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Girlfriend Threw Me a Curveball

 
Niel|1426890154|3850330 said:
maybe....

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-23447
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This one is AMAAAAZZZZIIIIINNNNGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!! :cheeky: :love: :love: :love:
 
Niel|1426890154|3850330 said:
maybe....

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-138001

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-23447

i love the one ds liked best...but if she wants rectangle, sadly thats out
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Yes, the G VS one with the high crown is too square but it was like these in that it was very well cut with a high crown.

I LOVE the two you posted! :love: I never look at VVS clarity so those didn't come up for me! I think they may be from the same cutter since they are cut so much alike.

ASTRO...you can stop looking NOW. Put these both on hold immediately and ask for an ASET image of each of them. I'd almost buy one without it just because these are the best cut rectangular radiants I have seen.
 
Also I think they may be able to do that setting for you. Whether they alter one they already do, or custom make you one, I think they could do one for your remaining budget.

Eta: ask them about this one. And also ask them when you reserve these stone To apply a James Allen discount, that should make up for the 150 they (usually) charge to adjust a setting to a different shape, at least.
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-split-shank-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50140
 
The E is to die for pretty! :love:
 
lilysweet|1426903068|3850432 said:
The E is to die for pretty! :love:
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I should have said before that I strongly prefer the E if he can make it work with the budget. He may as well get ASETs on both while he is asking.
 
The stones Niel picked are lovely. I would add if I was going to spend $4K on a setting I would be going to someone like BE to make it for me;

http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/kelly-micro-pave-split-shank-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-bpid-135-19.html

http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/carla-petite-micro-pave-split-shank-engagement-ring-bpid-106-19.html

My favourite if you are trying to make the overall ring look bigger their double halo;

http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/erica-bpid-1269-45.html

Or for 4K you could get Erica to custom make you something like this halo but with a split shank;

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/signature-setting-portfolio/?sort=featured&page=2

Or these might be other good options (Brian's rings are always much more delicate in person too btw);

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/split-halo-18k-white-gold-5444w18

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/marcela-split-shank-halo-18k-white-gold-5948w18
 
He's only going to have about $2k if he goes for that E color radiant which is likely his best prospect, though. It is still not reserved, so I hope he sees the thread soon.
 
Wow these are some beautiful diamonds. I've contacted JA to get the ASET on the two Niel listed. Also asking them about the setting.
 
I have received a response from a member of the JA gemological team as seen below. In summary, it sounds like there is a concern with the depth of these diamonds providing a good ASET image. Any thoughts?

"I've taken the time to review each diamond's 360 degree video and the lab certificate, and I do want to point out that for optimal light performance, we would recommend sticking with a depth between 59 and 69. These diamonds have a depth of 72.6 and 74.7. While these diamonds are likely to be bright and beautiful in person, as their videos indicate, I’m not confident that they will provide the kind of ASET image you are hoping for if you are going to base your decision on the image. We are able to provide this service for a maximum of three diamonds, so I just want to confirm that these are the diamonds you wish to proceed with, knowing their depth might lead to slight light leakage that would impact the ASET images."
 
Personally I've found that the people who work the online chat dont always have the best advise.

With that said,did they suggest you any alternatives or just poo poo these?

Eta, others please correct me, but I believe its common for radiants to be 70%+ deep
 
I got the response via email...here's the entire message.

"Hello XXXX,

Thank you for shopping with James Allen. My name is XXXX and I'm part of the gemological team that will handle your recent gemologist inspection and ASET image request for diamonds 23447 and 138001. Based on the notes made by the representative that you've previously worked with, it looks like you would like to know how strong their light performance is.

I've taken the time to review each diamond's 360 degree video and the lab certificate, and I do want to point out that for optimal light performance, we would recommend sticking with a depth between 59 and 69. These diamonds have a depth of 72.6 and 74.7. While these diamonds are likely to be bright and beautiful in person, as their videos indicate, I’m not confident that they will provide the kind of ASET image you are hoping for if you are going to base your decision on the image. We are able to provide this service for a maximum of three diamonds, so I just want to confirm that these are the diamonds you wish to proceed with, knowing their depth might lead to slight light leakage that would impact the ASET images. Additionally, if you wish to add another diamond to the request for the sake of comparing, I’d be able to do that as well.

I would love to initiate your request today, so please respond to me at your earliest convenience. I hope to hear back from you soon!

All The Best,

XXXXX"
 
Hmm,well, its up to you. I just went on JA and looked for a 1ct stone under 6k that was under 70%deep and there was nothing of note.

If you want to have them reviewed I still would, worse case scenario is what? You dont like them and dont buy one?

You can always ask him to suggest a third to reserve.
 
I'm looking through JA inventory and comparing to the guidelines below (not sure how great these guides are?)

http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamond-education/radiant-cut-diamond
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/radiant-cut-diamond

This diamond appears to meet most those specs for a ideal/excellent cut, but imo does not look very good at all.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-325439

This one is more of a square be appears to meet most of the specs for excellent/ideal cut besides the girdle. If my understanding is correct this one appears to have more of a crushed ice look compared to the ones I've requested the ASET for.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.90-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-400063
 
ASTROCREEP|1427059366|3851045 said:
I'm looking through JA inventory and comparing to the guidelines below (not sure how great these guides are?)

http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamond-education/radiant-cut-diamond
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/radiant-cut-diamond

This diamond appears to meet most those specs for a ideal/excellent cut, but imo does not look very good at all.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-325439

This one is more of a square be appears to meet most of the specs for excellent/ideal cut besides the girdle. If my understanding is correct this one appears to have more of a crushed ice look compared to the ones I've requested the ASET for.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.90-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-400063
Click to expand...

You're right. That first one is not good at all. And a perfect example of how you can't pick a radiant by the numbers.

The second is better but seems a not dead under the table, plus isn't rectangular , so that one sounds out. If you were going to go for a quare, I suggest the Flanders (the g) DS suggested on the last page.

Radiants are hard. I think you're doing a good job. Look for stones you find visually appealing, and that look overall bright and lively.
 
I don't want to put words in Niel's mouth, but I think she was saying - politely - that guidelines of any sort are intended to be exactly that, guidelines, not hard limits... and sticking to them as if they're hard limits is a great way to shoot yourself in the foot. Or, in this case, it's a great way to have a customer shoot himself in the foot.

And I completely agree with her. JA is not one of the vendors whose gemologist opinions I trust implicitly - they have beautiful stones at excellent pricepoints, but those excellent prices do come at the expense of expertise.

I see that these two are no longer available - I hope you put them on hold!!
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-23447
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-138001

This is my other pick of the lineup:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.15-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-480270
 
Oh, goodness. Let me just say it again (Niel and Yssie have already said it). Do not listen to them. We know that we can't expect great ASET images on radiants, period. They are not going to be like a H&A stone (unless they are the cut corner square H&A diamonds). We could probably pick 10 and not find one with a great ASET image. I just think it is a good idea to do it since any info is better than none. Add on the last one Yssie posted so they can do all three.
 
diamondseeker2006|1427061299|3851055 said:
Oh, goodness. Let me just say it again (Niel and Yssie have already said it). Do not listen to them. We know that we can't expect great ASET images on radiants, period. They are not going to be like a H&A stone (unless they are the cut corner square H&A diamonds). We could probably pick 10 and not find one with a great ASET image. I just think it is a good idea to do it since any info is better than none. Add on the last one Yssie posted so they can do all three.
Click to expand...
+1
 
I've responded back to JA to go forward with obtaining the ASETs. I kind of want to save the last one I have left until after I get those two back just in case something changes.

I'm kind of throwing a curve ball myself here, but out of curiosity I decided to look through cushion cuts as well. Once in a setting I don't think she would be able to tell much of a difference between cushion and radiant if either are more on the rectangular side. I know I've gone back and forth in this thread, but I just want to make sure I make a good choice :bigsmile: !

These two look good to my untrained eyes...

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-454311

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-376357
 
I am going to say that neither of those is a good cushion. She wants a radiant. Please don't get off track!
 
diamondseeker2006|1427063998|3851077 said:
I am going to say that neither of those is a good cushion. She wants a radiant. Please don't get off track!
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I'm inclined to agree. If you showed her every shape and she still picked radiant, go radiant.
 
Thritto - she wanted a radiant, best get her a radiant ::)

I am curious what in particular you liked about those two cushions? I, too, would choose neither, but I am curious about what specifically caught your attention, and if those same characteristics can be sought in radiants...
 
ASTROCREEP|1427063503|3851075 said:
I've responded back to JA to go forward with obtaining the ASETs. I kind of want to save the last one I have left until after I get those two back just in case something changes.

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Guys correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he has to do all 3 ASETs at once?
 
Niel|1427064236|3851079 said:
diamondseeker2006|1427063998|3851077 said:
I am going to say that neither of those is a good cushion. She wants a radiant. Please don't get off track!
Click to expand...
I'm inclined to agree. If you showed her every shape and she still picked radiant, go radiant.
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You all are right. Sticking to radiants!

Yssie|1427069159|3851113 said:
Thritto - she wanted a radiant, best get her a radiant ::)

I am curious what in particular you liked about those two cushions? I, too, would choose neither, but I am curious about what specifically caught your attention, and if those same characteristics can be sought in radiants...
Click to expand...

To me the two cushions I posted have less of a crushed ice appearance similar to the two radiant recommended in previous posts that I already reserved at JA. I really like those two radiant though, but was just keeping my options open just in case they do not pan out. Out of all the cuts she definitely likes a rectangular radiant the most. From this search it just appears good ones are tough to come by relative to some of the other cuts.
 
are they looking into that setting for you?
 
Is there some reason that lately no one recommends Brian Gavin? They're not even listed on the "recommended vendor" list. Have they changed in some way? It was my understanding that their reputation was beyond reproach!
 
dnilson|1427082551|3851193 said:
Is there some reason that lately no one recommends Brian Gavin? They're not even listed on the "recommended vendor" list. Have they changed in some way? It was my understanding that their reputation was beyond reproach!
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They are not a PS advertising vendor which is why they aren't on that list. They still specialize in ideal cut rounds, princess cuts, and some H&A cushions. They are not on this thread because they do not specialize in radiants. Sometimes their prices are higher and that is another reason other vendors' stones are recommended instead of theirs.
 
Niel|1427074847|3851145 said:
are they looking into that setting for you?
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Yes. They said I should be receiving a quote for the setting with the E color radiant. They mentioned there would likely be a fee for going radiant, but would apply the price scope member discount. I should be receiving the ASETs sometime soon as well.
 
Here's the ASET for the E...it got positive comments from the gemologist.

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