Help with Idealscope images

[Iceman_India]

This forum has been extremely helpful in trying to understand the various moving parts ahead of a diamond purchase, so want to thank everyone here!

I've spent some time looking through stones on James Allen, and they had ready IS images for some of them. So would like to get some feedback on those, as I have no experience with analyzing them. Please excuse totally non-technical language, as I am trying to learn!

Top (filename: Img 3): Seems to have gaps in the 5 and 11 o clock positions, and one of the arrows is less dark. Plus the white area in the absolute center seems a bit bigger (does this mean that the table is too big?)
Second from top (filename: Img 4): Seems very symmetrical with well defined arrows. But seems a bit whiter in the area between the arrows
Third from top (filename: Img 2) : Seems quite symmetrical, but the table area seems to have less than fully red areas. Also, one of the arrows is less black than the others, does it matter?
Fourth from top (filename: Img 1): Seems to have a big gap in the 3 o clock position, and the spokes seem less symmetrical

A stupid question -- does it matter that some pictures seem brighter than others? Is it just lighting when taking the pictures and to be ignored?

Any thoughts on this, as well as expert comments and ranking appreciated! Also, any thoughts on how much better a super-ideal from WF etc will be vs the best of these also appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[TreeScientist]

Out of these IS images, I like #2 the best, followed by #3. Both exhibit good symmetry and light return.

Discard #1 and #4. #1 looks to have some obstruction issues and I think the girdle may be painted. No contrast pattern under the star facets would mean watery scintillation.

#4 has symmetry issues and leakage under the table.

The difference in color saturation you're seeing is mainly due to differences in backlighting when the images are captured. It is nothing to be concerned about. The only one that exhibits leakage is #4 at the 3 o' clock position.

 

[flyingpig]

1. The size of table reflection (dead centre) has to do with the table size and/or pavilion angle. In this case, it is the big table I assume. The diamond is tilted and the image is not well taken. It is promosing.
2. The white spots between the arrow is fine. You see some white in the centre? Any spot that has the similar white intensity is not really leakge and you will not see IRL.
3. The pavilion angle is a bit high in that area. That is why you see the greyish arrow. But, it is acceptable.
4. Reject 4.

Good observation that you see some are brighter than others. U r correct. It is he backlight intensity which you need to consider when assessing light leakage.

 

[Iceman_India]

Thank you, guys! 2 is my favorite too.

Do you have any thoughts on how these compare to something like A Cut Above from WF, in terms of real life performance?

 

[TreeScientist]

#2 vs an ACA? In my opinion, you wouldn't see that much of a difference in IRL performance. Both are well cut.

When it comes to SuperIdeals vs well cut non-branded stones, I usually recommend checking the prices for both in the color/clarity range you want and seeing what the difference is. It really depends on the inventory at the time, but often you can find SuperIdeals with similar specs for about the same price. If the price difference is mimimal, then I would recommend a SuperIdeal vendor simply for the excellent customer service and upgrade policies. But once we're talking a thousand to a few thousand dollars? I would go for the non-branded well cut stone.

Do you mind sharing the specs and price of #2? Then we could help you compare with SuperIdeal prices.

 

[Iceman_India]

That would be great. I was doing a blind test for myself too, but now figuring out which is which.

#2 is a 2.7 carat H-VS2 for ~27k
#3 is a 2.3 carat H-SI1 for ~22k

Both seemingly eye clean etc. #2 is out of my budget, to be honest. I am fine with the smaller size, so inclined in that direction.

 

[TreeScientist]

That would be great. I was doing a blind test for myself too, but now figuring out which is which.

#2 is a 2.7 carat H-VS2 for ~27k
#3 is a 2.3 carat H-SI1 for ~22k

Both seemingly eye clean etc. #2 is out of my budget, to be honest. I am fine with the smaller size, so inclined in that direction.

Not seeing much in that size in the same price range from the SuperIdeal vendors. Would you mind posting a link to diamond #3? (Put it on hold before you post the link, of course ). I would like to see a picture/video of the diamond.

 

[TreeScientist]

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3634195.htm

This is the only SuperIdeal in H color and above for less than 22k. WF says eye clean, but it does have twinning wisps as the grade-setting inclusion. I'm not a fan of twinning wisps or clouds as grade-setters, but it may still be an option.

I would like the see the link to diamond #3 to compare the two. (also, I would like to see diamond #2 as well, even though it's out of your price range)