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in a dilemma b/w white flash A cut above vs. virtual diamond

Laila_A

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 7, 2012
Messages
4
hi,

i'm sort of new here according to my no. of post. but i have followed this forum for quite some time. my boyfriend wants to propose me with an e-ring but since he knows how much i hate surprises and i wouldn't wear something that i don't like, he's letting me choose my e-ring. [ to me, that's WONDERFUL; i couldn't ask for anything more ]

so now i think i want to place my order in whiteflash.com but i'm in a dilemma whether to buy from their A cut above diamonds or virtual diamonds.

so u guys here, i'm asking u the question :
1. does these two types look different on the eye?
if yes, then how so?

2. can u guys post your white flash ring pics here so i can differentiate b/w these two types and make up my mind?

thanks
 
Re: in a dilemma b/w white flash A cut above vs. virtual dia

I'm a diamond newbie myself (so take what I say w/ a grain of salt and verify w/ others from the forums), but may I make a suggestion that if you're going to go w/ virtual inventory, that you consider james allen, unless you really really love WF's settings.

JA provides pictures of their virtual inventory (granted it isn't as comprehensive as other websites), and that will help you make a decision as to whether a diamond is eye clean, particularly as you go down to a lower clarity grade (just keep in mind that their pics are highly magnified, and some things you see on the pic may not be eye-visible). Once you select a list of 3 diamonds, you can ask JA to bring them into their NY headquarters where their gemologist will evaluate those diamonds and tell you their impressions of them and an idealscope image. I think this service is free--check with them first. I don't know of any other website that provides this service. Once you have the IS image, you can ask the PS experts for their opinion.

IIRC, WF will let you bring (EDIT: virtual selection) diamonds in for their evaluation, but if you don't buy them, they'll charge you to send them back (see http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/faq/other-diamonds.htm).

Note that WF and JA both offer pricescope discounts, you should call them to find out how to get the discount and their amount.

FYI, some websites may share virtual inventory, so a diamond you find listed on one website may also appear on another website (maybe james allen).

As to the visual difference between the branded vs non-branded diamond, I'll defer to the experts on that. I'll just say that you'll be paying a premium for the branding and that I love my non-branded diamond :love: .

If you want to see pics of people's WF A Cut Above rings, you can look here: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/forums/show-me-the-bling-rings-earrings-jewelry.8/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/forums/show-me-the-bling-rings-earrings-jewelry.8/[/URL] (you'll see A Cut Above referred to as ACA)
 
Re: in a dilemma b/w white flash A cut above vs. virtual dia

Yes. "A Cut Above" is their signature cut line. These are all ideal cuts. On the website you get all the information about them, including pictures and IS images of the actual diamond. Whiteflash actually has these diamonds on hand. "Virtual" diamonds are from the lists that many other tradepeople have access to - they have not been cut by Whiteflash, Whiteflash does not have them on hand (they have to call them in and have them shipped from whoever has them), and the picture on the listing is not of the actual diamond but is a stock image. A Cut Above diamonds will almost certainly perform better - they will look whiter and sparklier, unless you happen to pick an excellently cut virtual diamond, which may be hard to do. I would go with A Cut Above diamonds.
 
Re: in a dilemma b/w white flash A cut above vs. virtual dia

A well cut diamond looks bigger and provides more flashes of color than okay cut diamonds. With the virtual, unless you have all the numbers (angles, etc.), you don't have much other than hope that the diamond is good quality. With an ACA, you're buying an ideal cut diamond that will be spectacular. One compromise you can make is looking at WFs Expert Selection diamonds. They're nearly ACA and look just as beautiful, but don't carry the ACA pricetag. Those ones are on site and WF staff can look them over for you.
 
Re: in a dilemma b/w white flash A cut above vs. virtual dia

ACA would be my choice over a virtual inventory selection. As Distracts notes, you could have your SA call them in and their WF gemologist evaluate them. Or MC has a very good point - go the Expert select route.

Also, consider cutting back on colour and clarity - G/H and SI1?

Post your selections here and PS can guide you thru!
 
Re: in a dilemma b/w white flash A cut above vs. virtual dia

thank u all for ur reply...

i'm looking for a radiant stone...
here is what i'm looking now at whiteflash [ i didn't find any ACA radiant in whiteflash within my bugdet, only 1 expert stone of .4 ct, so not considering ]

Polish Very Good
Symmetry Good

Category Virtual Selection
Shape Radiant
Carat 0.91
Color G
Clarity SI1


DIAMOND SPECIFICATIONS
Depth % 78.8
Table % 64.0
Crown Angle 0.0
Star 0.0
Pavilion Angle 0.0
Crown % 0.0
Lower Girdle % 0.0
Measurements 5.38x4.85x3.82
Culet None
Fluorescence None
Girdle Medium

so, what u guys think?
it the depth and table too much? should i consider them both below 65% ?

and where else can i find the same quality as ACA as i cant find ACA radiant in whiteflash ?
 
Re: in a dilemma b/w white flash A cut above vs. virtual dia

Briangavindiamonds.com, engagementringsdirect.com, goodoldgold.com
(that's BGD, ERD, GOG in "PS speak"!)

Search there or give any one of them a call and give them your specs. Also consider IDJ - idjewelryonline.com. Yekutiel can work miracles!
 
Re: in a dilemma b/w white flash A cut above vs. virtual dia

warheadwl|1344868481|3250535 said:
JA provides pictures of their virtual inventory (granted it isn't as comprehensive as other websites), and that will help you make a decision as to whether a diamond is eye clean, particularly as you go down to a lower clarity grade (just keep in mind that their pics are highly magnified, and some things you see on the pic may not be eye-visible).


That's not their "virtual inventory". Those diamonds with pics are actually stones they have access to, and are in their inventory. The ones that say "sample photo" or whatever is a part of their virtual. :wavey:
 
Re: in a dilemma b/w white flash A cut above vs. virtual dia

You can not buy radiants by the numbers...you need to be able to see pictures. Try James Allen or maybe diamonds by lauren.
 
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