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2 triple excellent diamonds I'd LOVE opinions on

J

JustinM

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 9, 2015
Messages
6
Fist, I really want to thank all the members in this forum, because you've helped me a lot during my diamond search the last couple of weeks! One of the things I recently learned here, was to use the Halloway Cut Advisor tool. This will be my first diamond purchase.

I went to a local jeweler to pick out an engagement ring setting, and it should be made within a few weeks. While I was there I found a 1.23ct diamond that I liked, but it was $10,600. When I showed the sales woman a similar diamond that I liked on James Allen, she matched the price and offered it for $9,250. I thought, "great diamond + great price + plus physically seeing it = sold," but told her I'd think about it and get back to her. Both diamonds are triple excellent with no florescence. The one I saw in person is eye clean, and it was very difficult to see any inclusions through the loop.

When I got home, I found out about the HCA tool and plugged in the numbers. 4.0 for the jeweler's diamond and 1.0 for the one on James Allen. I really want a diamond that sparkles the most, so can you please help me decide which one is the winner? I asked James Allen for some ideal scope pictures, so I have a couple days left with it on hold.

Jewelry store specs:
http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=3185986303
Measurements 6.85 - 6.87 x 4.25 mm
Carat Weight 1.23 carat
Color Grade G
Clarity Grade VS2
Cut Grade Excellent
PROPORTIONS
Depth 62.0 %
Table 58 %
Crown Angle 35.5°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 41.0°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length 55%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet None

James Allen specs:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-523111
Measurements 6.80 - 6.85 x 4.22 mm
Carat Weight 1.22 carat
Color Grade G
Clarity Grade VS1
Cut Grade Excellent
PROPORTIONS
Depth 61.9 %
Table 57 %
Crown Angle 35.0°
Crown Height 15.5%
Pavilion Angle 40.6°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 75%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 4.0%
Culet None
 
Can you purchase the JA and then compare them both side by side?
 
I think that's what I'm going to have to do. The jeweler had the diamond sent to her, so she needs to return it eventually. If she wants to make the sale, I'm hoping she can keep it a little longer for me to compare the two in person.
 
alternatively, can you take her diamond outside/out of the store? Even terrible diamonds look great under the specialty lights in the stores! But comparing sxs is probably going to give you the best idea.
 
I did take it outside and it looked nice, but I would probably say the same with any diamond. Comparing side by side is probably the only way for me to decide. I just wanted to see the angles jumped out for anyone as being horrible. We're currently remodeling our house, so an additional $10k being tied up for a couple weeks while the return processes will be tough. I'll just hope I pick the JA diamond.
 
I like the angles better on the second stone (the JA one). Ideally you'd like to see the as the CA goes down, the PA goes up and vice versa.

The first stone could have more of a "steep deep" look but there has been a LOT of discussion on steep deep stones. Some like the look of a steep deep so it isn't necessarily a bad thing. I think though that the angle combination is reflected in the HCA score and that's why you're getting a 4.

Check what the trade-up/buy back policy is too if you think that may be important some day down the road. I believe JA has a nice policy but check their website to be sure.
 
A steep, deep stone like the first one posted usually has light leakage. I would definitely steer clear of that stone.
 
Thanks for the feedback! I just received the ideal scope picture from James Allen. Based on the reference pictures, it looks pretty excellent! I don't know why a picture of the hearts wasn't included, but I'll request one.

ja_ideal_scope.jpg
 
Yes, it looks very good.
 
Yep, that JA one looks great. I think you should go for that one, take it to the jeweller and if you really think hers sparkles more, return the JA.
 
JA one looks like the winner and you probably won't have to pay sales tax on it so it should also be cheaper.
 
That one looks really great! Go for it! :)
 
I really like the idealscope image and measurements on the JA diamond!

On a side note, would people considered this diamond to qualify as a superideal cut? Why or why not?

Thanks!
 
I just purchased the James Allen diamond, and also put down a refundable deposit at the jewelry store to hold their diamond. I'm just going to let my eyes have the most weight in my decision. I'm going to buy a beginner ideal scope kit to bring with me too.
 
And the winner is the jewelry store diamond! I spent almost 2 hours comparing the two in multiple lighting scenarios, and I just could not tell the difference without looking at the serial number under a scope. With a free appraisal, setting, and future discounts, it made the most sense for me. I'll update with a picture next week.

I must say that James Allen was a great company to deal with. When I called to return the diamond, it was less than a 2 minute conversation before I hung up the phone.
 
That's wonderful! I'm so glad you took the time to do the comparison and come back to update. very interesting experience. I would love to see the finished ring and your lovely stone!
 
Wow fantastic! As long as your eyes like it.
 
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