Help me decide!

[Michel]

I definitely want a colourless stone, so F and above.

Although people on here generally sacrifice clarity, and I fuly understand the reasons for doing so, some of the SI2''s look so atrocious under 10x, even when you can''t see them with athe naked eye, that it makes it impossible for me to like the stone. SI1''s are generally a lot better, and I suppose I could fall for one, but ideally I would prefer something in the VS range.

The problem I see, particularly with WF, is that they have D,E,F SI1''s and SI2''s, and will also have G,H VS1,2 etc, but they do not have both colourless and nonSI''2. In other words, there are very few ACA D,E,F with VS2 or better.... this is a predicament.

What should I do?

The final worry is carat size. I had pretty much decided on around the 0.6 mark and I think they are a nice size, not too big, but still nice, but keep seeing quite a few 0.75 about for not much more - shall I just get a slightly bigger one? how noticeable is the size difference between these two in real life experience? I looked at a 0.9 in tiffanies and thought it was far too big, you see.

So what should I do?

 

[Lorelei]

It depends on what is available with their inventory as you probably know. I did find a couple of diamonds which might suit you with another vendor, but I guess it depends on whether you preferred to buy from WF or not, but see what you think anyway.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3062/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3977/

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122722.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Although people on here generally sacrifice clarity, and I fuly understand the reasons for doing so, some of the SI2's look so atrocious under 10x, even when you can't see them with athe naked eye, that it makes it impossible for me to like the stone. SI1's are generally a lot better, and I suppose I could fall for one, but ideally I would prefer something in the VS range.

Not everyone is the same, there are plenty out there who much prefer a higher clarity grade, so get what you feel is best for you! I would centre my search around VS but if a diamond of SI1 clarity comes up which is recommended by the vendor and fits your ideals of eyeclean, then consider it.


The final worry is carat size. I had pretty much decided on around the 0.6 mark and I think they are a nice size, not too big, but still nice, but keep seeing quite a few 0.75 about for not much more - shall I just get a slightly bigger one? how noticeable is the size difference between these two in real life experience? I looked at a 0.9 in tiffanies and thought it was far too big, you see.

Im my opinion, there is a visible difference between a .60 diamond and a .75 - assuming we are comparing well cut diamonds. I would perhaps consider diamonds between these sizes as it will broaden your options, either are lovely weights and sizes to shoot for. I was also wondering if ( assuming you are a guy!) this diamond is for your GF and if so, if she has made her preference for size known?

I hope this helps.

 

[Ellen]

Lorelei picked some great ones, I''ll throw one more in the mix. And, as far as size, I know they look big when you first start trying them out, but after staring at them (endlessly, lol), they really do start to look smaller.

Also, ACA''s are indeed beautiful, I own a pair. However, they''re not the only well cut stones out there. Many vendors carry gorgeous stones also, as does JA and GOG. My upgrade came from GOG, so I''ve had a nice comparison.

One more.

 

[Cleo]

Hi Michel

You''ve posted quite a broad range of colour and size which you find acceptable - so I wondered if you had an upper limit in mind for your budget.

I''ve had a look at DiamondsonWeb.com and there are loads of diamonds on there which fit your criteria (although naturally considerably fewer when you are only looking at the very best cut quality).

I would certainly echo Ellen''s comment about diamond ''shrinkage''. They do get smaller once on the finger, quite quickly! My 1ct made me gasp every time I saw it on my finger.. for about a week! Now I''m used to the size and whilst I still love my diamond, I can still see myself wearing a much bigger stone!

I''d be happy to pull out a few stones from DoW.com if you can narrow your selection criteria somewhat, perhaps with budget?

x

 

[Michel]

Her exact words were ''I like the smaller diamonds, but not too small''.

And although I agree with the idea that you get used to bigger size, etc, I still think there is something really cute about the smaller kinds. They are understated too, and not at all brash.

But if I go more towart 0.75, I hardly think I am going toward brash, not at that level!

Upper budget is about $4000.

I just do not know what to base my decision on now.... although we are going to a jewller tomorow to ger her finger measured, maybe we could look at some sizes then....

 

[Michel]

Also,
In a nutshell - who has better cut diamonds, WF or GOG?
Short of putting things in the HCA, I cannot think of what framework I am supposed to use to differentiate ACA''s and those on GOG....
Can anyone help?

 

[Cleo]

Hi Michel

Well, I had a look on Dow.com for you, and ran the numbers through the HCA and thought you might like to look at this stone.

0.75ct E, VS2, GIA Ex cut, Ex Sym, Ex Polish $3552

HCA score 1.2 (excellent) with Ex, Ex, Ex for Light return, Fire & Scintillation & VG for Spread.

This was my favourite stone that came up on this site within your parameters.

Nothing wrong with a preference for smaller stones: especially when you are looking to spend your money on an amazingly well cut, clean and white diamond!

Afraid I have no experience of using WF or GOG - but understand that both have excellent reputations and that both places carry a selection of super-ideal cut diamonds. I am sure other PS-ers will be able to fill you in further with their experiences of each.

Have fun trying on rings!!

x x x

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 2/8/2008 2:50:38 PM
Author: Michel

Also,
In a nutshell - who has better cut diamonds, WF or GOG?

Short of putting things in the HCA, I cannot think of what framework I am supposed to use to differentiate ACA''s and those on GOG....
Can anyone help?

Both Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash carry top quality hearts and arrows rounds. I have purchased from both and am totally pleased. You just have to see which one carries the stone you''re interested in!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

For your reference, here is a photo of a .74 next to a .61. I really encourage you to go to the .7-.75 range.

 

[Michel]

Even there, though, I just seem to prefer the smaller one.

I think what I dislike about larger stones is the larger flat bit in the middle (whatever that is called)..

I just cannot help it! Maybe I have just made my mind up....unless anyone else can tell me otherwise!

Why do you strongly recommend going bigger?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 2/8/2008 5:32:36 PM
Author: Michel
Even there, though, I just seem to prefer the smaller one.

I think what I dislike about larger stones is the larger flat bit in the middle (whatever that is called)..

I just cannot help it! Maybe I have just made my mind up....unless anyone else can tell me otherwise!

Why do you strongly recommend going bigger?

Because of what I said earlier. It really doesn''t look so big after a month or two. So if you go on the larger side, it won''t "shrink" as much.

The flat "bit" in the middle is the table. I think that''s what you mean. You could always look for a table in the 54, 55 range.

As for GOG vs. WF, both their H&A stones are stunning. I own both, as does ds. They are the same cut quality.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That is a very magnified photo! A .75 ct. stone is only 5.8mm in diameter. The table is very small in reality!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 2/8/2008 7:38:30 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
That is a very magnified photo! A .75 ct. stone is only 5.8mm in diameter. The table is very small in reality!

Indeed, if that''s what you mean.

I took it as, in real life, since you said you had been to Tiffany''s.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Michel,

If you like WF, have you tried contacting them directly and letting them know that you are looking for an ideal cut diamond in the 0.60 - 0.75 carat size range, the D - F range that is preferably VS2 - SI1?

If not, it might be worth your trouble. Even though it may not be showing in their inventory, at present, they should be able to source one that satisfies your request. If found, they will take pictures of it for you and present you with all the details so that you can make an informed decision.

Good luck with your continued search!

 

[Michel]

Well,

Today we went looking and now realise that the bigger ones look nice on her finger!

Thus, I am going to go for about an 0.82 carat, and go for an SI1 as WF have it in stock, that way I can also go with colourless stone easily!

Another discovery was that we both loved just the four prong setting...

Will that look ok with the WF 4 prong; when I look at it it looks like it might dwarf it..

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/4-Prong-tiffany-style_994.htm#

Thoughts?

 

[Sparkalicious]

Fantastic Michel!

Happy to hear that you were able to go a little bit bigger and are both happy with it. The WF 4 prong setting should be lovely with your .82 diamond. I recently purchased a .52 diamond for my mother and had it set in the same setting. It looks clean and elegant.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

See what we meant now?! I''m glad you went to try them on! Yes, the 4 prong tiffany style setting would be lovely! My original ring has always been in that setting and I love it! Please let us know what you decide!

 

[Michel]

I think I''ve found the stone!

I know I am paying a premium for D but also VS1, but its a beauty!

Shall I pull the trigger?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4053/

But there is also this one for about $500 less...and its bigger!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2246/

But there is just something love about the ''quality'' of the first one...

 

[Michel]

Also,

Alison is a 4.5 ring size - thats quite small isn''t it?

But 0.9 carats still do not look too big!

 

[Cleo]

They are both great diamonds!

My personal inclination would probably towards the first one, as I''d prefer the D/VS1 combination, to the E/SI2 of the second stone... but they really are both lovely.

Well done!!

x

 

[icekid]

Date: 2/10/2008 6:47:08 AM
Author: Michel

But there is also this one for about $500 less...and its bigger!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2246/

Those are both fantastic stones! I own an eyeclean E/SI2 so I would go that way personally. Might be biased! If you really like the D/VS1 the price difference and size are really not THAT significant, so go for it! And yes, a 4.5 finger is fairly small. I wear a 3.5

Lots of small fingers around here hehe.

 

[Ellen]

Definitely go for the D VS1. The depth on the other one is enough that it''s taking away a bit of diameter, so it''s not facing up as big as it could. The difference between it and the D is negligible. You won''t see it. Plus, the D is cut a lot tighter/better, it''s an Isee2 (branded, but you''re not paying a premium), they cut fantastic stones.

 

[Michel]

I suppose one other concern in ordering from GOG is that I will have to pay more for a setting.

As you''ll can see form above, I am interested in the fancier ones - will I pay a premium from GOG as opposed to Whiteflash?

I''ve yet to hear back from Marie on the settings, but wouldn''t mind a ball park figure if someone can give me one?

Thanks!

 

[Michel]

Is it an issue that is has ''medium'' flourescne?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The D VS1 stone would be my pick, too! And no, Good Old Gold is not more expensive when it comes to settings. They have a full range of inexpensive settings as well as designer settings. So you certainly can get a 4 prong tiffany style solitaire for a low price at GOG. Every jeweler carries those! I''d just suggest having the stone set low to medium and tell them you do not want the stone set too high. That''s the main thing you need to specify about that kind of setting.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 2/10/2008 10:50:29 AM
Author: Michel
Is it an issue that is has 'medium' flourescne?

Nope. Only strong to very strong can occassionally be a problem, fairly rare at that. Ask Jon about it if it will ease your mind.

And ditto ds on the setting.

 

[Michel]

I hate it when there is loads of space, or an apperance of too much ''metal'' below the diamond... do you know what I mean? A lot of solitaires can look weird from the side and I do not much like it...

I am definetely going to move on the D diamond - its not on the shallow end of the AGS 0 either, which is great, as I prefer this 40.89, having watched the video from GOG.

I wonder what this stone scored on the Isee2?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 2/10/2008 11:36:39 AM
Author: Michel
I hate it when there is loads of space, or an apperance of too much ''metal'' below the diamond... do you know what I mean? A lot of solitaires can look weird from the side and I do not much like it...

I am definetely going to move on the D diamond - its not on the shallow end of the AGS 0 either, which is great, as I prefer this 40.89, having watched the video from GOG.

I wonder what this stone scored on the Isee2?

I know what you mean about too much space, not sure I understand the "loads of metal". Just explain it (what you want) thoroughly to the people at GOG, they''ll fix you up.

As for what the Isee2 score was, you can ask, but I imagine they''ll tell you they don''t save that data. I purchased my upgrade stone from them and it''s an Isee2 also. I asked just out of curiosity, but Jon said they didn''t record it. Maybe they do now.... I suggested they do, but who listens to me?

I can tell you not to worry about it. You are buying one of the best of the best. No need to stress over it''s performance.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Loads of space below the diamond means it was set too high. By telling them you want it set low or medium-low, you can avoid that!

Ditto to Ellen on the flourescence. My first diamond had medium florescence but I never knew it for years until a jeweler happened to tell me! It''s invisible unless you happen to be near a black light!

 

[Michel]

Thanks everyone.

By loads of metal,. I just mean when there is too much mess. I like it looking clean and uncluttered - thats probably the best word for it.

And I want the diamond to look and be attached, obviously, but I do not like it when it looks suffocated.

Seriusly guys, I cannot stop thinking about that GOG diamond!!!

I literally cannot wait to see Alison''s face.

Did I tell you I am only 23, and she 19. We are a young couple.