Found ring - help choosing diamond

[shlammed]

Ok, so I think I''ve finally made up my mind on the band that I want to buy for my GF. It is from www.jamesallen.com. Here is the link to the band:

http://www.jamesallen.com/products/item_412-2055_build.asp?module=setting

I am going to get it in Princess Cut (she can''t stand round diamonds). I was hoping I could get some help choosing the diamond to go with it. Here are a few I was looking at from the same site:

1) 0.75 carat, E, VS1, premium cut, girdle slightly thick, 72% table, 75% depth, polish and symmetry both VG, no fluorescence, $2630

2) 0.79 carat, F, VS1, premium cut, girdle thick to very thick, 71% table, 74.3% depth, polish and symmerty both VG, no fluorescence, $2660

3) 0.79 carat, F, VVS1, premium cut, girdle slightly thich to very thick, 71% table, 74.2% depth, polish EX, symmetry VG, no fluorescence, $2990

4) 0.76 carat, E, VS1, ideal cut, 67% table, 69% depth, girdle medium to slightly thick, polish and symmetry both VG, $2800

5) 0.78 carat, F, VS1, idea cut, girdle very thin to very thick, 71% table, 73.7% depth, polish EX, symmetry VG, $2620


Any help/comments appreciated!

 

[Lorelei]

Can you add the links to the diamonds please? Unfortunately we can''t tell much by numbers, so the links would be useful in case there are pics or Idealscope images available for each stone.

 

[shlammed]

yes I can...I''ll do that in a few minutes

 

[shlammed]

Each link has a link to the GIA report and the real diamond image

1) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1114782.asp

2) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1034437.asp

3) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1046276.asp

4) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1135488.asp

5) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1034435.asp

And I made a mistake on #3 it''s VVS2 not VVS1

 

[dennyr]

You have some excellent picks for princess diamonds. Since the clarity grades will have no impact on appearance to the eye, you have to determine the value of the price premium for diamond #3.

From a durability standpoint, we are always cautious of princess diamonds with Thin or Very Thin girdle ratings. Sometimes that is the result of an extra facet or natural at the corner, which is not critical but if the entire side of the girdle is Very Thin, that could be a concern. With the high clarity grades, you should not have big feathers in the stones. You do want to ensure there are no feathers near the corner that can cause problems when setting the stone. Princess diamonds are safest when set with V-shaped prongs that protect the corners rather than regular prongs that put all the pressure on the sharp tips of the corners.

From the depth percentages and carat weights, I would guess the millimeter sizes of the five diamonds would be similar. Big millimeter size and small length-to-width ratio are desirable factors in making a princess purchase decision.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/5/2008 3:03:21 PM
Author: shlammed
Each link has a link to the GIA report and the real diamond image

1) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1114782.asp

2) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1034437.asp

3) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1046276.asp

4) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1135488.asp

5) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1034435.asp

And I made a mistake on #3 it''s VVS2 not VVS1

Thanks! To my eyes from the pics, #''s 3 and 5 look to be promising. I would see which ones you like the look of personally, then contact JA and ask them for their opinion as to which stone has the most '' flair'' and may be the best one for you to choose.

 

[JulieN]

I like 3 and 5 the best.

You need to ask if the girdle on 5 is a problem for durability and setting.

 

[shlammed]

Now, if there isn't going to be any difference to the eye between VS1 and VS2, if I were to go down to VS2 I could actually get a larger stone for not a lot more money.

AHHH this whole process is so confusing.

 

[JulieN]

VS2 is very nice...

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/5/2008 3:11:35 PM
Author: shlammed
Now, if there isn''t going to be any difference to the eye between VS1 and VS2, if I were to go down to VS2 I could actually get a larger stone for not a lot more money.

AHHH this whole process is so confusing.

Sure you could do. I know it is confusing, but take your time and think it through, it will be worth it!

 

[shlammed]

I''m guessing that there also wouldn''t be a very noticable difference in size between 0.7 carat and 0.78 carats either?


This one at 0.75 carats and VS2 is at least $300 less than the other 5:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1077333.asp

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/5/2008 3:48:59 PM
Author: shlammed
I''m guessing that there also wouldn''t be a very noticable difference in size between 0.7 carat and 0.78 carats either?


This one at 0.75 carats and VS2 is at least $300 less than the other 5:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1077333.asp

Sometimes it can make a noticeable difference, in the diameter, that''s what tells you how big it faces up. But these are all close. Why don''t you ask Jim at JA to look at the other two and this one, and pick the best performer?

 

[shlammed]

I can''t believe the timing. I just got a huge raise at work. When selecting the ring on the site, they actually have an option to use diamonds that they recommend and this is one of them:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1176698.asp


watcha think?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/6/2008 10:54:26 AM
Author: shlammed
I can''t believe the timing. I just got a huge raise at work. When selecting the ring on the site, they actually have an option to use diamonds that they recommend and this is one of them:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1176698.asp


watcha think?

Congrats on the raise!!! I would ask your JA rep if this diamond might be a good pick, it is always best to have them look it over for you.