HELP - What do you think of these 2.25 CT diamonds?

[monatl]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on PriceScope and I hope I can get some good advice from the community. I believe I've narrowed my search down to the following. I am looking for a round brilliant ideal cut in the 2.25 range with minimum G color and VS1 clarity. I am open to going up to the 2.5 range without sacrificing too much on quality, and hoping to stay under $45k. I've found a few diamonds online that fit what I'm looking for and I would appreciate some input. Are these good diamonds, and do any of them stand out among the rest? Are there better alternatives out there? Thank you!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-321438
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-e-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-502131
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...g-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-102761
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-387564
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-496936
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-371283

 

[chrono]

Have you double checked/input the information into the HCA calculator to limit the pool?
https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

 

[monatl]

I have and all of them range from 1.2 to 1.8!

 

[tweeter8177]

James Allen will let you get idealscope/aset images on 3 stones, so I would pick your top 3 and request them! Here are recommended proportions, so you can use this to help eliminate some. I think one you chose had a depth of 62.5 so I would get rid of that one, as it won't face up as big as some of the others.

depth - 60 - 62%
table - 54- 57%
crown angle - 34- 35 degrees
pavilion angle - 40.6- 41 degrees

Here are some other options and top of the line cut!
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3400953.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3460841.htm

 

[monatl]

I received IS images for 3 of these diamonds! I am posting the images along with the JA links. Please let me know what you think guys! Your input is very much appreciated!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...g-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-102761


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-387564


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-321438

 

[tweeter8177]

Based on the images, I like #2 and #3. Did the gemologist have any comments?

 

[monatl]

They said #1 and #2 for the in-person brightness. What do you like about 2 and 3?

 

[tweeter8177]

The arrows look crisp and they are fatter than the 1st one. In looking at videos, the fatter arrows will produce a little bigger, bolder flashes versus smaller based on the lower girdle facet %. If you are interested, you can search the forum on "fatter arrows" and you will get all sorts of information, probably more than you want! Also, the table sizes are smaller than the 1st one. It is a preference thing though.

 

[tweeter8177]

I should note, I am definitely not an expert on diamonds! But, I have been learning and reading this forum pretty much everyday for 2-3 years and I see a general preference for the fatter arrows and lower table size on the forum...closer to an ideal Tolkowsky proportion.

 

[RockyRacoon]

I'd go for #2.

#2 is a definite winner.

 

[JDDN]

I vote emphatically for #2. Gorgeous.

 

[monatl]

RR and JDDN, why do you like #2 better?

I'm going to make a decision in the next 24 hours and have narrowed down but am torn between these two 2.25 ct diamonds from James Allen. What is more important here, better light return or symmetry? How do the inclusions play into this?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...g-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-102761
2.28 G VVS1 GIA Triple Ex HCA 1.3
Depth: 60.5
Table: 57
Crown: 34
Pavilion: 41
Pros: The more eye-brilliant and better light return between the two, according to the JA gemologist
Cons: Symmetry is not great, as apparent from the IS. There is a decent size cloud under the table at the 2 oclock if the JA image is rotated to the right.



http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-387564
2.20 F VS1 GIA Triple Ex HCA 1.2
Depth: 61
Table: 56
Crown: 34.5
Pavilion: 40.8
Pros: Much better symmetry between the two, as apparent from the IS.
Cons: Less eye-brilliant and the slightest center light leakage from the IS. Two pinpoint/needle inclusions on the table, one larger needle near the girdle at the 5 oclock but might be able to be covered by the prong.

 

[diaya]

I like the F-VS1 (diamond #2) more than the G-VVS1 (diamond #1) based on the angles and idealscope image.

For experienced diamond consumer, can you comment on why the idealscope image of the F-VS1 (diamond #2) is better than that of the G-VVS2 (diamond #3). Besides slightly weaker light return under the table in the 10 o'clock position, I don't know what else to get out of these images.

Thanks~