Girlfriend selected the diamond, did she pick wisely?

[jy12]

Hey,

My girlfriend has her heart set on having a round diamond of at least 1 carat. She recently found a diamond that she thinks is perfect, but I wanted to get some (expert) opinions so that I could definitively purchase or steer her towards something else.

Here is what she selected:
Carat weight:1.00
Color:J Shape: Round
Clarity: VVS2
Cut: Excellent
Depth %:61.90 Table %:57.00
Polish:Excellent
Crown ∠: 36.00 Pavilion ∠:40.60
Symmetry:Very Good
Fluorescence:None

L/W/D (mm): 6.42*6.40*3.97

Here is the image I received:


Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[MissGotRocks]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2909290.htm?source=pricescope

In a one carat stone, I would much prefer something like this. It is a top notch cut, H color, VS clarity. The angles in the stone she chose would not be my preference. She also selected a J color stone (is she sure she is comfortable with that color?) and VVS clarity which is a bit of overkill for which you pay dearly.

I don't know what your price range is or what her color/clarity parameters really are. If you are able to share that here, others can also help you find a more balanced stone in terms of cut, color and clarity.

 

[marymm]

I ran the HCA tool - https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca - and your GF's stone scored a 1.8 (Excellent within FIC range) and within the AGSO box - so based on the numbers this stone scores well and would be considered a Fiery Ideal Cut ("FIC") stone.

Factor Grade
Light Return Very Good
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Very Good
Spread or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.8 - Excellent within FIC range

Has your GF seen this stone? Are any additional images / IdealScope / Aset / Sarin reports available? Is this a GIA or AGSL diamond? I will say that I myself would not choose an ER diamond with less than Excellent in Symmetry but that is not to say that gorgeous, well-performing diamonds cannot be found with Very Good Symmetry. And if you have not done so already, I encourage you and your GF to see J color diamonds in person to confirm that level of tint is acceptable to her/both of you.

Not sure of your budget, but for comparison purposes, here are a couple of Brian Gavin Diamond all over 1 carat - the 1st two are under $7,000 (wire price) and the 2nd two are just under $7,700 (wire price) - personally I favor #2:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.078-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104064814006
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...1.004-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104066186020
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...1.083-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104063639008
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.090-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104066340002

 

[jy12]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2909290.htm?source=pricescope

I don't know what your price range is or what her color/clarity parameters really are. If you are able to share that here, others can also help you find a more balanced stone in terms of cut, color and clarity.

Has your GF seen this stone? Are any additional images / IdealScope / Aset / Sarin reports available? Is this a GIA or AGSL diamond? I will say that I myself would not choose an ER diamond with less than Excellent in Symmetry but that is not to say that gorgeous, well-performing diamonds cannot be found with Very Good Symmetry. And if you have not done so already, I encourage you and your GF to see J color diamonds in person to confirm that level of tint is acceptable to her/both of you.

Thanks for the help MissGotRocks and marymm - i really appreciate it!

The stone I posted was about 5,200 dollars. Our budget for the ring is going to be between 4 and 6 thousand, so those linked diamonds would definitely be out of my price range.

We have not seen the stone in person, unfortunately, but have seen other J colored stones - some of which she really likes, some she is displeased by the tint. The above stone was on JamesAllen, and was GIA certified, and she seemed happy with the tint via the 360 view - but I don't know if that can trusted?

Based on the yalls comments would I/she be better off reducing the size to around .93/.95 and using the savings to upgrade color/symmetry?

Thanks again!

 

[MissGotRocks]

If I were to reduce anything, it would be the VVS clarity. That really boosts the price.

 

[jy12]

If I were to reduce anything, it would be the VVS clarity. That really boosts the price.

Interesting! Thanks. In our search, this diamond was towards the bottom-third (cheapest) in terms of price, regardless of the clarity selected. I will keep playing around with the search though.

 

[JulieN]

For the price, it looks good. I also like these for around the same price: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-236076

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-248545

 

[bunnycat]

If you haven't already, then you could request Idealscope images on your pick and JulieN's picks from JA and go from there.

 

[jy12]

If you haven't already, then you could request Idealscope images on your pick and JulieN's picks from JA and go from there.

Thanks for the help. I just requested the images from JA and hopefully they will get them to me ASAP.

 

[Allisonfaye]

If I were to reduce anything, it would be the VVS clarity. That really boosts the price.

I totally agree with this. Unless I was buying an emerald cut or a stone where it was likely to show for some reason, I would opt for an eyeclean SI1 all day long (and twice on Sunday).

 

[iluvshinythings]

If I were to reduce anything, it would be the VVS clarity. That really boosts the price.

+1

A VS2 - SI1 should be perfectly fine as long as it's eye clean and it's graded by a reputable lab.

It sounds like J might be a breaking point since she sees a tint in some and not others. I probably would stick to H or I just in case.

 

[Sakuracherry]

I don't like the symmetry of the stone your gf picked. I prefer the second stone Julie posted.

 

[maxs.memo]

I agree that J is visibly tinted vs I. I think this just happens to be the point at which the eye begins to pick up on color. Just my humble opinion.

If you are bothered by tint but like the pricing of J color, you may actively look for a medium or strongly blue fluorescent stone. You can actually go to advanced search options with J/A and designate fluorescence as an option.

Fluorescence is why I am getting a 1.31ct diamond instead of 1.22 Similar pricing and same cut, color and clarity ratings otherwise. You can use it to keep a given diamond in your price range as it typically makes the diamond 5% cheaper or so.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Top end of your budget, but I would check out this stone (eye clean, over a carat, and cut beautifully):

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.008-i-si2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064812012

 

[jy12]

If I were to reduce anything, it would be the VVS clarity. That really boosts the price.

Would going to an H like this be better? To my novice eye the stone appears "worse." should the girdle thickness be an obvious detriment? How much faith should I be putting in the fact the HCA won't even score the diamond?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-good-cut-sku-219747s be better:

 

[maxs.memo]

I like the BG blues. Get a modest setting with the above stone and you won't go much over!

Repost...http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.008-i-si2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064812012

 

[maxs.memo]

IMO, you need to START at AGS 0 or GIA Ex THEN use the HCA calc.

 

[Christina...]

If I were to reduce anything, it would be the VVS clarity. That really boosts the price.

Would going to an H like this be better? To my novice eye the stone appears "worse." should the girdle thickness be an obvious detriment? How much faith should I be putting in the fact the HCA won't even score the diamond?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-good-cut-sku-219747s be better:

Don't look at the Ct weight, look at the diamonds dimensions. This stone faces up considerably smaller than a well cut stone leaving you with a smaller diamond that wont perform well. The best (safest) option is to only consider GIA EX cuts or AGS0. A well cut stone will both face up larger and tapper brighter and whiter than a poorly cut stone.

 

[bunnycat]

If I were to reduce anything, it would be the VVS clarity. That really boosts the price.

Would going to an H like this be better? To my novice eye the stone appears "worse." should the girdle thickness be an obvious detriment? How much faith should I be putting in the fact the HCA won't even score the diamond?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-good-cut-sku-219747s be better:

Don't look at the Ct weight, look at the diamonds dimensions. This stone faces up considerably smaller than a well cut stone leaving you with a smaller diamond that wont perform well. The best (safest) option is to only consider GIA EX cuts or AGS0. A well cut stone will both face up larger and tapper brighter and whiter than a poorly cut stone.

That one faces about like a well cut .85 stone so even though you would be paying for a full carat, it would only visually look like around .85 or so.

I do like the BG Blue line if your budget can stretch for one. They are fabulously cut stones. I have an I BGB and it's beautiful.

 

[jy12]

I like the BG blues. Get a modest setting with the above stone and you won't go much over!

Repost...http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.008-i-si2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064812012

Wow. That is beautiful, although it is, unfortunately outside of my price range.

[Don't look at the Ct weight, look at the diamonds dimensions. This stone faces up considerably smaller than a well cut stone leaving you with a smaller diamond that wont perform well. The best (safest) option is to only consider GIA EX cuts or AGS0. A well cut stone will both face up larger and tapper brighter and whiter than a poorly cut stone.

Although the weight is more, does this http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-232155 face up in a "better" manner. The dimensions seem larger and this stone is within my price range.

Thanks for the help everyone - I really appreciate it!

 

[bunnycat]

You only get 3 IS images from JA (maybe 4 if you squeak a bit and get lucky so choose well!). I would honestly make sure to get an IS of the I JulieN suggested, if the price of the stone is in your budget.

 

[jy12]

You only get 3 IS images from JA (maybe 4 if you squeak a bit and get lucky so choose well!). I would honestly make sure to get an IS of the I JulieN suggested, if the price of the stone is in your budget.

Earlier today I asked JA for the ISs for three diamonds. Unfortunately, one of JulieN's was in my price range, the other was not. Once I get these images (they said 3-5 business days), I will check back in.

Thanks again!

 

[Smith1942]

I think an eyeclean Si1 is fine, although that's just my opinion. But considering the dramatic effect that clarity has on price, it's worth considering. I speak as one who has almost solely high-colour Si diamonds, and I've never seen the slightest mark in any of them, even with a x 30 loupe, but have enjoyed the icy colours. Being flexible on clarity has enabled me to get my preferred colour and size.

I have bought what seems like countless diamonds from Blue Nile, all for prices which outstrip the smaller vendors, sometimes by four figures - a huge saving. It's true that with Blue Nile you don't get the handholding and the images and photos of every angle that you do with with smaller vendors. Lots of people like all those images. They provide reassurance and are nice to have. It's always really good to have maximum info about your own special diamond. But be aware that you pay for that service.

Blue Nile also has their share of diamonds which are on the higher-priced side, but their inventory is huge and you can usually find a diamond which is completely comparable to a specs-equivalent WF or BGD diamond, for less money. That's because Blue Nile is a drop-shipper. The diamond could be anywhere in the world. Blue Nile doesn't have to spend their capital buying the diamond and sitting on it while it depreciates , unlike the smaller, more personal PS vendors, whose stones are in-house. Blue Nile only buys the stone when you buy the stone, and assuming you choose wisely from the inventory, those savings are passed on to you.

I have bought diamonds from Blue Nile and asked them to check with the supplier that the diamond is eyeclean. Blue Nile has always been honest with me about this. Sometimes, they have told me that the more expensive diamond is not eyeclean. I've never been disappointed.

I've really lost count of the number of diamonds and other jewellery items that I've bought from Blue Nile, at least 30, but I can tell you that they are the most professional, reliable, solid jeweller I've ever used. In terms of diamond quality they have over-delivered every single time and their customer service is wonderful. I speak as one who owns nine pieces from the other vendors in this thread, and those pieces are also beautiful, but they do not represent the combination of value and beauty that Blue Nile does, in my opinion.

The savings involved in buying with Blue Nile are significant, in my experience. The exception is James Allen, who also has some unbeatable prices and also has the photos.

I just wanted to share my experience with you because WF and BGD are just too expensive, in my opinion, and I wanted you to know that I've had wonderful experiences buying diamonds without photos from BN, as long as you stick to an H&A score under 2, and BN confirms the stone is eyeclean, and there are no other red flags like "clarity based on clouds not shown", which can be a bad thing, for example.

This diamond costs $5552 wire price, is I colour, Si1, and scores 1.6 on the HCA with the score on the cusp of the AGS box. And it's 1.10 carats! You could always ask BN to confirm that it's eyeclean, and since their returns are no-questions-asked, it's not a risk, anyway. http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03610165

If you would prefer to stick with VS clarity, here is a stone which is 1.09, I, VS1, has the same cut score as above, and has strong blue fluoro which should help the I look whiter. It's $5,797 wire price. http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03145243

 

[Smith1942]

OP - I wanted you to be aware of these further diamonds so I'm posting them separately. The first has a great cut score, is J si1, is 1.21 carats and costs $5,700 bank wire price.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03631711

The cut score is 1 on the HCA. You'd have to ask BN if it's eyeclean, of course. But seeing as it's Si1, not Si2, it might be worth asking the question.

This one is 1.14, J, Si1, a cleaner plot, also scores 1 on the HCA and costs $5,768 bank wire price.
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03565033

 

[Smith1942]

Well, well, well. I just got rid of the Si diamonds on my screen and what should pop up but a 1.10-carat J internally flawless diamond with a cut score in the AGS box, all within your budget!

Repeat: J, IF clarity, 1.10 carats, HCA score of 1.3, with the score falling inside the AGS box, for $5,497 bank wire price.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD02681323

I think this looks the most promising. I know IF clarity is generally overkill, but this is actually one of the least expensive within your parameters while getting a great cut score, especially with the cross falling inside the AGS box.

(And, your girlfriend would be able to swan around saying that she has a flawless diamond! )

 

[jy12]

Well, well, well. I just got rid of the Si diamonds on my screen and what should pop up but a 1.10-carat J internally flawless diamond with a cut score in the AGS box, all within your budget!

Repeat: J, IF clarity, 1.10 carats, HCA score of 1.3, with the score falling inside the AGS box, for $5,497 bank wire price.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD02681323

I think this looks the most promising. I know IF clarity is generally overkill, but this is actually one of the least expensive within your parameters while getting a great cut score, especially with the cross falling inside the AGS box.

(And, your girlfriend would be able to swan around saying that she has a flawless diamond! )

Thanks Smith 1942. I definitely appreciate your past three posts - they have been highly informative. I am currently browsing the BlueNile site looking at stones and trying to match things up to the proportions on the diamonds that you think have serious potential! Unfortunately, with my budget, I can realistically spend around 4,500 (max) for the diamond.

 

[Smith1942]

You're welcome! I'll have a further search for diamonds in the 4.5k range.

Since you said the budget is 4-6k, are you planning on using the last 1.5k for the setting? Or have you simply decided that 4.5k for the stone (plus a simple setting) is more sensible? I only ask because if you are still thinking that 6k is OK for the total ring, Blue Nile has classic solitaire rings starting at $180. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a nice, simple setting, and then you'd be able to max out on the stone. So $5,497 (the last stone) would leave you a few hundred for a classic Blue Nile solitaire setting in 18k. Here they are - and they are not all solitaire, there is an engraved design, a semi-bezel design, etc. http://www.bluenile.com/engagement-rings/all-engagement-rings?track=NavEngClassic&forceStep=STYLE_STEP

But I don't actually know what you've been planning for the setting, so sorry if I've cantered off merrily down the wrong track!

 

[Smith1942]

This Signature diamond has a bank wire price of $4,402. It's 0.90, I, Si1, and has an HCA score of 0.8. The cross on the HCA score falls in the centre of the AGS white box. It should be a great cut. It's a Blue Nile Signature stone. I've had those before and the sparkle is amazing. Also, the Signatures are guaranteed to be eyeclean, and there is also a GCAL light performance map with these, which you can see on line in the link below. It would be interesting if others here could chime in and tell us what they think of the GCAL.

It's ten points short of a carat, but the sparkle will help make it look bigger.

Sine your girlfriend can see some tint in some Js but not others, I wonder if you might be safer sticking with an I - which this stone is.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03602983

 

[Smith1942]

If you wanted to go a little higher in colour and a little lower in budget, this stone is an H, 0.90, 1.1 HCA score on the cusp of the AGS box, for $4,152 bank wire. Should be a great cut, and obviously you should ask BN if it's eyeclean. But it's an Si1, not Si2, so could be promising.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03014261

 

[Smith1942]

As far as I can see, that's about it for now in the BN inventory for diamonds close to a carat scoring below 2 on the HCA, Si1 clarity minimum and around $4,500.

Hope it's given you some food for thought!