I'm involved in the diamond shopping process with my STB FI and am now totally on board with the men just choosing, we're too crazy for this!!
In shopping online I found what grade we can get for our budget, and visits to the stores helped me figure out what grade I liked. Here's choices I'm considering, all cushion cut, followed by my thoughts:
1 - 3 choices of about 1.2, G SI1 that I'll go see tonight. Spot on for our budget
2 - 1.5 I SI2 that I actually liked
3 - 1.5 H SI1 that is a little over budget
4 - Various sizes of H SI1 at Kay that I haven't seen yet. Spot on budget after a trade-in (so higher sticker price)
Option 1 are very nice from what the jeweler said, but I'm worried about the size.
For option 2, I'm really suprised I liked it. Not only is it much lower grade, there are inclusions, and it has floresence (I never figured out what that meant), but I can't see any of it and I think it looks nice. This would allow me to have the carat, and it's a very square cushion which I need for the setting.
Option 3 is slightly more money, and maybe the higher grade will make it worth it. Only concern is it may be too rectangular. If it is square this may be the one, I'll see it tomorrow.
Option 4 - No clue what Kay's grading system will look like compared to GIA, so I'm worried, but we have a trade in and hopeful that with good negotiation we may end up w/ 1.75 carat
Bottome line. The ring is designed for a larger stone, we'll have to custom make it smaller for the others, but I don't want too small. I really option 2, but am worried I'll eventually notice the inclusions. So, for those w/ a lower clarity, thoughts?
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