Deciding on diamonds: narrowed to 3 (with links and HCA)

[RichardS_VA]

The only differences I could really tell were the locations of the clarity inclusions and the trade-offs between size and color. The Whiteflash ones do have a small hit on the color grade, but it should be fairly close -- each should be nearly identical to the naked eye.

The HCA scores were 1.1 for the WF 1.811 G VS1, 1.5 for the WF 1.663 G VVS2, and 1 for the BG 1.76 F VS2. So the real contest seems to be between the WF 1.811 G VS1 and the BG 1.716 F VS2.

My primary concern is the inclusions.

The Brian Gavin one is a VS2 and has the inclusions "clumped" together as displayed on the AGS report. The Whiteflash 1.811 ct one is a VS1 and seems to have them in two locations -- closer to the center and two near the smaller edge displayed in the top left of the diagram on the AGS report. The other Whiteflash 1.663 ct one is a VVS2 and has one in the center and two stray in the smaller edge of the top right of the diagram on the AGS report, but its HCA score was significantly lower than the other two.

Which would be the preferred location of the inclusions? Would the VS2 inclusions being clumped together simulate more of a (subjective) SI1 grading?

Both retailers have good reputations. Concerned about the inclusions and we've seen a SI1 in person at a local store, not happy with that and the VVS1 may be out of the price range to stay above 1.6 ct in the F-G color range.


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Whiteflash

1.811 G VS1 Expert Selection
AGS-104101239074
Price $22,610
Wire $21,932

1.811 Carat
G Color
VS1 Clarity

HCA 1.1

61.9 Depth %
56.1 Table %
34.7 Crown Angle
53 Star %
40.7 Pavilion Angle
15.1 Crown %
78 Lower Girdle %

link: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4022609.htm
ags: https://www.whiteflash.com/pdf/104101239074.pdf


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Whiteflash

1.663 G VVS2 A Cut Above Selection
AGS-104102152021
Price $19,320
Wire $18,741

1.663 Carat
G Color
VVS2 Clarity

HCA 1.5

61.3 Depth %
57.1 Table %
34.4 Crown Angle
52 Star %
40.9 Pavilion Angle
14.7 Crown %
76 Lower Girdle %

link: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4042803.htm
ags: https://www.whiteflash.com/pdf/104102152021.pdf


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Brian Gavin

1.716 F VS2 Black by Brian Gavin
AGS-104102368010
Price $22,555
Wire $21,879

1.716 Carat
F Color
VS2 Clarity

HCA 1.0

61.5 Depth %
56.1 Table %
34.5 Crown Angle
51 Star %
40.7 Pavilion Angle
15.1 Crown %
77 Lower Girdle %

link: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/.../1.716-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104102368010
ags: https://agslab-content.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/pdf/104102368010-BGBLK.PDF


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The mount she wants is a 18k white gold 3 stone with pear sapphires on the side. Brian Gavin has one for $2,030 and waiting to hear back if Whiteflash can get one altered to have the sapphires. James Allen has one for about $1,110. Most local retailers do not have one with pear sapphires, usually only round or baguette and with diamond sides. Tried the site search, it didn't have a single one listed.

If Whiteflash can't get the setting she wants, I'll have to get it shipped to a local jeweler for a setting. Brian Gavin already has the setting she wants, but not the clarity I *really* wanted.

Sorry for the long post, tried to include as much detail as possible.

 

[KKJohnson]

is this more of a mind clean issue for you? All the stones you have picked are going to be eye clean meaning you are not going to see any inclusions with the naked eye. I don’t think you can go wrong with any that you have picked if it’s an inclusion issue, now if we were looking at all Si1 stones then considering where the inclusions could matter. The plot maps are going look a lot scarier then the diamond because they are like looking at a micro photo of the stone

It sounds like finding who has the setting you want plays the deciding factor at this point.

Personal opinion I would want an ACA from Whiteflash but that’s just me
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4045316.htm

 

[Krisking]

The other Whiteflash 1.663 ct one is a VVS2 and has one in the center and two stray in the smaller edge of the top right of the diagram on the AGS report, but its HCA score was significantly lower than the other two.

Just FYI, a 1.5 score isn't worse than a 1.0. It's to be used as an elimination tool over 2.

You don't need to use HCA on AGS 000s. ACA and BG black will be excellent performers.

 

[Krisking]

would be the preferred location of the inclusions? Would the VS2 inclusions being clumped together simulate more of a (subjective) SI1 grading?

No. VVS-VS should not be an issue.