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Help Finalising diamond engagement ring

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Desmond Fa

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 24, 2018
Messages
5
Hey guys,

I am in the process of picking out an engagement ring for my partner, i have been sent some links to diamonds by diamond expert services online etc... but mostly have no idea what i'm doing haha.

i know she likes the Tiffany setting replica -round solitaire in a white gold or platinum knives edge band that is hopefully around 1.3-1.5 carats.

I don't know much about diamonds but I wanted to try and stick to the GIA Standards that i've seen people post on here:
Depth: 60-62.3
Table: 54-58
Crown: 34-35
Pavilion: 40.6-40.9

i believe the links to the 4 diamonds below suit, but i wanted to make sure they were good quality cuts etc. with you guys before i purchased.

I'm not sure how to differentiate between them? would they be very similar to each other?
I am also buying from Australia if that matters. I guess i'd just like reassurance that they will look nice haha, all i know is she likes white and sparkly!

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...S&track=viewDiamondDetails&click_id=379710084

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...S&track=viewDiamondDetails&click_id=792859110

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...ellent-cut-sku-5504363?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=ve

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...ellent-cut-sku-5292051?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=ve

Thank you very much!! :)
 
What is your preferred budget for the diamond? And do you want to buy both the diamond and setting from the same vendor?
 
Also, make sure to plug in the numbers from each stone into the HCA calculator (linked above under "tools"). Anything 2 or below is acceptable, anything above can be ruled out.

The 1.42 from BN scores a 2.7, so that's a no.

The 1.40 from BN is a .7 so it could work. You need to ask BN for an IS or ASET (images that tell you about light performance).

The 1.40 from James Allen scores a .7 also, and so it's another contender. Again, ask for ASET/IS.

The 1.42 from JA scores a 1.9, but I don't like the depth being 62.6 (verging on too deep), and a crown of 36 makes me nervous as well. I'd personally pass on that one.
 
lovedogs said:
What is your preferred budget for the diamond? And do you want to buy both the diamond and setting from the same vendor?
Click to expand...

Hi Lovedogs,

Thanks for letting me know about the HCA calculator.

The preferred budget is around $7,000-9000 USD

I shall ask for the ASET/IS information, thanks very much
 
04C5C31A-D143-465D-9806-B01545CD6F86.png
lovedogs said:
Also, make sure to plug in the numbers from each stone into the HCA calculator (linked above under "tools"). Anything 2 or below is acceptable, anything above can be ruled out.

The 1.42 from BN scores a 2.7, so that's a no.

The 1.40 from BN is a .7 so it could work. You need to ask BN for an IS or ASET (images that tell you about light performance).

The 1.40 from James Allen scores a .7 also, and so it's another contender. Again, ask for ASET/IS.

The 1.42 from JA scores a 1.9, but I don't like the depth being 62.6 (verging on too deep), and a crown of 36 makes me nervous as well. I'd personally pass on that one.
Click to expand...

Hi lovedogs

I just thought I’d post to the ASET image of the 1.4 from JA . I’ve had a look and believe it’s excellent but I don’t really know what I’m looking at haha. If you have any thoughts please let me know !

Thanks for your help!
 
Desmond Fa said:
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...S&track=viewDiamondDetails&click_id=379710084
Click to expand...

Stone is a little deep @ 62.5. While a steep 35.5 crown can work, we typically want to pair with a more shallow pavilion like a 40.6. These factors are likely the reason it's hitting a 2.7 HCA.

On a separate note, this stone has medium blue fluorescence (MBF). This isn't necessarily good or bad, but rather a preference. When exposed to extreme UV lighting, the stone will glow in the dark. But in normal lighting it remains unaffected. In some stones, fluor can create a milky/hazy look but that is very rare. Still, it's a question you need to ask if you buy a stone with any fluor. The two main perks is stones with fluor trade/sell for cheaper than stones with none/faint levels and also under certain lighting conditions the fluor can help whiten the stone ever so slightly.

Overall, while this stone is somewhat close, I'd keep looking for a more ideal stone.


Desmond Fa said:
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...S&track=viewDiamondDetails&click_id=792859110
Click to expand...

Here you have a nice 56 table, steep 35 crown and complimentary shallow 40.6 pavilion. I'd like to see the depth < 62 but it's not bad at 62.1. That table size and steep crown will produce lots of fire.

I'm not a fan of the 80 LGF's. With GIA, a reported value of 80 means the actual values (which are rounded & averaged) can range from 78-82. Looking at the video, the arrows are very skinny so I'd think the values are pushing the 80-82 limits of the range, as a higher LGF number means skinny arrows and lower LGF values means fat arrows. Additionally the 80 LGF's will produce a more white light return that is somewhat splintery instead of bigger bolder rainbow flashes with 75 LGF's.

Again, this stone has MBF, so the question needs to be asked if it has any negative effects.


Desmond Fa said:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...ellent-cut-sku-5504363?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=ve
Click to expand...

This stone has a 57 table, 34 crown and 40.6 pavilion with 75 LGF and 61.4 depth.

While I like some of the properties on this stone quite well, my main gripe is you are combining a shallow crown with a shallow pavilion. You typically want to have the inverse, so maybe a 35/40.6 combo or else a 34/40.9 combo to help balance the rainbow & white light performance.

As it stands, the stone will more light white. Combined with a 57 table, which is also an ideal spec but at the larger side of ideal and that too will reduce the fire. FYI, the smaller the table, the larger the upper facets which is where rainbow light happens. Consequently the inverse is true, so when the table gets bigger the upper facet area shrinks and you get less rainbow light.

I might add that while many super ideal vendors can get away with a 34/40.6 combo, I become more worried about GIA XXX stones where the precision of the cutting is unknown and also because of the way GIA rounds & averages numbers. Here we can see the exact angle combo would result in an Excellent (EX, or red) cut but if you expand out to the blue box to account for the rounding & averaging there is a possibility it could go Ideal (or pink), which is what we want but the odds are pretty slim.

If the ASET or idealscope confirms good performance, I may keep on the list as a potential contender but I'd really want a stone personality that would produce more fire.


Capture.PNG

Desmond Fa said:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...ellent-cut-sku-5292051?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=ve

Thank you very much!! :)
Click to expand...

Too deep @ 62.6. While some like the steep crowns, it's not recommended to go to a 36, unless you know specifically you like and want this particular look. Also I'd like to see a smaller table (although 57 does fall within ideal) and 75 LGF's.

If I was a high crown seeker, I'd want to see these other properties align better as well so for me I'd pass on this stone myself. But the hard reality is the GIA XXX pool is quite large and I'm willing to bet we could find more ideal properties for the same money.
 

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sledge said:
Stone is a little deep @ 62.5. While a steep 35.5 crown can work, we typically want to pair with a more shallow pavilion like a 40.6. These factors are likely the reason it's hitting a 2.7 HCA.

On a separate note, this stone has medium blue fluorescence (MBF). This isn't necessarily good or bad, but rather a preference. When exposed to extreme UV lighting, the stone will glow in the dark. But in normal lighting it remains unaffected. In some stones, fluor can create a milky/hazy look but that is very rare. Still, it's a question you need to ask if you buy a stone with any fluor. The two main perks is stones with fluor trade/sell for cheaper than stones with none/faint levels and also under certain lighting conditions the fluor can help whiten the stone ever so slightly.

Overall, while this stone is somewhat close, I'd keep looking for a more ideal stone.




Here you have a nice 56 table, steep 35 crown and complimentary shallow 40.6 pavilion. I'd like to see the depth < 62 but it's not bad at 62.1. That table size and steep crown will produce lots of fire.

I'm not a fan of the 80 LGF's. With GIA, a reported value of 80 means the actual values (which are rounded & averaged) can range from 78-82. Looking at the video, the arrows are very skinny so I'd think the values are pushing the 80-82 limits of the range, as a higher LGF number means skinny arrows and lower LGF values means fat arrows. Additionally the 80 LGF's will produce a more white light return that is somewhat splintery instead of bigger bolder rainbow flashes with 75 LGF's.

Again, this stone has MBF, so the question needs to be asked if it has any negative effects.




This stone has a 57 table, 34 crown and 40.6 pavilion with 75 LGF and 61.4 depth.

While I like some of the properties on this stone quite well, my main gripe is you are combining a shallow crown with a shallow pavilion. You typically want to have the inverse, so maybe a 35/40.6 combo or else a 34/40.9 combo to help balance the rainbow & white light performance.

As it stands, the stone will more light white. Combined with a 57 table, which is also an ideal spec but at the larger side of ideal and that too will reduce the fire. FYI, the smaller the table, the larger the upper facets which is where rainbow light happens. Consequently the inverse is true, so when the table gets bigger the upper facet area shrinks and you get less rainbow light.

I might add that while many super ideal vendors can get away with a 34/40.6 combo, I become more worried about GIA XXX stones where the precision of the cutting is unknown and also because of the way GIA rounds & averages numbers. Here we can see the exact angle combo would result in an Excellent (EX, or red) cut but if you expand out to the blue box to account for the rounding & averaging there is a possibility it could go Ideal (or pink), which is what we want but the odds are pretty slim.

If the ASET or idealscope confirms good performance, I may keep on the list as a potential contender but I'd really want a stone personality that would produce more fire.


Capture.PNG



Too deep @ 62.6. While some like the steep crowns, it's not recommended to go to a 36, unless you know specifically you like and want this particular look. Also I'd like to see a smaller table (although 57 does fall within ideal) and 75 LGF's.

If I was a high crown seeker, I'd want to see these other properties align better as well so for me I'd pass on this stone myself. But the hard reality is the GIA XXX pool is quite large and I'm willing to bet we could find more ideal properties for the same money.
Click to expand...

Wow, thank you for your detailed response sledge!

I have taken your advice on board

I wanted to know if you think this one is better than the 1.4 from JA that you said could be a contender? i have tried to incorporate your suggestions to the best of my ability, but a fair bit of it is going over my head haha! i used the cut calculator you suggested and it produced a excellent within FIC Range result

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5885804
 
Desmond Fa said:
Wow, thank you for your detailed response sledge!

I have taken your advice on board

I wanted to know if you think this one is better than the 1.4 from JA that you said could be a contender? i have tried to incorporate your suggestions to the best of my ability, but a fair bit of it is going over my head haha! i used the cut calculator you suggested and it produced a excellent within FIC Range result

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5885804
Click to expand...

That one is IGI so I think it’s a no right off the bat.

This one is better, still not perfect, but ...
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...color-si1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-6166814

The experts will be more help!
 
Desmond Fa said:
04C5C31A-D143-465D-9806-B01545CD6F86.png


Hi lovedogs

I just thought I’d post to the ASET image of the 1.4 from JA . I’ve had a look and believe it’s excellent but I don’t really know what I’m looking at haha. If you have any thoughts please let me know !

Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

This is a good image. I'm not sure why it didn't show last night before I posted. I'm sorry as I didn't see it before now.

While the proportions aren't my personal favorite, it is within the broad desired range and the image confirms there is no leakage so it would be an acceptable consideration.


Desmond Fa said:
Wow, thank you for your detailed response sledge!

I have taken your advice on board

I wanted to know if you think this one is better than the 1.4 from JA that you said could be a contender? i have tried to incorporate your suggestions to the best of my ability, but a fair bit of it is going over my head haha! i used the cut calculator you suggested and it produced a excellent within FIC Range result

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5885804
Click to expand...

You are very welcome.

I would pass on this stone. Keep your selections to GIA or AGS certified stones. Simply stated IGI is not a trusted lab so we can't really trust the color, clarity or reported proportions.

Besides that the crown is too high at 36. We want to maximize at 35.5 if you have a 40.6 pavilion but would prefer 35 if possible as the max crown.

kmoro said:
That one is IGI so I think it’s a no right off the bat.

This one is better, still not perfect, but ...
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...color-si1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-6166814

The experts will be more help!
Click to expand...

I'm on my mobile and the H&A images aren't showing up for me. Looking at the clarity plot gave me some concern but I will reserve my comments until I can get to my normal computer to analyze it better.

It may be a possibility if eye clean. I am curious about the extra green on the computer ASET on the cert.


kmoro said:
This is my favourite in your price range, as long as it’s eye clean - maybe a bit smaller than you wanted ...
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3702264.htm
Click to expand...

Love WF but this stone says Inquire under the eye clean section. This typically means it's not eye clean by WF standard definition (10" away looking at top with 20/20 vision and good lighting).

On size, remember to look at the length and width dimensions instead of just carat weight. Part of weight calculations include diamond depth which we can't see but pay for, and as proportions vary from stone to stone these dimensions fluctuate slightly even for identical weight of stones.

Also remember it takes about 0.20mm (or 1/128th of an inch) for the normal human eyes to detect a size difference. And then that will be detectable when comparing side to side. It won't be a wow, it's so much bigger moment and if shown the stones individually and blindly to the carat weight you likely wouldn't notice a difference.

I will pull some more stones as potential candidates once on my laptop.
 
Oh holy mother of fireball sparkle greatness....

WF ACA 1.374ct J VS2 @ $8,280 wire
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986352.htm

54.9 table, 61.9 depth, 34.6 crown, 40.7 pavilion & 76 LGF's

Please -- go put this on reserve while you think about it. Amazing proportions! One of my favorite angle combos is a 34.5/40.7-40.8 and this baby hits that criteria plus has a small table (lots of fire) and some big fat juicy arrows to boot!

Oh yeah, meets your budget. Comes with complete performance & symmetry images which look dreamy. The VS2 clarity plot looks good. Oh yeah, WF just happens to be one of the premier vendors with excellent upgrade programs (spend $1 more, get full credit of the original stone). I see no reason to not buy this stone.

Double oh yeah -- look at the dimensions. 7.11 x 7.16mm and only 1.374 carats. Your other stones are 1.40+ carats and still within the 7.11 to 7.17 range. So while the weight is a little less, the visible dimensions are essentially the same.
 
sledge said:
Oh holy mother of fireball sparkle greatness....

WF ACA 1.374ct J VS2 @ $8,280 wire
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986352.htm

54.9 table, 61.9 depth, 34.6 crown, 40.7 pavilion & 76 LGF's

Please -- go put this on reserve while you think about it. Amazing proportions! One of my favorite angle combos is a 34.5/40.7-40.8 and this baby hits that criteria plus has a small table (lots of fire) and some big fat juicy arrows to boot!

Oh yeah, meets your budget. Comes with complete performance & symmetry images which look dreamy. The VS2 clarity plot looks good. Oh yeah, WF just happens to be one of the premier vendors with excellent upgrade programs (spend $1 more, get full credit of the original stone). I see no reason to not buy this stone.

Double oh yeah -- look at the dimensions. 7.11 x 7.16mm and only 1.374 carats. Your other stones are 1.40+ carats and still within the 7.11 to 7.17 range. So while the weight is a little less, the visible dimensions are essentially the same.
Click to expand...

I’m gonna second what @sledge has said about this stone OP. That stone is totes amazeballs for the price and spread. Reserve it ASAP lest you end up regretting a lost chance.
 
sledge said:
Oh holy mother of fireball sparkle greatness....

WF ACA 1.374ct J VS2 @ $8,280 wire
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986352.htm

54.9 table, 61.9 depth, 34.6 crown, 40.7 pavilion & 76 LGF's

Please -- go put this on reserve while you think about it. Amazing proportions! One of my favorite angle combos is a 34.5/40.7-40.8 and this baby hits that criteria plus has a small table (lots of fire) and some big fat juicy arrows to boot!

Oh yeah, meets your budget. Comes with complete performance & symmetry images which look dreamy. The VS2 clarity plot looks good. Oh yeah, WF just happens to be one of the premier vendors with excellent upgrade programs (spend $1 more, get full credit of the original stone). I see no reason to not buy this stone.

Double oh yeah -- look at the dimensions. 7.11 x 7.16mm and only 1.374 carats. Your other stones are 1.40+ carats and still within the 7.11 to 7.17 range. So while the weight is a little less, the visible dimensions are essentially the same.
Click to expand...

Hey @sledge, just wanted to say a big thank you for finding me this perfect diamond, I took your advice and reserved it! she is going to love it! Much appreciated :D

Thank you @lovedogs for your help and teaching me about diamonds!! :D
 
Desmond Fa said:
Hey @sledge, just wanted to say a big thank you for finding me this perfect diamond, I took your advice and reserved it! she is going to love it! Much appreciated :D

Thank you @lovedogs for your help and teaching me about diamonds!! :D
Click to expand...

You're very welcome! :cool2:

Glad you got it reserved before someone poached it. I've been sweating bullets all day on your behalf wondering when you'd see this.

Be sure to post back with pictures of the final ring and hand shots.
 
Youre welcome! Please come back w pics for us, since I'm sure this stone will be a total knockout!
 
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