Looking for advice on / alternatives to 2.49ct Blue Nile Signature round diamond

[heatdish]

Hi,

Quick intro since this is my first post!

I am looking to buy an engagement ring for my girlfriend, and was introduced to this website/forum by a coworker who recently got engaged. I''ve read through a lot of the articles and found them really informative, but wanted to get further expert opinions from the PS forum regulars...

I''m looking for a round diamond, 2.4-2.6 carat, F/G color, VS1/VS2 clarity, and trying to get the best possible cut while staying under $40,000. So far, I''ve found this:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00157379

Color = G
Clarity = VS2
Fluorescence = None
Depth = 60.8%
Table = 56.0%
Culet = 0.3% (pointed)
Crown = 34.5 degrees
Pavilion = 41.0 degrees

I ran the numbers through HCA and came up with 1.8. Also know that I would have to check to make sure that it is eye-clean, look at it under an IdealScope, and get a qualified independent appraiser within the return time period of 30 days at Blue Nile if I were to make the purchase.

The questions I have are --
(1) based on the specs and certs, how does this diamond rate?
(2) could I do better on price or on cut at a different vendor?

I''ve tried looking at two other PS vendors (WhiteFlash, GoodOldGold), but they don''t have much stock given the above parameters. What am I missing / what else should I consider before making a purchase decision?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Sincerely,
Chris

 

[bem3231]

Welcome to Pricescope! You are looking for very similar parameters to what my fiance and I were looking for. A few weeks ago we purchased a 2.68 FVS2 ideal RB from Good Old Gold pictured in my avatar). I also found that there was not a lot of inventory when I began looking, and we were reticent to invest that much money on a stone sight unseen.

Long story short, Jon from Good Old Gold worked with us to find the *perfect* stone. There are more stones available to brokers than those that you would see listed on sites like bluenile.com. I posted about my experience in late December.

You are spending a lot on this and my understanding is that there is traditionally not a lot of inventory in the size and specs that you''re looking for. I''d suggest taking the time to work with someone who can help you find the *perfect* rock. I would highly recommend Jon at GOG - he uses a lot of technologies that other online retailers do not (ie: videos of stones that you are considering in different lighting conditions, microscopic photos, etc.).

I ended up making two trips to GOG to view stones in person, so I saw a lot of stones and I also saw how they compared in the videos. I guess what I would leave you with from my experience is that ''not all ideal cut RB''s are created equal''. Beyond the geometry and HCA scores, there''s a lot to be said for how a stone looks to your eye. If I were to purchase again online sight unseen I would stick with Jon on account of the videos. I found it really makes a difference.

Good luck!!

 

[Kaleigh]

I have bought from WF and GOG and know if you contact them, they will be more than willing to help you. BN has done a great job with their signature cuts... That size is in high demand, so they go quickly. I'd defintely put a call into WF and GOG. Good luck!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/16/2008 1:08:46 AM
Author: Kaleigh
I have bought from WF and GOG and know if you contact them, they will be more than willing to help you. BN has done a great job with their signature cuts... That size is in high demand, so they go quickly. I''d defintely put a call into WF and GOG. Good luck!!

Welcome!

Ditto Kaleigh above, also the BN diamond looks good and is an AGS0, so it could be an excellent choice. WF and GOG have IS images and the cut analysis done usually, but the BN diamond should be a safe choice and also they have a 30 days return policy.

 

[cutey TT]

I did a quick "search by cut" with the parameters you listed, and also found this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1105594.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

It scores 1.6 HCA (ex-ex-ex-vg). James Allen also has a 30-day return policy.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/16/2008 10:33:43 AM
Author: cutey TT
I did a quick ''search by cut'' with the parameters you listed, and also found this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1105594.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

It scores 1.6 HCA (ex-ex-ex-vg). James Allen also has a 30-day return policy.

Nice find Cutey!

 

[phoenixgirl]

Have you looked at this 2.49 G VS2 AGS0 at James Allen? The specs are nearly identical (but it''s not branded "signature ideal") but it would save you $8k (the PS discount price is $32020). It kind of makes you question the value of the BN stone. And I like the look of the JA stone better than the BN stone (looking at the GCAL report). The BN stone does not seem to qualify as H&A to my untrained eye.

I recommend BlueNile and Mondera all the time, but for a purchase of this size, I''d contact Good Old Gold and/or White Flash and tell them what you''re looking for. You can''t beat their service or lifetime upgrade policies.

Interesting, GOG does have a 2.49 G VS2 AGS0 for about $40k, but it''s not H&A and only has their 30 day guarantee. So that makes me think perhaps the BN price is reasonable; it''s just that the JA stone is a deal.

 

[bem3231]

The GOG stone that Phoenixgirl referred to actually features in a video that Jon shot for me (on GOG website) and I also saw it in person - it''s beautiful!

 

[sparxs111]

There are a bunch at exceldiamonds ... http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/144999.html Ive dealt with them and was very pleased.

 

[phoenixgirl]

Excel offers a lifetime upgrade as long as you spend 50% more than your original diamond, and with that diamond you get above the 2.5 carat mark, a SuperbCert H&A stone, and VS1 clarity. Another good option!

 

[heatdish]

Wow, thanks for all the advice and help in searching online! You all are amazing

So looking at the 4 choices...

(1) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00157379
(2) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1105594.asp
(3) http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3712/
(4) http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/144999.html

... I''m leaning towards JA. It''s substantially cheaper than BN, has HCA < 2.0, the same 30-day return window, plus an upgrade policy (whereas BN does not). 2nd choice goes to Excel, which is in-between JA and BN in price but is VS1.

For the JA diamond, though, it looks like there is an extra facet in the AGS report; is this the reason why it''s ~$8K cheaper than the others?? (I''m a n00b at interpreting the symbols.)

Lastly, I will call JA, GOG and WF to figure out what inventory they might have that is not being displayed online.

Sincerely,
Chris

 

[Jessdoll]

I recently worked with JA and WF. I was looking for a RB between 2.0 and 2.5 cts. I ended up getting a 2.16 from WF. I felt that JA were very honest about the stones I enquired about and they suggested some to me also. It appeared that many of their stones were virtual stones though. WF stones seemed to be better cut (at least via photo) even when they were not graded H&A. WF took extra photos for me same day. I was really happy with the service from both companies and am very happy with my WF stone.

 

[Lorelei]

Here is an explanation of extra facets I copied and pasted for you from one of our experts.

It is usually the sign of a skilled cutter who leaves a tiny bit of the original rough on 1 place under the girdle. They are not a problem if it is small and they are seldom ever visible from above.
Should not effect clarity and its scale will be marked on the cert plot in green

By all accounts, even an IF can have an extra facet, so should be no worries. I also like the JA diamond.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/17/2008 12:13:57 AM
Author: heatdish
Wow, thanks for all the advice and help in searching online! You all are amazing

So looking at the 4 choices...

(1) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00157379
(2) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1105594.asp
(3) http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3712/
(4) http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/144999.html

... I''m leaning towards JA. It''s substantially cheaper than BN, has HCA (whereas BN does not). 2nd choice goes to Excel, which is in-between JA and BN in price but is VS1.

For the JA diamond, though, it looks like there is an extra facet in the AGS report; is this the reason why it''s ~$8K cheaper than the others?? (I''m a n00b at interpreting the symbols.)

Lastly, I will call JA, GOG and WF to figure out what inventory they might have that is not being displayed online.

Sincerely,
Chris

One thing to note. While JA does have a lifetime upgrade policy, it''s for a repacement stone of at least 2x or greater in vlaue. That would (and does) turn me off right there. So you might want to think hard about that stone....

If it were me, I''d contact WF and GOG and get them looking.

 

[heatdish]

Thanks again to everyone for your help and suggestions!

Ellen - I took your advice and contacted WF (in addition to Excel and JA). While all three PS vendors I contacted were very helpful, Traci Arneson @ WF in particular has been INCREDIBLY responsive, accommodating, and wonderful to work with.

I've narrowed it down to this 2.58 G-VS2 RB that Traci helped me find:

- Magnification
- IdealScope
- Sarin

I've shipped the diamond to Nancy Stacy in California for appraisal, and barring any major mishap, I'll be the proud and excited owner of this loose stone (until I find the appropriate setting and propose to my girlfriend, anyway!) and a happy PS forumer

 

[Ellen]

Well woohoo! That''s a very pretty stone right there.

I have every confidence this will check out. Better get to looking for that perfect setting for that perfectly scrumptious diamond.

Thanks for updating us, we''d love to see the finished product. And congrats!

 

[dani13]

OHHHH...How exciting, Chris!!! That stone looks absolutely gorgeous!!! Do you know how you will be setting it?
Make sure to post pics when you get it!! YAY!!!

 

[heatdish]

Update: I decided to go with a temporary setting for now -- a Tiffany-style 6-prong solitaire. There are so many variables to consider, and I don''t want to spoil the surprise by asking my girlfriend too many leading questions

So, here are the pics from Whiteflash, for your viewing pleasure (and critique):

 

[coatimundi_org]

You made an excellent choice!
What a swoonworthy ring!
Gorgeous!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That is gorgeous!!! A stone like that doesn''t need a busy setting! I like it in the setting it is in, or I''d put it in a Leon Mege classic solitaire!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Gorgeous Heatdish! That is a beautiful diamond!!

I''ve dealt with Traci as well and she is a delight and so, so willing to go above and beyond! Congrats on getting such a lovely diamond and thanks for sharing the picture!

 

[kellyfish]

Beautiful diamond. You are sooo smart to go with the temp setting. I think it is a wonderful gift to a future fi to give her the chance to pick a permanent setting....she will be on the moon!