Good deal for these diamonds? Which one is a winner?

[knootz]

I am in the process of getting an engament ring. After some research, I''ve chosen the following diamonds.

Diamond 1 (HCA Score = 1.6 - 3 EX; 1 VG):
Shape: round ideal cut
Carat weight: 1.02ct
Colour: H
Clarity: SI 1
Certificate: GIA
Table: 56%
Crown Angle: 35
Pavillion Angle: 40.8
Total Depth: 61.8
Girdle: Medium Faceted
Cutle: None
Flourescence: None
Symmetry: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Measurement: 6.43-6.48X3.99
Price: $5146

Diamond 2: (HCA Score = 1.7 - 1 EX; 3 VG):
Shape: round ideal cut
Carat weight: 1.03ct
Colour: F
Clarity: SI 1
Certificate: GIA
Table: 56%
Crown Angle: 34.5
Pavillion Angle: 41
Total Depth: 60.7
Girdle: Thin to Medium Faceted
Cutle: Pointed
Flourescence: None
Symmetry: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Measurement: 6.56-6.59X3.99
Price: $5093

Diamond 3: (HCA Score = 1.5 - 3 EX; 1 VG):
Shape: round ideal cut
Carat weight: 1.02ct
Colour: F
Clarity: SI 1
Certificate: GIA
Table: 56%
Crown Angle: 35
Pavillion Angle: 40.8
Total Depth: 61.6
Girdle: Medium Faceted
Cutle: None
Flourescence: None
Symmetry: Very Good
Polish: Very Good
Measurement: 6.46 - 6.50-3.99
Price: $5279


The 3 stones looks pretty similar and I am tempted to pick Diamond 2 as its the cheapest and has the biggest measurement and score higher in terms of colour. Is this the right decision given that it only score one excellent and 3 VG under HCA? Any advice/feed back would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Knootz

 

[Regular Guy]

Sounds like you can see them. I''d say if you can blind test 2 & 3 against each other...that''s a better approach than counting the Xes.

 

[WorkingHardforSmallRewards]

well for whatever it is worth, based on only the information available I would pick stone 2. But then...I would not actually make a decision based on only that information. I def. agree with reg guy, a comparison of 2and3 for light performance is the way to go. Just to make sure stone 2 doesn't have any notable leakage.

 

[knootz]

In actual fact, I will be purchasing online without the benefit of actually seeing the stones...so I should not have used the word "looks" in my earlier posting...

This may be a dumb question...but how do I compare light performance and how to ensure there''s no notable light leakage based on the stats and assuming they are all eye clean? I''ve read about idealscope pics and know that the pics are dependent on how the online merchant photograph the stones in the first place....the thing is I can''t really figure out how to assess the idealscope pics as they look pretty similar to me...

Thanks.

 

[Lorelei]

Idealscope images are very useful and this info should help you to interpret them.

https://www.pricescope.com/idealscope_indx.asp

 

[WorkingHardforSmallRewards]

well If you have the IS images and other data why not provide it as well?

In the end though, I think the decision should come down first to the color and location of the inclusions. Get pictures and have them describe what they mean by eye clean. Ask them to check it per any other requirements you have, such as making sure the inclusions are not reflecting from the side view, (and, like I said, the color of the inclusions) etc... Then if they are both fairly equal in visual cleanliness and there is no noticeable difference in IS images, no meaningful difference in HCA scores and no reason to suspect the numbers it should be a pretty easy decision to pick the one that is both facing up larger and cheaper with better symmetry and polish.



Also remember that per Gary's own admission the HCA adviser can not be used to evaluate diamonds within such a small range, even within 1 whole point or so, certainly not within .1 points. The HCA is rating it lower in fire, etc because of the 41 degree pavilion angle, but also according to a recent thread, and Gary's own comments, that is not necessarily the case, but can be the case. If the IS image is solid, then with the Excellent symmetry accompanying it along with the lower crown angle I can't imagine there is anything to be worried about in that regard. But its real small differences either way, even fiscally, so, what the heck, good arguments could be had for either I am sure. for me, it goes back to what I said above, if it was only that slight financial differences accompanied by such a slight size difference it might become more of a toss up in my mind, but with the EX EX sym and polish that just kicks it over the edge and makes it pretty easy to me at least.

 

[Ellen]

Yes, please post the IS images, and if you''re not sure how, msg the Admin., and he can post them for you.