Choice between two Diamonds

[hutchman]

Hey Guys,

So I have a choice between two diamonds to make and was hoping for some insight. Yes they are two different sizes, one is a 0.9ct and one is a 1.05ct, just wanted to see if there were any watch outs from the experts. I have run HCA on both getting a score of 1.4.

Only thing that is nagging me is the GIA cert dates being 12months old, is this something that should concern me?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.05-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-237869
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-301705

Thanks in advance
Matt

 

[Lorelei]

Hey Guys,

So I have a choice between two diamonds to make and was hoping for some insight. Yes they are two different sizes, one is a 0.9ct and one is a 1.05ct, just wanted to see if there were any watch outs from the experts. I have run HCA on both getting a score of 1.4.

Only thing that is nagging me is the GIA cert dates being 12months old, is this something that should concern me?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.05-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-237869
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-301705

Thanks in advance
Matt

Hi Matt and welcome!

Firstly, no problem at all with the dates on the reports, that's nothing to worry about.

Both diamonds look very nice, just to add that you might be aware that you could lower the clarity to VS or even SI if you wished without visual sacrifice, but this is a personal preference and if you prefer VVS then that's the way to go.

Both are very well cut, all the proportions look good, I can't see any flags. For a proper comparison, you would need to request an Idealscope image for the second diamond, the images for the first look good. The h&a patterning isn't as sharp and precise as some branded h&a I have seen, but the images are still very good. Are you looking for a hearts and arrows cut particularly or just a well cut diamond?

 

[tyty333]

I don't think this high clarity is as much in demand as lower eye clean clarifies. Maybe that's why its a year old.
Just a guess.

 

[hutchman]

Thanks Guys, Now just to make the call between the 0.9 or the 1.05

Cheers

 

[Lorelei]

Thanks Guys, Now just to make the call between the 0.9 or the 1.05

Cheers

You are most welcome, if you need any more help don't hesitate to ask.

 

[proto]

To play devils advocate:

Can I ask why you are seeking VVS clarity? You wont be able to see any inclusions in a stone of those sizes from any angle, any distance from VS1 and likely from VS2, and maybe even from SI1. If you already know this, but just want VVS for whatever reason, that is fine, but please keep in mind this is why people are making a point of this. You will be paying a premium for VVS and you wont see any difference at all, except knowing that it is VVS or you take a loupe to it.

I would also mention about "Hearts and Arrows" that this is not a properly defined term and pretty much anyone can call a diamond HA if they want to. I would not consider James Allen to stock what I would call proper HA, and I think their True Heart Diamonds are expensive for what they advertise.

If there is some other reason that you chose James Allen (getting a setting from them, or you are international and they take VISA) then that is fine, but something else to keep in mind. At these prices (although they are hidden), I am comfortably confident that you could take your pick from many recommended vendors for super ideal diamonds at G VS2 in the same size range.

 

[Lorelei]

''

To play devils advocate:

Can I ask why you are seeking VVS clarity? You wont be able to see any inclusions in a stone of those sizes from any angle, any distance from VS1 and likely from VS2, and maybe even from SI1. If you already know this, but just want VVS for whatever reason, that is fine, but please keep in mind this is why people are making a point of this. You will be paying a premium for VVS and you wont see any difference at all, except knowing that it is VVS or you take a loupe to it. ''

To further play devil's advocate , the clarity preference discussion comes up such a lot, I think we can and should broach the subject early in such threads and explain our reasoning, then if the poster doesn't ask for further advice on choosing a lower clarity grade, then I think it's reasonable to assume that's not how they want to proceed, if the OP still chooses to go with VVS as an example, they are probably comfortable with that. We have done our job in giving them the information, then it's up to them to decide which advice is relevant to their particular situation.

I have seen many posters prefer colourless IF or VVS stones for purity and or cultural reasons over the years which of course is absolutely fine, I just think it's best to give the info, then if the OP does not ask for further advice on that matter, they have made their choice. Now I have said that, the OP will come along and say they want to go for SI!

 

[hutchman]

Hi All,

Thanks for your input. I have decided to reconsider my options regarding clarity. I think I have become a little obsessed with looking at GIA certs and seeing those inclusions!

I have decided to look for a diamond in the 1ct region, F , VS1. I would like to get a quality stone with good proportions/HCA reads etc. I have viewed a few SI1s and SI2s in person and although 90% of the time I could not see the inclusions, this concept of mind clean is important to me (I may have taken it too far and moved to VVS!)

Someone mentioned above about recommended vendors, I have not explored the forums much as yet, is there a thread I should view to discover these?

Also, yes I am in Australia so the main reason behind going with JA has been the website usage and the fact you can view the pictures of the stones from many angles (gives a certain peace of mind),

Thanks again!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi All,

Thanks for your input. I have decided to reconsider my options regarding clarity. I think I have become a little obsessed with looking at GIA certs and seeing those inclusions! You are most welcome! Just to address with the GIA clarity plots on the reports, you can't judge any diamond by those as they don't give any indication whether a diamond is eye clean or in any way suitable for the intended purpose or not.

I have decided to look for a diamond in the 1ct region, F , VS1. I would like to get a quality stone with good proportions/HCA reads etc. I have viewed a few SI1s and SI2s in person and although 90% of the time I could not see the inclusions, this concept of mind clean is important to me (I may have taken it too far and moved to VVS!) That's absolutely fine, the concept of mind clean is a very important consideration when purchasing, no point buying something you aren't completely comfortable with. VS1 could be an excellent clarity grade on which to base your search.

Someone mentioned above about recommended vendors, I have not explored the forums much as yet, is there a thread I should view to discover these? This page should help. https://www.pricescope.com/featured-sponsors

Also, yes I am in Australia so the main reason behind going with JA has been the website usage and the fact you can view the pictures of the stones from many angles (gives a certain peace of mind), you could also try www.hollowaydiamonds.com.au They are in Melbourne but can work with you over phone and internet if you wish.

Thanks again!