Help! Looking for 1.2-1.5ct round

[silverhusky]

Hello all! I have been reading a lot on Pricescope over the past few months and have learned a ton - but I'm looking to buy in the next few weeks, so I thought it made sense to get some more opinions!

My top priority is cut - size is a bonus, but would much rather have a smaller and higher quality/better cut stone.

Budget: $10k or less
Size: 1.15ish - 1.4 ct
Clarity: VS2 (could also entertain SI1)
Color: H/G or better
Polish/Symmetry: Ideal
Florescence: don't care
Depth: 60-62
Table: 53-58
HCA: <2

So far I've been looking mainly at James Allen and Whiteflash. JA seems to have lower prices, but even using the advanced filters at JA for depth/table, it really seems hit or miss when it comes to cut. The cut/quality of Whiteflash ACA diamonds looks phenomenal, but there definitely is a $$ premium associated with them.

A few questions I have for you experts!

1. Inventory seems to change very quickly, especially on JA - some days I find a bunch of stones I could see myself buying, other days I find close to nothing.. is this normal?

2. I see some JA images that I really don't like, even though the stone's stats line up with my standards - how much of a role does possible poor photography play, or are they just poorly cut stones? It seems that a slight move in the focus point from the camera could make a huge difference in how the diamond looks in the image

Any other thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[egemnoel]

Great to see your doing your homework. Have a look at these three diamonds by HPD / Crafted by Infinity. They are stunning and backed up by a lifetime 80% buyback and 100% upgrade if you ever decide to go larger in the future. I bought my diamonds without seeing them and one of the best purchases I have ever made.

The sparkle of the diamonds will amaze you, the are all Super Ideal with low HCA scores! I think there is a video attached to two of the stones below.

http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/diamonds/hpd6922/
http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/clarity/HPD7045/
http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/clarity/HPD7608/

Good luck in your search!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

There are definitely stones in the "good number"range that I wouldn't choose to buy. Images are very helpful in that regard! With JA, they are owned by a diamond supplier so many jewelers have access to their stones so there is a lot of turnover in stones of certain specs. Also, you have to narrow down a selection there to three and then ask for ASET or idealscope images.

I have WhiteflashACA's for my earrings, and I have no regrets paying a little more for the best cut. In the long run, it is just worth it to me, and especially for a ring stone.

This is a very nice one:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3586203.htm

I prefer VS2, personally, but if the above stone is out of budget, this one looks nice:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2890097.htm

 

[silverhusky]

Found a few possibilities (in no particular order):

1. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.27-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-729877
2. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.26-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-756504
3. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-726504

This one is a bit deep at 62.3, but is at quite a discount
4. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-693995

And the only Whiteflash ACA that currently shows up with my requirements. Really like this one:
5. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3565131.htm

Thoughts on these?

 

[silverhusky]

Just reserved this stone!!

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3595893.htm