Help in finding a good 1 carat round diamond

[csriram45]

Few years back I bought my wife a True Hearts Diamond Ring from James Allen and she loved it.This was when JA was considered a great place to get. Thanks to the help from members here. It seems like there are other places that are now even better than JA.

Its our 10 year anniversary and I am looking to see if I can get her a 1 ct or above diamond which shines just as well.

Here are my questions.
- what Color and Clarity should I stick too?
- what table and depth should I stay within for a 1 ct diamond
- What about cuts? Does it need to be true hearts?

I would like to get the biggest rock that sparkles so any suggestions would be great.

 

[FancyIntense]

What is your budget? What shape diamond? Round?

 

[csriram45]

ha I did miss the key number. Within $5k would be awesome but don't want a crappy stone.

Shape preference - Round

Search here got me 2 at $6k

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3227660.htm#
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3138165.htm#

To me the 1st one seems just as good so its all a bit I confusing..

 

[csriram45]

any help?

 

[flyingpig]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3227660.htm#
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3138165.htm#

1st stone is too deep and the crown angle is too steep.
2nd stone is not eye stone.

How about this?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-877741
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.08-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-894005
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-817289
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-817286

If you want WF
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3619314.htm

 

[csriram45]

Thank you. Looks like someone bought the 1st and 2nd one after you posted. I do like the ones you posted. Could you help with few more. I do not understand enough about why you said the links I gave were not good. what should I be looking for?

 

[FancyIntense]

Here is a Crafted by Infinity $6,116.

http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/diamonds/HPD7160/?shop=yes

Does the James Allen 15% off SALE apply to loose diamonds?

 

[flyingpig]

Thank you. Looks like someone bought the 1st and 2nd one after you posted. I do like the ones you posted. Could you help with few more. I do not understand enough about why you said the links I gave were not good. what should I be looking for?

Stone 1.
Depth is 62.6. This means the stone is vertically deep, not giving good spread. Thus it appears smaller, compared to stones with smaller depth. Also the crown angle is too steep at 35.9. I am sure it is a beautiful diamond; after all, it is WF Expert Selection with good looking ASET. It is just there are better stones within A Cut Above and Expert Selection Series.
See specifications for ACA.
http://www.whiteflash.com/a-cut-above-diamonds-specifications-and-qualifications/

Stone 2.
The stone is not eye-clean. Meaning that you will be able to see inclusions with "the naked eye of a person with 20/20 vision when viewing the diamond in the face-up position at a distance of approximately 10 inches under normal overhead lighting"

Lastly, 1.0 carat I VS2/VS1 stones at 5~5.5k don't get listed for too long. They are snatched within MINUTES. Actually I was surprised to find two stones for you. Unfortunately, that VS1 got snatched within SECONDS. Finding another stones like those is not easy. Even if I can find one and post it here, it will be gone. We have lurkers here.
It is better to do your own search, and HOLD stones you like and ask for members' opinions.

 

[FancyIntense]

That first stone from James Allen is available again

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-877741

 

[csriram45]

Thank you. I have the following on HOLD. How does this stone? Anything to point out? Seems to be appear big?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-378581

 

[Gypsy]

Thank you. I have the following on HOLD. How does this stone? Anything to point out? Seems to be appear big?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-378581

Pass keep crown at 34 nd pavilion between 40.6-40.8

 

[csriram45]

Thank you. I have the following on HOLD. How does this stone? Anything to point out? Seems to be appear big?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-378581

Pass keep crown at 34 nd pavilion between 40.6-40.8

So I got response from the JA gemologist who compared this and the one posted above and recommends this one. Here is the response.

Thank you for your patience while waiting for the gemologist inspection and idealscope image of diamonds 378581 and 883212. I am so excited to inform you that the Gemologist found that both diamonds face up white and are eye clean! Either one of these diamonds would be an ideal choice and would be gorgeous in any setting. Diamond 378581 stood out as the top performer, with exceptional brilliance and light return which is bright and balanced. This Diamond faces up the largest of the duo. The gemologist also found Diamond 883212 to be a great diamond. This diamond has very nice brilliance, with light return which is bright but not quite as balanced as the 378581.

Got the Idealscope images as well. I am a bit conflicted with the mixed opinion about members here and the gemologist response. So here I am asking opinion again.

appreciate response.

Thank you

 

[csriram45]

Funny right around the time I posted. I got another response contradicting their earlier response. here it is

While in the possession of our gemologists, I had the diamonds inspected. I’m happy to report that diamond 883212 has excellent fire, brilliance, and scintillation, which balances nicely! It’s also eye catching, eye clean, and has a white “I” color. Diamond 378581 offers excellent light performance as well, though diamond 883212 is slightly brighter. As expected, it’s also white in color and eye clean.

Both diamonds are beautiful and will look fantastic in person, but if you want to go for the diamond the gemologist found slightly brighter, diamond 883212 is the way to go. It also happens to have the better price of the two!

So why the conflicting views? Would it help if I attach or link to Idealscope images?

 

[flyingpig]

So why the conflicting views? Would it help if I attach or link to Idealscope images?

yes please

 

[csriram45]

http://www.pricescope.comfiles/images/image_442.jpeg
https://www.pricescope.com/files/images/image_440.jpeg

 

[flyingpig]

http://www.pricescope.comfiles/images/image_442.jpeg
https://www.pricescope.com/files/images/image_440.jpeg

I have no access to 442.jpeg
I assume 440.jpeg is 883212 due to smaller and skinnier arrows.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.04-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-883212

HCA score is good, and the stone is potentially AGS0 as well. The IS image shows no significant leakage. It is bigger as well.

edit. nevermind
https://www.pricescope.com/files/images/image_442.jpeg
No significant light leakage. It has fatter arrows and contrast pattern.

both look good for 60/60.
I don't know why two conflicting opinions from JA. It could be a mistake. But even if it weren't a mistake, I would not be surprised, because I don't know what I would choose between these two.

 

[csriram45]

http://www.pricescope.comfiles/images/image_442.jpeg
https://www.pricescope.com/files/images/image_440.jpeg

I have no access to 442.jpeg
I assume 440.jpeg is 883212 due to smaller and skinnier arrows.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.04-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-883212

HCA score is good, and the stone is potentially AGS0 as well. The IS image shows no significant leakage. It is bigger as well.

edit. nevermind
https://www.pricescope.com/files/images/image_442.jpeg
No significant light leakage. It has fatter arrows and contrast pattern.

both look good for 60/60.
I don't know why two conflicting opinions from JA. It could be a mistake. But even if it weren't a mistake, I would not be surprised, because I don't know what I would choose between these two.

Thank you for the inputs. Went with the bigger stone for now. In the interim just came across this.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.07-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-290425

Its AGS certified and bigger so was tempted but clouding is a concern. also its an old certification. does that means its been unsold for these many days for a reason? Is this better than 883212?

Thank you