Going nuts picking a diamond - Opinions please

[pinkprashu]

Could someone please provide their opinion on these GIA Excellent/AGS 0 grade diamonds that are below 2 on the HCA.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01180877#grading_report

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01098713

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01104277

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01237197

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-358376.htm

This was supposed to be our anniversary present(on the 25th) but I am so confused I am not able to decide on one diamond.

 

[Skippy123]

The Whiteflash stone based on price, size and beauty!!! Welcome to Pricescope! What a sweet present!

 

[Lorelei]

Skippers, you are up early!

My vote is for the WF diamond also, and their upgrade policy for the future is nice to have as an option.

 

[elmo]

Date: 12/28/2007 12:24:40 AM
Author:pinkprashu
This was supposed to be our anniversary present(on the 25th) but I am so confused I am not able to decide on one diamond.

Well, it's not such an easy choice. At BN the F stands out because it's two color grades higher than the others and it's an AGSL ideal. As folks have said, the WF H comes with photos and can be upgraded. Both are discounted similarly, something like 12 back. I'd have both sent then pick my favorite. Or have an appraiser help you pick.

 

[susi]

I''d check out the BlueNile F color graded stone, too.....( all other things being equal )

Unless there is something you''re specifically looking for in the other stones, I would go for a "collection color" grade.....

 

[pinkprashu]

Did you all use the HCA as well to shortlist a diamond too? Is that reliable? Thanks for your opinions I was leaning towards the WF diamond too because of the pictures. Do you know if BN actually sends you a idealscope image or any other additional information?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/28/2007 9:09:55 AM
Author: pinkprashu
Did you all use the HCA as well to shortlist a diamond too? Is that reliable? Thanks for your opinions I was leaning towards the WF diamond too because of the pictures. Do you know if BN actually sends you a idealscope image or any other additional information?

To the best of my knowledge, BN does not provide anything in the way of pics, Idealscope images etc.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 12/28/2007 9:09:55 AM
Author: pinkprashu
Did you all use the HCA as well to shortlist a diamond too? Is that reliable? Thanks for your opinions I was leaning towards the WF diamond too because of the pictures. Do you know if BN actually sends you a idealscope image or any other additional information?

Many of us have been at this long enough that we don't need to, we are familiar with the numbers and what works, what has potential, etc. It can be helpful, if understood and used properly, but has some drawbacks as well.

Out of your selections, I would say it's between the first one from BN and the WF stone. The BN stone is just a hair smaller in diameter, and about 300.00 less. But, that's all the info you can get from them. So, if you want to be sure of what you're getting before you get it, and have the advantage of an upgrade policy, then WF would be the one.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/28/2007 10:19:20 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 12/28/2007 9:09:55 AM
Author: pinkprashu
Did you all use the HCA as well to shortlist a diamond too? Is that reliable? Thanks for your opinions I was leaning towards the WF diamond too because of the pictures. Do you know if BN actually sends you a idealscope image or any other additional information?

Many of us have been at this long enough that we don''t need to, we are familiar with the numbers and what works, what has potential, etc. It can be helpful, if understood and used properly, but has some drawbacks as well.

Out of your selections, I would say it''s between the first one from BN and the WF stone. The BN stone is just a hair smaller in diameter, and about 300.00 less. But, that''s all the info you can get from them. So, if you want to be sure of what you''re getting before you get it, and have the advantage of an upgrade policy, then WF would be the one.

Ditto, I forgot to answer that part of the question, but Ellen nailed it nicely!

 

[HEPennypacker]

If the OP wants the best of both worlds, she can ask WF if they can pull whichever BN stone she likes best. Since these aren''t signature ideals, they aren''t in-house, and WF likely has access to the same vendors. Once they pull it, they will take a photo and IS image, and run a sarin report. It would also qualify for the upgrade if they approve of it. Something to consider...

 

[Ellen]

Date: 12/28/2007 10:28:25 AM
Author: HEPennypacker
If the OP wants the best of both worlds, she can ask WF if they can pull whichever BN stone she likes best. Since these aren't signature ideals, they aren't in-house, and WF likely has access to the same vendors. Once they pull it, they will take a photo and IS image, and run a sarin report. It would also qualify for the upgrade if they approve of it. Something to consider...

Oooh, good point. Didn't even think of that!


Thanks Lore.

 

[pinkprashu]

Thanks guys. I spoke to Sheerah at WF and asked her to pull the BN diamond if she can. I also pu the WF diamond on hold.

One thing I was not sure of is how is that a diamond is not considered ideal when GIA or AGs is saying it is Excellent/Ideal cut (with Excellent polish and Symmetry)?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 12/28/2007 10:37:07 AM
Author: pinkprashu
One thing I was not sure of is how is that a diamond is not considered ideal when GIA or AGs is saying it is Excellent/Ideal cut (with Excellent polish and Symmetry)?

I''m not sure what you mean Pink. Is there something you can point to that demonstrates what you''re talking about?

 

[pinkprashu]

I meant not considered Sigature Ideal when GIA and AGS grade it excellent in cut, polish and symmetry

 

[HEPennypacker]

"Signature Ideal" is just what BN calls its in-house diamonds. It doesn''t mean that the ideals/excellents you''re looking at are any worse (esp. not AGS ideals).

 

[marcy]

I would go with WF too. I hope they can get the other diamond and do some photos for you. The WF diamond you are putting on hold is gorgeous.