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2ct diamond -- mission impossible? Please help!

Anjaani3

Anjaani3

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 27, 2013
Messages
59
Hi PSers,

I've got a riddle for you... Well, er, more like a dilemma. For as long as I can remember, I've always loved diamonds and would adore a 2ct engagement ring (who wouldn't, right?!). Well, my darling fiancé wants me to get what I've wanted since this is a one time purchase that he wants me to be happy with. I'd be happy with whatever we could afford, but we're possibly considering splurging a bit and getting a big stone, something close to a 2ct -- looking at it as an investment.

While we're still considering the possibility of spending a lottt more money than anticipated, here my question: how much would I really need to splurge to get something close to a 2ct? I've seen stones in diff price ranges but any idea on how much I'd really be looking to spend on a stone that size that would actually be a GOOD buy? I may have to stop and think about our finances more reasonably but if I could find something we could afford to splurge on, it would be nothing short of a miracle. So what do you think?

Thank you!
 
Hmm, well I know the feeling of wanting something that I'm not...quite...sure I can justify the cost of iykwim. :sun:
It IS scary - for me anyway - to venture into the diamond market.... so firstly let me send you PS dust and good wishes! :)

I would think $20,000 would be a 'great deal' starting point benchmark for a 2ct RB - I'm nervous saying this as you could spend much, much, much more.
I'm sure 10 people would give 10 different opinions on this!

The price you ultimately pay depends to some extent on the services your diamond vendor provides to you. For example, I would prefer to pay a little more for an 'upgradeable' stone. (where you can take it back to your vendor and switch it up, years later!). But many people would not.

But if you are looking for a beautifully cut 'bargain' stone, I would say go with a vendor you trust very well, and start by looking for Ideal / excellent cuts G-H colour in the SI range. With strong flour. It is not unusual to come across an eye clean stone, but you may have to be a little (lot) patient.

That would be the way to find a good buy!
 
I agree with Laraonline that the one place you don't want to skimp is on cut quality, stick with GIA or AGS EX and ideal. Don't consider EGL, they will appear a cheaper alternative, but 'you get what you pay for' applies. Much of the cost will depend on how color sensitive you are, do you have to have an icy white colorless stone, or are you ok with something near colorless or perhaps a bit lower to allow for maximum ct weight? Personally, I think that paying the premium for a stone with clarity above VS1 is a waste. It's possible to get a completely eye clean SI1 and it will look identical to a flawless stone without a loupe. SI2's can be eye clean as well, but at 2cts, it will be a bigger challenge and take more time to find. Some people are ok with small inclusions and find that they add to the diamonds charm and consider them beauty marks. I think you just need to consider what is most important to you and realize that you may have to adjust those needs to accommodate budget.

The secondary market is the best place to find a deal. Would you consider this option? They typically sell for 30% or more off retail prices. There is also no guarantee that purchasing from a vendor will mean that your stone was never worn by someone else before you. Many stones are stones that have been upgraded by previous owners and then resold. The secondary market is a bit more of a risk, but there are many experienced buyers here that can help you navigate your way to a beautiful and less risky purchase if you decided to explore this route.
 
2ct is a price point for a per-carat price increase. Look for something with 2ct appearance but is less than 2ct. Assuming you want a RB, has a diameter of 7.8mm - 8mm. Maybe consider a shallow "pendant stone" if you can personally accept "head obstruction." (Head obstruction = stone looks dark when you inspect it close-up, but looks great at >12" or at arm's length.) Most people are going to see the diamond on your moving hand, so it looking dark close-up is mainly just an issue for you, yourself. Even if others see it, they probably will think it's normal or won't know why it does that.

Also, when diamonds hit the 2ct vicinity, cutters start cutting to retain weight and only a minority of those 2ct & up diamonds will be extremely well cut super-ideal H&A diamonds, and they will be very costly. I would not expect any "good values" in that cut zone, unless the diamond has visible inclusions and you can live with that.

Unless you have the budget to pay for ideal performance, a compromise will have to be made someplace. Looking at older-cut "estate" or consignment or secondhand rings might not be a bad idea. 60/60 diamonds, or European Cut (NOT Old European Cut) that have large tables and shallow depth. Or, give up the totally-eye-clean requirement. Or go to K/L/M color, or whatever.
 
Anjaani3|1359288287|3364753 said:
Hi PSers,

I've got a riddle for you... Well, er, more like a dilemma. For as long as I can remember, I've always loved diamonds and would adore a 2ct engagement ring (who wouldn't, right?!). Well, my darling fiancé wants me to get what I've wanted since this is a one time purchase that he wants me to be happy with. I'd be happy with whatever we could afford, but we're possibly considering splurging a bit and getting a big stone, something close to a 2ct -- looking at it as an investment.

While we're still considering the possibility of spending a lottt more money than anticipated, here my question: how much would I really need to splurge to get something close to a 2ct? I've seen stones in diff price ranges but any idea on how much I'd really be looking to spend on a stone that size that would actually be a GOOD buy? I may have to stop and think about our finances more reasonably but if I could find something we could afford to splurge on, it would be nothing short of a miracle. So what do you think?

Thank you!
Click to expand...

I think diamonds are lovely but I would not view it as an investment. Diamonds have very low liquidity and are usually sold at significant mark-ups. It will be tough to get even the original amount that you paid, especially if you buy retail. If you wait for diamonds to appreciate, you will be waiting a very long time. Index funds are better investments.

That said, if you want to buy a 2 ct diamond, you should go for it! Like you said, it's a one-time purchase. I think you should look at different diamond colors and determine how color sensitive you are. To minimize price, I would buy the lowest color you can tolerate and the lowest clarity that is still eye clean. Don't compromise on cut - you want Excellent or Ideal.
 
This used to be a difficult question to get an answer, but is no longer.
Just need to do a search all above, in a range, just as 1.40-2.05, and whatever other ranges you feel comfortable in, and just see what numbers come up. It would give you a great range of both stones and prices, and you can start to see whether there is anything in the price range you are looking for, or need to revise size, other objectives.

Another option, may be to find an older cut (non brilliant). There used to be great deals to be had on there, less so now, but it may be possible to find a around 2 carat for less than modern brilliant. But you have to like that look; the older cuts are more variable in visual appearance and optics than modern brilliants are.
 
Christina...|1359303923|3364850 said:
I agree with Laraonline that the one place you don't want to skimp is on cut quality, stick with GIA or AGS EX and ideal. Don't consider EGL, they will appear a cheaper alternative, but 'you get what you pay for' applies. Much of the cost will depend on how color sensitive you are, do you have to have an icy white colorless stone, or are you ok with something near colorless or perhaps a bit lower to allow for maximum ct weight? Personally, I think that paying the premium for a stone with clarity above VS1 is a waste. It's possible to get a completely eye clean SI1 and it will look identical to a flawless stone without a loupe. SI2's can be eye clean as well, but at 2cts, it will be a bigger challenge and take more time to find. Some people are ok with small inclusions and find that they add to the diamonds charm and consider them beauty marks. I think you just need to consider what is most important to you and realize that you may have to adjust those needs to accommodate budget.

The secondary market is the best place to find a deal. Would you consider this option? They typically sell for 30% or more off retail prices. There is also no guarantee that purchasing from a vendor will mean that your stone was never worn by someone else before you. Many stones are stones that have been upgraded by previous owners and then resold. The secondary market is a bit more of a risk, but there are many experienced buyers here that can help you navigate your way to a beautiful and less risky purchase if you decided to explore this route.
Click to expand...


Thanks Christina. I'm actually not bothered by the possibility of a "secondary market" stone that may or may not have been worn. Can you please direct me to where I would be able to find these listings?
 
sortmon|1359395637|3365552 said:
I think diamonds are lovely but I would not view it as an investment. Diamonds have very low liquidity and are usually sold at significant mark-ups. It will be tough to get even the original amount that you paid, especially if you buy retail. If you wait for diamonds to appreciate, you will be waiting a very long time. Index funds are better investments.

That said, if you want to buy a 2 ct diamond, you should go for it! Like you said, it's a one-time purchase. I think you should look at different diamond colors and determine how color sensitive you are. To minimize price, I would buy the lowest color you can tolerate and the lowest clarity that is still eye clean. Don't compromise on cut - you want Excellent or Ideal.
Click to expand...

Thanks Sortmon. It's definitely a one time purchase but it seems the 2ct might be too far out of my price range to be considered at the moment... esp since you're right, the return isn't very high and i dont necessarily want to get a sub-par diamond just for size. Sigh, I guess the search within my budget continues.

Thanks for the help everyone :)
 
What are you looking to spend? It will be easier for PSers to help out if they have an idea of your budget.

Are you looking for RBs only? Or are you looking for another cut? Fancy cut diamonds are often cheaper than RBs. Old cut diamonds can also be cheaper for RBs.

I think some secondary markets are places like ebay, diamondbistro, loupetroop, jewelsbyericagrace, and idonowidont. If you are looking for RB and can swing it, I'd buy new from a place with an upgrade policy so you can go even bigger later.

Anyhow, please start with posting a budget.
 
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