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Help me select a round for an upcoming engagement

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Firekell

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 7, 2018
Messages
15
Hi all,
First time poster, long time lurker. Im planning on getting engaged in the near future and I'm reaching out for your help in finding the perfect ring. My all in budget is 13k USD although if I come in under this even better. my Highest priority is Cut and a close second would be the face up size of the ring, as far as color I think H is ok and eye clean perhaps SI1. She wants either a round or cushion cut in a halo setting. Im unsure on diamonds on the band or not. So far if found 2 diamonds of interest linked below. Ive contacted WF and this is what they had to say

Both diamonds were eye clean at 10 inches. When the SI1 was under review by the diamond team, they were able to locate an inclusion when looking at the diamond 6 inches or closer.
When I inspected the stone, I spent several minutes looking at the diamond under very bright lighting, rocking the diamond and looking from 6 inches before I could see anything. What I did see was small and could easily have blended in with the contrast in the diamond.
This would not be something that would bother me personally.
The VS2 was eye clean at both 6 and 10 inches.

Thanks for the help and I'm looking forward to what is out there
Jim

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3986357,3955174
 
Hi Jim,

They are both beautiful but I prefer the VS2. I would steer clear of the SI1 if you are able to see the inclusion. Also, the reports both say additional clouds not shown. I wouldn't worry too much because it is not a grade setter, but I would make sure it's not affecting the performance on the SI stone.
 
If the cost difference is not compelling for you, then I'd also choose the VS2...because it is bigger by a few tenths of a mm and you said size was second to cut and it has a smaller table (which I personally prefer).
 
Both are beautiful diamonds but I would pick the VS2 as well. It is slightly larger and eye clean. The problem with seeing an inclusion is once you find it you will always be looking for it. Whiteflash will take very good care of you.
 
My vote is for the VS2 as well.
 
Looks like the vs2 by a landslide out of those two. I'm very much open to other options if anyone has any. I'm not committed to just those two.
 
Between the two you have posted, I am a bit conflicted. I like the proportions of the VS2 better, but I have a personal issue with table crystal inclusions in a VS2 diamond. I had one and I was very easy to spot the inclusion when looking from a side angle.

Would you consider I color? I like this diamond: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986353.htm It puts you way under budget and the face up size is about the same due to the shallower depth. You can have WF send you a comparison photo of the I and one of the Hs.
 
I'm honestly not sure about the I. I do obviously prefer the price point. I'm going to email WF for a picture comparison. Do most people feel H is the lowest you should go before it starts to really appear yellow?
 
Firekell said:
I'm honestly not sure about the I. I do obviously prefer the price point. I'm going to email WF for a picture comparison. Do most people feel H is the lowest you should go before it starts to really appear yellow?
Click to expand...

Usually depends on your color sensitivity. Well cut stones tend to face up pretty white. We tend to see the color when looking at the sides of the
stone. If you plan on using a halo setting you will be covering up most of the sides and will most likely only see the top of the stone. Just something
to consider.

"I" does not "really appear yellow" to me. It has a slight tint mostly when looking at the side for me*. Others may/will have different opionions.

When you ask for the H photo ask them to put in an "I" colored stone that you might consider so you can see the color difference.
 
I emailed WF late last night for a comparison picture still waiting for a response which I assume will come Monday.
Are there any other diamonds that are recommended in the mean time?
 
I do like the idea of the 1.5 carat from good old gold but its scoring 2.6 HCA is that something I should steer clear from?
Sorry for all of the newbie questions I just want to make sure I end up with the right diamond in my price range
 
I agree, since cut is your high priority, my apologies I didn't realize it earlier....it did show up in the ideal category and seemed like a steal, maybe someone with more expertise can chime in before you dismiss it totally, as the arrows look pretty good to me...
 
Firekell said:
I do like the idea of the 1.5 carat from good old gold but its scoring 2.6 HCA is that something I should steer clear from?
Sorry for all of the newbie questions I just want to make sure I end up with the right diamond in my price range
Click to expand...

The 1.5 is getting the HCA of 2.6 due to the pairing of the CA and PA. If that PA was 40.6 or the CA 35.2, it would get a better score. Looking at the Sarin, the CA is pretty tight to 35.5 and the lowest PA is 40.7 -- so there is not reason to think the angles may be off (and thus more beneficial).

However, when a diamond has images (ASET, IS) to look at light return, they "trump" the HCA. Both of these look pretty good. The H&A is showing that it has clefts in the heart, a little hook on the heart left of center at the top and some variation in the pigeon toes. so it does not qualify for Hearts and Arrows, but still looks generally symmetrical. So, this is a well-cut stone that yielded the stricter AGO Ideal, but it would not get an H&A label so would never be super ideal. The negative is that it is smaller in mm than other 1.5s. So, you are paying for weight you can't see in spread.

From GOG, the angles and spread on this are better, but the black inclusion is off-putting.
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond...GIA-H-SI1-diamond-stock-15982-cert-1176564332

This WF has a larger spread and is less. It is eyeclean with a clear crystal inclusion on the table. A little leakage under the table, but still has a good H&A pattern. No serious clefts and a little variation in the pigeon toes.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3202009.htm

This drops color to I, but you keep in VS2.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-1466947.htm 7.43 mm
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/ags104097665003-1.526-i-vs2-ideal-hearts-arrows-round

https://www.whiteflash.com/about-di...ow-are-hearts-arrows-diamonds-graded-1578.htm, 7.35 mm
 
Rocky, do you feel the WF 1.516 you suggested is a good buy? The more I think about it and snap myself back to reality 10k for the center stone is more realistic as most settings I like are in the 3-4k range
 
Firekell said:
Rocky, do you feel the WF 1.516 you suggested is a good buy? The more I think about it and snap myself back to reality 10k for the center stone is more realistic as most settings I like are in the 3-4k range
Click to expand...
Yes. I think its a lot of diamond for the price, it meets your brief and does not top-out your budget. It will also allow you to tradeup to any other WF diamond with full value of this diamond applied. Its all about finding the balance that works for you.

On settings, post a few inspirations. We might be able to point you in a good direction.
 
rockysalamander said:
Yes. I think its a lot of diamond for the price, it meets your brief and does not top-out your budget. It will also allow you to tradeup to any other WF diamond with full value of this diamond applied. Its all about finding the balance that works for you.

On settings, post a few inspirations. We might be able to point you in a good direction.
Click to expand...

I received a response in regards to the inclusions on the 1.516 the response is as follows.
the 1.516 H SI1 did have an inclusion you could see at both 10 and 6 inches. They were very small and light in color but may be something you can locate depending on your eyesight.
Should I steer clear and go back to the drawing board?
 
Firekell said:
I received a response in regards to the inclusions on the 1.516 the response is as follows.
the 1.516 H SI1 did have an inclusion you could see at both 10 and 6 inches. They were very small and light in color but may be something you can locate depending on your eyesight.
Should I steer clear and go back to the drawing board?
Click to expand...

Can you ask WF to provide video and images at both 10 and 6 inches away? Do not have them point out the inclusions and see if you can spot them. If not look at the AGS report for a plot of where to look and then re-examine.

If you cant detect I would ask a few other trusted sources like your girl, a close friend or family member to find it. Have them use the same process of you. Once you find them see if you look at anything but the flaw.

Most people tend to focus on things they don't like so it could drive you or your girl mad once you know. As objective as I try to be my eyes do the same to me which is why I wanted something a little cleaner.

Not everyone has the same vision or sentiments, so you need to decide for yourself if you can live with this or not once you understand the order of magnitude.
 
sledge said:
Can you ask WF to provide video and images at both 10 and 6 inches away? Do not have them point out the inclusions and see if you can spot them. If not look at the AGS report for a plot of where to look and then re-examine.

If you cant detect I would ask a few other trusted sources like your girl, a close friend or family member to find it. Have them use the same process of you. Once you find them see if you look at anything but the flaw.

Most people tend to focus on things they don't like so it could drive you or your girl mad once you know. As objective as I try to be my eyes do the same to me which is why I wanted something a little cleaner.

Not everyone has the same vision or sentiments, so you need to decide for yourself if you can live with this or not once you understand the order of magnitude.
Click to expand...

It looks like someone else put a hold on it so I'm back to square one. I think I'll revise my standards a little. I want to be around the 10k mark for the stone only. Cut and size are my two priorities, I for color because it will be mounted in a halo setting and as eye clean as possible. Hopefully someone can guide me in the right direction again
 
Firekell said:
It looks like someone else put a hold on it so I'm back to square one. I think I'll revise my standards a little. I want to be around the 10k mark for the stone only. Cut and size are my two priorities, I for color because it will be mounted in a halo setting and as eye clean as possible. Hopefully someone can guide me in the right direction again
Click to expand...

Sorry, that can be frustrating. This next time I would advise putting on hold of it's a contender at any level. You can always extend the hold or cut it loose if you decide against it.

I'm mobile but will look for you this afternoon.
 
Firekell said:
I'm honestly not sure about the I. I do obviously prefer the price point. I'm going to email WF for a picture comparison. Do most people feel H is the lowest you should go before it starts to really appear yellow?
Click to expand...

I have an I/VS2 and it is BIG and white and awesome!
 
If you feel the 1.516ct is THE diamond, then call WF back and tell them so. Ask them how long the stone has been on-hold, and when that hold expires. Express to them, you are a RIGHT NOW buyer and would like them to escalate the issue so the other party has to make a decision or release the stone.

WF is a reputable company and by all rights, the other party should have FIRST PRIVILEGE to purchase, but it would be within reason for WF to ask them to expedite their decision so they don't lose out on a diamond sale.

Worst case scenario is they say, no we cannot escalate and they have until X date at Y time to decide and then you can purchase. So you wait, and try to buy it after the expiration.

Alternatively, if you want to consider other stones, here are a few. I went ahead and included the reserved H and WF suggested I stone in the group for comparison purposes, and ease of use.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3202009,4006544,3947711,3961916
 
sledge said:
If you feel the 1.516ct is THE diamond, then call WF back and tell them so. Ask them how long the stone has been on-hold, and when that hold expires. Express to them, you are a RIGHT NOW buyer and would like them to escalate the issue so the other party has to make a decision or release the stone.

WF is a reputable company and by all rights, the other party should have FIRST PRIVILEGE to purchase, but it would be within reason for WF to ask them to expedite their decision so they don't lose out on a diamond sale.

Worst case scenario is they say, no we cannot escalate and they have until X date at Y time to decide and then you can purchase. So you wait, and try to buy it after the expiration.

Alternatively, if you want to consider other stones, here are a few. I went ahead and included the reserved H and WF suggested I stone in the group for comparison purposes, and ease of use.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3202009,4006544,3947711,3961916
Click to expand...

Ok so I've narrowed it down to 3 diamonds with the help of everyone on the thread and WF I have also emailed WF to put them on hold. Now if I could have help in selecting the final diamond. Attached are the 3 for comparison
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=4006544,3965471,3947711
 
I like the I VS2 but looking at the hearts image there are two white spots that show up near the outer edges around the 3 & 4 o'clock positions. I am not certain what they are but I'd want some additional clarification that performance isn't affected.
 
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