$30k Budget for Ering Upgrade - Need Your Opinion!

[bagaliciouslady]

To make a long story short the question is

Bigger diamond/less quality or smaller diamond/better quality?

If you had a choice, would you want a bigger diamond but not as good quality, or a smaller diamond that was excellent quality?

When I first got married, I was given a smaller ring, less than 1/2 ct, (sentimental value, it belonged to my mother in law) and at that time, hubby was a student & had no money. Having lived a number of years with the smaller diamond, I am ready for some bling! Now that my husband said we can upgrade my ring now (for our anniversary), the hubby said my budget is $30k - $35k (all funds coming out from his personal account, not ours, so I don't want to go over $30k, may want to actually spend a lot less if I can).

I want to enjoy the ring, and don't care as much about the trade in value as some might. For example, I don't care about clarity if it's eye clean to me so SI 1 is fine. The last time I checked, no one was going around examining someone else's ering with a loupe. For me, the first thing I notice is the size, then brilliance (from cut). I also noticed lots of ooh's and ahh's from the over 3 ct ering forum!

Given this budget, I have been researching like crazy, lurking on Pricescope, Purseforum & Weddingbee like crazy (let's not get into many sleepless nights spent on bluenile, adiamor, tiffany & co, & frequent visits to the local jeweler & the diamond district!)

Here's what I originally started with:

Carat: 2 ct & over brilliant solitaire (my fingers are size 4 the last time I checked)
Color: G & better (maybe even H if stone is bigger, I'm not sure if I can tell the difference between G&H anyway, lOl)
Cut: Excellent
Clarity: SI1 & better
GIA Cert.

Like I said, I started with these "loose" standards and the more I read up, now my head is filled with HCA scores, Hearts & Arrows and pavilion, crown, cutlet, florescence, etc.

Given my options here and budget here, if you were me, would you choose

(1) hearts & arrows 2.07 ct F, SI1, HCA 1.3, medium blue ($22,600); or
(2) 2.54 ct, H, SI1, HCA 4.4 no flor ($29,500); or
(3) 3.0 ct, H, SI1 , HCA 3.8, faint flor ($30,500 k) -- slightly over budget but ok.

I'm not 100% sure what to do.

Ladies: If you could have chosen your ering or upgrade ring, would you have gone for the huge rock (3 ct) or the 2 ct good quality?
Do you know anyone with 3 ct+ and you wish you'd chosen something that big for the similar price range as a smaller stone?

Just want to get some opinions.

**Oops, just realized, this post is long***

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Welcome!!! You have an exciting upgrade planned! (You may want to click "report concern" and ask the admin to move this to Rocky Talky since that is where this belongs.)

There are many different preferences on the forum for color and clarity, but about 99% of us will agree that we won't compromise on cut. And that generally means GIA Excellent cut (with HCA under 2.0 preferably but some are fine in the 2.0-2.9 range) or AGS Ideal cut. So I would toss out the second and third stone.

What vendors have you searched? I feel like we could very easily show you some options. It is very late here and I need to go to bed, but I'll take a really quick look!

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2696792.htm

Well, I looked at several vendors in the 2.0-2.6 size range and that was the best stone I could find within your budget. Doesn't get much better than that, and the stone is $26,277 with wire and pricescope discounts leaving you almost $4000 for the setting. Which means you could go for a halo setting by Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch with just a little $ added (if you want the diamond to look even bigger!)! This stone really gives you outstanding cut and a nice large size with decent color and clarity. Very good balance, in my opinion!

 

[emeraldluvr]

In my opinion color and clarity is very essential. I would rather have a smaller diamond with better color and clarity.

 

[backwardsandinheels]

Hello,

I am doing a similar thing. I have 3.5 fingers, and I would check mm size on the diamond to see how much real estate the stone takes up. It could affect things if you're comfortable/uncomfortable wearing a certain size or a preference for a certain look or setting. A halo might look too big, for instance. There are some threads that show what size stones look good on small fingers or small hands. Good luck!

 

[ecf8503]

In my opinion color and clarity is very essential. I would rather have a smaller diamond with better color and clarity.

Ideal cut RB's mask color better than other shapes (especially step cuts like emeralds and asschers). And color is a subjective thing anyway - some people prefer a little warmth, some people are very sensitive to it and will not compromise in that arena - it all depends on the wearer's eyes. And clarity is also a stone-by-stone determination - many SI1 and some SI2 are eyeclean, although the bigger the carat weight the more potential there is for an eye visible inclusion in lower clarity stones, but don't dismiss something purely because it says SI. You have to have it examined to determine the visibility of the inclusion as well as whether it poses a structural integrity issue.

 

[SB621]

I will just say that DSS sets in quickly. I'm upgraded from a .76ct RB to a 2.04ct RB WITH a halo. Not even 8 months later I have upgraded to my dream stone which is a 5ct OMC. Definitely take your time and figure out what mm size you want for finger coverage. Look at different settings and narrow it down that way. Personally I like size so I would lower color and clarity to get the size I like...but I'm also not color sensative. Some people don't mind J/K diamonds so really you need to look at diamonds and decide what your limits are.

Goodluck with your search!

Also definitely move this to RT as you will get way more responses!

 

[ame]

What type of setting are you interested in?

heres a nice stone also.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.268-I-VS2-Round-Diamond-AGS-104062031004

 

[Rosebloom]

Welcome!!! You have an exciting upgrade planned! (You may want to click "report concern" and ask the admin to move this to Rocky Talky since that is where this belongs.)

There are many different preferences on the forum for color and clarity, but about 99% of us will agree that we won't compromise on cut. And that generally means GIA Excellent cut (with HCA under 2.0 preferably but some are fine in the 2.0-2.9 range) or AGS Ideal cut. So I would toss out the second and third stone.

What vendors have you searched? I feel like we could very easily show you some options. It is very late here and I need to go to bed, but I'll take a really quick look!

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2696792.htm

Well, I looked at several vendors in the 2.0-2.6 size range and that was the best stone I could find within your budget. Doesn't get much better than that, and the stone is $26,277 with wire and pricescope discounts leaving you almost $4000 for the setting. Which means you could go for a halo setting by Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch with just a little $ added (if you want the diamond to look even bigger!)! This stone really gives you outstanding cut and a nice large size with decent color and clarity. Very good balance, in my opinion!

I would do this exact this! That diamond in a Victor Canera Emylia setting would be to die for!!!

 

[Laila619]

I will just say that DSS sets in quickly. I'm upgraded from a .76ct RB to a 2.04ct RB WITH a halo. Not even 8 months later I have upgraded to my dream stone which is a 5ct OMC. Definitely take your time and figure out what mm size you want for finger coverage. Look at different settings and narrow it down that way. Personally I like size so I would lower color and clarity to get the size I like...but I'm also not color sensative. Some people don't mind J/K diamonds so really you need to look at diamonds and decide what your limits are.

Goodluck with your search!

Also definitely move this to RT as you will get way more responses!

Ditto this! I tried on a 2 carat CZ ring and thought the 2 carat looked shockingly small on my finger. If set in a solitaire, I would probably aim for at least 2.5 to 2.75 carats. To stay in budget, I would lower color to an I, or even a J. Tons of PS members own GIA graded J stones, and they are gorgeous! A modern RB hides color very well so you really won't notice any tint face up.

 

[athenaworth]

If you're not color sensitive, you could go down in color but get a stone with fluorescence. I was able to go up a half carat with my budget because of SBF. My stone is an I and the only time I see color is from the side and since it's set so that the side isn't visible, it's a win/win. But really cut is the key to me. It really can make a good stone great.

What kind of setting are you interested in?

 

[SB621]

Sorry I didn't really read your post all the way through. I agree with DS to kick out the diamonds that are up there on the HCA. Size won't matter if it doesn't perform well. I like DS's idea of getting a 2.0-2.6ct in a halo....or even better yet a double halo to add more finger coverage!!! I think that will be the win win for you either way. Get the coverage you need by stay within budget.

 

[04diamond<3]

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.126-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006024

This one might be worth looking into if you'd really like a 3 ct:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.256-l-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104060998001

 

[athenaworth]

Any interest in pre-loved? JbEG has a lot. This one would give MEGE finger coverage http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/410ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/26743813_pGp5n6#!i=2243188488&k=G9DRWsk It's $33,500 right now but you never know, the owner may be willing to negotiate

Then there's this one for $29,750 http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/420ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/23037854_rz37Lb#!i=1862978669&k=Tvsnrmz

 

[cookies]

I think the answer to the size vs. quality question will depend on what setting & metal you choose.

For example, if you go with a rose gold setting, you can certainly go down in color and go up in size, because a coloreless diamond will no longer look colorless once set in rose gold (especially if bezel-ed).

 

[bagaliciouslady]

Thanks for all your comments & input! I will have to look at everything and analyze.

As for the setting question, I am into simple, clean cut settings (no halo's) with simple micropave band and white metal such as platinum & 18k wg.

So no go on stones (2) & (3) from my original post, huh?
Will a bad HCA (3 & above) mean no sparkle?

I have small fingers but big hand - meaning the fingers are thin but long & knuckly (size 3.75 but will have to wear 4.5 to fit over the knuckle). I hope this makes sense!

Laila619 & Sarahbear621 -- When I put a 8mm CZ earring stud against my hand it doesn't look very big at all. It probably looks like a 1.5 ct on someone with smallish hand.

Ahhhh I am very torn between a H&A 2 ct vs a good 2.5 ct (I guess 3 ct is out of the question given my budget).

 

[juliehmarks]

It really all depends on what's most important to you and catches your eye. For me, I love size, color (i like a colorless stone - F is my color), cut, clarity - in that order : ) i always feel the first thing you see is the size and fire of the stone, then the color and lastly the clarity. As long as its eye clean, the naked eye cant see the difference anyway. if possible, I would try to compare a few stones all within your budget, in varying sizes and qualities and see how they compare to each other in person. See what speaks to you the most and go from there. One thing to keep in mind with the cut - you don't want to go too deep or too shallow. Too deep a cut will make the stone appear smaller, and too shallow and you loose sparkle. Find the perfect depth and you get the best of both worlds, sparkle and size : )) good luck in your quest to find the perfect stone. You have a sweet and generous hubby : )) he's a keeper!

 

[04diamond<3]

Thanks for all your comments & input! I will have to look at everything and analyze.
Ahhhh I am very torn between a H&A 2 ct vs a good 2.5 ct (I guess 3 ct is out of the question given my budget).

I'd call Brian about this one!!!!!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.256-l-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104060998001

If it looks as gorgeous in person as it does in the picture, this might be perfect for you!!!

 

[MAC-W]

What about this one?

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-signature-ideal-cut-h-color-si1-clarity_LD02067750

It scores 1.4 on the HCA.

 

[MAC-W]

Will a bad HCA (3 & above) mean no sparkle?

.

From my experience, HCA up to 4 will still sparkle as per 99% diamonds you see in the street. They just won't have that extra oomph you get with the HCA <2, and you won't necessarily get hearts and arrows. Mind you HCA <2 doesn't guarantee hearts and arrows either.

 

[FrankieL]

Very exciting, early congrats on such a great gift!! We recently upgraded my diamond as well. Originally I thought I wanted a 2ct (previous diamond was 1.34ct), but after looking at diamonds at our local jewelry store, I decided that 2.5ct gave me the best finger coverage (my finger is a size 5 but I need to wear a ring size 5.75 to get over my knuckle). I was also comfortable with SI1 and G/H color so I could get a larger diamond for my money. I personally liked looking at diamonds in person as well. Good luck!! Keep us posted on your progress!

 

[MAC-W]

Thanks for all your comments & input! I will have to look at everything and analyze.
Ahhhh I am very torn between a H&A 2 ct vs a good 2.5 ct (I guess 3 ct is out of the question given my budget).

I'd call Brian about this one!!!!!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.256-l-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104060998001

If it looks as gorgeous in person as it does in the picture, this might be perfect for you!!!

But when you plug the numbers into HCA, although it comes out as 1.8, fire and scintilation factors are only classed as very good, not excellent.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I would buy second hand on ebay and try to get it all within my budget

 

[04diamond<3]

Thanks for all your comments & input! I will have to look at everything and analyze.
Ahhhh I am very torn between a H&A 2 ct vs a good 2.5 ct (I guess 3 ct is out of the question given my budget).

I'd call Brian about this one!!!!!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.256-l-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104060998001

If it looks as gorgeous in person as it does in the picture, this might be perfect for you!!!

But when you plug the numbers into HCA, although it comes out as 1.8, fire and scintilation factors are only classed as very good, not excellent.

Yes......and that's still better than 95% of all the other diamonds out there...The OP was hoping for a 3ct, and this is one from BGD (which seems to be the preferred vendor) and it's GORGEOUS. 1.8 on the HCA is GREAT.

 

[MAC-W]

Thanks for all your comments & input! I will have to look at everything and analyze.
Ahhhh I am very torn between a H&A 2 ct vs a good 2.5 ct (I guess 3 ct is out of the question given my budget).

I'd call Brian about this one!!!!!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.256-l-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104060998001

If it looks as gorgeous in person as it does in the picture, this might be perfect for you!!!

But when you plug the numbers into HCA, although it comes out as 1.8, fire and scintilation factors are only classed as very good, not excellent.

Yes......and that's still better than 95% of all the other diamonds out there...The OP was hoping for a 3ct, and this is one from BGD (which seems to be the preferred vendor) and it's GORGEOUS. 1.8 on the HCA is GREAT.

I agree it looks to be a very nice diamond and definately a great size.

But it's a much lower colour than the OP was thinking about - even with the very strong blue fluorescence it's still going to appear as a J at best. Add in the fact that the fire and scintillation are not in the excellent category, I wonder if it's pushing the boundaries too far for the OP, even if it is over 3cts. Fire and scintillation are such an integral part of what makes a diamond sparkle, that a vg rating in those categories would be off putting for me no matter what the HCA score was. Of course others are different, so maybe it's not a big issue for the OP.

 

[Roxy]

Thanks for all your comments & input! I will have to look at everything and analyze.
Ahhhh I am very torn between a H&A 2 ct vs a good 2.5 ct (I guess 3 ct is out of the question given my budget).

I'd call Brian about this one!!!!!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.256-l-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104060998001

If it looks as gorgeous in person as it does in the picture, this might be perfect for you!!!

But when you plug the numbers into HCA, although it comes out as 1.8, fire and scintilation factors are only classed as very good, not excellent.

Yes......and that's still better than 95% of all the other diamonds out there...The OP was hoping for a 3ct, and this is one from BGD (which seems to be the preferred vendor) and it's GORGEOUS. 1.8 on the HCA is GREAT.

I agree it looks to be a very nice diamond and definately a great size.

But it's a much lower colour than the OP was thinking about - even with the very strong blue fluorescence it's still going to appear as a J at best. Add in the fact that the fire and scintillation are not in the excellent category, I wonder if it's pushing the boundaries too far for the OP, even if it is over 3cts. Fire and scintillation are such an integral part of what makes a diamond sparkle, that a vg rating in those categories would be off putting for me no matter what the HCA score was. Of course others are different, so maybe it's not a big issue for the OP.

This is why PSers always tell folks that the final judgement comes down to whether the stone appeals specifically to their eyes or not. The data, analysis, models, numbers, etc help to narrow down the choices, but then you'll either need to see the stone in person, or get pictures, videos, etc to determine how the diamond actually performs.

 

[04diamond<3]

Thanks for all your comments & input! I will have to look at everything and analyze.
Ahhhh I am very torn between a H&A 2 ct vs a good 2.5 ct (I guess 3 ct is out of the question given my budget).

I'd call Brian about this one!!!!!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.256-l-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104060998001

If it looks as gorgeous in person as it does in the picture, this might be perfect for you!!!

But when you plug the numbers into HCA, although it comes out as 1.8, fire and scintilation factors are only classed as very good, not excellent.

Yes......and that's still better than 95% of all the other diamonds out there...The OP was hoping for a 3ct, and this is one from BGD (which seems to be the preferred vendor) and it's GORGEOUS. 1.8 on the HCA is GREAT.

I agree it looks to be a very nice diamond and definately a great size.

But it's a much lower colour than the OP was thinking about - even with the very strong blue fluorescence it's still going to appear as a J at best. Add in the fact that the fire and scintillation are not in the excellent category, I wonder if it's pushing the boundaries too far for the OP, even if it is over 3cts. Fire and scintillation are such an integral part of what makes a diamond sparkle, that a vg rating in those categories would be off putting for me no matter what the HCA score was. Of course others are different, so maybe it's not a big issue for the OP.

exactly why I said for her to look into it!! Because it could be a great option.