Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowledge

[YeahDave]

Hey everyone, I could really use your guys' expertise.

I started off knowing less than nothing, but I really want to bless my girl with a nice engagement ring for Valentine's. I've been lurking and reading and here is what I've found for $13.2k. Light return, fire, and "shine" are important but do you guys think it's a good price also? Unfortunately JA can't provide an Aset/IS image so I could really use some thoughts.

Thanks so much!



SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.50
COLOR: H
CLARITY: VVS2
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 7.28*7.32*4.57
HCA: 1.8 ex/ex/vg/vg

L/W RATIO: 1.01
DEPTH %: 62.60
GIRDLE: Medium
TABLE %: 55.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 36.00
CROWN %: 16.50
PAVILION ∠: 40.60
PAVILION %: 42.50



http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-881956

 

[solgen]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

It's a little deep but still nice.

Price is fair.


H is a weird color for me as I feel like I can usually see some tint. So I'd either go whiter with a G or even drop down to an I and get a bigger stone.


For instance WF has a 1.613 ct I VS1 for about the same price. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3601954.htm

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Thanks!

Decided on JA because they had the setting I wanted and for that setting 1.5ct was the biggest it could do.

Can you tell from the image if it would perform well on an ASET? It seems pretty symetrical with good contrast (black arrows)?

 

[solgen]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

I think the ASET might show some light leakage under the table. It should still be a good performing diamond though.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

It's deep and that affects the spread. It should IS out fine though.

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Thanks everyone.

Should I be worried that it is 7.28 in dimension instead of 7.4 for a 1.5ct? I put it on hold but having second thoughts.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Thanks everyone.

Should I be worried that it is 7.28 in dimension instead of 7.4 for a 1.5ct? I put it on hold but having second thoughts.

That's why we are all commenting on the depth. It doesn't face up like a 1.5 carat. So you'd be better off with a 1.4 carat, that will be cheaper and the same size, with the correct depth range (60-62.4).

That's said, you round up so it's 7.3mm. And if it's important to hit the 1.5 carat mark. And you cannot afford a different stone, then it might fit the bill.

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Hmm now I see.

An alternative one I was looking at was this one for $700 more. Would this be a better option?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-708330




SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.50
COLOR: G
CLARITY: VS1
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: Faint
L/W/D (MM): 7.40*7.37*4.52
HCA: 0.8 Ex, Ex, Ex, V


L/W RATIO: 1.00
DEPTH %: 61.20
GIRDLE: Medium
TABLE %: 56.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 33.50
CROWN %: 14.50
PAVILION ∠: 40.80
PAVILION %: 43.00

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Yes, it's better. Do you need a high clarity stone?

You have a very healthy budget for a 1.5 carat stone. Let me look for you. Both of these are lovely choices. That G you posted is nice as well.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.61-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872684 This is a beautiful stone. 7.6 mm. AGS0. And looks like it would be completely eyeclean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-129279 Another AGS0. Higher clarity and smaller. Saves you a nice amount of money. Really nice stone.

 

[ADN]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Decided on JA because they had the setting I wanted and for that setting 1.5ct was the biggest it could do.

Hi - just a comment - unless I'm reading your post incorrectly, I'm assuming you mean that on the ring description it says that 1.50ct is the upper limit the setting can take?
I can't speak for this particular vendor, but if you're looking at getting something bigger than a 1.50ct, but the ring description is saying it only takes up to 1.50ct...I would think that you should contact them to ask about modifications if you want a bigger size. Most vendors (me included) list their jewellery with a range of 'set' diamond sizes - these are what will usually fit without any (or very minor) modifications to the setting, and is really just an indication/guide for customers to have an idea.
But with a few modifications, they should be able to easily (and would likely be happy to) fit whatever size centre stone you're looking at into the design of your choice...especially if you're looking at something 1.50ct+
Hope this helps

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Decided on JA because they had the setting I wanted and for that setting 1.5ct was the biggest it could do.

Hi - just a comment - unless I'm reading your post incorrectly, I'm assuming you mean that on the ring description it says that 1.50ct is the upper limit the setting can take?
I can't speak for this particular vendor, but if you're looking at getting something bigger than a 1.50ct, but the ring description is saying it only takes up to 1.50ct...I would think that you should contact them to ask about modifications if you want a bigger size. Most vendors (me included) list their jewellery with a range of 'set' diamond sizes - these are what will usually fit without any (or very minor) modifications to the setting, and is really just an indication/guide for customers to have an idea.
But with a few modifications, they should be able to easily (and would likely be happy to) fit whatever size centre stone you're looking at into the design of your choice...especially if you're looking at something 1.50ct+
Hope this helps

Great point.

Yes, I am sure they can adjust the setting for a larger stone. Or alternately we can find a setting for you that can. What size stone would you like to get ideally? And what is the setting you want?

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

You guys are awesome!

This is the setting I would like:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-pave-rope-engagement-ring-item-52850

It says "can be set with" 0.3-1.5. My budget is up to 14k for the stone. I am hoping to purpose on valentines so I am hoping to have the ring in hand by Friday the 12th the latest.

Thanks Gypsy! Those are interesting options, I will take a look right now. I'll take bigger of course if it fits!

Edit:
Regarding the two stones you mentioned Gypsy, looks like the second one (the 1.55ct one) has an HCA of 3.4 That would be less than ideal right?

But the first one (1.61ct) scored a 1.0! Im so confused. Not only is it bigger, but than the 1.5ct I was looking at but its better preportioned and pretty much the same price??

 

[ADN]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

You guys are awesome!

This is the setting I would like:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-pave-rope-engagement-ring-item-52850

It says "can be set with" 0.3-1.5. My budget is up to 14k for the stone. I am hoping to purpose on valentines so I am hoping to have the ring in hand by Friday the 12th the latest.

Thanks Gypsy! Those are interesting options, I will take a look right now. I'll take bigger of course if it fits!

In the link you provided, have a look under the main image at the rings they've made - there is a ring there with a 2ct RBC in it.
Good luck

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

You guys are awesome!

This is the setting I would like:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-pave-rope-engagement-ring-item-52850

It says "can be set with" 0.3-1.5. My budget is up to 14k for the stone. I am hoping to purpose on valentines so I am hoping to have the ring in hand by Friday the 12th the latest.

Thanks Gypsy! Those are interesting options, I will take a look right now. I'll take bigger of course if it fits!

Edit:
Regarding the two stones you mentioned Gypsy, looks like the second one (the 1.55ct one) has an HCA of 3.4 That would be less than ideal right?

But the first one (1.61ct) scored a 1.0! Im so confused. Not only is it bigger, but than the 1.5ct I was looking at but its better preportioned and cheaper?

You don't run HCA on AGS0 stones. HCA is a rough rejection tool. AGS0's have actually been examined by the lab for light performance, passed tests before being awarded the ) for light performance.

I would get the 1.61. And I am sure they can make it for your setting.

Are you the wearer? Or are you buying for someone else? And what do they think of the setting?
Here are some alternatives that are similar:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/carisa-platinum-5932p
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/lace-platinum-5934p-1

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Wow this changes everything!!!! I'm a little more overwhelmed because now I realize how much more there is to know but a bunch of other possibilities are popping up.

What about these? They are AGS0 and true hearts!!, plus bigger, plus the same cost?? Am I missing something??

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-762218
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-631110
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-631109

Going to change my order tomorrow from the original 1.5ct to something else. Tomorrow might be the deadline to decide unless using a bigger than 1.5ct will cause big delays with the setting.

As for the setting. I am pretty set on it

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

With the wire discount this one is in budget: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872680

If eyeclean there's this buy guy: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.80-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-462836

Run the HCA on these:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.80-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-816184
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.75-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-608974
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.74-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-328981 I love tiny tables.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.71-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-765995 Saves you a lot.


Just to show you the other options. I'd go as big as you can and keep it eyeclean.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Wow this changes everything!!!! I'm a little more overwhelmed because now I realize how much more there is to know but a bunch of other possibilities are popping up.

What about these? They are AGS0 and true hearts!!, plus bigger, plus the same cost?? Am I missing something??

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-762218
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-631110

Nope those are both lovely. That said, the bottom one should have an IS posted as it is True Hearts, so ask for that if it is a contender for you.

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Gypsy you are a huge blessing! Look into all those right now!!!

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

This one was an HCA 1.3 (Ex, Ex, Ex, VG) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-816184

This one was HCA 1.5 (VG, Ex, Ex, VG) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-608974

This one was HCA 0.8 (Ex, Ex, Ex, VG) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-328981

This one was HCA 0.7 (4 Ex) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-765995

Hmm trying to decide...

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

This one was an HCA 1.3 (Ex, Ex, Ex, VG) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-816184

This one was HCA 1.5 (VG, Ex, Ex, VG) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-608974

This one was HCA 0.8 (Ex, Ex, Ex, VG) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-328981

This one was HCA 0.7 (4 Ex) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-765995

Hmm trying to decide...

I was pretty sure they would all score well. I'd take either of the H's. They both hit 7.7mm. That's just the right balance between size/color and budget.

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Ok so here is my thoughts on order of preference assuming using a >1.5ct will not cause big delays. For all of them price is not a big factor for me (ie all in my budget range and if the difference in quality is meaningful then I would take a $14k over a $13k).

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872680
vs
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872704
These would be if visually clean. Interestingly the 1.71 looks a little "crisper" and the 1.70 "hazier", is that a photography artifact or a real difference?

Then in order:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872685
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-631109
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872684
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-762218 (finish and symmetry are excellent instead of ideal)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-631110

If I can't get >1.5 I was thinking of this one if its eye clean:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-848277
its $2.4k cheaper than my original but I'm not sure why there is such a huge gap when this is True Hearts

Am I getting close to making sense of any of this??

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

What are angles of last one.

 

[Scandinavian]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Gypsy is all you need From a girl's perspective, I do recommend you to use your budget to choose a larger diamond by dropping in clarity as long as it is eye clean

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

The last one I linked in the post was a 1.5ct True Hearts:

SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.50
COLOR: I
CLARITY: VS1
CUT: True HeartsTM Ideal
POLISH: Ideal
SYMMETRY: Ideal
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 7.33*7.37*4.56

L/W RATIO: 1.01
DEPTH %: 62.10
GIRDLE: Thin
TABLE %: 55.20
CULET: Pointed
CERTIFICATE: AGS
CROWN ∠: 34.90
CROWN %: 15.70
PAVILION ∠: 40.80

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Thanks Scandinavian, good idea

Looks like they will be able to use a larger stone. I think I am going to go with this one:

On the phone the representative said it would be eye clean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872680







SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.70
COLOR: H
CLARITY: SI1
CUT: True HeartsTM Ideal
POLISH: Ideal
SYMMETRY: Ideal
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 7.65*7.71*4.73

L/W RATIO: 1.01
DEPTH %: 61.60
GIRDLE: Medium
TABLE %: 55.10
CERTIFICATE: AGS
CROWN ∠: 34.40

 

[Crazie4Cuts]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Good job, +1!

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Its all thanks to you guys and Gypsy in particular! They are working on a CAD to see if they can fit the larger stone.

One thing I noticed was this diamond was pretty Deep again at 61.6%. If I have the IS is that still an issue or would that be a reason to go with this one instead:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-h-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872704

Its still true hearts but the depth is 60.6%.

If the IS looks good (true hearts/arrows), does the depth matter?

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Deep is over 62.4. So you are fine!

I like smaller tables personally. But you pick the one that speaks to you (and your budget!).

 

[YeahDave]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl

Thanks so much! You helped me a bunch. Went from a sub optimal 1.5ct to a true hearts 1.7ct for practically the same price!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with this 1.5ct, clueles male with no jewelry knowl



That's the whole point of us posting here. To make sure you get maximum value.