond, and I'm okay with all of the prices below (Going with a 20k CAD budget)!

$21,541 1.55 CARAT G-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND (this is a little too expensive, but I want to see if you guys think its worth it)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-373894

$20,776 - 1.50 Carat G-VVS2 Excellent Cut Round Diamond
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-678882

$19,361 - 1.50 CARAT G-VVS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-874912

$19,087 - 1.51 CARAT G-VS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-564659

$18,870 1.50 CARAT G-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-854873

$18,192 - 1.51 CARAT G-SI1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-882125

$17, 297 - 1.51 CARAT F-SI1 IDEAL CUT ROUND DIAMOND
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-720850

 

[MollyMalone]

Do you know what style(s) of ring she prefers, JJ? That info could have a bearing on which vendors people recommend for you -- it's a lot easier, and less expensive because it avoids additional insured shipping, to get both the diamond & the setting from the same place.

 

[JJkirk]

Do you know what style(s) of ring she prefers, JJ? That info could have a bearing on which vendors people recommend for you -- it's a lot easier, and less expensive because it avoids additional insured shipping, to get both the diamond & the setting from the same place.

Good call, she wants it in the classic solitaire tiffany setting. James Allen has something very similar! Please see below what she wants for the ring and band!

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/2e/ae/7c/2eae7c0e6b976af598add747980fc7c4.jpg

 

[Scandinavian]

If you want to maximize value for money, I would consider choosing a H colour VS2 clarity, just make sure it is eye clean. Anything lower in clarity is a bit risky in my opinion.. An H in this size will look white unless compared directly to a D/E/F.
How about something like these?

http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/H-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond/D28099914

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.62-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-762218

If you don't mind fluorescence, you can have more for less..

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?stockno=LD06692802

Or Old Mine Cut (or Old European Cut is also lower in price than the "modern" cut I think)
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-60ct-old-mine-cut-diamond-gia-h-vs2#.VsXjLY-cHo8

Or a pear shape will give more coverage (a little low in clarity but you might be able to cover most of it with a prong)
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-95ct-vintage-pear-cut-diamond-gia-h-si1#.VsXjq4-cHo8

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I thought a fresh post will make this clearer. I decided to drop my color to a G, and wanted to ask your opinions on the following diamonds. I've listed all the one's i'm considering to purchase as of now. I've decided to spend a little more on the diamond, and I'm okay with all of the prices below (Going with a 20k CAD budget)!

$21,541 1.55 CARAT G-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND (this is a little too expensive, but I want to see if you guys think its worth it)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-373894

$20,776 - 1.50 Carat G-VVS2 Excellent Cut Round Diamond
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-678882

$19,361 - 1.50 CARAT G-VVS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-874912

$19,087 - 1.51 CARAT G-VS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-564659

$18,870 1.50 CARAT G-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-854873

$18,192 - 1.51 CARAT G-SI1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-882125

$17, 297 - 1.51 CARAT F-SI1 IDEAL CUT ROUND DIAMOND
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-720850

Okay, dropping to G is good, but if you want to look for stones yourself, you absolutely need some parameters to pick better stones. Only two of those are worth considering.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-564659

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-720850

I like the first one better as I prefer the better clarity. VVS is overkill, so I would not go higher than VS1 unless the price is equal.

These are measurements to help you stay in ideal cut territory with a GIA excellent cut stone.

crown angle: 34-35.0

table: 54-58

depth: 60-62.3

pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0)

Some of the stones you picked were too deep making the stones face up smaller in diameter. You want to avoid that.


I do like this one a lot. It is a good choice for you as long as they confirm that it is eyeclean:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-564659

 

[EvangelineG]

Another Canadian here, and yes, feeling your pain on our dollar!

I wanted to add that Brian Gavin does a very elegant version of the 6 prong knife edged solitaire-

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-style-knife-edge-18k-white-gold-5336w18

He has an H SI1 in his blue collection that would meet your budget (check on eye-cleanliness)-

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/search-for-diamonds/round/?build=ring

Free shipping to Canada as well.

You may also want to check out the diamond bands available from your potential vendor, since the inspiration photo you provided has a specific type of band that your intended is hoping for.

Good luck!

 

[JJkirk]

Okay, dropping to G is good, but if you want to look for stones yourself, you absolutely need some parameters to pick better stones. Only two of those are worth considering.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-564659

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-720850

I like the first one better as I prefer the better clarity. VVS is overkill, so I would not go higher than VS1 unless the price is equal.

These are measurements to help you stay in ideal cut territory with a GIA excellent cut stone.

crown angle: 34-35.0

table: 54-58

depth: 60-62.3

pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0)

Some of the stones you picked were too deep making the stones face up smaller in diameter. You want to avoid that.


I do like this one a lot. It is a good choice for you as long as they confirm that it is eyeclean:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-564659

Thanks you saved my life

I put that one you liked a lot on hold, I'm fine with the price, and hopefully it looks good in person. I think i'll pull the trigger tomorrow!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-564659