Back again - asking for opinions on a bigger Emerald Cut from James Allen!

[Lvoeshinythings]

So - this place... this PS-place is dangerous! Not even a month ago, I had posted asking opinions about 3 Emerald Cut diamonds from James Allen. I wanted a smaller diamond ring for the days I didn't want to wear my bigger diamond from White Flash. With help from the step-cut queen, I choose (with the help of another PSer) an amazingly beautiful 0.61 F VVS1 EC.

Original reveal thread: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...from-james-allen-has-arrived-its-love.247553/
Original EC diamond chosen: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.61-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6531836

Now - I'm back on the wagon and thinking about upgrading my smaller EC diamond to a bigger one! (Already?! What is wrong with me.) I will be using the same East/West platinum pave setting.

Questions:
1. I feel like I got a really good price on my original EC at $1940. It has all the right proportions for me. It seems like as I try and go higher, the stones aren't as "perfect," stats-wise. Why?
2. Taking a look at my first EC and comparing the sizing with the choices below, do you think the difference will be very noticeable?
3. I just want to add that I'm totally fine keeping my original EC for now too, I just thought HEY - if I can go bigger within my budget and find a nice stone, why not!

General "wants" for new EC:
Size: around 1.0 ct
Budget: $4000-$5000 for the stone
Color: G or better (but I like F)
Clarity: VVS2 or better
Girdle: medium - slightly thick (does this matter? How important is this?)
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very good to excellent
Depth: under 67%
Table: 60%-68%
Ratio: 1.40-1.50
Fluor: none

Here's the three I'm considering and am open to your suggestions, too!

1.01 F VVS2 $4900 - the ratio is slightly outside of parameters stated above but I still like the look
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6665606

0.92 D VVS1 $4450 - the ratio is slightly outside of parameters stated above and the girdle is thick
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.92-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-6665498

1.01 G VVS1 $4930 - girdle is slightly thick to thick
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5557811

I'm requesting ASET for the first two; they said it is not available and they can't get it for the third stone.

Please, SEND HELP! LOL Thank you PS-ers!

 

[Matthews1127]

So - this place... this PS-place is dangerous! Not even a month ago, I had posted asking opinions about 3 Emerald Cut diamonds from James Allen. I wanted a smaller diamond ring for the days I didn't want to wear my bigger diamond from White Flash. With help from the step-cut queen, I choose (with the help of another PSer) an amazingly beautiful 0.61 F VVS1 EC.

Original reveal thread: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...from-james-allen-has-arrived-its-love.247553/
Original EC diamond chosen: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.61-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6531836

Now - I'm back on the wagon and thinking about upgrading my smaller EC diamond to a bigger one! (Already?! What is wrong with me.) I will be using the same East/West platinum pave setting.

Questions:
1. I feel like I got a really good price on my original EC at $1940. It has all the right proportions for me. It seems like as I try and go higher, the stones aren't as "perfect," stats-wise. Why?
2. Taking a look at my first EC and comparing the sizing with the choices below, do you think the difference will be very noticeable?
3. I just want to add that I'm totally fine keeping my original EC for now too, I just thought HEY - if I can go bigger within my budget and find a nice stone, why not!

General "wants" for new EC:
Size: around 1.0 ct
Budget: $4000-$5000 for the stone
Color: G or better (but I like F)
Clarity: VVS2 or better
Girdle: medium - slightly thick (does this matter? How important is this?)
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very good to excellent
Depth: under 67%
Table: 60%-68%
Ratio: 1.40-1.50
Fluor: none

Here's the three I'm considering and am open to your suggestions, too!

1.01 F VVS2 $4900 - the ratio is slightly outside of parameters stated above but I still like the look
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6665606

0.92 D VVS1 $4450 - the ratio is slightly outside of parameters stated above and the girdle is thick
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.92-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-6665498

1.01 G VVS1 $4930 - girdle is slightly thick to thick
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5557811

I'm requesting ASET for the first two; they said it is not available and they can't get it for the third stone.

Please, SEND HELP! LOL Thank you PS-ers!

LOL!! The addiction is REAL!!
Let me check these out, and come back to comment.
I’m sure you’ll get others’ input!!

 

[Matthews1127]

I like #1 best. #2 seems to be less active, and too many steps stay lit at once, while in motion, indicating that too many steps will not be lit, while in motion, in different lighting environments.
I still think getting ASET images for both is vital before completely eliminating #2.
Evaluating these stones, while positioned on P3 facet is so annoying...lol!
I’m going to step away, again, to do a search to see if I can find another candidate....

 

[Karl_K]

I like #1 best.

 

[Matthews1127]

Suggestion #1 (these are not in order of preference, however, #1 comes closest to your l x w ratio sweet spot):
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...t/1.00-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-6695085

 

[Matthews1127]

Suggestion #2:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...t/1.02-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6713211

 

[Matthews1127]

#3:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...t/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-6411929

 

[Matthews1127]

#4:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...t/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6614257

 

[Matthews1127]

#5:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...t/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6127109

 

[Matthews1127]

Stills of your #1 for comparison:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...t/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6665606

 

[Lvoeshinythings]

@Matthews1127 - yay! thank you for taking a look at these for me! And with a few new contenders, no less! I am going to have a v busy Sunday, lol.

My fave from the 3 I posted earlier, was the first option. Awaiting ASET on it and will post once I get it.

I also am loving these most from the new contenders you noted:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-6695085
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6614257

I asked about ASET for the two new contenders and am waiting for a reply.

A question for you - do you think (and I realize, this is personal opinion here) that increasing diamond from the 0.61 to one of these +/- 1 carat will be a noticeable difference? I know it sounds silly to ask but taking a look at the measurements, it seems like it will be a very slight increase. I'm just not sure if I should upgrade now or wait until I can and want to spend more than $4000-$5000. Like I said, I am happy to keep my current stone too!

I thank you again for chiming in. SOOOO HELPFUL.

 

[fenestrate]

If I were within 30 days of receipt I would simply return it: then you needn’t worry about spending double to upgrade, nor modifying the existing setting. I think if there is a hesitation in your mind now, that will only grow. Nice ECs are always about if you have a week or two to dedicate to the search. If the setting was custom and non returnable due to the east west orientation, I still think you have a case for legitimately returning it as you were unsure about the setting height when it arrived. Another thing is that east-west set stones often look significantly smaller than their north-south set brethren when worn so it is something to consider.

I personally would return and wait till you comfortably have a better budget to get the stone you want. If you already have, please ignore this, but I would go and see stones down to i in color in person, and look at size differences, and stone orientation, side by side.

Finally there is a Brian Gavin signature EC - they have some sort of basketball-based discount code tier I can’t quite fathom - that might take it closer to 5k. Their upgrade policy is an improvement by two parameters, though of course they have less stock than JA.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....016-g-si1-emerald-diamond-ags-c-104104115001

 

[Matthews1127]

If I were within 30 days of receipt I would simply return it: then you needn’t worry about spending double to upgrade, nor modifying the existing setting. I think if there is a hesitation in your mind now, that will only grow. Nice ECs are always about if you have a week or two to dedicate to the search. If the setting was custom and non returnable due to the east west orientation, I still think you have a case for legitimately returning it as you were unsure about the setting height when it arrived. Another thing is that east-west set stones often look significantly smaller than their north-south set brethren when worn so it is something to consider.

I personally would return and wait till you comfortably have a better budget to get the stone you want. If you already have, please ignore this, but I would go and see stones down to i in color in person, and look at size differences, and stone orientation, side by side.

Finally there is a Brian Gavin signature EC - they have some sort of basketball-based discount code tier I can’t quite fathom - that might take it closer to 5k. Their upgrade policy is an improvement by two parameters, though of course they have less stock than JA.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....016-g-si1-emerald-diamond-ags-c-104104115001

I agree. If it will not complicate your life to wait it out for a larger stone, it will be worth your while to continue your search with a stretched budget, and larger dimensions.
Increasing from your 0.61-1.0+ will most certainly be noticeable. Imagine what increasing to 1.3-1.5 + will look like!!
I love my 1.07ct (6.90 x 4.74mm, 1.45:1 l x w ratio) EC, but if I could somehow increase her size, without parting with her, I wouldn’t hesitate....lol!!
Ideally, 2.0ct was my sweet spot, but not reasonable in our position, at the time. Thank heaven I have little hands...lol!!

 

[tyty333]

@Matthews1127 - yay! thank you for taking a look at these for me! And with a few new contenders, no less! I am going to have a v busy Sunday, lol.

My fave from the 3 I posted earlier, was the first option. Awaiting ASET on it and will post once I get it.

I also am loving these most from the new contenders you noted:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-6695085
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6614257

I asked about ASET for the two new contenders and am waiting for a reply.

A question for you - do you think (and I realize, this is personal opinion here) that increasing diamond from the 0.61 to one of these +/- 1 carat will be a noticeable difference? I know it sounds silly to ask but taking a look at the measurements, it seems like it will be a very slight increase. I'm just not sure if I should upgrade now or wait until I can and want to spend more than $4000-$5000. Like I said, I am happy to keep my current stone too!

I thank you again for chiming in. SOOOO HELPFUL.

1st listed ....not lighting up in center
2nd stone - link not working

 

[Lvoeshinythings]

Here is the ASET they have for sku: 6665606 (option 1 in my original post). Now, they said they are unable to get anymore ASET for the other stones unless the stone is purchased (how does that make sense?)

I just wanted to share and get an idea of if this is good or not. Thoughts?

I thought more red, is better. This looks mostly green.

Green: indirect light being reflected back to the camera
Red: direct light
Blue: obstructed light
Black: light leakage

 

[OoohShiny]

Here is the ASET they have for sku: 6665606 (option 1 in my original post). Now, they said they are unable to get anymore ASET for the other stones unless the stone is purchased (how does that make sense?)

I just wanted to share and get an idea of if this is good or not. Thoughts?

I thought more red, is better. This looks mostly green.

Green: indirect light being reflected back to the camera
Red: direct light
Blue: obstructed light
Black: light leakage

IMHO it is better to have a mix of reds and greens in a stepcut ASETscope image - too much red would make it very 'all on/all off', I reckon, whereas you want the stone to look bright and interesting and reflect light from a range of angles, not just face-on.

I'm not sure black is leakage in this image, though. It is taken on a white background, therefore white is leakage. The black may well be the camera lens in the centre of the scope, so could be considered as more blue (obstruction/contrast) if I understand things correctly.

Personally speaking, I think it looks attractive in the video.

The other stones are likely overseas, which might be why they can't get an ASET without bringing it in.