Did I make the right choice?

[JamesBurke]

Hello. I recently bought a diamond for an engagement ring. Price was about 18k USD I am in Europe so prices tend to be a bit higher than US. Ill admit I bought it blind with amateur level knowledge of diamonds. I personally prefer the diamond to look very 'icey' but not dull over too much sparkle. I have the final product already and seem to be satisfied but am a bit concerned since I did more research now. Some people said 32.5% is too shallow.

Gia Certified EE VG
HCA Score was 1.5

Specs:
6.47 -6.51 x 3.86 MM
1 CT
Color D
Clarity IF
Cut E
Polish E
Symmetry VG
Fluorescence None

60% Table
32.5 Crown Angle
Medium to slightly thick 4%
Pavilion Depth 43%
Pavilion Angle 40.8%
Depth 59.4%


Did I make a mistake here?

 

[Matthews1127]

Even though, the crown angle doesn’t fall within PS preferred parameters, it still scores within great range on the HCA, as you already stated. It’s more of a 60/60 stone, but that’s not a bad thing; everyone has their preferences. Your angles worked well to create a beautiful stone, on paper.
Do you have video or photos to share, so we can see it?
I’m sure it’s gorgeous!!

 

[JamesBurke]

Here is a poor quality phone one.
https://ufile.io/xkl3g


To sum it up I basically was going to go with a Cartier(track record) but had a friend who deals in high end watches and brought it up with him. He told me the mark up on the Cartier would be 2-3x and its better to source an individual stone and do a custom ring he was kind of right. He had a good source for diamonds and I wasn't really that informed about diamond specs other than the certifications. Unfortunately he wasn't into diamonds either. When I came on here I was stunned at the amount of info that came out over the last 10 years and kind of questioned my choice. I can also see how diamonds can quickly become addicting...

 

[AprilBaby]

You could get a Whiteflash perfectly cut stone, D, VvSI for $14,900, 1.024 ct

 

[sledge]

Having a 60 table & 59.4 depth I'd classify this as a 60/60 style stone. The good news is those type of stones are known for producing more white light than big rainbow flashes. You indicated you liked icy white over sparkle, so I think this is a good thing in your case.

In your research, my guess is you saw a list of specs like below that was recommended:

• 54-57 table
• 60-62.4 depth
• 34-35 crown (maybe 35.5 if paired w/ 40.6 pavilion)
• 40.6-40.9 pavilion (maybe 41 if paired w/ 34 crown)
• 75-80 lower girdle facets (LGF)

Such criteria will yield a traditional ideal cut (TIC) diamond, as opposed to a 60/60 stone. As your table size changes, certain angles work better than others. For instance, when you move to a 60/60 style stone, a 33 crown & 41 pavilion will work great and put you in ideal territory; however, that doesn't work in TIC diamond.

That said, if you stuck with a 60/60 style diamond I would have tried to find you something with a more complimentary angle combo. Using the GIA reported angles we can translate those into the AGS proportions charts to understand where a true cut might land (as GIA excellent really isn't all that).

Here is how your diamond lands:



Also, I am leaving the entire AGS chart here for you to see how different angle combos play out. It proves my point about how different angles work for 60/60 style stones vs TIC stones.

 

[scarsmum]

Only thing is, that’s a really expensive diamond. If you want a larger high performing diamond it can be done.

 

[sledge]

Only thing is, that’s a really expensive diamond. If you want a larger high performing diamond it can be done.

This is true, but is only helpful if you are still within the return period and that is something you are willing to do.

We would love to help you find a better stone if you're up for the adventure!

 

[JamesBurke]

Only thing is, that’s a really expensive diamond. If you want a larger high performing diamond it can be done.

Im in EU unfortunately theres 20-23% VAT taxes which turns a 15k USD stone into 18.

 

[TreeScientist]

Im in EU unfortunately theres 20-23% VAT taxes which turns a 15k USD stone into 18.

True, but even without VAT, that is still expensive. In part because it is a D/IF. Is there a cultural reason you're going with the IF clarity? If not, you could slightly lower the clarity and get a better-cut diamond for a lot less money.

Here's an example. 1.03 carat E/VVS2. Better cut than your current diamond, and only $8920 bank wire price. With 20% VAT, that would be $10,704.
https://www.fourmine.com/shop/diamo...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017

Not sure if you're still within the return period, but I would consider other options if you are able. Not because your current diamond would be terrible (it seems like a decent 60/60 diamond) but because $7-8k is a lot of money to save on something where you won't notice a difference (meaning E/VVS2 vs D/IF).

 

[JamesBurke]

Thank you everyone for the great info. I will stick with the stone but learned my lesson to never do things blindy especially with stones.

 

[JamesBurke]

True, but even without VAT, that is still expensive. In part because it is a D/IF. Is there a cultural reason you're going with the IF clarity? If not, you could slightly lower the clarity and get a better-cut diamond for a lot less money.

Here's an example. 1.03 carat E/VVS2. Better cut than your current diamond, and only $8920 bank wire price. With 20% VAT, that would be $10,704.
https://www.fourmine.com/shop/diamo...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017

Not sure if you're still within the return period, but I would consider other options if you are able. Not because your current diamond would be terrible (it seems like a decent 60/60 diamond) but because $7-8k is a lot of money to save on something where you won't notice a difference (meaning E/VVS2 vs D/IF).

I had no idea that the difference isn't noticeable at the time.

 

[sledge]

I had no idea that the difference isn't noticeable at the time.

For that kind of price difference it may be worth considering a return.

I would note that while the stone that @TreeScientist found has great proportions for a TIC stone, it isn't a 60/60 style ideal cut which is what you seem to prefer. I'm not bashing the selection as it's a good one for a TIC, but just noting there is a slight difference.

I'm sure he posted as an example of what you COULD potentially get. There is little doubt in my mind that if we tried to search for a similar 60/60 style stone we would find something very similar for about the same money.

 

[msop04]

For that kind of price difference it may be worth considering a return.

I would note that while the stone that @TreeScientist found has great proportions for a TIC stone, it isn't a 60/60 style ideal cut which is what you seem to prefer. I'm not bashing the selection as it's a good one for a TIC, but just noting there is a slight difference.

I'm sure he posted as an example of what you COULD potentially get. There is little doubt in my mind that if we tried to search for a similar 60/60 style stone we would find something very similar for about the same money.

I agree that you should try to return. If you can (or want to), then do come back to PS and we will help you get the most for your money. That is a lot of money to spend on things the eye cannot appreciate. ...so D/IF is total overkill, unless these specs are desired for psychological and/or cultural reasons.

Regarding "ideal" vs. 60/60 style diamonds, I think you need to see how each behaves before you can know what you prefer.