Narrow down my 3 choices

[Lore]

Hey everyone!

Hoping you can help me narrow down my James Allen True Heart choices. I want a round brilliant that is about 1 ct, VS1 and F or G color with strong light performance. I'm struggling a bit since I can't figure out which of these combinations are most desirable for light performance.

The first two are AGS ideal.
1) This was my preferred one until I read that the pavilion may be too shallow. The HCA score is .5.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.06-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-1925490
http://www.agslab.com/pdf_sync_reports/104087760021-PDQDFK.PDF

2) This is another one that scores HCA 1.1 but is a downgrade to G color so it's a bit cheaper. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.11-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2154030
http://www.agslab.com/pdf_sync_reports/104089442004-PDQDFK.PDF

3) And finally, a GIA rated contender with a .9 HCA. Specs are 62%, 55%, 35 and 40.6.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2209486

The hearts and arrows images are on the JA site, as are the certs.

What do the experts say? I should also say that if you're aware of better diamonds in the market, send a link! Open to considering other contenders.

 

[flyingpig]

Of the three you listed, I like #2 G VS1. Nice combo of color and clarity. It's the biggest and cheapest. No need to go for VVS

Other options are...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3738235,3738244,3746456,3752288,3466457,3765694

If you are strongly considering a F stone,
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3466457.htm
I would ask WF why it is only Expert Selection, not ACA. If it is only because of painting/digging (green at the edges), I would get it.
I will gladly pay $500 extra to shop at WF for better upgrade policy and arguably better settings and customer service.

 

[Lore]

Of the three you listed, I like #2 G VS1. Nice combo of color and clarity. It's the biggest and cheapest. No need to go for VVS

Other options are...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3738235,3738244,3746456,3752288,3466457,3765694

Thanks! Might I ask what is better about the Whiteflash diamonds you listed at the above link? In other words, what specifications should I look for that make those stand out? The WF ACA diamonds in those links are anywhere from 2-3k more than the JA diamonds, so it would help me to know what sets those apart. (The specific one "expert selection" you listed is about $1200 more than #2 above)

Many thanks for your help and feedback!

 

[flyingpig]

Of the three you listed, I like #2 G VS1. Nice combo of color and clarity. It's the biggest and cheapest. No need to go for VVS

Other options are...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3738235,3738244,3746456,3752288,3466457,3765694

Thanks! Might I ask what is better about the Whiteflash diamonds you listed at the above link? In other words, what specifications should I look for that make those stand out? The WF ACA diamonds in those links are anywhere from 2-3k more than the JA diamonds, so it would help me to know what sets those apart. (The specific one "expert selection" you listed is about $1200 more than #2 above)

Many thanks for your help and feedback!

First, of course, those WF ACAs cost significant more because they are all F VS1 or above. It is not apple to apple comparison against JA's G VS1. Unfortunately, I don't see any ACA or Expert Selection G VS1 in 1.0~1.15c range under 10k.

Second, the $4~500 difference I mentioned is between #1 JA F VS1 and the Expert Selection (ES); the same weight/clarity/color combo. Both are AGS graded. This is an apple to apple comparison.
I cannot really say which is better between these two. The IS images are both good. The proportions are good on both, as expected from JA TH and WF ES.
What you get for $500 with WF is 1) AGS Platinum Report, 2) Sarine Report, 3) ASET Image. Therefore, you know exactly how the WF stone performs, and what you are getting. In addition, 4)Significantly more flexible upgrade policy and buyback policy, 5)better settings, and 6) better customer support.

If you are going to go with F color, there is a better choice than #1 JA F VS1.
If you are going to go with G color, then, again, #2 JA G VS1 is a great choice. The price is great for a True Heart branded AGS graded stone.

 

[Lore]

I cannot really say which is better between these two. The IS images are both good. The proportions are good on both, as expected from JA TH and WF ES.

Thanks again for the snappy response! If I had to take a guess as to why this diamond is a Expert Selection and not A Cut Above, I'd say it's because the little v-shaped tips near the hearts aren't cut as evenly as with the A Cut Above diamonds.

What you get for $500 with WF is 1) AGS Platinum Report, 2) Sarine Report, 3) ASET Image. Therefore, you know exactly how the WF stone performs, and what you are getting. In addition, 4)Significantly more flexible upgrade policy and buyback policy, 5)better settings, and 6) better customer support.

That's useful to know - I wasn't aware of their upgrade and buy-back policies, and you're right, they're far more generous than JA's policies in the same areas.

 

[Lore]

Of the three you listed, I like #2 G VS1. Nice combo of color and clarity. It's the biggest and cheapest. No need to go for VVS

Been looking over the AGS plot on the #2 G VS1 above... it seems to have a feather right up against the girdle. Is that cause for concern?
http://agslab.com/pdf_sync_reports/104089442004-PDQDFK.PDF

 

[flyingpig]

Of the three you listed, I like #2 G VS1. Nice combo of color and clarity. It's the biggest and cheapest. No need to go for VVS

Been looking over the AGS plot on the #2 G VS1 above... it seems to have a feather right up against the girdle. Is that cause for concern?
http://agslab.com/pdf_sync_reports/104089442004-PDQDFK.PDF

not a concern at VS1 clarity. also note that it is the least significant inclusion of the three (listed the last after crystal and cloud).

edit..yea.. I had to zoom in 200% on a 55inch screen to see that feather on the diagram. it is a non issue.

 

[Lore]

I ended up bumping up my budget dramatically and went with a 1.277 D VVS2 from Whiteflash.

 

[tyty333]

I ended up bumping up my budget dramatically and went with a 1.277 D VVS2 from Whiteflash.

Excellent! Should be a beauty...post pictures when you get it!

 

[Lore]

I ended up bumping up my budget dramatically and went with a 1.277 D VVS2 from Whiteflash.

Excellent! Should be a beauty...post pictures when you get it!

I will! It's an ACA so should be pretty nice. Chose the classic knife-edge with some minor adjustments based on advise from m-2-b and others. Here's hoping that she likes it and says yes!