Help Needed: Which of These Lab-Grown Emerald Cuts?

[skillcape]

I will start by apologizing for joining your forum only to ask for help. I have tried my best to distill this to numbers (I know, I know...) using information from this forum (thank you, Karl!) and elsewhere. Filters that I have been using: 2.7-3.2 carat, VVS1-2 clarity, 60-65% table, 60-65% depth, 13.5-15.0% crown height, ~1.4 L/W ratio, med-thick girdle, etc. Unfortunately, GIA does not list crown height and I am not confident in my ability to judge that from angled video.

Below are four engagement ring center stones that I am focused on in no particular order. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Option 1: GIA (Loupe360)

Carat: 3.03
Clarity: VVS1
Color: D
Cost: ~$2.7k
---
Table: 63.0%
Depth: 64.1%
Crown Height: ?
---
Ratio: 1.43
Length: 9.89 mm
Width: 6.93 mm
Height: 4.44 mm

Option 2: IGI (Loupe360)

Carat: 3.06
Clarity: VVS1
Color: D
Cost: ~2.8k
---
Table: 64.0%
Depth: 65.0%
Crown Height: 14.5%
---
Ratio: 1.43
Length: 9.96 mm
Width: 6.95 mm
Height: 4.52 mm

Option 3: GIA (Loupe360)

Carat: 2.85
Clarity: VVS2
Color: D
Cost: ~$1.4k
---
Table: 63.0%
Depth: 64.1%
Crown Height: ?
---
Ratio: 1.43
Length: 9.37 mm
Width: 6.73 mm
Height: 4.37 mm

Option 4: IGI (Loupe360)

Carat: 2.99
Clarity: VVS1
Color: D
Cost: ~$1.8k
---
Table: 64.0%
Depth: 63.7%
Crown Height: 14.5%
---
Ratio: 1.39
Length: 9.54 mm
Width: 6.86 mm
Height: 4.37 mm

 

[tyty333]

2, then 3 were my favorite

Some of these videos have so much glare coming off the table, you can't really see down into the stone.

 

[skillcape]

2, then 3 were my favorite

Some of these videos have so much glare coming off the table, you can't really see down into the stone.

Thanks for taking a look! What makes you more interested in 2/3 than 1/4? Option 2 seems to have more contrast than the others, but it could just be the angle. It is eye catching but I worry too dark?

Maybe it's best to narrow it down to two then inspect in person.

 

[tyty333]

Just watching the facets "step" and go light/dark. I do not think #2 will be too dark.

Number 3 and 4 look like they have leakage under the table. There is so much glare off the table
though, it's hard to see what's going on. Someone needs to make sure that the stones don't have
any striation issues (it could just be the videos). Are these all HPHT?

 

[skillcape]

Just watching the facets "step" and go light/dark. I do not think #2 will be too dark.

Number 3 and 4 look like they have leakage under the table. There is so much glare off the table
though, it's hard to see what's going on. Someone needs to make sure that the stones don't have
any striation issues (it could just be the videos). Are these all HPHT?

Option 2 is CVD and Option 4 is HPHT. Options 1 and 3 are unknown — Not stated in the GIA report.

Many (most?) of the CVD stones I have seen come with obvious stria. Option 2 looks good besides what I’ve highlighted in the attached photos. I don’t see any stria in Options 1 or 3 so am thinking HPHT, but can only guess. I agree the videos are poor.

 

[skillcape]

Option 2 sold, which I am okay with — It looks great but the striations bothered me.

I am “bringing in” Option 1 and will share photos and video once it has arrived!