I could use some guidance-H&A vs Ideal

[ice9]

So I just stumbled upon this, "vast storehouse of knowledge" some call the pricescope the other day to learn about H&A diamonds. Seeing that the cut is so important, is the extra dollars spent on the H&A vs an Ideal cut diamond worth it? I was wondering because Im beginning to shop around and I am a total novice with this. I saw a few that are in my price range (5500-6000 for the entire ring) and was wondering what the experts thought.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-5196910# HA 1.0 Car

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=6783135 Ideal 1.3

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2045520.htm Ideal 1.1

Which one is the best overall choice?

Also, I really like this setting

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Crescendo-Hand-Engraved-Half-Bezel_745.htm

It seems a bit pricey for one that doesnt even have any diamonds, will it sparkle like it does?

Thanks for the input--

 

[Just_Looking]

I am by no means an expert. However I had the exact same question so I had a jeweler bring in a couple of diamonds. One an H&A the other an excellent cut, but not quite H&A.

I was able to tell the difference between the two. The H&A had more "life" to it (that''s the best way I can explain it). There was more fire and scintillation.

It was not a huge difference, mind you, but it was definitely noticeable. Enough so that I ended up purchasing the H&A.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That setting does have diamonds! Look on the band.

As far as those three diamonds go, number 2 is EGL certified and not returnable for an upgrade from WF, so I'd eliminate that from the outset.

Number 3 has a very obvious inclusion that I can see in the magnified picture, so I wouldn't even consider it.

The first one would have to be the pick of these 3. It has a bad visible center inclusion, too, though. But if it were me, I'd try to go just under a carat and get a better color and clarity. I personally wouldn't want a J SI2 stone espcially for an engagement ring. But there are those who value size over quality and that's fine for them. I just prefer balance of very good overall quality and size.

 

[ChooChoo]

While that is a beautiful setting, if it were me I would buy a less expensive one and spend more money on the center stone.

Check out www.antiqueengagementrings.com - they have tons of similar settings for less than $1K.

I agree with the previous post - I would rather have a smaller stone of better quality than a J SI2.

 

[motcs]

Here''s another stone that may interest you that''s about the same price as the others while keeping over 1ct. You might want to have Brian or someone else look at this stone at WF to ensure that it''s eye clean:

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-6782702#:

 

[ice9]

Thanks for the input everyone, I guess im torn between a traditional solitare setting and a setting with a small diamonds all the way around. Any more suggestions for a diamond around a carat that, with the setting, will be 5000-6000?

 

[firebirdgold]

I like the setting very unique, and it's got everything! half-bezel, channel set diamonds, and engraving! If the setting appeals to you, I'd stick with that one.

I'd never go below an eye-clean SI1 for an e-ring. And as you can see, not all SI1's are identical to each other. Some have inclusions that are very visible, and others don't. It really depends on the color, type, and position of the inclusions. Your #1 had a black inclusion in the very center, ick.

How about this diamond http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2107689.htm# .91 Ideal? The color is good, it looks eye clean, the idealscope is pretty, and hca comes in at 1.5 (which seems good). It's only a little under a carat.

I concur with ChooChoo and diamondseeker2006, go for just under a carat with better color and clarity. Either lurk for a while on the different vendor sites waiting for a stone that's a good match for you, or call whiteflash and ask them to help you find a stone. I've heard they're really good at helping people work within their budget.

ETA: I don't normally check out the 1 carat sizes, but WF seems awfully low on diamonds just under 1 carat compared to other ranges. Maybe they'll be getting more in soon?