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ACA-VS2/I Vs. ACA-SI1/H

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hoost

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 17, 2009
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PS community,

If two diamonds had negligible difference when it comes to Brilliance, Scintillation, and Fire, what direction would go. Note the that the VS2/I colour diamond is approximately 300 cheaper then the H/SI1. I should note that I was assured that the SI1 stone is completely eye clean even up to 6in from all angles. I was told by many that the ACA line faces up to 2 shades lighter since it is so well cut.

So I guess I am torn between the two, is colour really worth the extra?
 
Date: 11/24/2009 1:15:48 PM
Author:hoost
PS community,

If two diamonds had negligible difference when it comes to Brilliance, Scintillation, and Fire, what direction would go. Note the that the VS2/I colour diamond is approximately 300 cheaper then the H/SI1. I should note that I was assured that the SI1 stone is completely eye clean even up to 6in from all angles. I was told by many that the ACA line faces up to 2 shades lighter since it is so well cut.

So I guess I am torn between the two, is colour really worth the extra?
Can you post the proportions of the non ACA please so we can get a good idea of the cut quality?
 
Lorelei,

Both diamond are ACA. I was just posing the question, all things being equal when it comes to cut since both passed Brian''s checklist (ACA), what direction would the majority of people go with. The better clarity sacrifincing colour, or the better colour while still having eye clean clarity.
 
Hi there, just wanted to fluff the lower color ACA''s. I have a VS2 J ACA in platinum and I still think I got the deal of the century. With all the sparkle my eye really has to try hard to notice any warmth and in a lot of lighting situations I honestly can''t find the warmth at all.
 
Date: 11/24/2009 1:23:27 PM
Author: hoost
Lorelei,

Both diamond are ACA. I was just posing the question, all things being equal when it comes to cut since both passed Brian''s checklist (ACA), what direction would the majority of people go with. The better clarity sacrifincing colour, or the better colour while still having eye clean clarity.
Ok, I missed the main info was in the title. I would go with the I colour as to me there is no discernible difference between these grades with top cut and reliably graded diamonds, to me the H colour isn''t worth the extra but if you feel you would prefer the higher colour then go with that, or alternatively maybe you could arrange for both to be sent to an appraiser near you so you could compare them.
 
Date: 11/24/2009 1:47:07 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/24/2009 1:23:27 PM
Author: hoost
Lorelei,

Both diamond are ACA. I was just posing the question, all things being equal when it comes to cut since both passed Brian''s checklist (ACA), what direction would the majority of people go with. The better clarity sacrifincing colour, or the better colour while still having eye clean clarity.
Ok, I missed the main info was in the title. I would go with the I colour as to me there is no discernible difference between these grades with top cut and reliably graded diamonds, to me the H colour isn''t worth the extra but if you feel you would prefer the higher colour then go with that, or alternatively maybe you could arrange for both to be sent to an appraiser near you so you could compare them.
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VS2/I colour
if its ACA its probably bright and white enough not to make I colour a problem
 
I''d go for a G-SI2 ACA. I not a clarity person and appreciate better color.
 
Any other thoughts on the diamonds listed? Appreciate all the help from everyone!
 
yikes... flip a coin? haha.

personally, even though WF says it''s eye-clean, I don''t know if I''m a fan of the inclusion plot on the SI. color is probably close enough that it''d take you a while to determine the difference between the two, and they''ll both likely face up pretty darn white.

does your intended have any color preferences / be pickier about color? if not, save the $$
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Tony,

The intended has very low expectations, she originally pointed me to a B&M store for a simple 1ct solitaire. I am pretty sure it was in the H-I range I clarity cut of Good to VG. The diamond looked beautiful under the cabinet but being the analytical guy I am, I decided to do further research. I am sure she is going to be BLOWN away by either but I was just wondering if the difference was discernably different, I wouldn''t mind paying the extra. It''s funny because the sales lady I was dealing with polled the Gemologist in her department and she said it was a 50/50 split. Really I guess it comes down to cost then and if I can get a clearer stone for a lower rate, life is just beautiful.. :)
 
hoost, unless she pointed you towards a jared''s peerless... yeah, she''ll be blown away by an ACA. my intended was happy as well with whatever cut she saw in the B&M, she only knows she doesn''t want any yellow or any ''marks'', lol. and she could only tell color when we put an I next to an E, and they were IGI graded
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i''m also a little bit more picky, did some research, went back to a B&M on my own to look at some loose stones, and just walked out laughing. what they tend to carry just can''t compare.

as for the difference, if that''s a WF gemologist that said 50/50 split, then it really is a coin toss. i agree, clearer stone + less cost + negligible color difference (esp. to her) = win. good luck!
 
The intended only concern was that she wanted a round brilliant and not a princess cut and hopefully a 1ctw. So really expectations are minimal, again I think I put myself up to this because in the end, I was not satisfied with some of the cuts I was seeing at standard B&M. I am really happy I was able to the truth from all you since I can''t count the number of times I was misled or lied to along the way through my various B&M trips. I have heard everything from don''t buy I colour, to don''t go any better then SI2 since it is eyeclean but purchase this D colour, to cut is not that important, a EGL cert with VG is the best you can get. After learning and researching everything there is to the diamond experience, I am really hoping to switch professions, (Automotive Engineering to Diamond Engineer) lol. :)

Thank you everyone for all your help during this long process. If it wasn''t for this website and all you, I would be purchasing a grossly subpar store at a B&M store at a very high margin rate. I am really looking forward to seeing the ACA first hand since I have never seen any pictures in real time (If anyone can post there it would be great :). )
 
wow, that's some class-A advice right there. i agree, it's definitely not challenging to tell the diamonds at B&M's are crap and their advice is worse, after sticking around here for a while. before, i was (yeah, i'll admit it) almost sold on what they were telling me about Leo diamonds
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it is quite scary to think how effective they are at selling garbage, and the fact that i was remotely close to biting. there are quite a few of us who owe a lot to PS
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also, if you want to see some ACA's, bounce around in the "Show Me The Ring" forum... quite a few people have posted them there. brian gavin initially created ACA, so you can also look at BGD's to get an idea. they're pretty great, for sure.

another fun thing to do is search for "maul store" threads... there are some excellent stories around here that make for some pretty great entertainment.

eta: yeah, it's pretty safe to say both of those diamonds are way, way, way beyond her wildest expectations. propose around friends, cause you're gonna want pictures of the look on her face around forever
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Flip a coin! LOL!

BTW if they told you it is eye clean at 6 inches from all angles, then it *is* eye clean (no loupe) whatever the plot says...
 
In most cases, I would take the H over the I, because I am a color snob. However, I have heard that ACAs face up blindingly white, so the I might not be a problem.
 
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