Diamond Novice Needing Advice on these ACA Diamonds to Maximize Budget

[astutepastures]

I'm looking to propose soon and I am looking to get a diamond that performs amazingly. I'd like to spend no more than $6500 for the diamond itself, though less is always better. Ideally I would spend between 4500-6000 for the diamond. Cut and performance are the most important to me. I'd like something at least 1.15ct

I reserved this one on WF https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986347.htm and need to make a decision tomorrow.

I'm wondering if this is the best bang for the buck or if there are better ones that I could get for the money.

Below are other ones that I am considering

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986355.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986354.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3949674.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3983290.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3983291.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986342.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986339.htm

The one for $48xx is intriguing because it is $1000 less which is good and the ones that are closer to 1.4ct are intriguing because they are more but I'm wondering if it is worth the extra money.

I thought the 1.27 was in a sweetspot of price and size but I am concerned by the inclusions and also about anything that I may have overlooked.

Basically I am looking to maximize my value and get the best bang for the buck in terms of performance and would like some advice on where to go from here.

 

[OoohShiny]

The 1.174 ct K VS2 Expert Selection is indeed much cheaper than the rest - it is likely to be noticeably smaller than one of the 1.3-something carat options, though, but you would be saving money.

The 1.278 on hold looks nice but you should ask whether the 'Clouds not shown' on the grading report is in any way affecting light return / haziness in a range of light environments.

I am a clarity freak so the 1.354 ct K VS1 Expert Selection (3949674) appeals to me personally - plus it has short LGFs (at 76%) and a small table (at 54.3%) which means that it should really throw out a lot of coloured fire

TBH I'm not sure why that VS1 is an Expert Selection and not an ACA - perhaps @Texas Leaguer might be able to offer some technical input on the reasons for the decision on this particular stone! It looks top-notch to me

 

[Matthews1127]

So, like @OoohShiny, Cut is tied with Clarity for me, too.

These are my top choices, of all of the diamonds you posted. Posted in order of priority on my list.
I’d eliminate all others due to obvious, glaring inclusions...even though they appear to be clear. Their placement would bother me just because they are really dead center in the stone.

Follow @OoohShiny’s advice: clouds can cause haziness or milkiness in a diamond, in certain lighting environments. Have WF’s gemologist examine any that may cause an issue & get clarification that they do NOT affect your diamond.

You have a good budget, and you have some great choices.
I can’t wait to see what you choose!! Please keep us posted!!

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986354.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986342.htm

 

[rockysalamander]

A K color diamond can be a good value, but body color will be visible from the side. Most viewers can start to see body color at an I. Are you aware of how color acute your girl is? Have you seen K color diamonds with her? If no and no, I'd suggest you look at sticking with I or "high" J color.

I consider WF ACA and BGD Signature equal, so I'm recommending the below as an option with good clarity and higher color.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.133-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104097079008

 

[OoohShiny]

Couple of HPD/CBI options that might be worth considering

1.09 ct K SI1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9885

1.09 ct I SI2
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10074

 

[Matthews1127]

@astutepastures

Higher color grade. Higher clarity grade. Within your max budget. Within preferred carat weight (decent spread). WF ACA:
If you think this is a viable option, I implore you to place it on hold, now.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986331.htm

Edit: VERY GOOD spread.

 

[astutepastures]

Thank you for all the replies. A K should be fine and she wants a yellow gold setting so that should work in my favor right?

I have another diamond to add to the mix. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-4453574

How does this compare to
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3949674.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986354.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986342.htm

and my original https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986347.htm

I called WF and they were hesitant to let me speak to an actual gemologist but did say that it would be rejected if the clouds affected the brilliance and fire. Should I believe this?

Which one should I choose?

 

[Dancing Fire]

Couple of HPD/CBI options that might be worth considering

1.09 ct K SI1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9885

Looks like a very nice SI1 stone.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I consider WF ACA and BGD Signature equal, so I'm recommending the below as an option with good clarity and higher color.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.133-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104097079008

Nice stone! and most likely it is a H&A stone.

 

[OoohShiny]

Thank you for all the replies. A K should be fine and she wants a yellow gold setting so that should work in my favor right?

I have another diamond to add to the mix. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-4453574

How does this compare to
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3949674.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986354.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986342.htm

and my original https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986347.htm

I called WF and they were hesitant to let me speak to an actual gemologist but did say that it would be rejected if the clouds affected the brilliance and fire. Should I believe this?

Which one should I choose?

You have done some excellent comparison searching

All of the options you have picked would look lovely - I think you are facing the same dilemma that always exists with diamonds, though, in that you need to decide how you will trade off the 5Cs against each other! (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat, Cost)

 

[Matthews1127]

Thank you for all the replies. A K should be fine and she wants a yellow gold setting so that should work in my favor right?

I have another diamond to add to the mix. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-4453574

How does this compare to
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3949674.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986354.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986342.htm

and my original https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986347.htm

I called WF and they were hesitant to let me speak to an actual gemologist but did say that it would be rejected if the clouds affected the brilliance and fire. Should I believe this?

Which one should I choose?

I like the JA diamond, you posted, as well as @OoohShiny’s suggestion at HPD, @rockysalamander’s BGD recommendation, and my WF example.
What do YOU like?

 

[OoohShiny]

This. ^^^

You have to choose the one that appeals to your gut instinct - buying 'head over heart' means you won't ever really love it as much as the one that your heart wants!

 

[tyty333]

You can narrow down your Whiteflash choices and have them take a picture of the stones together. It helps with
seeing size differences and possible nuances in color. You can ask WF to evaluate the colors of the Ks you are looking
at. Some may be higher Ks and some may be lower Ks. Also, when you see them side-by-side its easier to see if one
speaks to you over another.

I also like the J that matthews posted above.

 

[astutepastures]

Thanks again for the info! I'm sure they all would look great to me because I have an untrained eye. I think the hardest part about this is that no diamond is good enough for my girl, especially in my budget range. I just want something that will really dazzle her and also is large enough because her best friend got a 1.4 ct.

I'm leaning to WF because of the upgrade policy and the larger selection. What about the HPD makes everyone like them so much? To my untrained eye, I don't see a huge difference.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I'm leaning to WF because of the upgrade policy and the larger selection. What about the HPD makes everyone like them so much? To my untrained eye, I don't see a huge difference.

IMO, WF, CBI and BGD are at the same level for top ideal cuts depending on who has what at the time I'm looking for a stone, and the price.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd for sure go with this one from your original Whiteflash choices. Please don't go below J color. You cannot compete with her friends. But you can tell her that for a future anniversary that you will upgrade her stone if she wants. Stick with WF for their upgrade policy.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3983291.htm

They have several J VS2s almost the same size as that one. I think any of these are fine.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3983291,3947599,3737622

 

[phoenixgirl]

Personally I'd rather have a 1.28 K versus a 1.09 J. I like the stone you originally put on hold.

 

[astutepastures]

I got the 1.354 that oohshiny recommended and it is really nice and has great fire but I am wondering if it is too yellow. I cannot tell if it is just the incandescent lights. I have a local jeweler that just offered me a special deal for a 1.178 H VS1 for $6000. Based on the ASET it is not cut quite as well but still very nice.







What are the thoughts between this one the local jeweler offered and https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3949674.htm

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Matthews1127]

I got the 1.354 that oohshiny recommended and it is really nice and has great fire but I am wondering if it is too yellow. I cannot tell if it is just the incandescent lights. I have a local jeweler that just offered me a special deal for a 1.178 H VS1 for $6000. Based on the ASET it is not cut quite as well but still very nice.







What are the thoughts between this one the local jeweler offered and https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3949674.htm

Thanks for your thoughts!

I like 3949674.

 

[Matthews1127]

@astutepastures

Higher color grade. Higher clarity grade. Within your max budget. Within preferred carat weight (decent spread). WF ACA:
If you think this is a viable option, I implore you to place it on hold, now.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986331.htm

Edit: VERY GOOD spread.

@astutepastures,
If K is too yellow, this is still available!

 

[uyalison]

Hi, @astutepastures,

I bought CBI (from HPD) 2.02 K. I think you will see the faint yellow in a K. There is no fooling anyone in that regard, especially for the wearer.

I think it is risky to propose with a K. K is not for a faint hearted.

However I feel when you propose, present her with the ring (given the cut is ideal or super ideal), she will be wowed more by a bigger diamond vs more colourless diamond. Although upon closer inspection, depending on the wearer, she might feel the color is a little too tinted.

So it is important you buy from a place with a great upgrade policy (like WF, CBI/HPD), so you/she can upgrade in color, size, colour.

However, me personally I found it is hard to "down grade" in size.

All the best to you!

 

[OoohShiny]

@astutepastures

Higher color grade. Higher clarity grade. Within your max budget. Within preferred carat weight (decent spread). WF ACA:
If you think this is a viable option, I implore you to place it on hold, now.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986331.htm

Edit: VERY GOOD spread.

@astutepastures,
If K is too yellow, this is still available!

Or for just $160 more, you can jump from 1.08ct to 1.15ct and gain 0.1mm spread
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986339.htm


Looking around elsewhere, BGD doesn't seem to have much stock that matches what's being looked for, but GOG has a couple of options!

NOT this one
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.53-Round-F-NONE-J-I2-diamond-stock-12906-cert-

1.21 I VS1 with strong fluorescence - is a 60/60 cut but almost 6.9mm spread:
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond..._round-EX-GIA-I-VS1-diamond-stock-16533-cert-

1.26 Q VVS2 - as @cflutist can attest, good things happen when you embrace the colour!
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.26-Ascendancy Hearts & Arrows Round Cut-I-AGS-Q-VVS2-diamond-stock-15769-cert-


@astutepastures - only you can decide how you feel about K versus a higher colour. Does your intended know you plan to propose? Have you looked at ring / diamond options together?

What is the return policy at the jeweller offering the H? Check the grading report matches up with the details online on the AGS website (I've not seen that layout of grading report before, but it might be a new one.)

 

[astutepastures]

Thanks again for all of your help. I'm still obsessively debating this. I have returned the K and plan to exchange it for https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3983291.htm

Whiteflash said this was a "high J". I'm hoping that it is substantially more white. I still have H from the local stone and will make a decision once I can compare them side by side.

Below is the setting that I am getting. It is very open on the side so I don't want it to look too yellow from the side.

https://www.stuller.com/products/bu...dationSource=CategoryBrowse#/mounting-options

Any thoughts that might help me with these decisions?

Also, the diamond below that was recommended looks like it is cut slightly better than the one I'm exchanging it for. Any thoughts on which would be the better stone?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986331.htm

 

[the_mother_thing]

@astutepastures To hopefully put your mind a smidge at ease regarding color, here is my WF Expert Selection AGS 000 K-color diamond from the side. In person, I see VERY little color and most of the time to none at all because there is fire viewable from the pavillion that captures my eye over any minuscule tint. And face up, it’s very white facing for a K. I think you’ll be fine with a high J, and she’ll be blown away more by the amazing cut, edge to edge sparkle and fire of the diamond. Hope this helps!

One glimmer of the pavillion fire:


This is also a hint of fire from the light by my window; not tint:


Indoors, mixed light: