Help selecting a princess diamond

[eastcoastbuff]

I'm very glad that I found pricescope. What a great resource for anybody looking to buy a diamond. I definitely fee that I'm a much more knowledgeable consumer now than I was when I started ring shopping. I'm hoping that some of the readers who know much more than me can help me select the perfect diamond. I'm looking for an eye clean princess cut around a carat.

Here is the setting that I've decided on:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/engraved-platinum-channel-set-princess-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-17164p.html

Here are a few of the diamonds that I'm considering:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1519246.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1517762.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1520838.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1515491.asp

I selected diamonds from James Allen because they seem to have a good reputation and I figured it would be easier to buy everything together. Any recommendations on these diamonds or others that you think would better fit my needs?

Thanks.

 

[JulieN]

The third one is really hideous.

The 1.01 H VS2 1515491 could be ok.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1521819.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1517612.asp I think i like this one a touch more than the 1.07 I SI1 you picked.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1509939.asp

 

[tyty333]

I think the first one and the forth one have the most potential. Ask for aset images and then post them. They will give
you up to 3 if you can find one other stone that you like. That setting is very nice.

 

[missk8]

I am by no means an expert. BUT, I would consider going up a little in cut/color/clarity and looking at a .8-.9 carat.

 

[vintagelover229]

Have you seen any of these? I would consider any of these a great option (Jonathan will make comparison high def. videos for you as well)

http://www.goodoldgold.com/cart.php

 

[eastcoastbuff]

Thanks for all the great feedback and advice. I'm going to request aset images and I'll post them when I receive them.

 

[eastcoastbuff]

Here are the Aset images that James Allen provided.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1515491.asp ($4,650)


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1517612.asp ($4,300)


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1519246.asp ($4,590)


The gemologist there definitely liked 1515491 the best saying it had the best light performance and great fire, brilliance, and scintillation. He said 1517612 was the best cut and also had good light performance. Since it is the cheapest he thought that would also be a good option. He didn't like 1519246 as well saying that it was eye clean, but it's light performance was not as impressive.

I would appreciate other opinions about these images. I know red is good and black is bad, but other than that I'm not really sure what I'm looking at.

Thanks again for any help you can provide.

 

[Gypsy]

Well in this case it's a bit confusing, at least for me.

Here's what you are looking for though: http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_reference_chart_ASET.asp

 

[eastcoastbuff]

Thanks for that reference link. Are there different kinds of Aset images? In the link you provided, light leaks are white but I think they are the black spots in the images that James Allen gave me.

 

[Gypsy]

Thanks for that reference link. Are there different kinds of Aset images? In the link you provided, light leaks are white but I think they are the black spots in the images that James Allen gave me.

There are white background (dark field) and light background. White is better, but harder to read. Black isn't as precise, but is easier to read.

 

[eastcoastbuff]

Any other feedback from the pricescope experts? I have the diamonds on hold until 5pm today so I'm hoping to finalize a decision by then. Right now I'm leaning towards the diamond with the top Aset image (1515491). That is the biggest diamond and the one that the gemologist at James Allen seemed to like the best. Are there any red flags in the images that I'm missing?

Thanks for all your help. This community has really been a great resource.

 

[jon_l_seitz]

I would second the recommendation working with Good Old Gold. I don't have anything against James Allen, and they enjoy a solid reputation here. The problem is an image only gives you part of the picture (literally) and is not indicative of how the diamond will perform. Good Old Gold goes a step beyond other online vendors, and they should be able to work with your budget to find a diamond that will not only look good on paper and in pictures, but in real life. I not only received a great diamond at a fair price, but I received piece of mind and confidence in my purchase. I at least recommend speaking with them before making your final decision.

 

[JulieN]

When there is no clear cut winner and no red flags in an ASET comparo, you should defer to the judgement of the people who can see them in person.