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Advice on the best of 4 Rounds (.5 - .6) and many thanks!

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c.k.

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 4, 2009
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5
(Sorry, a bit long. If you want to go directly to the request, skip to the second to last paragraph)

First, let me say that I have been watching everyone on this board give amazing advice for the past year or so. Whether people are asking advice on diamonds I could only dream about or those that are actually within my budget (like the ones below), I have consistently been amazed at the graciousness and helpfulness that I have seen.

I recently graduated university and am six months into my first career position, so my budget is not very large. I am also from Canada so the exchange rate cuts in a bit, though thankfully not as much for the time being.

My total budget is about $2100 US. I also have my eye set on the 18K White Gold .30ctw Common Prong setting from James Allen, so that leaves about $1500 at the most for the diamond.

(http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/Common-Prong-Engagement-Ring.html)

I am pretty set on James Allen due to the relatively affordable prices for the setting and the diamond.

Of the four diamonds below, which would you recommend? I have been to a few b&ms and found that I have a pretty critical eye for colour and clarity, so H and SI1 is about as far as I want to go.

I know that these are not the largest or most expensive, but I hope that one of them will make her smile always.

Many thanks in advance.
Chris


1: .57 G SI1

Cut Adviser: 1.7 EX - ex-ex-vg-vg (within TIC range)

Carat weight: 0.57
Cut: Hearts & Arrows Ideal
Color: G
Clarity: SI1
Certificate: AGS
Depth: 62.2%
Table: 56.9%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to slightly thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 5.29*5.32*3.30
Crown Angle: 34.5°
Crown %: 14.90
pavilion Angle: 40.9°
pavilion %: 43.20

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1225058.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131


2: .54 H SI1

Cut Adviser: .9 EX - ex-ex-ex-vg (within TIC range)

Shape: Round
Carat weight: 0.54
Cut: Hearts & Arrows Ideal
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
Certificate: AGS
Depth: 60.9%
Table: 56.5%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to slightly thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 5.24*5.27*3.20
Crown Angle: 33.8°
Crown %: 14.60
pavilion Angle: 40.8°
pavilion %: 43.00

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1239039.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131


3: .54 F VS2

Cut Adviser: 1 EX - ex-ex-ex-vg (within TIC range)

Shape: Round
Carat weight: 0.54
Cut: Hearts & Arrows Ideal
Color: F
Clarity: VS2
Certificate: AGS
Depth: 61.2%
Table: 55.6%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 5.25*5.27*3.22
Crown Angle: 34.0°
Crown %: 15.00
pavilion Angle: 40.8°
pavilion %: 43.10

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1225090.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131


4: .60 F SI1

Cut Adviser: 1.4 EX - ex-vg-vg-vg (within TIC range)

Shape: Round
Carat weight: 0.60
Cut: Hearts & Arrows Ideal
Color: F
Clarity: SI1
Certificate: AGS
Depth: 61.4%
Table: 55.3%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 5.44*5.49*3.35
Crown Angle: 34.3°
Crown %: 15.30
pavilion Angle: 40.9°
pavilion %: 43.00

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1253679.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131
 
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1225058.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1239039.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1225090.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1253679.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Well, first off, welcome to PS. You picked four very nice diamonds, any of them would be a good choice. Personally, I would choose between the last one and the second. The last is the largest of the bunch in both carat weight and face up size--it is also the most expensive. For the other three, they are all about the same size and have excellent performance, so the less expensive H wins out. I am not that color sensitive and really can''t tell the difference between F and H once mounted, so wouldn''t pay extra for the higher color--someone who is color sensitive might prefer G or F.

If you are wanting true Hearts and Arrows, you can ask for hearts images. I''m not convinced by the photo and IS that the last one would meet a strict definition of H&A, so would want to see the image IF it is important to you. If your goal is a bright and lively diamond, then all four are great.

In the end, any diamond will make her smile always because it is from you.
 
0.60 F-SI1 without hesitation.
I love the cut.
 
Date: 8/6/2009 11:12:36 PM
Author: jet2ks
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1225058.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1239039.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1225090.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1253679.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Well, first off, welcome to PS. You picked four very nice diamonds, any of them would be a good choice. Personally, I would choose between the last one and the second. The last is the largest of the bunch in both carat weight and face up size--it is also the most expensive. For the other three, they are all about the same size and have excellent performance, so the less expensive H wins out. I am not that color sensitive and really can''t tell the difference between F and H once mounted, so wouldn''t pay extra for the higher color--someone who is color sensitive might prefer G or F.

If you are wanting true Hearts and Arrows, you can ask for hearts images. I''m not convinced by the photo and IS that the last one would meet a strict definition of H&A, so would want to see the image IF it is important to you. If your goal is a bright and lively diamond, then all four are great.

In the end, any diamond will make her smile always because it is from you.
Click to expand...
Ditto, out of all the SI clarities find out which are eyeclean and then go from there, and thank you for your very kind words, much appreciated!!!
 
IS all look good to me. Ditto on the Hearts image and checking out if eye-clean.
 
Thanks everyone!

In regards to the Hearts and Arrows, I realize that these may not meet the strict definition of H&A. However, my goal is more a ''bright and lively diamond'' and the best cuts that I could find also happened to be H&A. I realize the constraints of my budget, so I am more than happy with an excellent cut and defined arrows.

I will definitely call to make sure that each is eye-clean. Just wanted to make sure that I wasn''t far off track. I am leaning towards #4 as my first choice and #2 as my second choice, for the reasons noted by jet2ks.

Thanks again for the price-scope inspired confidence!

Cheers
Chris
 
Date: 8/7/2009 8:34:19 AM
Author: c.k.
Thanks everyone!

In regards to the Hearts and Arrows, I realize that these may not meet the strict definition of H&A. However, my goal is more a ''bright and lively diamond'' and the best cuts that I could find also happened to be H&A. I realize the constraints of my budget, so I am more than happy with an excellent cut and defined arrows.

I will definitely call to make sure that each is eye-clean. Just wanted to make sure that I wasn''t far off track. I am leaning towards #4 as my first choice and #2 as my second choice, for the reasons noted by jet2ks.

Thanks again for the price-scope inspired confidence!

Cheers
Chris
Click to expand...
Ok that sounds fine!
 
Date: 8/7/2009 8:34:19 AM
Author: c.k.
Thanks everyone!

In regards to the Hearts and Arrows, I realize that these may not meet the strict definition of H&A. However, my goal is more a ''bright and lively diamond'' and the best cuts that I could find also happened to be H&A. I realize the constraints of my budget, so I am more than happy with an excellent cut and defined arrows.

I will definitely call to make sure that each is eye-clean. Just wanted to make sure that I wasn''t far off track. I am leaning towards #4 as my first choice and #2 as my second choice, for the reasons noted by jet2ks.

Thanks again for the price-scope inspired confidence!

Cheers

Chris
Click to expand...

I just would not like to pay a premium for a H&A if it is not a H&A. Getting a non H&A can still get you a sparkly diamond and have well defined arrows.
 
That makes sense.

What about this JA non-H&A - .60 G SI1 Ideal (assuming it is eye-clean)

Shape: Round
Carat weight: 0.60
Cut: Ideal
Color: G
Clarity: SI1
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 61.4%
Table: 57.0%
Crown: 34.5
Pavilion: 40.6
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to slightly thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 5.41*5.44*3.33

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1253990.asp
 
Looks good.
 
Thanks Stone-cold and Lorelei (sorry, will make sure to link properly). I will definitely check to make sure the cloud is not an issue and that it is eye-clean.

Much appreciated!
 
Most excellent choice! You will get the size of the F with excellent performance at a slightly lower price.
 
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