Can i get feedback on this stone

[Dancing Fire]

any feedbacks?

The stone looks like a 76% LG to me.

 

[LBeezy34]

I don’t know what to tell you guys. I want to say stop worrying about it. But maybe you all need to stick with IF FL. I mean, if your GF believes her worth depends on that high of a clarity, then I guess you had better get what she wants.

My first engagement diamond was an eye clean I1.OMG. And yet, I am still married to him 23 years now and together for 30...

Agreed.
Don't think the higher the stone price/spec = higher chance of a perfect long lasting marriage ... in fact stretch too much financially may shorten the marriage.

 

[Katya DXB]

any feedbacks?

I just woke up in Dubai, and OMG

@Audis410 , the stone looks absolutely spectacular to me.

Any tiny dots you see on videos you only notice because those videos are magnified. You will never ever ever see a pinpoint in a VVS, period.

Love that stone.

 

[Katya DXB]

Thanks for correcting! So an HCA of 0.8 may not be perfect for a ring. But it doesn't exclude the diamond as being good for an engagement ring. Although I'm still not sure why a 0.8 is sub-optimal for a ring.

I guess the 1.0 HCA that I went with was the right choice after all.

I may be wrong but it seems to me that stones with HCA score <1 are those with slightly shallower pavilions. E.g., if you put in 61% td, 56% table, 34.5 ca and 40.6 pa, you will get a score of 0.7. If you change the pa to 40.8, you will get a score of 1.2.

The reason for this is that a shallower pavilion may cause a slight darkening in the center as a result of light obstruction that happens when e.g. she is looking at her ring from the top so that the head obstructs the light. People don't look at a pendant or earrings from the same angles (unless they are seriously weird lol), hence in those settings such light obstruction is not an issue.

In my 0.7 HCA diamond ring I do sometimes observe that subtle darkening. But in all honesty I only started noticing it after I found out about this effect

 

[sledge]

I simply said buying Tiffany allows you to use their brand as the strength instead of trying to puff up an online vendor that the GF likely has never heard of. You tell me which is easier to accomplish; educating someone on an online brand or convincing the same person that Tiffany rings are sub-par to that online vendor? What am I missing here? Seems like common sense to me, but maybe not to you.

I learned a long time ago that you can't convince others to change their opinions. Myself and many others disagree with your assessment about Tiffany being the gold mark of quality. But you are welcome to whatever opinion you want.

If the world blows dust onto your stone, you can wash it off. If you buy a stone with a white spec that is visible at tilt angles after washing, then you're the one who compromised. Fairly simple concept. The videos you see of diamonds online consistently show white specs on the table/crown of VS1 diamonds at tilt angles while VVS usually don't have the issue. I have a hard time believing that it's dust in the videos. In-person viewing of "dirty mall diamonds" and jeweler diamonds only reinforces the bias that some of the specks are indeed inclusions visible at tilt angles. Some women don't want an VS1. What am I missing here? Seems like common sense to me, the OP's GF literally told him a VVS or better was required because she doesn't want to deal with rationalizations or compromises.

Again, this is your opinion and you are welcome to have it. Many, many others will realize a different truth for themselves and choose to go a different route. I personally don't carry a microscope with me, or diamond certification papers to show my friends & family. I'm more secure with myself than that.

If you mount a H stone next to F/G melee, some people can see the yellow of the H stone due to the contrast of the melee colors. What am I missing here? H is likely going to appear more yellow than an F; especially next to F/G melee or pave. Seems like common sense but I guess you can call it the dog piss effect to feel better about your opinion.

Ummm, okay. I never said anything about mounting an H colored stone next to an F/G melee. Some people will notice but some won't. But honestly, some people will notice the difference between the F & G colors in the melee. My suggestion would be that you have your melee match the color of your center stone so you don't see a difference.

What I did say is that I've debated the color thing with multiple Asians. Many have taken the approach that D is what they want, E is a real compromise for them and F is literally like dog pee color to them as there is just too much tint. I do not agree with them, and believe their cultural beliefs have created a bias their eyes cannot truly see but I don't live their life or deal with their pressures so they are free to choose and buy what they want. I found it unique you are so critical with all other factors but found an F to be acceptable.

I think by now it's obvious the folks on PS strive for a super-ideal cut that is only marginally better than the regular ideal cut. Last I checked, an HCA score of 0.8 was better than compared to an HCA of 2.0? What am I missing here? You guys talk about HCA scores all the time, and 0.8 is really good? Right?

You are wrong. HCA is a rejection tool. Anything less than 2 should be considered. Sometimes a stone with a values 2-3 can be considered as well depending on the exact situation. Generally speaking you don't want to use a stone scoring 0-1 for a ring because as the observer tries to look at the ring in certain angles, they actually block light create a dark spot in the middle of the diamond.

Do you need me to point out the little kinks in the tips of the hearts and slightly irregular heart shapes of the hearts in this image? That Whiteflash ACA doesn't have those irregularities on the scope. And the definition/color on the ASET is very good. Are you saying you can find a better ASET result than the Whiteflash 1.6?

This is a public forum and you are welcome to explain anything you want. Rather I listen or not is an entirely different subject matter.

Rather you want to listen to this or not is up to you -- but there are equally good performance images of the 1.6 ACA you posted. I'm not going to waste my time searching to prove something I know to be truth. I'm not sure the deal with the HPD image on that. In the background I noticed it was an SI2 diamond so perhaps they modified their cuts around inclusions to ensure maximum light performance.

Don't let your pride get in the way of exploring options. You don't know what's going through the mind of someone else or their parents, and it's more "tacky" to assume you know what's best without asking.

It's not pride. I just don't feel the need to go to my future in-laws and ask them for money to buy a diamond so I can propose. In all cases, the girl should say yes to you, not the diamond. If she is put in a position where she has to consider because of a diamond, then I already know she isn't the one for me.

Thanks for correcting! So an HCA of 0.8 may not be perfect for a ring. But it doesn't exclude the diamond as being good for an engagement ring. Although I'm still not sure why a 0.8 is sub-optimal for a ring.

I guess the 1.0 HCA that I went with was the right choice after all.

I already explained above.

Are you just mis-interpreting my point on purpose? I'm so confused...

I said it would be hard for the OP to convince his GF about the virtues of an online-ordered super-ideal cut instead of Tiffany. There's benefit to avoid trying to modify perception instead of just going with it.

I personally don't have any issue with online vendors. I have on order a Black by Brian Gavin because I thought it was the best option available for all of my requirements. My point, which I hope you understand, is that I've had to spend effort trying to explain to my GF why some "guy named Brian" has better jewelry than what you can get with a Tiffany Soleste.

I don't like Tiffany & Co... Most Women like Tiffany & Co.
I'm not buying for myself... I'm buying for my future wife (I hope).
OP isn't buying the ring for himself... he's buying for his future wife (we hope).

No, you are just wrong. It's your opinion that Tiffany is superior somehow and provides confidence.

I am curious, if BGD's Black stone you providing being set in a Tiffany solitaire so you can trick her into believing it's a Tiffany ring?

 

[whitewave]

He missed my point with the SI2 in that the image will show the inclusions.

I wonder if he knows BG started with whiteflash lol

 

[Audis410]

The other stone i was looking at is from JA, actually have it on hold while i decide . I got the idealscope from them, and everything looks very good. Only minor concerns are crown angle and depth are a tad outside of ideal ranges, thoughts?

CARAT WEIGHT: 1.65
COLOR: G
CLARITY: IF
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: Faint
L/W/D (MM): 7.53*7.48*4.70
MORE DIAMOND INFORMATION
L/W RATIO: 1.01
DEPTH %: 62.50
GIRDLE: Slightly Thick - Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 56.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 35.50
CROWN %: 15.50
PAVILION ∠: 40.60
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-g-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5592025

I ran the HCA tool and came back with a 1.4. Thanks in advance!

 

[lovedogs]

I prefer the first one you put on hold. Bigger in size (only by a bit, but still), and you aren't paying for the IF clarity that you won't benefit from anyway.

 

[Audis410]

Forgot to mention, prices works about about the same cause I have to pay tax on the 1st stone..

 

[holeydonut]

@sledge

Are you misinterpreting what I’m saying just to make an argument? I never said I think Tiffany is the best,

I’m saying most women think it’s the best. Which means the man buying an engagement ring has to consider whether they could convince their GF about the virtues of an online retailer instead of Tiffany.

The ring the OP posted that his GF wants is a Tiffany Soleste Halo clone. That’s either a coincidence or she has been eying Tiffany already.

Since she’s getting this setting type, she’ll likely have F\G melee. So the color choice is important on the center stone due to the lack of yellow in the surrounding stones. If the center drops below G he could be in trouble.

And his GF wants VVS or better, either because she’s biased or she’s seen some dirty/busted VS stones and doesn’t want one for herself. But if she sees a permanent inclusion speck at a tilt angle, he’ll be in trouble.

This purchase isn’t about the man, it’s about the woman.

I spent weeks pouring over the charts of diamonds over 1.5 carats. I aggregated everything I could and that WF 1.6 was the best (by a very slim margin) I found in an exhaustive search. It’s not IF or D, but that’s why it still has a somewhat reasonable price point.

Of course I know BGD used to be with WF. I’m not recommending either vendor due to some marketing kickback. WF simply has a really sharp 1.6 carat that I was very close to pulling the trigger, and I think it will be more reliable than a GIA graded stone from a drop shipper.

 

[whitewave]

@holeydonut of course WF, BG and HPD are “better” than drop shippers as you can speak to people about their in house diamonds and get the excellent customer service some of us prefer. You can even get a custom stone cut from rough they sought just for you.

Having said that, I have also had great experience with blue Nile and their customer service, and B2C for that matter.

Look, I mean seriously hop off the Tiffany thing. We are mostly women here and I think it is a minority who buy Tiffany. My DH is a physican and all of my friends are doctors married to doctors (I’m the lone English major, former teacher lol). I see plenty of big rocks daily. None are from Tiffany, not even the Asians’ Diamonds. Tiffany’s diamonds aren’t cut well. Maybe you could find one, but the ones we have heard about here score high on HCA (I believe one here was over a 5 when the prospective buyer ran the numbers).

In short, in my opinion, Tiffany’s diamonds suck.

 

[whitewave]

In regard to HPD, I have a .56 G si 2 and I’m going to make it a side stone for a sapphire. So I called up Melissa and said, “hey, I want to find a matching diamond for this project.” And she said she would check the inventory AND she called Paul in Antwerp to see what he has coming down the line. Paul checked the stats on my .56 and found the .57 F Si1 which will be a near perfect match.

This is the customer service I want. WF, HPD and BG all provide this level. Tiffany does not.

 

[Audis410]

All, personal preferences are exactly what it is, personal. Hence, "designer" brands are in business. Can we leave the personal preferences aside? I'm just asking about parameters of two diamonds...

 

[whitewave]

I thought you bought the G 1.71

That one is a winner. It’s my pick. I think it is beautiful and perfect.

 

[Audis410]

Haven't bought anything yet, still comparing it to the 1.65 from JA, which looks very clean in pic & video, however, crown angle of 35.5 and depth of 62.5 is a tad outside of ideal ranges.

 

[whitewave]

Haven't bought anything yet, still comparing it to the 1.65 from JA, which looks very clean in pic & video, however, crown angle of 35.5 and depth of 62.5 is a tad outside of ideal ranges.

A 35.5 crown will give more fire (I’m all about the fire), but, yes, it’s a little on the deep side. I personally prefer (cause you know we are all crazy here and have personal preferences lol) less than a 62 depth.

@rockysalamander @diamondseeker2006
What do you think about the depth?

 

[whitewave]

It’s a toss up for me. They are both really pretty. Do you think your GF would appreciate the IF over the vvs?

 

[Audis410]

She should be fine with either, given they're about the same price, it's really is a toss up. I also remembered reading somewhere that the 35.5 crown works well with the 40.6 pavilion, is that correct? I'll wait to hear if other veterans have any comments on the depth, thanks yall!!

I think i also see a more pronounce hearts and arrows on the JA diamond, looks pretty lol

 

[whitewave]

She should be fine with either, given they're about the same price, it's really is a toss up. I also remembered reading somewhere that the 35.5 crown works well with the 40.6 pavilion, is that correct? I'll wait to hear if other veterans have any comments on the depth, thanks yall!!

I think i also see a more pronounce hearts and arrows on the JA diamond, looks pretty lol

You might be able to get 15% off the setting with the code CATCHTHEWAVE2

 

[lovedogs]

She should be fine with either, given they're about the same price, it's really is a toss up. I also remembered reading somewhere that the 35.5 crown works well with the 40.6 pavilion, is that correct? I'll wait to hear if other veterans have any comments on the depth, thanks yall!!

I think i also see a more pronounce hearts and arrows on the JA diamond, looks pretty lol

I prefer stones to be slightly less deep than the JA one, but both are nice. I had forgotten that the first one wasn't also from JA. @whitewave is right that getting a discount on the setting might make the JA one the "winner" here. Certainly neither are a "bad" choice--just a matter of preference at this point.

 

[Johnbt]

Tiffany & Co? They still have their name I suppose. Their reputation slid quite a bit when Avon Products bought them in 1979. And then sold them in 1984.

We've had a Tiffany store in our little city since 2011. It's located at a mall and not even at the best mall. It's a little store; 2500 sq.ft. It's nice enough, but not impressive.

I was 11 when Breakfast at Tiffany's was released.

 

[sledge]

FWIW, I would normally take the shallower stone as I think 62.5 is pushing it too. That said, the first stone pulls a 0.7 HCA. The second stone is pulling a 1.4 HCA.

As already discussed, we tend to prefer 1-2 on the HCA for e-rings.

Also, the OP is bothered by tiny specks under extreme magnification of the VVS1 stone. The second stone is IF and should alleviate his concern, plus the documentation will show IF which I'm sure will be bragging rights as well.

To me, it seems the OP would be better with the last stone presented from JA.

 

[sledge]

Oh yeah, here is potential cut grade according to AGS proportion charts.

 

[LBeezy34]

She should be fine with either, given they're about the same price, it's really is a toss up. I also remembered reading somewhere that the 35.5 crown works well with the 40.6 pavilion, is that correct? I'll wait to hear if other veterans have any comments on the depth, thanks yall!!

I think i also see a more pronounce hearts and arrows on the JA diamond, looks pretty lol

I'm a very rough rock but the first diamond I bought recently had crown 36.5 / pavilion 40.6 and in my layman eyes has plenty of fire and pretty brilliant.

@sledge gave me insight prior that it may not perform as well as the charts say due to loose GIA averaging but it came out perfect (to me) luckily.

Check mine here: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/opinions-on-my-first-diamond-pls.243058/

Yours is less in crown angle than the one I bought so yours should perform better IRL. But then again mine has a 62% depth...

 

[Katya DXB]

Hi @Audis410 ,

I see the JA diamond got sold so I guess congratulations are in order

Because your goal is now completed, I will allow myself to comment on the derailed discussion that's been going on here...

I felt really sad reading some messages in this threat. I like this forum for the contents but also for the friendliness, tolerance and respect that PS-ers show towards each other and the newcomers. I would hate to think that's only the case as long as we all share the same opinions. I thought it was a real shame how @holeydonut was addressed in some of the posts here. That, and I also believe it is always a missed opportunity not to hear out different views, especially from someone who comes in with a fresh perspective.

Personally, I found that perspective very interesting. Granted, only few on this forum would prefer Tiffany over a super ideal vendor. But the key words here are this forum. I think it is safe to assume that outside this community and the trade itself there's hardly anyone who has ever heard of e.g. Brian Gavin, but everybody knows Tiffany. Superideal diamonds are beyond awesome, but 'general public' doesn't know it. It's a niche product for a niche market. It takes time, knowledge and willingness to get educated to be able to appreciate a super ideal diamond more than one from Tiffany's. My guess is that creating demand and managing perception is one of the more challenging tasks that super ideal vendors face. I might be wrong, but I think that was the point @holeydonut was trying to make.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Best,
Katya

 

[Johnbt]

I think the average commoner in the UK may have an idea what Tiffany is up to.

Here's an interesting article from 2017 in the Daily Mail - the 3rd largest UK daily newspaper (and a tabloid of the 1st order.)

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4358094/Jewelry-expert-goes-undercover-Tiffany-overcharges.html

"Diamonds aren't a girl's best friend: Jewelry restorer goes undercover to 'prove' that Tiffany, Cartier and Harry Winston overcharge by 330% for 'identical' stones sold in Costco"

So yes, they've heard of Tiffany & Co. The question is do they trust them anymore.
(And once again, for the record, I know what a huge tabloid the Daily Mail is. That's the point, even the tabloid readers have been clued in on Tiffany.)

Why do I have this sudden desire to watch Audrey Hepburn eating breakfast on a Manhattan sidewalk in front of Tiffany's? Probably because I'm old and living in the past.

 

[whitewave]

Hi @Audis410 ,

I see the JA diamond got sold so I guess congratulations are in order

Because your goal is now completed, I will allow myself to comment on the derailed discussion that's been going on here...

I felt really sad reading some messages in this threat. I like this forum for the contents but also for the friendliness, tolerance and respect that PS-ers show towards each other and the newcomers. I would hate to think that's only the case as long as we all share the same opinions. I thought it was a real shame how @holeydonut was addressed in some of the posts here. That, and I also believe it is always a missed opportunity not to hear out different views, especially from someone who comes in with a fresh perspective.

Personally, I found that perspective very interesting. Granted, only few on this forum would prefer Tiffany over a super ideal vendor. But the key words here are this forum. I think it is safe to assume that outside this community and the trade itself there's hardly anyone who has ever heard of e.g. Brian Gavin, but everybody knows Tiffany. Superideal diamonds are beyond awesome, but 'general public' doesn't know it. It's a niche product for a niche market. It takes time, knowledge and willingness to get educated to be able to appreciate a super ideal diamond more than one from Tiffany's. My guess is that creating demand and managing perception is one of the more challenging tasks that super ideal vendors face. I might be wrong, but I think that was the point @holeydonut was trying to make.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Best,
Katya

 

[srke]

If the world blows dust onto your stone, you can wash it off.

Coming late to this thread but as someone who obsessively cleans and then loupes their stone to make sure it's free of all smudges, lint, watermarks, etc, I can assure you that by the time you wash off that one speck of dust and put the ring back on your finger, the world will have blown two more specks of dust back on to your diamond.

 

[LBeezy34]

Coming late to this thread but as someone who obsessively cleans and then loupes their stone to make sure it's free of all smudges, lint, watermarks, etc, I can assure you that by the time you wash off that one speck of dust and put the ring back on your finger, the world will have blown two more specks of dust back on to your diamond.

 

[sledge]

Hey @Audis410, just checking back in. Did you make a final decision yet? Curious to see which direction you went.