Is this difference really noticeable?

[CalliopeCladdagh]

Hi everyone,

I'm still on my quest to learn about radiants and what exactly I want. I've only seen a couple in real life and one was around 0.8 carat which seemed a nice size and is at the top end of our budget (or maybe over budget depending on the specific diamond).

I was looking at JA today and comparing these two diamonds in terms of size, one is 0.81 carat and the other is 0.52. Clearly there is a substantial difference in price. However, I would love your opinions on the actual measurements and how big of a difference the size would actually make in real life? If I could get a smaller carat weight for a similar actual face-up size, that would change my options a LOT.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.81-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-1307575

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.52-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-6854689

 

[lovedogs]

you can compare the relative sizes on this website:
https://www.diamdb.com

Yes, I think there will be a very noticeable difference.

 

[lovedogs]

Hi everyone,

I'm still on my quest to learn about radiants and what exactly I want. I've only seen a couple in real life and one was around 0.8 carat which seemed a nice size and is at the top end of our budget (or maybe over budget depending on the specific diamond).

I was looking at JA today and comparing these two diamonds in terms of size, one is 0.81 carat and the other is 0.52. Clearly there is a substantial difference in price. However, I would love your opinions on the actual measurements and how big of a difference the size would actually make in real life? If I could get a smaller carat weight for a similar actual face-up size, that would change my options a LOT.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.81-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-1307575

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.52-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-6854689

Also, I really don't like the faceting on the .81 stone, it looks hazy/mushy. I prefer the faceting on the .52, but think if you can afford it then you should get a .8 stone.

 

[CalliopeCladdagh]

thanks for the honesty!

Also yes, I wasn't really looking at the faceting, it was just the first one I saw around 0.8 to use as a size/carat comparison, so I wouldn't actually buy that one, don't worry!

I think I might end up around the 0.75 carat mark but it just depends on the individual diamonds that are out there when we're ready...

 

[marymm]

JA doesn't give depth or provide diamond reports, but generally speaking if you want to maximize face-up size, try to look for diamonds with smaller depths ... I looked through Blue Nile and came up with two potential candidates:

this 0.72ct G-SI1 radiant has a depth of 59% and a larger table at 73%, but faces up large for its carat weight: 6.47 x 4.78 x 2.85mm - $2176
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

this is a 0.51ct E-FL radiant (depth 61.3% and 66% table) which will face up basically like a 6 x 4mm (5.84 x 4.16 x 2.55mm) - $1589
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

To my eyes, based on the videos and the numbers, the 0.51ct E-FL stone is a lovely radiant with a lively performance. The 0.72ct G-SI1 is a nice stone but its more-shallow depth may result in a lesser performance comparatively speaking. If the two loose stones were next to each other, the 0.72ct G-SI1 would be eye-visibly-larger, but once set, the stone size difference would be more negligible.

 

[tyty333]

What size is your finger? What is your budget?

 

[CalliopeCladdagh]

JA doesn't give depth or provide diamond reports, but generally speaking if you want to maximize face-up size, try to look for diamonds with smaller depths ... I looked through Blue Nile and came up with two potential candidates:

this 0.72ct G-SI1 radiant has a depth of 59% and a larger table at 73%, but faces up large for its carat weight: 6.47 x 4.78 x 2.85mm - $2176
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

this is a 0.51ct E-FL radiant (depth 61.3% and 66% table) which will face up basically like a 6 x 4mm (5.84 x 4.16 x 2.55mm) - $1589
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

To my eyes, based on the videos and the numbers, the 0.51ct E-FL stone is a lovely radiant with a lively performance. The 0.72ct G-SI1 is a nice stone but its more-shallow depth may result in a lesser performance comparatively speaking. If the two loose stones were next to each other, the 0.72ct G-SI1 would be eye-visibly-larger, but once set, the stone size difference would be more negligible.

Thank you for that!

I've had a look at Blue Nile and noticed that a lot of their videos have the diamond sat on its edge, which makes it hard to see the faceting, like this:
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

E and flawless would be amazing but is more than I need. I am looking at G-H colour, VS2 or a good SI1. I was hoping that dropping the colour would make a difference to price, and it does, but not as much as I would have liked on New Zealand websites. I'm reluctant to buy from JA and other overseas websites due to the GST and import duties, what I've read about radiants really needing to be seen in person, and potential difficulties/costs with returning a diamond I didn't like.

 

[CalliopeCladdagh]

What size is your finger? What is your budget?

I think my finger is 5.5 in American sizing (maybe a 6).

Our budget is not finalised as we are not ready to go ahead and purchase yet - I'm just researching early because this represents a huge purchase for us (although I recognise our budget seems tiny to a lot of people on this website). I'm expecting it will be around NZ$6000 tops for the diamond and setting, which is around US$4000. I think the setting will cost around US$1300, so that leaves US$2700 for the diamond. Unfortunately that be a stretch to get me a well-cut 0.8 carat in NZ. So I'm back to the issues around online shopping. I would be ok with getting a round brilliant online due to the relatively strict criteria around angles etc and the special categories like WF ACA, but (as far as I know) this kind of thing doesn't apply to radiants.

 

[hobbitfancier55]

I’m intrigued by this one, but I’m not a radiant expert, so the more knowledgeable board experts will need to chime in.

It has strong fluorescence (some like it, some don’t), and is an elongated Radiant. Do you prefer a more rectangular Radiant, or one with squarer proportions?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.91-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6900400

 

[hobbitfancier55]

I’m intrigued by this one, but I’m not a radiant expert, so the more knowledgeable board experts will need to chime in.

It has strong fluorescence (some like it, some don’t), and is an elongated Radiant. Do you prefer a more rectangular Radiant, or one with squarer proportions?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.91-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6900400

It also looks like James Allen has at least started re-providing L x W dimensions, so you can now compare the face up size between different stones.

 

[CalliopeCladdagh]

That one is pretty cool - it seems to have a small ?table which makes it chunkier - will this make it more sparkly?

I prefer the rectangular ones, with a L/W ratio of around 1.3

I think I would also like "stronger" type faceting rather than the small crushed-ice look. Do you think bigger facets would give stronger fire (or maybe brilliance, I'm not quite sure which is which)?

 

[elizat]

I would recommend Diamonds by Lauren for a radiant. They may be able to find you something not on the site too. David is excellent at fancy shapes.

Here is a completed ring right at your budget. I don't know if you like the setting, but it's an example of how your dollar can work there.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/72ct-j-si1-radiant-diamond-ring-r5067

 

[ponyrider]

I would recommend Diamonds by Lauren for a radiant. They may be able to find you something not on the site too. David is excellent at fancy shapes.

Here is a completed ring right at your budget. I don't know if you like the setting, but it's an example of how your dollar can work there.

That is a lot of ring for a very reasonable price, providing you are ok with the color of the center stone. I would be (but I like a little color in my stones).

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/72ct-j-si1-radiant-diamond-ring-r5067

 

[tyty333]

This looks like a nice one. Its a 1.4 ratio so may be too long for you.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12133640

Bigger facets will give you bigger flashes but fewer flashes compared to a "well cut" crushed ice radiant. Crushed ice gives you smaller but more flashes (seen
more up-close). Bigger facets give you fewer but bigger flashes seen further away. If you decide to go the crushed ice route you should go with someone
like Diamonds by lauren because they are hard to pick. They can be very "mushy" and you can end up with a stone that has very few flashes and looks
like a gray hole in the middle. It is easier to pick a well cut stone with bigger facets (IMO) because the facets are big enough to see. You want them to
be distinct, in-focus, and acting like mirrors turning on/off. Stay away from stones where the facets are not clearly defined (we call that "mushy") and look
gray (neither on or off).

Compare the stone I've posted above with this stone that you posted (which is totally mush in the middle). I hope you can see the difference.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.81-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-1307575

Good luck with your search. Come back when you are ready to buy and we can help you out!

 

[the_mother_thing]

I would recommend Diamonds by Lauren for a radiant. They may be able to find you something not on the site too. David is excellent at fancy shapes.

I would agree & echo this statement. David is wonderful to talk & work with, and has something for every budget.

 

[CalliopeCladdagh]

Bigger facets will give you bigger flashes but fewer flashes compared to a "well cut" crushed ice radiant. Crushed ice gives you smaller but more flashes (seen
more up-close). Bigger facets give you fewer but bigger flashes seen further away. If you decide to go the crushed ice route you should go with someone
like Diamonds by lauren because they are hard to pick. They can be very "mushy" and you can end up with a stone that has very few flashes and looks
like a gray hole in the middle. It is easier to pick a well cut stone with bigger facets (IMO) because the facets are big enough to see. You want them to
be distinct, in-focus, and acting like mirrors turning on/off. Stay away from stones where the facets are not clearly defined (we call that "mushy") and look
gray (neither on or off).

Thank you!
I have a lot to think about...

 

[hobbitfancier55]

That one is pretty cool - it seems to have a small ?table which makes it chunkier - will this make it more sparkly?

I prefer the rectangular ones, with a L/W ratio of around 1.3

I think I would also like "stronger" type faceting rather than the small crushed-ice look. Do you think bigger facets would give stronger fire (or maybe brilliance, I'm not quite sure which is which)?

When it comes to the “crushed ice” look vs “chunkier” faceting, it really does come down to personal preference. I also highly recommend reaching out to David at Diamonds by Lauren. He can definitely help find what you are looking for.

You might also take a look at elongated cushions, or even an antique style cushion if you prefer larger facets. If a Radiant has your heart though, then definitely stick with that!

 

[CalliopeCladdagh]

When it comes to the “crushed ice” look vs “chunkier” faceting, it really does come down to personal preference. I also highly recommend reaching out to David at Diamonds by Lauren. He can definitely help find what you are looking for.

You might also take a look at elongated cushions, or even an antique style cushion if you prefer larger facets. If a Radiant has your heart though, then definitely stick with that!

Thank you. I will definitely consider getting in touch with Diamonds by Lauren if my jeweller can't find anything good within our budget here.

I am definitely stuck on a radiant. I just can't imagine myself with anything else! Bit unfortunate really as I think buying a round brilliant or princess would be much easier!

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Absolutely don’t settle for anything else than what you want! Radiants are lovely This DbL radiant ring has been on my “favorites” list for awhile in fact:

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php?search[terms]=R4976&search[mode]=any

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwzadezhvwe/?igshid=6jkdttcdj8nx