FINAL ROUND - WHICH ONE WINS?

[kmajid]

Hope everyone's having a fantastic weekend. I feel bad for posting yet another comparison to get feedback on, but I can't help it. This buying a probably forever diamond is tough to do and all of you are incredible.

I wanted to stick with a 1.8+ and thought i was all set on the 1.83 below, but came across this 1.71 that's making me have second thoughts.

Which would you go with?

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12566753 - 1.4 HCA
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12854717 - 1 HCA

These are definitely my finalists, so i'll be ordering one of these in the next day or two.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[jp201845]

The size difference won't be very noticeable so I would pick the 1.71 with the smaller table with higher clarity and color.

 

[lovedogs]

I agree that the size difference isn't going to be noticible, so I'd also go with the higher color/small table combo.

 

[OcnGypZ]

The G - no contest

 

[headlight]

Count me in on option #2... looks fabulous! Congrats! I’m assuming (hoping) it is you that has either purchased one of these or has them on hold???

 

[kmajid]

The size difference won't be very noticeable so I would pick the 1.71 with the smaller table with higher clarity and color.

Thanks so much for your input!

 

[kmajid]

I agree that the size difference isn't going to be noticible, so I'd also go with the higher color/small table combo.

Thanks for always taking the time to share your thoughts. Since i've been obsessed with staying at 1.8, i came across the following stone, but am a little worried about the table size. It also go a 1 HCA. What do you think?

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12683171

 

[kmajid]

Count me in on option #2... looks fabulous! Congrats! I’m assuming (hoping) it is you that has either purchased one of these or has them on hold???

Thanks for your continued feedback. Every time you respond to me you get me really excited, so thanks for that too : ) I do have them both on hold luckily. Now i just need to make a final decision. I had wanted to stick with 1.8+ because of what the numbers symbolized. That was going to be something that made the chosen ring a little more special, but she has no idea about any of that, so ultimately it's not that big of a deal haha

 

[kmajid]

4/4 on option 2. You guys are making it too easy haha

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks for always taking the time to share your thoughts. Since i've been obsessed with staying at 1.8, i came across the following stone, but am a little worried about the table size. It also go a 1 HCA. What do you think?

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12683171

I don't like this one as much. Definitely stick with one of the first 2 you posted. I prefer the G color and think you should get that one.

 

[tyty333]

Thanks for always taking the time to share your thoughts. Since i've been obsessed with staying at 1.8, i came across the following stone, but am a little worried about the table size. It also go a 1 HCA. What do you think?

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12683171

Low crown, low pavilion, and large table. Stick with #2.

 

[kmajid]

I don't like this one as much. Definitely stick with one of the first 2 you posted. I prefer the G color and think you should get that one.

Thought so. Thanks so much! So in your opinion the G color is superior in every way including cut proportions?

 

[kmajid]

Low crown, low pavilion, and large table. Stick with #2.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[sledge]

Thought so. Thanks so much! So in your opinion the G color is superior in every way including cut proportions?

Truth is most people can't see the shade difference between a single color grade -- most, not all. And you'd probably need them side by side against a white background to really see it. Also, if you aren't aware colors is a RANGE so you could theoretically have a low H (almost I) or a high G (almost F). To further complicate the matter, as you go down the scale in color, the range broadens.

All the technical hoopla aside, I'd also pick the G color. I bought my wife a H stone and while it is very white, there are times at certain angles that you can see a little tint. Depending on your specific color sensitivity, this may or may not be bothersome to you. But it's extra insurance.

In regards to cut, I think both are pretty good. I typically recommend the 34.5/40.8 combo but in this case when paired with the larger 58 table you can see the crown height dips down to 14.5%. While not horrible, I believe the smaller 55 table paired with the 34/40.8 combo and 15% crown height will produce a smidge more fire (rainbow) where the other stone may favor a little more white light return.

So in a sense, it's a personality preference, but I too prefer the G with smaller table as I feel you will get more fire and bigger bolder flashes which most people appreciate.

 

[sledge]

I might add....forget carat weight. Look at dimensions. Difference is 0.20mm which is right at the border line where people can see a tiny difference if compared side by side. It's not a memorable or "OMG, it's so much bigger" experience.

For reference, 0.20 mm is roughly about 1/128th inch.

 

[Bonfire]

#2 all day long!

 

[kmajid]

I might add....forget carat weight. Look at dimensions. Difference is 0.20mm which is right at the border line where people can see a tiny difference if compared side by side. It's not a memorable or "OMG, it's so much bigger" experience.

For reference, 0.20 mm is roughly about 1/128th inch.

I do realize how small of a difference it is. I drew them out in illustrator to see exactly what the difference looked like haha I had wanted to stick with a 1.8+, because the numbers are meaningful to me/us. Not a deal breaker though that's for sure.

 

[kmajid]

Truth is most people can't see the shade difference between a single color grade -- most, not all. And you'd probably need them side by side against a white background to really see it. Also, if you aren't aware colors is a RANGE so you could theoretically have a low H (almost I) or a high G (almost F). To further complicate the matter, as you go down the scale in color, the range broadens.

All the technical hoopla aside, I'd also pick the G color. I bought my wife a H stone and while it is very white, there are times at certain angles that you can see a little tint. Depending on your specific color sensitivity, this may or may not be bothersome to you. But it's extra insurance.

In regards to cut, I think both are pretty good. I typically recommend the 34.5/40.8 combo but in this case when paired with the larger 58 table you can see the crown height dips down to 14.5%. While not horrible, I believe the smaller 55 table paired with the 34/40.8 combo and 15% crown height will produce a smidge more fire (rainbow) where the other stone may favor a little more white light return.

So in a sense, it's a personality preference, but I too prefer the G with smaller table as I feel you will get more fire and bigger bolder flashes which most people appreciate.

Thanks for the surgical breakdown. Very helpful.

I was all set on an H, but I just know that i'll scrutinize the heck out of the color and any clarity issues (which is why i'm staying away from SI1 stones) I figured it would be wise to look at G diamonds to be on the safe side and you pretty much backed up my thought process based on your experience.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your feedback and overall opinion.

 

[kmajid]

#2 all day long!

Thanks for the feedback. It sure seems like that's the winner based on EVERY response : )

 

[kmajid]

I know that many of you love White Flash, so i keep peeking over there before pulling the trigger. Will an ACA diamond outperform this 1.71 in question enough to warrant the premium price? Those ideal scope and ASET images are really mesmerizing haha

 

[jp201845]

I know that many of you love White Flash, so i keep peeking over there before pulling the trigger. Will an ACA diamond outperform this 1.71 in question enough to warrant the premium price? Those ideal scope and ASET images are really mesmerizing haha

In short yes an ACA super ideal will out perform your previous options. You are paying the premium for a branded stone that comes with outstanding light performance. Also the upgrade policy is one of the best in the business, spend $ 1 more and get full value towards your upgrade.

 

[lovedogs]

I know that many of you love White Flash, so i keep peeking over there before pulling the trigger. Will an ACA diamond outperform this 1.71 in question enough to warrant the premium price? Those ideal scope and ASET images are really mesmerizing haha

Almost certainly it will be better.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I know that many of you love White Flash, so i keep peeking over there before pulling the trigger. Will an ACA diamond outperform this 1.71 in question enough to warrant the premium price? Those ideal scope and ASET images are really mesmerizing haha

So now you gonna consider a H&A stones? Here are two more super ideal cut vendors...

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonds/diamonds-search

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/signature-diamonds/round

 

[kmajid]

So now you gonna consider a H&A stones? Here are two more super ideal cut vendors...

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonds/diamonds-search

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/signature-diamonds/round

haha I don’t think I can handle two more options, but I guess I’ll take a look anyway just so I can have a mental breakdown. I’m planning on calling White Flash today to discuss a couple of stones. My only hesitation is that I’ll have to go down in either color or clarity compared to the 1.71 I have in mind, which given the cut proportions of it being close to an ideal I’m not sure is worth doing. What do you all think?

 

[sledge]

With any of the super ideal vendors like WF, HPD or BGD that have been mentioned, I am not overly concerned about clarity. These vendors own each stone and have them in their safes. Additionally they take additional vetting measures as they are all about performance and not just selling a stone. Finding an eye clean SI1 would be acceptable to me and most others here. Finding a VS2+ would be icing on the cake.

I'm less favorable of this option when shopping with vendors like BN that don't own or vet their own stones but rather deal with virtual inventory. Yes, their suppliers can theoretically inspect the stone but I don't feel you have the same level of service and commitment from them that you get with the super ideal vendors already listed.

As far as which will perform better, it's highly likely the super ideal stones will do better. However, that is somewhat a blind guess. All the additional images, etc prove the super ideals have PROVEN performance. It's possible the stone from BN would be comparable but we don't have the images or a SARIN report to help guide us to a better conclusion, so while the proportions are promising the BN stone has no guarantees.

Additionally if you decide to go slightly smaller now, it's much easier to upgrade with the super ideal vendors. With WF and HPD you get 100% of your money towards a new stone with as little as $1 more in value -- no other restrictions. With BGD it's similar but you also have to upgrade 2 of the 3 following: carat weight, color or clarity.

Some find BGD too restrictive for their tastes but I believe it depends on specific situations. All 3 are great and much better than the BN upgrade policy that requires you spend 2x the original value making future upgrades more difficult for most people.

Lastly, with color I would stick with what you feel is safe. It's a very subjective matter and there is really no right or wrong answer as the solution fits you and yours and it falls in budget.

 

[kmajid]

Thanks for breaking it down even more. I was really hoping to make a decision today, but I'll give this a little more thought and explore the other vendors mentioned. If you guys have any contacts at each place whom you think can assist in the process please feel free to pass some names and contact info if possible.

I guess this just means i'll be bugging you all a little more over what to purchase haha

Thanks again for all the input and feedback!

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks for breaking it down even more. I was really hoping to make a decision today, but I'll give this a little more thought and explore the other vendors mentioned. If you guys have any contacts at each place whom you think can assist in the process please feel free to pass some names and contact info if possible.

I guess this just means i'll be bugging you all a little more over what to purchase haha

Thanks again for all the input and feedback!

Anyone at WF or HPD will be excellent, and you'll be in good hands!

 

[sledge]

@Texas Leaguer is VP of WF. His name is Bryan and he will hook you up with a trusted sales associate.

@Wink is the owner of HPD and will help you or have one of his associates help you.

BGD doesn't have a presence on here but Brian's wife, Lesley, is who helped me and was a total sweetheart and super helpful through the entire process. Her accent is a pleasure to listen to as well, not that it matters lol.

Contact info on their websites.

https://www.whiteflash.com/

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/

 

[kmajid]

Thanks! I actually reached out to HPD and connected with Melissa. Checking out White Flash next.

I may have to give BGD a call just so i can hear that accent you referenced haha

 

[kmajid]

So, here's my new list if anyone feels like taking a look : )

Can any of them be eliminated easily to narrow the choices down or is it a situation where i can't go wrong with any branded ideal? I'm having the SI1 options checked to make sure that nothing can be seen by the naked eye, even from a couple of inches. I'm pitting these against the blue nile one that was originally picked, which i included in the list.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12854717
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10673
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10812
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10717
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4148016.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4150888.htm
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10562
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10501