Diamond for a Student

[ktz]

Hi all,
I''m hitting the point I am seriously considering popping that question but am very unsure of what to get, even after reading through the loads of resources here and elsewhere.

My primary problem? I am a college student who cannot afford extra nice or extra big. My budget with setting is $4000 and after looking through a lot of the stuff here I figured I could go with something that doesn''t sacrifice too much quality for size and vice versa.

What I do know:
Round Brilliant Solitaire
My lady has thin fingers so even small diamonds look big on her.

What I would like:
Some suggestions? Direct links or specs I should try to follow...

Thank you guys very much!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/26/2009 2:17:57 PM
Author:ktz
Hi all,
I'm hitting the point I am seriously considering popping that question but am very unsure of what to get, even after reading through the loads of resources here and elsewhere.

My primary problem? I am a college student who cannot afford extra nice or extra big. My budget with setting is $4000 and after looking through a lot of the stuff here I figured I could go with something that doesn't sacrifice too much quality for size and vice versa.

What I do know:
Round Brilliant Solitaire
My lady has thin fingers so even small diamonds look big on her.

What I would like:
Some suggestions? Direct links or specs I should try to follow...

Thank you guys very much!

Welcome!

Firstly it is important to bear in mind that cut quality is crucial in order to end up with a pretty diamond, so it is important to pay attention to that aspect. Just need a little more info please, are you hoping to end up with the largest diamond you can get for the money? If so then you could consider I or J colour ( GIA/ AGS graded) and a verified eyeclean SI1 or SI2 clarity. These grades would give you the most bang for the buck and if the cut is good you will have a great looking rock which will still be white and clean to the eye. Alternatively if you prefer to go a bit higher on colour and clarity and smaller, then consider G or H colour as above, and SI1 to VS2 clarity.

Also what type of setting do you want to get for your solitaire - a plain white gold or platinum, with accent diamonds or without? This would be useful to know as obviously a more elaborate setting or platinum will take more of the budget.

I would also recommend you read the Pricescope tutorial here - http://diamonds.pricescope.com/

and the educational sections of this website - www.highperformancediamonds.com to give you a grounding in the basics.

I will just post a few diamonds so you can get an idea of what you could get.

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-30719.htm

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2261/

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1204015.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1848245.htm

There are some good diamonds out there which might suit you, so if you could give us a little more info on how you would like to allocate your budget concerning the setting and diamond, then we could suggest some diamonds and settings that might work for you.

 

[Daisi2112]

I agree with Lorelei

 

[ktz]

You respond so fast...
Thank you very much!
I will be browsing the educational pages later when I get back from class but
the whiteflash diamond is gorgeous and I saw this diamond here but was
wondering if I was putting too much emphasis with quality...

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4951/

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/26/2009 2:34:38 PM
Author: ktz
You respond so fast...
Thank you very much!
I will be browsing the educational pages later when I get back from class but
the whiteflash diamond is gorgeous and I saw this diamond here but was
wondering if I was putting too much emphasis with quality...

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4951/

LOL!! I am known to be reasonably speedy at times!!

The diamond you linked could be an excellent choice, G colour and SI1 clarity ( verified eyeclean to your standards by asking the vendor) is what we call a sweet spot for many so you are definitely on the right track - good job!!!

 

[kindred]

That is a pretty nice budget, especially for a student

I''m sure the pros here will help you find something really nice for your money.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/26/2009 2:37:00 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/26/2009 2:34:38 PM
Author: ktz
You respond so fast...
Thank you very much!
I will be browsing the educational pages later when I get back from class but
the whiteflash diamond is gorgeous and I saw this diamond here but was
wondering if I was putting too much emphasis with quality...

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4951/

LOL!! I am known to be reasonably speedy at times!!

The diamond you linked could be an excellent choice, G colour and SI1 clarity ( verified eyeclean to your standards by asking the vendor) is what we call a sweet spot for many so you are definitely on the right track - good job!!!

Ditto!

To both points.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/26/2009 3:00:04 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 1/26/2009 2:37:00 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/26/2009 2:34:38 PM
Author: ktz
You respond so fast...
Thank you very much!
I will be browsing the educational pages later when I get back from class but
the whiteflash diamond is gorgeous and I saw this diamond here but was
wondering if I was putting too much emphasis with quality...

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4951/

LOL!! I am known to be reasonably speedy at times!!

The diamond you linked could be an excellent choice, G colour and SI1 clarity ( verified eyeclean to your standards by asking the vendor) is what we call a sweet spot for many so you are definitely on the right track - good job!!!

Ditto!

To both points.

* blows raspberry in Ellen''s general direction*