Engagement Ring for a BFF - Help Needed!

[jBright]

Hi Everyone!!!

You guys helped my husband (me) buy MY diamond and helped me help my brother buy my SIL's diamond!

Now I'm back. My BFF's boyfriend reached out to me for help to find a diamond for her. YAYYYYY.

She wants a plain gold band - praise Jesus - so we have more in the budget for a diamond.

Overall budget is $10k all in. So with a plain band the budget for a diamond is approximately $8,700 before taxes.

I know White Flash is heavily favored here - but culturally we will need a GIA diamond.

So GIA, eye clean, not yellow (I know subjective), and the bigger the better.

I saw this diamond on James Allen - thoughts? It is an I color diamond - but has strong blue fluorescence... it could counteract the yellow (if any)? I couldn't look up the HCA on this one.. not sure why my HCA codes are always saying 0/0 even when I haven't checked anything. But per the diamb.com website.... this diamond is cut too deep?

1.41 Carat round diamond

1.41 Carat round diamond

www.jamesallen.com

I found this one from the pricescope search - thoughts?

1.24 Carat round diamond

1.24 Carat round diamond

www.jamesallen.com

This is the size difference between the two -



The boyfriend knows he will have to upgrade her sooner than later, if this makes any difference.

Open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks so much everyone. I'm so excited for my friend. I just want the best diamond for the best bang.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Better check out James Allen’s upgrade policy if he really thinks he will upgrade eventually. Will have to spend a lot more money to do that. WF does have great diamonds and a great upgrade policy and that is why so many go there. Their diamonds can be sent to GIA for grading too but at the customer’s expense. Just some food for thought! Also, he should be able to get a plain solitaire setting for less than 1300.00 so that leaves more money for a diamond. As far as the fluorescence mitigating an I color, you just can’t count on that in all lighting environments. As long as he is ok with an I color diamond, he can certainly get more diamond for the money. I think it is great that you are helping them find a great diamond!

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Going to say the same thing I always do when someone posts about a wearer who cares about color One you see color, you can’t unsee it, and for people who want white-white, they really care. Try to go higher than I color. H might be ok so long as she does not want icy-white, since the setting is yellow gold and there won’t be a contrast with a white metal. G is safer. Since it’s your BFF maybe you could ask her if she has a color preference or try on rings at a store?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree with @MissGotRocks that if there is a probability of upgrading in a few years, I'd go with Whiteflash. As she said, they can get a GIA report if someone wants it for a small extra cost. If you think your friend would just keep this diamond and be able to upgrade without a trade-in, then the upgrade policy won't matter.

I personally like fluorescence, but if someone culturally needs GIA grading, they might not be happy with fluorescence or I color, either. In any event, as others have said, I color is I color. I'd also recommend going with H or higher unless you know for a fact they don't care at all about the color.

That first stone is too deep. Set your max depth at 62.3 on your search.
The second stone is a nice cut. I just couldn't tolerate that black inclusion right in the top center.

Here are a couple to consider:

1.21 Carat round diamond

This 1.21 carat round diamond H color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.25 Carat round diamond

This 1.25 carat round diamond H color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

I just looked back at your diamond and the second one I posted is cut very similar to yours!

 

[DejaWiz]

Would this one work, especially if an upgrade is already in the cards?
PS have GIA reports and have the same upgrade program as their ACA and ES lines.

Diamond | 1.01 ct F VS2 Premium Select Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4526942

This fabulous 1.01 carat Round Excellent cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of F.It is an excellent choice for diamond engagement rings or other fine diamond jewelry. | 4526942

www.whiteflash.com

Some settings to have a look at:

6-Prong Classic Diamond Solitaire | 583

Elevate your style with a timeless 6-prong classic diamond solitaire ring. Perfect for any occasion, this stunning piece is a must-have for any jewelry collection. | 583

www.whiteflash.com

Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring | 6161

Embrace the classic charm of the Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring. Find your dream ring at Whiteflash and symbolize your everlasting bond. | 6161

www.whiteflash.com

 

[Kim N]

Here's another F diamond that's GIA-graded from Whiteflash.

Diamond | 1.13 ct F VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4355239

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.13 carat F color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 4355239

www.whiteflash.com

Alternatively, your friend could ask Whiteflash to send this one to GIA.

Loose Diamonds for Sale: Discover Our Exceptional Range

Discover your perfect gem from our extensive collection of loose diamonds on sale. Buy loose diamonds that align seamlessly with your style and budget.

www.whiteflash.com

 

[jBright]

Better check out James Allen’s upgrade policy if he really thinks he will upgrade eventually. Will have to spend a lot more money to do that. WF does have great diamonds and a great upgrade policy and that is why so many go there. Their diamonds can be sent to GIA for grading too but at the customer’s expense. Just some food for thought! Also, he should be able to get a plain solitaire setting for less than 1300.00 so that leaves more money for a diamond. As far as the fluorescence mitigating an I color, you just can’t count on that in all lighting environments. As long as he is ok with an I color diamond, he can certainly get more diamond for the money. I think it is great that you are helping them find a great diamond!

Going to say the same thing I always do when someone posts about a wearer who cares about color One you see color, you can’t unsee it, and for people who want white-white, they really care. Try to go higher than I color. H might be ok so long as she does not want icy-white, since the setting is yellow gold and there won’t be a contrast with a white metal. G is safer. Since it’s your BFF maybe you could ask her if she has a color preference or try on rings at a store?

I agree with @MissGotRocks that if there is a probability of upgrading in a few years, I'd go with Whiteflash. As she said, they can get a GIA report if someone wants it for a small extra cost. If you think your friend would just keep this diamond and be able to upgrade without a trade-in, then the upgrade policy won't matter.

I personally like fluorescence, but if someone culturally needs GIA grading, they might not be happy with fluorescence or I color, either. In any event, as others have said, I color is I color. I'd also recommend going with H or higher unless you know for a fact they don't care at all about the color.

That first stone is too deep. Set your max depth at 62.3 on your search.
The second stone is a nice cut. I just couldn't tolerate that black inclusion right in the top center.

Here are a couple to consider:

1.21 Carat round diamond

This 1.21 carat round diamond H color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.25 Carat round diamond

This 1.25 carat round diamond H color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

I just looked back at your diamond and the second one I posted is cut very similar to yours!

Would this one work, especially if an upgrade is already in the cards?
PS have GIA reports and have the same upgrade program as their ACA and ES lines.

Diamond | 1.01 ct F VS2 Premium Select Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4526942

This fabulous 1.01 carat Round Excellent cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of F.It is an excellent choice for diamond engagement rings or other fine diamond jewelry. | 4526942

www.whiteflash.com

Some settings to have a look at:

6-Prong Classic Diamond Solitaire | 583

Elevate your style with a timeless 6-prong classic diamond solitaire ring. Perfect for any occasion, this stunning piece is a must-have for any jewelry collection. | 583

www.whiteflash.com

Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring | 6161

Embrace the classic charm of the Valoria Petite Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring. Find your dream ring at Whiteflash and symbolize your everlasting bond. | 6161

www.whiteflash.com

Here's another F diamond that's GIA-graded from Whiteflash.

Diamond | 1.13 ct F VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4355239

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.13 carat F color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 4355239

www.whiteflash.com

Alternatively, your friend could ask Whiteflash to send this one to GIA.

Loose Diamonds for Sale: Discover Our Exceptional Range

Discover your perfect gem from our extensive collection of loose diamonds on sale. Buy loose diamonds that align seamlessly with your style and budget.

www.whiteflash.com

Thank you everyone for the responses!! You guys are absolutely right. I knew I came to PS for a reason! I do need to tell him about the trade in policies at James Allen and I'll let him know about White Flash too - we are just an hour and a half from Houston so he may even be able to go in store!

He is definitely upgrading her in the probably near-ish future, I'd say within the next 5 years. So a good trade in policy will definitely be needed.

I'm going to text him tomorrow - when I know he's not with my friend. Lol. To let him know about the trade in policies at different places and see where he wants to go from there.

And will note H or above for MAYBE color sensitive people.

And THANK YOU everyone for the suggestions. I'll wait on his response before narrowing some selections down. I really do appreciate everything.

And side note - OMG how much the prices of diamonds have gone up since I first looked a few years ago... its scary! I'm glad I got my diamond back then .

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thank you everyone for the responses!! You guys are absolutely right. I knew I came to PS for a reason! I do need to tell him about the trade in policies at James Allen and I'll let him know about White Flash too - we are just an hour and a half from Houston so he may even be able to go in store!

He is definitely upgrading her in the probably near-ish future, I'd say within the next 5 years. So a good trade in policy will definitely be needed.

I'm going to text him tomorrow - when I know he's not with my friend. Lol. To let him know about the trade in policies at different places and see where he wants to go from there.

And will note H or above for MAYBE color sensitive people.

And THANK YOU everyone for the suggestions. I'll wait on his response before narrowing some selections down. I really do appreciate everything.

And side note - OMG how much the prices of diamonds have gone up since I first looked a few years ago... its scary! I'm glad I got my diamond back then .

Yes, sadly during Covid the supplies decreased and then the trade issues with Russia made it even worse. It's not the best time to buy, but it is a good time to buy if he plans to upgrade in the next few years because what he pays now will go toward the new stone (hopefully with prices not quite so high).

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Be sure to come back and update us.

 

[jBright]

Yes, sadly during Covid the supplies decreased and then the trade issues with Russia made it even worse. It's not the best time to buy, but it is a good time to buy if he plans to upgrade in the next few years because what he pays now will go toward the new stone (hopefully with prices not quite so high).

Be sure to come back and update us.

Thank you guys!

Update: Hi everyone!!

So I spoke with the boyfriend about the future upgrade. And he said that when he upgrades her - they’ll just turn the original diamond into a necklace or pendant. How freaking sweet. So we are good to move forward with anything, including, but not limited to, James Allen.

I entered the PS quality standards (at least I hope I did correctly) and these are the 3 diamonds I am looking at:



@diamondseeker2006 linked the 1.25 below for me earlier - THANK YOU!

1.31 - H Color - VS2 - $8,080
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-16049357


HCA 0.9:




1.26 - E Color - VS2 - $8,080
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-16115931

No detailed image available

HCA 1.4:



1.25 - H Color - VS2 - $8,670
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-13381354


HCA 0.8:



Open to ANY and ALL recommendations / suggestions.

Again some parameters - old and new:

• Price point - $8,700 max on diamond not including tax (so with tax and the band we will be at $10k)
• H Color + (just in case)
• VS2 +
• Carat size - the bigger the better
• GIA

Thank you sooo much everyone!
XOXO

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thank you guys!

Update: Hi everyone!!

So I spoke with the boyfriend about the future upgrade. And he said that when he upgrades her - they’ll just turn the original diamond into a necklace or pendant. How freaking sweet. So we are good to move forward with anything, including, but not limited to, James Allen.

I entered the PS quality standards (at least I hope I did correctly) and these are the 3 diamonds I am looking at:



@diamondseeker2006 linked the 1.25 below for me earlier - THANK YOU!

1.31 - H Color - VS2 - $8,080
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-16049357


HCA 0.9:




1.26 - E Color - VS2 - $8,080
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-16115931

No detailed image available

HCA 1.4:



1.25 - H Color - VS2 - $8,670
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-13381354


HCA 0.8:



Open to ANY and ALL recommendations / suggestions.

Again some parameters - old and new:

• Price point - $8,700 max on diamond not including tax (so with tax and the band we will be at $10k)
• H Color + (just in case)
• VS2 +
• Carat size - the bigger the better
• GIA

Thank you sooo much everyone!
XOXO

I don't like the 1.31 H at all. I still like the 1.25 H very much, and the E looks good and very similar to the H if they don't mind the strong fluorescence. The only downside to starting out with an E is that when she later gets a new diamond ring in a larger size, the high color will be very hard to do, and it might be hard for her to adjust to a lower color. So for that reason, I might stick with the 1.25 H VS2.

 

[autumngems]

Check out Brian Gavin, he has upgrade policy as well.

1.13 I VS1 Signature Round

Buy diamonds online - AGS Graded 1.13 carat I VS1 super ideal cut Brian Gavin Hearts & Arrows Round Cut diamond. Lifetime Upgrade Policy!

www.briangavindiamonds.com

 

[jBright]

I don't like the 1.31 H at all. I still like the 1.25 H very much, and the E looks good and very similar to the H if they don't mind the strong fluorescence. The only downside to starting out with an E is that when she later gets a new diamond ring in a larger size, the high color will be very hard to do, and it might be hard for her to adjust to a lower color. So for that reason, I might stick with the 1.25 H VS2.

Thanks @diamondseeker2006 - WHAT IN THE WORLD - i've been offline for a few days and two of the diamonds went up in price! and the E sold. MAN. this market is crazy O_O. The 1.25 H you like went up $360 x_X - making it a little above his budget now.

Check out Brian Gavin, he has upgrade policy as well.

1.13 I VS1 Signature Round

Buy diamonds online - AGS Graded 1.13 carat I VS1 super ideal cut Brian Gavin Hearts & Arrows Round Cut diamond. Lifetime Upgrade Policy!

www.briangavindiamonds.com

Thank you @autumngems - unfortunately he is looking for a GIA diamond - needed culturally.

I found another contender... I was scared to post the link here before it gets snatched up. didn't realize how fast I had to react. lol

1.29 Carat round diamond

This 1.29 carat round diamond H color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

but I just put it on hold - so all is good.

any thoughts on this? @diamondseeker2006 @DejaWiz @Kim N - and anyone else???

1.29 - H - VS2

No ASET / IDEAL image




Appears big - YAY!

Thank you, again, to everyone.

I'm going to message the BF during work hours (when he's not with my biffles) tomorrow about this diamond and put him on high alert until I hear back from you experts.

XOXO - JEN

 

[DejaWiz]

1.29 Carat round diamond

This 1.29 carat round diamond H color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Great proportions and angles!
I have no real concerns about this one.

 

[Kim N]

I found another contender... I was scared to post the link here before it gets snatched up. didn't realize how fast I had to react. lol

1.29 Carat round diamond

This 1.29 carat round diamond H color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

but I just put it on hold - so all is good.

any thoughts on this? @diamondseeker2006 @DejaWiz @Kim N - and anyone else???

1.29 - H - VS2

No ASET / IDEAL image




Appears big - YAY!

Thank you, again, to everyone.

I'm going to message the BF during work hours (when he's not with my biffles) tomorrow about this diamond and put him on high alert until I hear back from you experts.

XOXO - JEN

I like this one a lot! You found a great one!

 

[lovedogs]

I really like the 1.25H, but understand if it's over budget now. The 1.29 Is great!