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Help choosing diamonds for proposal

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ivandjaw

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
Feb 6, 2018
Messages
18
Hello all, I looked around and found a few diamonds within my budget.
My max budget is $1400 (diamond only).
Currently, I'm looking at 0.6-0.7ct J VS2(or above) 3EX diamonds and the following are my options:

https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017 0.6ct J VS2 3EX Medium, HCA Index 4 $1093
Looks like a very good value, but I'm not sure why it's priced so low compared to others?

https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017 0.6ct J VS2 3EX None, HCA Index 1.2 $1260
They don't have the diamonds' picture listed on the website, I talked with them and they said the inclusions were in the diamond (not really well hidden), but not visible to the eye unless if you use magnification

https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017 0.65ct J VVS1 3EX None, HCA Index 1.7 $1360
Looks like another good diamond, but I wasn't sure if the slightly smaller than the ideal crown angle (31.5 deg) will matter?

Other questions:
- I talked with some of the diamond experts from the store and they told me that they don't usually use HCA index that much as it's somewhat subjective. I'm not sure either, is that true?
- I use rarecarat.com for diamond search, has anyone have any experience using the website? What do you think? It seems to me that the website gives many better choices than using BN or JA alone.
- A lady at the rarecarat.com customer service told me that her ideal cut is Table 56-59, Depth 62, Crown Angle 33-35. I also looked at GIA's explanation about cut and to be honest, I'm not sure how can I decide how good a diamond is if they're listed as excellent cut but they have different brilliance...
- Any other options within my budget? The less the better :)

Thank you!
 
Definitely not #1 (crown angle too high) or #3 (crown angle too low) if you want superideal cut. The link for #2 doesn't work.
 
skypie said:
Definitely not #1 (crown angle too high) or #3 (crown angle too low) if you want superideal cut. The link for #2 doesn't work.
Click to expand...
that's weird, link #2 was still there when i posted the link, now it's gone... Here's the GIA report link: https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2278903507

what is the ideal cut proportion? I don't necessarily need a super ideal cut, but I want it to be as ideal as possible within my budget & available options :D
 
These are the figures people usually recommend on this forum:

table: 54-58

depth: 60-62.3

crown angle: 34-35.0 (up to 35.5 crown angle can sometimes work with a 40.6 pav angle)

pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)
 
At the end of the day, I narrowed down my choice to these 3 options:

1. https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017 0.71ct J VS1 3EX HCA2.3 NONE $1489

2. https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017 0.64ct J VS1 3EX HCA1.6 FAINT $1363

3. https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017 0.74ct J VS1 3EX HCA0.9 STRONG $1664

My questions:
1. Is it worth it to splurge an additional $$$ from the 0.64ct to 0.71ct or 0.74ct? I'm thinking to have a simple solitaire 6 prongs setting in 18K White Gold, ring size is roughly 4.25-4.5.
2. Is it better to just get the 0.74ct and have a solitaire setting or get the 0.64ct and spend the $$$ difference in a better setting (e.g.: https://www.fourmine.com/shop/engag...diamond-engagement-ring?metal=150&shape=167)?

Thanks!
 
I'd spend most of the budget on the diamond. Especially if you are unsure of her ring size. Simple solitaire is good, and she can choose or design a different setting after the proposal.

I've also heard of this: a diamond pendant is used for the proposal. Then you and the bride-2-be choose the rings together. Set of birth stone -or a colored stone that matches your wedding attire- into the pendant, and she can wear it on your wedding day.
 
#1 - GIA 2277810476, no photo and no ASET or IS image to evaluate light return. I don't like the CA/PA combo. I'd eliminate this one.
#2 - GIA 6275783823. Photo is nice, but don't love the CA/PA combo. I'd eliminate this one too.
#3 - GIA 2277740611. Photo is nice. This has a good PA/CA combo. I'd personally prefer a smaller table and the CA being lower.

If it was me, I'd choose this one. All the numbers are excellent and well inside recommended proportions. This, to me, is a better choice than #3 at the top of your budget. It has a cloud in the clarity and plot, so make sure the vendor's gemologist looks at this for impact on the stone.
https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/ringbuilder/loosediamond/view/id/FM49873

If you budget will allow it, I like this setting. J color can be detected from the side of a stone. But having a detailed gallery, you won't see it as well.
https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/ringbuilder/loosediamond/view/id/FM49873

And this looks like a classic tiffany solitaire.
https://www.fourmine.com/shop/engag...ng-solitaire-diamond-ring?metal=150&shape=167
 
ringo865 said:
I'd spend most of the budget on the diamond. Especially if you are unsure of her ring size. Simple solitaire is good, and she can choose or design a different setting after the proposal.

I've also heard of this: a diamond pendant is used for the proposal. Then you and the bride-2-be choose the rings together. Set of birth stone -or a colored stone that matches your wedding attire- into the pendant, and she can wear it on your wedding day.
Click to expand...
Yes, that's what I figure I will do... As for the 2nd one, maybe not... I will leave it to her for jewelry selection later...

rockysalamander said:
#1 - GIA 2277810476, no photo and no ASET or IS image to evaluate light return. I don't like the CA/PA combo. I'd eliminate this one.
#2 - GIA 6275783823. Photo is nice, but don't love the CA/PA combo. I'd eliminate this one too.
#3 - GIA 2277740611. Photo is nice. This has a good PA/CA combo. I'd personally prefer a smaller table and the CA being lower.

If it was me, I'd choose this one. All the numbers are excellent and well inside recommended proportions. This, to me, is a better choice than #3 at the top of your budget. It has a cloud in the clarity and plot, so make sure the vendor's gemologist looks at this for impact on the stone.
https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/ringbuilder/loosediamond/view/id/FM49873

If you budget will allow it, I like this setting. J color can be detected from the side of a stone. But having a detailed gallery, you won't see it as well.
https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/ringbuilder/loosediamond/view/id/FM49873

And this looks like a classic tiffany solitaire.
https://www.fourmine.com/shop/engag...ng-solitaire-diamond-ring?metal=150&shape=167
Click to expand...

Thank you! May I know why do you think the first two are not good? I mean when you said that you didn't like the CA/PA combo, why don't you like it and how will it affect the diamond?

I've looked at the diamond you pointed out, what cause me not to choose that is the VS2 clarity, but I guess if I can get an ideal-scope image of the diamond + a 360 deg photos / videos, it will be better...

Anyway, any other options that I should look at?
 
The risk would be that these stones will be leaky as the high crown needs a lower PA (or vice versa). At 35.5 CA, I like to see 40.6 PA unless you will have an ASET image. If there was an IRL photo, that would tell us more. My approach was that you had 3 options, 1 of which was superior. I did search through their database (gads is is hard) and did not find anything that jumped out. I'll note that I don't know this seller or much about their skills or reputation.

What I'd suggest is that you contact IDJewelery in New York. Ask them if they can get the same stones you are interested in and, if so, if they will match the price. They provide beautiful ASET and IS images. They likely have others to also recommend (I'm at work and can't fight with their database right now). In any case, they have really nice settings and, all around, are a very good option when working o147n a budget. Tell him PS sent you.
https://idjewelry.com/
 
rockysalamander said:
The risk would be that these stones will be leaky as the high crown needs a lower PA (or vice versa). At 35.5 CA, I like to see 40.6 PA unless you will have an ASET image. If there was an IRL photo, that would tell us more. My approach was that you had 3 options, 1 of which was superior. I did search through their database (gads is is hard) and did not find anything that jumped out. I'll note that I don't know this seller or much about their skills or reputation.

What I'd suggest is that you contact IDJewelery in New York. Ask them if they can get the same stones you are interested in and, if so, if they will match the price. They provide beautiful ASET and IS images. They likely have others to also recommend (I'm at work and can't fight with their database right now). In any case, they have really nice settings and, all around, are a very good option when working o147n a budget. Tell him PS sent you.
https://idjewelry.com/
Click to expand...

Thank you! Yeah, I don't really understand about the relationship between PA and CA and other things. Also, I just got a reply from the store and they don't recommend the 1st stone because it faces up a little brownish while the 0.77ct stone that you recommended was already sold.

Now I'm looking at this stone: https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017 0.73ct J VS2 MED HCA0.7. Looks solid to me, what do you guys think?
 
ivandjaw said:
Thank you! Yeah, I don't really understand about the relationship between PA and CA and other things. Also, I just got a reply from the store and they don't recommend the 1st stone because it faces up a little brownish while the 0.77ct stone that you recommended was already sold.

Now I'm looking at this stone: https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017 0.73ct J VS2 MED HCA0.7. Looks solid to me, what do you guys think?
Click to expand...

Now the CA is too low. Let me look again, =)2

These are measurements to help you stay in ideal cut territory with a GIA excellent cut stone.
table: 52-57.5 (but I really prefer under 57)
depth: 60-62.3 {consider 59.5)
crown angle: 34-35.0 (up to 35.5 crown angle can sometimes work with a 40.6 pav angle)
pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)
Lower girdle facets between 75 – 80%
Star facets between 40 – 58%
Girdle thickness between thin and slightly thick
 
I looked down to .5 carat and all the FourMine diamonds are steep-deep or flattops. So, here are a few from other vendors. If you want to stay at ~0.70, you'll have to raise the budget a bit.

From JA, you can put up to 3 stones on hold. Then, request an IS (idealscope image). They won't have them all, but most.

1 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3879046 {$1770, over budget, but great angles, looks really nice in video}
2 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4431046 {$1610, over budget, good angles. Clarity good. I color}
3 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4504293
4 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2187132**
5 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3702195
6 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3952927.htm {.586 I SI1, smallest at this budget, but super-ideal and great tradeup policy}

If this setting suits, this is a GREAT price. Not GIA graded.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...rb-center-diamond-with-35-carat-setting-18kwg
 
rockysalamander said:
I looked down to .5 carat and all the FourMine diamonds are steep-deep or flattops. So, here are a few from other vendors. If you want to stay at ~0.70, you'll have to raise the budget a bit.

From JA, you can put up to 3 stones on hold. Then, request an IS (idealscope image). They won't have them all, but most.

1 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3879046 {$1770, over budget, but great angles, looks really nice in video}
2 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4431046 {$1610, over budget, good angles. Clarity good. I color}
3 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4504293
4 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2187132**
5 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3702195
6 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3952927.htm {.586 I SI1, smallest at this budget, but super-ideal and great tradeup policy}

If this setting suits, this is a GREAT price. Not GIA graded.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...rb-center-diamond-with-35-carat-setting-18kwg
Click to expand...

Thank you for the options.

I looked at a few other options and got this:
https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017

Also: https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/ringbuilder/loosediamond/view/id/E71216321
Video: https://segoma.com/v.aspx?type=inner&id=TLIOXP8Z11
The inclusions seem very visible to me?

What do you think?
 
PA way too deep on both. They will be leaking and that weight hides spread.
 
Option 2 (the .62 I SI1) posted above by @rockysalamander looks great! Is there a particular reason you keep looking at fourmine?

Would also like to add that the .65 carat ring on LoupeTroop would be an EXCELLENT deal if you're into that setting. The setting alone would cost over $800 new, so it's basically like you're getting the diamond for free. :)
 
However, this one does look nice (the first one you posted in your last post):
https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017

I'd be wary of purchasing a VS2 with cloud listed as the grade-setting inclusion from a drop-shipper like Fourmine though, as I would want a qualified person to examine it and make sure the clouds weren't impacting light performance prior to purchase.
 
No particular reason, I was just looking through rarecarat.com and fourmine seem to have a reasonable price for the diamond I want :)
 
ivandjaw said:
No particular reason, I was just looking through rarecarat.com and fourmine seem to have a reasonable price for the diamond I want :)
Click to expand...

It does look like a good price for that .7 J, but I would recommend asking to see it in a video and have a gemologist examine it prior to purchase. Clouds can even be a problem in VS2 grades (unlikely, but can happen). Also, it would be nice to see a better video than the one posted in natural lighting to see how the color looked. Could determine if it was a "high J" or a "low J." :)
 
TreeScientist said:
It does look like a good price for that .7 J, but I would recommend asking to see it in a video and have a gemologist examine it prior to purchase. Clouds can even be a problem in VS2 grades (unlikely, but can happen). Also, it would be nice to see a better video than the one posted in natural lighting to see how the color looked. Could determine if it was a "high J" or a "low J." :)
Click to expand...

When you say have a gemologist examine it, do you mean I ask them to do that or do I bring it to my local jeweler (or who can I bring it to?) if I order them?

Can I ask them about cloud problem to the seller?
 
ivandjaw said:
When you say have a gemologist examine it, do you mean I ask them to do that or do I bring it to my local jeweler (or who can I bring it to?) if I order them?

Can I ask them about cloud problem to the seller?
Click to expand...

I don't know much about fourmine, but they should have a qualified gemologist on staff who could examine it for you. In most cases you can trust them, as they would rather be honest about any faults with the diamond up front than have you return the diamond if you're not happy (which would cost them money and time in the return process). But again, I don't know much about this company, so I can't give advice in that regard.

Ask them if they have a qualified gemologist on staff who could call in the diamond and look at it for you, and then ask the gemologist if the diamond looks "cloudy" or if the clouds are impacting light performance (most gemologists worth their salt should be able to determine this). Also ask them their opinion on the color, whether it's a "high J" or a "low J".
 
TreeScientist said:
However, this one does look nice (the first one you posted in your last post):
https://www.fourmine.com/index.php/...ce=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2017

I'd be wary of purchasing a VS2 with cloud listed as the grade-setting inclusion from a drop-shipper like Fourmine though, as I would want a qualified person to examine it and make sure the clouds weren't impacting light performance prior to purchase.
Click to expand...
PA too deep unless the can provide an aset to show performance. the video shows that the depth is there. Ask if they can get IS or ASET, but eliminate if not possible.
 
rockysalamander said:
PA too deep unless the can provide an aset to show performance. the video shows that the depth is there. Ask if they can get IS or ASET, but eliminate if not possible.
Click to expand...

Wait, am I missing something? The PA is 40.6. That is too deep for 35.0 CA?
 
Wtf...iwhat is the gia number you see?
 
Something weird with database or browser. From my Droid phone, I get the first one listed by GIA number. From my tablet, I get nothing...fourmine page with no data.

OP, if you see what is posted above, then put on hold and request ASET? Make sure the GIA number matches what is posted. Don't know if this is a me problem or their database.
 
Got it guys, thanks a lot! I just sent an email asking about the ASET and IS image of this diamond, including if the cloud inclusion(s) has any impact of the light performance. On another side note, the price just increased by about $20-$30, do you guys know if it's common to see diamond price increase/decrease dynamically like this?

Thanks!
 
Yes. They've go up and dowd a few hundred week to week.Will they put it on hold?
 
rockysalamander said:
Yes. They've go up and dowd a few hundred week to week.Will they put it on hold?
Click to expand...

I asked through email, unfortunately, they're not open 24/7 *finger crossed* I'd like to get this done, have been taking my time for the last month or so lol :mrgreen2:
 
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