shape
carat
color
clarity

Any help between these stones would be awesome

Rundre

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 30, 2015
Messages
8
Alright.
I've been lurking for awhile trying to gather some knowledge before posting. I've narrowed it down to a few online vendors and found some from James Allen that seem to fit the bill. They are all so similar that I'm not sure how to differentiate which is the right way to go and am stuck so I figured I'd ask people with way more knowledge than myself. Any help would be amazing even if it's saying they all are terrible would be a big help.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-385944

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-361573

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.37-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-429953
 
Hi Rundre-
To start off I don’t think any of these are terrible. I didn’t run them through the HCA so that could help w/ rejecting a potential non performer.
I think you made some good choices for what looks to be your budget (abt 9,000 and size 1.4c)
As a caveat I am -not- an expert just a fellow consumer.

First one, 385944 has strong florescence so you have to decide if that is ok w/ you (there has been some discussion on the forum) also you have to ask the in house gemologist does the florescence cause the diamond to look, hazy, milky or oily
Not sure abt the crown and pavilion angles on this one (outside of what I use as guide line for a round brilliant)

Second one, 361715 not sure abt the crown and pavilion angles or the table on this one. Out of the three you posted I like this one the best.

Third one, 429953 is my least fav.
Don’t like the crown angle or the table as well as you are paying for the VVS2 clarity. If that is a priority for you go for it but my personal preference is eye clean for clarity so I can maximize other areas.

Do you like a setting from James Allen? Getting the stone and setting from the same vender makes the process way smoother.
Hopefully someone can come along and find some good ones from James Allen for you.
 
Here are some options from other vendors that you should consider.

All of these should be close to your budget, with confirmed Ideal light performance (no guesswork):

1.345ct, I, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3260750.htm

1.344ct, G, SI1 - verify if this is eye-clean, same price as JA stone (as BGD is having a sale right now)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.344-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076722031

1.317ct, H, SI1

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3260762.htm

1.302ct, H, VS2 - verify if this is eye-clean, same price as JA stone (as BGD is having a sale right now)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.302-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104074030060

1.3ct, I, SI1 - less expensive than JA option
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-3ct-i-si1-premium-round-ideal-cut-diamond.html
 
You found some nice ones Rockey.
 
Rocky thank you very much you certainly gave me quite a bit to think about. I'm still unsure how to narrow down the choices you gave me if they are all indeed eye clean. Close my eyes and point maybe? And 16 ocean thank you very much I hadn't really considered where I was getting the setting from I have an idea of what I want just have to find it. Is it the consensus to try and get it from the same people as the diamond? I noticed Brian Gavin had some very nice settings how do they compare to anyone else out there. Keeping in mind the stones are similar is there a better place to have the setting done? Thank you very much and if anyone else can help as well I would definitely appreciate it.
 
Brian Gavin can compete with just about anyone out there. Their stones are fantastic and their workmanship and materials on their setting fantastic for the type of manufacturing they do.

They are a great vendor and really believe in customer satisfaction.

What type of setting do you want? They have some of the nicest ones out there.
 
I purchased a diamond and setting from Brian Gavin not long ago. I had planned on buying a setting from Vatche until I found the perfect stone at BGD and decided to go with one of their in house settings. I am so glad I did. The quality of their settings is outstanding and their diamonds are pretty darned spectacular too!
 
I'm looking for a simple halo setting. Something similar to his Anita halo although I'm not sure if the diamonds on the band make it seem too busy.

Gypsy if all things being the same how would I go about deciding between some of the stones that rockey found from the 3 different vendors. I do appreciate your confidence in Brian Gavin. I'm having a harder time seeing something I like setting wise on whiteflash. Is it your opinion that I should try and go diamond and setting from same place?

Sundial that is very good to hear. Did you investigate anything custom through there? If I was looking for something simpler than some of the options but more complex than others I was wondering where it would fall price wise. But that's more of a question for them. Hahaha
 
Rundre|1422845393|3825763 said:
Rocky thank you very much you certainly gave me quite a bit to think about. I'm still unsure how to narrow down the choices you gave me if they are all indeed eye clean. Close my eyes and point maybe? And 16 ocean thank you very much I hadn't really considered where I was getting the setting from I have an idea of what I want just have to find it. Is it the consensus to try and get it from the same people as the diamond? I noticed Brian Gavin had some very nice settings how do they compare to anyone else out there. Keeping in mind the stones are similar is there a better place to have the setting done? Thank you very much and if anyone else can help as well I would definitely appreciate it.

Yes - I would definitely suggest getting the setting and stone at the same place.

If I were you, I would call each vendor, and let them know the stone you're looking at, and see what sort of price they can give you for a complete ring, with the type of setting you're seeking. All three vendors have access to great settings, and all do custom work.

Any of those choices (assuming they're eye-clean to your standard) would definitely be a winner and you would be able to be confident with any of those picks.

Be aware, sometimes these stones get picked up by lurkers, so be sure to reserve any option that interests you ASAP, while you pursue the full price quote.
 
RockyRacoon|1422852290|3825804 said:
Rundre|1422845393|3825763 said:
Rocky thank you very much you certainly gave me quite a bit to think about. I'm still unsure how to narrow down the choices you gave me if they are all indeed eye clean. Close my eyes and point maybe? And 16 ocean thank you very much I hadn't really considered where I was getting the setting from I have an idea of what I want just have to find it. Is it the consensus to try and get it from the same people as the diamond? I noticed Brian Gavin had some very nice settings how do they compare to anyone else out there. Keeping in mind the stones are similar is there a better place to have the setting done? Thank you very much and if anyone else can help as well I would definitely appreciate it.

Yes - I would definitely suggest getting the setting and stone at the same place.

If I were you, I would call each vendor, and let them know the stone you're looking at, and see what sort of price they can give you for a complete ring, with the type of setting you're seeking. All three vendors have access to great settings, and all do custom work.

Any of those choices (assuming they're eye-clean to your standard) would definitely be a winner and you would be able to be confident with any of those picks.

Be aware, sometimes these stones get picked up by lurkers, so be sure to reserve any option that interests you ASAP, while you pursue the full price quote.
Ditto Rocky's recommendation to reserve what might interest you. Valentines day is around the corner so it's a busy time for engagements.
The Anita is lovely! I don't think the diamonds on the shank make it look too busy at all.
 
Rundre|1422809398|3825518 said:
Alright.
I've been lurking for awhile trying to gather some knowledge before posting. I've narrowed it down to a few online vendors and found some from James Allen that seem to fit the bill. They are all so similar that I'm not sure how to differentiate which is the right way to go and am stuck so I figured I'd ask people with way more knowledge than myself. Any help would be amazing even if it's saying they all are terrible would be a big help.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-385944

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-361573

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.37-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-429953

Why not drop in clarity to say VS2, you will not see the inclusions, and up the color (which at I in daylight and other good lighting) you will see a tinted yellowishness.
 
I agree with Gary 100%. Unless there is a cultural reason for the VS1 clarity, there is no way I would pay for VS1 in a MRB.

I also agree 100% with Rocky. Go with the vendor that has the best total package. Unless you want a specific branded setting that one vendor doesn't carry... it is best to get the stone and setting in one place.

As for how to pick between them. Simple answer: Learn to read an idealscope image. Pick the nicest Idealscope image.

Longer: I also prefer smaller tables and higher crowns, but that's starting to split hairs when you are talking about the level of craftsmanship of the stones Rocky recommended to you.

:wavey:
 
Garry, I think thats the direction I was moving towards as I think the stones that rocky found seem to be superior choices, and without saying it that seems to be what his choices seemed to include.
Gypsy, definitely good to know to try and stick with one company for everything and it seems like Brian Gavin might be the way to go given I'm not sure if any of the whiteflash settings seem to work.
another question while i have hopefully someones attention one of the Brian Gavin pieces indicates strong blue florescence would that be a total opinion based in terms of how it adds to the piece/ detracts?

obviously if neither of these pieces is eyclean it might be back to the drawing board anyway.
 
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