Help deciding between 2 stones

[Amanda87]

Hi! I've been lurking on the boards for a little while now and decided it was finally time to create an account and ask for help. My husband and I are looking at replacing my engagement ring that was temporary only for the proposal and until we found something perfect. Five years later, we both agreed it's time.
We are currently looking in the 0.66 range and have been all over trying on different styles. I've decided that I like the look of a Tiffany style solitaire and have found two stones through James Allen. I just need help making the final decision. One is a 0.58ct J SI1 with medium blue fluorescence and the other is a 0.60 K VS1 with no fluorescence. I think all the numbers check out for both, but I'm not completely sure. I also love the idea of the fluorescence but don't like the idea of the SI1 rather than the VS1. Any advice is welcome.

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2131532

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.58-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2253651

Thanks in advance.

ETA: Are either of these worth looking into or should I move on to others? I would love to see a lot of fire over brightness if that helps.

 

[Dancing Fire]

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2131532

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.58-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2253651

Thanks in advance.

ETA: Are either of these worth looking into or should I move on to others? I would love to see a lot of fire over brightness if that helps.

IMO, Neither!..I'd prefer a stone with a higher crown like 15-15.5%, plus you can find a better SI1 stone.

 

[bmfang]

Hi! I've been lurking on the boards for a little while now and decided it was finally time to create an account and ask for help. My husband and I are looking at replacing my engagement ring that was temporary only for the proposal and until we found something perfect. Five years later, we both agreed it's time.
We are currently looking in the 0.66 range and have been all over trying on different styles. I've decided that I like the look of a Tiffany style solitaire and have found two stones through James Allen. I just need help making the final decision. One is a 0.58ct J SI1 with medium blue fluorescence and the other is a 0.60 K VS1 with no fluorescence. I think all the numbers check out for both, but I'm not completely sure. I also love the idea of the fluorescence but don't like the idea of the SI1 rather than the VS1. Any advice is welcome.

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2131532

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.58-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2253651

Thanks in advance.

ETA: Are either of these worth looking into or should I move on to others? I would love to see a lot of fire over brightness if that helps.

The 0.6 is better than the 0.58 in my books (not liking that big black inclusion directly under the table the 0.5, but I would look somewhere else.

What is your budget in total for both stone and setting?

If you like fluorescence and don't want to worry about whether it will cause the stone to look hazy or milky, here's one from Brian Gavin Diamonds that might fit the bill (though depending on what your budget is, it could be too expensive):
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.597-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104091071015

 

[tyty333]

The K is fine but the big black inclusion in the J is a no-go. Let me look for a higher color and see if I can find anything...

Didnt find a whole not more...this is a better SI1 than what you posted. Ask them if it is eye-clean...hopefully at this
size it is.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.58-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2480803

Edit...beautiful ACA and Expert Selection stones...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3502517.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3520084.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3502510.htm

 

[Amanda87]

Thank you all for the replies. I'm just finding them now so I apologize for the delayed response. Does this one look better? I jumped on it because of the price, but I'm second guessing it. The only thing I could get from James Allen was that it was eye clean by definition of VS2 and worth purchasing.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2471555

I also just found this one and it looks clean, but is it worth contacting James Allen to change my order for it?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.72-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2172993

 

[Amanda87]

Hi! I've been lurking on the boards for a little while now and decided it was finally time to create an account and ask for help. My husband and I are looking at replacing my engagement ring that was temporary only for the proposal and until we found something perfect. Five years later, we both agreed it's time.
We are currently looking in the 0.66 range and have been all over trying on different styles. I've decided that I like the look of a Tiffany style solitaire and have found two stones through James Allen. I just need help making the final decision. One is a 0.58ct J SI1 with medium blue fluorescence and the other is a 0.60 K VS1 with no fluorescence. I think all the numbers check out for both, but I'm not completely sure. I also love the idea of the fluorescence but don't like the idea of the SI1 rather than the VS1. Any advice is welcome.

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2131532

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.58-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2253651

Thanks in advance.

ETA: Are either of these worth looking into or should I move on to others? I would love to see a lot of fire over brightness if that helps.

The 0.6 is better than the 0.58 in my books (not liking that big black inclusion directly under the table the 0.5, but I would look somewhere else.

What is your budget in total for both stone and setting?

If you like fluorescence and don't want to worry about whether it will cause the stone to look hazy or milky, here's one from Brian Gavin Diamonds that might fit the bill (though depending on what your budget is, it could be too expensive):
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.597-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104091071015

I just figured out how to quote a reply. We would like to keep the total under $3000 for both and I was hoping to stick with James Allen because of the great sale they are having on settings. Otherwise we may hold off until later this year when we might have a higher budget. It just seemed like a win-win to order from James Allen right now. But I'm willing to wait if the stones I've picked so far will be disappointing.

 

[bunnycat]

I had an I Brian Gavin Blue which was stunning, and currently have a K of the same make (BGB). If you have a $3K budget and are looking for the simple 6 prong Tiffany solitaire (usually runs about $200-300 depending on the place) why not look at this stone? It is almost 3/4 carat and with the fluor, it should face up even whiter than it's graded I color.

$2400-ish bank wire plus $300 for the setting keeps you under 3, with a stone that is guaranteed to perform:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.725-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104091552023

(If you save a little longer, you could go up a little more in size to almost a carat, and get a K with fluor for just a bit over $3K). If you are going to consider a K (and I think of no reason not to!), I would definitely work with a vendor like BG who specializes in stones with fluor. He's already pre-screened them, and you know the cut is amazing and I think a fantastic cut becomes even more important as you move down the color line.

 

[bunnycat]

Here's a couple more from Whiteflash:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793648.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3625407.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3784260.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3712968.htm

The main thing to remember at JA is that you only get to ask for 3 Idealscope images, so you need to sift through carefully beforehand to get down to your final 3, or just stick to the JA True Hearts, since they'll have the IS image posted in the link.

James allen:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2396733
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2323764
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2480444

Another thing to keep in mind is the upgrade policy of the vendor you decide to work with, in case the "idea" comes around again in a few years.

I think JA is spend double with no other requirements.
WF I think has a really nice policy, but I need to look it up to see what it is. (edit- It's an amazing upgrade policy! I just looked it up.)
BG is basically spend more and make an improvement in 2 out of the 3 requirements (size, color, clarity) and that's not too hard to do since with an upgrade the size part is pretty much taken care of.

As another alternative, you could contact Yekutiel at ID Jewelry in NY. He has done some bang up jobs on smaller budgets here.

 

[Amanda87]

Here's a couple more from Whiteflash:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793648.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3625407.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3784260.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3712968.htm

The main thing to remember at JA is that you only get to ask for 3 Idealscope images, so you need to sift through carefully beforehand to get down to your final 3, or just stick to the JA True Hearts, since they'll have the IS image posted in the link.

James allen:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2396733
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2323764
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2480444

Another thing to keep in mind is the upgrade policy of the vendor you decide to work with, in case the "idea" comes around again in a few years.

I think JA is spend double with no other requirements.
WF I think has a really nice policy, but I need to look it up to see what it is. (edit- It's an amazing upgrade policy! I just looked it up.)
BG is basically spend more and make an improvement in 2 out of the 3 requirements (size, color, clarity) and that's not too hard to do since with an upgrade the size part is pretty much taken care of.

As another alternative, you could contact Yekutiel at ID Jewelry in NY. He has done some bang up jobs on smaller budgets here.

Wow! Thanks for all those links and taking so much time to sift through for me! I really appreciate it! Does this one seem like it would be okay?
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2471555
I already have a hold on that one, so if it doesn't seem like a good choice I will definitely begin looking more closely at the others you posted, especially from James Allen, but fingers are crossed that one is okay. It seemed too good to be true, so it probably is.

 

[bunnycat]

Here's a couple more from Whiteflash:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3793648.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3625407.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3784260.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3712968.htm

The main thing to remember at JA is that you only get to ask for 3 Idealscope images, so you need to sift through carefully beforehand to get down to your final 3, or just stick to the JA True Hearts, since they'll have the IS image posted in the link.

James allen:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2396733
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2323764
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2480444

Another thing to keep in mind is the upgrade policy of the vendor you decide to work with, in case the "idea" comes around again in a few years.

I think JA is spend double with no other requirements.
WF I think has a really nice policy, but I need to look it up to see what it is. (edit- It's an amazing upgrade policy! I just looked it up.)
BG is basically spend more and make an improvement in 2 out of the 3 requirements (size, color, clarity) and that's not too hard to do since with an upgrade the size part is pretty much taken care of.

As another alternative, you could contact Yekutiel at ID Jewelry in NY. He has done some bang up jobs on smaller budgets here.

Wow! Thanks for all those links and taking so much time to sift through for me! I really appreciate it! Does this one seem like it would be okay?
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2471555
I already have a hold on that one, so if it doesn't seem like a good choice I will definitely begin looking more closely at the others you posted, especially from James Allen, but fingers are crossed that one is okay. It seemed too good to be true, so it probably is.

The numbers look good on it. If I were you, I'd ask for an IS and and a review of it and ask about the medium fluor having any effects on the stone (probably not, but better to check) and also do a little more searching through some of the other options listed as well so you can get your 3 picks. Every vendor posted in this thread (Whiteflash, BG, etc) is going to have an inexpensive basic Tiffany style solitaire so you can put most of your budget in the stone.

You say your budget is under $3K. Are you averse to using your full budget for this? (I'm just saying since you are look at stones under $2K and from experience my hubs and I tried to over-budget the first time around and it cost so much more to fix that in the long run than if we'd just allocated more at the beginning....just a thought.)

 

[bunnycat]

Here's a few K's with fluor under $2K:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.83-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1989269 <= Medium fluor, HCA 1.6, hits the 6mm mark for under $2K

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2472384 <= HCA 1.6, faint FL

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2417978 <= HCA 1.9 faint FL

You might give the other JA ones a double check in the HCA tool to make sure they fall <2. The ones from WF and BG don't need it. They've already got performance metrics.

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca