Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Is this a good diamond?

D

DumplingJr

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 6, 2018
Messages
5
Hi guys,

I found this diamond from bluenile and was wondering if this is a good diamond to purchase?

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD10712026?track=Detlink0
Table: 57%
Depth: 62.3%
Crown angle: 35.0
pavilion angle: 41.0

From my research around this forum, the angles for this diamond seems to be boardline to "ideal"; however, the HCA tool gave it a score of 2.4. Does that mean this diamond should be rejected? Unfortunately, bluenile doesn't provide idealscope images so I don't know how to make an informed decision.

Thanks in advance for the help
 
Scores close to 2, but exceeding are "maybes" and need additional data/clarification. Typically you confirm via an idealscope or ASET image. They have neither loaded on their site but sometimes if you request them they can get them, depending on the supplier and/or their relationship with the supplier. But it seems more times than not, you won't get additional imaging.

The issue with the stone is the 35/41 angle combo doesn't work. Basically the pavilion is too high for the crown. You'd want a lower pavilion around 40.6 to couple with that 35 crown.

Below are proportion charts that show it lands in EX (excellent); however, we all know that excellent is really not excellent at all. You want to be in ideal territory. Because of funky GIA rounding & averaging I drew a bigger box to show where actual cut COULD land.

Personally I would pass on this stone and look for more complimentary angles. Are you married to BN, or open to other purchase venues?

Capture.PNG
 
Thanks for the feedback. :)
I will continue my hunt for a good diamond then.

I am not dead set with BN, but I would like to select from stores that accept Canadian dollars as a form of payment (I am trying not to get dinged for a CAD to USD conversion).

I also like the fact that BN charges tax for Canada during checkout. That way, in case I I need to return the diamond, I don't have to chase customs for it. This is not a big requirement for me though. I was searching also searching on James Allen for similar quality diamonds at that price range but just haven't had any luck so far. :knockout:
 
Here are some options from BN. #1 and 2 are really solid choices, with the lack of feather and specific angles putting #1 on top. But, #3 is a larger in spread if the cloud won't bother you. You can ask BN if it is eye-clean. Please put on hold as soon as possible while you decide. as diamonds move fast.

#1. https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
{my favorite one; 6.17 mm; solid numbers. Small table}

#2. https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab {6.16 mm; the only detraction is that the inclusion is a feather, but at VS2 this should be a non-issue}

#3. https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab {6.25 mm; cloud is on the table at the center, a small grey area. But, this is likely eyeclean and larger than #1}

#4. https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab {6.16 mm; ask for the location of the indented natural}

Here are a few setting suggestions too.

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-y...ing_20374?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample {the narrowing at the top of the shank will make the diamond look bigger. The slightly raised shoulder will offer some protection from the head getting sheared off from a strong blow}

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-y...old_20403?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample {this is a better, stronger construction as the head is integrated into the setting offering much more protection. The shank may be a bit thick for some at 2.3 mm}

https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-y...old_50692?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample {really pretty side view and integrated prongs for strength}
 
Last edited:
Here are some options from JA.

0.91 H SI1, CA $5,966, 6.19x6.19mm, 56 table, 34.5 crown/40.6 pavilion
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4856072

Just me being picky but love the perfect roundness (6.19x6.19). Also, gives you a 1 bump in color. Downside is it's an SI1; however, lowering down to a 1x view, it appears this stone may be eye clean.

Capture.PNG


0.86ct, F SI1, CA $5,760, 6.10x6.07mm, 57 table, 35.5/40.6 angles
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5446833

Angles work well for the table size. Lands you in ideal territory even when trying to account for whacky GIA averaging/rounding. Superb color increase to F. :love: Although SI1, looks to be eye clean. Biggest downside I can see is it's slightly smaller by about 0.10mm. It takes about 0.20mm difference before the (normal) human eye detects a size difference so to the naked eye this will size up the same as the larger 0.91ct (6.19x6.19mm) stone.

InkedInkedCapture_LI.jpg
 
Thank you rockysalamander for the massive amount of suggestions for both diamonds and sledge for the wonderful suggestions with the awesome tables.
I think know which diamond to go for now. (Probably will go for the blue nile #1 rockeysalamander suggested after I debating a bit more about it).

Also thanks for the setting suggestions rockysalamader, but I am planning to go to a local jeweler to help me make a custom design ring as I can't find a setting that I completely like online. Some of them come really close, but ends up having 1 or 2 things off that I don't like about it :(
 
Glad to see you move forward with a choice. I really liked @rockysalamander first BN choice as well. She is nothing short of awesome at finding awesome stones and settings.

If you consider a custom setting you may want to reach out to David Klass in Los Angeles. This is who Rocky and countless others recommended to me and that I used. Quality work, fair prices and just good people.
 
sledge said:
She is nothing short of awesome at finding awesome stones and settings.
Click to expand...
AWWWW. Thats very kind of you to say.:kiss2:

Glad you found a keeper among the stones I posted. I do hope it is on hold. Its on hold right?

DumplingJr said:
but I am planning to go to a local jeweler to help me make a custom design ring as I can't find a setting that I completely like online. Some of them come really close, but ends up having 1 or 2 things off that I don't like about it
Click to expand...
Before you put down any money for custom, make sure you see a ring like you want that they have actually designed and executed. Look carefully at the prongs, prong tips and all the finishing (especially "inside" the setting). Not every jeweler is a designer. Not every jeweler can execute every design. If you go custom, you need to ask a lot of questions first.
1) Are they the actual designer or will they work with someone else?
2) Do they built the actual CAD model or will they work with someone else?
3) Do they do the finishing of the cast piece in-house?
4) Can they make you a wax/plastic model of the ring before casting in metal?
5) How many "rounds" of CAD are built into the price? 2, 3, 5, until you are happy...?
6) Do they provide insurance for your diamond during setting? (if no, either you need to insure it or walk away).
7) If you put down a deposit and they do the CAD and still communication of your vision and the design don't work, what is the policy?
8) What alloys for you chosen metal are available?
9) Do those alloys have nickel (which is a common allergen to many)?

The more "other" parties are involved in the process, the greater the chance for communication errors and frustration. There still are small, independent jewelers who do everything, but they are becoming rarer and rarer. Custom is hard, even for experienced members, so just exert some caution. Even if you use a local jeweller, you can post information/CADs here and we can help.

If you describe what you are looking for with images/inspos, we might be able to find it as a "stock" setting. That would likely be less expensive and more of a "sure thing."
 
Yes @rockysalamander, I reserved the diamond and have already pulled the trigger on the purchase.=)


rockysalamander said:
Before you put down any money for custom, make sure you see a ring like you want that they have actually designed and executed. Look carefully at the prongs, prong tips and all the finishing (especially "inside" the setting). Not every jeweler is a designer. Not every jeweler can execute every design. If you go custom, you need to ask a lot of questions first.
1) Are they the actual designer or will they work with someone else?
2) Do they built the actual CAD model or will they work with someone else?
3) Do they do the finishing of the cast piece in-house?
4) Can they make you a wax/plastic model of the ring before casting in metal?
5) How many "rounds" of CAD are built into the price? 2, 3, 5, until you are happy...?
6) Do they provide insurance for your diamond during setting? (if no, either you need to insure it or walk away).
7) If you put down a deposit and they do the CAD and still communication of your vision and the design don't work, what is the policy?
8) What alloys for you chosen metal are available?
9) Do those alloys have nickel (which is a common allergen to many)?
Click to expand...

Wow! That is quite a comprehensive list of things to check for. I only was thinking about half the things on that list :P2

rockysalamander said:
If you describe what you are looking for with images/inspos, we might be able to find it as a "stock" setting. That would likely be less expensive and more of a "sure thing."
Click to expand...

My girlfriend really like this setting:
https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-y...num_41263?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample
Although the problem is she thinks 1.5mm is too thin and prefers 2mm. I asked bluenile if they can increase the width of the ring to 2mm instead, but unfortunately they said they do not have the rights to change the design.
She also doesn't care too much for the pink sapphire on the inside of the ring.

She also likes this setting, but in my opinion, the setting covers too much of the side of the diamond (which could be a good thing as the color of the diamond is only I).
Also this is a bit too wide (2.4mm). I think she really likes a 2mm ring. (her ring size is about size 4.5)
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...dern-tulip-diamond-engagement-ring-item-51014


I am also debating whether to go with white gold or platinum. I don't think my girlfriend minds any type of material, but I personally like patina look and would prefer having it when we get our wedding bands. (I heard it's bad to have the e-ring and wedding ring as different metals as it wears down at differently?)
 
Of those 2 settings I like the first one best. That would be easy to replicate, change to 2mm and eliminate the pink sapphire. Wouldn't be very costly either.

Even if you talk with your local jeweler, be sure to reach out to DK. He could do that to master level in his sleep.

As far as metal goes, I also like platinum. Depending on the jeweler it can be a hefty price upgrade. My girl wanted shiny so I went with a white/palladium alloy that DK uses. Better than traditional WG as you don't have the rhodium plating to mess with (yellows with body chemicals and you have to replate) as the DK alloy is a true white metal. So you get your cake and to eat it too.

With DK, platinum was about $200 upgrade which was very reasonable.
 
Sorry, I haven't done too much research on settings yet, does DK = DK jewelers? (http://www.dkjewelersinc.com/jewelry/rings/diamond-engagement-rings)

One of the biggest reasons why I want to get the setting made locally is so I can go to the jeweler directly if I need something changed and it will be easier to convey my idea in person.
I also don't really like the idea of shipping a ring back and forth in the event something needs to be changed (it also doesn't help that I am situated in Canada while most of the recommended jewelers are in US).

But thanks for the suggestion sledge, I will add DK to my jewelers to consider :)
 
DumplingJr said:
Sorry, I haven't done too much research on settings yet, does DK = DK jewelers? (http://www.dkjewelersinc.com/jewelry/rings/diamond-engagement-rings)

One of the biggest reasons why I want to get the setting made locally is so I can go to the jeweler directly if I need something changed and it will be easier to convey my idea in person.
I also don't really like the idea of shipping a ring back and forth in the event something needs to be changed (it also doesn't help that I am situated in Canada while most of the recommended jewelers are in US).

But thanks for the suggestion sledge, I will add DK to my jewelers to consider :)
Click to expand...

Totally understand the concern about communicating over the phone, internet, etc vs just dropping by the store and having a face-to-face conversation. There are good local jewelers, I just want to make sure you find a good one.

The DK I am referring to is David Klass.

https://www.davidklassjewelry.com/

While I did not have the overseas obstacle, I was located about 8-9 hours away from DK myself. I started the process by forwarding pictures to them and asking for a quote to build it. Once we agreed on a price, I asked them to start making CAD's (drawings used so the ring can be made). I went through several revisions before we got it close. They sent a plastic model. I made some more revisions and then they photographed pictures of the ring.

I had never done this before, but had the help of a lot of good people here. It also helped that I can be fairly analytical and detail orientated, and was comfortable communicating electronically. However, at one point in the project I was close to jumping on a plane and going out to LA.

If you'd like to read about my journey, here is the link:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/dk-bgd-custom-setting-the-home-stretch.240843/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top