Another 'help me pick a diamond' thread

[Davo12345]

Firstly, thanks to the contributors to this forum. I have learnt a lot and now after three days behind a computer screen I am pretty sure I have narrowed down my search field. I would appreciate assistance with the final hurdle, actually picking the diamond from the shortlist. To simplify this process I am now only looking at diamonds listed on Blue Nile, simply because they appear slightly more cost effective than James Allen and I find their website easy to use. I am fully aware there are other dealers out there and I am open to other suggestions.

Budget: up to $9000 AUD ($6500 USD)
Carat: .9-1.1 Round
Cut: Ideal
Color: H or greater
Clarity: VS2
Polish/Symmetry: Excellent
Depth: 59-62 (I am led to believe these are the desired parameters).
Table: 53-58 (I am led to believe these are the desired parameters).

Running a search with these parameters on Blue Nile lists 7 diamonds ranging from $6800 to $8600

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

To note, I am also open to a SI1 diamond over 1 Carat within the budget, however I am unable to back myself and identify one that will be eyeclean, which is a definite requirement.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[lovedogs]

Unfortunately there's a lot more to picking w good stone than depth and table. You need to know crown and pav angles, and whether those angles are complementary. For crown, stick to 34-35, and for pav, between 40.6 and 40.8. once you find a stone that ticks all those boxes, run it through the HCA calculator (under tools). If it scores under 2, put it on your short list. If it scores over 2, reject it.

It's likely easier to search using the PS search tool at the top, putting in budget, size, etc, and making sure to set HCA to excellent. That will show you all your options from PS vendors.

 

[lovedogs]

For your budget, you can get an outstanding ACA from Whiteflash, which means super ideal cut, trade up policies, and excellent customer service. Some examples:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3964565.htm?source=pricescope

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4068021.htm?source=pricescope

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4068022.htm?source=pricescope

 

[ratatat]

Not sure if I’m allowed to do this so if not forum moderators please delete my post and accept my apologies
OP I’m selling my 0.918ct Brian Gavin signature ideal H SI1 for $6900AUD from Australia If you’re interested
https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...gnature-0-dot-918ct-h-si1-super-ideal-diamond

 

[Matthews1127]

Not sure if I’m allowed to do this so if not forum moderators please delete my post and accept my apologies
OP I’m selling my 0.918ct Brian Gavin signature ideal H SI1 for $6900AUD from Australia If you’re interested
https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...gnature-0-dot-918ct-h-si1-super-ideal-diamond

This is gorgeous!!! Completely convenient, @Davo12345!!!

 

[tyty333]

This is gorgeous!!! Completely convenient, @Davo12345!!!

If you are not worried about trade up options this would be a great find. Somewhat local too. If you do think you might want to trade up in the future
then one of the WF stones would be an excellent choice.

Edit...not sure why it didnt copy the link but here it is ...
https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...gnature-0-dot-918ct-h-si1-super-ideal-diamond

 

[sledge]

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

These stones are worth considering. 58 table paired with steep 35.5 crown and complimentary 40.6 pavilion. Both pull HCA 1.4 which is a great score.

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-y...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

58/61.9/32.5/41.2
58/61.9/33.5/41.6
57/61.6/35/41.2
58/62/35/41.2
58/62/35/41

Reject all these. Crown angles are too shallow and/or pavilion angles are too steep. In particular 41.2 pavilion things get particularly nasty.

Also, noticed you seem to prefer larger tables. Advantage is stones can have a better spread, but will provide more white light return vs fire. Smaller tables equal more fire because as the table shrinks the upper facets grow and that is where rainbow light is produced.

Suggest using this criteria for your search:

• 54-57 table
• 60-62.4 depth (prefer <62)
• 34-35 crown (maybe 35.5, if paired with 40.6 pavilion)
• 40.6-40.9 pavilion (maybe 41, if paired with 34 crown)
• 75-80 LGF
• Crown and pavilion angle relationship must be complimentary, meaning we want to pair a steep crown w/ a shallow pavilion (35/40.6) or possibly a shallow crown with a steep pavilion (34/40.9). Another lovely combo is 34.5/40.7 or 34.5/40.8.**

** = All these combinations are just examples. Further analysis is required. Other combos can and do work. Some of it depends on how well (or poorly) cut a stone is. This isn't an exhaustive list of possible combinations, but rather a small sampling to help you better understand what is meant by "complimentary".