Why pay more?

[hairtrigger]

I am currently looking at this diamond - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2781492.htm

I know the specs are better on it than the following diamonds, but it is smaller and I am confused as to why I wouldn't be better off with one of these bigger stones for around the same money or even less. I would really appreciate some feedback on if I should go with a bigger diamond or stick with the better quality?

- http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2725621.htm

- http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2727783.htm

- http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2719184.htm

- http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2717996.htm

- http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2781495.htm

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[Christina...]

I just quickly glanced at your alternatives, because without more information it would be impossible to advise you one way or another. I can tell you that you are paying a premium for the G color. Depending on your color sensitivity, a lower colored diamond will save you lots of money. It can be a good choice for people who want a larger stone but are working within a specific budget. I see your also looking a very well cut diamonds, this is an area that you definitely shouldn't sacrifice. A well cut stone is going to make any color grade appear whiter and brighter. Finding a stone with medium to very strong flouroscence will also help you stretch your budget and get you into a larger diamond.

I know that your questions was asking specifically why you should or shouldn't consider the alternative stones, but as I said that just can't be answered with the limited information, but going lower in color will always save you money and it's not necessarily a bad thing. If your hoping for an eye clean stone, I wouldn't drop below an SI1, even then you will have to ask WF to evaluate the diamond for you. If your buying blind I wouldn't go below a VS2.

 

[lapelirroja]

You have to get back to basics: what is your budget? how do you/your intended rank the 4C's?

Cut determines how lively, beautiful, and brilliant a diamond will be. Most on PS would rank this #1. Is there a reason you are only looking at virtual selections on WF? You don't get any of the WF benefits if you do. Narrow your search to the Premium Select, Expert Selection, and ACA lines. Additionally, if you are choosing SI stones it is important that you or WF sees the inclusions themselves to determine if they are eyeclean. Going to the 3 lines listed above, you get more pictures and information that can help guide you to a decision.

You are comparing G stones to J stones. Watch this video: to see the difference in color. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcmSj8dOLRI&list=PL1562D8E0CC94466F&index=5&feature=plpp_video

May be a huge jump to some, not so big to others. But you better believe a jump in that many letter grades will GREATLY affect the price of the stones. This is why you are seeing that ~1 G/SI1 can be more costly than a 1.3 J/SI1.

I went for cut first, then size, then clarity, THEN color. I ended up with a 1.304 J/VS2 A CUT ABOVE stone. You may or may not end up going this path. Need to prioritize for yourself.

 

[hairtrigger]

Thanks for the great feedback. I am looking for at least a 1 carat round diamond (preferably $6000 or less, but willing to go to $7000 for the right one). I want an ideal or excellent cut. SI-1 or better, but wouldn't shy away from an eye-clean SI-2. The color is what is getting me the most. At first I wanted at least a G or better, but it seems many people are very happy with H-J's especially if it means getting a larger carat diamond. I also am wanting it AGS or GIA graded.
The settings I am looking at are mostly pave type settings with small F/G color VS diamonds. My concern is if I go with a J color center diamond, will it noticeably look more yellowish setting in with the smaller F/G color diamonds?
The one reason I was looking at virtual selection diamonds on WF was because they didn't seem to have anything for me in there expert selections.
Thanks.

 

[Statefan42]

Have you looked at the Brian Gavin Blue rounds? There currently show 5 of them in the 1+ carat size for less than $7000. These are all I in color and either SI1 or VS2. Ideal cuts with Medium blue fluorescence. Just a thought.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavin-blue-diamonds-with-fluorescence/