Advice on three JA ~1ct Rounds?

[aero975]

Hey all!

First time poster, long-time reader. Thanks for all the helpful, insightful members out there helping new folks (like myself) learn all about diamonds and help us guys pick the very best rock for our lady!

First off, here are the specs I've been looking for:
- Round Brilliant diamond <$6k
- Ideal/Excellent Cut
- Flexible on the color (H-J) and clarity (down to SI2 - eye clean or inclusions can be covered by prongs)
- 0.9-1.1 ct weight

After looking around the past few weeks on James Allen and BGD, I've found three three diamonds that I've requested Idealscopes and a Gemologist review on:

1. http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-176204
2. http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-106584
3. http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-157326

In terms of setting, I was interested in this:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engage...round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-928

I'll post Idealscope images on this thread once I receive them. In the meantime...

- Do you guys have any opinions on the rocks I've chosen above?
- Any specific questions I should ask the gemologist?
- Any thing else I should keep in mind?

Thanks again in advance for all your help!

 

[Christina...]

Hard to say without seeing the IS images. I found a couple more on WF if your interested.. The first one is my fav, but it's a few hundred over budget, but it's also an ACA, which is a beautifully cut diamond.


http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2909288.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2787732.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2772510.htm

 

[aero975]

Hey Folks,

Below is the gemologist reply to the three diamonds I selected:

The gemologist has given me some fantastic news; all three of your diamonds have bright and lively light performance, and face completely eye clean!

Diamond 157326 has excellent fire, brilliance, and scintillation, and performs the strongest of the group. Its performance balances nicely and it possesses a true "H" color. Diamonds 106584 and 176204 are also very bright and lively. Their performance is comparable and they are both a close second to diamond 157326. As expected, they both have a true "J" color.

To be completely honest, you can't go wrong with any of these options, as all three of them are exceptionally bright. If you are looking for the largest diamond, I recommend diamond 106584 since it faces up a little larger than your others (due to its cut). Light performance is similar amongst the group, but if you particular about having the brightest diamond, then you'll want to go with diamond 157326

Also attached are the Idealscope images from James Allen.

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-157326


http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...-J-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-106584


http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...-J-color-VS1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-176204


I'm thinking of getting the following setting in 5.5/5.75:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engage...ound-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9018

What do you all think?

 

[SMC]

I'd go with the H because of the color.

 

[JulieN]

I like the H, looks like a great SI2.

I'm surprised #2 got an EX cut grade. You do realize it is a 1.20 ct, not 1.02, right?

 

[Christina...]

I like the H, looks like a great SI2.

I'm surprised #2 got an EX cut grade. You do realize it is a 1.20 ct, not 1.02, right?

I agree, I would go with the H as well.

JulieN, can you explain why you are surprised by the cut grade? Because of the IS or because of the stones proportions? I'm just curious and value your opinion, and because I didn't see anything that jumped out at me.

 

[aero975]

Interesting, youre right the Cert says 1.20 but the website has it listed as a 1.02. If I remember correctly, #1 and #3 were ~$5200, but #2 was ~$5800. Makes sense, as I did not know why there was the price bump.

 

[JulieN]

I thought GIA would ding #2 to a VG cut grade for girdle treatments. https://www.pricescope.com/journal/visible_effects_painting_digging_superideal_diamonds

 

[Christina...]

I thought GIA would ding #2 to a VG cut grade for girdle treatments. https://www.pricescope.com/journal/visible_effects_painting_digging_superideal_diamonds

Yep, I see that now. I had incorrectly identified AGS as dinging for painting/digging in another thread....seems I still haven't gotten them straightened out in my head. Thanks for clarifying!!

 

[aero975]

All,

Thanks for the help! Ive elected to keep the first diamond (the H-color one, #157326) while I finallize the setting.

I've posted another topic on the setting, it can be found here:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/preferred-width-of-setting-for-a-1ct-round.188430/

Thanks Again!