Input Needed - 0.9 Ct Stone

[Wallyhenry]

Hi All,

I have finally made the decision to ask the question some weeks ago . Since then I've been taking her to some mall diamond stores with the excuse of "I'm here to look for a fancy watch but since we are here we might as well check out some rings just for fun". I'm not sure she's believing the whole watch thing but I will save that for a different discussion...

Based on her input from a few designs that we looked at I pretty much made up my mind on the band design I'm going for. I short listed a few good jewellers in the city that can custom make the ring based on my specifications. Here is the ring design I'm going for.... I'll be going for platinum but still debating between 4 or 6 claw design and 0.2 vs. 0.36 ct for the band F-G VS+.... I would like your thoughts about the claw number and stone quality/quantity for the band...

Now to the big elephant in the room - the centre stone... I've been searching for the perfect centre stone for a while... got some quotes from jewellers and checked out blue nile... I prefer buying the stone from the same jeweller that will design the band for warranty purposes (one jeweller would guarantee to replace the stone if it got chipped or if there is something wrong with the setting). But if shopping online will save me a few hundred bucks I will consider .

I'm looking for something in the 0.9 ct range (of course larger is better). My criteria for my search are D-G, VS+, ideal cut. D 58-62, T 53-58 (based on input from a jeweller).

I narrowed down the choices based on HCA rating (<2) but need some input on whether these are good stones and good value. So far I only checked blue nile and tabulated the data with most notable features based on GIA. Let me know your thoughts about the diamonds below and whether you can suggest something better:

LD09284001 RD Ideal E VS1 1 61.4 55 Excellent Excellent None None M-STHK 6.20-6.23x3.82 0.6 crystal, feather, pinpoint 7261518746 https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09284001

LD08371807 0.91 RD Ideal G VVS1 1.01 60.7 57 Excellent Excellent None None THN-MD 6.26-6.30x3.81 0.9 pinpoint, surface graining 1182098322 bigger spread https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD08371807

LD09029354 C$7,067.00 0.9 RD Ideal E VS1 1.01 61.4 55 Excellent Excellent None None M-STHK 6.19-6.23x3.81 1 pinpoint, feather 1182549601 https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09029354

Thanks in advance for all your input!

 

[Wallyhenry]

Doesn't look like the band images uploaded on my original post

 

[rockysalamander]

Looking through yours, I found these. I like the numbers on these two a bit better and that they have a video. You'll want to ask for Ideal-scopes (IS) for any you elect to pursue, but hang out while others see if they can find other options for you. Both are bigger than .9.

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09148349

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09113959 {strong blue florescence, have an opinion on that?}

On the setting, did your GF pick that setting? Were there any others she liked? I only ask to see what we can find from BN that is similar.

Same, without a scarf. https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-y...num_44723?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample

Can you give us your budget (ring + setting), not accounting for tax or import?

 

[rockysalamander]

Unless there is an advantage to buying from BN, here is super-ideals in your budget.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3876765.htm

 

[Matthews1127]

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09284001


https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD08371807


https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09029354


Each fall into great HCA Scale range. Not so certain about the GIA Clarity reports for each, since you can't see each diamond; all you see is a sample image. You truly need video, ASET & IS, when selecting diamonds online. Sometimes, it's best to SEE them up close & personal to make an informed decision. You may want to find out if you can have any of these (or any others posted by others that may pique your curiosity) sent to you for naked eye examination.
Knowing your budget for the diamond is helpful for me to assist you, if you'd like another option. I love the setting, and I'm more than happy to help you find a setting like it with another vendor, if you find a diamond, elsewhere, and want to purchase both through the same vendor. What is your budget for the setting?

 

[Matthews1127]

Here are some suggestions:

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-24339

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/1_04-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-1312025

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-1840696

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-1695530

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-24710

All are at Whiteflash. All were within your requested perimeters...all under $8,000 (just guessed from your posts)....

 

[Wallyhenry]

Looking through yours, I found these. I like the numbers on these two a bit better and that they have a video. You'll want to ask for Ideal-scopes (IS) for any you elect to pursue, but hang out while others see if they can find other options for you. Both are bigger than .9.

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09148349

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09113959 {strong blue florescence, have an opinion on that?}

I like the size upgrade on these 2 options. I'm a fan of the price point on the 1.02 ct though I'm not sure how she would feel about the strong fluorescence (we never discussed it). Can I request the ideal-scopes for those stones from BN?

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-y...num_44723?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample[/URL]

The price of the pave band on BN is very close to what the jeweller quoted me for a custom ring (jeweller was $200 more), so likely I will go with a custom for the design flexibility. I also looked at other designs that I thought would look nice. Like the ones shown.Thinking I might combine the tapered band with half-round diamond with a crown that is lined with diamonds like the pictures below to maintain a lower profile for the ring which is big for her.

 

[Wallyhenry]

Can you give us your budget (ring + setting), not accounting for tax or import?

Approx. $7000 all in. With $1500 going into the setting, that leaves me with $5500 for the centre stone, I can add another few hundred bucks for the centre stone if its worth it.

 

[rockysalamander]

Have a look at the suggestions and see if you can give us some feedback.

Whiteflash will have superb performance, but generally cost a bit more than BN. With BN, I posted a few that are worth pursuing.


For the Setting, just be aware that going full custom is fraught with difficult. Really. Its hard even for us experienced gem buyers. Buying a stock setting is a known. We'll keep posting options and you can make your own choice.

If you like the WF options, this setting plus milgrain is the same at the one on the cactus.
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm

BN has one too.
https://www.bluenile.com/nz/build-y...old_20305?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample

 

[Wallyhenry]

Here are some suggestions:

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-24339

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/1_04-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-1312025

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-1840696

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-1695530

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-24710

All are at Whiteflash. All were within your requested perimeters...all under $8,000 (just guessed from your posts)....

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09284001


https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD08371807


https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09029354


Each fall into great HCA Scale range. Not so certain about the GIA Clarity reports for each, since you can't see each diamond; all you see is a sample image. You truly need video, ASET & IS, when selecting diamonds online. Sometimes, it's best to SEE them up close & personal to make an informed decision. You may want to find out if you can have any of these (or any others posted by others that may pique your curiosity) sent to you for naked eye examination.
Knowing your budget for the diamond is helpful for me to assist you, if you'd like another option. I love the setting, and I'm more than happy to help you find a setting like it with another vendor, if you find a diamond, elsewhere, and want to purchase both through the same vendor. What is your budget for the setting?

I agree that it is hard to make a decision between the 3. I shortlisted them based on their HCA rating. The only difference between the 3 is for LD08371807 there is a bigger spread (6.26 mm as opposed to 6.20 mm on the others). Is that more visually appealing?

 

[Wallyhenry]

Here are some suggestions:

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-24339

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/1_04-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-1312025

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-1840696

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-1695530

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_92-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-24710

All are at Whiteflash. All were within your requested perimeters...all under $8,000 (just guessed from your posts)....

I'm trying to keep the budget for the centre stone at $5500 ($6000 if upgrade is worth it)

 

[Matthews1127]

This is what I found in ideal Cut range in your budget listed above ($5,500-$6,000)

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_83-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-3571671

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_84-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-3571698

None found 0.90+Ct. within your budget in AGS000.
Let me ask you this: which of the 4 C's is your top priority?

 

[Crazie4Cuts]

Hi,
Are you pretty set on getting a diamond at Bluenile? I looked at another site that offers videos on their diamonds and for some have Ideal scope image and Heart image.. so I thought I put this out there for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3105980 HCA: 1.4 ($5200 USD)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-e-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2869887 HCA: .8 ($6,610 USD, out of budget, but one can ask for the advantage pricing at James Allen and others have received a 'discount' on their purchase, so will bring your cost closer to budget) but it is E color and AGS certed, you will see the ASET image in the cert.

-C4C

 

[rockysalamander]

@Wallyhenry
I'm in the US, but I've gathered from other Canadians that because BN has locations in Canada, you can pay in Canadian at the bottom of thi s message is what they say about taxes (confirm with them directly yourself, ok?). So, I'm going to post a few more BNs adjusted to your budget.

CAD$7129, 1.0, 6.37 mm, G VS2, https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09320373 (this is very similar in proportions to the .9s you found, but you gain a bit of size this way.)
CAD $5625, .91 ct, 6.23 mm, E, VS2 https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD8664323 ** medium flour. but I love the chubby arrows. I like this better than your .9s for the cut and the angles. It should be more fiery.

Color=H
https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD08972955 (1.03 H VS2, $7265, 6.45 mm)


"When shipping to Canada, we collect sales tax. Some of our jewellery items will also have duties applied. Taxes and any applicable duties will be collected by us at the time of checkout and there will be nothing further owed upon delivery. The taxes will not be included in the listed price as it will vary based on the province of the shipping address. Once you've entered your shipping information at checkout, the taxes will be added to the order."

 

[Wallyhenry]

This is what I found in ideal Cut range in your budget listed above ($5,500-$6,000)

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_83-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-3571671

https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/round/0_84-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-3571698

None found 0.90+Ct. within your budget in AGS000.
Let me ask you this: which of the 4 C's is your top priority?

I like the idea of going larger on the ct (producing a bigger spread on the surface) so it looks bigger on a ring.

 

[Wallyhenry]

@Wallyhenry
I'm in the US, but I've gathered from other Canadians that because BN has locations in Canada, you can pay in Canadian at the bottom of thi s message is what they say about taxes (confirm with them directly yourself, ok?). So, I'm going to post a few more BNs adjusted to your budget.

CAD$7129, 1.0, 6.37 mm, G VS2, https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09320373 (this is very similar in proportions to the .9s you found, but you gain a bit of size this way.)
CAD $5625, .91 ct, 6.23 mm, E, VS2 https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD8664323 ** medium flour. but I love the chubby arrows. I like this better than your .9s for the cut and the angles. It should be more fiery.

Color=H
https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD08972955 (1.03 H VS2, $7265, 6.45 mm)


"When shipping to Canada, we collect sales tax. Some of our jewellery items will also have duties applied. Taxes and any applicable duties will be collected by us at the time of checkout and there will be nothing further owed upon delivery. The taxes will not be included in the listed price as it will vary based on the province of the shipping address. Once you've entered your shipping information at checkout, the taxes will be added to the order."

Thanks for making a note of the BN billing policy! I checked with them and yes, they do charge directly in CAD$ eliminating the hassle of conversions (which saves me an extra 2.5% charge for currency conversions on my credit card).

 

[Wallyhenry]

Hi,
Are you pretty set on getting a diamond at Bluenile? I looked at another site that offers videos on their diamonds and for some have Ideal scope image and Heart image.. so I thought I put this out there for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3105980 HCA: 1.4 ($5200 USD)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-e-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2869887 HCA: .8 ($6,610 USD, out of budget, but one can ask for the advantage pricing at James Allen and others have received a 'discount' on their purchase, so will bring your cost closer to budget) but it is E color and AGS certed, you will see the ASET image in the cert.

-C4C

Thanks! I'm not set on Bluenile as long as the other vendors bill me directly in CAD$ (I'm in Canada) to avoid conversions and 2.5% charge on my credit card for the currency exchange.

 

[Wallyhenry]

Thank you all for the input. Based on your suggestions I shortlisted a few stones and widened up my search parameters to try to get a larger stone... The one eliminated is also below with thought process for elimination (let me know if you agree).

So far my preference is the 1ct GVS2. Would appreciate your thoughts on the symmetry.

1 Ct:

LD9113959 C$7,396
1.02 RD Ideal F VS2 1 62 56 Excellent Excellent None Strong Blue M-STCHK 6.41-6.44x3.99 HCA:1.3 crystals, pinpoint, internal graining and surface graining
https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09113959

seems great except for the strong blue fluorescence (though the BN person mentioned there were notes for this one that it is eye-clean with no milkiness)

LD09320373 C$7,129
1 RD Ideal G VS2 1.01 61.8 56 Excellent Very Good None None M-STCHK 6.37-6.45x3.96 HCA:0.8 crystal, pinpoint, feather - diagram 3265595038
https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09320373

So far I'm leaning towards this 1 ct G VS2. Do you think a symmetry of "very good" would affect the sparkle of the diamond?


0.9 Ct :
LD08371807 C$7389
0.91 RD Ideal G VVS1 1.01 60.7 57 Excellent Excellent None None THN-MD 6.26-6.30x3.81 HCA:0.9 pinpoint, surface graining 1182098322 bigger spread https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD08371807

LD09029354 C$7,067.00
0.9 RD Ideal E VS1 1.01 61.4 55 Excellent Excellent None None M-STHK 6.19-6.23x3.81 HCA:1 pinpoint, feather 1182549601 https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09029354

3053701 C$6,165
0.9 RD G VS2 1 61.3 57 Excellent Excellent C,P,S None None M-STHK 6.17-6.20x3.8 HCA:0.9 feather, crystal 7251806541
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3053701

Eliminated (due to crystal that might show on all facets): LD09284001 RD Ideal E VS1 1 61.4 55 Excellent Excellent None None M-STHK 6.20-6.23x3.82 HCA:0.6 crystal, feather, pinpoint 7261518746 https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09284001

 

[Matthews1127]

@Wallyhenry,
Just keep in mind that not all 1+Ct diamonds LOOK their size, and some UNDER 1ct diamonds LOOK 1+Ct. The cut & spread will maximize the size & appearance of any stone. Symmetry is a factor in the cut of a diamond. Just keep that in mind, if size is a major priority.

 

[rockysalamander]

LD9113959 C$7,396m Two black inclusions would bother me, but if you have to have dark inclusions, these are well-placed. (I am, admittedly, very sensitive to inclusions...probably much more than others).

The
LD09320373 - Worth investigation further. The symmetry does seem to affect the flashes in the center, but an ASET (or IS) and heart&arrows view would really be helpful.

All of the rest have very low crown angles that seem to affect performance. I'd like to hear others thoughts, but these didn't sing to me.

 

[Wallyhenry]

Thanks @Matthews1127 and @rockysalamander for the opinions. I decided to eliminate both stones - LD9113959 because I'm concerned with the strong fluorescence (along with black inclusions) and my jeweller suggested I steer away and LD09320373 sounds like it may be problematic without perfect symmetry (its also not available anymore).

I asked a few bluenile reps for ASET or IS & hearts and arrows images. They mentioned they're not equipped to do those on their stones so I would have to rely on their 360s if I'm buying from them.

Considering my budget, I decided to downgrade color down to H. Do you think H is a huge sacrifice on color? I was originally looking for D-G.

What do you think of these 2 stones:

1.06 H VVS1 https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09151070?track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

1.02 G VS2 http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.020-g-vs2-round-diamond-gia-83527414

I got a modified quote from the jeweller for the custom band I wanted. Their quote went up by $1500 because of the work required for the diamond decorations on the claws/crown . Way out of my budget atm so will have to go back to the board on the ring design.

 

[mco312]

I would not hesitate to buy an H-colored diamond. I think an H-colored diamond faces up very white, especially if it is beautifully cut. That being said, you should make sure your girlfriend wouldn't mind an H-colored diamond.

 

[Wallyhenry]

We just reviewed photos of rings she tried on when we were window shopping at Tiffany's, she tried a 0.92 H beside a 0.61 F. Before she saw the picture she said she doesn't like yellow tint in diamonds, but then she said the H in the photo looked good. I think she was more in love with the sparkle though... She could definitely notice the yellow in the larger stone when I showed her the side by side picture

 

[rockysalamander]

1) Dropping to an H seems wise if you are shooting to raise the size (in mm).

2) I would not be willing to buy a diamond without imagry, unless you are totally prepared to ship the stones back and forth (which may be difficult from Canada). So, at BN, that largely limits you to their new "astor" line which did not suit your budget. If that is BN's position, I would start looking elsewhere. If I were to consider sight-unsee, I'd want it AGS0 and well within ideal proportions.

3) 1.06 H VVS1 looks ok, but there is something going on with the arrows at 11 and 12. Unless other feel more positive, not proportions I'd buy unseen. 1.02 G VS2 BGD - can you request the GIA report (or number).

4) Can you post inspiration pics for the setting. Going custom is often not the best pathway for someone new to jewelry and we may be able to find a setting that suits or can be semi-customized to make it suit what you want. Are the two Tiffany rings in your picture above what she wants?

Its tough to get over 1 carat with the high clarity + H, so here are a few to consider that have images we can see and evaluate that play with your criteria (including some really clean SI1s and some I color stones). Have a look and give some feedback on these. I think it will require some consideration of which of color, clarity and cost are the most important. If we can get an eye-clean SI1, does that work? In a super-ideal with the right setting, the color should be indistinguishable (even down to a J), is that a good balance? Do you want to add more to budget? You started with .9 and then raised to cover 1 c, is this critical?

0.922 H VS2 6.23 mm ExpertSelection https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3520058.htm {tiny inclusions on the table that will be eye-clean}

0.905 F SI1 6.2 mm ACA: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793657.htm {high color works well on SI1 to make clear/white inclusion much more invisible)

1.03 I VS1, 6.41 mm ACA https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3880981.htm

1.06 I VS2 TrueHearts 6.57 mm https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2845875

1.05 I VS1 TrueHearts 6.52 mm https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2602964

1.033 I VS2 TrueHearts 6.47 mm https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2359328