Diamond(BN Signature Ideal) Vs Diamond(White Flash ACA) belo

[lakerfan38]

which do you think is the better deal?

I'm sorta focused on the color as I've read that AGS is more lax on color grading than GIA

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05611221

vs

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114538.htm

 

[pfunk]

Re: Diamond(BN Signature Ideal) Vs Diamond(White Flash ACA)

I personally wouldn't spend that much for the blue nile branded signature stone. You can easily find stones cut that well from other vendors that are priced better without the branding. It is obviously not a hearts and arrows stone but it is still commanding a premium. The whiteflash stone is, on the other hand, very well cut and deserving of a premium. The upgrade benefits and info provided are better from whiteflash. Like you said, while both labs are very reputable, it is often said that AGS is a little softer on color grading on those borderline stones. I returned an AGS graded I color stone to James Allen because I felt it had as much color as the GIA graded J to which I was comparing it. Still, that is based on just one experience, and AGS is pretty well trusted when it comes to grading, color included.

Personally if you were set on one of these two I would go with whiteflash. If you aren't in a time crunch, I think you can find some other stones that are just as well cut or better cut than the blue nile stone while still being cheaper. Are upgrade policies important to you or will this be a stone that won't likely be replaced?

Edit: Here is an example of what you can find if you look around a bit. There may be better ones but this is an example of a noticeably larger, equal color, equal clarity, and what looks to be a better cut for cheaper than the blue nile signature stone.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R131-CH3QMR

I would drop to G color if it were me and you could get something of equal size, cut, and clarity but could shave several hundred if not $1,000 off the price.