Advice on a 90pt Round Cut Diamond

[yeahno]

First let me say how grateful I am to find such an awesome community of very helpful experts. I've gained so much knowledge from reading the articles and other posts here on PS.

So I've been doing my research and visiting b&m stores (i.e., show-rooming) over the past month to find the perfect e-ring. While open to suggestions otherwise, I'm leaning toward purchasing from James Allen since I like this style ring and the price point looks just right:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channel-set/14k-white-gold-thin-channel-set-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-19

Here's the parameters I'm working with as far as the stone is concerned:

Round Cut Brilliant Diamond

Weight: 0.90-0.99 ct.
Color: H or better (keeping in mind the avg. color of the side stones in the ring are G-H)
Clarity: SI1 or better (must be eye clean)
Cut: Excellent (GIA or AGS)
Polish: Excellent (GIA or AGS)
Symmetry: Excellent (GIA or AGS)

At the end of the day I want the shiniest, most eye-catching stone I can get for the money. My total budget for the ring and stone is $5,500. I would also really prefer to be able to see an ideal-scope image before making the purchase, but I'll inquire about it and eye-cleanliness after hearing your recommendations. What do you guys think?

 

[yeahno]

bump.

 

[John P]

Cut: Excellent (GIA or AGS)... (snip) ...At the end of the day I want the shiniest, most eye-catching stone I can get for the money.

Be aware that "Excellent" is a rather wide range. Some have more robust light return and optical performance than others. An ASET or Ideal-Scope can help predict the overall light return and character of the diamond.

This article may be an interesting read.
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/laboratory_cut_grades_what_report_doesn't_show

 

[yeahno]

Cut: Excellent (GIA or AGS)... (snip) ...At the end of the day I want the shiniest, most eye-catching stone I can get for the money.

Be aware that "Excellent" is a rather wide range. Some have more robust light return and optical performance than others. An ASET or Ideal-Scope can help predict the overall light return and character of the diamond.

This article may be an interesting read.
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/laboratory_cut_grades_what_report_doesn't_show

Thanks John, I'll take a look.

Really wish ASET images were available for all the JA inventory. Almost makes me want to look elsewhere.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Cut: Excellent (GIA or AGS)... (snip) ...At the end of the day I want the shiniest, most eye-catching stone I can get for the money.

Be aware that "Excellent" is a rather wide range. Some have more robust light return and optical performance than others. An ASET or Ideal-Scope can help predict the overall light return and character of the diamond.

This article may be an interesting read.
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/laboratory_cut_grades_what_report_doesn't_show

John,
Check that url and make sure it is going to the article you are referencing. For some reason it takes me to a more generic page.
(Home >> Pricescope Diamond and Jewelry Information)

I found the article in the knowledge base and the url seems to be the same so I don't quite understand it. Maybe it's just me.

Home >> Articles >> Laboratory Cut Grades: What the report doesn’t show

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Add these parameters which should help you narrow down the GIA Ex stones:

table: 54-58

depth: 62-62.3

crown angle: 34-35.0

pavilion angle: 40.6-41.0

 

[yeahno]

Cut: Excellent (GIA or AGS)... (snip) ...At the end of the day I want the shiniest, most eye-catching stone I can get for the money.

Be aware that "Excellent" is a rather wide range. Some have more robust light return and optical performance than others. An ASET or Ideal-Scope can help predict the overall light return and character of the diamond.

This article may be an interesting read.
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/laboratory_cut_grades_what_report_doesn't_show

John,
Check that url and make sure it is going to the article you are referencing. For some reason it takes me to a more generic page.
(Home >> Pricescope Diamond and Jewelry Information)

I found the article in the knowledge base and the url seems to be the same so I don't quite understand it. Maybe it's just me.

Home >> Articles >> Laboratory Cut Grades: What the report doesn’t show

Yes, I noticed the same thing actually, but was eventually able to find the article by going to:

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut

Then scrolling to the bottom, I found the article link under the "Related Threads and Articles" section.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

I think Pricescope did some server upgrades earlier in the year. Some navigation may have been changed in the process.

 

[yeahno]

Add these parameters which should help you narrow down the GIA Ex stones:

table: 54-58

depth: 62-62.3

crown angle: 34-35.0

pavilion angle: 40.6-41.0

Yes, I've been using similar parameters when searching:

Table: 55-58%
Depth: 60-62.3%
Crown angle: 34-35 degrees
Pavilion angle: 40.6-41 degrees

Is the ideal depth percentage really as narrow as you recommended?

 

[yeahno]

Wondering what the experts think about these below. All score below 2 on HCA. The real challenge I'm having is that a lot of the other listings I've looked through don't disclose crown and pavilion angles. Also, judging by the ship dates, I'm doubtful that JA will be able to provide IS or ASET images.

1) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.92-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-658637

2) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-648585

3) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-307997
(pushes me slightly outside my price range, but I'm running out of choices)

P.S. After posting my OP, I'm now thinking that I really like G color or better. H is just too yellowish for my taste.

 

[PumpkinsAreAwesome]

I'd be careful about that inclusion in Diamond #1. Of the three, my favorite is probably Diamond #3, followed by #2.