HCA Score 2.4

[blingcrazed]

Hi,

I just purchased this diamond for an engagement ring, I was wondering if I could get some feedback on it.

GIA - https://drive.google.com/open?id=11dRsm1Vs88kBEfKLFP9A4Kp9RmswOQ6y
HCA Score - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1OeJT8JihGHb9VrEUNvlt3wG6mrP3vtYC

One thing that's a little odd with the HCA report is that when you look at the possible GIA & AGS grades, it's predicting this stone would classify as very good for GIA however it's tipple excellent on the GIA report.

My idea was not to go in for the super ideal specs but get a hearts and arrows diamond that was very close. I found that I was able to maximize value by doing that and while I may not get the absolute best stone, I would still have something very good. With this diamond, the crown angle is about a degree higher that the recommended specs, although the pavilion angle is at the lowest within the recommended range (hopefully that compensates somewhat for the high crown angle).

Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[skypie]

Did you get to see hearts and arrows images for this stone? That is the only way to know if it's really a H&A stone.

 

[blueMA]

The crown is a bit high and the stone is slightly deep. With that combo, it probably won't give you the best balanced light performance, but chances are you'll see a lot of fire.

The specs are outside H&A. More here http://www.heartsandarrows.com/hearts-arrows-diamond-ideal-cut-dna.aspx

 

[rockysalamander]

I'm pretty well known for liking higher crown angles, but I have to agree with @blueMA that this one is just too steep. Its really not the best combination to get the kind of performance you sought.

You said you did not go for the "super best specs" but you did choose a very high color and clarity. Is that culturally important? If you are happy to share your budget, we can post some options that might provide better performance.

Something like this would be worth asking an IS image for from JA.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5015548
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4956586

Or, for the same $15k as the above two, you can get a super-ideal.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3784275.htm

 

[blingcrazed]

Thanks a lot for the replies, much appreciated. The ring just came in, blueMA you are right, there is a lot of fire. It is lacking the brilliance I hoped for. This is the diamond: https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD10302397 . The price converts to USD 13,200.

rockysalamander, I do need a D color for personal reasons. I want a VS1 or higher because I would know for sure it will be eye clean. Yes I do have a $15K budget. I like the first diamond you have there although I'm a bit concerned about the strong blue florescence.

What do you think of this? https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD08756582?click_id=158436365

Thanks!

 

[blueMA]

That stone's proportion is better, but the girdle is a bit thick at 4.5%
It'll still perform better than the earlier one. Do you need to go with Bluenile?

If your preference for D is for a cultural reason, I understand, but you probably won't be able to tell the difference with an E, and even F looks very white. That's coming from myself who is very color sensitive.

Also you can probably lower the clarity grade to VS2 to expand your option - many eye clean ones out there. Not seeing a lot out here at D VS1 and up with near H&A...

 

[blingcrazed]

I would like to use bluenile due to a big air miles bonus I am getting. I also notice their prices are very good and also comes with the price match guarantee.

 

[blueMA]

I would like to use bluenile due to a big air miles bonus I am getting. I also notice their prices are very good and also comes with the price match guarantee.

Got it, just one more thing - the 1.50 stone has a medium blue florescence, you should be careful when that's combined with the cloud mentioned under the comments. Have someone vet it to be sure it won't look hazy under sun.

 

[blingcrazed]

Got it, just one more thing - the 1.50 stone has a medium blue florescence, you should be careful when that's combined with the cloud mentioned under the comments. Have someone vet it to be sure it won't look hazy under sun.

Do you think Bluenile would do it? Would they be honest about it?

 

[blingcrazed]

How about this one: https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD10095171 ?

 

[blingcrazed]

This one, a VS2, doesn't have a picture although the specs seem to look good - https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD10300302

 

[gm89uk]

Hey @blingcrazed, I wouldn't advise to buy without a photo, unless they can get one for you.

The reason being, the angles and proportions you are seeing are averages of 8(mostly). The angles on the diamond if well cut will all be very close to the specified angle, where as a poorly cut diamond can have greatly variable angles that happen to average well.

Secondly if you want absolutely certain of eye clean you need at the minimum a photo and someone to vet the diamond.

While shopping at blue Nile is useful due to the bonus you get, you are looking at D diamonds where well cut ones are few and far between, so I suggest buying one in budget wherever it is available!

Secondly VS1 would usually guarantee you eye clean but if you shop smart, an SI1 would look just as clean. I'd be comfortable buying a clean si2 but that's much more tricky.

Secondly, is D colour firmly set in stone? Obviously you have a set budget. Your required specifications will only get you so much carat, is it important for you to have D or to your intended? Would she rather have a bigger stone?

I had a good look on BN and really only saw well cut Es at best, couldn't find any Ds I would be happy to buy myself.

The best bang for buck stone I found was
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4798885

With wires discount, James Allen infinity discount (which can be around $400 at times), to can get considerable money off this stone. Twinning wisps are clear but must be vetted by JA gemologist for transparency issues due to wisps, graining and fluor. If it's clear it's a bargain, if not, no harm done.

I picked JA purely because that's where I found a nice stone. If I come across a D I'll let you now.

 

[rockysalamander]

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD10095171
{this has a low crown angle and it will be obstructed when viewed closely. I'd eliminate.}

Possibilities.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab {clear crystal inclusions, but will be eyeclean}
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...S&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab:love:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2281104

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4236788

If you will consider E color.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...S&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab:love:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4420648


If you want a sure thing, I'd go with a super-ideal.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947671.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3784275.htm
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9802

 

[gm89uk]

Possibilities.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab {clear crystal inclusions, but will be eyeclean}

This was another one I found but didn't suggest due to the obstruction at 7clock, but it's probably a very pretty option if he didn't mind that area.

 

[blueMA]

Do you think Bluenile would do it? Would they be honest about it?

You just need to ask and insist on it. Most vendors don't want stones shipped and returned. The only downside could be that they can sometimes drag their feet on such request and you find the stone is snatched up by someone else.

 

[blingcrazed]

Thanks guys, some good options & advice here. I do like https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09100849 . gm89uk, how is there a 7clock obstruction?

 

[gm89uk]

Thanks guys, some good options & advice here. I do like https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD09100849 . gm89uk, how is there a 7clock obstruction?

This is a nice article posted recently by @blueMA that discusses obstruction.

http://niceice.com/diamond-grading-...ing_wp_cron=1524983722.1954379081726074218750

There is some variation in the half pavilion mains. That area is black, as it is reflecting the camera lens. In real life it either be bright or dark if you get close to it (obstruction) as it is reflecting light directly in front of the diamond, rather than a slightly wider angle.. The asymmetry there would most likely be associated with some leakage as well.

For most people it's a none issue as it's isolated to one clock hour, but it may bother some if a slight area under the table appears a bit dark at times.

It's the bit in-between the arrows.

 

[blingcrazed]

I see, I think this is something I'd be ok with. I don't think my budget will allow me to be super picky based on what I want.

It's scoring a HCA of 1.6.

 

[rockysalamander]

I think for the size and budget, its a good choice. If you are unhappy with it, you can send it back.

Do you need help with a setting? BN setting are a bit hit and miss.

 

[blingcrazed]

Thanks, would appreciate if you could post any others if you see anything else. Yes would like some help with the setting. BN seems pretty limited when it comes to 18K white gold settings (she seems to ideally want 19K white gold). She seems to like something simple and the one I picked was this: https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-your-own-ring/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-18k-white-gold_3073

Any thoughts?

 

[rockysalamander]

Thanks, would appreciate if you could post any others if you see anything else. Yes would like some help with the setting. BN seems pretty limited when it comes to 18K white gold settings (she seems to ideally want 19K white gold). She seems to like something simple and the one I picked was this: https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-your-own-ring/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-18k-white-gold_3073

Any thoughts?

Hmmm...the higher the metal carat the more soft the metal and the more yellow gold in mixed in. White gold is plated with rhodium to make it "white", you'll see a lot of the metal color contrasting as the plating wear off. White gold will also have nickel. Do you know it she's sensitive to nickel.

I'd recommend platinum. What do you think?

Here are some additional setting. What I look for are 6 prongs, some elegance and more points of contact between the head and the ring. These are BN's most popular settings as they have those features. I prefer the 2.2 mm, but you know your girl.

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-y...ing_38922?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample {the head on this is more graceful than the ones you selected, otherwise similar, 2.2 mm)

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-y...num_19009?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample (same setting, just a bit thinner at 1.8 mm)

Honestly, I really prefer James Allen's setting. You could by the setting from JA and have BN set the diamond in it. Your diamond would still be returnable, but not the settings.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-flower-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-50125]
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...gold-crown-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53314
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...dern-tulip-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50671

 

[blingcrazed]

She is not sensitive to nickel. She doesn't seem to want platinum because she think it scratches easily and they show quite well. I do like those JA rings, I will look into getting it set by BN.

 

[blingcrazed]

So right now I'm trying to decide between these two:

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08756582
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09100849

Thoughts?

 

[rockysalamander]

My vote would be for https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09100849.

 

[blueMA]

This is a tough choice for me. They're quite similar and neck to neck, the first one is a bit shallower (I like), the second one has smaller table (I like), the diameter is exactly the same, and both have the same cloud comment I'm cautious of. Ultimately if I had to pick strictly by the photo, I'd pick the second one as @rockysalamander because I see less clustering under the table and it'll have more fire. From the star facet patterns, the first one may have better scintillation IRL. I'd ask for IS and ASET images for both.

 

[rockysalamander]

This is a tough choice for me. They're quite similar and neck to neck, the first one is a bit shallower (I like), the second one has smaller table (I like), the diameter is exactly the same, and both have the same cloud comment I'm cautious of. Ultimately if I had to pick strictly by the photo, I'd pick the second one as @rockysalamander because I see less clustering under the table and it'll have more fire. From the star facet patterns, the first one may have better scintillation IRL. I'd ask for IS and ASET images for both.

BN won't provide ASET or IS. Has anyone looked on enchanted diamonds or b2c to see if they have the same stone?

 

[blueMA]

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/9579487/Round-diamond-D-color-VS2-clarity

 

[blingcrazed]

Thanks for finding this, I requested both the images, they will send it to me on Monday. Looks like they don't have the other stone.

 

[blueMA]

Thanks for finding this, I requested both the images, they will send it to me on Monday. Looks like they don't have the other stone.

Unless you could put a hold on the stone, they move pretty slow on getting the images (supplier time difference) and you may lose out of the stone. They don't have the other stone on their web, but they may be able to find the stone for you - give them the GIA number.

 

[blingcrazed]

They said they maybe able to get it, said they will let me know tomorrow.