2nd OPNION: 1.2ct Princess cut w/ ASET images

[diamonte]

Hi

I'm trying to finalise a purchase of a princess cut within the next week or two (the earlier the better!) and i'm interested in getting a 2nd opinion from experienced members for the following princess cut diamond (for a solitaire setting). Ive got this diamond on hold for the next 24 hours:

1.24ct G VS2 (http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1397901.asp)

Price: $7500 (approx)

Carat weight: 1.24
Cut: Excellent
Color: G
Clarity: VS2
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 70.6%
Table: 71.0%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Girdle: Very thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Faint
Measurements: 5.99*5.88*4.15
Ratio: 1.02

ASET image:


I have also read various topics on WhiteFlash's ACA diamonds so I thought I would use the following as a point of comparison:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2803907.htm#divReviews

Price: $7,974

Carat weight: 1.238
Cut: Ideal
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Certificate: AGS
Depth: 75.9%
Table: 60.3%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Medium to slightly thick
Culet: Pointed
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 5.86*5.82*4.42
Ratio: 1.02



The WF one has slightly smaller dimensions (probably not noticeable?), a lower colour and more expensive but it comes with the ACA stamp of approval.

Based on the information available on the JA diamond, how would it compare to the WF ACA? Which one would you pick?

PLease feel free to suggest any other diamonds - my budget for the diamond is approx $8k and minimum specs are H colour, SI1 (eye clean) with dimensions as close to 6.00*6.00*XX as possible.

Would really appreciate the help of the more experienced members of the board.

THANKS IN ADVANCE

 

[E B]

If you're able to pay by bank wire, the PS wire price for the ACA is actually $7581, if that makes a difference.

The ACA has that nice small table, and looks to have a nicer cut. It'd be my choice.

 

[diamonte]

Thanks EB

Do you think the difference in colour grade will be noticeable at all? Or does the cut of the WF ACA more than make up for it?

 

[Enerchi]

My preference would be the WF diamond. I find the symmetry more acceptable to my eyes. I don't think you'd notice the H colour vs the G, especially since you are only purchasing the one (they won't be seen side by side!) and you are setting in a solitaire. A princess looks slightly smaller than a RB, in terms of size. Ct weight may be the same, but it will face up slightly smaller - just in case you did not yet hear that info anywhere.

I'm a WF vote! (and it looks like an amazing stone!)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I just couldn't manage the cut on the JA stone when compared to the WF stone. It's like comparing apples and oranges. Many of us had original stones that were less well cut, but once you understand how much difference the cut makes, I just wouldn't consider not buying ideal cut. So the WF stone wins hands down for me.

 

[jstarfireb]

I would personally choose the WF diamond because I'm extremely picky with my diamonds and want nothing less than ideal cut for myself. I own an ACA princess. However, that JA diamond is no slouch when it comes to cut either. To be honest, I'm not sure you'd notice much of a visual difference between the two diamonds in terms of performance, as I believe the JA stone would probably be an AGS0. I don't think you'll notice the difference in color at all. G and H will both appear very white, especially in well-cut stones. So I wouldn't even worry about diamonds one grade apart in color. And the face-up size is very similar. So...tough choice, but with all parameters being fairly similar, I'd go with the branded super-ideal cut if you can spare the extra cash.