shape
carat
color
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My first diamond purchase

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
Hello PriceScope !

I've been doing my own research and tried to gather some knowledge before making my purchase.
My goal was to stick to my budget of 3000$ and get the best possible diamond at this price point.

I ended up sacrificing the color and clarity for the better cut and a little more weight.
This is the stone I ended up buying:
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=1323800337

It's a J SI1 0,9 ct with a feather inclusion on the table, it should be eye clean though as the inclusion is almost transparent. My concern is the crown angle, which is a tad steep (35.5).
But after reviewing similar stones, I think it could be fine anyway.
I had rarecarat review it and they liked it.

From what I can judge of the picture, the visible obstructions under the table are negligible.
I have not viewed this stone under a IdealScope so i have no clue about leakages etc.

As for the color, I know it might display a bit of warmth, I hope it will do fine in the platinum necklace which I'm having it set in.

The HCA gave it a score of 1.1 With Excellent on everything except on spread wich was Very Good.
I used some tool that said that this stone was to big for it's carat weight?? Like almost double the size, on the other hand I heard from the experts at rarecarat that the proportions are just right for this weight.

What's your opinion - How did I do ?
Thanks for any feedback!

table.PNG

1323800337.png
 
L

lydial

Guest
It could be a winner or a dud. You need to wait until you see it yourself. If you look at my posts you can see my cluster ring that I recently had designed that has a very similar center diamond but it is 1.2 ct K VS2 / also bought through RC - my upper budget was 4k and I found it for that price after MUCH searching. The only difference in mine is it has a smaller table (55) and star angle (50) than yours - otherwise pretty identical. I bought an ideal-scope to look at it more closely, you can buy one online. All diamond have subtle differences but my RC stone is very lovely and lively. Since it is not an ideal cut it shows much more color than the ideal in my avatar - but it has no obstruction or leakage. My only complaint is the time it took between ordering and receiving through RC was VERY long - it had to arrive in the US, get to NYC to have the gemologist review it - that took a week, then it got to me. 3 weeks later.
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
It could be a winner or a dud. You need to wait until you see it yourself. If you look at my posts you can see my cluster ring that I recently had designed that has a very similar center diamond but it is 1.2 ct K VS2 / also bought through RC - my upper budget was 4k and I found it for that price after MUCH searching. The only difference in mine is it has a smaller table (55) and star angle (50) than yours - otherwise pretty identical. I bought an ideal-scope to look at it more closely, you can buy one online. All diamond have subtle differences but my RC stone is very lovely and lively. Since it is not an ideal cut it shows much more color than the ideal in my avatar - but it has no obstruction or leakage. My only complaint is the time it took between ordering and receiving through RC was VERY long - it had to arrive in the US, get to NYC to have the gemologist review it - that took a week, then it got to me. 3 weeks later.

Thanks for the response lydial, just checked out your cluster ring - amazing.
This will be a gift for my daughter, I'm having the stone set in a platinum pendant.

Yeah - I'm eager to get mine so I can make a real assessment. I bought it from a swedish retailer, we have quite the hefty taxes here so 3k is what i would pay for the stone if i bought it and evaded paying toll/tax on it. Reality is i payed an extra 28% ("hidden") which makes it close to 4k.
 
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L

lydial

Guest
Thanks for the response lydial, is the one you have as your profile picture? If so, it looks great :)
Gonna look for your posts for a better picture !

Yeah - I'm eager to get mine so I can make a real assessment. I bought it from a swedish retailer, we have quite the hefty taxes here so 3k is what i would pay for the stone if i bought it and evaded paying toll/tax on it. Reality is i payed an extra 28% ("hidden") which makes it close to 4k.

The RC purchased stone is the one in the center of my cluster: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/steven-kirsch-cluster.249142/

The avatar stone is my CBI ideal cut from HPD in Idaho.... 2.66 ct, also a K color but faces up at least like an H due to the stellar cut. I can see a striking difference between my 2 K stones. I am OK with some color in a diamond - some people are *not*! Most people won't go below a J.
 

Tekate

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 11, 2013
Messages
7,570
It looks lovely and it will make a wonderfully beautiful pendant. I have a 1.63 I AGS2 that my husband gave me for our engagement in 88, I plan to make this into a pendant, my stone has so much fire! I love it and it's a nice bright stone.. Your daughter will love her pendant, what a great parent to do this! Please post a pix when you set it!!! :)
 

OoohShiny

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 25, 2014
Messages
8,228
An ASETscope image will help confirm cut consistency and any leakage, but it looks good in that picture to my relatively uneducated eyes :)
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
It looks lovely and it will make a wonderfully beautiful pendant. I have a 1.63 I AGS2 that my husband gave me for our engagement in 88, I plan to make this into a pendant, my stone has so much fire! I love it and it's a nice bright stone.. Your daughter will love her pendant, what a great parent to do this! Please post a pix when you set it!!! :)

Thank you Tekate, according to rarecarat, this particular stone I bought should should display much fire as well :) My daughter is barly 14 days old, but this will be a gift for her when she gets older. Her mother will wear it until she is old enough.

I will get back with pictures, but this is the pendant:
https://vanbruun.com/media/catalog/...necklace-diamond-pendant-18k-white-gold_8.jpg

However, it will be set in Platinum and with a platinum necklace. Hopefully the warmth of the stone will be negated slightly by the reflection of the platinum, giving it a more cool look.

Please do share the picture of your pendant when it's completed :)

An ASETscope image will help confirm cut consistency and any leakage, but it looks good in that picture to my relatively uneducated eyes :)

Unfortunately they did not have access to ASETscope image. I will have to rely on the measurements of the cut and the image. I will put it under a loupe when I get it, might get a IdealScope as well, we'll have to see. :)
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
Omg, he claims it got sold already, i ordered it last friday. Now he's suggesting me another diamond for
the same price. GIA 6301782991
6301782991.png
6301782991 ..png

Opinions?
 

natasha-cupcake

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Nov 16, 2017
Messages
1,217
This new one looks awful! Get a refund if you already paid. Let the experts here help you find something nice. I don't know with whom you're working, but even with no stats or other information, I would NOT go for this new diamond. No way!
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
This new one looks awful! Get a refund if you already paid. Let the experts here help you find something nice. I don't know with whom you're working, but even with no stats or other information, I would NOT go for this new diamond. No way!

Yeah, it looks bad, It's this one.
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=6301782991

Now he came with a new suggestion.
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2247750134
Image below, it looks slightly better. But i dont know. Cavity, wisp and mineral .. Lol
The cut proportions seem better at least.

2247750134.png

I'm working with www.vanbruun.com
Not to many retailers in Sweden that you can hand pick your diamonds unfortunately.
But they provide good service, however his alternative was pretty poor.

Been looking forever, and when I found one that i liked, it got sold. Yeah...
I'm kinda giving up now :/ I might import a loose stone and have it set somewhere else instead...
Any suggestions on a alternative for this diamond?
Color I-J
SI1-VS2
0.8-1ct
Cut: best possible :)
Budget like 3000$, but there is wiggle room, i just don't want to overspend to get a decent looking diamond.
 

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lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,038
Yeah, it looks bad, It's this one.
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=6301782991

Now he came with a new suggestion.
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2247750134
Image below, it looks slightly better. But i dont know. Cavity, wisp and mineral .. Lol
The cut proportions seem better at least.

2247750134.png

I'm working with www.vanbruun.com
Not to many retailers in Sweden that you can hand pick your diamonds unfortunately.
But they provide good service, however his alternative was pretty poor.

Been looking forever, and when I found one that i liked, it got sold. Yeah...
I'm kinda giving up now :/ I might import a loose stone and have it set somewhere else instead...
Any suggestions on a alternative for this diamond?
Color I-J
SI1-VS2
0.8-1ct
Cut: best possible :)
Budget like 3000$, but there is wiggle room, i just don't want to overspend to get a decent looking diamond.
Absolutely not to both of his new suggestions. Get a refund, because he's offering you sub par stones. I'll look for alternatives now.
 

natasha-cupcake

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Nov 16, 2017
Messages
1,217
Going for the easy answer on best cut diamonds, I looked at HPD and Whiteflash. Unfortunately, nothing with your specs/price range at HPD, but Whiteflash has a few Expert Selection stones in the range.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare/?idnos=4027059,4109135

Hopefully, some of the more experienced diamond hunters on the site will chime in and help find some really nice GIA XXX stones (not all in this category will be excellent performers) from other vendors that may fit your needs.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,038
I would request pic/video of this one
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/127128...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

And this one

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/127128...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

This might work, but I'd ask them if it's eye clean (since it's for a pendant I'm sure it's eye clean from like a foot or two away)
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/0....Cut-Round-Diamond/D43264775?&refer=pricescope

Video won't show on my phone, but see what this looks like:
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/0....Cut-Round-Diamond/D43432680?&refer=pricescope


And of course if you're willing to go a tiny bit smaller (.83) you can get a branded super ideal with a $1 upgrade policy.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4109135.htm?source=pricescope
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
Absolutely not to both of his new suggestions. Get a refund, because he's offering you sub par stones. I'll look for alternatives now.
Thanks, i found a lot cheaper alternative and better looking ones, they are however 0,8 but I don't mind sacrificing weight over cut and overall quality.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4109135.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4139788.htm

Opinions on these?
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
I would request pic/video of this one
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/127128...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

And this one

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/127128...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

This might work, but I'd ask them if it's eye clean (since it's for a pendant I'm sure it's eye clean from like a foot or two away)
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/0....Cut-Round-Diamond/D43264775?&refer=pricescope

Video won't show on my phone, but see what this looks like:
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/0....Cut-Round-Diamond/D43432680?&refer=pricescope


And of course if you're willing to go a tiny bit smaller (.83) you can get a branded super ideal with a $1 upgrade policy.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4109135.htm?source=pricescope

OOoh you also looked at the whiteflash one :)! I might actually get it.
By far my favourite! I'm waiting for a reply on the ones I'm working with now, they have one last chance before i press buy on whiteflash.

Thank you so much for your help and effort!
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
Going for the easy answer on best cut diamonds, I looked at HPD and Whiteflash. Unfortunately, nothing with your specs/price range at HPD, but Whiteflash has a few Expert Selection stones in the range.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare/?idnos=4027059,4109135

Hopefully, some of the more experienced diamond hunters on the site will chime in and help find some really nice GIA XXX stones (not all in this category will be excellent performers) from other vendors that may fit your needs.

Thanks, everyone here is really helpful. I think I'm getting One of the either options i linked from whiteflash
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,038
Thanks, everyone here is really helpful. I think I'm getting One of the either options i linked from whiteflash
Great!!! Either will be wonderful and both have the upgrade policy.
 

new-beginning

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jun 20, 2011
Messages
181
You might considerCBI (Crafted by Infinity) - they are European with several sales offices-I think one in Brussels maybe. The diamonds are OUTSTANDING!!!!!
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
Hello again everyone.
So the dealer that I was initially going to buy from made me a new offer.
They stepped up their game and offered me this one for 3200$

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-si1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7461355

ROUND BRILLIANT
Measurements 5.97 - 5.98 x 3.67 mm
Carat Weight 0.80 carat
Color Grade F
Clarity Grade SI1
Cut Grade Excellent
PROPORTIONS
Depth 61.5 %
Table 56 %
Crown Angle 34.5°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.8°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 75%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet None


I've reserved the whiteflash one meanwhile.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4139788.htm

Opinions which one i should pick?
 

jp201845

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2018
Messages
560
Hello again everyone.
So the dealer that I was initially going to buy from made me a new offer.
They stepped up their game and offered me this one for 3200$

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-si1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7461355

ROUND BRILLIANT
Measurements 5.97 - 5.98 x 3.67 mm
Carat Weight 0.80 carat
Color Grade F
Clarity Grade SI1
Cut Grade Excellent
PROPORTIONS
Depth 61.5 %
Table 56 %
Crown Angle 34.5°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.8°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 75%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet None


I've reserved the whiteflash one meanwhile.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4139788.htm

Opinions which one i should pick?

James Allen is an F and the Whiteflash is a J are you color sensitive?
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
James Allen is an F and the Whiteflash is a J are you color sensitive?
Not really, however, the F is Si1 and the J is VS1.
He's asking like 250$ more than WF stone with (including having it set in a pendant and including the chain).
Any opinion on the inclusions?
 
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jp201845

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2018
Messages
560
Not really, however, the F is Si1 and the J is VS1.
He's asking like 250$ more than WF stone with (including having it set in a pendant and including the chain).
Any opinion on the inclusions?

I can't access the James Allen diamond so can't comment on the inclusions but the Whiteflash is a VS2 and eye clean. If you are ok going from an F to a J ....I would go with Whiteflash.
 

OoohShiny

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 25, 2014
Messages
8,228
That SI1 seems pretty clean apart from the inclusion in the centre of the table, although the inclusion is not that dark and might well be easily lost amongst the sparkle/brightness day-to-day.

(I am a bit of a clarity-freak but I think that one would be acceptable to me :razz: lol)

You could ask JA to confirm from what distance it is eye-clean and then go from there - although if it is a stone held overseas, they may be reluctant to ship it in for assessment if you're then going to buy it from your local place.

If your local chap is pulling in the stone listed on JA, what are the assessment/returns options? AIUI JA has free returns, but your local place might well charge you to bring it in if you then decide against it?
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
That SI1 seems pretty clean apart from the inclusion in the centre of the table, although the inclusion is not that dark and might well be easily lost amongst the sparkle/brightness day-to-day.

(I am a bit of a clarity-freak but I think that one would be acceptable to me :razz: lol)

You could ask JA to confirm from what distance it is eye-clean and then go from there - although if it is a stone held overseas, they may be reluctant to ship it in for assessment if you're then going to buy it from your local place.

If your local chap is pulling in the stone listed on JA, what are the assessment/returns options? AIUI JA has free returns, but your local place might well charge you to bring it in if you then decide against it?

Yeah I agree, same thoughts regarding the inclusion.
They have good return policy, i think i have like 30 to change my mind free of charge.
I love the clarity though, but after comparing F and J, i think that if the stone is well cut the sparkle will hide the color a bit, what do you think?

I can't access the James Allen diamond so can't comment on the inclusions but the Whiteflash is a VS2 and eye clean. If you are ok going from an F to a J ....I would go with Whiteflash.

I'm leaning whiteflash, because it's a better cut with less inclusions - for roughly 500$ less.
The only plus is the clarity of the other diamond.

Tough choice.
 

natasha-cupcake

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Nov 16, 2017
Messages
1,217
I'd go with the Whiteflash diamond, especially if you're not picky about color. The clarity difference is not really a problem. The Whiteflash diamond is eye clean, according to WF's definition which is stated on their website:

"Our definition of eye-clean: No inclusions visible face-up at a distance of 8-10 inches in natural lighting to a person with 20/20 vision."

You can also ask them to inspect the diamond and give an opinion as to whether or not it's eye clean at a closer distance, say at 6". In any event, eye clean (at whatever reasonable distance) is eye clean. In my opinion, as long as a diamond is SI1 or better, clarity is the least noticeable characteristic a diamond possesses. Size is most noticeable, then cut, then color, then clarity. If the clarity or color bother you after having the diamond for a while, with Whiteflash, you can upgrade by spending only a dollar more than the price of the original diamond. You will probably have a much more restrictive upgrade program (if there's one at all) and fewer truly well cut diamonds to choose from, if you stick with the other vendor.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,038
I would 100% go with Whiteflash. This is for a pendant, so IMHO color is less important than it might be for an engagement ring, since no one is looking at it as closely as we look at rings. WF is a better cut and has the $1 upgrade policy in case you want a bigger stone down the road.
 

Venzen007

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
212
I've heard nothing but good things about WF, but I sure wouldn't go with the dealer who has been trying to push those sub-par diamonds on you, either due to their ignorance or counting on yours. Nope!
 

WiseIce

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
15
So i went with WF, i made the payment yesterday and it went smooth. Debi, whom i later found out is the CEO of Whiteflash, answered all my questions personally through the support. This took me by surprise. Experience with WF is 10/10 thus far, and i have no doubts that my choice on the 0,8ct J-VS2 "A CUT ABOVE" diamond will nothing but impress .
 

OoohShiny

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 25, 2014
Messages
8,228
So i went with WF, i made the payment yesterday and it went smooth. Debi, whom i later found out is the CEO of Whiteflash, answered all my questions personally through the support. This took me by surprise. Experience with WF is 10/10 thus far, and i have no doubts that my choice on the 0,8ct J-VS2 "A CUT ABOVE" diamond will nothing but impress .
Cool! Please do come back with pics if you are happy to :))
 

whitewave

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
12,331
So i went with WF, i made the payment yesterday and it went smooth. Debi, whom i later found out is the CEO of Whiteflash, answered all my questions personally through the support. This took me by surprise. Experience with WF is 10/10 thus far, and i have no doubts that my choice on the 0,8ct J-VS2 "A CUT ABOVE" diamond will nothing but impress .
It’s going to be amazing! I can’t wait to see the ring and then handshots.
 
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