Engagement ring & diamond selection questions

[jkonst]

Hi all,

I'm looking at purchasing an engagement ring, and could use advice in a few areas. The parameters:

• Total cost <$35k USD (but I could flex slightly if I can justify it)
• Round cut
• Carat: 2.2-2.7
• Probably F-G, VS1/VS2, EX/EX/EX, no-faint fluorescence

And the questions:

• In this cost/size range, what attributes would you focus on? Like would you do an F/VS2 over a G/VS1? Every small step yields a pretty major $ difference, so I'm trying to balance diamond quality and size attributes appropriately.
• I live in NY and went to ID Jewelry this past weekend (before I found this forum - small world that I see it's recommended a bunch here). I was steered towards this diamond - any thoughts? The HCA score seemed decent but not great, but I'm also inexperienced at reading that. https://idjewelry.com/round-ebs42331.html
• I have a pretty specific ring/setting I'm looking for - pavé, small split, hidden halo (halo under the diamond, not around). Does such a ring exist that anyone has seen, or would that be a custom order - and if so, any recommendations on who to look to for that (I suppose ID probably could)? Examples of the features I'm looking for below, in case these aren't super well-known things.
• My best friend's dad is a jeweler and has helped the others in our friend circle with their engagement rings. I know there's some sort of a discount involved, but really have no clue what markups/discounts could look like in this industry. I'm just wondering if you all have any advice here. I trust him, but if you think it's not worth my while to go down that path, I'm open to hearing that, too.

Thanks so much for any advice. And if you think I'm off on anything here or there's some required reading I've missed, please let me know!

Example of hidden halo: https://www.pavejewelers.com/hidden...nch-pave-hidden-halo-engagement-ring-in-white
Example of split - would like a split this size or smaller: https://www.sylviecollection.com/product/diamond-engagement-rings/split-shank-engagement-ring-s2493

 

[lovedogs]

Hi all,

I'm looking at purchasing an engagement ring, and could use advice in a few areas. The parameters:

• Total cost <$35k USD (but I could flex slightly if I can justify it)
• Round cut
• Carat: 2.2-2.7
• Probably F-G, VS1/VS2, EX/EX/EX, no-faint fluorescence

And the questions:

• In this cost/size range, what attributes would you focus on? Like would you do an F/VS2 over a G/VS1? Every small step yields a pretty major $ difference, so I'm trying to balance diamond quality and size attributes appropriately.
• I live in NY and went to ID Jewelry this past weekend (before I found this forum - small world that I see it's recommended a bunch here). I was steered towards this diamond - any thoughts? The HCA score seemed decent but not great, but I'm also inexperienced at reading that. https://idjewelry.com/round-ebs42331.html
• I have a pretty specific ring/setting I'm looking for - pavé, small split, hidden halo (halo under the diamond, not around). Does such a ring exist that anyone has seen, or would that be a custom order - and if so, any recommendations on who to look to for that (I suppose ID probably could)? Examples of the features I'm looking for below, in case these aren't super well-known things.
• My best friend's dad is a jeweler and has helped the others in our friend circle with their engagement rings. I know there's some sort of a discount involved, but really have no clue what markups/discounts could look like in this industry. I'm just wondering if you all have any advice here. I trust him, but if you think it's not worth my while to go down that path, I'm open to hearing that, too.

Thanks so much for any advice. And if you think I'm off on anything here or there's some required reading I've missed, please let me know!

Example of hidden halo: https://www.pavejewelers.com/hidden...nch-pave-hidden-halo-engagement-ring-in-white
Example of split - would like a split this size or smaller: https://www.sylviecollection.com/product/diamond-engagement-rings/split-shank-engagement-ring-s2493

ID jewelry is great, but you need to specifically mention you want "pricescope quality" stones, and make sure to check the HCA. There is not really a "good but not great" with the HCA. If the score is under 2, it means the stone is worth considering. If it's over 2, it should be rejected. this stone is deeper than we like (we typically recommend sticking with 62.4 or less depth), and the crown is too steep (we recommend between 34-35).

DO NOT worth with family friends as jewelers. there are trusted vendors on these boards that will deliver an incredibly high quality product without issue. I guarantee their work will be better and have less issues than doing it with a family friend (unless somehow your family friend is one of the trusted vendors haha).

 

[tyty333]

Ditto @lovedogs...IDJ is reputable but you need to ask for Pricescope quality (they know what that means).

You have a very nice budget. Nice enough for an Ideal Branded stone if you wanted. AGS000 H&A stones
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare/?idnos=4092175,4097139,4113561

Going to go see if I can find a setting like you're looking for.

 

[jkonst]

Thank you both very much! That makes sense RE: not going with the family friend, and I'll keep in mind asking about Pricescope. It does seem that diamonds that rate well with Pricescope also tend to cost significantly more than those that don't - does it still balance out/make sense to go with a diamond that rates well there?

And thank you tyty for the link - I was actually looking at a couple of those diamonds a bit after my post. Is there a significant advantage/disadvantage to buying through Whiteflash (getting an ACA diamond) vs. going to IDJ/elsewhere? Also, the stones you pulled are G/VS2 - would I notice any difference going to F/VS1 (other than the cost), or is the cut that important that these would outshine anything else near my price range?

Lastly - does anyone make any Tiffany-style settings (or are they custom-designable)? I doubt I'll ever be in the realm of a Tiffany ring at the size I'm looking for, but this setting is pretty exceptional: https://www.tiffany.com/engagement/...with-a-pav-diamond-band-in-platinum-GRP10877/ But I also know Tiffany is pretty litigious, and can imagine people shying away from coming near their designs.

Thanks again!

 

[headlight]

I would definitely do an F, VS2 over a G, VS1 if it is in the budget, especially on a stone of that size. You aren't going to see the difference between VS1 & 2, but F color is still in the colorless range and G starts the near-colorless range.

What was the HCA on the stone they recommended?

Most people here on PS do not recommend going to a jeweler outside of the online recommended vendors. I'm still a bit old-school in that there are reputable jewelers with years of gemology expertise who can obtain beautiful diamonds, who can get AGS0's, Hearts & Arrows stones, who use Idealscope and ASET, who can call in stones for you rather than just being limited to what they have on-hand. Some people don't even know that reputable, high quality, online diamond purchasing exists... but now you do so you have to decide what works best for you. With that said, you are in NY, so depending on where, specifically, you have access to many, many options! Have your friends been happy?... the women?... have you seen the diamonds in person (I'm assuming yes") - what do you think of them? What does your girlfriend think? Unless they all have not-so-great stones, it is pretty easy to spot the nicer ones. That's the jeweler you want to go to (if you don't go the online route). The other thing is if your best friend's dad is a jeweler and all the friends have been going there, you may be hard-pressed not to, unless you feel that after seeing what he can do for you it just isn't what you are looking for and you have to be honest and hope your friend will be okay with it. This isn't something worth ruining a friendship over. Have you gone to look at rings with your girlfriend? If so, have you gone to the friend's dad? PS can still help you with input and the online vendor that doesn't get your business will continue to thrive. The people on PS don't work for these recommended vendors (or maybe they do and I just don't know... although, with that said, sometimes it seems like people here are working for them!). The good news on that is these vendors sell BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING diamonds so you aren't being sold down the river.

 

[jkonst]

I would definitely do an F, VS2 over a G, VS1 if it is in the budget, especially on a stone of that size. You aren't going to see the difference between VS1 & 2, but F color is still in the colorless range and G starts the near-colorless range.

What was the HCA on the stone they recommended?

Most people here on PS do not recommend going to a jeweler outside of the online recommended vendors. I'm still a bit old-school in that there are reputable jewelers with years of gemology expertise who can obtain beautiful diamonds, who can get AGS0's, Hearts & Arrows stones, who use Idealscope and ASET, who can call in stones for you rather than just being limited to what they have on-hand. Some people don't even know that reputable, high quality, online diamond purchasing exists... but now you do so you have to decide what works best for you. With that said, you are in NY, so depending on where, specifically, you have access to many, many options! Have your friends been happy?... the women?... have you seen the diamonds in person (I'm assuming yes") - what do you think of them? What does your girlfriend think? Unless they all have not-so-great stones, it is pretty easy to spot the nicer ones. That's the jeweler you want to go to (if you don't go the online route). The other thing is if your best friend's dad is a jeweler and all the friends have been going there, you may be hard-pressed not to, unless you feel that after seeing what he can do for you it just isn't what you are looking for and you have to be honest and hope your friend will be okay with it. This isn't something worth ruining a friendship over. Have you gone to look at rings with your girlfriend? If so, have you gone to the friend's dad? PS can still help you with input and the online vendor that doesn't get your business will continue to thrive. The people on PS don't work for these recommended vendors (or maybe they do and I just don't know... although, with that said, sometimes it seems like people here are working for them!). The good news on that is these vendors sell BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING diamonds so you aren't being sold down the river.

I would definitely do an F, VS2 over a G, VS1 if it is in the budget, especially on a stone of that size. You aren't going to see the difference between VS1 & 2, but F color is still in the colorless range and G starts the near-colorless range.

What was the HCA on the stone they recommended?

Most people here on PS do not recommend going to a jeweler outside of the online recommended vendors. I'm still a bit old-school in that there are reputable jewelers with years of gemology expertise who can obtain beautiful diamonds, who can get AGS0's, Hearts & Arrows stones, who use Idealscope and ASET, who can call in stones for you rather than just being limited to what they have on-hand. Some people don't even know that reputable, high quality, online diamond purchasing exists... but now you do so you have to decide what works best for you. With that said, you are in NY, so depending on where, specifically, you have access to many, many options! Have your friends been happy?... the women?... have you seen the diamonds in person (I'm assuming yes") - what do you think of them? What does your girlfriend think? Unless they all have not-so-great stones, it is pretty easy to spot the nicer ones. That's the jeweler you want to go to (if you don't go the online route). The other thing is if your best friend's dad is a jeweler and all the friends have been going there, you may be hard-pressed not to, unless you feel that after seeing what he can do for you it just isn't what you are looking for and you have to be honest and hope your friend will be okay with it. This isn't something worth ruining a friendship over. Have you gone to look at rings with your girlfriend? If so, have you gone to the friend's dad? PS can still help you with input and the online vendor that doesn't get your business will continue to thrive. The people on PS don't work for these recommended vendors (or maybe they do and I just don't know... although, with that said, sometimes it seems like people here are working for them!). The good news on that is these vendors sell BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING diamonds so you aren't being sold down the river.

I would definitely do an F, VS2 over a G, VS1 if it is in the budget, especially on a stone of that size. You aren't going to see the difference between VS1 & 2, but F color is still in the colorless range and G starts the near-colorless range.

What was the HCA on the stone they recommended?

Most people here on PS do not recommend going to a jeweler outside of the online recommended vendors. I'm still a bit old-school in that there are reputable jewelers with years of gemology expertise who can obtain beautiful diamonds, who can get AGS0's, Hearts & Arrows stones, who use Idealscope and ASET, who can call in stones for you rather than just being limited to what they have on-hand. Some people don't even know that reputable, high quality, online diamond purchasing exists... but now you do so you have to decide what works best for you. With that said, you are in NY, so depending on where, specifically, you have access to many, many options! Have your friends been happy?... the women?... have you seen the diamonds in person (I'm assuming yes") - what do you think of them? What does your girlfriend think? Unless they all have not-so-great stones, it is pretty easy to spot the nicer ones. That's the jeweler you want to go to (if you don't go the online route). The other thing is if your best friend's dad is a jeweler and all the friends have been going there, you may be hard-pressed not to, unless you feel that after seeing what he can do for you it just isn't what you are looking for and you have to be honest and hope your friend will be okay with it. This isn't something worth ruining a friendship over. Have you gone to look at rings with your girlfriend? If so, have you gone to the friend's dad? PS can still help you with input and the online vendor that doesn't get your business will continue to thrive. The people on PS don't work for these recommended vendors (or maybe they do and I just don't know... although, with that said, sometimes it seems like people here are working for them!). The good news on that is these vendors sell BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING diamonds so you aren't being sold down the river.

I would definitely do an F, VS2 over a G, VS1 if it is in the budget, especially on a stone of that size. You aren't going to see the difference between VS1 & 2, but F color is still in the colorless range and G starts the near-colorless range.

What was the HCA on the stone they recommended?

Most people here on PS do not recommend going to a jeweler outside of the online recommended vendors. I'm still a bit old-school in that there are reputable jewelers with years of gemology expertise who can obtain beautiful diamonds, who can get AGS0's, Hearts & Arrows stones, who use Idealscope and ASET, who can call in stones for you rather than just being limited to what they have on-hand. Some people don't even know that reputable, high quality, online diamond purchasing exists... but now you do so you have to decide what works best for you. With that said, you are in NY, so depending on where, specifically, you have access to many, many options! Have your friends been happy?... the women?... have you seen the diamonds in person (I'm assuming yes") - what do you think of them? What does your girlfriend think? Unless they all have not-so-great stones, it is pretty easy to spot the nicer ones. That's the jeweler you want to go to (if you don't go the online route). The other thing is if your best friend's dad is a jeweler and all the friends have been going there, you may be hard-pressed not to, unless you feel that after seeing what he can do for you it just isn't what you are looking for and you have to be honest and hope your friend will be okay with it. This isn't something worth ruining a friendship over. Have you gone to look at rings with your girlfriend? If so, have you gone to the friend's dad? PS can still help you with input and the online vendor that doesn't get your business will continue to thrive. The people on PS don't work for these recommended vendors (or maybe they do and I just don't know... although, with that said, sometimes it seems like people here are working for them!). The good news on that is these vendors sell BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING diamonds so you aren't being sold down the river.

Thanks for all the notes! The HCA on the stone IDJ recommended was 2.3. They actually called this evening and I mentioned Pricescope, and they came back to me with one that scores 1.6 (details attached - and goes for around $29k). Interested to hear thoughts on this one. And good to know on the F/G/VS1/VS2 tradeoff.

I haven't really paid close attention to the rings from my friend's dad, to be honest. I'm sure they're all amazing, given the friends I have/their wives. But it's also not really a big deal if I don't go that route. Part of the challenge is he's in LA - not a huge deal/I'm flying there tomorrow for work, but also makes things a bit tougher. One friend lives in London and got his ring this way, though... I'll think this part over - appreciate the nuanced points. I guess I just wasn't sure if a connection was something that might save me a few percent, or if we're talking like 50% off if I got the diamond at cost. I'll check in with one of my friends and get his thoughts - but I think I'm now leaning towards not going this route.

 

[headlight]

1.6 HCA... but what is the breakdown? For me, the factors that count with the HCA are the 1st three... what did those get (EX, VG)???... who cares about large spread if it isn’t doing anything for you!

It doesn’t seem like IDJ gave you something PSers would get super excited about in spite of your request. Do they have photos they can provide?

With regard to getting a deal, there are so many factors involved it’s really hard to compare. Many of the internet sellers can work on tighter margins because they have lower overhead and can pass on the savings. I don’t know if your friend’s dad has a store or works with clients individually from like an office suite...someone like that can also work on smaller margins than the person that owns a large physical store. And all diamonds of same weight, color, and clarity are not priced the same as quality of make and lab report come into play, other elements like presence of fluorescence, if you go over a “magic number” in carat weight, even the “tightness” on specs ups the price. And so on. My point being it is hard to compare apples to apples so you just need to do your homework and then get the most beautiful diamond your budget will allow (& you have a really healthy budget!).

 

[MissGotRocks]

Whiteflash has a great trade in policy and while you might not think you'll ever use it, it is great to have the ability and their trade in policy only requires you to spend $1 more on any other stone you might wish to trade up to at any time. The Whiteflash stones are super ideal cut stones, highly vetted and gorgeous. ID Jewelry does not sell AGS graded stones. GIA rounds their angles so you have to be really careful about what you are buying. AGS0 and GIA Excellent grades are not the same. You do have a great budget that will get you a beautiful stone - with no questions or worry. Some people are more color conscious, others care more about clarity. A VS2 stone that is eyeclean can be a great choice; VS1 if you need the mind clean assurance.

Here is a G, VS2 stone that is very white that exceeds your budget a bit if you pay the wire price but is 2.50 carats - beautiful!!
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986369.htm

 

[headlight]

Whiteflash has a great trade in policy and while you might not think you'll ever use it, it is great to have the ability and their trade in policy only requires you to spend $1 more on any other stone you might wish to trade up to at any time. The Whiteflash stones are super ideal cut stones, highly vetted and gorgeous. ID Jewelry does not sell AGS graded stones. GIA rounds their angles so you have to be really careful about what you are buying. AGS0 and GIA Excellent grades are not the same. You do have a great budget that will get you a beautiful stone - with no questions or worry. Some people are more color conscious, others care more about clarity. A VS2 stone that is eyeclean can be a great choice; VS1 if you need the mind clean assurance.

Ditto everything she said, she knows her stuff!
On the mind clean thing, I feel like if you are in VS, you are in VS... but it’s more mind whatever for me to know I’m in the colorless range (i.e., VS1, G vs VS2, F)... you know my preference!
With regard to GIA 3x, there are many beautiful ones, it’s just that AGS is more stringent on the numbers. With that said, I don’t know how much difference that equates to in real life if the numbers are “in there”. However, I think AGS is looser on color grading so keep that in the back of your mind.
The rec for Whiteflash for all the reasons stated is really solid advice.

 

[Matthews1127]

The only comment I’d add to the mix is try not to get caught up in carat weight. Spread in mm is going to be more important, pertaining to size. Focus on the recommended parameters, above, as far as angles (AGS graded stone is a great recommendation). The better the spread, the bigger the stone will look. The key is finding a great spread that doesn’t make the diamond too deep.
You can’t go wrong with ACA at WF. They have a fabulous reputation, and I know they can find what you’re looking for!!
I concur: please separate business from pleasure pertaining to friends, and retail. Go to an outside vendor for this purchase.

 

[jkonst]

You all are great, thanks so much for the responses. Am I understanding the general consensus here that people aren't excited about either of these diamonds/think I can get better value at Whiteflash? Details of the IDJ stones below. I'm also most likely going to custom-order the setting and would prefer to do both at the same store (speaking with Whiteflash, they're ready/able to help with that, as is IDJ).

The first stone IDJ sent me has a score of 2.3:

$29k
2.25c GIA F/VS2/EX/EX/EX/no fluorescence
https://idjewelry.com/round-ebs42331.html

The more recent stone has a score of 1.6:

$29k (maybe $28k? didn't get to write it down)
2.26c GIA F/VS1/EX/EX/EX/faint fluorescence
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/120607...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

 

[headlight]

The only comment I’d add to the mix is try not to get caught up in carat weight. Spread in mm is going to be more important, pertaining to size. Focus on the recommended parameters, above, as far as angles (AGS graded stone is a great recommendation). The better the spread, the bigger the stone will look. The key is finding a great spread that doesn’t make the diamond too deep.
You can’t go wrong with ACA at WF. They have a fabulous reputation, and I know they can find what you’re looking for!!
I concur: please separate business from pleasure pertaining to friends, and retail. Go to an outside vendor for this purchase.

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe a stone with too much spread makes the diamond less deep, not more... whereas a stone that is deeper will have less spread.

 

[lovedogs]

Nope, it's the opposite. Spread = mm size in width/length. Bigger spread usually = less deep stone (when you compare w a stone of the same ct weight that has less spread).

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe a stone with too much spread makes the diamond less deep, not more... whereas a stone that is deeper will have less spread.

 

[jkonst]

Nope, it's the opposite. Spread = mm size in width/length. Bigger spread usually = less deep stone (when you compare w a stone of the same ct weight that has less spread).

I think you're both saying the same thing if I'm reading this right - more spread = less depth?

 

[headlight]

Nope, it's the opposite. Spread = mm size in width/length. Bigger spread usually = less deep stone (when you compare w a stone of the same ct weight that has less spread).

Yes, that is exactly what I said... too much spread makes the diamond less deep, not more. We are of like minds Maybe I didn't phrase it clearly, my apologies!

 

[lovedogs]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe a stone with too much spread makes the diamond less deep, not more... whereas a stone that is deeper will have less spread.

My bad!! I read what @Matthews1127 said, which I agreed with (you want good spread but not too shallow or too deep), and somehow thought you said the opposite. Reading comprehension fail!

 

[headlight]

My bad!! I read what @Matthews1127 said, which I agreed with (you want good spread but not too shallow or too deep), and somehow thought you said the opposite. Reading comprehension fail!

Tell me about it... I'm supposed to be working but I'd much rather being on PS lol!

 

[jkonst]

In addition to the Whiteflash and IDJ options, I found this over at Adiamor. It seems like a good value compared to what I've seen at Whiteflash - a comparison of a couple similar options:

Adiamor: $31k 2.43ct GIA F/VS2/EX/EX/EX/faint fluorescence ("Affinity" cut)
HCA: .9 EX/EX/EX/VG
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/2.43-ct-F-VS2-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D41202846

Compared to the Whiteflash stone below, which is a G color and a bit smaller, what would be your preference? Is faint fluorescence worth avoiding?

Whiteflash: $31k 2.24ct AGS G/VS2/Ideal/Ideal/Ideal/negligible fluorescence
HCA: .9 EX/EX/EX/VG
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4097139.htm

 

[jkonst]

Just an update on the question above - Whiteflash says they're able to get the diamond at Adiamor for a bit less than what Adiamor is quoting, but they can't guarantee its quality (and I believe it wouldn't qualify for their upgrade program).

Which would you all go for between these two - the 2.43ct or 2.24ct? I've also attached the AGS and GIA reports for the two (along with HCA and other details in my previous post).

 

[headlight]

Are these the only 2 options? They both have all their inclusions right on the table. And they include clouds. The one from WF, while it is an ACA, it's grade-setting inclusions are the clouds and they are spread out on the table. The Adiamor has its inclusions concentrated in one area yet it is smack in the middle of the table. Clearly they still "made the grade" within VS for what that's worth. Did WF give you a personal opinion as to how its inclusions affect the stone? I'm assuming that if WF can get the Adiamor stone it isn't in Adiamor's inventory, it is a virtual stone??? Although they are saying it is one of their "affinity" cuts so do they just assign that name if the specs fall within certain parameters? If they have it in-house why would they send it over to WF?
Their HCAs are virtually identical so that's good.
For the same price, I'm inclined to say go with the Adiamor because you are getting an F and a larger stone - a stone in the colorless range is more valuable. Faint FL no need for concern. Did you have photos of either stone? That would REALLY be helpful. I wouldn't want to buy any stone "sight" unseen (even via photos). They could also send you a quick video.

 

[jkonst]

Are these the only 2 options? They both have all their inclusions right on the table. And they include clouds. The one from WF, while it is an ACA, it's grade-setting inclusions are the clouds and they are spread out on the table. The Adiamor has its inclusions concentrated in one area yet it is smack in the middle of the table. Clearly they still "made the grade" within VS for what that's worth. Did WF give you a personal opinion as to how its inclusions affect the stone? I'm assuming that if WF can get the Adiamor stone it isn't in Adiamor's inventory, it is a virtual stone??? Although they are saying it is one of their "affinity" cuts so do they just assign that name if the specs fall within certain parameters? If they have it in-house why would they send it over to WF?
Their HCAs are virtually identical so that's good.
For the same price, I'm inclined to say go with the Adiamor because you are getting an F and a larger stone - a stone in the colorless range is more valuable. Faint FL no need for concern. Did you have photos of either stone? That would REALLY be helpful. I wouldn't want to buy any stone "sight" unseen (even via photos). They could also send you a quick video.

Thanks for the notes/questions! These certainly aren't the only two stones I have to choose from. The ACA one both Whiteflash and a poster above had recommended. And the Adiamor seemed like a good value, but you raise good points. Your concerns are noted and maybe it's best to just keep hunting! I'll see if I can get pictures for either of these, though. Whiteflash said this is a virtual stone, so I don't really understand the Affinity thing, either. Maybe it doesn't mean as much as I thought.

If anyone stumbles across anything else roughly in my parameters (<$32k, 2.2ct+, F/G (ideally F), VS1/VS2) that doesn't have troublesome inclusions - I am all ears...

 

[headlight]

Thanks for the notes/questions! These certainly aren't the only two stones I have to choose from. The ACA one both Whiteflash and a poster above had recommended. And the Adiamor seemed like a good value, but you raise good points. Your concerns are noted and maybe it's best to just keep hunting! I'll see if I can get pictures for either of these, though. Whiteflash said this is a virtual stone, so I don't really understand the Affinity thing, either. Maybe it doesn't mean as much as I thought.

If anyone stumbles across anything else roughly in my parameters (<$32k, 2.2ct+, F/G (ideally F), VS1/VS2) that doesn't have troublesome inclusions - I am all ears...

Don't rule them out yet... let's see what others here have to say. I am just 1 person and it is good to get the input of many on this forum. In the meantime, see if you can get photos and/or little short videos. That will further help. Did Adiamor have an ASET or Idealscope image with that stone (I'm assuming not if it is in their virtual inventory, if that is correct).

 

[jkonst]

Don't rule them out yet... let's see what others here have to say. I am just 1 person and it is good to get the input of many on this forum. In the meantime, see if you can get photos and/or little short videos. That will further help. Did Adiamor have an ASET or Idealscope image with that stone (I'm assuming not if it is in their virtual inventory, if that is correct).

Fair enough, thanks - I don't have to act critically fast here (I have a few weeks to get the ball rolling), so I'll make sure to get some different perspectives and make sure I've explored all options. I reached out to Adiamor earlier, and they are requesting images "from the supplier."