BN Ideal vs. WF Cut Above - cost worth less size?

[moredhel78]

Hello everyone --

So I've been researching a lot recently because I am looking to propose to my gf in the next month & this forum has been super helpful in reading. I'm trying to figure out if having the jeweler (in this case Whiteflash) be able to give their honest opinion on how a diamond sparkles worth the extra costs than simply buying a diamond blind from Blue Nile.

Case in point, I've found three diamonds that fall within my price range that I'm considering. All have the same cut (Ideal), color (F) & clarity (VS2). All are certified AGS 0 with Ideal symmetry, polish & light performance. I don't mind the fluorescence since you can't see it in normal light.

What I'm trying to decide & would love to hear people's opinion are the following:

(1) Is being able to buy a slightly larger carat size (.7 versus .63) worth the risk of purchasing blind from Blue Nile vs. buying from Whiteflash where I can have them take a look at the diamond first?

(2) Is Whiteflash's A CUT ABOVE worth the extra cost (~$400 although for slightly bigger carat - .63 vs. .621) versus an AGS-certified Ideal Cut Diamond.

Here are the diamonds:

1. http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=tab#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD03112113

2. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2794525.htm

3. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2892573.htm

I'm looking to spend around the $3,000 range for diamond + ring ideally but also depends on the quality.

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

- D

 

[JulieN]

The most important thing is what does she want? Is she indifferent to a .6 and .7? Would she prefer something larger?

 

[moredhel78]

She is indifferent to size - she just wants the most sparkly.....

 

[ecf8503]

The extra information on cut quality and light performance from WF is worth it (to me).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The extra information on cut quality and light performance from WF is worth it (to me).

Same here. I bought ACA's for my earrings! I wouldn't buy a diamond with no pictures.

 

[farmer gal]

If I was going to buy an AGS from BN it would be this one. I like the numbers better and it has the platinum report which provides a little more detail:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD03148738

Setting:
http://www.bluenile.com/solitaire-engagement-ring-white-gold_19787

Though that brings the total to $3333

 

[JulieN]

I think buying an F VS2, AGS 0, with Tolkowsky style proportions, is fairly unrisky. I would guess some portion of the lower price of the BN .7 you linked is due to the strong fluorescence.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think buying an F VS2, AGS 0, with Tolkowsky style proportions, is fairly unrisky. I would guess some portion of the lower price of the BN .7 you linked is due to the strong fluorescence.

I love strong blue fluorescence, personally, but again, that is a stone I would only buy from a vendor who'd be checking it out for me to be sure it is not a negative in that particular stone. I agree that AGS 0 stones are less risky to buy blind than some others.

 

[moredhel78]

Thank you for all the good advice. Will go back to looking around & let you all know how it all ends up!