Looking for engagement ring ~1ct, $7-8K

[gm88]

Hi all,

I've been looking through PS as well as JA/WF and other websites. I have been with my gf just a week shy of 3 years and am looking to propose in the summertime so I have a few months to find the perfect diamond and ring hopefully.

I am looking for an ideal cut (H&A will work too but the name isn't important and I'd rather spend on other things than the name), 1ct or around there round diamond. I am willing to go to H-I for color as long as it looks clear in the setting, and am fine with the diamond as long as it's eyeclean (ideally I'll stay around VS2). The most important things to me are brilliance/light return and size.

I would prefer to get the whole ring completed with one provider - but should I consider buying a loose stone and then getting the setting custom made? Will that save me money? I am looking at white gold or platinum but not sure which I should go for either - advice very welcome!

All in all, I was looking to originally spend about 5-6K on the ring and another 1-2K on the setting. Was thinking something along this: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Settings-With-Sidestones/Platinum-Common-Prong-Ten-Round-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-2312 (SKU: 1228p)

Thank you in advance to all those who will reply this will be the biggest and most important purchase/decision of my life and I want my gf to be able to proudly wear it for years and years to come (until I'm ready to upgrade )

 

[SMC]

If you're willing to go down to J, this one looks nice and big: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.31-carat-J-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181358

If not, this one looks good: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.11-carat-I-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-185005 . And for what it's worth, it's inscribed with "H&A" on the girdle. It's a tiny bit outside of your price range but not by a lot.

Ask for the Pricescope discount which will save you ~5%. Also, choose carefully when you ask for your 3 Idealscopes from J&A. Once you've used them all, they won't give you anymore. I learnt this when I went to purchase my diamond.

 

[gm88]

Thanks sortmon, but will a J not appear yellow? Or would a white gold/platinum band make it sufficiently "colorless"?

Also, that's an SI1, how do I know that it's eye clean? Especially with the imperfections near the top?

The second diamond however looks interesting, HSA of 1.3 btw if that matters. Should I ask for the Idealscope? Would I appear yellow in a white gold/platinum band?

 

[gwaipor]

If you're willing to go down to J, this one looks nice and big: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.31-carat-J-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181358

If not, this one looks good: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.11-carat-I-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-185005 . And for what it's worth, it's inscribed with "H&A" on the girdle. It's a tiny bit outside of your price range but not by a lot.

Ask for the Pricescope discount which will save you ~5%. Also, choose carefully when you ask for your 3 Idealscopes from J&A. Once you've used them all, they won't give you anymore. I learnt this when I went to purchase my diamond.

For the 1.11ct - it's incribed H&A. But how come JA doesn't classify it as True Hearts?

 

[stargurl78]

I personally wouldn't go down to J color for an engagement ring, unless you are certain she doesn't mind any tint. I know that many people on here are very happy with their J colored stones though, so it really is a personal preference.

I believe "True Hearts" are only for AGS graded stones but not GIA graded stones. For GIA graded stones, the starting point is the HCA calculation - go for stones 2 or below. Then you can ask for the opinion of a JA gemologist and request ASET images (JA might do idealscope images too but I can't remember...)

I also want to suggest 2 other settings for you to consider. The one you posted is nice but it just looks a bit "chunky" to me. Do you like either of these?

6 prong (one of my favorite JA settings):
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Pave-Rings/18k-White-Gold-Scroll-Basket-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-7896

4 prong:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Settings-With-Sidestones/18k-White-Gold-0.30ct-Common-Prong-Round-Shaped-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-928

 

[Niel]

heres a nice one
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.05-carat-I-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-176201

 

[Niel]

6 prong (one of my favorite JA settings):
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Pave-Rings/18k-White-Gold-Scroll-Basket-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-7896

4 prong:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Settings-With-Sidestones/18k-White-Gold-0.30ct-Common-Prong-Round-Shaped-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-928

This one is just about my fav ja, for sure my favorite diamond shank one

 

[gm88]

Nielseel, the 1.05ct you posted ranks 4 on the HCA; from what I understand I should avoid anything >2?

Is the 1.11ct (1.11 Carat I-VS1 Excellent Cut Round Diamond / SKU: 185005) a decent buy for the price? I know that some diamonds have bigger "faces" for a same carat diamond, how can I ensure that what she sees looks bigger (or at least not smaller) than same-sized rings?

Any suggestions in terms of metal? And will her ring size influence what kind of setting I should get? I believe she's a 7.5

Hows
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Settings-With-Sidestones/18k-White-Gold-0.50ct-Prong-Set-Round-Shaped-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-2419

or
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Settings-With-Sidestones/18k-White-Gold-Common-Prong-Ten-Round-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-7877

 

[SMC]

Thanks sortmon, but will a J not appear yellow? Or would a white gold/platinum band make it sufficiently "colorless"?

Also, that's an SI1, how do I know that it's eye clean? Especially with the imperfections near the top?

The second diamond however looks interesting, HSA of 1.3 btw if that matters. Should I ask for the Idealscope? Would I appear yellow in a white gold/platinum band?

You should definitely request Idealscopes on your top 3 diamond selections. It's a free service from JA. They will also verify that the diamonds are eye clean. Remember to specify what your definition of eye clean is (how many inches away from your face? do you want it to be eye clean from the sides?). The JA gemologist will also tell you her opinions of all the diamonds in terms of light performance.

I think the J color is a personal preference. You likely won't be able to tell the difference between an I and a J from the face up position. However, depending on how color sensitive you are, you may not even like I color diamonds. I would go to a jeweler and see if you can look at different color diamonds to determine what your color tolerance is (or, what your gf's preferences are).

Is there a reason why you like the shared prong settings over the pave or channel settings? If you are looking for a thin, delicate band with diamonds, I think that this one looks pretty good: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Pave-Rings/Platinum-Pave-Cathedral-Claw-Prong-Engagement-Ring-item-851.. My personal preference is for claw prongs. I think the setting selection is a purely personal thing though, so you should select the setting that you (or your gf) will like!

 

[gm88]

The reason I looked at those 2 settings is because I think it'd be better to have less diamonds but have a higher tcw (thus making each individual side diamond bigger and better)...and beyond the 5th/6th side diamond, will they even be visible?

I will try go into a jeweler's to see diamonds side-by-side (to see sidestones, colors etc) and get a bit of a better idea.

 

[04diamond<3]

If you're willing to go down to J, this one looks nice and big: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.31-carat-J-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181358

If not, this one looks good: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.11-carat-I-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-185005 . And for what it's worth, it's inscribed with "H&A" on the girdle. It's a tiny bit outside of your price range but not by a lot.

Ask for the Pricescope discount which will save you ~5%. Also, choose carefully when you ask for your 3 Idealscopes from J&A. Once you've used them all, they won't give you anymore. I learnt this when I went to purchase my diamond.

For the 1.11ct - it's incribed H&A. But how come JA doesn't classify it as True Hearts?

No it's not. It's inscribed with the GIA inscription #. That is not an H&A stone and as was mentioned, only AGS certifies diamonds as H&A stones. I'd only suggest getting a J with the type of setting you're into if the stone had Strong Blue Fluorescence. Otherwise, yes, it'll look noticeably yellow compared to the side stones.

Here's another option:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.03-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-183094

 

[SMC]

If you're willing to go down to J, this one looks nice and big: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.31-carat-J-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181358

If not, this one looks good: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.11-carat-I-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-185005 . And for what it's worth, it's inscribed with "H&A" on the girdle. It's a tiny bit outside of your price range but not by a lot.

Ask for the Pricescope discount which will save you ~5%. Also, choose carefully when you ask for your 3 Idealscopes from J&A. Once you've used them all, they won't give you anymore. I learnt this when I went to purchase my diamond.

For the 1.11ct - it's incribed H&A. But how come JA doesn't classify it as True Hearts?

No it's not. It's inscribed with the GIA inscription #. That is not an H&A stone and as was mentioned, only AGS certifies diamonds as H&A stones. I'd only suggest getting a J with the type of setting you're into if the stone had Strong Blue Fluorescence. Otherwise, yes, it'll look noticeably yellow compared to the side stones.

Here's another option:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.03-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-183094

I never said it was an H&A stone, I only said that it was inscribed with "H&A" as an additional inscription. It's on the GIA cert. I'm pretty sure that it doesn't necessarily mean anything since you can dictate anything to be inscribed on the stone.

 

[gm88]

If you're willing to go down to J, this one looks nice and big: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.31-carat-J-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181358

If not, this one looks good: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.11-carat-I-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-185005 . And for what it's worth, it's inscribed with "H&A" on the girdle. It's a tiny bit outside of your price range but not by a lot.

Ask for the Pricescope discount which will save you ~5%. Also, choose carefully when you ask for your 3 Idealscopes from J&A. Once you've used them all, they won't give you anymore. I learnt this when I went to purchase my diamond.

For the 1.11ct - it's incribed H&A. But how come JA doesn't classify it as True Hearts?

No it's not. It's inscribed with the GIA inscription #. That is not an H&A stone and as was mentioned, only AGS certifies diamonds as H&A stones. I'd only suggest getting a J with the type of setting you're into if the stone had Strong Blue Fluorescence. Otherwise, yes, it'll look noticeably yellow compared to the side stones.

Here's another option:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.03-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-183094

How about the "I", would that still look yellow? Also, under "inscription" in the GIA report it mentions H&A. So that does not correspond to hearts and arrows but rather something else? I'm only asking as it being a true H&A would ease my mind in terms of value for money and the kind of light return it must give.

And while the diamond you posted is about $1000 cheaper it ranks 3.8 on HCA. Or, am I putting too much value in that?

 

[04diamond<3]

If you're willing to go down to J, this one looks nice and big: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.31-carat-J-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181358

If not, this one looks good: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.11-carat-I-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-185005 . And for what it's worth, it's inscribed with "H&A" on the girdle. It's a tiny bit outside of your price range but not by a lot.

Ask for the Pricescope discount which will save you ~5%. Also, choose carefully when you ask for your 3 Idealscopes from J&A. Once you've used them all, they won't give you anymore. I learnt this when I went to purchase my diamond.

For the 1.11ct - it's incribed H&A. But how come JA doesn't classify it as True Hearts?

No it's not. It's inscribed with the GIA inscription #. That is not an H&A stone and as was mentioned, only AGS certifies diamonds as H&A stones. I'd only suggest getting a J with the type of setting you're into if the stone had Strong Blue Fluorescence. Otherwise, yes, it'll look noticeably yellow compared to the side stones.

Here's another option:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.03-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-183094

I never said it was an H&A stone, I only said that it was inscribed with "H&A" as an additional inscription. It's on the GIA cert. I'm pretty sure that it doesn't necessarily mean anything since you can dictate anything to be inscribed on the stone.

Ah, I see that now. GIA inscriptions mean that the stone is certified by GIA and it's there for authenticity purposes. Although it's not on all GIA certified stones because it costs more, but that's why it's there.

 

[04diamond<3]

If you're willing to go down to J, this one looks nice and big: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.31-carat-J-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181358

If not, this one looks good: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.11-carat-I-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-185005 . And for what it's worth, it's inscribed with "H&A" on the girdle. It's a tiny bit outside of your price range but not by a lot.

Ask for the Pricescope discount which will save you ~5%. Also, choose carefully when you ask for your 3 Idealscopes from J&A. Once you've used them all, they won't give you anymore. I learnt this when I went to purchase my diamond.

For the 1.11ct - it's incribed H&A. But how come JA doesn't classify it as True Hearts?

No it's not. It's inscribed with the GIA inscription #. That is not an H&A stone and as was mentioned, only AGS certifies diamonds as H&A stones. I'd only suggest getting a J with the type of setting you're into if the stone had Strong Blue Fluorescence. Otherwise, yes, it'll look noticeably yellow compared to the side stones.

Here's another option:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.03-carat-I-color-VS2-clarity-sku-183094

How about the "I", would that still look yellow? Also, under "inscription" in the GIA report it mentions H&A. So that does not correspond to hearts and arrows but rather something else? I'm only asking as it being a true H&A would ease my mind in terms of value for money and the kind of light return it must give.

And while the diamond you posted is about $1000 cheaper it ranks 3.8 on HCA. Or, am I putting too much value in that?

You'll want a stone under 2.0 on the HCA. It's 2:30am here so I'm a bit tired and didn't run the numbers myself. I just like those dimensions. Here's another option:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.02-carat-H-color-VS1-clarity-Ideal-cut-sku-178846

another and this one's an F:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-F-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181305

 

[JulieN]

It is an IGI, but even if it is really an I color, it is still over $1000 less than any other option I'll post. http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.00-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-56299

Nicely cut:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-184503
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.02-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-179700

Bigger: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.11-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-184001
The other 1.11 I VS1 is really nice, but I limited my search to less than $6000.

 

[SMC]

You'll want a stone under 2.0 on the HCA. It's 2:30am here so I'm a bit tired and didn't run the numbers myself. I just like those dimensions. Here's another option:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.02-carat-H-color-VS1-clarity-Ideal-cut-sku-178846

another and this one's an F:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-F-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181305

If you can swing the extra money, the F diamond will look colorless, not look out of place next to the sidestones in your selected setting, and give you the H&A peace of mind that you desire.

I'm wondering if True Hearts is different from Hearts & Arrows. 04diamond<3, do you know? You mentioned that only AGS certifies H&A, but this one you selected has a GIA cert.

 

[Niel]

Nielseel, the 1.05ct you posted ranks 4 on the HCA; from what I understand I should avoid anything >2?

Is the 1.11ct (1.11 Carat I-VS1 Excellent Cut Round Diamond / SKU: 185005) a decent buy for the price? I know that some diamonds have bigger "faces" for a same carat diamond, how can I ensure that what she sees looks bigger (or at least not smaller) than same-sized rings?

Any suggestions in terms of metal? And will her ring size influence what kind of setting I should get? I believe she's a 7.5

Hows
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Settings-With-Sidestones/18k-White-Gold-0.50ct-Prong-Set-Round-Shaped-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-2419

or
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Settings-With-Sidestones/18k-White-Gold-Common-Prong-Ten-Round-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-7877

Well I didn't get a 4 vut it def isn't under 2 you are right. Sorry I was on my phone I must have linked the wrong one. It was an I vs1 right under 6. Rats ill have to look for it again. Sorry

 

[gm88]

You'll want a stone under 2.0 on the HCA. It's 2:30am here so I'm a bit tired and didn't run the numbers myself. I just like those dimensions. Here's another option:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.02-carat-H-color-VS1-clarity-Ideal-cut-sku-178846

another and this one's an F:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-F-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181305

Thanks but both a little out of my price range. As I said I'm fine with an ideal cut stone that is not a "true" H&A if it saves me the premium. Of course, these have the added benefit of idealscope images already

 

[SMC]

Here are 2 other option:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-184503 - it looks eye clean but I would ask the JA gemologist to see if the knot is a structural risk

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-G-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-166178 - 0.9 HCA score, looks eye clean to me

Both of these stones will go well with the settings you've selected in terms of color.

Also, if you know her finger size is 7.5, I would look at threads that show diamonds on that size finger. That way you can get an idea of settings that might work well for her. Here's one (and there are others if you do a search): [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-size-7s-and-up.74173/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-size-7s-and-up.74173/[/URL]

 

[gm88]

It is an IGI, but even if it is really an I color, it is still over $1000 less than any other option I'll post. http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.00-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-56299

Nicely cut:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-184503
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.02-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-179700

Bigger: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.11-carat-I-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-184001
The other 1.11 I VS1 is really nice, but I limited my search to less than $6000.

I've been sticking to GIA/AGS stones because I know those two labs are more "reputable". I'm barely able to see the numbers in the IGI report and when I tried looking the report # on their website I got no matches. On such a big purchase I think it's better to go with something that will guarantee that I'm getting what I paid for, no?

The 1.01 H SI1 and 1.02 I SI1 could be interesting though. Do you think that the 1.11 I VS1 is worth the bump in price over the 1.01/1.02? Does it matter that its table is 57% versus 56/55 (respectively) for the other two?

 

[SMC]

The 1.01 H SI1 and 1.02 I SI1 could be interesting though. Do you think that the 1.11 I VS1 is worth the bump in price over the 1.01/1.02? Does it matter that its table is 57% versus 56/55 (respectively) for the other two?

I usually look at the actual dimensions of the diamond (L/W/D) to determine how it will look size-wise. The difference between the 1.11 I VS1 and the 1.01 H SI1 is about 0.2mm, which I've read somewhere is about the point where you will start seeing the size difference. I would say that it is worth it because the difference is only $100 and the VS1 has better clarity, but you should be the judge on how important color is to you! If you're interested in those stones, put them on hold and have the JA gemologist tell you which one performs better.

 

[JulieN]

I've been sticking to GIA/AGS stones because I know those two labs are more "reputable". I'm barely able to see the numbers in the IGI report and when I tried looking the report # on their website I got no matches. On such a big purchase I think it's better to go with something that will guarantee that I'm getting what I paid for, no?

The 1.01 H SI1 and 1.02 I SI1 could be interesting though. Do you think that the 1.11 I VS1 is worth the bump in price over the 1.01/1.02? Does it matter that its table is 57% versus 56/55 (respectively) for the other two?

It is just a piece of paper! JA will tell you if the grading is accurate, and if not, what they think it should be. I'm a deal-seeker, though, and to other consumers it might not be worth it. As I said, even if the color is off a grade, you still got a good deal. If it is off two grades or it is an SI2 then have to do some more research on price.

No, table size 56 or 55 does not matter. The 1.11 is probably not cut as well as the 1.01 and 1.02 I posted, but needs an Ideal Scope or someone from JA to check if there is much difference to the eye.

 

[04diamond<3]

You'll want a stone under 2.0 on the HCA. It's 2:30am here so I'm a bit tired and didn't run the numbers myself. I just like those dimensions. Here's another option:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.02-carat-H-color-VS1-clarity-Ideal-cut-sku-178846

another and this one's an F:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-F-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181305

If you can swing the extra money, the F diamond will look colorless, not look out of place next to the sidestones in your selected setting, and give you the H&A peace of mind that you desire.

I'm wondering if True Hearts is different from Hearts & Arrows. 04diamond<3, do you know? You mentioned that only AGS certifies H&A, but this one you selected has a GIA cert.

You know...I'm not sure. I attended GIA 3 years ago and I've never seen this, but alot can change in the diamond world in 3 years...and I haven't really kept up with it. And it is something new that I've been seeing on JA's website...

 

[04diamond<3]

You'll want a stone under 2.0 on the HCA. It's 2:30am here so I'm a bit tired and didn't run the numbers myself. I just like those dimensions. Here's another option:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.02-carat-H-color-VS1-clarity-Ideal-cut-sku-178846

another and this one's an F:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-F-color-SI1-clarity-sku-181305

Thanks but both a little out of my price range. As I said I'm fine with an ideal cut stone that is not a "true" H&A if it saves me the premium. Of course, these have the added benefit of idealscope images already

Well JA offers a 5% discount to PS members and the F is a spectacular option (and it'd come to about $6,775ish). Also - I saw JulieN's post and I think you're a bit too hooked on the AGS thing. GIA is the top rated gemology institution in the world! So I think you need to chill on the AGS thing. I know that you want the best for your budget and although you were given a few duds (but I usually don't do diamond searching at 3am, just happened to be up), we would never suggest you getting something that was crap. Besides, you clearly know how to use the HCA tool to check.

 

[gm88]

Here are 2 other option:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-184503 - it looks eye clean but I would ask the JA gemologist to see if the knot is a structural risk

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-G-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-166178 - 0.9 HCA score, looks eye clean to me

Both of these stones will go well with the settings you've selected in terms of color.

Also, if you know her finger size is 7.5, I would look at threads that show diamonds on that size finger. That way you can get an idea of settings that might work well for her. Here's one (and there are others if you do a search): [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-size-7s-and-up.74173/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-size-7s-and-up.74173/[/URL]

I usually look at the actual dimensions of the diamond (L/W/D) to determine how it will look size-wise. The difference between the 1.11 I VS1 and the 1.01 H SI1 is about 0.2mm, which I've read somewhere is about the point where you will start seeing the size difference. I would say that it is worth it because the difference is only $100 and the VS1 has better clarity, but you should be the judge on how important color is to you! If you're interested in those stones, put them on hold and have the JA gemologist tell you which one performs better.

If anything, looking at the 1.01 G SI1, and seeing the image with the wisps, would that not affect light return or how it's seen (in terms of eye clean)?

And a knot can pose a structural risk for the diamond? This is why PS is so helpful, I never would have even considered that

As far as the setting, I suppose it's just what I think she'd like - I don't want to tip her off but I can run it by friends/family and see what they'll think of it. I think a ~1ct with side diamonds would look good on her hand after looking at the 7+ ring size thread and other ones I've seen before when I ran searches.

In terms of dimensions, the 1.11 beats out the others in terms of both L/W by 0.2. Not sure I should be looking at depth as the result doesn't really affect perceived size? And by "performs better", do you mean on imagescope or just in terms of visible performance? Wouldn't want to waste any of those precious 3 requests!

I guess I really need to see an H and an I side-by-side (or in a platinum/white gold setting) to be able to tell how the color will look - planning to do it this weekend

 

[gm88]

Well JA offers a 5% discount to PS members and the F is a spectacular option (and it'd come to about $6,775ish). Also - I saw JulieN's post and I think you're a bit too hooked on the AGS thing. GIA is the top rated gemology institution in the world! So I think you need to chill on the AGS thing. I know that you want the best for your budget and although you were given a few duds (but I usually don't do diamond searching at 3am, just happened to be up), we would never suggest you getting something that was crap. Besides, you clearly know how to use the HCA tool to check.

Hi 04diamond<3 - I'm aware of the 5% discount but even with that, at 6,775ish, plus about a grand and a half for the setting (many of the one's I've been taking a look at are closer to the 2K mark), that brings me over my budget. I was originally looking to spend 5K total so going up by a few thousand is quite a step as is.

Also, JulieN was responding to a comment I made about IGI. All the stones that I've been taking a look at so far have been GIA, and I have absolutely NOTHING against them, I was just saying that for a diamond newbie like me it's perhaps best to go with GIA/AGS vs IGI.

And looking at duds will just make me appreciate the final diamond more - besides, if you can offer help at 3am, all I can be is grateful!

 

[04diamond<3]

Well JA offers a 5% discount to PS members and the F is a spectacular option (and it'd come to about $6,775ish). Also - I saw JulieN's post and I think you're a bit too hooked on the AGS thing. GIA is the top rated gemology institution in the world! So I think you need to chill on the AGS thing. I know that you want the best for your budget and although you were given a few duds (but I usually don't do diamond searching at 3am, just happened to be up), we would never suggest you getting something that was crap. Besides, you clearly know how to use the HCA tool to check.

Hi 04diamond<3 - I'm aware of the 5% discount but even with that, at 6,775ish, plus about a grand and a half for the setting (many of the one's I've been taking a look at are closer to the 2K mark), that brings me over my budget. I was originally looking to spend 5K total so going up by a few thousand is quite a step as is.

Also, JulieN was responding to a comment I made about IGI. All the stones that I've been taking a look at so far have been GIA, and I have absolutely NOTHING against them, I was just saying that for a diamond newbie like me it's perhaps best to go with GIA/AGS vs IGI.

And looking at duds will just make me appreciate the final diamond more - besides, if you can offer help at 3am, all I can be is grateful!

I see. Ok, well the search continues.

This looks like it could be nice...I'd request a copy of the cert...:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.23-carat-G-color-SI2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-185599

But I'd highly recommend this one. It scored a 1.3 on the HCA and after the discount would cost about $5600!!!! I'd put it on hold and request an idealscope and confirm that it's eye clean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/Round-cut/1.01-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-184503

 

[JulieN]

BTW to correct my previous post, I think the 1.11 I VS1 is really nice. It has similar proportions to many of the H&A brands that are popular here.

JA will let you know if they think the IGI grading is off. They let everyone know what they think of the grading, even if it is GIA or AGS. But I understand if you are not comfortable with it.

 

[gm88]

Would JA be able to create a custom made ring? And what should I do in white gold vs platinum? I know platinum is more expensive but doesn't need to be repaired with rhodium. She's not too sporty so I'm hoping it won't be taking too much damage or be too exposed

Some settings that I think she might like - how would these look? Would JA be able to recreate something like this? I had 2 settings from them that I used to love and even ran by her best friend and close family member both of whom said that it'll be perfect, just for JA to yank them off their website

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-micro-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1011.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-sleek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm

I also see what you mean about pave/channel vs shared prong, sortmon - your input has been invaluable.

Once a JA consultant gets back to me, I'll discuss the IGI stone with them as recommended, as it appears to be quite a great deal, and at a savings of $2000+ it's something that I'll strongly consider.

And the 1.01 H SI1 is looking like a great choice, I'll get them to verify it's eyeclean (I suppose from 6" with a 20/20 vision as a standard?)