Need your advice to pick one as E-Ring

[danny42yu]

Hi everyone,

I have been in the market to looking for engagement ring to propose this year, and the more I looked, the more knowledge I learned during this searching process. Finally I have nailed down 2 interesting diamonds below, I understand both are different due to carat size and clarity, but could you advise which one you would choose? Unfortunately both online sellers cannot provide ASET or Ideal Scope images until diamond arrived to their store after I ordered.

1)

• 1.52 Carat Round Diamond
  
• H Color
• IF Clarity
  
• GIA XXX #6292232208
• Depth 61.6%
• Table 56%
• Crown Angle 34.5'
• Pavilion Angle 40.6'
• HCA Score 0.7
• $13,430 included 6 prong "Tiffany" like setting

2)

• 1.72 Carat Round Diamond
  
• G Color
  
• VS Clarity
  
• GIA XXX #7271994557
• Depth 61.6%
• Table 56%
• Crown Angle 35.5'
• Pavilion Angle 40.6'
• HCA Score 1.3
• $15,140 included 6 prong "Tiffany" like setting

Thank you so much!

 

[HappyNewLife]

if it were me, I'd put clarity last, as long as it's eye-clean. First would be cut (obv)/carat, then color as long as it's white. So, given all that, I'd go BIG/G of those two

But yeah, you really do need idealscope/ASET images to verify the cut

 

[AprilBaby]

Me too! Go big!

 

[ac117]

I'd definitely take the extra size and better color over IF clarity that will look the same (as long as completely eye clean)!

 

[farrahlyn]

i did some digging and found pictures of the two stones and definitely a hard decision. the 1.52 is a REALLY gorgeous stone and the price you were quoted WITH the setting is a really good price. (actually both are very well priced) the 1.72 is so much bigger though, it would make it a very difficult decision. The 1.72 is also a nice stone and the video and pic i found isn't the greatest so probably isnt doing it justice.

 

[skypie]

may I ask why these are your only 2 options? are you open to seeing more options?

 

[danny42yu]

i did some digging and found pictures of the two stones and definitely a hard decision. the 1.52 is a REALLY gorgeous stone and the price you were quoted WITH the setting is a really good price. (actually both are very well priced) the 1.72 is so much bigger though, it would make it a very difficult decision. The 1.72 is also a nice stone and the video and pic i found isn't the greatest so probably isnt doing it justice.

You are totally correct, IF clarity on 1.52 is just bonus on that price and the picture looks great. But for $1700 more, I can get 1.72 with ideal cut (at least on paper), that's make my decision really tough, and the only concern that I have is I can't do the justice on picture and video, also there's big cloud on the table as well, not sure will that affect lighting.

 

[danny42yu]

may I ask why these are your only 2 options? are you open to seeing more options?

I'm always open for more options, but these 2 really fit my budget and criteria (Ideal Cut, H Color or above, VS2 or above; 1.5 carat or more).

 

[sledge]

I'm uploading the GIA certs for others to see.

I definitely understand your concern. My first thoughts were the 1.72 is bigger and VS2 is typically good enough. I do see the clouds are grade setting (shown first on the report). They are fairly substantial, and the remarks indicate there are additional clouds. I'd like @rockysalamander or others to weigh in on this one, but I am spooked by this one -- especially given it's virtual inventory. Have you asked if their supplier can provide a VERBAL assessment of the clouds over the phone?




That said, here is a copy of the AGS proportions chart using the table, CA & PA to chart potential cut grade of each stone. The blue is the smaller 1.52ct and the black is the larger 1.72ct stone.

 

[danny42yu]

I'm uploading the GIA certs for others to see.

I definitely understand your concern. My first thoughts were the 1.72 is bigger and VS2 is typically good enough. I do see the clouds are grade setting (shown first on the report). They are fairly substantial, and the remarks indicate there are additional clouds. I'd like @rockysalamander or others to weigh in on this one, but I am spooked by this one -- especially given it's virtual inventory. Have you asked if their supplier can provide a VERBAL assessment of the clouds over the phone?




That said, here is a copy of the AGS proportions chart using the table, CA & PA to chart potential cut grade of each stone. The blue is the smaller 1.52ct and the black is the larger 1.72ct stone.

Unfortunately the "expert" from online retailer said they have to wait until the supplier to send diamond to their location in order to provide any assessment / ASET and Ideal Scope images. Do you think it is good idea to just order this 1.72ct first to get the assessment / ASET and Ideal Scope images, and if I don't like it I can cancel the order that that point? Thanks.

 

[rockysalamander]

How about something like this one? Gorgeous color and clarity. Great angles and looks lovely.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5289602

Less risk. Still plenty of room in your budget for a lovely setting.
{I recommend a speedy hold if you are considering this one}

 

[Matthews1127]

Unfortunately the "expert" from online retailer said they have to wait until the supplier to send diamond to their location in order to provide any assessment / ASET and Ideal Scope images. Do you think it is good idea to just order this 1.72ct first to get the assessment / ASET and Ideal Scope images, and if I don't like it I can cancel the order that that point? Thanks.

I would do exactly that to either rule the 1.72 out, or to include it in consideration.
Cloud inclusions can be very tricky, and it is wise to have them examined by a gemologist (stupid auto correct on my phone!!) to make sure that they do not obstruct or detract from the beauty of the stone.
Do you have a set deadline for your purchase?

 

[rockysalamander]

I would do exactly that to either rule the 1.72 out, or to include it in consideration.
Cloud inclusions can be very tricky, and it is wise to have them examined by a gym all a just to make sure that they do not obstruct or detract from the beauty of the stone.
Do you have a set deadline for your purchase?

My only hesitation is the quality of the vendor's gemologist on this specific issue. I'm not intending to disparage them, but everyone has a "view" or bias on these kinds of things. After we hear enough from a vendor, we can calibrate their eyes/opinion to ours. VS2 should be ok, but "additional clouds" and that many larger grade-setting clouds is always a "caution flag." That said, it could be amazing. But, if you have other equal options...I'd be cautious on this one.

 

[danny42yu]

How about something like this one? Gorgeous color and clarity. Great angles and looks lovely.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5289602

Less risk. Still plenty of room in your budget for a lovely setting.
{I recommend a speedy hold if you are considering this one}

Thanks for the suggestion, this diamond looks gorgeous, but the only downside for me is Strong Fluorescence. To be honest, I haven't expand my search for diamond that has fluorescence, but that's just my preference and I have no explanation why.

 

[danny42yu]

I would do exactly that to either rule the 1.72 out, or to include it in consideration.
Cloud inclusions can be very tricky, and it is wise to have them examined by a gemologist (stupid auto correct on my phone!!) to make sure that they do not obstruct or detract from the beauty of the stone.
Do you have a set deadline for your purchase?

I'm planning to purchase within next couple weeks, since i would like to propose before end of August.

 

[danny42yu]

Here is the similar diamond that I found on JA.

3)

• 1.72 Carat Round Diamond
  
• H Color
  
• VS1 Clarity
  
• GIA XXX #6282034698
• Depth 62.1%
• Table 57%
• Crown Angle 35'
• Pavilion Angle 40.8'
• HCA Score 1.7
• $14,920 included 6 prong setting

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5306502

Do you guys think this is better than no.2? One grade lower for Color, but one grade higher for Clarity and no cloud on the table.

 

[rockysalamander]

Nice find. Put it on hold and ask for an IS.

 

[danny42yu]

Nice find. Put it on hold and ask for an IS.

Just spoke to gemologist from JA, she said IS or ASET is not available They will provide images until diamond arrived to their store after I ordered.

I did put it on hold btw.

 

[sledge]

How about something like this one? Gorgeous color and clarity. Great angles and looks lovely.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5289602

Less risk. Still plenty of room in your budget for a lovely setting.
{I recommend a speedy hold if you are considering this one}

Thanks for the suggestion, this diamond looks gorgeous, but the only downside for me is Strong Fluorescence. To be honest, I haven't expand my search for diamond that has fluorescence, but that's just my preference and I have no explanation why.

Wow, love the E color and VS2 clarity. Think it's worth a look. If cut well, then fluor isn't bad. FYI, looks like this one has good angles and potential to be an ideal cut. ASET, IS and H&A images from JA would confirm.

More info on fluor (can be positive when cut right):
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavins-blue-diamonds-with-fluorescence/

My only hesitation is the quality of the vendor's gemologist on this specific issue. I'm not intending to disparage them, but everyone has a "view" or bias on these kinds of things. After we hear enough from a vendor, we can calibrate their eyes/opinion to ours. VS2 should be ok, but "additional clouds" and that many larger grade-setting clouds is always a "caution flag." That said, it could be amazing. But, if you have other equal options...I'd be cautious on this one.

Thank you @rockysalamander. I shuttered when I saw the clouds. Glad I wasn't the only one that thought this.

Here is the similar diamond that I found on JA.

3)

• 1.72 Carat Round Diamond
  
• H Color
  
• VS1 Clarity
  
• GIA XXX #6282034698
• Depth 62.1%
• Table 57%
• Crown Angle 35'
• Pavilion Angle 40.8'
• HCA Score 1.7
• $14,920 included 6 prong setting

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5306502

Do you guys think this is better than no.2? One grade lower for Color, but one grade higher for Clarity and no cloud on the table.

Nice find. Put it on hold and ask for an IS.

Just spoke to gemologist from JA, she said IS or ASET is not available They will provide images until diamond arrived to their store after I ordered.

I did put it on hold btw.

Very nice find. And a good price to boot. What's their policy if you order and they provide the images and you don't like it? Can you cancel the order without penalty? Also, how long will it take them to get the stone, and images so you can make a decision? Asking because if you decide to reject the stone, you will need time to find another and hit your 3 week deadline.

By the way, here is the AGS proportion chart on this one. Again, this is potential cut grade, and not guaranteed.

 

[sledge]

If you want a super ideal option, here is a 1.51ct H SI1 from BGD. Keep in mind, with a super ideal you it will face up a little whiter and larger due to the superb cut. Only downside I can see is it's an SI1 clarity as opposed to your VS2+ clarity you seem to like. But, this stone is in-stock @ BGD and Lesley can evaluate and confirm eye clean (although there is an eye clean image on the website). This has full documentation proving performance.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ls/1.512-h-si2-round-diamond-ags-104093051006

 

[Matthews1127]

More suggestions:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-1466947.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3997098.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3784275.htm

 

[Matthews1127]

WF has excellent return/upgrade policies.
The diamonds I posted are super-ideals with optimal cut for maximum performance, with beautiful spread. I believe only one steps out of your color range by 1 color grade, and super-ideals do not show color, easily, so you should be safe with an I or J.
If any of these appeal to you, reach out to WF, ASAP-they will get snatched up fast!

 

[danny42yu]

Wow, love the E color and VS2 clarity. Think it's worth a look. If cut well, then fluor isn't bad. FYI, looks like this one has good angles and potential to be an ideal cut. ASET, IS and H&A images from JA would confirm.

More info on fluor (can be positive when cut right):
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavins-blue-diamonds-with-fluorescence/






Thank you @rockysalamander. I shuttered when I saw the clouds. Glad I wasn't the only one that thought this.






Very nice find. And a good price to boot. What's their policy if you order and they provide the images and you don't like it? Can you cancel the order without penalty? Also, how long will it take them to get the stone, and images so you can make a decision? Asking because if you decide to reject the stone, you will need time to find another and hit your 3 week deadline.

By the way, here is the AGS proportion chart on this one. Again, this is potential cut grade, and not guaranteed.

Thank you so much for your detail response, this is really helpful.
I checked with JA and their return policy, I can cancel my order if I don't like the images and there's no penalty, but if the stone is located oversea, it could take up to 10 days to get imaged.

- Do you think #3) is better than #2)? It seems like #3 has less risk when compare to #2.

Also I did more research about the JA diamond that @rockysalamander suggested, and your comment about fluor, it could be a steal if it cuts right, so I have requested ASET/Ideal Scope images from JA, hopefully I will get it today.

 

[danny42yu]

Here is the Ideal Scope image for JA 1.61 Carat E-VS2.



What do you guys think?

 

[Matthews1127]

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.595-g-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104087126005

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.548-i-vvs2-round-diamond-bfg-785490

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.547-i-vs1-round-diamond-bfg-785491

 

[Matthews1127]

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10054

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10040

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10130

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10056

 

[danny42yu]

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10054

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10040

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10130

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10056

Thanks @Matthews1127 , at this point I'm sticking with the H+ Color & V2+ Clarity for now.

What do you think about these 2?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5306502
or
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5289602

 

[Matthews1127]

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.595-g-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104087126005

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.548-i-vvs2-round-diamond-bfg-785490

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.547-i-vs1-round-diamond-bfg-785491

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10054

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10040

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10130

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10056

All of these are super-ideals. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Your budget determines which one you choose....all of them are superb!!!

 

[Matthews1127]

JA 1.72HVS1:



JA 1.61EVS2:

 

[ringo865]

The idealscope on the JA 1.61 E VS2 looks OKAY - not super ideal, but better than many. Certainly in the running if you don't want an ACA from Whiteflash or a signature (or black) from Brian Gavin, or CBI from High performance diamonds.

The E will make it super white, and it's a nice size. I'll let more seasoned eyes weigh in on your other options.