First thread. Advise needed on diamond. Thank you.

[R4ng3r]

Hey guys

Pretty new to diamonds and will be purchasing a proposal ring so would need all your advise. I came across to this 1ct diamond and was wondering if its worth the purchase based on the specs. Likewise spending part of my savings so want to make sure its worth the dollar and cents. Would really love to hear some feedback and recommendation. Thanks in advance guys. I have pencil down the specs are below. (:

DIAMOND INFORMATION
Shape: Round
Cut: Excellent
Color: F
Clarity: VS2

Length/Width Ratio: 1.00
Depth%: 59.6%
Table%: 62.0%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick
Cutlet: None
Fluorescence: Strong
Measurements: 6.51 x 6.48 x 3.87mm

MORE DIAMOND INFORMATION
Crown ∠: 33.00
Crown%: 12.50
Pavilion ∠: 41.00
Pavilion %: 43.00

 

[WinkHPD]

Point of order, GIA does not grade diamonds as ideal, thus this is not an ideal cut diamond.

GIA's top cut grade is excellent.

Wink

 

[R4ng3r]

Point of order, GIA does not grade diamonds as ideal, thus this is not an ideal cut diamond.

GIA's top cut grade is excellent.

Wink

Thanks buddy for that - i will amend accordingly

 

[WinkHPD]

You are welcome. I am not allowed to comment on specific diamonds as per forum rules, but our gracious prosumers will come soon to talk to you about the pros and cons of any diamond you suggest.

Wink

 

[R4ng3r]

You are welcome. I am not allowed to comment on specific diamonds as per forum rules, but our gracious prosumers will come soon to talk to you about the pros and cons of any diamond you suggest.

Wink

No problem. Newbie and this maybe a stupid question but why arent you allowed to comment on specific diamonds.

 

[sledge]

FYI, running the HCA tool and entering the values you provided yields a result of 2. This is good. Generally speaking, you want a diamond that scores 2 or less. While it's not the end all solution, it is used to help limit your selection to more desirable stones.

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

Quick question -- what do you know about fluorescence? I noticed this stone is "strong". This isn't necessarily bad, but you probably need to understand more about it. In poorly cut diamonds, the stone can have a slight bluish tint, especially in the colorless range D-F. Of course, under UV lights (think black lights like in a night club) the diamond will glow a blue color (kind of neat IMO). Obviously under normal lighting conditions the diamond doesn't do that, and in fact can make your stone look more white in lower color ranges. My point is some prefer it, and others avoid it. I'm okay with it, and just bought a BGD Blue stone myself.

See the page below. And be sure to watch the YouTube video, as this diamond is just

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavins-blue-diamonds-with-fluorescence/

What kind of diamond budget are you working with? And what factors are important? The diamond you showed us has some great attributes (F, VS2, 1ct, etc). I noticed this stone is exactly 1.00 carat. Is this your hang up or just coincidence? Only asking because it's pretty well known that diamonds sometimes get cut a certain way (more poorly) just to hit a magic number like 1 carat. Whereas a better cut diamond weighing 0.87 carats may yield almost identical dimensions and offer a better value because technically it's less weight and not a magic number. I personally just bought a 0.867 carat stone. I wanted 1ct +/- and didn't let the magic number syndrome bother me, but I understand we are all different.

 

[WinkHPD]

No problem. Newbie and this maybe a stupid question but why aren't you allowed to comment on specific diamonds.

I am a retailer and it would be unseemly and unfair for me to comment on someone else's diamond. It would degrade the experience of your visit, as you would not know if I was being an unbiased observer offering good advice, or a sneaky seller trying to get you to buy one of my diamonds.

The rules have been carefully crafted and I have found them to be in favor of both the person seeking advice and the retailers answering within the rules. In the early days this was more difficult, as we did not have the cadre of well educated prosumers who came first to ask questions, and then stayed because they liked it here.

Wink

 

[farrahlyn]

would be a pass for me. shallow stone, large table... you can do better. What is your budget? Would love to look around for some stones for you!

 

[sledge]

Forgot to add that any diamond you are seriously considering, you typically place on hold so no one else can buy it while you are deciding. Also, you will want to request idealscope (IS) and ASET images, assuming they are available.

These are all BGD stones that super ideal cut, hearts & arrows and top of the cream. None are bad choices, just depends on your budget and preferences. I'm sure there are some good WhiteFlash and JamesAllen alternates as well. I prefer BGD or WF mainly because they make all the data easily accessible online.

1.068ct, F, VS1, $9,070
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.068-f-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104099153014

1.015ct, F, SI1, $8,083
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.015-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104089117005

.903ct, D, VS2, $7,387
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...0.903-d-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104067041023

.903ct, E, SI1, $7,089
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ls/0.903-e-si1-round-diamond-ags-104085573020

 

[R4ng3r]

FYI, running the HCA tool and entering the values you provided yields a result of 2. This is good. Generally speaking, you want a diamond that scores 2 or less. While it's not the end all solution, it is used to help limit your selection to more desirable stones.

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

Quick question -- what do you know about fluorescence? I noticed this stone is "strong". This isn't necessarily bad, but you probably need to understand more about it. In poorly cut diamonds, the stone can have a slight bluish tint, especially in the colorless range D-F. Of course, under UV lights (think black lights like in a night club) the diamond will glow a blue color (kind of neat IMO). Obviously under normal lighting conditions the diamond doesn't do that, and in fact can make your stone look more white in lower color ranges. My point is some prefer it, and others avoid it. I'm okay with it, and just bought a BGD Blue stone myself.

See the page below. And be sure to watch the YouTube video, as this diamond is just

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavins-blue-diamonds-with-fluorescence/

What kind of diamond budget are you working with? And what factors are important? The diamond you showed us has some great attributes (F, VS2, 1ct, etc). I noticed this stone is exactly 1.00 carat. Is this your hang up or just coincidence? Only asking because it's pretty well known that diamonds sometimes get cut a certain way (more poorly) just to hit a magic number like 1 carat. Whereas a better cut diamond weighing 0.87 carats may yield almost identical dimensions and offer a better value because technically it's less weight and not a magic number. I personally just bought a 0.867 carat stone. I wanted 1ct +/- and didn't let the magic number syndrome bother me, but I understand we are all different.

Thanks for the swift reply sledge. I don't know much about diamonds but I've been actively researching since I intend to buy a proposal ring soon. Yes i heard the lower HCA rating would be better - something between 1.0 to 1.4 is ideal (correct me if I am wrong). Based on the diamond characteristics what you meant in terms of fluorescence is that it will glow under UV lighting? if thats the only cons I am not too particular about it actually.

In terms of budget, I am looking at about USD7,500.00 with ring setting. Its not a coincidence but I am open to the idea of a lower carat -- just as long its identical to a 1ct would be fine with me (not so worried about the magic number 1).

Further to that, I am not too sure if 1ct or equivalent dimension would be too huge on my partner's finger as she's pretty petite (4.9ft). Would it look awkward? What do you think?

 

[R4ng3r]

would be a pass for me. shallow stone, large table... you can do better. What is your budget? Would love to look around for some stones for you!

Thanks for the feedback. Open to suggestions - my budget is around USD7K with ring setting.

 

[farrahlyn]

@R4ng3r what is her finger size? there is a website that we can compare carat sizes on her finger size. would help a lot to visualize stone size differences. And what kind of setting are you looking at? Simple solitaire? Pave bande?

 

[R4ng3r]

Forgot to add that any diamond you are seriously considering, you typically place on hold so no one else can buy it while you are deciding. Also, you will want to request idealscope (IS) and ASET images, assuming they are available.

These are all BGD stones that super ideal cut, hearts & arrows and top of the cream. None are bad choices, just depends on your budget and preferences. I'm sure there are some good WhiteFlash and JamesAllen alternates as well. I prefer BGD or WF mainly because they make all the data easily accessible online.

1.068ct, F, VS1, $9,070
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.068-f-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104099153014

1.015ct, F, SI1, $8,083
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.015-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104089117005

.903ct, D, VS2, $7,387
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...0.903-d-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104067041023

.903ct, E, SI1, $7,089
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ls/0.903-e-si1-round-diamond-ags-104085573020

Thanks sledge. I will take a look at some of your recommendation. In terms of clarity I heard to pick something above VS2 - are the impurities obvious in the diamond below that grading.

 

[R4ng3r]

@R4ng3r what is her finger size? there is a website that we can compare carat sizes on her finger size. would help a lot to visualize stone size differences. And what kind of setting are you looking at? Simple solitaire? Pave bande?

Thanks farrahlyn would you be able to share the website perhaps I can give it a go. For the ring setting, simple solitaire would be something she will love.

 

[R4ng3r]

I am a retailer and it would be unseemly and unfair for me to comment on someone else's diamond. It would degrade the experience of your visit, as you would not know if I was being an unbiased observer offering good advice, or a sneaky seller trying to get you to buy one of my diamonds.

The rules have been carefully crafted and I have found them to be in favor of both the person seeking advice and the retailers answering within the rules. In the early days this was more difficult, as we did not have the cadre of well educated prosumers who came first to ask questions, and then stayed because they liked it here.

Wink

Glad to know. Appreciate your honesty buddy. Kudos!

 

[farrahlyn]

Thanks farrahlyn would you be able to share the website perhaps I can give it a go. For the ring setting, simple solitaire would be something she will love.

not allowed to link it here but if you google "compare diamond sizes on finger" its the first page listed.

Are there any cultural requirements we need to consider? i know some cultures value D-E-F stones and high clarity so please let us know if that is something to take into account. So about clarity, if that high clarity isn't required..... you can have a VS2 or SI1, EVEN a rare SI2 that is "eye clean". So don't discount that clarity, you just need to investigate and perhaps ask the vendor about whether or not it's eye clean.

a few choices.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3893134

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4861124

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

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

super ideal: (this will state if eye clean or not) and i'd absolutely go with an H or even an I in a super ideal
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3934801.htm

 

[sledge]

Thanks for the swift reply sledge. I don't know much about diamonds but I've been actively researching since I intend to buy a proposal ring soon. Yes i heard the lower HCA rating would be better - something between 1.0 to 1.4 is ideal (correct me if I am wrong). Based on the diamond characteristics what you meant in terms of fluorescence is that it will glow under UV lighting? if thats the only cons I am not too particular about it actually.

In terms of budget, I am looking at about USD7,500.00 with ring setting. Its not a coincidence but I am open to the idea of a lower carat -- just as long its identical to a 1ct would be fine with me (not so worried about the magic number 1).

Further to that, I am not too sure if 1ct or equivalent dimension would be too huge on my partner's finger as she's pretty petite (4.9ft). Would it look awkward? What do you think?

No problem. Glad to help. There is lots of good knowledge here, and some fine people to help with the process. I am a nothing amongst the giants, but I try to pay it back where I can.

In regards to the HCA, it's just an elimination tool. Meaning a 1.4 may not necessarily be a better diamond than a 1.1 or 1.9. Think of it kind of a like a pass/fail grade in college.

In regards to flour, did you read up on that page I linked? The glow in UV is basically a test, but obviously if you go to a night club it could be a real issue. Chances are people would think it's cool. I think the bigger concern is stones not well cut can exhibit that bluish tone, which many don't like. Others dig it. On a stone done right, you shouldn't really notice in normal lighting. For me, it's not a deterrent assuming it's well cut, which is obvious since I bought a BGD Blue diamond.

What's your girl's ring size? Everyone has different ideas of petite, etc. I've known skinny girls that have fat fingers and vice versa. No judgments. Just easier to go off a ring size is all.

Thanks for the feedback. Open to suggestions - my budget is around USD7K with ring setting.

Let me keep looking. My stone was $4,800 or so and I got a 0.867 carat. There is hope. Let us find something!

@R4ng3r what is her finger size? there is a website that we can compare carat sizes on her finger size. would help a lot to visualize stone size differences. And what kind of setting are you looking at? Simple solitaire? Pave bande?

Echo @farrahlyn's thoughts.

Thanks sledge. I will take a look at some of your recommendation. In terms of clarity I heard to pick something above VS2 - are the impurities obvious in the diamond below that grading.

So clarity is very subjective. First off, there is "eye clean". This means that with the naked eye, you cannot see the inclusions. This seems simple enough, but gets subjective in the fact Person A may have better or worse vision than Person B; therefore, these individuals may have two different interpretations of eye clean.

Generally speaking, eye clean means that you cannot see inclusions from within 10" from the top looking down and the person viewing has reasonably good vision. For more particular buyers or those with better eye sight you could maybe define eye clean as no visible inclusions within 6" from the top or sides.

Many of the images you will see on websites will be magnified to 20x. Obviously you should see inclusions that level and it would be more odd to not see them. But there is also an option to see zoom down or see an "eye clean" image. But for diamonds you are seriously considering, it is best to have a gemologist pull them from the vault and do a physical inspection on your behalf (free and easy to do with people like BGD, WF, JA, etc).

With all the above in mind, grading is subjective at best. I've seen some nasty VS2's and pretty SI2's. With your budget constraints I would recommend you consider SI2+ and then ensure the stone you actually purchase is eye clean to your standards. You may get lucky and snag a VS stone, but you don't want to miss out on the clean SI stones either.

Now point 2 is what we call "mind clean". It drives some people bonkers to have a scarred up diamond even knowing they can't see it with their naked eye. I probably fall somewhere between the two categories myself. Even if I can't see the inclusions, I feel better knowing it's not a battlefield. LOL, doesn't really matter though, unless you whip out a loupe or scope.

Thanks farrahlyn would you be able to share the website perhaps I can give it a go. For the ring setting, simple solitaire would be something she will love.

Ahhh, this makes your life easier. Define simple even more. If truly a simple standard solitaire setting this is $500 or less, depending on metals used. That leaves you about $6,500 for the rock.

 

[R4ng3r]

not allowed to link it here but if you google "compare diamond sizes on finger" its the first page listed.

Are there any cultural requirements we need to consider? i know some cultures value D-E-F stones and high clarity so please let us know if that is something to take into account. So about clarity, if that high clarity isn't required..... you can have a VS2 or SI1, EVEN a rare SI2 that is "eye clean". So don't discount that clarity, you just need to investigate and perhaps ask the vendor about whether or not it's eye clean.

a few choices.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3893134

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4861124

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

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

super ideal: (this will state if eye clean or not) and i'd absolutely go with an H or even an I in a super ideal
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3934801.htm

Thanks for sharing your recommendation, I will take a look at it too. What matter most in my opinion is Colour and Cutting (also to give the spark and flare). Ideally if my budget of US$7.5K permits I am eyeing on something that is 1ct or equivalent in terms of dimension.

 

[sledge]

You mentioned earlier you wanted "1 carat dimensions". What specifically does that mean in dimensions? For instance my 0.867ct is 6.18 x 6.21 which is a decent size for the weight.

Looking through my previous diamond search thread, I saw there is still a stone recommended by @rockysalamander that is still available. Might be worth a consideration.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3974678.htm


Some more BGD options. I keep listing these as they are super ideals.

1.065, I, VS1, $6,270
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.065-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104099153013

1.018, I, SI1, $5,717
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.018-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104098623008

0.91, G, SI1, $5,900
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ls/0.910-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104098251018

 

[WinkHPD]

obviously if you go to a night club it could be a real issue. Chances are people would think it's cool.

I am reminded of a ring I made many years ago. It had seven diamonds in it, one small white diamond and six diamonds of varying sizes with a total weight of a little over 2.5 carats. When ever I wore it to a place like a disco or a night club, it was amazing to look at as it glowed with several different colors of fluorescence. It was like wearing a mini Christmas tree on my hand.

Wink

 

[ringo865]

@R4ng3r your budget in USD - are you within the us, or outside such that you need to factor in vat/duties/import taxes or the like? If so, are those included in your total budget or have you allowed additional funds to cover those?

 

[R4ng3r]

You mentioned earlier you wanted "1 carat dimensions". What specifically does that mean in dimensions? For instance my 0.867ct is 6.18 x 6.21 which is a decent size for the weight.

Looking through my previous diamond search thread, I saw there is still a stone recommended by @rockysalamander that is still available. Might be worth a consideration.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3974678.htm


Some more BGD options. I keep listing these as they are super ideals.

1.065, I, VS1, $6,270
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.065-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104099153013

1.018, I, SI1, $5,717
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...1.018-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104098623008

0.91, G, SI1, $5,900
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ls/0.910-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104098251018

Thanks sledge. This may sound like another stupid question. I saw from the chart that I will be slightly yellowish - would it be obvious from the naked eye?

 

[R4ng3r]

@R4ng3r your budget in USD - are you within the us, or outside such that you need to factor in vat/duties/import taxes or the like? If so, are those included in your total budget or have you allowed additional funds to cover those?

Not within the states. i have not factor in taxes and duties yet. but probably at another 300-400USD. so that brings me to USD8K in total.

 

[R4ng3r]

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3893134

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4861124

I really like these two choices and shortlisted them too. Would you rather have better colour or clarity. i am eyeing on the g color vs1 excellent cut. I heard in terms of the size it will look pretty much the time as a 1ct diamond. is that true?

 

[farrahlyn]

I really like these two choices and shortlisted them too. Would you rather have better colour or clarity. i am eyeing on the g color vs1 excellent cut. I heard in terms of the size it will look pretty much the time as a 1ct diamond. is that true?

In terms of size, this is comparing the .92 stone with one of the 1ct stones listed above. Can you tell which is which? (this is with a 2mm band and a size 6 finger.



If you like these stone, please call or chat with a rep and put them on hold. Request an idealscope for both while you're at it. You can request up to 3 with JA.

Normally clarity wouldn't bother me but i do hesitate on the .9 D VS2 stone. I think it would be eye clean but the location of the crystals does make me hesitate. Before purshasing i would want it examined to make sure it's eye clean. it is VERY tempting due to how close in price it and the .92 G VS1 is.

 

[sledge]

Thanks sledge. This may sound like another stupid question. I saw from the chart that I will be slightly yellowish - would it be obvious from the naked eye?

Not to sound evasive but it kind of depends on your eyes. I had a similar concern when I bought my H. Many good people here pointed out because it was so well cut and had a little fluor in it, then it would appear more white.

When I started my own personal search I was looking for a D-G. So I sacrificed one click on color because of what I just mentioned. To me, looking at stones in-person, sometimes D's can come off a bit too white. I personally think F's or G's has just enough that it still looks crisp and yet very firey also.

Keep in mind the differences we are talking about are minuscule. The charts we see is more easily defined because they are side by side. Most people cannot tell a difference between a D and G from the top view. Flip it to the side and it will become a little more obvious. The beauty is that the way diamonds mount, side viewing is rarely an issue. And unless you have a D next to a G you probably won't notice it on a normal day.

The same can be said with clarity. Really as long as a stone is "eye clean", anything more is just for your own sanity and bragging rights.

I really like these two choices and shortlisted them too. Would you rather have better colour or clarity. i am eyeing on the g color vs1 excellent cut. I heard in terms of the size it will look pretty much the time as a 1ct diamond. is that true?

Both seem like good choices. I wish the GIA certs showed a diagram of the inclusions. In the magnification you can see some crystals on the D stone, which concern me. I'd probably ask JA to put both stones on hold and have their gemologist pull them from the vault and compare them side by side. Being a VS1 and VS2, there should be no worries about eye clean but I would ask anyhow. Be critical -- 6" viewing from both top & side. Also, see which one tends to sparkle more in person.

Although both are fairly minor differences, I think more people would notice a better color than a higher clarity VS1 to VS2. So if all this checked out, I'd probably get the D, assuming it's not too white for you and those crystals aren't an issue.

Also, ask JA to provide idealscope (IS) and ASET images for the stones in question. That will tell us how they are reflecting light and help identify any potential leaks, which ultimately shows which should have a better cut.

 

[R4ng3r]

In terms of size, this is comparing the .92 stone with one of the 1ct stones listed above. Can you tell which is which? (this is with a 2mm band and a size 6 finger.



If you like these stone, please call or chat with a rep and put them on hold. Request an idealscope for both while you're at it. You can request up to 3 with JA.

Normally clarity wouldn't bother me but i do hesitate on the .9 D VS2 stone. I think it would be eye clean but the location of the crystals does make me hesitate. Before purshasing i would want it examined to make sure it's eye clean. it is VERY tempting due to how close in price it and the .92 G VS1 is.

The one on the right is .9ct if i am correct. I shared with a couple of my friends and they prefer the .92 G diamond vs the .9 D stone. based on the visual from a glance i think the G stone has more sparks and fire.

Just to keep my options open, would you help to pick something for stones between .75 to .80 similar to the ones you chose before - perhaps something around G and VS2 and above?

Thank you so much. i think from there should be able to make a decision.

 

[R4ng3r]

Not to sound evasive but it kind of depends on your eyes. I had a similar concern when I bought my H. Many good people here pointed out because it was so well cut and had a little fluor in it, then it would appear more white.

When I started my own personal search I was looking for a D-G. So I sacrificed one click on color because of what I just mentioned. To me, looking at stones in-person, sometimes D's can come off a bit too white. I personally think F's or G's has just enough that it still looks crisp and yet very firey also.

Keep in mind the differences we are talking about are minuscule. The charts we see is more easily defined because they are side by side. Most people cannot tell a difference between a D and G from the top view. Flip it to the side and it will become a little more obvious. The beauty is that the way diamonds mount, side viewing is rarely an issue. And unless you have a D next to a G you probably won't notice it on a normal day.

The same can be said with clarity. Really as long as a stone is "eye clean", anything more is just for your own sanity and bragging rights.



Both seem like good choices. I wish the GIA certs showed a diagram of the inclusions. In the magnification you can see some crystals on the D stone, which concern me. I'd probably ask JA to put both stones on hold and have their gemologist pull them from the vault and compare them side by side. Being a VS1 and VS2, there should be no worries about eye clean but I would ask anyhow. Be critical -- 6" viewing from both top & side. Also, see which one tends to sparkle more in person.

Although both are fairly minor differences, I think more people would notice a better color than a higher clarity VS1 to VS2. So if all this checked out, I'd probably get the D, assuming it's not too white for you and those crystals aren't an issue.

Also, ask JA to provide idealscope (IS) and ASET images for the stones in question. That will tell us how they are reflecting light and help identify any potential leaks, which ultimately shows which should have a better cut.

Yes, D and E colour range prices jump quite a bit but after reading your recommendations and doing some comparison i would just go with F & G range. similar to what i shared with farrahlyn, i am quite open minded so i am taking a look at stones between .7 to .8 so as to increase my range.

Thanks for the detailed explanation - both your comment really help me to understand diamonds in detail - guess there's still room for improvements in terms of selecting the stones but hope i can choose them on my own in the future.

 

[farrahlyn]

The one on the right is .9ct if i am correct. I shared with a couple of my friends and they prefer the .92 G diamond vs the .9 D stone. based on the visual from a glance i think the G stone has more sparks and fire.

Just to keep my options open, would you help to pick something for stones between .75 to .80 similar to the ones you chose before - perhaps something around G and VS2 and above?

Thank you so much. i think from there should be able to make a decision.

Yep, it was the one on the right. but at first glance it's hard to distinguish the size difference, right? The G was definitely my favorite, it's a very crisp stone.

so if you're considering dropping in size, go with a super ideal, it's definitely in budget.

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9741
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3988040.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3929365.htm
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/a5pf7m-0.822-f-vs2-ideal-hearts-arrows-round
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/ags104092411014-0.728-f-vs1-ideal-hearts-arrows-round
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/ags104092411007-0.751-e-vs1-ideal-hearts-arrows-round

Non super ideal:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4045001
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-4369675
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...olor-vvs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-4558118

 

[sledge]

Agree with @farrahlyn....super ideal all the way. Best cut hands down. Very affordable in the new size you specified.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3880146.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3964555.htm

A little smaller but wow. Especially the Black signature series....

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ls/0.735-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104099554047
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/.../0.731-g-vs2-round-diamond-bkags-104094817009

In case you aren't aware what the Black series is....
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/news/black-brian-gavin-vs-brian-gavin-signature/