Good value?

[d14m0nds33k3r]

Hi all, am new to this and would appreciate all your expertise on advising if any of these diamonds are good value?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5799601
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4465042
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5936874
http://www.fonderdiamond.sg/en/diamonddetail.jsp?id=3359408


I am looking for a nice stone for my engagement ring, hopefully at a good price.

Also, which one would you pick if you had to choose?

Thanks in advance!

 

[whitewave]

I assume you don’t mind strong fluro in a white stone? It can be a good value as long as it doesn’t negatively affect performance.

They are all a tad deep.

Do you want us to try and pull some stones for? Do you want to stay with James allen?

What are you looking for?

 

[sledge]

None of them. In addition to some being too deep, none are hitting ideal proportions.

What is your diamond budget and what size, color and clarity are you trying to maintain? We can find you something much better. Are you stuck on JA?

 

[d14m0nds33k3r]

I assume you don’t mind strong fluro in a white stone? It can be a good value as long as it doesn’t negatively affect performance.

They are all a tad deep.

Do you want us to try and pull some stones for? Do you want to stay with James allen?

What are you looking for?

Wow that was quick! Strong fluoro meaning?

I'm good with any other reputable places; and that would be much appreciated (:

 

[d14m0nds33k3r]

None of them. In addition to some being too deep, none are hitting ideal proportions.

What is your diamond budget and what size, color and clarity are you trying to maintain? We can find you something much better. Are you stuck on JA?

Thanks for the heads up; my budget is around $3.5 - 4.5k

Not stuck on JA; in terms of size, something around 0.8-1.0 would be great, colour at least an F, and clarity SI1 and above?

Thanks heaps!

 

[whitewave]

@sledge I’m sick and going back to bed. Can you help?

 

[sledge]

Fluorescence activates under UV lighting and gives a blue tint to the stone. It's not good or bad but more of a preference. The exception being in about 1% of stones it can create a milky or hazy appearance.

Many people see it as a bonus when buying lower colored stones as blue fluor can ever so slightly make a stone look a little whiter. My fiancee has an H with me blue and I haven't noticed a difference honestly.

Usually in higher colored stones like D-F none or faint fluor is preferred.

Stones with fluor sell for less than those with fluor so it can be price advantageous if you aren't bothered by it.

 

[d14m0nds33k3r]

Ah I see, it's not something I'm too bothered about then

 

[sledge]

@sledge I’m sick and going back to bed. Can you help?

I can cover this. Get rest and feeling better.

OP, I have to meet with a wedding vendor and help my fiancee figure out some stuff. I will post some stones when I get back.

In the interim, please post the stuff I asked about earlier.

 

[d14m0nds33k3r]

Thanks @whitewave and get well soon

@sledge sure thing!

My budget is around $3.5 - 4.5k

Not stuck on JA; in terms of size, something around 0.8-1.0 would be great, colour at least a G, and clarity SI1 and above.

 

[crbl999]

.856 E SI1 $4,438
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3982403.htm

@d14m0nds33k3r This stone is a great value as the SI1 clarity allows for a higher color.

 

[AprilBaby]

That’s a beauty!

 

[OoohShiny]

Thanks @whitewave and get well soon

@sledge sure thing!

My budget is around $3.5 - 4.5k

Not stuck on JA; in terms of size, something around 0.8-1.0 would be great, colour at least a G, and clarity SI1 and above.

There are 11 AGS000 stones on the PS search tool over 0.8ct and under $5k (which might be less when pay-by-wire discount is included) with PS-recommended parameters:
https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/search?vendor=-1&branded=None&inhouse=-1&shape=1&minprice=1&maxprice=5000&mincarat=0.8&maxcarat=2&mindepth=60&maxdepth=62.3&mintable=53&maxtable=58&mincut=1&maxcut=6&mincolor=1&maxcolor=4&minclarity=2&maxclarity=8&minsymmetry=1&maxsymmetry=2&minpolish=1&maxpolish=2&min_cut_gia=1&max_cut_gia=6&min_cut_ags=1&max_cut_ags=7&minflourescence=1&maxflourescence=6&checkbox_panel1=,02&checkbox_panel2=&sort=&page=1&pageview=24&adv=true&days=100&cert_number=


If one swaps to GIA XXX with Excellent HCA scores (indicating the angles of the stone work to the best that they can) there are around 250 options:
https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds/search?vendor=-1&branded=None&inhouse=-1&shape=1&minprice=1&maxprice=5000&mincarat=0.8&maxcarat=2&mindepth=60&maxdepth=62.3&mintable=53&maxtable=58&mincut=1&maxcut=1&mincolor=1&maxcolor=4&minclarity=2&maxclarity=8&minsymmetry=1&maxsymmetry=2&minpolish=1&maxpolish=2&min_cut_gia=1&max_cut_gia=6&min_cut_ags=1&max_cut_ags=7&minflourescence=1&maxflourescence=6&checkbox_panel1=,03&checkbox_panel2=&sort=&page=1&pageview=24&adv=true&days=100&cert_number=

You could even get to 0.9ct D VS1 if you were happy with Very Strong Blue fluor:
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/117780...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

 

[sledge]

.856 E SI1 $4,438
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3982403.htm

@d14m0nds33k3r This stone is a great value as the SI1 clarity allows for a higher color.

When my fiancee first said she saw some tint in her stone, I had found this stone and kicked around upgrading her to an ACA for a little bit since BGD didn't have anything comparable in-stock that would have worked. Ultimately I decided not to do so but have been amazed the stone has stuck around so long. A few weeks back someone else had found it and mentioned it as well.

Earlier today, in another thread someone had mentioned this stone but said one of the twinning wisps were visible. I can't confirm or deny that as I never got that far into my analysis. But I mention as something to check out and confirm prior to buying.

 

[KKJohnson]

Love this one
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4027058.htm

 

[krusty900]

In regards to that e diamond. This was the reply I got, Hope it’s not against forum rules to post
‘It is very icy blue white, and provides fantastic brilliance and fire.
The diamond is eye clean from 10”, but I am able to see one of the twinning wisps that extends from the crown onto the table, from as close as I can focus.
The proper lighting is required, and it does not impact performance at all. It is simply visible without magnification.’

I considered it too,I probably have to much emphasis on inclusions. Oh well the cbi it is

 

[sledge]

As others have started suggesting, there are some super ideals in your price range if you don't mind dipping down to the lower constraints of your carat weight range.

These all get you to the 0.90ct range, have fantastic proportions and should be little fireballs of sparkle awesomeness. In all cases, verify with the vendor to ensure they are eye clean and request they provide you real pictures, videos and an ASET and/or idealscope image.


0.90ct G SI1 @ $3,638 - 55 table, 61.9 depth, 34.5/40.8 & 75 LGF
https://parcelandstone.com/diamond/...o-1083487?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc

https://www.fourmine.com/shop/diamond/1083487?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2018

Both links are for the same stone. Four Mine has a slightly better price @ $3,629.


0.90ct F SI1 @ $4,220 - 55 table, 61.7 depth, 34.5/40.8 & 75 LGF
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R90-169743758?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc


0.90ct D SI1 @ $4,086 - 55 table, 62.3 depth, 34.5/40.8 & 80 LGF
https://www.yadavjewelry.com/diamond/round-diamond-0.9-carat-d-si1-yd4240820

Video has me concerned it may not be eye clean. Also, depth is within max 62.4 limit I like to stick to but I really prefer to be around 62 or less.


0.90ct G SI1 @ $4,293 - 56 table, 61.7 depth, 35/40.6 & 75 LGF
https://www.fourmine.com/shop/diamond/75126758?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2018

 

[d14m0nds33k3r]

Thanks everyone for you inputs & recommendations

I've shortlisted the following, and although 1) seems to be the most value to me, can someone help me understand why there is a roughly $600 price difference from 2) given that the specs are more or less similar? is it simply a case of the nature of the inclusions?

Btw, what does LGF mean?

1) 0.90ct G SI1 @ $3,638 - 55 table, 61.9 depth, 34.5/40.8 & 75 LGF
https://parcelandstone.com/diamond/...o-1083487?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc

https://www.fourmine.com/shop/diamond/1083487?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2018

2) 0.90ct G SI1 @ $4,293 - 56 table, 61.7 depth, 35/40.6 & 75 LGF
https://www.fourmine.com/shop/diamond/75126758?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2018


3) 0.90ct F SI1 @ $4,220 - 55 table, 61.7 depth, 34.5/40.8 & 75 LGF
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R90-169743758?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc

 

[crbl999]

LGF is lower girdle facet. You see this as how fat or narrow the arrows are when the diamond is face up. Price difference between one and 2 could be due to the grade setting inclusion... cloud vs twinning wisp. Option 1 needs to be checked to make sure the cloud doesn't make the stone hazy or milky. Price difference between one and two could also be due to variations in diamond prices depending on when the stones were purchased. Difference in price between option one and three is due to the color grade be higher... F vs G.

 

[d14m0nds33k3r]

LGF is lower girdle facet. You see this as how fat or narrow the arrows are when the diamond is face up. Price difference between one and 2 could be due to the grade setting inclusion... cloud vs twinning wisp. Option 1 needs to be checked to make sure the cloud doesn't make the stone hazy or milky. Price difference between one and two could also be due to variations in diamond prices depending on when the stones were purchased. Difference in price between option one and three is due to the color grade be higher... F vs G.

very helpful, thanks

 

[d14m0nds33k3r]

Can anyone help me take a look at this piece as well?

http://www.fonderdiamond.sg/en/diamonddetail.jsp?id=3359408

 

[beardog]

Stick to AGS or GIA

 

[sledge]

Can anyone help me take a look at this piece as well?

http://www.fonderdiamond.sg/en/diamonddetail.jsp?id=3359408

This stone is a firm pass for me. EGL is not a trusted lab and frankly lacks sufficient information to analyze the cut because it fails to provide crown & pavilion angles. When you can't trust the data you are receiving it's hard to really consider that stone a serious contender.

To ensure reliable results, stick to GIA or AGS certification.

I might add on the above stones I recommended...the 34.5/40.8 combos is preferred over the 34.5/40.6 combo. While that 0.2 difference in pavilion seems minor, it can be a hit or miss thing depending how precise (or not precise) the stone is actually cut.

Using the AGS proportions charts you can see where the 34.5/40.8 is deep in ideal territory so even with some variances, there is less chance of a non-ideal stone. The 34.5/40.6 combo is still pretty good as you can also see but has a little more variability. That aspect aside, you also look for balance and how angles compliment each other. The 40.8 pavilion is a little more complimentary than the 40.6 although both can be beautiful.

 

[lovedogs]

Can anyone help me take a look at this piece as well?

http://www.fonderdiamond.sg/en/diamonddetail.jsp?id=3359408

Definitely stick with AGS/GIA graded stones, and pass on this one.

 

[d14m0nds33k3r]

Cheers guys, and thanks for the excellent analysis as always @sledge.

Will pass on the EGL stone, after also reading elsewhere that they tend to "upgrade" diamonds arbitrarily

 

[d14m0nds33k3r]

This stone is a firm pass for me. EGL is not a trusted lab and frankly lacks sufficient information to analyze the cut because it fails to provide crown & pavilion angles. When you can't trust the data you are receiving it's hard to really consider that stone a serious contender.

To ensure reliable results, stick to GIA or AGS certification.

I might add on the above stones I recommended...the 34.5/40.8 combos is preferred over the 34.5/40.6 combo. While that 0.2 difference in pavilion seems minor, it can be a hit or miss thing depending how precise (or not precise) the stone is actually cut.

Using the AGS proportions charts you can see where the 34.5/40.8 is deep in ideal territory so even with some variances, there is less chance of a non-ideal stone. The 34.5/40.6 combo is still pretty good as you can also see but has a little more variability. That aspect aside, you also look for balance and how angles compliment each other. The 40.8 pavilion is a little more complimentary than the 40.6 although both can be beautiful.

Btw this is such a cool tool; do you mind sharing the workable document with me?

 

[sledge]

Btw this is such a cool tool; do you mind sharing the workable document with me?

Thanks. I have no issues sharing but have been asked not to do so by the mods as not to conflict with some of their other tools. Sorry.

 

[d14m0nds33k3r]

Thanks. I have no issues sharing but have been asked not to do so by the mods as not to conflict with some of their other tools. Sorry.

No worries!