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Help! Best Quality and Carat for ~ usd 2700

Sparky_fry

Rough_Rock
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Sep 13, 2016
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I need some help choosing a diamond costing at a max of ~ 2700. For this price range i'm looking for a stone from 0.65-0.75. I know about the HDA, and hearts/arrows diagrams but need some help in choosing. Also for websites such as bluenile/james allen how long does it take to get a idealscope picture and how do you request one?

Here are my top picks so far.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1945396

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2003052

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/0.70-Round-EX-GIA-I-VVS2-diamond-stock-RB22359-cert-6215665856

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.638-h-vs2-round-diamond-bfg-21779

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3717125.htm

http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD07557411

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 

ac117

Ideal_Rock
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You selected a bunch of nice stones! Of the bunch, I'd either go with the WF stone or one of the JA stones. The GOG has a lower crown angle so it won't has as much fire as the others and the BG stone is just not the best value given it's the smallest and most expensive. You're lucky if BN is able to even provide an image of the stone (just call or chat with them to ask) so I'd eliminate them just on that when comparing to these other vendors.

You know you're getting the best of the best in cut with the WF stone. The JA stone are both very nice options with safe numbers and save you a little bit of money. I love the H/VS2 especially with that tiny table! You can call or live chat with JA to see if they can provide you with ideal scopes.
 

Sparky_fry

Rough_Rock
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Thanks for your help.

So I've received two ideal scopes from james Allen:

$2360
SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 0.70
COLOR: I
CLARITY: VS1
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Very Good
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 5.70*5.68*3.48

L/W RATIO: 1.00
DEPTH %: 61.10
GIRDLE: Slightly Thick - Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 59.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 35.00
CROWN %: 14.50
PAVILION ∠: 40.60

And:

$2640
SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 0.73
COLOR: I
CLARITY: VS1
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 5.77*5.81*3.56

L/W RATIO: 1.01
DEPTH %: 61.50
GIRDLE: Medium - Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 56.00
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 34.50
CROWN %: 15.00
PAVILION ∠: 40.60
PAVILION %: 42.50

I'm wondering if I should look for a color better than I, or are the cut above diamonds worth sacrificing some color. The diamond will be set in rose gold. Should I look for a better color diamond, choose one of the james allens, or jump after the whiteflash?

Thanks again!

_38333.jpg

_38334.jpg
 

ac117

Ideal_Rock
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I'd pass on the stone in the first image. Second image looks like the stone was tilted but looks nice.

I color won't be icy white, but it will still look very white, especially at this size and against rose gold. But color is a very personal choice. A well cut stone will also look whiter and brighter so the ACA will be a great option! Are you the wearer? Have you seen H/I color stones in person?
 

Sparky_fry

Rough_Rock
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Sep 13, 2016
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It's not for me, I'm just the purchaser :lol:

I have seen them in person and to be honest I haven't seen much difference, but I still want to get the best quality stone.

I'm just wondering if the cut above line is worth the extra price for the peace of mind?

For example this diamond is the same price, slightly smaller but a g colour. It also scores a 0.8 on the hda.

_38336.jpg
 

Sparky_fry

Rough_Rock
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Does anyone have any recommendations? I am hoping to buy the diamond today and meet with the jeweler tomorrow.

Thanks!
 

ac117

Ideal_Rock
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Some people like the idea of knowing they have the best of the best cut - whether or not that difference between super ideal and cherry picked GIAXXX stones is that drastic at this size is up for debate. I personally prefer H color or above in MRB stones but there are so many members here who have and love their I color stones. I know this doesn't really help you much but there is peace of mind going with that WF stone knowing the cut will be phenomenal. And since it's going into a RG setting, I'm not as worried.

Could they not provide you with an IS for this stone? I really think this is a stunning option and a great balance of specs!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1945396

Other options (sorry I’m about to go into a meeting so I’ll try to look more later if no one else has done so!):
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2069592
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-2047735
 

Sparky_fry

Rough_Rock
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Unfortunately they could not prove scopes for the stone you suggested.

I was able to get 2addidional scopes though for these:

SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 0.70
COLOR: H
CLARITY: VS2
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 5.64*5.68*3.51

1.01
DEPTH %: 62.00
GIRDLE: Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 57.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 35.00
CROWN %: 15.00
PAVILION ∠: 40.60



Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 0.70
COLOR: H
CLARITY: VS2
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 5.62*5.66*3.51

1.01
DEPTH %: 62.30
GIRDLE: Medium - Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 57.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 36.00
CROWN %: 15.50
PAVILION ∠: 40.60

Unfortunately I dont think either are winners

_38342.jpg

_38343.jpg
 

kb1gra

Brilliant_Rock
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First one no, second one is better.
 

two_little_birds

Brilliant_Rock
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Out of them all I like the WF one best. ACA diamonds are stunning!! :love:
 

Sparky_fry

Rough_Rock
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So I think I have narrowed it down to three.

the ACA http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3702242.htm Tis one seems to have a lot of inclusions, but being a VS2 and ACA I assume it's nothing to worry about.

The james allen (which coincides with the bottom scope image abaove) https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2021324

and a BG http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.701-h-vs1-round-diamond-bfg-16088

Do you think going up to an H, up to VS1, down 0.014 carats, and up 392 in price is worth it?

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed :lol: How are you to pick a diamond when james allen has a limit of a few scopes provided and BN doesn't have any.

Thank you all for your help! It even helps to type and talk it out myself.
 

kb1gra

Brilliant_Rock
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I would probably buy the whiteflash stone.

That being said, important to remember there will always be a "nicer" option for only a little bit more, and that's a bit of a rabbit hole...well for $400 more I get this...but for $600 more I get that! and pretty soon you're $3k over budget because there will always be a bigger, cleaner, whiter diamond.

So with what you've got I'd take the guaranteed performer with all the paperwork and the lifetime upgrade policy and pat myself on the back and be done.
 

Sparky_fry

Rough_Rock
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Sparky_fry|1474645629|4079957 said:
So I think I have narrowed it down to three.

the ACA http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3702242.htm Tis one seems to have a lot of inclusions, but being a VS2 and ACA I assume it's nothing to worry about.

EDIT it's actually this stone

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3717125.htm

The james allen (which coincides with the bottom scope image abaove) https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2021324

and a BG http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.701-h-vs1-round-diamond-bfg-16088

Do you think going up to an H, up to VS1, down 0.014 carats, and up 392 in price is worth it?

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed :lol: How are you to pick a diamond when james allen has a limit of a few scopes provided and BN doesn't have any.

Thank you all for your help! It even helps to type and talk it out myself.

I am also leaning that way. Thank you
 

kb1gra

Brilliant_Rock
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Saw your edit and I would probably still take the whiteflash stone, but I don't mind an I. I think the inclusions are fine.

I have an F/SI1 from Whiteflash. There's all kinds of inclusions, but I can't see any of them because the stone is smaller than 0.6ct. Really hard to see inclusions in a stone that small unless it's really bad.
 

ac117

Ideal_Rock
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I was going to say the WF stone if you could spring it and then read your edit! :silenced: An I should still be fine for most....at least there's an amazing return/upgrade policy in the event she sees a noticeable tint. I wouldn't be worried about the inclusions at all but you could verify with WF at what distance/angle they are visible. You're getting really close! Can't wait to see the final product! :appl:
 

Sparky_fry

Rough_Rock
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I hate to bring up another, but if i go down to S1 i can get this H for negligible price difference to me.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3702659.htm#

The thing is that I'm shipping to canada. I know they have a great return policy, but is it a hassle if you need to return to them from Canada?

I'm also thinking an I will be fine though She wants rose gold, and also a halo. She likes a classic look so I think a warmer color may even add to that look?

One other question, since it is a halo is it a concern if the halo diamonds are whiter then the center stone?

Thank you again for all the help. I have decided to go with white flash, just need to pick the one now.
 

kb1gra

Brilliant_Rock
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I think an I in colored gold will look fine and you can ask whiteflash about the melee but I think it's probably okay.

I think the VS2 is likely to look cleaner than the SI1 you just posted. Both are marked eye clean but the SI1 has an inclusion on the table.
 

ac117

Ideal_Rock
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Call WF and talk to them about those two diamond. Ask them to take them both out and evaluate them and maybe they can send you a photo or video comparing the two. They will also be able to tell you about the eye cleanliness and which one performs better in person! I knew it was going in RG but if it's going in a halo, I think you are absolutely fine with the I - tint is noticeable from the side, which the halo will hide.
 

Sparky_fry

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Perfect. Thank you for all the helpful advice. I will contact whiteflash and let you know of my decision.
 

Sparky_fry

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So after talking to Whiteflash, comparing the diamonds I got this response:

"Both diamonds are very beautiful and have fantastic sparkle, fire, and brilliance, face up nice and bright white, and are eye clean.

When comparing the diamond from the top for color, they faced up the same, this is to be expected as it takes at least 2 color grades separation to see a difference in color. From the side, the color difference is slightly more visible to the naked eye, but again, this is to be expected. The I color will still face up nice and bright white, even surrounded by a diamond halo.

In regards to clarity, the SI1 was eye clean from the top and the side, also I was not able to locate the inclusions at 6 inches (which is about as close as the eye can focus) Under magnification, the inclusions in the SI1 are easier to spot when comparing them to the VS2, however the inclusions in the SI1 are still light in color and will take at least 10X magnification to find."

I'm leaning towards the I color diamond, slightly bigger and slightly cheaper.

Searching through their database I saw this diamond, which i'm not interested in, but found it interesting.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3716171.htm

The AGS report is dated 2006. Is this a diamond that has been returned for trade up? Why else would a diamond be available that has a cert that is 10 years old?
 

kb1gra

Brilliant_Rock
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Sparky_fry|1474741095|4080311 said:
So after talking to Whiteflash, comparing the diamonds I got this response:

"Both diamonds are very beautiful and have fantastic sparkle, fire, and brilliance, face up nice and bright white, and are eye clean.

When comparing the diamond from the top for color, they faced up the same, this is to be expected as it takes at least 2 color grades separation to see a difference in color. From the side, the color difference is slightly more visible to the naked eye, but again, this is to be expected. The I color will still face up nice and bright white, even surrounded by a diamond halo.

In regards to clarity, the SI1 was eye clean from the top and the side, also I was not able to locate the inclusions at 6 inches (which is about as close as the eye can focus) Under magnification, the inclusions in the SI1 are easier to spot when comparing them to the VS2, however the inclusions in the SI1 are still light in color and will take at least 10X magnification to find."

I'm leaning towards the I color diamond, slightly bigger and slightly cheaper.

Searching through their database I saw this diamond, which i'm not interested in, but found it interesting.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3716171.htm

The AGS report is dated 2006. Is this a diamond that has been returned for trade up? Why else would a diamond be available that has a cert that is 10 years old?

Could be one that whiteflash accepted in trade, but it's virtual selection, so it's available to other dealers as well. Another vendor may have taken it in trade up. Sometimes stones just sit in the vault for awhile, too. Happens more when they have a really odd combination of characteristics (like a J/IF), but impossible to tell just based on the cert.
 

doberman

Ideal_Rock
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The I color will be fine! I wouldn't lower the size, stick with the I. Don't let all kinds of doubt creep in, you've made a great choice. The ACA stone will be gorgeous. As an aside, my stone has an AGS date of 2008, it sat around unset in a safe deposit box for a few years until I bought it in 2013.
 

Sparky_fry

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junhox212

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I was just looking at stones .75-.99 and came across this I color SI1 .80 carats signature cut at Blue Nile. I guess if you care for more carat weight and can increase budget by few hundred ($3,029 bank wire price) this can be an option to consider?

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07521616
 

Sparky_fry

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Thanks for your reply and recommendation. That diamond however is about $500 CAD more that the WF diamond (including the -$25 first time purchase discount) I'm happy with the WF diamond as it fits nicely within my budget and is a good stone. I have the diamond reserved and will hopefully get everything worked out today.

Thanks again everyone!
 

OoohShiny

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Sparky_fry|1474905209|4080882 said:
Thanks for your reply and recommendation. That diamond however is about $500 CAD more that the WF diamond (including the -$25 first time purchase discount) I'm happy with the WF diamond as it fits nicely within my budget and is a good stone. I have the diamond reserved and will hopefully get everything worked out today.

Thanks again everyone!

Excellent, we will look forward to pictures ;-) :D
 

Sparky_fry

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Here are the pics of the ring! It's hard to get the phone camera to focus. My only worry is that the diamond is set too high. Can a diamond be reset lower after its been set. Of course we can think about that when she has the ring. I think it's beautiful

20161103_130402-1.jpg

20161103_131050-1.jpg

20161103_130423-3.jpg

20160928_140018.jpg
 

OoohShiny

Ideal_Rock
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Congrats! :))

It looks like a good size stone that is complemented nicely by the melee in the band! Rose gold is a nice choice too, don't see much of it about these days (over here at least) so it's good to have something a little different :)

Is the stone set too high? I think you will have to let the wearer decide :) Having it more flush would perhaps be a 'sleeker' look, but then you wouldn't be able to see as much of the stone from the side! Pros and cons to each option so I think wait and see :sun:
 
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