Comparing Diamonds - what to look for

[joepark89]

Hi everyone,

A couple questions here... I've started researching and taking a look at diamonds.

For example, when I look at the following 4... They all seem relatively similar and in price... What should I be looking for? Which one would you go with and why? Any insight will help guide me for making a decision in the future. Thanks in advance.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4117818.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3978032.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4067969.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4089364.htm

 

[rockysalamander]

Pretty choices. Since these are super-ideal cut and within the same line, they will all look pretty similar (amazing!). The crown angle and table width are preferred by some, but not others. Since they are a very trusted vendor, I would consider the following additional options to gain some size. If you narrow your choices, they can gives you an honest assessment between them.

The Expert Select line are generally ACA's that are near misses. They are eligible for the same upgrade options as an ACA, including to an ACA in the future.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4089360.htm {you'll have to decide if the centeral inclusion is acceptable, but it would be to most as they list it at eyeclean and you can get to 1.5 carats!)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4049810.htm

ACA
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4118777.htm {i'm adding this I color because WF will be honest about its body tint and can show you photos compared to G and H to help you evaluate your tolerance for color}
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4060821.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4109149.htm

High Performance Diamonds (all the same benefits of WF plus a lifetime buyback policy)
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10759 {This is an SI2, but if Wink says its clean I would 100% trust that}
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10530
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10640

 

[tyty333]

Ditto @rockysalamander The ACAs will look very similar because they are very tightly cut and fall within strict limits.
I like this G of the 4 you posted...Super ideal stones tend to face up whiter because of their Ideal cut that returns light better (they are AGS000 H&A stones)
so unless you know that you are color sensitive a G would be considered plenty white by most non color sensitive people.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4067969.htm

I also like this H that rockysalamander pointed out. Gives you some size and should still be plenty white. You can request a photo of it next to a G and and
F to see the color differences.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4060821.htm

 

[joepark89]

Got it. Thank you both. This is very useful. It seems I shouldn’t necessarily shy away from SI clarity and H, even I. I guess this is more of a mindclean issue? I know for sure she wants something sparkly and definitely more on the whiter side which is why I considered the original parameters.

 

[lovedogs]

Got it. Thank you both. This is very useful. It seems I shouldn’t necessarily shy away from SI clarity and H, even I. I guess this is more of a mindclean issue? I know for sure she wants something sparkly and definitely more on the whiter side which is why I considered the original parameters.

Definitely don't shy from SI1 and H/I color. You'll get more bsng for your buck and there will be zero differences to the eye.

 

[rockysalamander]

If your girt is an artist, fashion designer or someone with a highly acute color perception -- she may detect color more or less sensitively than you. I can see all the colors and ranges, but I actually prefer a bit of warmth in my stones and the light return. But, that's really personal. Cultural variations can also push someone to a whiter color or not.

Also, color is always most visible at a 45-degree tilt and from the side. So, ask for those side-by-side side shots to really see what you can see. You can also choose wisely in a setting that can make the side less visible. If it turns out she want something else, either of the vendors posted above has such easy trade-in and ups, there is little risk.

Do you know what size finger she has and what kind of setting she is looking for?

 

[joepark89]

If your girt is an artist, fashion designer or someone with a highly acute color perception -- she may detect color more or less sensitively than you. I can see all the colors and ranges, but I actually prefer a bit of warmth in my stones and the light return. But, that's really personal. Cultural variations can also push someone to a whiter color or not.

Also, color is always most visible at a 45-degree tilt and from the side. So, ask for those side-by-side side shots to really see what you can see. You can also choose wisely in a setting that can make the side less visible. If it turns out she want something else, either of the vendors posted above has such easy trade-in and ups, there is little risk.

Do you know what size finger she has and what kind of setting she is looking for?

This is something we'll be identifying in the next month or two. My rough guess is around a 4.5/5 based on the rings she wears on her pointer finger on a regular basis, and also, I think she's going to like a 4-prong, pave style ring.

 

[rockysalamander]

With a pave setting, it is hard to resize. Harder to make smaller than larger too. So, make sure she is properly sized taking into account her likely wedding band choice. If she wants a wide band, that would affect how her rings fit.

I'm partial to this setting at WF?
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm



I like this one from HPD

 

[joepark89]

With a pave setting, it is hard to resize. Harder to make smaller than larger too. So, make sure she is properly sized taking into account her likely wedding band choice. If she wants a wide band, that would affect how her rings fit.

I'm partial to this setting at WF?
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm



I like this one from HPD

Got it, I was eyeing that Legato setting with the band too. It seems like her style.

 

[rockysalamander]

Don't buy her wedding band now. People usually choose their own and often not the matching one.

 

[rockysalamander]

Got it, I was eyeing that Legato setting with the band too. It seems like her style.

WF has made a version of the Legate pave with 6 prongs too. You can ask them about it. There is likely a fee added, but if you prefer 6-prongs, it would be worth asking about. Of these, I prefer 2 & 4 and I think there is a upcharge to put the 6-prong head on, but its your call.

https://www.pricescope.com/files/im...nt-Ring-in-Platinum-by-Whiteflash_34948_g.jpg

https://www.pricescope.com/files/im...ond-Engagement-Ring-by-Whiteflash-30696_f.jpg

http://www.whiteflash.com/photos/20...-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-2020.jpg?size=0

http://www.whiteflash.com/photos/20...-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1986.jpg?size=0

 

[joepark89]

Resurfacing this thread.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare/?idnos=4109152,3765688,4105095

What are your guys thoughts on these diamonds?

I'm getting very close to a purchase, I'd say end of this month, so I'm actively searching.

Couple things of note:

1. I'm looking for 1.2carat+ round ACA that will look good with the following setting without any color difference from the pave setting. Eye-clean is huge for me, tbh SI1 scares me slightly but... I know this is where the bang for buck is.
2. https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm This is the setting I'm looking to get in platinum.
3. Budget is <$15K all in, preferably closer to $10K.

 

[headlight]

Got it. Thank you both. This is very useful. It seems I shouldn’t necessarily shy away from SI clarity and H, even I. I guess this is more of a mindclean issue? I know for sure she wants something sparkly and definitely more on the whiter side which is why I considered the original parameters.

If she wants something on the "whiter side", as you called it, do not go to I. I would stick with your original color parameters and not go below G.
The mounting you like says the stones used are F/G, so you will be fine with a center stone of similar color to your original plan.

 

[lovedogs]

Resurfacing this thread.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare/?idnos=4109152,3765688,4105095

What are your guys thoughts on these diamonds?

I'm getting very close to a purchase, I'd say end of this month, so I'm actively searching.

Couple things of note:

1. I'm looking for 1.2carat+ round ACA that will look good with the following setting without any color difference from the pave setting. Eye-clean is huge for me, tbh SI1 scares me slightly but... I know this is where the bang for buck is.
2. https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm This is the setting I'm looking to get in platinum.
3. Budget is <$15K all in, preferably closer to $10K.

All 3 are great. If it were me, I would go for the first one. You definitely don't need F color unless your GF is very color sensitive, and it won't matter between F/G for matching the melee side stones.

 

[joepark89]

If she wants something on the "whiter side", as you called it, do not go to I. I would stick with your original color parameters and not go below G.
The mounting you like says the stones used are F/G, so you will be fine with a center stone of similar color to your original plan.

All 3 are great. If it were me, I would go for the first one. You definitely don't need F color unless your GF is very color sensitive, and it won't matter between F/G for matching the melee side stones.

Thank you both. In regards to clarity with the SI1, this isn't something I should worry about in regards to performance and durability??

 

[lovedogs]

Thank you both. In regards to clarity with the SI1, this isn't something I should worry about in regards to performance and durability??

Absolutely not. WF is very honest and strict about what gets called an ACA. If it's an ACA or ES and they say eye clean, it's a great performer and will be eye clean.

 

[joepark89]

Hi everyone,

Ok, we're here at the homestretch. I'll be pulling the trigger by end of week.

Two sets to look at:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare/?idnos=4109152,3765688,4105095
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare/?idnos=3765688,4105095,4109152

Any recommendations out of these 6, or even alternates? Or even ones I should have WF take a look at side-by-side? Sorry for all the questions, I feel like I've done enough research but still have no true idea of what is superior...

I just want it to be the "right" decision.

Thanks all.

 

[tyty333]

These are the same 3 just in a different order

 

[joepark89]

These are the same 3 just in a different order

Welp, that's embarrassing. Mondazed.

 

[Dancing Fire]

1. Since they are the same price. Tough choice b/t the 1.38ct and the 1.32ct. The 1.32 is .11mm in diameter smaller but one color grade higher. Ask WF to compare the two color side by side if the colors are close in comparison then I'd go with the 1.38ct

 

[joepark89]

1. Since they are the same price. Tough choice b/t the 1.38ct and the 1.32ct. The 1.32 is .11mm in diameter smaller but one color grade higher. Ask WF to compare the two color side by side if the colors are close in comparison then I'd go with the 1.38ct

Got it, I'm having them do that now.

Any thoughts on James Allen True Hearts collection?

 

[Dancing Fire]

Got it, I'm having them do that now.

Any thoughts on James Allen True Hearts collection?

Stick with WF. WF and HPD have the best upgrade policy in the business.

 

[tyty333]

I think it really depends on your priorities (because they all look lovely).

If money isnt an issue, I would be deciding between the 2 bigger stones. Here is the size difference between the 1.38 and 1.32.
Because I cant really see a size difference (YMMV), I might go with the F to have bragging rights.

Here is the size difference between the 1.22 and the 1.32. I can tell there is a difference in size between these two (reason I would go with one of
the other two). If cost is an issue though, go with the 1.22.

 

[joepark89]

They're all quite beautiful... Had them pull and take some images for me. Thoughts?

 

[tyty333]

I say the 1.32 or 1.38. I cant really tell the color difference on my screen but I dont think I'm very color sensitive. The G looks as white as the F
(on my screen). I'd personally go with the 1.38.

 

[joepark89]

I say the 1.32 or 1.38. I cant really tell the color difference on my screen but I dont think I'm very color sensitive. The G looks as white as the F
(on my screen). I'd personally go with the 1.38.

Got it, if money is a factor, does the 1.2 seem like a good choice/deal? Thanks all.

 

[hypermom]

If there is any way you can do the largest one I’d do it. I checked the certificate and I like it. The size difference between the smallest and the largest will be noticeable.

 

[tyty333]

Got it, if money is a factor, does the 1.2 seem like a good choice/deal? Thanks all.

Yes, it does. Super Ideal AGS000 G/SI1 with ideal light performance. WF has an easy upgrade policy if in the future she wants to upgrade (I know,
a little early to be thinking about upgrades but its nice to have in your back pocket just in case.)

 

[joepark89]

Hi Guys,

Sorry, long story short, I've had to cut my budget a couple thousand dollars. Quite literally overnight.

Thoughts on these?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4105527.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4097152.htm

 

[Athena10X]

I’m personally leaning more towards the G because it looks more “eye-clean” to me. I previously owned a G (which I lost) and currently own an F. The G was considered a branded super-ideal AGS000 (CBI) and the F is a non-branded GIAXXX. I consider myself to be color-sensitive in terms of seeing tint, even between an F and a G. Still, the G faced up white and was a sparkle-bomb.

With this in mind, you may want to have WF do a side by side comparison to determine if you are color sensitive. Also, have them confirm at what viewing distance they consider a stone to be “eye-clean”. Is it from 10 inches, 8 incbhes, 5 inches from your face, etc. If you are the type to stare at your diamond really close, then you may want to consider a “mind-clean” diamond with minimal inclusions on the table.