Help, I have no idea what I am doing!

[dodgeit]

I would like to buy my girlfriend a round diamond in a solitaire setting (platinum). I have a budget of $15K. She has expressed to me that bigger is better, but I of course dont want to get a rock where any normal person could look at it and think we cheaped out on the stone just to get something bigger. Anyone out there have any advice? I guess i essentially want something big that looks very nice to the normal eye. And I am also confused about the whole GIA vs EGL issue, perhaps the safest play is to just go with a GIA so I know what i am getting?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Gypsy]

AGS is the preferred lab for rounds by those on here who are round experts. GIA is very very good. But AGS is prefered.

You have a great budget and have no need to look at EGL stones...and since your lady has expressed a desire for size I would stay away from branded diamonds. Cut is the one thing you shouldn''t compromise on... and with your budget allowance you won''t have to.

Also please read the tutorials on this site as they will help you understand what you need to know in detail that well, frankly is beyond what can be explained to you in just a post

. Then, I would recommend taking the time to study this Tutotial as well... as it too is just amazing at helping you understand what you need to do. http://www.goodoldgold.com/4Cs/

With a little education (this is a big investment afer all... 15K and your ladies expectations!) you''ll start feeling more comfortable!

Also for diamonds here are the sites I would recommend looking at:

www.goodoldgold.com (hearts and arrows)

www.winkjones.com (Infinity diamonds hearts and arrows)

www.whiteflash.com (Hearts and Arrows)


These are all vendors that carry superideal cut RB that can stand toe to toe with hearts on fire and tiffany in terms of cut and quality.

 

[upgrading mama]

You should be able to get a pretty sizable stone with that budget!


What are your priorities in terms of
cut
color
clarity




For example,

If you are willing to go down in color, you can get a 2 carat round from whiteflash.com

i color 2ct.


Welcome to PS

and I am sure the ''round'' experts will jump it here!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 6/17/2006 12:42:18 PM
Author: Gypsy
AGS is the preferred lab for rounds by those on here who are round experts. GIA is very very good. But AGS is prefered.

You have a great budget and have no need to look at EGL stones...and since your lady has expressed a desire for size I would stay away from branded diamonds. Cut is the one thing you shouldn''t compromise on... and with your budget allowance you won''t have to.

Also please read the tutorials on this site as they will help you understand what you need to know in detail that well, frankly is beyond what can be explained to you in just a post

. Then, I would recommend taking the time to study this Tutotial as well... as it too is just amazing at helping you understand what you need to do. http://www.goodoldgold.com/4Cs/

With a little education (this is a big investment afer all... 15K and your ladies expectations!) you''ll start feeling more comfortable!

Also for diamonds here are the sites I would recommend looking at:

www.goodoldgold.com (hearts and arrows)

www.winkjones.com (Infinity diamonds hearts and arrows)

www.whiteflash.com (Hearts and Arrows)


These are all vendors that carry superideal cut RB that can stand toe to toe with hearts on fire and tiffany in terms of cut and quality.

I totally agree with this advice, especially the part about reading the GOG tutorial on the 4 C''s. There are excellent pictures there. Here is an example of a nice stone for you, leaving a little for a nice setting:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/1849/

 

[ladykemma]

what city do you live in ?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Also, I'd absolutely stick with AGS or GIA certified hearts and arrows stones because of the trade-up and buyback policies. I wouldn't even consider EGL because they are soft with grading at times. You should be able to get a high quality 1.5 carat stone with your budget!

 

[dodgeit]

Thanks. I live in South Florida.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome

This is an excellent example of a well cut diamond to show you what to look for - it is 2k more than you want to spend but it is possible to get size with a lower colour for example. Also the thin girdle shouldn't be a problem in a round from a reputable vendor. Look for slightly thin to thick, avoid medium or thick as this will waste too much appearant size face up. Look for depths of about 60 - 61.9% and tables of between 54 - 56 ( my preference) or 54 to 58 at most ( my preference again.)

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2408711.htm#

Clarity and colour....SI1 to SI2 if eyeclean gives most bang for the buck and colours G to J even will face up white to most eyes. Make cut your top priority, if you want a diamond that will blow the socks off all who see it and she who wears it! The reason EGL diamonds are so much cheaper is because it is said that they can be softer on colour and clarity grading in some instances, you will pay more for an AGS or GIA certed diamond but these labs are the industry standard.


http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-2313843.htm#

This one could be a great pick and welll within budget. http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2416687.htm#

 

[ladykemma]

Date: 6/17/2006 12:56:53 PM
Author: dodgeit
Thanks. I live in South Florida.

woo hoo land of big rocks. (rubs her hands in glee!)