How does this A Cut Above look?

[driveblind]

I''ve been reading here for a while, but this is my first post here.

How does this ACA H&A diamond look?
http://whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-2323670.htm#
I''m getting close to making a decision in the next week or so. I''ve mostly been looking at G color - how much of a difference (if any) might I see going with an H? To be honest, I haven''t been able to notice much of a difference with the stones I''ve seen in person.

Thanks!

 

[Gonzodogg]

I don''t think you can go wrong with any of the ACA. Just like all of the others, that one will look fantastic!

Have you thought about going any lower with your clarity? An eye clean SI stone can be an awesome value.

As for color, you will not see a difference between a G and an H. Have you seen any ideal cut stones in person so you can get an idea of what color you like? (G or H is a very safe zone to stay in and if you are able to find an eye clean SI stone, you will get A LOT of bang for you buck)

good luck

 

[Small]

That looks like a great stone!
I am very partial to SI stones myself as I think they are so good for the money if you can find them eye clean. Have you looked at any SIs or do you have interest in looking at them? You may be able to get a bit bigger stone if you were willing to go down on clarity.
But the one you''ve picked looks awesome. I agree...can''t go wrong with an ACA
Good luck. Let us know what you decide!

 

[driveblind]

I''m certainly not against an SI1 stone. I''ve seen a few of those with ideal cuts and have been very pleased. Of course, all 4 C''s are important, but I''m really appreciating how beautiful a well-cut stone is.
How much more investigation into how the stone looks do you think I should be doing on Whiteflash''s Expert Selection stones? I''ve seen some there that look pretty good, but unfortunately Whiteflash only posts the certificate, Sarin report, and Ideal Scope image for the ACA stones. Is it anybodys experience that they''ll provide this information to me upon request?
Thanks for everybody''s help - Pricescope has been an incredible resource for me, especially since my purchase is on a bit of a fast track.

 

[Stephan]

Believe me, it''s is certainly a killer.

 

[schowtyme]

Hey driveblind,

That does look like a very nice stone, I also found this one that is around the same price/specs if you are concerned about color:

http://whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1358841.htm

About Whiteflash, I bought an ACA from whiteflash that is I in color and I compared it to less well cut mall store diamonds and it looks whiter than many of their "G''s".

I think they usually do provide you with all the reports in the expert selection if it is an in house stone, but sometimes not for a virtual stone (one listed at many places). If they don''t have all the reports up yet then they may still be in the process of doing it because it is new, ask for the reports and I''m sure they will get it for you.

Also, don''t forget GOG, they have even more info in some ways than WF and this diamond does pretty well on the B-Scope:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/0_712ct_h_vs2_h%26a.htmhttp://www.goodoldgold.com/0_70ct_g_si1_h&a.htm

Good luck!

 

[driveblind]

Thanks everybody for your help.
Now I''ve been looking around a bit more at Whiteflash (although I certainly don''t feel like I''m set on buying from them), and have been checking out their Expert Selection stones. For example, I found this one http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2107683.htm
It''s an .75 H VS2, where the ACA I am looking at is a .73 H VS1, but the expert selection is over $500 less. That''s a large chunk of change, so I guess I need to decide whether I think it''s worth that much more. They both score very well on the HCA. It does look like the expert selection diamond shows a little more white on the Ideal Scope image, but how much can I trust the photos posted there vs. seeing it in real life?
I probably need to get on the phone with someone from WF. Any suggestions or tips, anyone?

 

[driveblind]

I just noticed that the Pricescope price for this diamond is $3130, vs $3295 on the WF site, and the * on Pricescope indicates a "special for Pricescope visitors only!" Do I just have to tell Whiteflash "I saw it on Pricescope" to get this price?" I was getting pretty excited about this diamond at the listed price, so seeing a 5% discount on top of that is even better!

 

[solange]

If you mention Pricescope, they will give you the discount. You cannot go wrong with their ACA or Expert selections. And you are buying a certified stone from a very reliable vendor. I believe you also get a discount if you pay by bank wire instead of credit card. And these stones are in their inventory so you can get it overnight. They will also send it to an appraiser where you can see it before you pay.

I bought my stone from WHiteflash and had the appraiser send it back for setting. Since my setting is semi-custom, the whole thing took about ten days. If you select a stock setting, it might take even less time because everything is shipped overnight.

The other advantage is that Whiteflash will give you the full amount of your purchase price toward an upgrade.

 

[driveblind]

While I plan to buy the diamond from Whiteflash, I have found the perfect setting at a local jeweler. So, what do you think will be the best way to transfer this diamond, with the appraisal included? Will it have to be shipped to the local appraiser, back to Whiteflash, and the back to me to take to the jeweler for setting? I need to have the ring ready in nine days, so every day counts with this!

 

[schowtyme]

Date: 3/5/2006 1:50:03 AM
Author: driveblind
Thanks everybody for your help.
Now I''ve been looking around a bit more at Whiteflash (although I certainly don''t feel like I''m set on buying from them), and have been checking out their Expert Selection stones. For example, I found this one http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2107683.htm
It''s an .75 H VS2, where the ACA I am looking at is a .73 H VS1, but the expert selection is over $500 less. That''s a large chunk of change, so I guess I need to decide whether I think it''s worth that much more. They both score very well on the HCA. It does look like the expert selection diamond shows a little more white on the Ideal Scope image, but how much can I trust the photos posted there vs. seeing it in real life?
I probably need to get on the phone with someone from WF. Any suggestions or tips, anyone?

The expert selection diamond looks more like the new type of cut vs. the classic cut for the ACA one, which has some light leakage around the edge to provide more contrast I think? Someone correct me if I''m wrong on that.

Some people prefer one type over the other but I have not been fortunate enough to be able to compare the two at the same time.

I am sure that both are going to be very nice diamonds, and the people I dealt with at WF were very helpful. Ask them their honest opinion about which one they think is nicer and if they can even tell much of a difference, I''m sure they''ll be helpful. If it isn''t much of a difference in looks, you might wanna keep that $500 in your pocket or buy a really nice setting, up to you. Since the color, size, and clarity are almost the same you just have to ask yourself if the little difference in cut is worth the money.

Also, about the discount, if you tell them you saw the listing on pricescope they will give it to you, but I think you also have to do a wire transfer to get the full discount, otherwise they give you a little less. Also, even though I didn''t buy from them, don''t forget GOG, they have some really nice stuff.

 

[belle]

Date: 3/5/2006 5:04:01 PM
Author: driveblind
While I plan to buy the diamond from Whiteflash, I have found the perfect setting at a local jeweler. So, what do you think will be the best way to transfer this diamond, with the appraisal included? Will it have to be shipped to the local appraiser, back to Whiteflash, and the back to me to take to the jeweler for setting? I need to have the ring ready in nine days, so every day counts with this!

if your jeweler will take responsibility for setting the diamond, then have it shipped to you and set at the jeweler. diamonds ship within one day, so you could actually order the diamond tomorrow and have it by tuesday. the other option is to send the setting directly to wf to have the stone set. i wouldn''t worry too much about the appraisal unless you need it for your own personal peace of mind.

 

[driveblind]

I just read that Whiteflash includes an independent letter of verification and apprasial with the diamond. If I do get it delivered to me and take it directly to the jeweler, is it a problem for a local appraiser to examine the diamond once it''s been set?

schowtyme - I did check out GOG, but didn''t find anything that caught my eye like the one from Whiteflash. Thanks for the help, though!

 

[belle]

Date: 3/5/2006 5:28:24 PM
Author: driveblind
I just read that Whiteflash includes an independent letter of verification and apprasial with the diamond. If I do get it delivered to me and take it directly to the jeweler, is it a problem for a local appraiser to examine the diamond once it''s been set?

schowtyme - I did check out GOG, but didn''t find anything that caught my eye like the one from Whiteflash. Thanks for the help, though!

they don''t include an appraisal.. just the letter of verification. if you just need something for insurance purposes, the letter is generally enough. it is not a problem at all to have the stone appraised once set, just keep in mind that loose stone appraisals are more accurate.

 

[solange]

If there is a Pricesope authorized appraiser (listed under resources at the top) in your area, you can have Whiteflash send the stone to the appraiser and, if you like it, pay Whiteflash for the stone, and then the appraiser will release it to you. You will get a more accurate appraisal if you have it done before the stone is set.

If Whiteflash ships it overnight Fed-ex directly to you, you will have to pick it up at a local Fed-ex location.

As to the setting, have you discussed with your local jeweler the fact that you are buying a stone elsewhere and buying the setting from him. There was a recent post here explaining that jewelers do not have insurance to cover stones damaged in setting and your insurance probably does not cover it either.

Have you looked at Whiteflash's settings?They have a large selection and if they set the stone for you, I am sure they will not send you a stone that was damaged in setting. I do not know if you can send them the setting you bought elsewhere and have them set the stone. Perhaps they will. I think you are making and excellent choice and you will be sure that you got exactly what you paid for.

 

[driveblind]

I bought it! I decided on my original ACA from Whiteflash, and I''m going to have it set locally in this setting:

I can''t wait to see what the finished ring looks like - I know that she''ll love it.

Thanks to everyone here who has given me tips and hints. I''ll try to post some pictures here when I get them.

 

[Shay37]

Great rock! I love that setting, BTW. Good luck on getting everything together in time. We will watch for your posts for pics.

shay