What would you sacrifice

[slycatty]

I finally figured out the type of diamond I want but it doesn''t fit in my budget

What would you go lower on? Or maybe should I wait and save up to get the diamond I really want.

Thanks

Round Brilliant
Budget - 10K
Carat - 1.7 - it''s an upgrade so I really want something in this size range
Color - H
Clarity - SI1 - I looked at SI2s and they seemed to not sparkle as brightly as a SI1 even when well cut. Maybe I can keep looking until I find a nice SI2?
Cut - Excellent
Polish - VG
Symmetry - VG

 

[henearly89]

Try going higher on polish and symmetry (an AGS0, 000 in light performance, symmetry and polish) and sticking with an SI2. If you''re willing, take on some medium blue florescence to save another 5%.

 

[stone-cold11]

Drop color a little? For example, something like this? Ask if eye-clean and request for an idealscope image if interested.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1280925.asp

 

[slycatty]

I saw a HSI2 stone that was AGS ideal cut, polish, and symmetry that just didn''t sparkle well compared to a HSI1 and other stones. The jeweler told me it must be because of the SI2 clarity. I read on another post that it may be because of the clouds affecting light performance and it''s really hard to find a good SI2. I''d be fine with a SI2 as long as I don''t see a visual difference.

 

[stone-cold11]

ya, SI and lower are case by case situation.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I''d look at this:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040381680009

and this:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-details/?product_id=23613889

 

[Hest88]

Try an "I" or even a "J." You might be really color sensitive, but I remember being amazed once seeing an ideal cut I next to an F---and how little difference there were face-up.

 

[nicstn]

I purchase a round brilliant 1.78 J SI1 eyeclean for $7,900. I dropped in color not cut it is beautiful. I would go lower in color say I or J and find a eyeclean SI1. My J has no yellow at all.

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/Loose_Round_Diamond-143/Loose_Round_1.78_Carat_J_Color_SI1_Clarity_diamond-407493.html

 

[kenny]

Date: 2/5/2010 1:05:21 PM
Author:slycatty
I finally figured out the type of diamond I want but it doesn't fit in my budget
What would you go lower on? Or maybe should I wait and save up to get the diamond I really want.

Somehow this, "I finally figured out the type of diamond I want but it doesn't fit in my budget", is very very common.

This, "maybe should I wait and save up to get the diamond I really want", doesn't work because when you raise the budget you'll start noticing other diamonds that are just beyond the reach of your new budget.

You ask, "What would you sacrifice?"
I realize I'm in the minority but since you asked, I'd sacrifice size and get a well-cut diamond of color and clarity in my comfort zone, which is near F VS1.

 

[slycatty]

Yup, I''m already having that issue the more I shop for diamonds. I was initially looking for a 1.35-1.5 carat, but it became 1.5-1.7 and might grow to 1.7-2.0 lol.

It''s an upgrade from my .90 carat so I want something I''ll be happy with for a long time.

Btw, I was comparing an I stone to a H stone today to see if I could see a color difference. I couldn''t see a yellow tint difference per se, but the H stone just looked better even when I didn''t know which was which. The H stone seemed more whiter/brighter while the I stone seemed to be more shadowy. Both were excellent cut and the I stone was actually a better clarity grade. Does this mean I''m really color sensitive?

 

[stone-cold11]

excellent cut are not equal, depending on the proportions can have different effect.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I went from a .90 to a 1.2 and was very happy with the size increase. I personally prefer a G color diamond over lower colors (learned from experience). What color is your present diamond (and what lab?). I have an SI2, you can find ones that are optically awesome. SI2 sould not affect optics unless there are clouds, but that is rare.

 

[slycatty]

I have a .90 F SI1 GIA certified Excellent Cut, Excellent Polish and VG Symmetry. It scored a 1.0 on the HCA.

 

[Dreamer_D]

If you have an F I don''t know that I would go much lower than an H. I think you would notice the difference and it might bother you.