Guidance for a diamond budget of $6500

[refraction]

Hi Everyone,

I have a diamond budget of about $6500 and am looking for a round brilliant under 1ct. I've mainly been browsing BlueNile and have found two that caught my eye... but am having trouble deciding and would really like your thoughts and advice.

#1
$5,241
0.76ct, D, VS2
Depth: 60.8%, Table: 56.0%, Crown: 34.0deg, Pavilion: 40.8deg
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Girdle: Thin
Culet:None
HCA: 0.9 - Excellent, TIC range, Ex/Ex/Ex/Vg.
GIA: 2126788149
GCAL: 220410074

#2
$6,500
0.90ct, G, VS2
Depth: 61.9%, Table: 56.0%, Crown: 34.0deg, Pavilion: 41.0deg
Fluorescence: None
Girdle: Medium
Culet:None
HCA: 1.4 - Excellent, TIC range, Ex/Ex/Vg/Vg.
GIA: 5141594344
GCAL: 221150003

The fluorescence of #1 is appealing to me, as is the good HCA cut rating, however, should I be concerned that the GIA cert doesn't include a plot of the inclusions?

The size of #2 more desirable, but I don't know if I'd really see that much difference once it's in a setting... especially for the nearly $1300 price difference. The GIA plot shows a natural indent... is that a concern?

Here are some pics of the setting I'm considering. (This is just a mock up (please excuse the cz), I'm working on a custom design for the actual ring.)
Top View
Side View
I also stumbled across this Sholdt, Daphine setting on BGD that might be an alternative!

I'm open to other vendors too, so I'd be happy to see your suggestions of similar stones and reasons for your recommendations. I want to stay in the 0.75 - 0.9 ct range, D-G colour, VS2 or better. Also I'm in Canada, so easy shipping and returns are important.

Thanks!

 

[distracts]

At VS2 clarity in a sub one carat size, you don't need to worry about inclusions at all. Period. Full stop.

I'd get the bigger one. It's 0.3 mm larger, and that size will certainly be visible. It will still be very white. Since they are both GIA EX with HCA scores under 2, you don't need to worry about the cut on either.

 

[SB621]

If you like flur I would check out BGD blue line.

I personally would not pay for either of those diamonds as I think VVS2 in something that is 1ct or under is a waste. Anything eyeclean SI1 or better is typically what we recommend on PS.

Also for what it is worth I just don't like Bluenile. I think they are expensive for what they offer. I would check BGD, WF and JA to see if they have something comparable for a better price...which I'm sure they will.

 

[rubybeth]

Of those two, I'd go with the .9 stone, because you will see a difference in size and I think D color is a bit overkill in a stone under 1 carat. VS2 for stone from Blue Nile is a good choice since they can't assess the diamond for you to make sure it's eye-clean. I would prefer a vendor that gives photos, expert advice, and better prices.

Just a few other options under--or even WELL UNDER--your $6,500 budget (WF and Brian Gavin do a Pricescope discount, not sure about Good Old Gold but you could ask--plus all have upgrade policies), plus actual photos of all of them:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2829738.htm
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9656/
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.926-I-VS1-Round-Diamond-AGS-BL-104061576002 (BGD 'blue')
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.003-I-VS2-Round-Diamond-AGS-BL-104062571010 (another 'blue')
Edited to add a stone from James Allen (would have to ask about it being eye-clean, but $4,700 with PS discount): http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1500358.asp

 

[refraction]

Thank you all so much for providing some perspective! There is a lot of great info on PS and I think I just got myself all hung up on the numbers.

I appreciate the advice on clarity, not having to worry about inclusions at a VS2 and that a Si1 would also be just fine for a stone under one carat.

rubybeth, thanks for the links! Those look like great options that will save me some money. I am particularly interested in the 0.926ct BGD blue you suggested.

Does anyone have experience with WF, BGD, GoG, WF, or JA shipping to Canada? It's probably not a problem and it looks like they all have good return policies... but hopefully that won't be necessary!

Thanks again!

 

[rubybeth]

I don't have experience with BGD shipping to Canada, but there are a few posters here who have done it (Dreamer_D and Enerchi come to mind) and it seemed like no problem whatsoever. I'm sure BGD could answer any questions you have about how it works and what taxes are due, etc.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am sure they all ship to Canada. I have bought from GOG and WF and highly recommend them!

Of the stones posted so far, this one looks like the best combo of size, color, and clarity:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2829738.htm