Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help!!!!

[onlyincali]

First of all, thanks for letting me on this great forum. I've spent DAYS researching my first diamond purchase and doing my best to price shop some large online retailers. I still feel overwhelmed and intimidated... My research has ended with the following three stones (which I will be having sent to me, in hopes of liking one). They are all a little different, I just wanted to stay in the $4000-$5000 range for the stone only. Can you PLEASE look and tell me what you think? Should I be looking at something else in this price range? Are any of these three great stones? Are any poor choices? Anything better out there for my budget of $4k-5k? Open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!!!!!!


Cost $5030
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-318779


Cost $4120
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-382037


Cost $4328
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD04456592?keyword_search_value=LD04456592 (scroll to the bottom to see actual stone)

 

[JulieN]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

I don't like the first one. It has a really flat crown.
The second stone from JA is an AGS 0, so that's good.

I would probably ask for reviews on:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-348268
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-373147
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-382013

Pick 3 and ask for a gemologist to review.

 

[tyty333]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

I don't like the first one. It has a really flat crown.
The second stone from JA is an AGS 0, so that's good.

I would probably ask for reviews on:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-348268
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-373147

This would be my favorite off all six of the stones posted so far.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-382013

Pick 3 and ask for a gemologist to review.

 

[onlyincali]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

A local gemologist or do I send them somewhere? how does that process work and what sort of answer am I looking for? Cost to do so? please excuse my ignorance.

JulieN and Tyty333- why are the first two stones you guys suggested even considerations against the 2nd and 3rd stones I chose(the JA true hearts and the blue Nile sig ideal)? Both of those stones look worse on paper than the stones I chose (ie- one is not ideal cut and the polish/symmetry are only very good, the other is ideal cut but with an ags cut score of 1, compared to my JA which scored all 0's?what am I overlooking? again, thank you kindly for any knowledge you can share!

Tyty333- what makes you choose the above diamond over the second James Allen ags0 stone that I posted? they both look similar on paper to me. thank you both for the replies! Hoping to learn a little.

 

[Niel]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

A local gemologist or do I send them somewhere? how does that process work and what sort of answer am I looking for? Cost to do so? please excuse my ignorance.

JulieN and Tyty333- why are the first two stones you guys suggested even considerations against the 2nd and 3rd stones I chose(the JA true hearts and the blue Nile sig ideal)? Both of those stones look worse on paper than the stones I chose (ie- one is not ideal cut and the polish/symmetry are only very good, the other is ideal cut but with an ags cut score of 1, compared to my JA which scored all 0's?what am I overlooking? again, thank you kindly for any knowledge you can share!

Tyty333- what makes you choose the above diamond over the second James Allen ags0 stone that I posted? they both look similar on paper to me. thank you both for the replies! Hoping to learn a little.

Oh you don't have to send them anywhere. If you ask a service rep at JA, they will reserve 3 stones for you, get asets and have one of their own gemologists review the stones and tell you which they prefer.

 

[Niel]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

I don't like the first one. It has a really flat crown.
The second stone from JA is an AGS 0, so that's good.

I would probably ask for reviews on:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-348268
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-373147

This would be my favorite off all six of the stones posted so far.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-382013

Pick 3 and ask for a gemologist to review.

Ditto. Love the last one. That is an AGs0

 

[JulieN]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

I didn't realize the first one I suggested is not an AGS 0. The ASET looks strong, and the price is good for an H, but I can understand if you want to skip this one.

 

[two_little_birds]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

YES to the AGS 0 one (last one).

 

[LADiamondHunting]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

Okay, 382013 the AGS0 - the fact that you found an AGS0 that is in the 73/70 ballpark is AWESOME! Means you want lose size to get a gorgeous looking stone. The main issue with AGS0 stones in my mind is the size loss - this solves the problem!! Congrats, you found a gem and should be extremely happy! Congrats to the lucky lady who will receive this beauty!

 

[onlyincali]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

How is the AGS 0 stone that you guys are all impressed with any different or better than the one I found below?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-382037


PleAse don't take that question as me being rude, I'm honestly curious and trying to learn. I'm all ears...

 

[Niel]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

How is the AGS 0 stone that you guys are all impressed with any different or better than the one I found below?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-382037


PleAse don't take that question as me being rude, I'm honestly curious and trying to learn. I'm all ears...

Its more square if you notice the proportions, plus the fact the other one has fewer chevrons makes it my favorite.

 

[tyty333]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

A local gemologist or do I send them somewhere? how does that process work and what sort of answer am I looking for? Cost to do so? please excuse my ignorance.

JulieN and Tyty333- why are the first two stones you guys suggested even considerations against the 2nd and 3rd stones I chose(the JA true hearts and the blue Nile sig ideal)? Both of those stones look worse on paper than the stones I chose (ie- one is not ideal cut and the polish/symmetry are only very good, the other is ideal cut but with an ags cut score of 1, compared to my JA which scored all 0's?what am I overlooking? again, thank you kindly for any knowledge you can share!

Tyty333- what makes you choose the above diamond over the second James Allen ags0 stone that I posted? they both look similar on paper to me. thank you both for the replies! Hoping to learn a little.
It's the faceting pattern and the crispness of the facets. As you rotate the stone you can see the facets stay crisp (don't get
blurry). It should have a nice aset image.

The second stone you picked (the JA true hearts) is a nice stone but it's too busy for me (personal preference). The stone that
I liked (that JulieN pointed out) has bigger but fewer facets (has to do with the number of pavilions on the back of the stone.)
Nothing wrong with the second stone though!

oH, and the BuleNile stone...I saw no picture of the stone on the BN page so I couldnt evaluate it.

You can't buy fancy cut stones by the paper/numbers. Although AGS000 certainly helps but I'm talking GIA. The faceting
pattern and light return outrank polish and symmetry (IMO). You have to find the faceting pattern that is most pleasing to
your (or your GF's) eyes. I have read on the boards that cutters only spend time to create excellent polish and symmetry
on stones that are really worth it so take that for what it's worth.

 

[onlyincali]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

Thank you guys/gals SOOO much!!! Please bear with me as I'm super excited but also very overwhelmed!

1. Gemologist review- What exactly am I asking for? Do I just say "hey, can you please have the gemologist look at this stone?" I understand doing this with an SI clarity stone to have them look for visible inclusions....but what am I having them look for with an AGS 000 stone? What kind of response am I looking for?

2. ASET image (or another type?)- Should I ask for this on any stone? Is this what the colored picture is on the AGS report or is this different?

3. Chevrons- Is there a "perfect amount" or is it all personal preference? Will more or less make the stone "pop" or catch people's attention?

Thank you guys again!!!

 

[onlyincali]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

edit- I also just tried to request an ASET from JA of a true hearts diamond and was told "you don't need an ASET on an ideal cut diamond". Is this true?

 

[JulieN]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

It already has an ASET on the report. Its the first time I've heard them say that, but they maybe very busy now; I can understand right before the holidays, to deny ASET requests for princesses that already come with AGS reports with ASETs.

You need to pick 3 before you ask for a review. And you only get to pick 3. I don't care if they don't give you ASETs for ones that are already AGS light performance graded. What is important is that a human pair of eyes checks the diamond before you buy it.

What are the 2 Cs you are trying to maximize? color, carat, cost, clarity? I get too many to sift through if I just filter 1 ct I SI1 <5000.

 

[onlyincali]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

Will a human inspect it automatically when I choose my 3 diamonds or will I request that in addition to the ASET? What am I expecting them to say other than "this is a really nice diamond!" Again, I'm not being sarcastic...honestly curious what kind of inspection review I should expect to hear and how I go about requesting it.

Thanks and sorry for all the really stupid questions. I thought I did good with all my research...only to find out I still know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

 

[JulieN]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

Email or chat with customer service. Tell them you want to put these 3 diamonds on hold, and then ask for a gemologist to evaluate them. If you ask for ASETs, I believe a gemologist will automatically review them.

They will not say "this is a nice diamond." They will go over everything about it with you.

Now, please tell me what characteristics you would like to maximize, besides cut?

 

[onlyincali]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

Thank you so much for all the replies!

I know I want vs2 or better and I'm fine with color I. Obviously the bigger the better but my budget is only 4-5k and I will be happy with 1 karat or bigger. That's about all I know I want other than, the more sparkly the better. She loves shiny, sparkly stones.
Thanks for any suggestions! They are holding the above AGSO diamond you guys suggested and are waiting for me to request two more stones before getting aset images. They sAid they'll hold it until tomorrow.
Sincerely, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

 

[JulieN]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

I also like this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-394150

 

[onlyincali]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

Awesome! I'm now looking for that 3rd and final stone to have analyzed! Thanks again for all of your help!!!!!!

 

[onlyincali]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

.....

 

[onlyincali]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

Ugh! I just made the mistake of looking at Whiteflash because someone mentioned their upgrade policy. It seems like a very nice benefit to be able to upgrade at anytime without having to spend DOUBLE, like JA and Bluenile. Are the Whiteflash "A CUT ABOVE" stones as good as the one's we've been looking at? Same class of diamonds or lesser?

If Whiteflash is recommended.... Can someone PRETTY PLEASE look at this short list of stones from them that are in my price range?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=2940067,2959558,3208942,2988893,3052156

 

[JulieN]

Re: Narrowed it down to these 3 Princess cut diamonds...help

James Allen has an upgrade policy: you have to spend 2x the original purchase price. This should be fine for most people with your budget, its not so great for people buying 2 ct 25K rocks. Its hardly worth it in your case to just upgrade to something like 7000-8000 because the size difference is not going to be that noticeable, and it would be less hassle to maybe save a little more and increase your budget.

Usually people go with the vendor that has the setting they want.

You could go with this one for the third stone: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-394148
I still like the other two I picked at first, as well.

From WF, I would inquire about these: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=2940067,2959558,3208942,3052156