Best way to compare different H&A stones?

[boardrider8887]

I've been searching for a ~2 ct RB H&A-type stone. My budget is somewhat flexible, but my top priorities would be performance, then size. For the size diamond I am wanting, I am typically seeing I-J color stones, and ranging from VS2-SI2 in clarity.

What is the best way to compare these and determine which will really outperform the others, and which of the SI1 are eye-clean.

Here are a few examples, any help is greatly appreciated! Sorry for all the options, just a little overwhelmed.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2962087.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938301.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3026835.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2988587.htm
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.288-i-si2-round-diamond-ags-104064814015#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.276-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-104063703007#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/1/

 

[WinkHPD]

I've been searching for a ~2 ct RB H&A-type stone. My budget is somewhat flexible, but my top priorities would be performance, then size. For the size diamond I am wanting, I am typically seeing I-J color stones, and ranging from VS2-SI2 in clarity.

What is the best way to compare these and determine which will really outperform the others, and which of the SI1 are eye-clean.

Here are a few examples, any help is greatly appreciated! Sorry for all the options, just a little overwhelmed.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2962087.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938301.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3026835.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2988587.htm
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.288-i-si2-round-diamond-ags-104064814015#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.276-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-104063703007#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/1/

To compare them you are going to actually see them. It is never possible to see and know all that you want to see and know on line. Various tools may give you some hints, even strong hints, but they will not in the near future at least, replace the actual seeing of the diamonds.

Wink

 

[heididdl]

You seem to have a healthy budget and a good idea of what your like. Why would you consider going below G-H in color...I'd rather get a whiter stone ideally cut with eye clean sI1

 

[WinkHPD]

Just a thought.

Given the cost of the stones that you are looking at, why not grab a cheap fare from where you are to where they are and look at several at the same time. That way your eyes can do the walking and all of the gadgets and tools will not give you a better knowledge of what you really want when you see them.

Make a day of it and have a ball!

Wink

 

[c-k]

I've been searching for a ~2 ct RB H&A-type stone. My budget is somewhat flexible, but my top priorities would be performance, then size. For the size diamond I am wanting, I am typically seeing I-J color stones, and ranging from VS2-SI2 in clarity.

What is the best way to compare these and determine which will really outperform the others, and which of the SI1 are eye-clean.

Here are a few examples, any help is greatly appreciated! Sorry for all the options, just a little overwhelmed.

Every stone you picked will be a top performer. I would suggest you call both Brain at BGD and Whiteflash, tell them the stones you are looking at and ask them about the clarity/inclusions, each will be more than happy to go over each and every diamond. Ask each and everything you can think of. Both I & J colors are a few steps down from the top, but still both should look white & bright in a setting. Also discuss any color concerns with them.

You have a very nice budget, both BGD & Whiteflash have good return policies, I think you are looking at stones from 2 very good vendors.

 

[m-2-b]

I would rule out the SI-2 stone--it does not look eye clean w/ all of the dark inclusions!

Here are some other pre-loved H & A diamonds that are available also if you are interested:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/2-345ct-j-vs2-and-2-304ct-j-vs2-both-bgd-sign-h-a-stones-t192181.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/2-345ct-j-vs2-and-2-304ct-j-vs2-both-bgd-sign-h-a-stones-t192181.html[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/2-656ct-h-si2-h-a-signature-bgd-t186456.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/2-656ct-h-si2-h-a-signature-bgd-t186456.html[/URL]

 

[emmebee]

I would rule out the SI-2 stone--it does not look eye clean w/ all of the dark inclusions!

Here are some other pre-loved H & A diamonds that are available also if you are interested:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/2-345ct-j-vs2-and-2-304ct-j-vs2-both-bgd-sign-h-a-stones-t192181.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/2-345ct-j-vs2-and-2-304ct-j-vs2-both-bgd-sign-h-a-stones-t192181.html[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/2-656ct-h-si2-h-a-signature-bgd-t186456.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/2-656ct-h-si2-h-a-signature-bgd-t186456.html[/URL]

Oh my gosh, yes!! The first link would be perfect!! Gorgeous BGD, H&A, UNDER budget, and VS2! They really are a great deal.. (as you can see by comparing to new retail prices).

 

[boardrider8887]

Wink, I actually just moved from Houston, so I've visited both places and looked at numerous diamonds. I guess I'm hoping for some advice from the "local experts" here on PS to aid my decision.

heididdl, I'd love to find a G-H SI1 eye-clean stone, but I'd really like to be in that 2 ct. range. From what I've seen recently, it appears difficult to meet all those criteria within this price range. If you have a suggestion, please share!

The 2 pre-loved H&A stones look amazing, my only concern is the J color. I'm not entirely sure what her color sensitivity is, but clearly these two stones are a great deal and real performers. I'm curious if any of you believe that these two Js face up closer to an I or if there is a way to determine that?

Thanks!

 

[baby monster]

If you can see from the other thread currently going about color, it's purely individual thing. Can you find out if she's color sensitive? Would the fact that it's a J stone be a mind-clean issue?

 

[emmebee]

Hi boardrider,

If you actually look in the original reveal post about those two J diamonds, Phoenix compares them to her F diamond, and then also takes numerous pictures of the profile view of them. In my opinion, they definitely look extremely white to me! Especially in those side shots, which are when you would normally expect to see most of the tint/color in Js. Here's the third page with the comparison shot and profile shots:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pictures-my-4-649cttw-bgd-lm-luscious-earrings.116165/page-3']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pictures-my-4-649cttw-bgd-lm-luscious-earrings.116165/page-3[/URL]

I'm in the market for a J color myself, and I only wish I wasn't looking for a larger size, or I'd snap one of these up! The cut is amazing.

 

[m-2-b]

I personally like the 2.6ct H SI-2 stone that is on pre-loved--the inclusions are on the periphery and are not as easily seen. The H color should not be a problem either.

 

[boardrider8887]

I also really like that 2.6ct as well, but it is quite a bit more expensive than the other options.

Are the pre-loved Js better options and better performing than the Is that are for sale from BG and WF?

 

[m-2-b]

The pre-loved J's are cut to the same standards as the retail WF/BGD ones--all super ideal H & A diamonds. However, if you are ever looking to upgrade your diamond in the future, you will not be able to do so if you buy the pre-loved ones. Just a thought!

 

[c-k]

I also really like that 2.6ct as well, but it is quite a bit more expensive than the other options.

Are the pre-loved Js better options and better performing than the Is that are for sale from BG and WF?

Better..they are all AGSL Ideal, color/inclusions/your eyes....only you would have to to determine what/where/why/how/who/etc/etc

 

[pyramid]

Are people color sensitive though or should it be that others are color insensitive or color blind after the thread on why people want whiter diamonds.

 

[msop04]

If you can see from the other thread currently going about color, it's purely individual thing. Can you find out if she's color sensitive? Would the fact that it's a J stone be a mind-clean issue?

I agree with babymonster. Even if she likes the look of a J, she may get freaked out because "it's a J." Most people don't have the best cut stones IRL, so mall J's (or H's and I's for that matter...) sometimes look more tinted than an AGS 0 or GIA XXX. I have a 2.43 ct J and I love it, but my setting doesn't allow viewing from the side, and it faces up very white. If you are unsure, I'd stick with I or higher... the best would be to take her and let her see the different colors. She may surprise you (and herself) and prefer a lower color anyway!