A Typical Guy Who Needs Advice on "The Ring"

[Venti25]

Well I got a chance to go down there an take a look at the diamonds in person. My friend showed A G and H color diamond together and I couldn't tell the difference between any of them. After examining them I am leaning towards the 1.3 carate H VS2 with excellent cut grade. The Gia report is in my last post and would really appreciate someone's opininion on it. The only thing that worries me about the diamond is the HCA rating. It didn't score too well and was wondering how important that factor is.

carat 1.27 ct H VS2 XXX $ 9251
carat 1.30ct H VS1 XXX $ 9915
carat 1.30 ct H VS2 XXX $ 9572

the 1.27 H you posted scored 1.4
Both 1.3 H's score relatively poorly, 3.7 (the VS1 which faces up like the 1.27 so imo if you were to consider only these three i'd remove it) and 4.3, why not consider the 1.27 H if you really want to buy from your friend? I think we can remove all the VG cuts unless you can get idealscope images, any chance you can get one and take it with you next time?

The comparison stones people have posted I don't completely agree with, as it's comparing different colour grades/clarity grades and different weights.

However, I do agree that they're not completely "wholesale" prices. Wholesale maybe to a mall store, but not really to online vendors.

ie: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2721480.htm 1.27 H VS2 XXX 0.9 on the HCA Price $9,823, Wire Price*$9,529 - 75 = $9454

Agree with everyone else though, take your time if you can and see other vendors. Don't limit yourself!

 

[webdiva]

I ran them through the HCA tool (only the XXX). remember that GIA excellent has a wide range is not necessary "excellent" or an ideal cut.
carat 1.27 ct H VS2 XXX $ 9251 HCA 1.4 - this is the only one worth pursuing.
carat 1.30ct H VS1 XXX $ 9915 HCA 3.7
carat 1.30 ct H VS2 XXX $ 9572 - HCA 4.3

To confirm the light performance you would need an idealscope image. Can they provide you with that? Is there a return policy? Upgrade policy?

I understand wanting to maximize your budget. Places like JamesAllen.com have a 5-10% profit margin above wholesale - you're really not saving "gobs of money" by going it alone without a return policy or upgrade policy. Especially if you don't do the research to arm yourself with the knowledge to pick out a true winner.

I understand it's overwhelming. Especially if you have a full time job and are picking up extra shifts. This is why others pick helpful and approved PS vendors to help guide them. Or take the advice of the veteran PSers. In the case of an emergency, I trust professionals like you instead of trying to google first aid myself. Trust the experts and ease your stress.

Unless you loooove diamonds and are really interested in learning about angles and inclusions and light performance - let the PSers help you to find a diamond in your budget. You can maximize the size by dropping clarity (but still having it be eye clean) and color, but still maximizing light performance. With all due respect to your sister, the color isn't what makes it sparkle - it's the CUT. There is a range of colorless diamonds that will appear white to the eye and maximize your budget.

FYI James Allen can do idealscopes and have a gemologist inspect up to 3 diamonds for you.

First up, some comparisons to the stones you posted:
1.23 G VS2 XXX - HCA 2.4 - $9300 (I wouldn't recommend this one but it falls in line with the price quotes you were given. I don't think you're getting such a deal, especially given the stress of not knowing how to pick out a winner)
1.22 G VS2 AGS000 Hearts & Arrows cut - $10,500 - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1352968.asp
1.3 G VS2 XXX - HCA 1.4 - $10,150 - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1512060.asp

Some examples of expanding your color/clarity:
1.40 I SI1 AGS000 (tested for light performance by the AGS - Ideal - $8461 - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1473900.asp
1.26 H VS1 AGS000 - $9722 - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1398081.asp
1.55 G SI1 XXX - HCA 1.1 - $10,500 - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1507151.asp - looks eye clean and has strong blue fluor (swoon!)

A simple solitaire adds about $500 to the above price. If you're interested in any of them (and that last one is my pick), have them put it on hold for 24 hours while you think it over.

Or go to GOG as Gypsy suggested and have them assist you - they're fantastic! I got my ring there (sight unseen, remote from CA!). Good luck! We're here to help!

 

[NYCMedic]

Re: A Typical Guy Who Needs Advice on "The Ring"

Thanks you Web diva and everyone else that has been guiding me. I actually saw the diamond that you recommended with the HCA score of 1.4 and it had black inclusions upon inspection with the loupe. I think I will end Ip making an appointment the GOG maybe next Friday when I'm actually free. Once again thank you guys so much for the guidance I have learned a lot in this short week and a half.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

There is a lot to learn, that is for sure! You will be in excellent hands at GOG! They have an outstanding selection of well cut diamonds! Have fun!

 

[Enerchi]

Re: A Typical Guy Who Needs Advice on

I think I will end Ip making an appointment the GOG maybe next Friday when I'm actually free.

Excellent plan! I think it will help to ease your mind to be able to view a few options on the spot, but do call ahead and ask to speak with Jonathon and be sure he'll be able to give you his undivided attention. I'm glad - this will give you peace of mind to know you are actively involved and able to view the stones. "Mind clean", so to speak!

Cut is king and you'll see that when you are at GOG. Excited to hear about your visit! Do take pics if possible - we love to live vicariously!