ACA vs Expert Selection Diamond Comparison

[craftholic]

Hi all,

I'm actively looking to buy an engagement ring and am having trouble understanding the differences between diamonds. For example, I'm currently looking at these two diamonds from Whiteflash:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3947668,3880146

1) ACA 0.826 H VS1
2) ES 0.826 G VS2

Both fit the measurements for ACA diamonds but I don't understand why the Expert Selection diamond was not designated ACA. Also, the ACA diamond has a clarity grading of VS1 but when I look at the AGS certificate, there are many more inclusions than the Expert Selection diamond with VS2 clarity. Why is this? Does this have to do with the type of inclusion?

My main goal is to buy a diamond with excellent light performance and looks good to the average eye. Which diamond would you recommend? Any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

[tanalasta]

You could always just enquire with the WF representative why ... they're usually very honest. They're both eye-clean according to the definition. I haven't checked the angles but on the ASET there is subtle light leakage under the table on the ES diamond that may not have made the grade for ACA.

Clarity grading depends on many factors, size, location of inclusions, how easy to spot and it may be that the VS1 inclusions are much smaller and subtle.

 

[craftholic]

Thanks! I'll reach out to WF for more info

 

[ChristineRose]

It's not an H&A, or at least it's not the best of H&As.

Compare the red V at the base of the 8 o'clock and 2 o'clock hearts. Compare all the V in general, then look at it side by side with the ACA.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I doubt seriously anyone could tell the difference between these diamonds just looking at them, except some could see the color difference. The G is very close to H&A and demonstrates how particular WF is about what goes in their ACA line. You'd see a diamond like the G labelled H&A by some other vendors.

That said, ACA and VS1 are mind clean for me, so I give slight favor to that stone as long as it is a mid to high H (and I'd ask that question). There is another .80 G VS2 ACA, too.

Yes, it's not just the number of the inclusions, it's their visibility. VS1 is going to be cleaner than VS2. This VS1 has some slight clouds that are colorless.