Input Needed! Final Diamond Decision

[arcticice]

I have narrowed down my choice to four diamonds, two from Whiteflash and two from James Allen. (This post is a continuation from this thread [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pleas-help-me-find-choose-a-diamond.220243/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pleas-help-me-find-choose-a-diamond.220243/[/URL] , thanks to Gypsy for the help there.)

I would like feedback on which of these diamonds is the best choice overall:

Whiteflash:

1. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3137124.htm?source=pricescope

2. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3265539.htm

James Allen:

3. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.71-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872704

4. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.76-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872707


Am I making a mistake by not focusing on A Cut Above diamonds at Whiteflash? Many ACA in the same price range weren't listed as eye clean, so I did not include them. Am I way off base and should be looking elsewhere for similar prices and specs? Thanks!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would personally select from stones that are eyeclean. I like WF's upgrade policy and service better, so I would choose one of those stones. Even if you have no intent of ever upgrading, it is good to have the option if a higher color or different size was desired after the return period was over or for a future anniversary.

 

[Gypsy]

I like both the JA options better than the WF options. They have strong IS. I would go for the less expensive one, it's gorgeous.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.71-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-872704 it's eyeclean, large and beautiful.

The only way I'd go for the (more expensive but smaller-- dimensions) WF ones is, if as DS mentions, the upgrade policy is something that's important to you.
In which case this one is the one I recommend: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3265539.htm
With this setting: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-sleek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm

As for settings. I don't really like any of JA's pave solitiare options, I'll be honest. These are the best ones IMO:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-tailored-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41042
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-pave-set-four-prong-diamond-engagement-ring-item-22612

But WF does have a quite a few nice ones, and that Legato is by far my favorite. So... you can get one of the JA stones and send it to WF for setting, or get the stone from WF as well.

Just to post some settings for your consideration. If you bought the JA stone you could send it to BGD for setting. They really have some of the nicest pave settings anywhere.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/legera-pave-six-prong-18k-white-gold-6649w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/legera-pave-18k-white-gold-5861w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/fishtail-pave-with-straight-head-18k-white-gold-5354w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/fishtail-pave-with-novela-head-18k-white-gold-5768w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/lace-18k-white-gold-5934w18-1

 

[arcticice]

Thank you both Gypsy and diamondseeker2006!

The upgrade is not as much of a concern for me. But you never know, so that's something to take into consideration.

The setting help was greatly appreciated Gypsy. Thanks so much for those helpful links and taking the time to do that research for me. I never even thought of buying a stone from one retailer and having it set by another, so I will definitely look into doing that now instead.

A friend of a friend who works in the diamond industry (with no financial interest in my purchase) actually just recommended a stone from Brian Gavin that looks spectacular, so I am not deciding between the 1.71 carat from JA and this new one from Brian Gavin (which I think has an upgrade policy similar to WF?).

I will make the choice by Monday between the two, thanks again for the help!