Down to four options - help me make the final call!

[MaineVette]

Ok folks, if you''d be so kind and help me spend some money, I''d love your opinions on the following four stones.

I''ve struggled to narrow the choices down to just these four (there are soooo many choices!!!

), but I''m having a real hard time making my final choice.

Option #1 - 0.905 cts H&A from Whiteflash
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2145457.htm
AGS report notes "Additional clouds not shown"

Option #2 - 0.900cts H&A from Whiteflash
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2141785.htm
AGS report notes "Additional clouds not shown"

Option #3 - 1.021cts from James Allen
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1255580.asp

Option #4 - 0.915 cts from James Allen
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1253662.asp
AGS report notes "surface grain line not shown"

I originally wasn''t looking to go above 1 carat to avoid paying the premuim, but #3 from James Allen seems like a reasonable deal - almost too good to be true. I''m still not sure why it''s priced in line with teh rest of the 0.9 ct stones.

So, here''s the big question, what would you buy if you were me, and why? All four seem to be great stones but I''m not sure if I should be concerned about the notes on the AGS reports? Also, are there any advantages of going to Whiteflash or James Allen?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Lula]

It looks like you did a great job selecting four stones, all with excellent potential.

I, too, agree that the 1.02 carat from JA seems like a great deal. I can''t tell if there''s a little light leakage (very, very slight) from the IS or if the stone was tilted in the photo. Have you requested a hearts image for this stone? Also, if you''re interested in it, put it on hold by e-mailing or calling JA.

Of the. 90 range stones, I like the two from Whiteflash better than the JA stone. You can''t go wrong with either, in my opinion, but others with more experience than me will hopefully chime in. If you''re interested in either of these, make sure to put them on hold, too.

Also, if you are at all thinking about upgrading in the future, Whiteflash has a slightly better upgrade policy than James Allen does.

 

[D&T]

you have some great options, however, because I like Whiteflash''s upgrade policy (you only have to spend at least $1 more) (and I have utilize their upgrade policy before) I lean towards the Whiteflash stones.

 

[MaineVette]

Date: 8/15/2009 4:08:36 PM
Author: sarap333
It looks like you did a great job selecting four stones, all with excellent potential.

I, too, agree that the 1.02 carat from JA seems like a great deal. I can''t tell if there''s a little light leakage (very, very slight) from the IS or if the stone was tilted in the photo. Have you requested a hearts image for this stone? Also, if you''re interested in it, put it on hold by e-mailing or calling JA.

Do you mean the area to the left of the IS image where the arrows aren''t quite as dark? Looking at it again I do see that the arrows appear to be a bit lighter.

Should I have them recheck the stone, or is it not worth the hassle (meaning the light leakage probably wouldn''t be noticable anyway)?

I doubt we''ll upgrade in the future, but I''ll keep the differences in their policies in mind.

 

[Lula]

I mean in the center of the stone where the red looks a bit lighter, yes.

This may be just because the diamond was tilted when it was photographed, so if you like it, I would put the stone on hold by sending JA an e-mail or calling them, and then ask your sales rep to ask JA's gemologist about the IS on Monday when they re-open.

There may be others on this site who are better at reading the IS images than I am who will give you their opinions.

It looks like a great stone for a great price, though.

 

[MaineVette]

Ok. I''ve reached out to James Allen for some additional information on the 1.02 ct stone. I''m interested to see what they come back with.

I think Monday is going to be the day that I place the order. Any other thoughts or opinions out there?