shape
carat
color
clarity

Did I pick a good diamond and ring combination?

Joined
Aug 7, 2018
Messages
18
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This is a bit of a steep-deep diamond due to the high crown angle and depth. This means the diamond may face up smaller than it should and may also have some light performance issues. Also Very Good on symmetry and polish is a bit concerning. Very Good actually isn't "very good" at all.
 
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Ditto to @skypie's comments. FYI, HCA scores a 3.8 which isn't very good either. You want 2 or less ideally.

Sorry OP. :(2

Have you got time to return it? If so, here is a firecracker of a diamond. True hearts & arrow that is super ideal cut and has an excellent trade-in program for when/if you and the Mrs ever decide to upgrade.

Your 2,280 GBP budget is roughly $2,955 USD. That in mind, I thought this diamond and the cheaper setting would fit, while leaving you a little room for shipping & taxes.

WF ACA 0.648ct I VS2, $2,098 USD, 5.55x5.56mm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3970247.htm

Similar settings that you had selected:

$595 USD
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...k-small-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-2810.htm

$1195 USD
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...en-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1539.htm

$1166 USD
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ssic-romance-diamond-engagement-ring-4918.htm
 
symmetry and polish is a bit concerning. Very Good actually isn't "very good" at all.

Could you recommend an alternative at a similar price point?

What crown angle and depth would be considered good from a diamond of that size?
 
Could you recommend an alternative at a similar price point?

What crown angle and depth would be considered good from a diamond of that size?

See my post above. I think we were all posting about the same time.



I haven't analyzed all these, but @farrahlyn is good at finding diamonds too. Briefly looking, I noticed these were in the GBP 1,500 range, or roughly $1,950 USD.

The one I posted from WF is $100 USD more but a true hearts & arrow super ideal diamond. Cut is superb. Additionally it has a small table and the video is just gorgeous. Plus you have all imaging, etc. to make a good educated purchase decision. Trade-in program is awesome too -- spend $1 more and get full credit of original stone.

Unless you have qualms with WF, for very little difference you get items that mean a lot.
 
I should be able to change the order as it as only just been ordered. I would prefer to buy from bluenile (or similar) since I love the ring style.

My ideal budget is 2300 but can go to 2500 total for setting and diamond.

The ring setting price as just gone up to £888 from £740 for some reason. But I can apply a £75 discount so I have a budget of between £1480-£1700 give or take a few pound either way for the diamond.


Thank you all so much for the quick responses and help. I jumped the gun.

EDIT: Band will stay at 740 and so I can now spend circa: £1560-£1760.
 
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See my post above. I think we were all posting about the same time.




I haven't analyzed all these, but @farrahlyn is good at finding diamonds too. Briefly looking, I noticed these were in the GBP 1,500 range, or roughly $1,950 USD.

The one I posted from WF is $100 USD more but a true hearts & arrow super ideal diamond. Cut is superb. Additionally it has a small table and the video is just gorgeous. Plus you have all imaging, etc. to make a good educated purchase decision. Trade-in program is awesome too -- spend $1 more and get full credit of original stone.

Unless you have qualms with WF, for very little difference you get items that mean a lot.

I really like the first one. Also I noticed the settings from WF aren't platinum but that is a must. It's unlikely we would want to upgrade as my partner is quite sentimental.
 
I really like the first one. Also I noticed the settings from WF aren't platinum but that is a must. It's unlikely we would want to upgrade as my partner is quite sentimental.

FYI, you can get all those bands in platinum if that is a must. It just increases the cost a little. See screen cap below.

I will start looking at BN since that is your preference. Is there a particular reason? Location perhaps? Just asking as WF is a very trusted vendor here. Several others exist too. Just trying to understand is all.

Capture.PNG
 
I
FYI, you can get all those bands in platinum if that is a must. It just increases the cost a little. See screen cap below.

I will start looking at BN since that is your preference. Is there a particular reason? Location perhaps? Just asking as WF is a very trusted vendor here. Several others exist too. Just trying to understand is all.

Capture.PNG
I am UK based which is why I liked bluenile. I particularly the exact setting. But if WF is more reputable and I am likely to get a better diamond and setting then I don't mind doing that.

Also seems like 740 for the setting I have selected is a good deal.
 
I personally like these two within your budget from Blue Nile:

E/SI1. I would personally recommend this one if you're OK with the SI1 clarity grade. The diamond appears to be completely eye clean, so I would rather pay for something that is noticeable (color) rather than something that isn't (clarity).
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

H/VS2. Also a decent, well-cut option, if you must have the VS clarity grade.
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
 
it's not great, you should be looking at Excellent Cut, Polish and Symetry. the angles aren't quite complimentary. a 40.6 pavillion pairs better with a 36 crown. what is your stone budget? these are nice:

Below are some of the stones @farrahlyn recommended that I like. Reasoning, etc below.

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

Like the small table (55) and complimentary CA/PA combo of 34.5 & 40.8. Short LGF's (75) means fat arrows. XXX stone with good VS2 clarity. Probably no issues, but should verify it's eye clean. On proportions charts, put you deep into ideal territory so even if funky GIA rounding & averaging of values, it should keep you in the ideal range.

I'd put on hold and request ASET & IS images.

Capture.PNG

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab would just want to make sure the strong blue fluoro isn't negatively affecting the stone.

Similar comments to the above stone, except this table is slightly larger @ 56. Same CA & PA combo that lands you deep in ideal territory. As @farrahlyn noted, I am considered about strong fluor. Also SI1 clarity that appears to have clear crystal on the table, and something else on the outer edges. There are plenty of eye clean SI1's but I'd want to verify to be safe. Prefer the first stone above this one.


Here is one that hasn't been presented yet. Small 55 table and same CA/PA combo as other two I liked above.

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD10828409
 
Just remember @Fortuitous_Salamander , if you buy from abroad, your ring will go through customs and you’ll have to pay 20% VAT on top of the purchase price.
 
Just remember @Fortuitous_Salamander , if you buy from abroad, your ring will go through customs and you’ll have to pay 20% VAT on top of the purchase price.

BlueNile includes VAT in the listed price if you select United Kingdom as the shipping destination. ;)
 
Below are some of the stones @farrahlyn recommended that I like. Reasoning, etc below.

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

Like the small table (55) and complimentary CA/PA combo of 34.5 & 40.8. Short LGF's (75) means fat arrows. XXX stone with good VS2 clarity. Probably no issues, but should verify it's eye clean. On proportions charts, put you deep into ideal territory so even if funky GIA rounding & averaging of values, it should keep you in the ideal range.

I'd put on hold and request ASET & IS images.

Capture.PNG

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab would just want to make sure the strong blue fluoro isn't negatively affecting the stone.

Similar comments to the above stone, except this table is slightly larger @ 56. Same CA & PA combo that lands you deep in ideal territory. As @farrahlyn noted, I am considered about strong fluor. Also SI1 clarity that appears to have clear crystal on the table, and something else on the outer edges. There are plenty of eye clean SI1's but I'd want to verify to be safe. Prefer the first stone above this one.


Here is one that hasn't been presented yet. Small 55 table and same CA/PA combo as other two I liked above.

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD10828409

as always, great summary! That first .61ct (with the 55% table) is my favorite out of the bunch as well. It's quite obvious that i have a "thing" for a small table and nice, fat arrows. lol!
 
I

I am UK based which is why I liked bluenile. I particularly the exact setting. But if WF is more reputable and I am likely to get a better diamond and setting then I don't mind doing that.

Also seems like 740 for the setting I have selected is a good deal.

FYI....GBP 740 is roughly $958 US. I am using Google for currency rates, which have changed a little from my earlier post.

Price for the WF setting you like in platinum is $918 USD, or roughly GBP 709.

Generally speaking:
  • Good = GIA XXX
  • Better = AGS 0
  • Best = AGS 000
I should clarify there are many GIA XXX stones are the gorgeous and true unicorns. And I think some of the BN stones being discussed today in this thread fall into that special category of awesomeness. So why would I prefer the WF stone then, right? There are a few reasons:
  1. It WF is completely transparent with their imaging, data, etc so you can make an educated decision based on facts and not guess work. With BN you have to analyze the angles, determine if they work and then request images. Most the time you will either get an Idealscope image only, or no images at all forcing you to make a decision "blindly" other than your analysis of the video, angles and still images. With WF the data is readily available to review immediately. Additional detailed information is easily obtainable as well.
  2. WF has their stones in-house. BN deals in virtual inventory, which means BN and countless other vendors has access to the same database of stones. The stones themselves are stored at the supplier's location. Depending on the supplier and the unique agreements between the retailers (BN, etc) and said supplier, they may or may not have the ability to obtain additional imaging, in-person inspections, etc.
  3. In the case of the stone I listed earlier, it is an ACA stone meaning "A Cut Above". This is their super ideal line which means it has been cut to the best standards, and has ideal symmetry qualifying it for a true hearts & arrow (H&A) status.
  4. The WF stone is certified by AGS which is the only lab capable of assigning a cut grade due to the complex 3D modeling they perform on each individual stone. In short they analyze all facets with precision. GIA uses an older 2D system that uses only a portion of the facets and then uses weird rounding & averaging to report percentages and angles on their certs.
  5. WF has actual ASET, IS and H&A images to confirm light performance & optical symmetry. BN may or may not have some or all these images available. It doesn't mean it's bad. But taking #4 into consideration, these images help confirm the assumptions we make based on the angles & percentages reported on the lab certs.
  6. WF customer service is top notch. One of the VP's frequents this forum and I've seen him intervene and do the right thing just because it's the right thing. Consequently I respect them a lot for their dedication to detail.
I get all weak in the knees knowing it's a super ideal stone as I know it's the best of the best. But it certainly doesn't mean that WF is the right choice for you. In this case, it sounds like BN's biggest potential advantage is location, taxes, import duties, etc.

I do know that regardless who you go with, we will continue to help you find the best possible stone that meets your requirements & budget constraints.


I personally like these two within your budget from Blue Nile:

E/SI1. I would personally recommend this one if you're OK with the SI1 clarity grade. The diamond appears to be completely eye clean, so I would rather pay for something that is noticeable (color) rather than something that isn't (clarity).
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

H/VS2. Also a decent, well-cut option, if you must have the VS clarity grade.
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

I like both these stones. Proportions charts attached. I'd like to see a smaller table as that will give you more quick dispersion of fire as opposed to the 57 table but it's certainly not "bad" by any stretch. It's just a preference. Of course, if you are color sensitive getting an E color may have a much more visible difference/preference to you.

Capture.PNG
 
as always, great summary! That first .61ct (with the 55% table) is my favorite out of the bunch as well. It's quite obvious that i have a "thing" for a small table and nice, fat arrows. lol!

Thank you for the kind words @farrahlyn. I learned from some great people like you. ;)2

Yeah, the more time I spend looking at diamonds the more I prefer the same. Next stone I purchase will be a 54-55 table for me with roughly 34.5/40.7-40.8 angles. That is my current sweet spot. Add fat arrows and I really like it.
 
@sledge you make a compelling case.

I am going to do some side by side comparisons. But will have to consider VAT and delivery as well. I do love the BN setting though which is going to be hard to go away from.

Funnily I also liked the first @farrahlyn noted the most. I wasn't entirely sure as to why I liked the first one the most, due to your explanation I now understand much better.

Thank you.
 
@sledge you make a compelling case.

I am going to do some side by side comparisons. But will have to consider VAT and delivery as well. I do love the BN setting though which is going to be hard to go away from.

Funnily I also liked the first @farrahlyn noted the most. I wasn't entirely sure as to why I liked the first one the most, due to your explanation I now understand much better.

Thank you.

Glad I could help!

FYI the WF stone has 54.4 table, 34.8 CA, 40.8 PA and 76 LGF. Arrows not quite as fat as the 75's but I still like them.

Also something we haven't discussed yet. On super ideal stones they are so well cut they can actually face up whiter and larger than non ideal cuts of similar characteristics.

As far as the setting, I do like the BN one. Is it possible they would sell the setting only? Or if you go WF you could ask WF to custom make that one. It may be close to the same price, you would need to get a quote.
 
I had a detailed look at that diamond from WF on the video. Looks incredible.

I've started a chat BN to see if I can buy just the setting. So we will see where we get.

I noticed, the pave settings from WF have an edge encasing the smaller diamonds where as the one from BN doesn't. Which to me changes the character of the ring.

Would I just have it set locally?

Are the settings on BN
Glad I could help!

FYI the WF stone has 54.4 table, 34.8 CA, 40.8 PA and 76 LGF. Arrows not quite as fat as the 75's but I still like them.

Also something we haven't discussed yet. On super ideal stones they are so well cut they can actually face up whiter and larger than non ideal cuts of similar characteristics.

As far as the setting, I do like the BN one. Is it possible they would sell the setting only? Or if you go WF you could ask WF to custom make that one. It may be close to the same price, you would need to get a quote.

of a high quality? Particularly the one I like.
 
I had a detailed look at that diamond from WF on the video. Looks incredible.

I've started a chat BN to see if I can buy just the setting. So we will see where we get.

I noticed, the pave settings from WF have an edge encasing the smaller diamonds where as the one from BN doesn't. Which to me changes the character of the ring.

Would I just have it set locally?

Are the settings on BN


of a high quality? Particularly the one I like.
They do however only for US shipping. Oh joy.
 
They do however only for US shipping. Oh joy.

Ask if BN will allow you to pay and ship directly to WF. They are located in Houston, TX USA. ;)2 WF may charge an extra fee to set their stone in an outside setting. Others can confirm.

As far as quality I am not certain on BN setting. I do know WF uses ACA stones in the melee (pave) so it all matches. That would likely be higher quality.

You can forward pics of the BN setting and ask WF to quote custom making it. The design is fairly simple and shouldn't take too long or be terribly expensive.

Alternatively you may look through WF's website to find a setting that is more similar or you like better. They not only do custom but work with a wide array of designers so they can probably get most anything.
 
Glad I could help!

FYI the WF stone has 54.4 table, 34.8 CA, 40.8 PA and 76 LGF. Arrows not quite as fat as the 75's but I still like them.

Also something we haven't discussed yet. On super ideal stones they are so well cut they can actually face up whiter and larger than non ideal cuts of similar characteristics.

As far as the setting, I do like the BN one. Is it possible they would sell the setting only? Or if you go WF you could ask WF to custom make that one. It may be close to the same price, you would need to get a quote.

I know you love love LOVE WF, @sledge, but then there is the VAT, the additional price for platinum, and the stones aren't in budget to begin with. ACA is great, but it's not the end all be all - some people can't appreciate the difference given the higher price. OP's budget doesn't permit for an ACA or WF without going smaller on the diamond... The OP needs to use BN, and I don't blame him at all. BN has the setting he likes, as well as amazing diamonds, so the intended wearer won't be missing out at all.
 
Ask if BN will allow you to pay and ship directly to WF. They are located in Houston, TX USA. ;)2 WF may charge an extra fee to set their stone in an outside setting. Others can confirm.

As far as quality I am not certain on BN setting. I do know WF uses ACA stones in the melee (pave) so it all matches. That would likely be higher quality.

You can forward pics of the BN setting and ask WF to quote custom making it. The design is fairly simple and shouldn't take too long or be terribly expensive.

Alternatively you may look through WF's website to find a setting that is more similar or you like better. They not only do custom but work with a wide array of designers so they can probably get most anything.

@sledge! OMG! The OP's budget doesn't allow for all that nonsense of shipping from BN to WF, then paying extra for the setting, then paying extra to set an outside stone... That is crazy talk, not to mention unnecessary spending. We know you love WF. It's good. Not everyone's budget includes ACAs. It's okay. The OP is overseas, so BN is the obvious choice.
 
@sledge you make a compelling case.

I am going to do some side by side comparisons. But will have to consider VAT and delivery as well. I do love the BN setting though which is going to be hard to go away from.

Funnily I also liked the first @farrahlyn noted the most. I wasn't entirely sure as to why I liked the first one the most, due to your explanation I now understand much better.

Thank you.

OP, do NOT pay extra for VAT. Go with BN for your stone and setting. They have many great diamonds and lovely settings. We'll help you on the diamond. The setting you've picked out is beautiful.
 
I had a detailed look at that diamond from WF on the video. Looks incredible.

I've started a chat BN to see if I can buy just the setting. So we will see where we get.

I noticed, the pave settings from WF have an edge encasing the smaller diamonds where as the one from BN doesn't. Which to me changes the character of the ring.

Would I just have it set locally?

Are the settings on BN


of a high quality? Particularly the one I like.

the WF setting is just a different type of pave. just a quick glance, i think it's bead set pave while the BN one is more of a french cut pave. TBH, i absoluely would not buy the BN setting and have the stone sent from Whiteflash, etc etc etc. BN is great for Int'l buyers because of the VAT issue. Unless you're absolutely set on a super ideal, the BN stone and setting is a really great choice and much more simple in purchasing. The BN stone isn't super ideal but it's a beautiful stone and i guarantee a better cut than a majority (if not all) of your or her friends rings.
 
I know you love love LOVE WF, @sledge, but then there is the VAT, the additional price for platinum, and the stones aren't in budget to begin with. ACA is great, but it's not the end all be all - some people can't appreciate the difference given the higher price. OP's budget doesn't permit for an ACA or WF without going smaller on the diamond... The OP needs to use BN, and I don't blame him at all. BN has the setting he likes, as well as amazing diamonds, so the intended wearer won't be missing out at all.

Come on. I recommended WF. He said BN. I said okay and recommended BN stones. Even positively commented on other BN stone recommendations. He asked why I thought WF was better. I told him with a disclaimer the BN stones here seemed like unicorns and could be awesome.

It's his choice to make. I genuinely liked the WF stone and thought it was gorgeous. If he doesn't fine, but I have no horse in the race. I get no commissions, etc. I'm just as happy to evaluate a BN stone as as a WF stone.

I also know that for $400 USD, or GBP 310, the majority of us would jump on a chance to grab a super ideal stone from whomever.

Here's some math. Keep in mind currency exchange rates are fluctuating today. These were good at the time of posting, compliments of Google.

Original budget = GBP 2280, or $2955 USD
Revised budget (post #7) = GBP 2500, or $3235 USD

Total WF Price = $2,098 USD (stone) + $918 USD (plat setting) = $3,016 USD, or GBP 2330

I'm not certain VAT, etc but will assume 20% (posts 14 & 15) = GBP 2330 x 1.20 = GBP 2796, or $3,618 USD

This puts OP about $400 USD, or GBP 310, over budget.
 
OP, to recap, here are the stones being discussed that are from BN and that I liked and commented on. Please have others review & give their opinions so there is no opportunity for bias to enter the equation.


I personally like these two within your budget from Blue Nile:

E/SI1. I would personally recommend this one if you're OK with the SI1 clarity grade. The diamond appears to be completely eye clean, so I would rather pay for something that is noticeable (color) rather than something that isn't (clarity).
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

H/VS2. Also a decent, well-cut option, if you must have the VS clarity grade.
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
I like both these stones. Proportions charts attached. I'd like to see a smaller table as that will give you more quick dispersion of fire as opposed to the 57 table but it's certainly not "bad" by any stretch. It's just a preference. Of course, if you are color sensitive getting an E color may have a much more visible difference/preference to you.

Capture.PNG

Below are some of the stones @farrahlyn recommended that I like. Reasoning, etc below.

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

Like the small table (55) and complimentary CA/PA combo of 34.5 & 40.8. Short LGF's (75) means fat arrows. XXX stone with good VS2 clarity. Probably no issues, but should verify it's eye clean. On proportions charts, put you deep into ideal territory so even if funky GIA rounding & averaging of values, it should keep you in the ideal range.

I'd put on hold and request ASET & IS images.

Capture.PNG

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab would just want to make sure the strong blue fluoro isn't negatively affecting the stone.

Similar comments to the above stone, except this table is slightly larger @ 56. Same CA & PA combo that lands you deep in ideal territory. As @farrahlyn noted, I am considered about strong fluor. Also SI1 clarity that appears to have clear crystal on the table, and something else on the outer edges. There are plenty of eye clean SI1's but I'd want to verify to be safe. Prefer the first stone above this one.


Here is one that hasn't been presented yet. Small 55 table and same CA/PA combo as other two I liked above.

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD10828409
 
Generally speaking:
  • Good = GIA XXX
  • Better = AGS 0 <------- INCORRECT
  • Best = AGS 000
I should clarify there are many GIA XXX stones are the gorgeous and true unicorns. And I think some of the BN stones being discussed today in this thread fall into that special category of awesomeness.Capture.PNG

Okay... AGS 0 and AGS 000 are the exact same thing.

And GIA XXX stones that are gorgeous are NOT unicorns, as many GIA XXX stones are also graded AGS 0. I'm not picking on you, @sledge, but I believe your view on diamonds is very slanted, as you tend to keep telling posters that GIA XXX is inferior no matter what. That isn't the case. There are TONS of GIA XXX diamonds that would be graded AGS 000, the only difference is GIA doesn't grade for light performance like AGS, so the GIA graded stones take a bit more sifting through and vetting. I swear I'm not picking on you, but I really wish you would stop acting as if AGS 0 and superideals are the only way and everything else is crap. Did you know that the majority of ppl can't tell the difference in a superideal from a non-branded stone at all? It's true.
 
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