Help! Need to choose one...

[crypticshark]

Hello everyone!

I am new here. I've been shopping around for an engagement ring for a while now. The pandemic situation slowed down my search and I missed out on a few great diamonds because I didn't have the time and my gf was always around... I would like to act a bit faster this time. Anyways, I've came down to a list of 4 options (see below).

I know the difference are not huge but since I will only make this purchase once in my life (hopefully), I just want to get it right and I figured someone here could help me... Please bear in mind that I am in no way an expert but I tried to find the best ones by reading here and other websites and figuring out the good combination of specs and looks. They are all in the same price range, except for Option 1 which is about 2k$ more than the others. It will be matched with a slim yellow-gold solitaire (4 prongs).

Thank you in advance for any help or comment you could provide, it will be much appreciated.


Option 1 --

Carat: 1.60
Color: F
Clarity: VS1
HCA: 1.6 / Big






Option 2 --

Carat: 1.55
Color: F
Clarity: VVS2
HCA: 1.3 / Average





Option 3 --

Carat: 1.56
Color: G
Clarity: VVS1
HCA: 1.3 / Average





Option 4 --

Carat: 1.57
Color: F
Clarity: VS1
HCA: 1.2 / Average

 

[Kaycee2018]

As much as option 1 is an AGS 000, I don’t like pic. Just based on this info I like 3 and 4. Did you ask for advanced images (hearts and arrows, IS, ASET)? Do you have videos?

 

[flyingpig]

And you are new? You must be lying.

 

[Kay90]

Another vote for 3 and 4!

 

[crypticshark]

Thanks guys! Much appreciated.

Any other opinion or any advice between 3 and 4?

Technically I would go with the F color since the rest is similar and same size but the G color has a nice look, on picture at least...

And you are new? You must be lying.

What do you mean? Why would I be lying lol

Just a guy who is interested in the topic, especially since its a big chunk of cash coming out of my pocket hehe

 

[mwilliamanderson]

I’m loving number 3!

 

[flyingpig]

Thanks guys! Much appreciated.

Any other opinion or any advice between 3 and 4?

Technically I would go with the F color since the rest is similar and same size but the G color has a nice look, on picture at least...



What do you mean? Why would I be lying lol

Just a guy who is interested in the topic, especially since its a big chunk of cash coming out of my pocket hehe

This is my way of saying "those diamonds are very good".

 

[flyingpig]

Can I see the video for #2?

 

[crypticshark]

Can I see the video for #2?

1.55 Carat round diamond

This 1.55 carat round diamond F color vvs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[flyingpig]

1.55 Carat round diamond

This 1.55 carat round diamond F color vvs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

This is my favourite.

But all 4 are strong contenders. When a new person lists for 4 diamonds, at least one is a dud. I am impressed.

 

[crypticshark]

As much as option 1 is an AGS 000, I don’t like pic. Just based on this info I like 3 and 4. Did you ask for advanced images (hearts and arrows, IS, ASET)? Do you have videos?

Option 1

1.60 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.6 carat F color vs1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS

www.jamesallen.com

Option 2:

1.55 Carat round diamond

This 1.55 carat round diamond F color vvs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Option 3:

1.56 Carat round diamond

This 1.56 carat round diamond G color vvs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Option 4:

1.57 Carat round diamond

This 1.57 carat round diamond F color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[crypticshark]

Also I've read a few of you guys talking about the 58 table... doesn't seem like a major problem in this cas edoes it? Same thing for the 35.5 angle... Would've preferred 35.0 but not too bad right?

 

[flyingpig]

Also I've read a few of you guys talking about the 58 table... doesn't seem like a major problem in this cas edoes it? Same thing for the 35.5 angle... Would've preferred 35.0 but not too bad right?

With 35.5CA and 40.6PA and 75 LGH, you want 58TB.

Let me know you what happens if you shrink the table size

1.01 Carat round diamond

This 1.01 carat round diamond G color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[crypticshark]

Alright so far we have:

3 votes for option 3 (You guys don't mind the G-color vs all the other F-color ?)
2 votes for option 4
1 vote for option 2
0 vote for option 1

Any other opinion?

Thanks again guys for your time and comments. I enjoy reading each one.

 

[crypticshark]

This is my favourite.

But all 4 are strong contenders. When a new person lists for 4 diamonds, at least one is a dud. I am impressed.

Would you mind explaining why you prefer it vs option 3 and 4?

Thanks again for your help!

 

[flyingpig]

Would you mind explaining why you prefer it vs option 3 and 4?

Thanks again for your help!

It is F color and VVS. I appears there is very little leakage. What not to like about it in comparison with #3 and #4+?

 

[crypticshark]

For option 4, what do you think of the 35.5/40.6 with 57 table, 62 depth and 15.5 crown height? vs option 2: 35.5/40.6, 58/61.6 and 15.0 crown height?

 

[crypticshark]

What about this one? Worth the extra 4k ?

Carat: 1.90
Color: G
Clarity: VS1
HCA: 0.6 / Average

1.90 Carat round diamond

This 1.9 carat round diamond G color vs1 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS

www.jamesallen.com

 

[lydial]

I like the 1.9. Biggest and still lovely. I think the extra Vs in the VVs’s are unnecessary and G is perfect. F is too, but for me bigger stone will generally win.

 

[crypticshark]

I like the 1.9. Biggest and still lovely. I think the extra Vs in the VVs’s are unnecessary and G is perfect. F is too, but for me bigger stone will generally win.

Thanks for the advice! I will consider it. How big is too big though? lol

And what if you had to pick between Option 2, 3 and 4 only?

Cheers!

 

[lydial]

Thanks for the advice! I will consider it. How big is too big though? lol

And what if you had to pick between Option 2, 3 and 4 only?

Cheers!

Hi! As the cuts are nearly identical, I would choose the least expensive F. For potential resale later. F will be worth more.

 

[flyingpig]

The last one is in a completely different price and carat category. No direct comparison is possible.
You are good at recognizing good diamonds. We all have respectful light performance. Go with your instinct.

 

[lydial]

Thanks for the advice! I will consider it. How big is too big though? lol

And what if you had to pick between Option 2, 3 and 4 only?

Cheers!

PS I think > 3 ct is too big for a typical young person. Anything < 2.75 ish is classy and not “too much”.

 

[crypticshark]

Thanks guys, these are all great avice!
I'll keep you posted!

 

[crypticshark]

The last one is in a completely different price and carat category. No direct comparison is possible.
You are good at recognizing good diamonds. We all have respectful light performance. Go with your instinct.

I agree they are not comparable... but do you like it ? would you say it's worth the 18.4k$ USD?

 

[crypticshark]

Btw I'm hesitating now between option 4 and option 5 (the 1.9)

RECAP:

Option 4:
15,250$ USD
1.57 Carat, F-color, VS1
HCA: 1.2 / Average
Depth: 62.0
Table: 57.0
Dimensions: 7.39x7.46x4.60
Crown Angle: 35.5
Crown Height: 15.5
Pavillion Angle:40.6
Pavillion Depth: 43.0




Option 5:
18,410$ USD
1.90 Carat, G-color, VS1
HCA: 0.6 / Average
Depth: 62.2
Table: 56.8
Dimensions: 7.87x7.90x4.91
Crown Angle: 35.6
Crown Height: 15.4
Pavillion Angle:40.5
Pavillion Depth: 42.6

 

[flyingpig]

I agree they are not comparable... but do you like it ? would you say it's worth the 18.4k$ USD?

If your budget allows, get the 1.9 G VS1. Fairly priced, nice color/clarity combo, lovely.

 

[crypticshark]

Yeah that's what I thought. I'm just scared it will look "too much" to our friends and family lol. She has a 4.5-4.75 size finger and wants a very thin band (probably 1.5mm)...

 

[Mamajemmy]

If these are all James Allen I would do the 1.9 as the upgrade policy is much stricter. If at some point you’d like a bigger stone you’ll end up needing to spend twice as much.

 

[crypticshark]

You guys all made excellent points, especially for the 1.9.

There seems to be a few inclusions (pinpoints - one in the middle, 2 or 3 on the left / bottom-left), should I mind at all ?

Cheers!