Help Me Find a Diamond

[piratecaptain]

You have all been very helpful while discussing a potential setting and diamond for my girlfriend. We have decided that we will use her grandmother's old ring to set a stone, so my budget for a stone just got bigger. I'm willing to consider online stones (though I would prefer B&M), but, other than Bluenile and Whiteflash, I'm not really sure where to look. Can you all help me find something since her requests are very specific and my budget is still limited? Here's what I'm looking for: (I understand that this will be hard to find, but it's what she wants --size and color are non-negotiable)

Cut: Cushion
Size: 2+ Carats
Color: H or better
Clarity: SI2 or better
Budget: $14,000

Would something like this be a bad buy?: http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-1-3345193-2.01-carat-Cushion-diamond-F-color-SI2-clarity.aspx

 

[BriBee]

I think this might be a hard find. Has she been on PS? Does she know the value of a well cut stone? Because something with an ideal cut allows you to go down in size and color while still maintaining excellent visual appeal. You may find something that fits these specs and budget but if it's not well cut it might disappoint...

ETA: a quick search of JA brought up some options but all were I or J color in that budget. I personally wouldn't mind this in a well cut stone but your gf might need to be convinced. FWIW I just bought an L from GOG and its amazing.... I really see no color unless its upside down or in a certain light at a certain angle... And this is unset

 

[04diamond<3]

I wouldn't ever suggest buying or even considering a fancy cut stone (anything other than a round) from a place where you can't even see what you're considering. A "good" cut could be a beautiful stone and vice versa. Here are a few other options. JA also offers a 5.5% ish discount to PS members:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.09-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-sku-144165 (I suggested this and the one below because they're both I's but have fluorescence and will help the stone look closer to an H and they both face up pretty white).

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.24-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-163641

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-G-color-SI2-clarity-sku-158977

If you like these or anything else from JA put them on hold asap and request aset images.

Or this:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9423/

 

[piratecaptain]

I think this might be a hard find. Has she been on PS? Does she know the value of a well cut stone? Because something with an ideal cut allows you to go down in size and color while still maintaining excellent visual appeal. You may find something that fits these specs and budget but if it's not well cut it might disappoint...

She's been on here, but she's set on what she wants. I know cut is important, and she does too. We've compared all sizes and cuts, and it's the size that gets her what she wants. If that's what makes her happy, I can't complain I guess.

That said, as long as the inclusions aren't visible to the naked eye, we're good on that front, so I guess clarity is about the only wiggle room I have left.

 

[piratecaptain]

I wouldn't ever suggest buying or even considering a fancy cut stone (anything other than a round) from a place where you can't even see what you're considering. A "good" cut could be a beautiful stone and vice versa. Here are a few other options. JA also offers a 5.5% ish discount to PS members:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.09-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-sku-144165

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.24-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-163641

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-G-color-SI2-clarity-sku-158977

If you like these or anything else from JA put them on hold asap and request aset images.

Thanks for the suggestions. Those are a bit out of my price range, but they look good. The "I" color isn't great though. For the difference, I'd take the G, SI2.

 

[04diamond<3]

I wouldn't ever suggest buying or even considering a fancy cut stone (anything other than a round) from a place where you can't even see what you're considering. A "good" cut could be a beautiful stone and vice versa. Here are a few other options. JA also offers a 5.5% ish discount to PS members:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.09-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-sku-144165

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.24-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-163641

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-G-color-SI2-clarity-sku-158977

If you like these or anything else from JA put them on hold asap and request aset images.

Thanks for the suggestions. Those are a bit out of my price range, but they look good. The "I" color isn't great though. For the difference, I'd take the G, SI2.

The G Si2 would come out to just over $14,100 after the PS discount

 

[piratecaptain]

I wouldn't ever suggest buying or even considering a fancy cut stone (anything other than a round) from a place where you can't even see what you're considering. A "good" cut could be a beautiful stone and vice versa. Here are a few other options. JA also offers a 5.5% ish discount to PS members:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.09-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-sku-144165

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.24-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-163641

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-G-color-SI2-clarity-sku-158977

If you like these or anything else from JA put them on hold asap and request aset images.

Thanks for the suggestions. Those are a bit out of my price range, but they look good. The "I" color isn't great though. For the difference, I'd take the G, SI2.

The G Si2 would come out to just over $14,100 after the PS discount

Ah. Completely missed that in your first post. That's not too bad. Thanks for pointing that out!

 

[JulieN]

Do we need to know the diamond dimensions that the setting requires? 2 cts is rather vague, unless the head is replaceable and you can do any size.

 

[piratecaptain]

Do we need to know the diamond dimensions that the setting requires? 2 cts is rather vague, unless the head is replaceable and you can do any size.

She prefers a rectangular shape, though any dimensions will probably work. We just want it to face up well -- not too deep -- so that it actually looks large. The setting is actually just a solid band without a setting at all. I'll need to have a head put on it (might even have to have it melted down and recast to accommodate one), so that won't be too much of a problem.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

They aren't going to melt that ring down and make you something out of the same metal. So you might want to be sure your idea is even possible. How wide is this band?

I am not wild about any of those cushions posted. The G SI2 is facing up too small. You have to look at the diameter measurements. Due to factors like depth and girdle thickness, some are going to face up smaller than they otherwise could.

 

[piratecaptain]

They aren't going to melt that ring down and make you something out of the same metal. So you might want to be sure your idea is even possible. How wide is this band?

I am not wild about any of those cushions posted. The G SI2 is facing up too small. You have to look at the diameter measurements. Due to factors like depth and girdle thickness, some are going to face up smaller than they otherwise could.

Yeah. I've talked to a couple of folks to see whether it's doable, and I'm waiting to hear back. The ring is approximately 10-12 MM wide (maybe a bit more), so it could easily be split in two (I think). It looks something like the white gold women's version of this one: http://www.larsonjewelers.com/p-699...ide-white-tungsten-wedding-band-for-men.aspx?

 

[JulieN]

I'm sorry, very slim pickings in your price range. Half that, 7K, would get you a very nice 1-1.25 ct if you want H+. You cannot double the carat weight for double the price.

In budget: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8890/

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.07-carat-G-color-SI2-clarity-sku-155331

 

[piratecaptain]

I'm sorry, very slim pickings in your price range. Half that, 7K, would get you a very nice 1-1.25 ct if you want H+. You cannot double the carat weight for double the price.

In budget: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8890/

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.07-carat-G-color-SI2-clarity-sku-155331

I know I'll be lucky to find one, but we can wait until we do. 1-1.25 carats is just too small. I guess this is just a "if you run across one, please let me know" kind of thing, since I know that the ones in my price range are few and far between.

 

[piratecaptain]

Any thoughts on any of these? Also, is there a Bluenile equivalent of the James Allen discount for PS members?:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02852643
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02723857
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02944656
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02986933
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02986933

Would a GIA SI1 or SI2 have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye? I don't care if it has inclusions -- I just don't want to be able to see them.

 

[piratecaptain]

Here are a couple others I ran across as well. Has anyone ever dealt with Brilliance.com?

http://www.brilliance.com/diamonds/...ood-cut-gia-certified-loose-diamond-D12531374

http://www.brilliance.com/diamonds/...ood-cut-gia-certified-loose-diamond-D12508335

I'd love to hear thoughts on any of these in this post and the previous one.

 

[piratecaptain]

One more question for everyone. Although we think we'll go with the grandmother's setting, she's still looking. If we were to go with one like this, would it look "right" to have a cushion cut diamond surrounded by four round ones?

http://www.brilliance.com/engagement-rings/trellis-five-diamond-ring-white-gold-3/4-ctw

 

[diamondseeker2006]

No, that setting needs to have a round center only.

I do not advise using the grandmother's ring. It certainly is too wide to use as it is and I just don't see it being practical at all. Better just to wear the ring on her right hand or something than have to have it melted down to use it. And that usually means it is just sent to the refinery and you are just given credit for the gold scrap. Not worth it, in my opinion.

You've kind of got to get a grip that the budget and stone size don't match. As far as the last stones you posted, it is totally impossible to choose a cushion without pictures. I would say that I dislike most modern cushions that I see. So if there is one good one in every 5 or 10, the odds are not good in trying to choose one blind. Rounds are easier to choose blind, but I don't recommend that either.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

This is a very nice stone that Julie posted:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8890/

What about putting it in a halo setting to make it look much larger than 2 cts?

 

[piratecaptain]

No, that setting needs to have a round center only.

I do not advise using the grandmother's ring. It certainly is too wide to use as it is and I just don't see it being practical at all. Better just to wear the ring on her right hand or something than have to have it melted down to use it. And that usually means it is just sent to the refinery and you are just given credit for the gold scrap. Not worth it, in my opinion.

You've kind of got to get a grip that the budget and stone size don't match. As far as the last stones you posted, it is totally impossible to choose a cushion without pictures. I would say that I dislike most modern cushions that I see. So if there is one good one in every 5 or 10, the odds are not good in trying to choose one blind. Rounds are easier to choose blind, but I don't recommend that either.

That makes sense. I've been showing her the responses, and I think we agree that the grandmother's ring might not be practical. I think we're both to the point that we're tired of shopping (we've been looking for 2+ years), and just want to get something. I understand that my budget is in "wishful thinking" territory, but I want to see what I can find. I think there's a

With rounds being easier to judge than cushions, would you offer an opinion on this round? She's apparently willing to consider a round if it's 2+ carats as well (now that she's seen y'all's opinions). I've requested the cert. for it as well.:

http://www.brilliance.com/diamonds/...eal-cut-gia-certified-loose-diamond-D12491322

Would it look good in that 5 stone setting? The other option is to just put it (or a cushion) on an eternity solitaire band (that would be a few hundred dollars). That leaves a bit of wiggle room in the budget.

 

[piratecaptain]

This is a very nice stone that Julie posted:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8890/

What about putting it in a halo setting to make it look much larger than 2 cts?

It looks nice, but the "I" color makes it a no-go. (Also, not sure what the price is?) We'd rather sacrifice on the clarity (SI1/SI2) than color since she hates color . . . So an H, SI1/2 would be probably more what we're seeking.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Don't know if this has already been posted but it looks like a possibility:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.81-carat-G-color-SI1-clarity-sku-171068

I'd really rather have a nice quality diamond just under 2 cts than a crappy diamond that was at the 2 ct mark. That is kind of the choice you're going to be making.

 

[04diamond<3]

I wouldn't ever suggest buying or even considering a fancy cut stone (anything other than a round) from a place where you can't even see what you're considering. A "good" cut could be a beautiful stone and vice versa. Here are a few other options. JA also offers a 5.5% ish discount to PS members:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.09-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-sku-144165

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.24-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-163641

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-G-color-SI2-clarity-sku-158977

If you like these or anything else from JA put them on hold asap and request aset images.

Thanks for the suggestions. Those are a bit out of my price range, but they look good. The "I" color isn't great though. For the difference, I'd take the G, SI2.

The G Si2 would come out to just over $14,100 after the PS discount

Ah. Completely missed that in your first post. That's not too bad. Thanks for pointing that out!

What kind of cushion are you looking for? The one's I posted aren't popular to the others because they prefer chunkier cut cushions, but you need to figure out which type appeals to you more. I personally love the G VS2 and if I had the money, that'd be on my finger. It's up to you. I noticed you had a round? Are you looking at round stones now? That 5 stone trellis could be custom made to accommodate your cushion stone (as it says at the bottom of the page). Are you not going to put it in a halo? That link that you posted isn't working do you have another picture of the setting youre interested in?

 

[04diamond<3]

Any thoughts on any of these? Also, is there a Bluenile equivalent of the James Allen discount for PS members?:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02852643
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02723857
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02944656
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02986933
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02986933

Would a GIA SI1 or SI2 have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye? I don't care if it has inclusions -- I just don't want to be able to see them.

There's no way for us to know what the cut on these stones look like which is partly why I'm not a fan of blue nile.

 

[piratecaptain]

What kind of cushion are you looking for? The one's I posted aren't popular to the others because they prefer chunkier cut cushions, but you need to figure out which type appeals to you more. I personally love the G VS2 and if I had the money, that'd be on my finger. It's up to you. I noticed you had a round? Are you looking at round stones now? That 5 stone trellis could be custom made to accommodate your cushion stone (as it says at the bottom of the page). Are you not going to put it in a halo? That link that you posted isn't working do you have another picture of the setting youre interested in?

I think we have pretty similar thoughts about cushions. She likes them fairly rectangular and loves the G, SI2. We're considering rounds, though it just depends on what we're able to find. She would prefer a cushion, but she's willing to consider a round if it means we could get one that looks "huge" in her words. She likes the idea of a round or a cushion in the 5 stone trellis. We're also just looking at eternity solitaire settings. I think halos are pretty much out now. Instead, we have decided that we would rather put the money towards a very nice diamond, and just have it shine in a cheaper setting.

 

[piratecaptain]

Any thoughts on any of these? Also, is there a Bluenile equivalent of the James Allen discount for PS members?:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02852643
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02723857
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02944656
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02986933
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD02986933

Would a GIA SI1 or SI2 have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye? I don't care if it has inclusions -- I just don't want to be able to see them.

There's no way for us to know what the cut on these stones look like which is partly why I'm not a fan of blue nile.

Understood. I'm not really sure if there's any way to remedy that other than to order the diamond and look at it in person (which I'm not a fan of). I guess I'm just wondering what thoughts are based on the information there. If cut is a "must have" bit of information, I guess that knocks Blue Nile out?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Blue Nile is totally out for cushions. You have to have pictures. If you have looked at James Allen at all, you can see that there are a LOT of ugly ones!

I am not posting chunky cushions here, O4. I reposted one stone and posted this one as a maybe. I just like them to have decent symmetry. I'd prefer better symmetry than this one has, but it looks pretty decent. I feel no differently about modern cushions than I do modern round brilliants..they both need to be well cut and symmetrical. Lack of symmetry is usually due poor cutting, in my view.

https://www.pricescope.com/diamond-search-results

 

[diamondseeker2006]

PirateCaptain, does she know that rounds face up larger than cushions? That should be a plus if size is her most important factor.

Example: that 2 ct G SI 2 is 7.03x6.66mm.

My 1.58 ct round is 7.47mm in diameter. That means that cushion would basically sit inside the circumference of my diamond!

 

[piratecaptain]

PirateCaptain, does she know that rounds face up larger than cushions? That should be a plus if size is her most important factor.

Example: that 2 ct G SI 2 is 7.03x6.66mm.

My 1.58 ct round is 7.47mm in diameter. That means that cushion would basically sit inside the circumference of my diamond!

Indeed she does. That's one thing we've talked about, but it's also one reason we particularly like what we see in this diamond: http://www.brilliance.com/diamonds/...eal-cut-gia-certified-loose-diamond-D12491322

Apparently, it's easier to gauge how good a round is without pictures than it is a cushion? As I said earlier, I've requested certs, but the specs on this one seem alright.

 

[BriBee]

I just had a thought to add.... I've been following your threads and understand that your gf does not want to sacrifice on color. However, have you considered the following scenario....
IIRC, you posted about an EGL diamond in another thread. I think it might have been F color? Can't remember the clarity. Well, knowing what you know about EGL vs GIA you will agree that an EGL F could very possibly be a GIA H, I, J... So I guess I just don't understand why your gf would not be willing to go lower in color. I would bet that if you two saw ideal cut stones side by side in the G-J range and didn't know which was which, you'd be hard pressed to pick the colors correctly. Now please don't be offended because maybe you are really color sensitive and could tell.... But I just REALLY think you should consider a lower color because then you'd be much more likely to find a lovely stone in the size she wants. It just makes no sense to me that an EGL F would be OK, but a GIA below H would not because it could essentially be the same stone! Honestly, I'd even say buy a gorgeous GIA I or J, send it to EGL for a cert and it will come back with an acceptable color grade

Just my two cents.... Please don't take it the wrong way because I really just want to see you guys get something amazing and in budget and as close to the size she wants... Esp since you've been searching for soooooo long!

ETA: FWIW, the color of the asscher in my avatar is an L!!!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

PirateCaptain, does she know that rounds face up larger than cushions? That should be a plus if size is her most important factor.

Example: that 2 ct G SI 2 is 7.03x6.66mm.

My 1.58 ct round is 7.47mm in diameter. That means that cushion would basically sit inside the circumference of my diamond!

Indeed she does. That's one thing we've talked about, but it's also one reason we particularly like what we see in this diamond: http://www.brilliance.com/diamonds/...eal-cut-gia-certified-loose-diamond-D12491322

Apparently, it's easier to gauge how good a round is without pictures than it is a cushion? As I said earlier, I've requested certs, but the specs on this one seem alright.

Question then....if she was happy with the idea of a 2 ct. 7mm cushion, why would the round stone need to be 2 cts? A 1.6 ct round is going to be larger than the cushion she liked.

As far as that stone goes, it is, of course, impossible to say anything without the GIA report, pictures of the stone, and especially, is it eyeclean? The other factor is that it has very strong fluorescence, and that combine with low clarity is not very promising and probably explains the low price. My 1.58 G VS1 has strong blue fluorescence, so there is no haziness caused by the fluoro because my stone is so clean inside. You probably won't get an evaluation on the effects of the fluoro in sunlight and various lighting from that vendor, so be very, very careful.