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Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $20K

C

caratlearner

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 31, 2017
Messages
10
Hello,

Thanks in advance for any help or advice! I am in the market for an engagement ring. I've done a fair amount of research on Rocky Talky after knowing next to nothing about diamonds, and I think I have a pretty good idea of what I am looking for. Can anyone point me in the right direction with diamond recommendations? Also, I notice a large inventory difference between the Virtual diamonds vs. the in-house on the price scope search..

I'd like to spend <$20K all-in for the diamond + ring.

Thanks again!

Round Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
Platinum Ring - Size 8; 4 prong; good data point for diamond size..

~ 2 CARATS - girlfriend wants it big; I am more focused on great quality

CUT: Excellent? From reading, it seems like the ratio's are important.

depth - 60 - 62% - although my personal preference is to allow up to 62.4% - don''t go too far past this or you can lose face up size and the diamond will look small for the weight.
table - 54- 57%
crown angle - 34- 35 degrees
pavilion angle - 40.6- 41 degrees
girdle - avoid extremes, look for thin to slightly thick, thin to medium etc
polish and symmetry - very good and above

COLOR - Perhaps G, H, I?

CLARITY - SI1+; as long as it is eye clean and doesn't have any durability fractures
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

What kind of setting are you looking at?
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

Snowdrop13|1485937458|4122782 said:
What kind of setting are you looking at?
Click to expand...

4 prong solitaire in platinum. A simple, elegant ring with no additional diamonds.
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

I used a cut off price of $18k to leave you around $2k for a setting. For any stone you are interested in you need to ask if it
is eye-clean. Also, any stone that says Additional pinpoints, clouds, twinning wisp are not shown...you need to ask if they
affect the brilliance of the stone. Doesnt look like it on the videos but make sure you ask. You can ask for up to 3 idealscopes
from JA but they can only do them for stones located in the NY area. Put any stones you are interested in on-hold. Stones
get swiped around here.

I/VS stones
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.00-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2426414
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2408491

SI Stones
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2396068
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.04-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2172409

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.07-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2181241
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.13-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1933607

Edit...those WF stones posted above would be my first choice...
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

I would do WF Expert or GOG Platinum 2.0c H SI1/VS2 under 20k.
Unfortunately,I don't see any on their websites at this point. 2.0c H SI1/VS2 is very popular and 20k budget is also popular as well. And it is Valentines.

I would definitely buy from a premier vendor such as GOG and WF with flexible buyback and upgrade policy.
When you reach 2.0c, virtual inventory does not necessarily offer a huge saving.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/2.03-platinum_select_round-EX-GIA-I-VS2-diamond-stock-14397-cert-
Only 1k difference between this and JA's virtual inventory for 2.0c VS2.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/2.01-platinum_select_round-I-GIA-I-SI1-diamond-stock-14213-cert-2188615720
nearly identical pricing compared to JA's SI1
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

The WF Stones would be my choice too.

Some additional settings on WF:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/vatche-venus-solitaire-engagement-ring-2378.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...line-solitaire-engagement-ring-729.htm#size=6

I think a six prong would be really gorgeous with a stone that size though and this is one of my favorite solitaires:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...n-solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-310.htm

JA settings
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...inum-sleek-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50012 :love: gorgeous with a 2ct stone
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-six-prong-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50011
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...al-engagement-ring-by-martin-flyer-item-54900
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

Thanks for the replies everyone! I this has been very helpful - I really appreciate it.

My girlfriend wants a big (2 CT) diamond and that's all she really cares about. Meanwhile, I am more focused on the quality. I read through the feedback and ran this search. I know I can get big and bad quality for much less, but I think she would be better off longer term with a good quality.

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/search?vendor=-1&inhouse=-1&shape=1&minprice=1&maxprice=20000&mincarat=1.88&maxcarat=2.2&mindepth=60&maxdepth=62&mintable=54&maxtable=57&mincut=1&maxcut=6&mincolor=1&maxcolor=5&minclarity=4&maxclarity=8&minsymmetry=1&maxsymmetry=8&minpolish=1&maxpolish=8&minflourescence=1&maxflourescence=6&checkbox_panel1=04%2C05&checkbox_panel2=&sort=price-asc&page=1&pageview=24&adv=true

The in-house stores do not have any inventory for this search within the price. I found these diamonds that look interesting on the virtual store through WF. I'm thinking WF is a good store, incase I need to return it doesn't look good? Thoughts here?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793817.htm?source=pricescope
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3792306.htm?source=pricescope
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3664188.htm?source=pricescope

As far as rings go, she wants a simple thin ring, platinum band, single solitaire. (Size 8 finger). A few rings that she likes. I am a bit worried that the diamond might get caught on something, since it sticks out so much with these. Thoughts. Also, should we go 6 prong, or 4 prong?

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-1rz7295-solitaire-engagement-ring-4030.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/contemporary-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-1415.htm

This ring, which someone suggested is my favorite! It might be too thick for my girl.. Regardless, how can I combine a ring and diamond from different sites? https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-sleek-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50012

Thanks again!
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

Whiteflash is a great company and they have a good upgrade policy should you ever wish to go bigger- this only applies to their in house stones though. You will have to get them to call in the other stones to be evaluated.

They have 2 I Si1 ACAs in budget, only one of which is eye clean:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3709851.htm

How about this setting, it's like the JA one you posted but has double prongs which will be a bit more secure:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-1rz7242-solitaire-engagement-ring-3995.htm
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

caratlearner|1486223654|4124224 said:
Thanks for the replies everyone! I this has been very helpful - I really appreciate it.

My girlfriend wants a big (2 CT) diamond and that's all she really cares about. Meanwhile, I am more focused on the quality. I read through the feedback and ran this search. I know I can get big and bad quality for much less, but I think she would be better off longer term with a good quality.

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/search?vendor=-1&inhouse=-1&shape=1&minprice=1&maxprice=20000&mincarat=1.88&maxcarat=2.2&mindepth=60&maxdepth=62&mintable=54&maxtable=57&mincut=1&maxcut=6&mincolor=1&maxcolor=5&minclarity=4&maxclarity=8&minsymmetry=1&maxsymmetry=8&minpolish=1&maxpolish=8&minflourescence=1&maxflourescence=6&checkbox_panel1=04%2C05&checkbox_panel2=&sort=price-asc&page=1&pageview=24&adv=true

The in-house stores do not have any inventory for this search within the price. I found these diamonds that look interesting on the virtual store through WF. I'm thinking WF is a good store, incase I need to return it doesn't look good? Thoughts here?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793817.htm?source=pricescope
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3792306.htm?source=pricescope
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3664188.htm?source=pricescope

As far as rings go, she wants a simple thin ring, platinum band, single solitaire. (Size 8 finger). A few rings that she likes. I am a bit worried that the diamond might get caught on something, since it sticks out so much with these. Thoughts. Also, should we go 6 prong, or 4 prong?

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-1rz7295-solitaire-engagement-ring-4030.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/contemporary-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-1415.htm

This ring, which someone suggested is my favorite! It might be too thick for my girl.. Regardless, how can I combine a ring and diamond from different sites? https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-sleek-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50012

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

I would buy the ring from the JA site and send it to WF if you go that route. You want to have the place you buy the stone from set the stone...
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

caratlearner|1486223654|4124224 said:
Thanks for the replies everyone! I this has been very helpful - I really appreciate it.

My girlfriend wants a big (2 CT) diamond and that's all she really cares about. Meanwhile, I am more focused on the quality. I read through the feedback and ran this search. I know I can get big and bad quality for much less, but I think she would be better off longer term with a good quality.

http://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/search?vendor=-1&inhouse=-1&shape=1&minprice=1&maxprice=20000&mincarat=1.88&maxcarat=2.2&mindepth=60&maxdepth=62&mintable=54&maxtable=57&mincut=1&maxcut=6&mincolor=1&maxcolor=5&minclarity=4&maxclarity=8&minsymmetry=1&maxsymmetry=8&minpolish=1&maxpolish=8&minflourescence=1&maxflourescence=6&checkbox_panel1=04%2C05&checkbox_panel2=&sort=price-asc&page=1&pageview=24&adv=true

The in-house stores do not have any inventory for this search within the price. I found these diamonds that look interesting on the virtual store through WF. I'm thinking WF is a good store, incase I need to return it doesn't look good? Thoughts here?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793817.htm?source=pricescope
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3792306.htm?source=pricescope
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3664188.htm?source=pricescope

As far as rings go, she wants a simple thin ring, platinum band, single solitaire. (Size 8 finger). A few rings that she likes. I am a bit worried that the diamond might get caught on something, since it sticks out so much with these. Thoughts. Also, should we go 6 prong, or 4 prong?

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-1rz7295-solitaire-engagement-ring-4030.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/contemporary-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-1415.htm

This ring, which someone suggested is my favorite! It might be too thick for my girl.. Regardless, how can I combine a ring and diamond from different sites? https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-sleek-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50012

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

I'd really only buy from WF to take advantage of In House stones (ACA, Expert or Premium) vs the virtual inventory (pics are sample pics) unless i really loved a setting they offer. (Their trade up policy does not include virtual stones: http://www.whiteflash.com/confidence/lifetime-trade-up-guarantee) SInce you like the JA setting, i'd buy a stone from them as well. That band is really not that thick and i think will be fine on her hand. Their CS is great as well and they have a really nice return policy.

TYTY posted some really nice JA stones, i noticed a few have been swiped but still several nice stones available:

tyty333 said:
...

I/VS stones
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2426414
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2408491

SI Stones
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2396068
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2172409

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2181241
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1933607
.
Click to expand...

JUst to show you close to what it might look on her finger. Here is the last 2 stones tyty posted on a size 8 finger with a 2.2mm band

capture_53.jpg
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

I was just in the same situation: size 8, ~2ct, <$20k. Unfortunately, it's a very tough position.

My SO has eagle-eyes, so I couldn't go lower than an H and VS2. Go visit stores to look at 2ct stones and figure out where the color becomes an issue for you -- as stones get bigger the same color become more easy to see, so call ahead and make sure they have stones at the store in the right size and color variety for you to look at. The quality shortcut I use is that VS2 is almost certainly eye-clean, whereas SI1 could not be. I think that as stones get bigger, the inclusions of a similar grade are easier to see: for example the same black crystal that would make a 0.5ct stone into an SI2 might make a 2ct stone a SI1, even though it is the same absolute size. So inclusions in a 2.0ct SI1 are bigger than inclusions in a 0.5 SI1.

You can find ~2ct H VS2 diamonds for <$20k, but you will have to jump through a lot of hoops to figure out whether they are really great or just so-so. It's possible, but quite time-consuming....

First of all, only consider GIA XXX diamonds (Excellent Cut, Symmetry, and Polish). At the <$20k price point, it's very rare to find an AGS-graded 2ct Ideal cut H VS2 (but strongly consider it if you find one and it passes the tests). Do not look at diamonds with certificates other than GIA or AGS -- it's too much of a hassle to not know exactly what you're getting.

The GIA Excellent cut still means that it might not have great sparkles (which makes it a pretty misleading name). So in order to make sure it has the best sparkles, people on PS will demand an ASET image (or at least an IdealScope image), which shows how good the light return is.

Most places that you'll be speaking with won't provide an ASET image, so you'll have to request to look at the diamond, take the ASET image yourself, and post it here for people to critique. Note that you'll have to buy an ASET scope to do this. (Also, most of these diamond vendors won't know what an ASET image is. They will try to show you a hearts & arrows image, which isn't the same thing. And they will likely think that you are a weirdo -- you now know more than they do, so embrace it.)

Without an ASET image, you should post the certificate/angles to be reviewed here, which doesn't mean it will actually look good, but it is better than nothing. Because angles on certificates are averaged and rounded, it's possible that diamonds that look good on paper actually result in some poor performance when the actual angles don't complement each other. Check out the HCA tool and AGA/NAJA Cut Grade tools linked on the toolbar as a way to easily reject stones that will probably be bad (but they can't guarantee the stone will be good). Do post stones you are considering than have an HCA < 2.0 and cut grade of 1B or 1A.

Look for stones that are just shy of a major number of carats (1.5, 2.0, 2.5). As soon as a stone crosses the 2.0 carat mark, it's price per carat jumps up. So buying a 1.96ct has a lower cost per carat than a 2.00 ct even though visually you can't tell them apart. The same applies but to a lesser extent for tenths of a carat as well (1.9, 1.8, etc).

If you want to drop the price some more, you can go for a non-round ("fancy") shape. Note that some shapes appear bigger face-up than others, so even though you might pay less than a 2ct round stone, it might look smaller on the finger than a 2ct round -- do your homework on this.

Unless to be happy you need to know that the diamond is as symmetrical as humanly possible, I would not pay the premium for the superideal diamonds that are sometimes recommended on PS. It just happens that I needed that, so I paid the premium :angel:.

One more piece of advice is that if your SO is closely involved in the shopping process, buy sooner rather than later. DSS (Diamond shrinkage syndrome) can hit people as they are trying on different rings and soon you're looking at 2.5ct or 3ct.

The shortcut to all of the ASET and number stuff is to use the vendors that are PriceScope-recommended. They tend to provide ASET images. Some have better prices than brick-and-mortar stores, while others charge a premium.
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

miraj|1486401024|4124879 said:
I was just in the same situation: size 8, ~2ct, <$20k. Unfortunately, it's a very tough position.

My SO has eagle-eyes, so I couldn't go lower than an H and VS2. Go visit stores to look at 2ct stones and figure out where the color becomes an issue for you -- as stones get bigger the same color become more easy to see, so call ahead and make sure they have stones at the store in the right size and color variety for you to look at. The quality shortcut I use is that VS2 is almost certainly eye-clean, whereas SI1 could not be. I think that as stones get bigger, the inclusions of a similar grade are easier to see: for example the same black crystal that would make a 0.5ct stone into an SI2 might make a 2ct stone a SI1, even though it is the same absolute size. So inclusions in a 2.0ct SI1 are bigger than inclusions in a 0.5 SI1.

You can find ~2ct H VS2 diamonds for <$20k, but you will have to jump through a lot of hoops to figure out whether they are really great or just so-so. It's possible, but quite time-consuming....

First of all, only consider GIA XXX diamonds (Excellent Cut, Symmetry, and Polish). At the <$20k price point, it's very rare to find an AGS-graded 2ct Ideal cut H VS2 (but strongly consider it if you find one and it passes the tests). Do not look at diamonds with certificates other than GIA or AGS -- it's too much of a hassle to not know exactly what you're getting.

The GIA Excellent cut still means that it might not have great sparkles (which makes it a pretty misleading name). So in order to make sure it has the best sparkles, people on PS will demand an ASET image (or at least an IdealScope image), which shows how good the light return is.

Most places that you'll be speaking with won't provide an ASET image, so you'll have to request to look at the diamond, take the ASET image yourself, and post it here for people to critique. Note that you'll have to buy an ASET scope to do this. (Also, most of these diamond vendors won't know what an ASET image is. They will try to show you a hearts & arrows image, which isn't the same thing. And they will likely think that you are a weirdo -- you now know more than they do, so embrace it.)

Without an ASET image, you should post the certificate/angles to be reviewed here, which doesn't mean it will actually look good, but it is better than nothing. Because angles on certificates are averaged and rounded, it's possible that diamonds that look good on paper actually result in some poor performance when the actual angles don't complement each other. Check out the HCA tool and AGA/NAJA Cut Grade tools linked on the toolbar as a way to easily reject stones that will probably be bad (but they can't guarantee the stone will be good). Do post stones you are considering than have an HCA < 2.0 and cut grade of 1B or 1A.

Look for stones that are just shy of a major number of carats (1.5, 2.0, 2.5). As soon as a stone crosses the 2.0 carat mark, it's price per carat jumps up. So buying a 1.96ct has a lower cost per carat than a 2.00 ct even though visually you can't tell them apart. The same applies but to a lesser extent for tenths of a carat as well (1.9, 1.8, etc).

If you want to drop the price some more, you can go for a non-round ("fancy") shape. Note that some shapes appear bigger face-up than others, so even though you might pay less than a 2ct round stone, it might look smaller on the finger than a 2ct round -- do your homework on this.

Unless to be happy you need to know that the diamond is as symmetrical as humanly possible, I would not pay the premium for the superideal diamonds that are sometimes recommended on PS. It just happens that I needed that, so I paid the premium :angel:.

One more piece of advice is that if your SO is closely involved in the shopping process, buy sooner rather than later. DSS (Diamond shrinkage syndrome) can hit people as they are trying on different rings and soon you're looking at 2.5ct or 3ct.

The shortcut to all of the ASET and number stuff is to use the vendors that are PriceScope-recommended. They tend to provide ASET images. Some have better prices than brick-and-mortar stores, while others charge a premium.
Click to expand...


I'm so proud of you I could cry!!
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

I found this one: 2.04 H VS2 scores 1.9 on HCA
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?stockno=LD08080206 (cut and paste)

The bottom line is: if it is a poorly cut 2 carat stone, its not going to be optimal and that might bother her. Either your budget has to come up 2-3k or the diamond size has to come down to 1.75.
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

I think the 1.85 James Allen one is good. It scores 1.1 HCA and has 77 for the lower girdle. I like H better than I for color (though plenty people like I-J-K colors). Has your GF said anything about color: bright white, warm, no yellow, etc?
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

whitewave|1486746806|4127099 said:
I think the 1.85 James Allen one is good. It scores 1.1 HCA and has 77 for the lower girdle. I like H better than I for color (though plenty people like I-J-K colors). Has your GF said anything about color: bright white, warm, no yellow, etc?
Click to expand...

She wants colorless/white. I prefer that too. I'm on the fence on the 1.85 JA one.. Could I do better for my budget?
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

whitewave|1486745579|4127088 said:
I found this one: 2.04 H VS2 scores 1.9 on HCA
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?stockno=LD08080206 (cut and paste)

The bottom line is: if it is a poorly cut 2 carat stone, its not going to be optimal and that might bother her. Either your budget has to come up 2-3k or the diamond size has to come down to 1.75.
Click to expand...

I'd like a stone right under 2 carats that is ideally cut. Best I"ve been able to find so far is the 1.85 stone I posted..
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

Frankly the 1.85 is probably the one. Settings are 25% off I believe. Call a rep and talk to them on the phone about it. I'm as sure as I can be that this is your stone.

ETA: I'm sure she will love it. If she is hung up on the 2carat vs 1.85 after she sees it, well.... I'd have some advice to give you...

We want to see hand shots!
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

The IS of the 1.85 is nicer than the 2.01. These would also be worth considering...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3751766.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3508615.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3667830.htm
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08115157
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07968109
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-9059915-2.08-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=9059915&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8686247-2.01-carat-Round-diamond-G-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=8686247&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

I had that 1.85 on hold for a week before I got stuck with the syndrome of reaching that magical number of 2c around $20k.
I released that, and now eyeing for a 2c, (which means not 1.8x, but might consider 1.9x) with AGS ideal cut. H / VS2 is the bare minimum I would go. I know there is none at the moment, but I am (im)patiently waiting and keeping a hawk's eye on WH / JA and BGD.

Good luck if you go with this 1.85. Its a beauty for sure, so dont let my comments deter you in any ways, just that the more you wait, the more your budget is stretched.
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

I really don't like the Si because of the black inclusion on the table and don't love the VS2 because of where the cloud sits. That said, you will need to compromise somewhere to meet your budget so if it is down to these two, get the VS2 and hope the cut minimizes the inclusion.

I personally would much rather have a cleaner 1.85, especially because I know there's more value in that since the 2.0 commands a premium just for being over the size cliff.
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

caratlearner|1487037746|4128338 said:
now looking for a diamond 2 CT+... I SI1, shiny cut
Click to expand...

DSS strikes again! I hope you've looked at the diamond colors and inclusions in person to make sure you're okay with an I color and SI1. Not sure what you mean by "shiny cut", but folks here will advise to compromise on color and clarity before compromising on cut.

Traditional possibilities:
2.16c H VS2: HCA 1.4 (Ex,Ex,Ex,VG), AGA/NAJA 1B http://diamonddealfinder.com/enquiry.php?id_field=5835410
2.14c H VS1: HCA 1.1 (Ex,Ex,Ex,VG), AGA/NAJA 1A http://diamonddealfinder.com/enquiry.php?id_field=5737785

Maybe consider this one. It is a 60/60 diamond which means more white light and less fire, which some people like.
2.03c H VS2: HCA 1.8 (Ex/VG/VG/VG), AGA/NAJA 1B https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.03-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2500151

This one is shallower which might look darker when viewed close-up, but still has a width over 8mm (that's the size you're going for with a ~2ct):
1.90c H VVS1: HCA 0.7 (Ex,Ex,Ex,Ex), AGA/NAJA 1B http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8432062-1.90-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-VVS1-Clarity.aspx
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

Argh, miraj! You are making me think from the beginning what I want and what I don't.

This, http://diamonddealfinder.com/enquiry.php?id_field=5737785 , looks very nice to me somehow.

Till yesterday, I was inclined towards http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3784264.htm

I posted a new topic with link to http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3788133,3784264,3784278,3203551,3698974 but now I am starting to question myself again. God!

******Edit******

Here are the IS / ASET images for the first diamond at https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R214-647Z78495

Can anyone chime in with thoughts on this ?
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

Tophat1|1487039549|4128352 said:
I really don't like the Si because of the black inclusion on the table and don't love the VS2 because of where the cloud sits. That said, you will need to compromise somewhere to meet your budget so if it is down to these two, get the VS2 and hope the cut minimizes the inclusion.

I personally would much rather have a cleaner 1.85, especially because I know there's more value in that since the 2.0 commands a premium just for being over the size cliff.
Click to expand...

Both of these are eye clean according to Whiteflash- maybe you could check with them but I'm sure both would be safe.
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

gps470|1487088976|4128606 said:
Argh, miraj! You are making me think from the beginning what I want and what I don't.

This, http://diamonddealfinder.com/enquiry.php?id_field=5737785 , looks very nice to me somehow.

Till yesterday, I was inclined towards http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3784264.htm

I posted a new topic with link to http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3788133,3784264,3784278,3203551,3698974 but now I am starting to question myself again. God!

******Edit******

Here are the IS / ASET images for the first diamond at https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R214-647Z78495

Can anyone chime in with thoughts on this ?
Click to expand...

gps, are you looking for advice for yourself or the OP? I wonder if it might be better to start a thread of your own for specific comments?
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

Snowdrop13|1487098316|4128680 said:
gps, are you looking for advice for yourself or the OP? I wonder if it might be better to start a thread of your own for specific comments?
Click to expand...
Similar, if not same boat as OP (~$20k with around 2c).

The suggestion from miraj caught my eye, which was targeted to OP : http://diamonddealfinder.com/enquiry.php?id_field=5737785 .
I found the same stone's ASET/IS images on enchanteddiamonds, hence asked for opinion in this thread. I think OP would be interested too. I can always stop if it feels like I am hi-jacking :think:
 
Re: Engagement ring advice for round solitaire diamond; < $2

Looks good to me!
 
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