Looking for optimal diamond at James Allen:

[transcend11]

I''m trying to find ''the perfect'' diamond from James Allen for an engagement ring purchase. Here are the search parameters I''m using:

http://www.jamesallen.com/search_results.asp?cid=131&step=SearchResults&sbmt=1&shape=Round&carat_from=0.35&carat_to=0.5&price=800&color=%27D%27&color=%27E%27&color=%27F%27&color=%27G%27&color=%27H%27&color=%27I%27&color=%27J%27&clarity=%27IF%27&clarity=%27VVS1%27&clarity=%27VVS2%27&clarity=%27VS1%27&clarity=%27VS2%27&clarity=%27SI1%27&clarity=%27SI2%27&isHA=1&fromtabledepth=&totabledepth=&fromtablesize=&totablesize=&x=66&y=10

Wow that''s a long link.

I''m looking at a 0.37 - 0.5 carat round Hearts and Arrows cut, G-I color, SI2 eye-clean minimum, excellent symmetry/polish. $800 maximum, optimally around the $700''s on the high end. I''m a poor college student who will take advantage of the trade-up policy in the future.

There''s just so many choices. I have no idea how to narrow them down. I know that the ideal pavilion angle is below 41 degrees. That the table size should be 55-63. When I look at an Idealscope image that there should be minimal white and all black areas should be optimally the same darkness. When I look at the actual image of the diamond, sometimes a center facet will be less dark than the other center facets. Is this important or is this just part of the image?

Thank you very much for the advice. It''s very hard to be able to choose my own diamond from so many choices. I really have no idea what the optimal depth value should be at all.

Thank you

 

[transcend11]

To contribute something of my own, here''s one diamond I have found that may be a great candidate?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1225101.asp

I also just found this tool, looks like this may be very helpful.
https://www.pricescope.com/cutadviser.asp

 

[transcend11]

Or this?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1197246.asp

Just showing I'm attempting to be self-sufficient as well

Also, on the HCA Total Visual Perfomance Value, is lower better? Most diamonds I'm liking are 1.2-1.4 (Excellent). I found one diamond that looked very unique but still very good and it gave me a 0.8, which is actually out of the "AGS ideal cut" range on the graph (while it is still AGS 0 in the certification):

Can't figure out what's different about this one

 

[JoeNewbie11]

Hey there,

In the carat size you,re looking for you can easily get a SI1 or SI2 (eye-clean) and save a lot of $$$ or get a bigger stone.

how about this one? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1239046.asp

 

[stone-cold11]

Date: 5/16/2009 12:39:59 AM
Author: transcend11
Also, on the HCA Total Visual Perfomance Value, is lower better? Most diamonds I'm liking are 1.2-1.4 (Excellent). I found one diamond that looked very unique but still very good and it gave me a 0.8, which is actually out of the 'AGS ideal cut' range on the graph (while it is still AGS 0 in the certification):

Can't figure out what's different about this one

No, HCA is only meant as a rejection tool, not a selection tool. Below score of 2, even 2.5, look at the IS/ASET image for selection. The AGS range is from the old parametric system, where the range is fixed. The new performance based system range, from 2007 onwards, simulate the light performance based on the 3D dimensions of the stone for the grading, so the result may not fall into the old range if other facets, such as star and lgf, complements the main facets well.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 5/16/2009 12:39:59 AM
Author: transcend11
Or this?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1197246.asp

Just showing I'm attempting to be self-sufficient as well

Also, on the HCA Total Visual Perfomance Value, is lower better? Most diamonds I'm liking are 1.2-1.4 (Excellent). I found one diamond that looked very unique but still very good and it gave me a 0.8, which is actually out of the 'AGS ideal cut' range on the graph (while it is still AGS 0 in the certification):

Can't figure out what's different about this one

No, a lower score is not better than a higher one or vice versa, the HCA is meant for rejection not selection, a pass or fail system once you score below 2 pending further evaluation. This is done with ASET and Idealscope images. You can even find some diamonds which score a bit higher ( between 2 and 3) can be worth consideration if they have top symmetry and you have the above images. Don't worry about it falling out of the AGS range on the HCA, this happens sometimes, the important thing is the AGS0 report.

The diamonds you have chosen look good, however if you want a h&a then really a hearts image is needed in order to judge overall cut precision, but I don't think James Allen provide them. The diamonds do look well cut though.