Advice requested

[climbman]

I''ve put a significant amount of time into researching, and now I''ve done a good amount of narrowing down. I may add / remove more in the next week or so as I make my final trips to jewelers, but I was looking for advice on the ones I am thinking about now. Unfortunately, none had access to useful pictures for me to share. Note: All of the following are round. Each is meant to indicate what I think makes sense in a certain price range. I know of course the choice depends largely on how much I want to spend, but what I am really trying to gauge is whether one of these is a "no-brainer" type of purchase, and what decision more experienced and knowledgeable shoppers would make. Thanks!

(1) 1.12 carat, F, VS2, GIA XXX (excellent cut, polish, symmetry)
Depth 61.4%; Table 56%; Crown Angle 34.5; Crown Height 15%; Pavilion Angle 41.0; Pavilion Depth 43.5; Star length 55%; Lower half 75%; Girdle Medium to Slightly thick, faceted (3.0%); No cutlet; No Fluorescence

HCA Result: 1.8 (TIC), Ex, Vg, Vg, Vg
Cost: $6,990

(2)1.13 carat, E, VS2, GIA Excellent cut, Excellent polish, Very good symmetry
Depth 60.9%; Table 59%; Crown Angle 33.5; Crown Height 13.5%; Pavilion Angle 40.8; Pavilion Depth 43.0; Star length 55%; Lower half 80%; Girdle Slightly thick, faceted (4.0%); No cutlet; Medium Blue Fluorescence

HCA Result: 1.3 (TIC), Ex, Ex, Ex, Vg
Cost: $7,430


(3) 1.35 carat, F, VS2, GIA XXX
Depth 62.5%; Table 55%; Crown Angle 35.0; Crown Height 16.0%; Pavilion Angle 40.8; Pavilion Depth 43.5; Star length 55%; Lower half 75%; Girdle thin to medium, faceted (3.0%); No cutlet; Medium Blue Fluorescence

HCA Result: 1.6 (TIC), Ex, Ex, Ex, Vg
Cost: $8,675

(4) 1.17 carat, D, VS2, GIA XXX
Depth 61.4%; Table 57%; Crown Angle 34.0; Crown Height 14.5%; Pavilion Angle 40.8; Pavilion Depth 43.0; Star length 55%; Lower half 75%; Girdle medium to slightly thick, faceted (3.5%); No cutlet; No Fluorescence

HCA Result: 1.1 (TIC), Ex, Ex, Ex, Vg
Cost: $10,095

(5) 1.46 carat, G, VS2, GIA XXX
Depth 61.5%; Table 57%; Crown Angle 34.5; Crown Height 15.0%; Pavilion Angle 41.0; Pavilion Depth 43.5; Star length 55%; Lower half 75%; Girdle medium to slightly thick, faceted (3.5%); No cutlet; No Fluorescence

HCA Result: 1.9 (TIC), Ex, Vg, Vg, Vg
Cost: $10,700

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/24/2009 8:01:13 AM
Author:climbman
I've put a significant amount of time into researching, and now I've done a good amount of narrowing down. I may add / remove more in the next week or so as I make my final trips to jewelers, but I was looking for advice on the ones I am thinking about now. Unfortunately, none had access to useful pictures for me to share. Note: All of the following are round. Each is meant to indicate what I think makes sense in a certain price range. I know of course the choice depends largely on how much I want to spend, but what I am really trying to gauge is whether one of these is a 'no-brainer' type of purchase, and what decision more experienced and knowledgeable shoppers would make. Thanks!

(1) 1.12 carat, F, VS2, GIA XXX (excellent cut, polish, symmetry)
Depth 61.4%; Table 56%; Crown Angle 34.5; Crown Height 15%; Pavilion Angle 41.0; Pavilion Depth 43.5; Star length 55%; Lower half 75%; Girdle Medium to Slightly thick, faceted (3.0%); No cutlet; No Fluorescence Might be good, an Idealscope image would be useful to check out the angle combo.

HCA Result: 1.8 (TIC), Ex, Vg, Vg, Vg
Cost: $6,990

(2)1.13 carat, E, VS2, GIA Excellent cut, Excellent polish, Very good symmetry
Depth 60.9%; Table 59%; Crown Angle 33.5; Crown Height 13.5%; Pavilion Angle 40.8; Pavilion Depth 43.0; Star length 55%; Lower half 80%; Girdle Slightly thick, faceted (4.0%); No cutlet; Medium Blue Fluorescence Looks promising.

HCA Result: 1.3 (TIC), Ex, Ex, Ex, Vg
Cost: $7,430


(3) 1.35 carat, F, VS2, GIA XXX
Depth 62.5%; Table 55%; Crown Angle 35.0; Crown Height 16.0%; Pavilion Angle 40.8; Pavilion Depth 43.5; Star length 55%; Lower half 75%; Girdle thin to medium, faceted (3.0%); No cutlet; Medium Blue Fluorescence As above an Idealscope image would be useful but these are hard to find on jewellery store diamonds, read more on Idealscope here - http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=education-performance

HCA Result: 1.6 (TIC), Ex, Ex, Ex, Vg
Cost: $8,675

(4) 1.17 carat, D, VS2, GIA XXX
Depth 61.4%; Table 57%; Crown Angle 34.0; Crown Height 14.5%; Pavilion Angle 40.8; Pavilion Depth 43.0; Star length 55%; Lower half 75%; Girdle medium to slightly thick, faceted (3.5%); No cutlet; No Fluorescence I would be very interested in this one.

HCA Result: 1.1 (TIC), Ex, Ex, Ex, Vg
Cost: $10,095

(5) 1.46 carat, G, VS2, GIA XXX
Depth 61.5%; Table 57%; Crown Angle 34.5; Crown Height 15.0%; Pavilion Angle 41.0; Pavilion Depth 43.5; Star length 55%; Lower half 75%; Girdle medium to slightly thick, faceted (3.5%); No cutlet; No Fluorescence

HCA Result: 1.9 (TIC), Ex, Vg, Vg, Vg
Cost: $10,700

They all could have potential but #4 would be my first pick.

 

[climbman]

I think it is interesting that you went to (4) over (1) or (2), as they are largely similar to me. While I can see color differences pretty well in general, I''m not sure that D is worth the premium to me. With regards to cut performance, I have no way of discerning them, really. I guess you must feel that the cut difference could be sizable.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/24/2009 8:28:59 AM
Author: climbman
I think it is interesting that you went to (4) over (1) or (2), as they are largely similar to me. While I can see color differences pretty well in general, I'm not sure that D is worth the premium to me. With regards to cut performance, I have no way of discerning them, really. I guess you must feel that the cut difference could be sizable.

All I can do is go by the numbers to get a feel for each, the proportions of the ones I mentioned look the best to me but if you can see and compare each then you are in a great position to pick the one which suits you! I am going by what look to me to be the ' safest' proportions as I don't have images to work with.

 

[climbman]

I realize now that I was unclear: these are all specs from diamonds available from internet vendors (varies which one), but none have images. I''ve called and asked, and these companies don''t do that apparently. If I could actually see the diamonds, I would not waste your time by asking. I will have to seriously think about (4), apparently: cost versus benefit. Thanks for your time / help.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/24/2009 9:06:06 AM
Author: climbman
I realize now that I was unclear: these are all specs from diamonds available from internet vendors (varies which one), but none have images. I've called and asked, and these companies don't do that apparently. If I could actually see the diamonds, I would not waste your time by asking. I will have to seriously think about (4), apparently: cost versus benefit. Thanks for your time / help.

Oh ok, I thought these were available from jewellers and you had seen them! And please don't worry about wasting my time, thats what I am here for! If you like, give us an idea of budget and your colour, clarity and carat requirements, maybe we could suggest some diamonds for you?

 

[climbman]

I''ve been working off of 1.25 carat, F, VS2. I consider cut and size and color most important, with cut getting a slight edge over size, with a slight edge over color. I don''t want any visible flaws, and with the internet, I''m reluctant to trust less than VS2. Thanks.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/24/2009 9:30:34 AM
Author: climbman
I've been working off of 1.25 carat, F, VS2. I consider cut and size and color most important, with cut getting a slight edge over size, with a slight edge over color. I don't want any visible flaws, and with the internet, I'm reluctant to trust less than VS2. Thanks.

Ok, I will take a look for you, what is your budget for the diamond please?

Here is one, E colour

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1248012.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Just a suggestion which you are free to ignore but if you consider G colour the diamond will still be very white and could broaden the options - if you would rather stay with F colour though of course that is fine.

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1148583.htm

 

[climbman]

I was planning on spending no more than 10k on the diamond.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/24/2009 9:40:05 AM
Author: climbman
I was planning on spending no more than 10k on the diamond.

Ok then this one could work

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1248012.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.bluenile.co.uk/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01240144

 

[climbman]

Yes, I had actually seen that diamond. My reluctance is that (2) above is similar (HCA score of 1.3 versus 1.1), but is $2,700 less. Even (1) is close (HCA 1., and even cheaper. It is nice to have the picture, but I wonder if it is really worth this type of price difference. Definitely (4) seems comparable and similarly priced, but D color. Also, (3) seems like a nice option for something a little bigger at about $1,500 less, and the HCA is 1.6 (while GIA, the tool on this site suggests it would be AGS0). Are the two images (idealscope and loupe) really worth this type of difference in cost?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/24/2009 10:03:05 AM
Author: climbman
Yes, I had actually seen that diamond. My reluctance is that (2) above is similar (HCA score of 1.3 versus 1.1), but is $2,700 less. Even (1) is close (HCA 1., and even cheaper. It is nice to have the picture, but I wonder if it is really worth this type of price difference. Definitely (4) seems comparable and similarly priced, but D color. Also, (3) seems like a nice option for something a little bigger at about $1,500 less, and the HCA is 1.6 (while GIA, the tool on this site suggests it would be AGS0). Are the two images (idealscope and loupe) really worth this type of difference in cost?

A lower HCA score is not better than a higher one. The aim is to score below 2 then evaluate from there with images, it is a common misconception that a lower score IS better when it isn't the case. Also even if the HCA suggests a stone could be an AGS0 no guarantee that AGS would grade it that way, much more too it than a computation of 4 measurements. Don't go by the HCA scores to select, all the HCA does is to indicate whether a diamond is worth further consideration, those which score below 2, it is an elimination tool not for selection. The diamonds I posted are all well cut, as to which to pick that depends on your preferences and budget now, or to not pick any of them as the case may be.

 

[stone-cold11]

Date: 7/24/2009 10:03:05 AM
Author: climbman
Yes, I had actually seen that diamond. My reluctance is that (2) above is similar (HCA score of 1.3 versus 1.1), but is $2,700 less. Even (1) is close (HCA 1., and even cheaper. It is nice to have the picture, but I wonder if it is really worth this type of price difference. Definitely (4) seems comparable and similarly priced, but D color. Also, (3) seems like a nice option for something a little bigger at about $1,500 less, and the HCA is 1.6 (while GIA, the tool on this site suggests it would be AGS0). Are the two images (idealscope and loupe) really worth this type of difference in cost?

Only you can decide. The JA stone is more because it is class as a H&A under their system and thus comes with an IS image. You could probably find one cheaper and just as good from them, but it will take longer as you will have to request a Idealscope image, it is free for up to three stones IIRC but takes about 48hr waiting time.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/24/2009 10:10:48 AM
Author: Stone-cold11

Date: 7/24/2009 10:03:05 AM
Author: climbman
Yes, I had actually seen that diamond. My reluctance is that (2) above is similar (HCA score of 1.3 versus 1.1), but is $2,700 less. Even (1) is close (HCA 1., and even cheaper. It is nice to have the picture, but I wonder if it is really worth this type of price difference. Definitely (4) seems comparable and similarly priced, but D color. Also, (3) seems like a nice option for something a little bigger at about $1,500 less, and the HCA is 1.6 (while GIA, the tool on this site suggests it would be AGS0). Are the two images (idealscope and loupe) really worth this type of difference in cost?

Only you can decide. The JA stone is more because it is class as a H&A under their system and thus comes with an IS image. You could probably find one cheaper and just as good from them, but it will take longer as you will have to request a Idealscope image, it is free for up to three stones IIRC but takes about 48hr waiting time.

Oh there you are SC, on late today!

 

[climbman]

Good to know. I have re-traced my steps and found the actual links. Maybe with the link there is somehow more information with which you can opine?

(1) http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01178624?filter_id=0

(2) http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-e-color-vs2-clarity_LD01305558?filter_id=0

(3) http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01375997?filter_id=0

(4) http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-signature-signature-ideal-cut-d-color-vs2-clarity_LD01132575?filter_id=0

(5) http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-g-color-vs2-clarity_LD01376019?filter_id=0

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/24/2009 10:22:23 AM
Author: climbman
Good to know. I have re-traced my steps and found the actual links. Maybe with the link there is somehow more information with which you can opine?

I will just fix the links...

(1) http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01178624?filter_id=0

(2) http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-e-color-vs2-clarity_LD01305558?filter_id=0

(3) http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01375997?filter_id=0

(4) http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-signature-signature-ideal-cut-d-color-vs2-clarity_LD01132575?filter_id=0

(5) http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-g-color-vs2-clarity_LD01376019?filter_id=0

Still of the same opinion.

 

[stone-cold11]

This looks good from the numbers, can''t see the loupe image from my present PC. If you are interested, request an IS image from JA.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1247103.asp