Is this a great diamond?

[Ms.Lola]

Hi, this is my first post here, I discovered this site last week when doing some google research on erring purchases. Basically, I’m just wondering if this diamond I found on Blue Nile is a great deal, or if there is something wrong with it. Price is $6,666.

Round diamond, Ideal cut, 1.39 carat, H color, SI2 clarity. Depth: 62.1%, Table 58%, symmetry: very good, Polish: very good, girdle: medium to slightly thick, cutlet: none, fluorescence: none, measurements: 7.12 x 7.17 x 4.44mm. GIA certified. Basically, the sales rep on Blue Nile said that the diamond is eye clean, and that the inclusions are a couple of twinning wisps and when viewed from the bottom, there is a small cavity and crystal.

I guess I had previously thought that if a stone makes the "Ideal" cut on BlueNile, it was guaranteed to be amazingly sparkly and brilliant, but now I''m not sure if I should be worried about other proporitons or an otherwise eye clean diamond. Are there problems that inclusions in an SI2 diamond can cause to mess up the brilliance?

Sorry if this is an educated post, I''m just so relieved to find a community of people where everyone is as obsessed as I am, and where hopefully people are willing to share the wealth (of knowledge, that is).

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Skippy123]

Well you need the pavilion angle and crown angles for us to help you; I plug the numbers into here and things that score above 2 in the HCA you can use to weed out with this tool
http://www.pricescope.com/cutadviser.asp I would ask the vendor if the stone is eye clean too and what their definition of eye clean is. Welcome to PS by the way

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/20/2008 3:44:19 PM
Author:Ms.Lola

Hi, this is my first post here, I discovered this site last week when doing some google research on erring purchases. Basically, I’m just wondering if this diamond I found on Blue Nile is a great deal, or if there is something wrong with it. Price is $6,666.

Round diamond, Ideal cut, 1.39 carat, H color, SI2 clarity. Depth: 62.1%, Table 58%, symmetry: very good, Polish: very good, girdle: medium to slightly thick, cutlet: none, fluorescence: none, measurements: 7.12 x 7.17 x 4.44mm. GIA certified. Basically, the sales rep on Blue Nile said that the diamond is eye clean, and that the inclusions are a couple of twinning wisps and when viewed from the bottom, there is a small cavity and crystal.

I guess I had previously thought that if a stone makes the 'Ideal' cut on BlueNile, it was guaranteed to be amazingly sparkly and brilliant, but now I'm not sure if I should be worried about other proporitons or an otherwise eye clean diamond. Are there problems that inclusions in an SI2 diamond can cause to mess up the brilliance?

Sorry if this is an educated post, I'm just so relieved to find a community of people where everyone is as obsessed as I am, and where hopefully people are willing to share the wealth (of knowledge, that is).

Thanks in advance for the help!

Welcome!

We need the crown and pavilion angles to be able to judge this diamond, if you could post those please. Also an Idealscope image would be useful, but I don't think BN provide them unfortunately. Also labels such as Ideal cut don't necessarily mean it is a well cut diamond, these terms can be used loosely at times.

It is rare than SI2 inclusions can interfere with brilliance, so that shouldn't be a problem hopefully, if you are concerned, BN do have a 30 day return policy, and you could get an independant appraisal if you wished, to make sure this diamond is the right one for you. That way you can get a professional and accurate answer to your concerns from an expert who actually has seen the diamond.

 

[Ms.Lola]

Hi guys,

thanks for the immediate replies. The crown angle is 35.5% and the paviolion angle is 41.4%.

Thanks again!!

 

[Ms.Lola]

Whoa, it''s crazy--I just plugged in the specs into the HCA calculator and a diamond that BN calls "Ideal" scored a 5.1....is that normal? How do I resume my search from here, so that I can can find better scoring diamonds? Do I have to plug in the specs info for every diamond I look at?

Also, just making sure, if the GIA report says there is no cutlet, I just put in zero, right?

Thanks.

 

[chrono]

yes, no culet = 0

Use these parameters: they should pop up great numbers on the HCA.
table 54-57%
depth 60-62%
crown angle 34-35
pavilion angle 40.7 to 41
polish and symmetry should be at least very good to excellent

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/20/2008 4:46:38 PM
Author: Ms.Lola
Whoa, it's crazy--I just plugged in the specs into the HCA calculator and a diamond that BN calls 'Ideal' scored a 5.1....is that normal? How do I resume my search from here, so that I can can find better scoring diamonds? Do I have to plug in the specs info for every diamond I look at?

Also, just making sure, if the GIA report says there is no cutlet, I just put in zero, right?

Thanks.

It is because the diamond is what is called a steep deep with the crown and pavilion angles, which may leak light. If you stick to these numbers then this should help you find some better prospects.

depth - 60 - 62.4% ( my preferred max depth)
table - 54 - 57%
crown angle - 34 - 35 degrees
pavilion angle - 40.6 to 41 degrees
Polish and symmetry of very good and above.
girdle - avoid extremes such as thin to very thick etc.

also with crown angles of 34 cr/ 40.6 pav ( shallower) and 35 cr/ 41 pav ( steeper) an Idealscope image is very useful to make sure that the particular combo works well in that particular case. And sometimes numbers outside of these ranges can work well, the Holloway Cut Advisor can assist there.

Also search by using the tool above, enter your colour, clarity and carat, then hit search by cut and that will bring up the best cut diamonds in your preferred range.

 

[cectra79]

So a THIN girdle to be avoided? I thought it was only very thin that was somewhat undesirable and not safe? I pretty much decided to buy a diamond that scores .6 on HCA but it has a thin girdle. Thanks!

 

[chrono]

Maybe she missed out the word very thin in her post. I''d avoid the "very" but don''t see an issue with a thin girdle.

 

[cectra79]

Thanks, I was hoping that was the issue, and thin is still ok. Great!

 

[Ms.Lola]

Ok, thanks for the suggestions. I did another search using the tool above and found this:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3525/

from the non-microscopic (aka regular) image, it seems like it is not eyeclean--is this just me, or do you guys see inclusions in the "Diamond 1" image?

 

[chrono]

Date: 4/20/2008 5:15:02 PM
Author: Ms.Lola
Ok, thanks for the suggestions. I did another search using the tool above and found this:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3525/

from the non-microscopic (aka regular) image, it seems like it is not eyeclean--is this just me, or do you guys see inclusions in the 'Diamond 1' image?

That IS the microscopic picture and yes, I can see the inclusion but that diamond as been VERY magnified. If you want to be sure, give GOG a call and ask him if its eye clean from 6 inches away. The other 2 pictures titled microscope are named so that we know it's a backlit/darkfield picture to highlight the inclusion.

 

[Ms.Lola]

Date: 4/20/2008 5:18:26 PM
Author: Chrono

Date: 4/20/2008 5:15:02 PM
Author: Ms.Lola
Ok, thanks for the suggestions. I did another search using the tool above and found this:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3525/

from the non-microscopic (aka regular) image, it seems like it is not eyeclean--is this just me, or do you guys see inclusions in the ''Diamond 1'' image?

That IS the microscopic picture and yes, I can see the inclusion but that diamond as been VERY magnified. If you want to be sure, give GOG a call and ask him if its eye clean from 6 inches away. The other 2 pictures titled microscope are named so that we know it''s a backlit/darkfield picture to highlight the inclusion.

Oh, yes, this makes total sense

Of course it wouldn''t make sense that any non-magnified image could be so large! All this shopping is making me lose my common sense!!!

I''m still just kinda in disbelief that online vendors would mark diamonds as ideal when in fact their proportions are off...is it a totally accepted truism that the HCA reports--and that scoring from 0-2--is one of the best indicators of brilliance?

By the way, can i just say how happy I am that I found this site!! I''m not usually into virtual/online stuff, but a few years ago, I stumbled across a discussion board site discussing everything you''d ever want to know about applying to law school and it was, without question, the most helpful tool I could have possibly asked for. I completely credit the advice I got on that site for helping me apply (and ultimately get accepted to) great law schools...and I love to give back! So now, as a total rookie again in a new online field, I welcome the advice of others and look forward to the day that I can help others here. (And if anyone wants to know ANYthing about law school and the process of applying, step right up!)

 

[Ellen]

Date: 4/20/2008 6:15:42 PM
Author: Ms.Lola


Oh, yes, this makes total sense

Of course it wouldn't make sense that any non-magnified image could be so large! All this shopping is making me lose my common sense!!!

I'm still just kinda in disbelief that online vendors would mark diamonds as ideal when in fact their proportions are off...is it a totally accepted truism that the HCA reports--and that scoring from 0-2--is one of the best indicators of brilliance?

By the way, can i just say how happy I am that I found this site!!

Yes, the HCA can be very helpful when used correctly. There are combos that get dinged, mainly with deeper pavillion angles, and there are stones that can score up to 2.5 and still be beautiful. But if you look for stones that have a score of 2 or less, with the x falling in the overlap area of GIA and AGS, you're pretty sure to get a great stone. But you always want to follow up with more info, like you have with GOG.

If eyeclean, that one from GOG is a real winner.

And I'm glad you found this site too!

 

[Showmethefire]

Date: 4/20/2008 5:15:02 PM
Author: Ms.Lola
Ok, thanks for the suggestions. I did another search using the tool above and found this:


http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3525/


from the non-microscopic (aka regular) image, it seems like it is not eyeclean--is this just me, or do you guys see inclusions in the ''Diamond 1'' image?

WOW!

Ellen is right. If it is indeed eyeclean, it is a gorgeous rock.

Look at the Diamxray pic of this diamond. There are extra hotspots at between the arrow shafts near the centre of the table. This adds to the scintillation of the diamond.

Although there are limitations to technology like brilliantscope like GOG will mention on their website, looking at the brilliant scope/gemex report, this one looks like a real winner.

The Helium report also shows that it is very well cut, very little variance in the angles between the minor facets. On top of this, there is also no girdle digging or painting, which would seriously affect the light return of the diamond.

For this size, it would also be a real bargain because of the SI2 clarity grading.
If it is not eyeclean, you could probably ask GOG if they could use Laser treatment on the areas where it is more visible, although I am clueless as to whether it will affect the optics of this diamond.

You cld probably ask GOG and find out more from them. If you ask me, this is a real steal.
I would personally go for it if I could get it eyeclean or laser treated.

 

[Ms.Lola]

Have people found better experiences/prices buying on GOG vs. BN?


Also, this stone seems to be pretty awesome too, found on BN, so fewer images, but:

Round, 1.34, very good cut, G, SI2, Depth: 61.5%, Table 55%, 34 degree crown angle, 41 deg pavillion. HCA score =1.3.

The image on the GIA certificate looks pretty darn clean, although I will follow up with BN rep., re whether it''s eyeclean.

Price = $6,411 (!)

 

[Showmethefire]

Date: 4/20/2008 10:53:46 PM
Author: Ms.Lola
Have people found better experiences/prices buying on GOG vs. BN?




Also, this stone seems to be pretty awesome too, found on BN, so fewer images, but:


Round, 1.34, very good cut, G, SI2, Depth: 61.5%, Table 55%, 34 degree crown angle, 41 deg pavillion. HCA score =1.3.


The image on the GIA certificate looks pretty darn clean, although I will follow up with BN rep., re whether it''s eyeclean.


Price = $6,411 (!)

I think both are great diamond dealers, but what I like more about GOG is that they really make an effort in trying to educate us (the consumers) about diamonds. You can ask GOG as many questions as you want, and they will still be very patient with you.

I know that GOG staff have personally seen/examined every single diamond that they put up for sale. I am not sure about BN (when I say I am not sure, I don''t mean it in a sarcastic way, but really I do not know if they have examined each diamond they sell to such an extent that the staff at GOG do)

 

[Ms.Lola]

Bump to follow up on this second, 1.34 ct stone I found: If it''s eyeclean, I feel like it''s an excellent choice (but of course I need reassurance!) It also has excellent polish, very good symmetry.

I''m confused though, why the GIA would rate "Very Good" yet it still scores 1.3 on HCA and the X falls within the overlap of GIS and AGS...am I missing something about how these ratings work?

Date: 4/20/2008 10:59:02 PM
Author: Showmethefire

Date: 4/20/2008 10:53:46 PM
Author: Ms.Lola
Have people found better experiences/prices buying on GOG vs. BN?




Also, this stone seems to be pretty awesome too, found on BN, so fewer images, but:


Round, 1.34, very good cut, G, SI2, Depth: 61.5%, Table 55%, 34 degree crown angle, 41 deg pavillion. HCA score =1.3.


The image on the GIA certificate looks pretty darn clean, although I will follow up with BN rep., re whether it''s eyeclean.


Price = $6,411 (!)

I think both are great diamond dealers, but what I like more about GOG is that they really make an effort in trying to educate us (the consumers) about diamonds. You can ask GOG as many questions as you want, and they will still be very patient with you.

I know that GOG staff have personally seen/examined every single diamond that they put up for sale. I am not sure about BN (when I say I am not sure, I don''t mean it in a sarcastic way, but really I do not know if they have examined each diamond they sell to such an extent that the staff at GOG do)

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/20/2008 5:11:09 PM
Author: cectra79
Thanks, I was hoping that was the issue, and thin is still ok. Great!

If you mean my post, thanks Chrono for the explanation as you were right, yes thin is fine!!! I mean avoid extremes such as thin to very thick for example, thin, thin to medium, thin to slightly thick etc etc are all fine! Even very thin in some instances can be ok subject to the cut quality of the diamond, and an expert giving the once over.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/21/2008 12:23:06 AM
Author: Ms.Lola

Bump to follow up on this second, 1.34 ct stone I found: If it''s eyeclean, I feel like it''s an excellent choice (but of course I need reassurance!) It also has excellent polish, very good symmetry.

I''m confused though, why the GIA would rate ''Very Good'' yet it still scores 1.3 on HCA and the X falls within the overlap of GIS and AGS...am I missing something about how these ratings work?

Date: 4/20/2008 10:59:02 PM
Author: Showmethefire

Date: 4/20/2008 10:53:46 PM
Author: Ms.Lola
Have people found better experiences/prices buying on GOG vs. BN?




Also, this stone seems to be pretty awesome too, found on BN, so fewer images, but:


Round, 1.34, very good cut, G, SI2, Depth: 61.5%, Table 55%, 34 degree crown angle, 41 deg pavillion. HCA score =1.3.


The image on the GIA certificate looks pretty darn clean, although I will follow up with BN rep., re whether it''s eyeclean.


Price = $6,411 (!)

I think both are great diamond dealers, but what I like more about GOG is that they really make an effort in trying to educate us (the consumers) about diamonds. You can ask GOG as many questions as you want, and they will still be very patient with you.

I know that GOG staff have personally seen/examined every single diamond that they put up for sale. I am not sure about BN (when I say I am not sure, I don''t mean it in a sarcastic way, but really I do not know if they have examined each diamond they sell to such an extent that the staff at GOG do)

Do you have the GIA report link for the diamond?

 

[Ms.Lola]

Date: 4/21/2008 4:25:57 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/21/2008 12:23:06 AM
Author: Ms.Lola


Bump to follow up on this second, 1.34 ct stone I found: If it''s eyeclean, I feel like it''s an excellent choice (but of course I need reassurance!) It also has excellent polish, very good symmetry.

I''m confused though, why the GIA would rate ''Very Good'' yet it still scores 1.3 on HCA and the X falls within the overlap of GIS and AGS...am I missing something about how these ratings work?

Date: 4/20/2008 10:59:02 PM
Author: Showmethefire

Date: 4/20/2008 10:53:46 PM
Author: Ms.Lola
Have people found better experiences/prices buying on GOG vs. BN?




Also, this stone seems to be pretty awesome too, found on BN, so fewer images, but:


Round, 1.34, very good cut, G, SI2, Depth: 61.5%, Table 55%, 34 degree crown angle, 41 deg pavillion. HCA score =1.3.


The image on the GIA certificate looks pretty darn clean, although I will follow up with BN rep., re whether it''s eyeclean.


Price = $6,411 (!)

I think both are great diamond dealers, but what I like more about GOG is that they really make an effort in trying to educate us (the consumers) about diamonds. You can ask GOG as many questions as you want, and they will still be very patient with you.

I know that GOG staff have personally seen/examined every single diamond that they put up for sale. I am not sure about BN (when I say I am not sure, I don''t mean it in a sarcastic way, but really I do not know if they have examined each diamond they sell to such an extent that the staff at GOG do)

Do you have the GIA report link for the diamond?

Yes, here it is, sorry: http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01309492&keyword_search_value=ld01309492#grading_report

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/21/2008 9:11:47 AM
Author: Ms.Lola

Date: 4/21/2008 4:25:57 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/21/2008 12:23:06 AM
Author: Ms.Lola

Do you have the GIA report link for the diamond?

Yes, here it is, sorry: http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01309492&keyword_search_value=ld01309492#grading_report

Thanks! As I thought, if you look at the diagram of the diamond on the report, underneath it says " cut grade is affected by brillianteering," that is why this diamond has a VG and not EX cut grade most likely. Now, this is a subject which has been discussed at great length here, perhaps the best thing I can do at this stage is to give you a link written by an expert, so you can decide for yourself, but there is a lot of reading.

http://journal.pricescope.com/Articles/45/1/Visible-Effects-of-Painting--Digging-on-Superideal-Diamonds.aspx

I would also like to try to find some info which can explain more about it and why GIA can penalize a diamond for brillianteering, as a diamond which has been so treated can still be a beauty!

Try this thread. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-painting-still-a-good-diamond.75554/ Particularly read John Quixote's posts.

 

[Ms.Lola]

Yowsers, this is a lot of info! Thanks Lorelei, I''ll certainly be busy reading up on this.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/21/2008 10:18:19 AM
Author: Ms.Lola
Yowsers, this is a lot of info! Thanks Lorelei, I'll certainly be busy reading up on this.

Sorry, I know it is! I was trying to find the info to help you make the best decision, but last year brillianteering and cut grades was a major topic of conversation here, so a lot of threads and I can't remember the best ones from the consumer point of view. It wouldn't worry me personally, especially with the proportions of the diamond posted, but it is what is best for you that matters!

Here are 2 more threads which should be easier to digest which might help!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-cut-grade-affected-by-brillianteering.49713/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/is-brillianteering-a-deal-breaker.81874/

 

[Ms.Lola]

Thanks again! I''m just wondering now, how can I find out if it''s "crown-only painting" or one of the less-desirable types (e.g. bumping up carat weight)? Something tells me BN won''t be forthcoming with that info, but maybe I''m wrong...

Date: 4/21/2008 10:26:46 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/21/2008 10:18:19 AM
Author: Ms.Lola
Yowsers, this is a lot of info! Thanks Lorelei, I''ll certainly be busy reading up on this.

Sorry, I know it is! I was trying to find the info to help you make the best decision, but last year brillianteering and cut grades was a major topic of conversation here, so a lot of threads and I can''t remember the best ones from the consumer point of view. It wouldn''t worry me personally, especially with the proportions of the diamond posted, but it is what is best for you that matters!

Here are 2 more threads which should be easier to digest which might help!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-cut-grade-affected-by-brillianteering.49713/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/is-brillianteering-a-deal-breaker.81874/

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/21/2008 10:41:19 AM
Author: Ms.Lola
Thanks again! I'm just wondering now, how can I find out if it's 'crown-only painting' or one of the less-desirable types (e.g. bumping up carat weight)? Something tells me BN won't be forthcoming with that info, but maybe I'm wrong...

Date: 4/21/2008 10:26:46 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/21/2008 10:18:19 AM
Author: Ms.Lola
Yowsers, this is a lot of info! Thanks Lorelei, I'll certainly be busy reading up on this.

Sorry, I know it is! I was trying to find the info to help you make the best decision, but last year brillianteering and cut grades was a major topic of conversation here, so a lot of threads and I can't remember the best ones from the consumer point of view. It wouldn't worry me personally, especially with the proportions of the diamond posted, but it is what is best for you that matters!

Here are 2 more threads which should be easier to digest which might help!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gia-cut-grade-affected-by-brillianteering.49713/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/is-brillianteering-a-deal-breaker.81874/

Lola, an appraiser would probably be able to tell you how much this diamond was brillianteered and if there was a negative affect on the diamond. If you bought it you have 30 days in which you could do this and see if you liked the stone. Apart from that, I don't think there is any way the lay person could tell by looking at it. If you are concerned then maybe look at some GIA Excellent cut grade, or AGS0, as the AGS0 diamonds usually have an excellent proven light performance which may be reassuring to you, even if some painting exists in these diamonds. If you look at GIA Excellent, post the proportions so we can check them out, as these diamonds can vary. Or go with an expert vendor who has the diamonds in house, and can answer any questions or concerns you have, might be the best way of all.

 

[Ms.Lola]

Okay, last question for the day (or next few hours, I swear!)

I''m deciding between these two:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01305595&keyword_search_value=LD01305595#grading_report

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01206621&keyword_search_value=LD01206621#grading_report

Any particular combination of specs that I should be worried about? Both are "Ideal" cut on BN, X falls within the overlap on HCA (although the top one, the 1.37, seems to score better on the HCA)...now I just want to make sure there''s no other concern I''m missing! THANKS AGAIN!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/21/2008 11:49:08 AM
Author: Ms.Lola
Okay, last question for the day (or next few hours, I swear!)

I'm deciding between these two:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01305595&keyword_search_value=LD01305595#grading_report

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01206621&keyword_search_value=LD01206621#grading_report

Any particular combination of specs that I should be worried about? Both are 'Ideal' cut on BN, X falls within the overlap on HCA (although the top one, the 1.37, seems to score better on the HCA)...now I just want to make sure there's no other concern I'm missing! THANKS AGAIN!

Personally I like the second one and it falls into fiery ideal cut proportions, but either diamond looks good. Don't worry about the differences in HCA scores, it is used to eliminate poor performers and not to select stones. Did you pull the trigger on the second, it is sold?? Anyway, make sure with SI clarities, that you get a good description of ' eyecleanliness' and let the rep know your comfort level. Looks like they are both sold or reserved...

 

[Ms.Lola]

Date: 4/21/2008 12:01:55 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/21/2008 11:49:08 AM
Author: Ms.Lola
Okay, last question for the day (or next few hours, I swear!)

I''m deciding between these two:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01305595&keyword_search_value=LD01305595#grading_report

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01206621&keyword_search_value=LD01206621#grading_report

Any particular combination of specs that I should be worried about? Both are ''Ideal'' cut on BN, X falls within the overlap on HCA (although the top one, the 1.37, seems to score better on the HCA)...now I just want to make sure there''s no other concern I''m missing! THANKS AGAIN!

Personally I like the second one and it falls into fiery ideal cut proportions, but either diamond looks good. Don''t worry about the differences in HCA scores, it is used to eliminate poor performers and not to select stones. Did you pull the trigger on the second, it is sold?? Anyway, make sure with SI clarities, that you get a good description of '' eyecleanliness'' and let the rep know your comfort level. Looks like they are both sold or reserved...

Nope, haven''t pulled the trigger on either, they''re both just on hold til I make up my mind. Lorelei, if you don''t mind my probing, what makes you like one better than the other? What are other people''s suggestions?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/21/2008 12:08:02 PM
Author: Ms.Lola

Date: 4/21/2008 12:01:55 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/21/2008 11:49:08 AM
Author: Ms.Lola
Okay, last question for the day (or next few hours, I swear!)

I'm deciding between these two:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01305595&keyword_search_value=LD01305595#grading_report

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD01206621&keyword_search_value=LD01206621#grading_report

Any particular combination of specs that I should be worried about? Both are 'Ideal' cut on BN, X falls within the overlap on HCA (although the top one, the 1.37, seems to score better on the HCA)...now I just want to make sure there's no other concern I'm missing! THANKS AGAIN!

Personally I like the second one and it falls into fiery ideal cut proportions, but either diamond looks good. Don't worry about the differences in HCA scores, it is used to eliminate poor performers and not to select stones. Did you pull the trigger on the second, it is sold?? Anyway, make sure with SI clarities, that you get a good description of ' eyecleanliness' and let the rep know your comfort level. Looks like they are both sold or reserved...

Nope, haven't pulled the trigger on either, they're both just on hold til I make up my mind. Lorelei, if you don't mind my probing, what makes you like one better than the other? What are other people's suggestions?

Of course I don't mind! In this case, personal preference comes into it a bit, as the second diamond is a fiery ideal cut. This means the diamond may display greater fire if the lighting conditions are right. It also has excellent for polish and symmetry. The first diamond is also well cut, and may face up slightly larger than the other one, it has very good for polish and symmetry, although some prefer the excellent as part of the excellent finish, it is said that the naked untrained eye cannot distinguish between good and above for polish and symmetry. So it is a trade off here. One thing I might add is that BN don't offer a trade in policy unlike some of the other vendors, in case that might ever be a consideration.

Also I take it ( I assume) this diamond is for a ring stone out of interest? I would see what the verdict is on the eyecleanliness issue as well before deciding. Also check that the feathers are not reaching the surface ( unlikely, but best to check) to avoid durability issues. I am sure it is probably fine, but I just like to mention that for the sake of prudence.

Also I have drawn Ellen's attention to this thread, so she will probably chime in when she is able and give you her opinion!