Need advice on 2 diamonds: locations of clustered inclusions

[cshch]

Hello! I'm looking to buy an ering but am new to the diamond world. I found two diamonds that are within my spec and price ranges. They are of similar prices and are both rated H, VS2, Ex cut by GIA. Both have great HCA scores: Stone1 is 1.2/Ex/Ex/Ex/Ex, and Stone2 is 1.2/Ex/Ex/Ex/VG.

Both have some inclusions that are clustered together. Stone1 has more inclusions, but they are all kinda far away from the center of the stone. Stone2 has less inclusions, but they are very close to the center and are clearly visible at 10x. Could you kindly take a look at these with your expert eyes and advise which one would be better for an ering?

Thanks!
John

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need advice on 2 diamonds: locations of clustered inclus

We'd need to see magnified pictures of the stones. You really can't tell anything by the inclusion charts on the cert. Have you seen the two stones and examined then closely? That is really the key. You just need to see if they are totally eyeclean to you from the front (and sides if the sides will be open in the setting).

 

[cshch]

Re: Need advice on 2 diamonds: locations of clustered inclus

Thanks! I'm including below some magnified pictures. I added the red circles to show the clusters that worry me. According to James Allen, the large pictures are at 25x, and the smaller ones are under their virtual loupe at 10x-25x. I haven't seen the diamonds in person yet.

 

[cshch]

Re: Need advice on 2 diamonds: locations of clustered inclus

I've got the idealscope images as seen attached. Could some expert kindly help analyze which of these two diamonds is better (i.e., looks better and has better value)? Also, is $7700 a good price for such diamonds? Thanks very much!

 

[distracts]

Re: Need advice on 2 diamonds: locations of clustered inclus

I prefer Stone 1 - the ASET looks a bit better to me, and I think it will be harder to spot those inclusions even with a loupe (I can't see them even in the picture where you circled them).

 

[slg47]

Re: Need advice on 2 diamonds: locations of clustered inclus

which one does the vendor recommend? both IS images look fine...and at VS2 I assume both are eye clean (but you could ask about eye clean from the side if that is important to you?)

remember that the pictures on your screen are HUUGE. the actual diamond is around 6.5 mm

 

[cshch]

Re: Need advice on 2 diamonds: locations of clustered inclus

Thanks, distracts. It's good to know that it would be harder to spot those inclusions in Stone1. This is my main concern.

Hi, slg47. Thanks for giving me the idea that the pictures are actually huge. I know those are magnified but didn't have much idea about how much the magnified imperfections affect real life view. The vendor confirmed that both diamonds are perfectly eye clean. Here are their comments: Stone1 has very good light fire and brilliance and a true H color performance. While it is a very nice option, it's not as bright as diamond 1443975. Stone2 has excellent fire and brilliance and a slightly higher H color performance, and the gemologist favored its cut.

 

[shgedblues]

Re: Need advice on 2 diamonds: locations of clustered inclus

I prefer Stone 1 -

 

[yssie]

Re: Need advice on 2 diamonds: locations of clustered inclus

Thanks, distracts. It's good to know that it would be harder to spot those inclusions in Stone1. This is my main concern.

Hi, slg47. Thanks for giving me the idea that the pictures are actually huge. I know those are magnified but didn't have much idea about how much the magnified imperfections affect real life view. The vendor confirmed that both diamonds are perfectly eye clean. Here are their comments: Stone1 has very good light fire and brilliance and a true H color performance. While it is a very nice option, it's not as bright as diamond 1443975. Stone2 has excellent fire and brilliance and a slightly higher H color performance, and the gemologist favored its cut.

Well, then, you have your answer! Practically speaking yes, there will be differences between the two, but *both* will be pretty stones and both are equally good choices from all the info we have. JA actually has the stones in-hand so they're in a much better position than we are to judge nuances

 

[cshch]

Re: Need advice on 2 diamonds: locations of clustered inclus

Thanks everyone for the kind advice! Your replies have helped a lot. Thanks!