Please help-- Which ASETs do I request on these JA ECs?

[Sarah_O]

Hello, Pricescope community!

I have been lurking on here for a while and am continually amazed at the vast amounts of knowledge on this forum! I feel like I've given myself a little amateur education just by reading the posts alone. There's so much to learn. Kudos to you all for being so dang educated on this and thanks for sharing.

But now it's time to put my knowledge to the test and I'm slightly paralyzed!

I am in conversation with the James Allen team and the time has come to request some ASETS. I have a few faves lined up, but since I really don't know what I'm doing yet would like some help.

Here's the setting they are making for me:
http://www.maxdiamonds.com.au/wp-content/gallery/emerald-cut/horizontal-emerald-cut-bar-set-ring.jpg

East-west, bar setting for an EC.

Here are the choices I've lined up to compare:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...5551,282595,328026,385668,30564,242565,260429

These are the ones I have as top contenders:
425263** one of my faves
242565
357332
260429 - I like this one because it's long...but how does that look?

Since I can only request 3 ASETs, I want to make sure I'm getting the best candidates.

I'm thinking I could go a little longer on the length of the diamond, but don't want a stone that doesn't perform.

I think the less expensive options are those I will go for if I go with a platinum setting, and the more expensive could be for a 14K white gold setting. Total for setting, stone AND wedding band should be in the $9K range.

So please tell me, community:

Which ASETs should I request?
And for a tension setting, would you go with 14K? Or platinum? I'm leaning toward the white gold but not sure...

Thanks in advance!

 

[tyty333]

For some reason your link to all the stones isn't work right for me. It brings up about 6 stones and that's it.

 

[JulieN]

Throwing this one out there: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-353401

 

[tyty333]

Throwing this one out there: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-353401

That one's pretty!

 

[Sarah_O]

For some reason your link to all the stones isn't work right for me. It brings up about 6 stones and that's it.

Weird!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...5551,282595,328026,385668,30564,242565,260429

Here's an updated one.

 

[Sarah_O]

JulieN that one is super pretty... I'm just curious about what is standing out to you about that one in particular? I like that it's over 7mm and the steps look lovely. Do you think that the little scratch on the table will be visible?

 

[woofmama]

I really like these two: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-385551
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-242565

I wouldn't get an ASET on any of the others. Before you request the ASET's wait for a few more suggestions. Super cool ring setting, btw

 

[Sarah_O]

I really like these two: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-385551
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-242565

I wouldn't get an ASET on any of the others. Before you request the ASET's wait for a few more suggestions. Super cool ring setting, btw

Thanks, Woofmama! I am glad you like the 1.20, H,vvs2 -- that's the one I'm rooting for. Good advice! (and I love that setting too -- cannot wait for it to be on mah fingah!)

 

[chrono]

For some reason your link to all the stones isn't work right for me. It brings up about 6 stones and that's it.

Weird!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...5551,282595,328026,385668,30564,242565,260429

Here's an updated one.

Don't think any of the 6 ECs here will ASET well. JulieN's choice is spectacular.

 

[Sarah_O]

For some reason your link to all the stones isn't work right for me. It brings up about 6 stones and that's it.

Weird!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...5551,282595,328026,385668,30564,242565,260429

Here's an updated one.

Don't think any of the 6 ECs here will ASET well. JulieN's choice is spectacular.

Hi Chrono --

There are actually 16 choices on 3 pages if you scroll through... the pagination is at the bottom. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[chrono]

Are you sure you'll be okay with an I colour? ECs not only show inclusions better than MRBs, they also tend to show colour better as well.

ETA
Throw out Page 3. Still looking through the rest slowly.

ETA2
Seriously slim pickings.
Maybe this one but only you will know whether I colour is acceptable.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-385551

 

[Sarah_O]

Are you sure you'll be okay with an I colour? ECs not only show inclusions better than MRBs, they also tend to show colour better as well.

ETA
Throw out Page 3. Still looking through the rest slowly.

ETA2
Seriously slim pickings.
Maybe this one but only you will know whether I colour is acceptable.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-385551

Slim pickings, indeed! Boo.

I do like JulieN's recommendation but with that scratch I don't know if it will be eye clean. Do you think that's minor enough to give it a pass?

What are your thoughts on this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-357332

To speak to the I color -- I am thinking I will go with white gold so perhaps that will be OK? I have heard you shouldn't go below H though, so it does give me pause, for sure.

Thanks Chrono - appreciate the help!!

 

[chrono]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-353401
Could be eye clean but you know as I do that ECs show everything. I've yet to see a non eye clean VS2 EC but who knows.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-357332
Big dead spot in the middle. I would pass on it.

I have an I coloured EC in WG. Yes, I can see the tint, depending on the light source but I don't mind it. Just like eye clean varies from person to person, it is the same for warmth.

 

[Sarah_O]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-353401
Could be eye clean but you know as I do that ECs show everything. I've yet to see a non eye clean VS2 EC but who knows.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-357332
Big dead spot in the middle. I would pass on it.

I have an I coloured EC in WG. Yes, I can see the tint, depending on the light source but I don't mind it. Just like eye clean varies from person to person, it is the same for warmth.

I'm glad you've yet to see a non-eye clean VS2... that makes me feel a little better.

So far, in the running for the ASETs are these two:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-242565
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-353401

There's not another out there that I should take a chance on? So sad!

I know the tables all seem very deep for most of the options, but what about this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-425263

or this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.33-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-420590

 

[JulieN]

So far, in the running for the ASETs are these two:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-242565
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-353401

There's not another out there that I should take a chance on? So sad!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-425263

This one might be ok but I would take the chance on the H
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.33-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-420590

 

[Sarah_O]

So far, in the running for the ASETs are these two:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-242565
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-353401

There's not another out there that I should take a chance on? So sad!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-425263

This one might be ok but I would take the chance on the H
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.33-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-420590

Thanks, JulieN. I am taking a chance on the H, and then asking if they can make sure the one you suggested is eye clean before they go ahead with the ASET. Thanks for the suggestions and advice!

 

[JulieN]

Great, good luck, emeralds are hard to judge properly in JA's setup.

AND can you ask the gemologist to look at the stones in the E/W orientation, since that is how you will set it.

 

[Sarah_O]

Woohoo, got the ASETs... and JulieN, you were right -- that one is a stellar choice (353401).

Any opinions on 425263? I like it because it's a larger l:w ratio but don't want to sacrifice quality...

Is 353401 the clear winner?

Thanks to all who helped! (this is so exciting!)

 

[chrono]

Clear winner. Enough said. JA confirmed it is eye clean? From how many inches away?

 

[Sarah_O]

Clear winner. Enough said. JA confirmed it is eye clean? From how many inches away?

Ooh, excellent question, Chrono. They confirmed they are all eye clean but I don't know from how far. I will ask!

 

[Sarah_O]

Clear winner. Enough said. JA confirmed it is eye clean? From how many inches away?

Ooh, excellent question, Chrono. They confirmed they are all eye clean but I don't know from how far. I will ask!

Chrono -- they confirmed it eye clean at 8-10" away. Think that's reasonable? The other two don't have any visible inclusions that I saw but they apparently aren't as high performers! Argh, the compromises!

 

[Sarah_O]

Ok, so would you say 425263 is definitely a no-go? I like the fact that it's a wee bit bigger (7.33 in length vs 7.04) but certainly don't want to get a stone that is going to be a dud... JA also said that if these don't work I can work more closely with a gemologist to get what I want, but what I fear is that I want it all! And on a budget of $7K that's just not going to happen....

Any other thoughts?

 

[JulieN]

8"-10" is fine for people with normal vision.

I'm very near-sighted and I CAN see much closer, 3"-4" without my glasses, but that doesn't mean I want to... at that distance your head is blocking out all the light.

 

[Sarah_O]

8"-10" is fine for people with normal vision.

I'm very near-sighted and I CAN see much closer, 3"-4" without my glasses, but that doesn't mean I want to... at that distance your head is blocking out all the light.

Ha! Very true. In most cases it's entirely unnecessary to see that close. Just wanting to make sure that is still #1!

 

[chrono]

I would go for it. You are US based, right? If so, you can still return it within 30 days if you are eagle-eyed enough to see it and it bothers you. I'm thinking it should be eye clean.

 

[Sarah_O]

I would go for it. You are US based, right? If so, you can still return it within 30 days if you are eagle-eyed enough to see it and it bothers you. I'm thinking it should be eye clean.

I am US-based. I think I am going to pull the trigger on it.... I don't think the length difference is going to break me and I would rather have a stone that is deemed a "good" one rather than one that could be iffy, even if it is a bit bigger (and less expensive). I'll post some pics once it's all said and done!

 

[Gypsy]

The first and second are lovely. I would pick the one you like best from the videos. Personally, though, I prefer the G.

 

[Sarah_O]

The first and second are lovely. I would pick the one you like best from the videos. Personally, though, I prefer the G.

Thank you, Gypsy! I had really been hoping you'd see this thread and buy in. I've been stalking your EC posts and was wondering your opinion.... and I love your little tuxedo meow -- too cute!

Thanks to all for the wise counsel!

 

[Gypsy]

You are welcome! The ladies here took great care of you. And found you lovely stones.

I think you are going to be pleased.

Please come back when you have it and tell us what you think!

 

[Sarah_O]

You are welcome! The ladies here took great care of you. And found you lovely stones.

I think you are going to be pleased.

Please come back when you have it and tell us what you think!

I certainly will! Going through JA for the setting too, so I'll offer up an opinion on that once complete. So far so good.

Next up: wedding bands!