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Please Help me Pick a Diamond- Need Assistance :-)

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acm0926

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Messages
12
Hello,

First time posting here! I'm having trouble deciding between these two diamonds from James Allen:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...ellent-cut-sku-3341000?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=jo

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2742631

I realize that the first one has an HCA score of "Very Good," while the second (1.4 carat) has an "Excellent" score.

Despite these differences in score, I was advised that the 1.5 carat would have more brilliance and fire.
Any additional insight to which may be the better purchase would be greatly appreciated :D

Thank you!
 

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rockysalamander

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
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May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
1.5. is too deep, so you are paying for weight you can't see.
1.4 is a 60/60 style diamond will return more white light than color. The pavillion angle is not a great match for the crown angle. You also need to them to confirm that clouds are not causing haziness.

Before you commit, can you post your budget and wants (color, clarity, cost) and see if we can find you some better options.
 
A

acm0926

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Messages
12
Thank you so much for your response and feedback!
I have both of these diamonds on hold currently with JA while we get a quote for the setting.
Looking for a RB around 1.5-1.7 carat, H color, XXX, and VS1-2. Definitely open to any better options you may find and would like to stay at around 10k for the stone.

Thank you again :)
 
rockysalamander

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
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5,105
There are not a lot of H's within parameters I like, so I'm listing some Is and eye-clean SI1s. These are all worth pursuing, but still request and Idealscope image. You need the IS to determine performance. There seemed to be more options if I bumped the budget to $10400, so note that I did that to give you a range of options.

Of these, I'd rate #4 and #2 the best of the bunch, followed by #5.

I colors within budget and at goal size
#1. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3496453 {lower crown angle that typical, but has good angles. This is the largest at 7.45}

#2. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3469299 {slightly over budget, but I thought the VVS may appeal. 7.36 mm}****

#3. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3245552 {crown angle a bit steep, but has complimentary angles. 7.31 mm}

#4. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2614509 {this has the best combination of angles and has a great spread at 7.35 mm}****

H color, up to $10400, some smaller than target
#5. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3510223 {while a VS2, some would find the large number of black inclusions exclusionary. But, if you reduce this on your screen to 10x, you can't see them. Good number, your call on clarity)

Another option would be to look at this one over the above for the increased performance and WF's tradeup policy and customer service. Don't be turned off by the SI1 rating, they already graded it eye-clean.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3692937.htm {7.17 mm}

Have a look and give us some feedback.
 
A

acm0926

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Messages
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Hello again and thank you for your quick reply and list of wonderful options!

I think would prefer to stick with an H as my cutoff, as I am fairly color sensitive. We can stretch the budget a bit (up to 11k or so if need be in order to find an H color with the right specs and optimal performance).

I do think the one H color (#5) looks great, but as you mentioned the number of inclusions are quite a lot. However, if this one is clean to the eye without any magnification, I don't want to rule this one out just yet if you think it's still the best option once we extend the search by increasing the budget.

I really like the whiteflash diamond as well! The issue is that I do not particularly like any of their settings and would like avoid purchasing from multiple places if possible. I prefer the selection at JA, and have my heart set on a particular setting there :love:

Thank you again and look forward to any other options you may suggest :)
~AM
 
rockysalamander

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
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5,105
Good feedback. Will look again in the morning at $11k.

Can you link to the setting y you like from JA? Maybe we can find something similar (also give us you budget/metal choice for the setting)? That way we can keep all options open.
 
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acm0926

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Messages
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On second thought, I'm actually ok with purchasing a diamond and setting from separate places if need be :))
Looks like most (including WF) have only a small setting fee if you have your own setting purchased elsewhere.
 
rockysalamander

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
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I like the setting you posted and I don't see anything exact at WF. https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...r2478-caviar-diamond-engagement-ring-3548.htm

Whiteflash - Same as above.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3692937.htm

***HighPerformanceDiamonds (also super-ideal). Give this on a chance before you react to the SI2 rating. Ask HBP to send you a photo and video. If they is as nice as it looks online, this is a huge steal and HPD diamonds are gorgeous.
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8905

JamesAllen
#5. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3510223 {while a VS2, some would find the large number of black inclusions exclusionary. But, if you reduce this on your screen to 10x, you can't see them. Good number, your call on clarity)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2816420 {the inclusion under the table would be hard for me to get over, but I'm throwing out all options}

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3254203 {the inclusion under the table would be hard for me to get over, but I'm throwing out all options}
 
A

acm0926

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Messages
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Thank you again for these options, I'm REALLY liking the WF and HP diamonds the most so far!
I have contacted HP to request video and photos, so now just waiting on these.

I agree, the options at JA all have inclusions that are hard to get past location wise.

I will keep you posted with these images:dance:
 
Matthews1127

Matthews1127

Ideal_Rock
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A

acm0926

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Messages
12
Hello and thank you!
I appreciate the additional diamond options from JA to consider.

Good news! The HPD diamond is actually located in LA at the moment, so I am coordinating to see this diamond in person as I live in LA :mrgreen2:! Until then, I do have a hold on this one, and will be doing the same for the WF one as well.

I like the both of the last two settings from BeverlyK and Vatche. I am also in touch with HPD about a few custom settings:
 
A

acm0926

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Messages
12
Soooo pretty, this one is beautiful as well.
I actually like all of their settings....difficult to choose :think:

Very much looking forward to seeing the HPD in person!
 
rockysalamander

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
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Joined
May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
What I love is the beautiful construction and finish on HPD's rings. At least for me, I see my ring from the side more than the top. So, I really appreciate details on the gallery.

How does your girl dress? Is she fashion forward or jeans and t-shirts? What does she do professionally? For hobbies? Does she like understated/elegant or being the center of attention? Does she like vintage/antiques or clean/contemporary?
 
A

acm0926

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Messages
12
I am actually the girl :geek2:, my boyfriend and I having been navigating this all together as I wanted to be a part of the process. I am more of jeans and t-shirt, do NOT like to be center of attention, vintage/ antique lover! I'm a behavior analyst and work with children and young adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities.

We began our search with jewelers around the LA area. Unfortunately after a string of horror stories, we decided to turn to choosing an ER online. We were advised to reach out here for advice to help navigate this process of purchasing a diamond online. So thank you again for all of your expertise, very grateful!
 
rockysalamander

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
If you work with kids and intend to wear the ring to work, you might want to consider a bezel or prong-in-bezel (links below). Prong and kids often are a poor mix and if you have to do restraints or hands-on work, that may be an issue. Most of my friends in similar fields wear very low bezels or remove their erings.

These span from vintage to modern to give you some ideas.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/the-artemis-bezel-setting/
https://loveaffairdiamonds.smugmug....om-Settings/The-mElizaf-Solitaire-T-Featurin/
https://www.etsy.com/listing/213961...halo-platinum-and-18k?ref=shop_home_active_57 {prong in bezel}
https://www.etsy.com/listing/262250529/the-cvb-zoe-art-deco-style-octagonal?ref=shop_home_active_64 {prong-in-bezel}
http://farlang.com/products/engagement-rings/full-bezel-halo-semi-mount-engagement-ring {Sholdt setting, HPD may be able to order this or other Sholdt settings}

Love Affair Artemis Setting
upload_2017-10-20_21-39-6.png
Erica Winters
upload_2017-10-20_21-36-33.jpeg

Sholdt Full Bezel
upload_2017-10-20_21-41-18.png
 
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