Help Comparing Diamonds for E-Ring

[mlitchfield187]

Thank you all for being so helpful. This website and forum has taken a ton of the stress out of buying an engagement ring.

I recently requested 3 ideal scope images for diamonds from James Allen. Below are the results. From my amateur perspective, it seems that the first diamond has the best result for ideal scope. I would greatly appreciate any feedback you all could give me on these three diamonds.

1.71 H SI2 GIA 3x
HCA Score: 1.3
Depth: 62.1%
Table: 56%
Crown Angle: 34.5
Pavilion Angle: 40.8
Fluorescence: Strong Blue
Link: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3593510

I am concerned whether this stone will be eye clean. When I asked the James Allen expert through the chat feature whether this stone would be considered eye clean, she said that because it has cloud inclusions, it may be hazy under sunlight or UV lighting. Do you all agree? Should I stay away from this stone?





1.58 I SI1 GIA 3x
HCA Score: 1.4
Depth: 62.2%
Table: 57%
Crown Angle: 35.5
Pavilion Angle: 40.6
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Link: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4488101





1.5 G SI2 GIA 3x
HCA Score: 0.7
Depth: 62.1%
Table: 56%
Crown Angle: 34
Pavilion Angle: 40.6
Fluorescence: None
Link: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4293637

I've read that stones with an HCA under 1 can be problematic and sometimes avoided for engagement rings. Do you think this one would fall into that category?

 

[Lorelei]

Hi mlitch,

I will go through these presently, I just wanted to say quickly with the first, that the JA rep might have meant that the stone has strong blue fluorescence that it might look hazy, the clarity grade makers don't include clouds, those are just mentioned under comments and thus are not usually problematic. Best thing you could do with this one is to discuss it with one of their gemologists with the stone in hand so they can tell you if it's eye clean to your preferences and whether the SBF poses a problem. But this one has definite potential if it checks out.

With the <1 HCA, sometimes shallower combo diamonds can show an effect called obstruction when viewed closely on the hand, this is because of the shadow of the wearer's head making the stone look dark, not in all cases but some. Again, that would need checking with an expert with the stone in hand.

I'll be back to expound on the stones in a bit.

 

[the_mother_thing]

The JA video of the diamond has a scale on the right side that lets you shrink down the video as it plays or your finger-swipe it back and forth. Looking at it that way (MUCH closer to what your eyes would see IRL) should help you gauge whether the inclusions would be visible. For me, they’re not, but I don’t have eagle-eyes, so ...

Also, on the first diamond, I thought fluorescence would be the characteristic that *might* make a diamond appear hazy/milky in UV/fluorescent lighting; not clouds. I’d think clouds impacting a diamonds performance would not be limited to only UV/fluoro lighting, but in any lighting. But I would defer to the more knowledgeable PSers who will likely chime in on this, as I’m not the inclusion guru ‘round these parts.

 

[the_mother_thing]

I would also point out - as a comparison characteristic to consider - that the first one appears to have a more brown tint vs. yellow tint (as the second & third diamonds appear to have). This may or may not matter to the wearer, and I’m not the most color sensitive person (in terms of seeing immediately-different levels of tint - G/H, J/K, etc.) but it did kind of jump out to me as I looked at all three. Personally, I dig that but we all have our preferences/thresholds for these things.

 

[Lorelei]

I would also point out - as a comparison characteristic to consider - that the first one appears to have a more brown tint vs. yellow tint (as the second & third diamonds appear to have). This may or may not matter to the wearer, and I’m not the most color sensitive person (in terms of seeing immediately-different levels of tint - G/H, J/K, etc.) but it did kind of jump out to me as I looked at all three. Personally, I dig that but we all have our preferences/thresholds for these things.

I think it's hard to judge the tints or lack of in the videos with the near colourless stones, I've noticed this a lot with JA videos over the years that they do tend to throw colours.

 

[SimoneDi]

I like the first one the most. I don’t see haziness and fluorescence causes haziness only in rare instances. OP, you can always buy and return the stone if you don’t like it. JA is very easy to work with.

 

[gm89uk]

I prefer the first one for price, numbers and video, pending gemologist okaying it. Looks like a nice si2 and a crown feather wouldn't bother me. Very nice price.

None of your diamonds are reserved, please put them on hold or anyone can buy them and you will have wasted your idealscope request!

 

[mlitchfield187]

Thank you for the feedback! That is very helpful.

A James Allen rep has told me that it’s not possible to have a gemologist examine physically examine the 1.71 carat stone prior to purchase as it is with a partner, likely oversees. This makes sense, as I’ve seen this exact stone listed on Zoara, but for $400 less. I put the stone on hold while I decide whether this one is right for me.

The brown undertones make me nervous. I was hoping at H color, it would be pretty white. Does anyone have experience with an engagement ring that has brown undertones?

 

[Lorelei]

Thank you for the feedback! That is very helpful.

A James Allen rep has told me that it’s not possible to have a gemologist examine physically examine the 1.71 carat stone prior to purchase as it is with a partner, likely oversees. This makes sense, as I’ve seen this exact stone listed on Zoara, but for $400 less. I put the stone on hold while I decide whether this one is right for me.

The brown undertones make me nervous. I was hoping at H color, it would be pretty white. Does anyone have experience with an engagement ring that has brown undertones?

As I said earlier, JA's videos have always to me made many diamonds look tinted but that's not always the reality. An H colour well cut round * should* not have a discernible tint otherwise it would be noted by GIA. But if you are nervous, there's others out there or alternatively, have it shipped to an appraiser or jeweller near you so you can view it in person before making the sale final.

 

[mlitchfield187]

As I said earlier, JA's videos have always to me made many diamonds look tinted but that's not always the reality. An H colour well cut round * should* not have a discernible tint otherwise it would be noted by GIA. But if you are nervous, there's others out there or alternatively, have it shipped to an appraiser or jeweller near you so you can view it in person before making the sale final.

Thank you Lorelei, that is very helpful. I will make to sure ask the gemologist about the tint for sure.

 

[Lorelei]

Thank you Lorelei, that is very helpful. I will make to sure ask the gemologist about the tint for sure.

You're welcome and please let us know how you get on.