Help deciding between stones

[vj2651]

First off want to thank everyone for all the information available on this site. You guys have been a huge help in this process.

I had another thread earlier comparing a couple stones but it was getting very cluttered with different options.

Here are the stones I have narrowed it down to and any opinions would be great.
Stone 1
Stone 1 - http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-36-E-color-GIA-certified/D-D1W5MK
Stone 1 Detailed Image - https://dl.dropbox.com/u/60439/1.36ratani.jpg
Stone 1 Fire Trace Report - https://dl.dropbox.com/u/60439/1.36ratinifiretracereport.png

1.36 E/VS2 HCA 0.6 $12,000

Stone 2
Stone 2 - http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD02471354?click_id=358456064
Bluenile not providing detailed images or any fire report.

1.36 F/VS2 HCA 1.3 $13,900

Stone 3
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/60439/giareport1.38.JPG

Stone 3 Detailed Image - https://dl.dropbox.com/u/60439/stargemround.JPG
1.38 F/SI1 HCA 1.1 $11,000

Stone 4
Stone 4 - http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.40-carat-f-vs2-hearts-and-arrows-round-cut-diamond-gid-94478.html
Stone 4 Detailed Image - https://dl.dropbox.com/u/60439/1.40ctH%26A.jpg

1.40 F/VS2 HCA 1.4 Hearts and Arrow $13,800

As of right now stone 1 looks the best to me.

The only stone that I can view locally is #3 and the rest are online.

Some basic questions that come to mind when comparing these stones...Why such a big price difference between stones 1 and 2? Stone 4 has indented naturals, how big a deal is that? Stone 3 has a good HCA score but depth to table ration seems off. Stone 3 looks bigger then it actually is. How does this effect the stone?

As you can tell from the questions I'm still a little confused but learning more everyday. If anyone has any opinions on these stones or could recommend other stones please share.

 

[vj2651]

Adding a idealscope of Stone #4 (1.4ct hearts and arrows)
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/60439/ISerd1.40.jpg

 

[vj2651]

anyone?

 

[Niel]

Where are you getting the setting from?

 

[chrono]

I would toss out BN because no pictures are provided unless they will do so at no cost to you.

Stone 1: Not perfection but could be good enough for you. Definitely not my top pick.
Stone 2: A 60/60 diamond which is a different look. Perhaps it is a not so good picture showing a lot of dark areas.
Stone 3: Gorgeous IS!

 

[vj2651]

I haven't thought much about the setting yet but planning on a local jeweler in the Chicago area.

 

[stone-cold11]

Price depends on who owns the stone. Most stones on the internet are actually virtual stones, not own by the company advertising it. The one setting the price is actually the owner plus a little for the advertising company.

Indented natural of #4 should not be a problem as the inclusions are listed in order of significance with the cloud setting the clarity grade at VS2 and the rest of the inclusions are at worse VS2 or lesser degree and nothing in the VS2 region should be a problem in terms of durability issue.

#3 looks like a well proportioned 60/60 cut, 60% table and depth, nothing bad just slightly different optics/patterning compared to the Tolkowsky Ideal cut proportions, personal preference on which you like better.

#4 Idealscope image looks good.

 

[vj2651]

Thanks for the reply Chrono and Stone-cold11. Any specific reason why you both thought stone 1 was not the best of the bunch?

Stone 1 has the best color/clarity combination. Best HCA score and is not the most expensive of the bunch. What am I missing here?

I am checking Stone 3, the 60/60, in person on Friday.

 

[stone-cold11]

I never say it is not the best, I didn't say any are better, just different, some prefer it like the HCA creator as it has some advantages over the slightly steeper pavilion angle most consider ideal. Probably not much different from more standard TIC cut with a larger pavilion angles as the rounding of angles by GIA is quite significant, so best to have a idealscope image to verify.

 

[vj2651]

Thanks Stone Cold. I'm looking at the 1.38 in person today and will see if I can find a way to view the other 2 stones.

All the links above are gone because the lady friend wanted to use the computer. I had to move them to a more secure location. If anyone is interested in the pictures again let me know and I will make new links. All the links to the websites still work.