Choosing from these three stones

[isbn1975]

Hi, I'm trying to decide from these three stones for the engagement ring.

All three stones have same 4 C's (1CT, G, SI1, VG.)

1. Polish: Excellent, Symmetry: Good, Fluorescence: None, HCA: 0.8 http://www.bluenile.com//_LD02490526
2. Polish: Excellent, Symmetry: Very Good, Fluorescence: None, HCA: 2.1 http://www.bluenile.com//_LD02530576
3. Polish: Excellent, Symmetry: Very Good, Fluorescence: None, HCA: 1.9 http://www.bluenile.com//_LD02499615

Trying to stay for under $6,000 for the stone. Any recommendations would be great. (Doesn't necessarily has to be from these three.)
I think the first one looks alright, except the symmertry being "Good" compared to the others' "Very Good." Don't know if that matters any.

Buying a diamond is harder than I thought. Been studying over a month now, but still don't get it.

 

[Christina...]

Your first stone is very similar to a stone that I'm currently having evaluated. The good news is that it could be a firecracker, the bad news, it might not. The problem is that GIA rounds their angles, if the rounding goes the right way,it's perfect, if not, then it could be a dud. The issue is that it may have obstruction that may cause the diamond to go dark it some lighting environments.

the second stone, you don't want, the table is much to large and I think it is probably better suited for a pendant.

The third stone is a lot like the first with the very high crown and shallow pavillion angle except more so.

So without a lot more information that Blue Nile cant provide for you, I wouldn't proceed with any of these unless you are willing to buy and return then if they don't perform to your standards. One thing you could do though, is call ID Jewelers, they are a pricescope vendor and ask to speak to Yuketiel. He can bring in the same stones that BN can and evaluate them for you and give you all the additional information that you need to make your decision. He is also wonderful at locating stones for PS members. Otherwise, when buying online it's safest to stay with stones that are GIA ex or AGS ideal or ex. and work with vendors that can offer the additional information needed to make an informed decision. You made the right first step though and that was running them through the HCA and rejecting stones that score above a 2, and then posting here for opinions. Would you like us to post some good candidates in your price range?

 

[isbn1975]

Christina, thank you so much for a kind reply.

It is so hard to buy a stone online, even harder buying locally. I've visited the jewelry district in downtown LA and all the vendors pushed so hard, that I couldn't make a right decision. Moreover, all the stones I saw looked the same to me.

And yes, if you could recommend me a couple, that'd be great. My fiance wants 1 carat, round, 6 prong solitaire. I was about to pull the trigger tonight after over a month of research, but it won't hurt to wait a few extra days.

I'm "trying" to stay below $6,000, but have no problem spending another $1,000 or so if that's worth it.

 

[alwt1989]

Christina, what do you mean about GIA rounding the angles? I've been running my diamonds thru the HCA as well. I've been able to find the pavilion and crown angles down to the tenth (i.e. 40.9 pavilion angle), although I haven't been looking on BN. Is this not specific enough to tell the diff between a firecracker/dud?

I think I'm in the same price range as isbn, trying to narrow down and get the best quality for my $$$. Thanks for your input and info!

 

[isbn1975]

I recently went to a local jewelry shop with the following Blue Nile GIA reports:

1. http://www.bluenile.com//_LD02520906 $5,300
2. http://www.bluenile.com//_LD02417190 (with Twinning Wisps.) $7,200

And was told never to buy any stones with Twinning Wisps as they are cracks(really? they are cracks?)
I was surprised because when I researched, it wasn't any worse than any other inclusions,
in fact, they may be the best(???) inclusions as they present eye clean look.
I don't know if she was just trying to sell their diamonds, but she didn't push at all.

She said only the following inclusions are acceptable:

- Crystal
- Needle
- Indented Natural
- Natural

Also, the platinum ring price on Blue Nile are way too expensive according to her ($870, classic 6 prong)
making above #1 diamond ring too expensive. She said they can do a platinum ring (size 4) for around $300.

So, my questions are:

1. Is the #2 diamond not worth at all? (G, VS2, VG VG EX)
2. Is Blue Nile's Platinum Ring Overpriced? They don't seem to list the weights.
3. #1 diamond worth it? (Seems like someone already bought this. just checked.)

 

[Statefan42]

You might want to consider a Brian Gavin Blue. They have fluorescence so you will want to look into that but there is supposed to be no negative impact on his particular diamonds and I have seen many people on here with a preference towards blue florescence. It is definitely something I am considering. You would be able to get a 1 carat in your budget and have a much better cut diamond. You won't get a G color though. You'd have to drop down to an I. I have already decided that H or I is fine with me in an ideal cut since they are still so white. I'd rather buy an Ideal I than a very good G but that is a personal preference.

Here is a 1.007 carat I color VS2.
wire price is $6596.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.007-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104057888010

Or a 1.024 Carat I SI1 which you could ask them if it is eye clean.
wire price is $6135
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.024-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104057888008

I think they may even add a little pricescope discount but you have to ask. I might be mistaken on that but I thought I read that on here before. That is more than your $6000 budget but stays under your $7000 if it is worth it budget.

They have a 6 prong plat solitaire for $675.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/six-prong-solitaire-platinum-5351p

I'm not saying to buy either of those. It is just an option that I have been considering since they seem to be priced well.

Here is their page about the blue diamonds
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavins-blue-diamonds-with-fluorescence/