need help with choosing Princess cut diamond - James Allen

[totoroto]

I need help deciding on a diamond from James Allen site. I have done some basic research so I know about avoiding extreme girdles, table, depth percentage and so on. I am basically looking for a good princess cut diamond H or I, 1.5-1.8 carat, VS1 - Si1, True Hearts - Ideal.

Now I have narrowed down to the selections below and I have a question regarding the dark, black spots showing inside of the diamonds. If one diamond has more darker facets, does that mean that the lights are not being reflected properly? If it has less dark facets, does that mean the diamond is more dull? (less sparkling)

Any of them below good diamonds for the price? I am not looking to spend more than 10K. Also I realize that James Allen will only provide Ideal Scope images for up to two diamonds per customer, so I will get them once I decide on final two. Thank you so much in helping me choose.


1. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-361540 - 9350

2. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.52-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-368148 - 8150

3. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-355776 - 8060

4. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.57-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-226165 - 8160

5. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.60-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-372809 - 8950

6. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-361440 - 9280

7. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.54-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-369904 - 9540

 

[JulieN]

Re: need help with choosing Princess cut diamond - James All

1,3,6,7

Usually they will do ASETs for up to 3 stones, but the ones with AGS reports already have them.

 

[LADiamondHunting]

Re: need help with choosing Princess cut diamond - James All

I would check out Brian Gavin Diamonds and Whiteflash (either Brian Gavin Signature or Whiteflash ACA). They have numerous options in your price range. If you stick with JA, No 1 all the way. Another option if you prefer a GIA certified stone that performs good would be to call Good Old Gold and have them source and analyze - they are amazing (just did this and ended up buying with them). The advantage of Brian Gavin or Whiteflash is those stones have AGS certs and AGS premium certs which show light performance and contain the ASET for you to see. I think they offer a nice "security blanket" and I would not hesitate to use either.

 

[totoroto]

Re: need help with choosing Princess cut diamond - James All

Well options 3 and 7 are AGS certified so they do have ASET images. As for the comparison, the 7 looks to show more red areas than the 3. How are these ASET images? Are they ok, good, or excellent? Thank you.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: need help with choosing Princess cut diamond - James All

I would choose from one of these three stones, which have been assessed by AGS to have 'Ideal' light performance.

These stones also have the Idealscope and ASET images available, so you can make an informed decision.

1.552ct, G, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3062367.htm

1.551ct, H, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3062363.htm

1.534ct, H, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3052151.htm

 

[totoroto]

Re: need help with choosing Princess cut diamond - James All

So I contacted JA to get ASET images for:


1. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-361540 - 9350 = they could't get ASET image since it is not "inhouse"

6. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-361440 - 9280


and two others JA recommended.

10. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-371090



11. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.57-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-218044



Now regarding these three diamonds, this is what JA had to say.


"You'll be happy to know that our gemologist has inspected your diamonds and found diamond 371090 to have excellent light performance! It has a higher/whiter "H" color, which is close to being a "G," and appears completely eye clean. It's the gemologist's favorite and comes highly recommended.
Diamond 218044 is very bright and lively as well and ranks a strong second for light performance. As expected, it's eye clean and has a true "I" color, which appears white. It's a beautiful option as well and is also a great recommendation. Diamond 361440 ranks as your third brightest, and is very bright and fiery in its own right. It offers a true "H" color and is completely eye clean.
As you can see, all three of your diamonds are great options and will look fantastic mounted in any setting. You can feel good about moving forward with any of them, but I encourage to consider diamond 371090 since it has the best fire, brilliance, and scintillation of the bunch."

Not sure if I should go with the selection recommended by JA. All three ASET images look more or less similar to my newbie eyes.

 

[JulieN]

Re: need help with choosing Princess cut diamond - James All

7