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Help! Pick between two diamonds

T

tipsy krets

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 25, 2024
Messages
13
Hello!

After months of research on a ring for my girlfriend I’m trying to decide between two similar diamonds. I’ve been in touch with white flash but am hoping to get this community’s thoughts as another set of eyes.

I’m indifferent to one being slightly larger carat size. My focus is really on the best cut and light performance.

Diamond | 1.59 ct H VS1 Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | GIA1458585834 | GIA

This fabulous 1.59 carat Round Excellent cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of H.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 157501637 | GIA
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.53 ct H VS1 Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | GIA1475988078 | GIA

This fabulous 1.53 carat Round Excellent cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of H.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 165569675 | GIA
www.whiteflash.com

Which would you go with?

Thanks in advance for your help!
 
Neither of those diamonds are A Cut Above diamonds from Whiteflash. Are you working with a sales associate at Whiteflash?
 
MissGotRocks said:
Neither of those diamonds are A Cut Above diamonds from Whiteflash. Are you working with a sales associate at Whiteflash?
Click to expand...

Thanks for responding. Yes I am working with someone at WF, and you’re right they are not ACA. I am wondering if they could be ACA quality but are simply not held in stock by WF. Planning to have it inspected if I go with one of these of course, but wondering if by going the ACA route you’re paying more for the brand name, upgrade guarantee, etc.

Based on my research on pricescope, you can find ACA quality stones that are not ACA branded, it just takes more work to make sure the cut quality is up to snuff. The dimensions on these look solid, so really am wondering if they are ACA cut quality, very close to it, or not.

Personally, the upgrade guarantee and brand isn’t worth the extra few thousand dollars, but cut quality is very important to me. Hoping to get this community’s thoughts on if these could be ACA quality, understanding that you really need to inspect in person (and I have someone at WF who will help me with that piece once I decide on a stone). If the ACA stone’s cut quality is truly next level and there’s a noticeable difference I would consider it, but obviously the people working at WF are a bit biased.

Thanks!
 
tipsy krets said:
Based on my research on pricescope, you can find ACA quality stones that are not ACA branded, it just takes more work to make sure the cut quality is up to snuff. The dimensions on these look solid, so really am wondering if they are ACA cut quality, very close to it, or not.
Click to expand...

I don't think this is entirely true. You can find stones that are cut to angles that fall within the recommended ranges, but ACAs are precision cut stones, as are Brian Gavin Signature stones and diamonds from other vendors, like Victor Canera. They are exactingly cut for superior light performance.

I have some ACAs and BGDs. I also have Costco diamonds in a tennis bracelet and some small hoops. I can definitely see the difference. I compromise on color to get the precision cut stones for most pieces (my three-stone ring, my studs), but, in other pieces, I don't want to spend the extra money.

I would encourage you to see an ACA (or another super ideal) in person before deciding, It may not be worth it to you, but, to me, there is a visible difference. Also, the upgrade policy is a nice bonus. You may not think so now, but things change and diamonds "shrink." (I know this from personal experience. LOL)

I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to see what you get!
 
Heathcat24 said:
I don't think this is entirely true. You can find stones that are cut to angles that fall within the recommended ranges, but ACAs are precision cut stones, as are Brian Gavin Signature stones and diamonds from other vendors, like Victor Canera. They are exactingly cut for superior light performance.

I have some ACAs and BGDs. I also have Costco diamonds in a tennis bracelet and some small hoops. I can definitely see the difference. I compromise on color to get the precision cut stones for most pieces (my three-stone ring, my studs), but, in other pieces, I don't want to spend the extra money.

I would encourage you to see an ACA (or another super ideal) in person before deciding, It may not be worth it to you, but, to me, there is a visible difference. Also, the upgrade policy is a nice bonus. You may not think so now, but things change and diamonds "shrink." (I know this from personal experience. LOL)

I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to see what you get!
Click to expand...

Thank you that’s very helpful!
 
tipsy krets said:
Thanks for responding. Yes I am working with someone at WF, and you’re right they are not ACA. I am wondering if they could be ACA quality but are simply not held in stock by WF. Planning to have it inspected if I go with one of these of course, but wondering if by going the ACA route you’re paying more for the brand name, upgrade guarantee, etc.

Based on my research on pricescope, you can find ACA quality stones that are not ACA branded, it just takes more work to make sure the cut quality is up to snuff. The dimensions on these look solid, so really am wondering if they are ACA cut quality, very close to it, or not.

Personally, the upgrade guarantee and brand isn’t worth the extra few thousand dollars, but cut quality is very important to me. Hoping to get this community’s thoughts on if these could be ACA quality, understanding that you really need to inspect in person (and I have someone at WF who will help me with that piece once I decide on a stone). If the ACA stone’s cut quality is truly next level and there’s a noticeable difference I would consider it, but obviously the people working at WF are a bit biased.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Are you SURE your fiancé won't want to upgrade the size several years down the road? Diamonds seem to shrink as the wearer gets accustomed to them. Most women I know dream of larger stones. Personally, I buy ACAs because of the upgrade policy (in addition to the top quality performance)..
 
No, they are not the same as ACA’s. Go back to the Whiteflash website to see how ACA’s are tested and how they receive their ACA designation. You can find diamonds that fall within the correct parameters, but don’t exhibit the same light performance as ACA’s. I have had both and can assure you that there is a difference. The question is how important that difference is to you. For me, good enough is not good enough for my dollars, but you may see it differently. Having said that, however, you can’t rationalize the difference away. You can accept it and be ok with it, but you can’t discount the level of perfection.
 
Based on the videos I think the 1.53 looks more precisely cut, but the only way to know whether it measures up to an ACA is to compare them in person. The small cut differences (if any) may not be noticeable or matter to you.

Ask WF about their upgrade policy even if it’s not an ACA. If it meets their selection criteria they may still offer an upgrade policy. You may not see the need for an upgrade policy now, but it doesn’t hurt to keep your options open.
 
Scon_ce said:
Have you seen this one for sale in the preowned section? Comes with a setting. You could make an offer I'm sure.
I'm hoping someone buys it soon so I don't ;)



JenniferMarie90

Thread 'Selling my 1.605 I VS2 WF ACA engagement ring'

She’s beautiful and deserves a good home. Posted on loupe troop

<a href="http://loupetroop.com/listings/ring...ter/1-dot-605-wf-aca-color-i-vs-2-ring-size-5">1.605 WF ACA color I, VS 2. Ring size 5 on Loupe Troop</a>
  • Like
Click to expand...

Thank you for sharing but I don’t think she would like pre-owned
 
RunningwithScissors said:
Are you SURE your fiancé won't want to upgrade the size several years down the road? Diamonds seem to shrink as the wearer gets accustomed to them. Most women I know dream of larger stones. Personally, I buy ACAs because of the upgrade policy (in addition to the top quality performance)..
Click to expand...

No I don’t think she would. Knowing her, I think the original stone would have sentimental value to her and she specifically did not want a bigger stone. Thank you for sharing though!
 
MissGotRocks said:
No, they are not the same as ACA’s. Go back to the Whiteflash website to see how ACA’s are tested and how they receive their ACA designation. You can find diamonds that fall within the correct parameters, but don’t exhibit the same light performance as ACA’s. I have had both and can assure you that there is a difference. The question is how important that difference is to you. For me, good enough is not good enough for my dollars, but you may see it differently. Having said that, however, you can’t rationalize the difference away. You can accept it and be ok with it, but you can’t discount the level of perfection.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your candid feedback. I’d like the best light performance possible so you’re having me second guess my choice!

I was thinking of maybe ordering the 1.53 then having WF inspect and asking them for their honest opinion if it was ACA quality or not and then returning it if it wasn’t and doing ACA. I’m not in a particular rush so I don’t see the harm in that. Do you think that makes sense?
 
0-0-0 said:
Based on the videos I think the 1.53 looks more precisely cut, but the only way to know whether it measures up to an ACA is to compare them in person. The small cut differences (if any) may not be noticeable or matter to you.

Ask WF about their upgrade policy even if it’s not an ACA. If it meets their selection criteria they may still offer an upgrade policy. You may not see the need for an upgrade policy now, but it doesn’t hurt to keep your options open.
Click to expand...

Good points, thanks for your thoughts
 
Since you are already working with them - might be fun to look at these 2.. could be eye clean.... and since ACA they are covered by the 1.5x $ upgrade deal in the future...

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.637 ct I SI2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 260694

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.637 carat I color SI2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 260694
www.whiteflash.com

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.50 ct H SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 2972966

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.50 carat H color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 2972966
www.whiteflash.com
 
I think WF might be able to send a side by side vid of the ACA and the other one?
Good luck on your search!
 
tipsy krets said:
Thanks for your candid feedback. I’d like the best light performance possible so you’re having me second guess my choice!

I was thinking of maybe ordering the 1.53 then having WF inspect and asking them for their honest opinion if it was ACA quality or not and then returning it if it wasn’t and doing ACA. I’m not in a particular rush so I don’t see the harm in that. Do you think that makes sense?
Click to expand...

I think if it was ACA quality they would have already taken it for their inventory. I would definitely call and discuss it with them though. They are so friendly and easy to work with so I would definitely reach out to them. I spent years trying to rationalize things as you are now which resulted in me wasting money in the meanwhile. I had an AGS0 diamond that was close, however, when compared to an ACA it was evident that I had been mistaken. That is why I am so emphatic in my response. I would take a smaller ACA in order to stay in budget and have the cut quality. I know it is a leap and I surely understand it from a financial point of view. It was that important to me to have that level of cut quality and I was thrilled to get my first ACA. I later traded up for a larger ACA stone and was able to do studs and pendant as well at an even later date. I have never for a moment regretted the money spent as these diamonds bring me joy every day! You may be more moderate in your feelings, so I am not trying to persuade you to do something you aren’t comfortable doing. Just sharing some of my 30+ years of diamond buying and trading.
Call Whiteflash and talk to them about your choices. Not sure what their policy is on calling in virtual diamonds but it would be great for comparison purposes. Good luck and keep us posted!
 
Hi Everyone!

Thanks again for all your help. After much thought and discussion with the folks at WF I’ve decided that it’s worth it to go with an ACA.

I’m now down to two choices - both of which in pictures/videos provided by WF look the same to me in terms of the 4 Cs.

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.40 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4708660

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.40 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 4708660
www.whiteflash.com

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.50 ct H SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 2972966

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.50 carat H color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 2972966
www.whiteflash.com

For reference, the Si1 imperfection becomes visible at 6 inches. So it’s eye clean, but not as good as the VS2 obviously. Price difference doesn’t matter to me.

Do you all think the better clarity/color makes up for the smaller carat size? Understanding a lot of this is personal preference / mental comfort.

I’m going to take the weekend to decide but any last thoughts would be appreciated!
 
Perhaps ask WF for a side by side video?
 
0-0-0 said:
Perhaps ask WF for a side by side video?
Click to expand...

Sorry for the confusion, WF sent me side by side pics/video and I couldn’t notice any difference between the two side by side in terms of the 4 Cs.
 
I vote for the GVS2. The size difference is not going to matter once set!!
 
Is your girlfriend the kind of person who would look at it super close up or the kind of person who would prefer that it be a touch bigger? How good is her vision?

I would lean toward G/VS2 for a surprise ring.
 
newtojewels said:
Is your girlfriend the kind of person who would look at it super close up or the kind of person who would prefer that it be a touch bigger? How good is her vision?

I would lean toward G/VS2 for a surprise ring.
Click to expand...

She has said specifically several times that she doesn’t want a big ring and when wearing a 1.3 thought it was a good size. She wears a size 5 so her fingers are on the smaller side.

I would think she would love to look at it close up all the time. So maybe you’ve answered my question right there..
 
tipsy krets said:
She has said specifically several times that she doesn’t want a big ring and when wearing a 1.3 thought it was a good size. She wears a size 5 so her fingers are on the smaller side.

I would think she would love to look at it close up all the time. So maybe you’ve answered my question right there..
Click to expand...

Well, then! I think you have your answer. Do you know which setting you're going with?
 
Congrats! I am so happy for both of you that you decided on the ACA! I personally would prefer the G, VS2. You will never regret buying quality!!
 
Congratulations!

SO glad you decided to stay with their ACA line. I cannot wait to hear what you think when you open the box and see it in person! As far as which one… you cannot go wrong with either (here in lies why I love an ACA for a mrb).

In her case, for an engagement ring that she may wear daily for years to come, especially if she’s one to look closely … GVS2. If she’s not super color sensitive you could even look at an H/I VS1. I’m fairly color sensitive and I actually love I color in a mrb, you can *just* start to see a faint hint of warmth and it pulls the steely grey out of a DEF - but I’ve stared at stones for thousands of hours, so take this with a grain of salt :lol: … just a thought to throw out there. The average person won’t see a VS2 inclusion though.

Which Vatche setting?
 
lavenderdragonfly23 said:
Congratulations!

SO glad you decided to stay with their ACA line. I cannot wait to hear what you think when you open the box and see it in person! As far as which one… you cannot go wrong with either (here in lies why I love an ACA for a mrb).

In her case, for an engagement ring that she may wear daily for years to come, especially if she’s one to look closely … GVS2. If she’s not super color sensitive you could even look at an H/I VS1. I’m fairly color sensitive and I actually love I color in a mrb, you can *just* start to see a faint hint of warmth and it pulls the steely grey out of a DEF - but I’ve stared at stones for thousands of hours, so take this with a grain of salt :lol: … just a thought to throw out there. The average person won’t see a VS2 inclusion though.

Which Vatche setting?
Click to expand...

The Tiffany style six prong with a knife edge, I made the mistake of bringing her into Tiffany’s and we left with her wanting as close of a replica to that as possible haha
 
tipsy krets said:
The Tiffany style six prong with a knife edge, I made the mistake of bringing her into Tiffany’s and we left with her wanting as close of a replica to that as possible haha
Click to expand...

So the only difference between the ring you are giving her and a Tiffany ring is that your diamond will be a better cut. : )
Congratulations!
 
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