Help needed evaluating these 2-ct diamond IdealScope images

[ironcondor]

I am in the market for a ~2 ct engagement ring with a budget of $16-18k. I previously posted some diamonds I had found in this thread, and you guys really helped me develop a better eye at thinking about diamonds.

I've now gone to James Allen and identified three stones for which I've asked for Idealscope images. Which one is best?

1. Diamond 1 - $15,670 / 2.05 I VS2 / Strong Flouro / HCA 1.4 / 57 table 62.2 depth 35.5 crown 40.6 pav / Idealscope image here
2. Diamond 2 - $15,280 / 2.03 I VS1 / Strong Flouro / HCA 1.9 / 57 table 62.2 depth 36.5 crown 40.6 pav / Idealscope image here
3. Diamond 3 - $17,140 / 2.02 I VS2 / No Flouro / HCA 1.4 / 57 table 61.7 depth 35.5 crown 40.6 pav / Idealscope image here

Are any of these worth buying, or should I keep on looking for ideal angles like this 2.09 ct 34 crown / 41 pavilion diamond from BlueNile? Also -- is haziness from flouro visible in any of the zoom photos or Idealscope images?

Thanks for all your help and teaching so far guys!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Also -- is haziness from flouro visible in any of the zoom photos or Idealscope images?

w/o UV hitting the stone it will be most impossible to see any haziness.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-us-your-fluorescent-ring-under-the-sun.212660/

 

[lalala]

It looks like the same IS image for #1 and #3. Am I seeing things or was this an error?

 

[Karl_K]

It looks like the same IS image for #1 and #3. Am I seeing things or was this an error?

yes same image, good catch.

 

[ironcondor]

yes same image, good catch.

Sorry -- this is the correct one for Diamond 3: https://imgur.com/a/QlurV

 

[HappyNewLife]

the leakage for #1 and 2 (under the table) bothers me - anyone else?

 

[erislynn]

Nice picks, they look like the better ones of the bunch based on video. Based on idealscope there is some leakage under the table for all three. I would vote #3 if I had to choose out of those.

If you're willing to go down to J, there are quite a few true hearts cuts in your price range. If not, how about this guy? https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD09386713

 

[ironcondor]

Nice picks, they look like the better ones of the bunch based on video. Based on idealscope there is some leakage under the table for all three. I would vote #3 if I had to choose out of those.

If you're willing to go down to J, there are quite a few true hearts cuts in your price range. If not, how about this guy? https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD09386713

Hi Eris, thanks for your opinion. Regarding the BlueNile LD09386713 diamond, what about that strikes you as a better alternative?

Also, if I go with a TrueHearts J vs. these regular I color diamonds, will there really be any perceptible color difference? I figure the better light return would certainly help. For example, how does this one compare?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-j-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2449496

 

[erislynn]

I see you actually had considered the BN 2.08 in your previous thread. I suggested it because it has a nice balance of things. For one, the angles are theoretically in a safer range (34-35/40. but it is hard to judge for sure without the idealscope.

For the true hearts J, it will have more even light return. The diamond will look brilliant in more lighting situations but only you or the wearer can decide if J is acceptable. I didn't realize you were going down to H, I already, so J may be too much. Many people can tell the color on an H but you have to decide what you're okay with. I would suggest looking at color in stores if you haven't.

 

[ringo865]

Looking for color in stores only on GIA or AGS graded stones. Otherwise, add 1-3 color grades (they say "F" = GIA/AGS G-I)

 

[rockysalamander]

I'd like to see a lot more edge to edge brightness in your diamond choices.

Unless you have seen and are sure a J color diamond works for you and your intended, I'd be hesitant to suggest one (with a maybe on a super-ideal). JA's True Hearts are cut to have a specific optical pattern and symmetry, but they are not superideal. A JA TH will not mask color any better than any other hand-selected ideal we like around here. In my experience, super-ideals and old-cuts are better as masking color. But, JA TH are usually well-cut and all have IS images which is a time and annoyance saver.

The setting choice and color can also help. A setting with a detailed gallery blocking the side-view, makes color harder to see than a standard 4-prong. Yellow and rose gold also help with color (although you still want white prongs).

On JA, photos setup varies do don't make too much of any color difference you perceive in the videos.

#5 - 1.918 I VS2 ACA - 7.93 mm - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3855430.htm {all the images are available, bright, clean and very pretty, but you trade some size to keep in budget; super-ideal}

#6 - 2.208 J VS2 ACA - 8.28 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3667827.htm {very pretty. You gain some size, but drop in color while pushing budget; super-ideal}.

#7 - 2.26 I VVS1 - 8.47 mm - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3530615 {great angles, really nice diamond, need to request and IS, great size and very clean; trong blue flour can help life the color in UV light, but needs to be examined by JA gemologist for haziness - through very rare.}

#8 - 2.11 I VS2 - 8.35 mm - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3527132 (angles a bit unconventional, but the are well balanced. I like the chubby arrows. Worth request an IS if the low crown angle and flatter top does not bother you visually; strong blue flour can help life the color in UV light, but needs to be examined by JA gemologist for haziness - through very rare.}

#98 - 2.05 I VS2 - 8.12 mm - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3527132 {tiny inclusion under the table may bother some, likely the size of a period on a typed letter. Good angles. Strong blue flour can help life the color in UV light, but needs to be examined by JA gemologist for haziness - through very rare. JA gemologist also needs to review for any impact from "additional clouds" on the cert}

Have a look and see if any of these appeal. Put any JA stone you like on hold and then request the IS image (you can request 3 per email account).

 

[ironcondor]

Thanks @rockysalamander -- those are some great notes!

I had the Idealscope pulled for #7, here's what it looks like: https://imgur.com/a/mzcNP

What's your take? It's clearly not a super-ideal, but are the white areas anything to worry about? I put the rock on hold, so if it passes muster I'll probably just go with that one.

 

[rockysalamander]

Glad my notes were helpful.Can they also provide a H&A image? There is some inconsistency in Pavilion angles of the IS, which is why the table has that piano key look (see thread here with a diamond showing this more strongly https://www.pricescope.com/communit...alscope-too-much-leakage.234996/#post-4233243).

As I've only seen a few of these 'piano key' style IS's with a diamond IRL to compare, so I'm going to see if @Karl_K @gm89uk @flyingpig or other IS folks can have look and give you more informed perspective. For the below diamond.

#7 - 2.26 I VVS1 - 8.47 mm - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3530615

IS - https://imgur.com/a/mzcNP

 

[ironcondor]

Glad my notes were helpful.Can they also provide a H&A image? There is some inconsistency in Pavilion angles of the IS, which is why the table has that piano key look (see thread here with a diamond showing this more strongly https://www.pricescope.com/communit...alscope-too-much-leakage.234996/#post-4233243).

As I've only seen a few of these 'piano key' style IS's with a diamond IRL to compare, so I'm going to see if @Karl_K @gm89uk @flyingpig or other IS folks can have look and give you more informed perspective. For the below diamond.

#7 - 2.26 I VVS1 - 8.47 mm - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3530615

IS - https://imgur.com/a/mzcNP

Unfortunately they don't have an H&A image -- so the one Idealscope image is all we have to go off of.

Yes -- more opinions would be useful! Thanks to everyone who's been super helpful so far.

 

[Karl_K]

IS images of Diamonds like the first 3 make me sad.
With more care in cutting they could be top of the line.
Different looking than tolk ideal cuts but really top end.

But with the pavilion and lower girdle variations they fall into the likely pretty but not top end class.
Much better however than many steep/deep gia EX cuts.
There have been a lot of these posted recently a big player must be cranking them out.

 

[rockysalamander]

IS images of Diamonds like the first 3 make me sad.
With more care in cutting they could be top of the line.
Different looking than tolk ideal cuts but really top end.

But with the pavilion and lower girdle variations they fall into the likely pretty but not top end class.
Much better however than many steep/deep gia EX cuts.
There have been a lot of these posted recently a big player must be cranking them out.

How would you rate this one? It too has the piano key look...

#7 - 2.26 I VVS1 - 8.47 mm - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3530615

IS - https://imgur.com/a/mzcNP

 

[Karl_K]

How would you rate this one? It too has the piano key look...

#7 - 2.26 I VVS1 - 8.47 mm - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3530615

IS - https://imgur.com/a/mzcNP

takes it from ideal to borderline/near ideal in my opinion.
Some would disagree both ways likely.
Not as big an issue with that combination but its a matter of degree.
The back light is a bit bright in that setup judging by the light center making it look worse. But still I have a hard time not downgrading it.

 

[ironcondor]

Hi all, I wanted to give an update in this thread.

I went with this one that @rockysalamander had suggested. Additional photos showed that the J color was not very noticeable and it hit the right spot for cut, brilliance and price

#6 - 2.208 J VS2 ACA - 8.28 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3667827.htm {very pretty. You gain some size, but drop in color while pushing budget; super-ideal}.

Thank you everyone for your help!

 

[rockysalamander]

Great news! I love that ACA! Did you select a setting?

 

[ironcondor]

Great news! I love that ACA! Did you select a setting?

Yes! The 6-prong contemporary one made by WF.

 

[rockysalamander]

Nice. I like the setting you selected for its simplicity and that narrowing at the top will make the stone look bigger. If you want a few alternatives to considers, here are a few that I really like.

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.html {I like that the shoulder narrows at the top and the detail in the gallery}

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm {same as above with Pave. I like that the shoulder narrows at the top and the detail in the gallery}

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ngle-shank-solitaire-engagement-ring-3811.htm {this has a nice floral feeling}

 

[ironcondor]

Nice. I like the setting you selected for its simplicity and that narrowing at the top will make the stone look bigger. If you want a few alternatives to considers, here are a few that I really like.

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.html {I like that the shoulder narrows at the top and the detail in the gallery}

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm {same as above with Pave. I like that the shoulder narrows at the top and the detail in the gallery}

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ngle-shank-solitaire-engagement-ring-3811.htm {this has a nice floral feeling}

Thanks Rocky! The lucky lady likes simplicity so the wonderful folks at Whiteflash helped me select something right in that vein. They pointed out the narrowing at the top as well, otherwise I wouldn't have noticed!

 

[rockysalamander]

Great news! Can't wait to see pics.

 

[HappyNewLife]

that's going to be amazing! When will it ship? I think you and I are on the same "2 week wait"