Help with Heart Shaped Diamond

[goat312]

Hi All,

I have read several posts and would like to first say that I am very impressed by the overall amount of knowledge on this board...

I am hoping to get some advice on 2 diamonds that I am trying to choose between (both from Bluenile if anyone cares)

One I have already bought, but I am considering exchanging it thanks to Bluenile''s 30 day exchange policy

both are heart shaped diamonds

The first diamond is:

1.35 carat
very good cut
H color
SI2 clarity
depth 55.5%
table 56%
polish and symmetry good
no flouresence
measurements 7.22x7.49x4.16mm
l/w ratio 1.04
(this is the diamond that I actually bought, it was judged eye clean by Bluenile (they judge top down from 12 inches away, and is by that definition... However I see a visible inclusion on the side of the front of the diamond, very near the point... this is what made me consider exchanging the diamond)

Diamond 2:

1.12 carat
F color
SI 1 clarity
depth 54.1%
table 62.0%
polish and symmetry very good
no flourescence
measurements 7.15x7.19x3.89 mm
l/w ratio 1.01

(this was also judged eye clean by bluenile by the same standards as the other one, looking top down from 12 inches away... looking at the map on the GIA cert it doesn''t show any inclusions that go to the edge like the other one did so I''m thinking/hoping that this means that none would be visible from the side as the other one... also on the GIA cert it says surface graining not shown (does that mean anything)? the bluenile stock number for this one is LD01187024 if anyone wants to take a look)

Basically it seems like it comes down to trading off size for better quality (I know that everyone says that quality is more important than size but I don''t know if the step up from SI1 to SI2 is that big of a difference...) I am really happy with the diamond that I have now, but as this will obviously be with us for the rest of our lives I want to make sure that I make the right decision, and I won''t regret it down the road... Like I said the inclusion on the first diamond is not visible from the top side, but I, and presumably my future fiance will definitely notice it when we look at it

The price isn''t relevant in this situation as they are almost identical in price

Please let me know what yall think about this... any help would be appreicated

thank you,

Nick

 

[neatfreak]

I don't really know what goes on with heart shaped diamonds EXCEPT...do you know for sure your girlfriend wants a heart shaped diamond? They are a very specific look...

Also, it's best to judge them in person, especially when you are trying to determine eyecleanliness. Any way you can get both of them in front of you at the same time?

 

[goat312]

I know for sure that she wants a heart shaped... we have gone over it several times

Unfortunately I can''t get them both in front of me together, but I already had the first one, and I am trying to judge it from BlueNile''s opinions/the GIA certificate on the other one

I don''t know if there is anything different about hearts, so I''m assuming they would be judged just like a normal diamond, whichever one y''all think would be better

thanks

-Nick

 

[marcy]

I have a 1/2 heart diamond solitaire and I do really like it. I would go for a better quality diamond and want one that is eye clean.

These are smaller but have better clarity:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&track=btntext_viewselect&elem=img&pid=LD01279120&filter_id=0#grading_report

This one is cheaper but has a 4 star rating at white flash:

http://www.whiteflash.com/heart/Heart-cut-diamond-595675.htm

Have fun shopping.

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Nick!

Surface graining not shown in the comments section of the grading report, is basically a non issue. It is mentioned for the sake of completeness, as to note them on the plotting diagram would make it look messy and offputting to consumers, where there is no need - no worries basically.

This is a tricky situation, heart shapes are very difficult to judge by the numbers. Basically heart shapes aren''t cut or created equal, so it is a case of finding one which sparkles and looks beautiful to you, but also is the right colour and eyeclean according to your comfort level....This can be even more difficult if you can''t actually see the diamonds before purchase, or get photographs of the stone. SI clarities are also not created equal, some are eyeclean and others aren''t, human visions vary etc. I think what you need to do is to be very clear with the SA at BN if you decide to return this diamond, regarding what your comfort level is for '' eyecleanliness'' - if you don''t want to be able to see anything at all from all angles and very close scrutiny, tell them so. Also you might want to consider going for VS clarity if finding a nicely cut heart which is eyeclean is too limiting with SI clarities.

Lastly just a thought. Some people ( like myself) actually rather like a small visible inclusion in their diamond, it helps to personalize it! Now this may not be suitable for you and your GF, but just thinking if you otherwise love the diamond, is there any way you could ask her or show her the diamond to see what she thinks, without spoiling any surprises?

Also, here is a thread on clarity which might be helpful to you.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/clarity-eye-clean-definition-interpretation-and-taste.30483/

 

[Nicki]

Personally, I wouldn''t be comfortable buying a heart-shaped diamond from Blue Nile. For fancy shapes like that, it''s impossible to decide based on numbers.

Take a look at DiamondsbyLauren''s website. They''ve got a couple of really nice hearts for sale with a ton of photos. IMO, both are just about as nice as heart shapes get.

 

[marcy]

Good recommendation Nicki - I like this one a lot

http://rockdiamond.com/index.php?crn=207&rn=721&action=show_detail