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rduffy5

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 27, 2017
Messages
15
Hello all!

I have asked for help here a few days ago but the options presented were simply too expensive. I have really narrowed my choices down to these two diamonds and would like feedback. #1 and #2 are around a 2.0 on the HCA and #3 is .9 and are all are "Adequate" on the Diamdb site for looking their weight. Edit: Actually 3 stones!

#1: .96ct, I, VS2, Round Excellent cut GIA certified @ $4220.00
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2793224

#2: .868ct, J, VS2, Round Ideal cut AGS certified @ $2695.00
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3842176.htm

#3: .85, I, VS1, Round Excellent True Hearts cut GIA certified @ 3790.00
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2569073


Obviously, with the Whiteflash diamond, I would need assurances that it is eye-clean and everything. But what do we think?
 
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The whiteflash stone says it's eye clean. Plus it's AGS ideal. But the other two are I color. You could ask via chat at what distance (if any) are inclusions visible with the naked eye.

I'll let other more knowledgeable angle analysts weigh in on the pros and cons of each stone.
 
#1 is too deep (63.1%) and crown angle is very steep at 36.5. We'd normally say range for CA should be between 34.4-35, though a CA of 34 can work with a PA of 41.

#2 is a beautiful ACA with complementary angles. Only thing is whether you are happy with a J coloured stone or not (some people may find it shows a little too much tint, though I'm fine with up to a K coloured stone when it's cut to super-ideal proportions). Definitely looks eye clean to me based on the images. The hearts image looks to be a little off centre photography wise to me as you can see some "twisting" on the tips of the hearts when you compare it with the generated ASET on the AGS report. Best upgrade policy as well with this stone compared with JA.

#3 will also be fine given it's part of JA's True Hearts collection. Good proportions as well. Is it worth the extra $1100 for one color and clarity grade up from #2? For me no, for you the answer might be different.
 
What are the chances of upgrading say 5 to 10 years down the road? Whiteflash's policy says you just have to buy a stone of equal value or more
(like if you want to move to H/I in the future). With JA you have to spend 2x the cost of your original stone.
 
I really like #2. It's such a shame that Whiteflash charges $2200+ for their platinum pave settings whilest James Allen charges only $1000-1200. What is the general consensus on me getting the diamond loose from Whiteflash and heading to a B&M store to get it set?
 
There are the usual issues with insurance if the B&M sets it and ends up damaging the diamond. If that happens, you can most likely say goodbye to the lifetime upgrade policy from WF. After that it's also determining whether the B&M you are planning on using has a decent bench that can do the setting competently if you source the setting by itself from JA.

You mention about the difference in price between the settings at WF vs JA. Given the price differential between stone 2 and 3, wouldn't it end up costing you the same anyway if you went with stone 2 and a WF $2k platinum pave setting (sub $5k total) rather than stone 3 with a $1.2k JA platinum pave setting (around $5k)? So essentially, what I'm saying is wouldn't it just be easier to go with WF for the whole kit and caboodle? Or are you planning on purchasing the setting from JA separately from the WF stone and take both into a B&M?

Anyone here know if JA will set a stone that a customer sources from elsewhere? I'm sure that I've read somewhere in another thread here on PS that they do for a nominal fee.
 
I also like the WF stone but I wouldn't get it set by anyone other than a reputable place and only if the stone was insured and covered being set. Quality definitely plays a part in the price of settings ESPECIALLY with pave. You don't want stones falling out. Not sure which WF setting you're looking at, but this one is popular and very pretty and not as expensive: https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1120.htm#size=6
Although the shanks are thin are these, they are very pretty and a couple of PSers have worn them without any issues I believe: https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ond-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1650.htm#size=6
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ve-diamond-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1766.htm
 
bmfang said:
Or are you planning on purchasing the setting from JA separately from the WF stone and take both into a B&M?

Anyone here know if JA will set a stone that a customer sources from elsewhere? I'm sure that I've read somewhere in another thread here on PS that they do for a nominal fee.
Click to expand...

I hadn't thought about purchasing the setting from JA and the stone from WF...that's a good idea. I really like a particular JA setting and the WF diamond. I live in Philadelphia and jewelers row has a lot of really good jewelers (obviously! haha) and I will call a few to see if they will set it for me.

My girlfriend really likes this setting from JA: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ite-pave-engagement-ring-flush-fit-item-56280

WF doesn't seem to have anything that is just like that. James Allen says they will mount a loose diamond on their own setting for a $100 flat fee + $30 insured shipping. Is that what I should do?
 
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There is also this:
https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-diamond-engagement-ring-947.htm (Though you are only looking at 7 stones either side rather than 10 on the JA option)

rduffy5 said:
I hadn't thought about purchasing the setting from JA and the stone from WF...that's a good idea. I really like a particular JA setting and the WF diamond. I live in Philadelphia and jewelers row has a lot of really good jewelers (obviously! haha) and I will call a few to see if they will set it for me.
...
James Allen says they will mount a loose diamond on their own setting for a $100 flat fee + $30 insured shipping. Is that what I should do?
Click to expand...

If you were to go that option, I would be asking WF to ship the stone direct from them to JA. Saves you the hassle of taking delivery of the stone from WF before you then sending it on to JA.

FWIW, I would get the setting and the stone from the same vendor. Less hassles and you then only have one place to contact if things were to go wrong.
 
I would definitely choose the stone and setting from the same vendor. I think WF would have something very comparable and the risk is so much less to you.
 
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