Q&A: Searching for 1.6-1.9 Ct. Round Brilliant for $15K Budget

I am currently looking for a GIA/AGL diamond that is

Carat: 1.6-1.9

Colour: G or H colour

Clarity: SI2 that is eye clean

Cut:Excellent/Ieal

Polish/Symmetry: excellent

Flurescence: none to slight

My budget is $15000 but I prefer to spend no more than $14000.

I am currently trying to sell my current .85 GIA Excellent E SI2 diamond, so won’t have the money to purchase for several weeks.

I am intereted in Hearts and Arrow diamonds but am unsure whether or not I need to spend more or if an Excellent/Ideal GIA/AGL will be enough for brilliance.

I am unsure whether the carat difference between a 1.6-1.8 is clearly noticible and worth spending money on.

I am seriously considering

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1496993.asp

and

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1497239.asp

What do you think about these diamonds?

Is it worth spending $2000 more for a .18 difference? Is it worth getting a smaller diamond or paying more for a Hearts and Arrow?

Do you think these diamonds will be eye clean?

Thanks so much for your help.

Thanks for your reply. Are you 100% sure the two diamonds won’t be eye clean? I was going to have a phone consultation where the gemologist would check the diamond. IF he reports that it is eye clean, would that make sense based on what you saw?

Is there a noticeable difference in size between a 1.7 and 1.85ish?

Is there a noticeable colour difference between a G and an H? I doubt it, but would appreciate confirmation.

Is it worth getting a Hearts and Arrow? Brilliance is most important to me.

Thanks again for your time.

…….

I am going to place a hold on 1499655.

I am now considering https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1279543.asp which is a Hearts and Arrow. Do you think it’s worth the extra money? I will be going slightly over my max budget.

Also, I am REALLY confused about whether it makes sense to spend an extra $2-3000 for a 1.7ish vs a 1.5ish carat stone.

Is the size difference noticable?

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Hi Mike,

Please help!

I have 3 diamonds on hold, including the one you recommended.

However, today I came across one more. An AGS 1.71 SI2 F ideal diamond. https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1494588.asp

This diamond is $500 less than the 1.73 SI1 H you recommended. https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1499655.asp

I really think I should consider it, but have a phone consult scheduled for tomorrow and I can’t hold the diamonds any longer.

Can you please review the loupe for the 1.71 SI2 and tell me what you think? I like the fact that it’s higher in colour and also $500 less. Do you think this diamond would be eye clean? Does it compete with the SI1 you recommended?

I really appreciate your input and hope to hear from you before this consult!

…….

Got better images for you. These are the diamonds I have on hold and am having a phone consultation for.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1496912.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1439547.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1499655.asp

=============

This is the diamond I think would be good and am wondering if I should consider it.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1494588.asp

What do you think?

Just wanted to let you know that you were absolutely right about the SI1 being superior by far for clarity. The other two had issues impacting the brilliance and the inclusions were visible.

I have purchased the diamond you recommended.

Thanks so much for your help!!

I will! One last question! I’ve been obsessing over this diamond’s measurements and worry that face up it is going to be slightly smaller than it should as its spread is only very good on the Holloway cut.

Its measurements are 7.66 -7.68 x 4.77 mm. It’s a 1.73 carat and I read that 1.75 carats should be 7.8 mm. At 7.68 max, this 1.73 diamond sounds closer to a 1.6 carat than a 1.75. What do you think?