need advice on proportions

[jarjarbinks]

Hi,

I've been lurking this amazing forum for the last couple months, and it's time to pull the trigger on purchasing a diamond for an engagement ring. I'm in my beginning stages, but I found one on BN that looks promising. The only problem (other than not being able to see the actual diamond, heh) is that I've read conflicting advice on table percentages. This one comes in at 59%. The full dimensions are:

1.39 ct, H/VVS1, "Ideal"
excellent cut, polish, and symmetry (GIA)
59% table
59.5% depth
32.5% crown angle
41% pavilion angle
13% crown depth (not sure if this is correct terminology)
43.5% pavilion depth (same as above)
3% medium, faceted girdle

The HCA tool gives it a score of 1.1, which I'm not sure is enough to convince me that this stone will perform well. That said, should I keep looking for stones with smaller tables?

Thanks!

 

[vsp08]

The diamond you've listed is a 60/60 diamond. Most people on PS prefer "ideal" cut proportions with tables between 55-57% (or 58%) as well as different crown and pavilion angles. I doubt you're going to get many encouraging comments about this diamond.

That being said, I have a 60/60 diamond (with an HCA score of 2), and I am very happy with it. An HCA score of 1.1 is promising. However, to be sure you'd need either an idealscope image of the diamond (to determine light leakage) or to see the diamond in person to test its performance under different lighting conditions.

Don't discount the diamond simply by the numbers, especially if it fits your other criteria better than anything else you've found. People have different preferences and you may find that you really like the look of this diamond in person. If you are open to other suggestions, I'm sure the experts can find you some great options that have confirmed light performance.

 

[jarjarbinks]

Thanks!

 

[ecf8503]

2nd - it's a 60/60 stone https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond

I have a 60/60 as well - it has great scintillation (sparkle) and brilliance (white light return) but lacks in the fire (colored light return). It just isn't a very "balanced" stone.

Are you set on BN? Why? They don't provide you with images of the stone or idealscope images to assess light performance on GIA stones. If you must stick with BN, then try to stay with AGS stones that score a 0 in light performance; that way you'll know you have a true performer. GIA's excellent cut range is very wide, and some duds do slip through, which is why an idealscope image is recommended on any GIA XXX with an HCA under 2.

FWIW, I think you are seriously overdoing it on clarity. Why pay for something you literally cannot see? I'd drop down to a VS1/2 or SI1 range and either (or both) increase color or size (although an H is still plenty white!).

But whatever you do, do not compromise on cut quality. It is what makes the stone sparkle - and an ideal cut stone will face up bigger and whiter than a less ideal cut one.

What is your budget?

 

[jarjarbinks]

Hi,

thanks for the information!

I'm using BN as a go-to because of advice from friends who have purchased their diamonds through them. They seem like an impeccable company to deal with. I've looked at JA, GOG, and WF, but BN seems to have the price advantage.

I am concerned about being able to see inclusions, given that I'm very obsessive, as is my girlfriend. Can you really not see inclusions in VS1/2? I imagine my girlfriend will be doing some heavy inspecting with her loupes (she's in dental school)...

Budget-wise, I'm not sure. I'm just looking for something in the 1.3-1.5 carat range that sparkles like crazy. It must be an ideal cut, though. Color-wise, I'll go as low as an H, so long as it faces up white. Other than that, I'm all ears (that's why I'm finally posting)!

 

[Gypsy]

VS1 no. Eyeclean VS2 no. Rare not eyeclean VS2 yes. Eyeclean SI1 or SI2. No. Not eyeclean SI1 or SI2 no.

 

[msop04]

Hi,

thanks for the information!

I'm using BN as a go-to because of advice from friends who have purchased their diamonds through them. They seem like an impeccable company to deal with. I've looked at JA, GOG, and WF, but BN seems to have the price advantage.

I am concerned about being able to see inclusions, given that I'm very obsessive, as is my girlfriend. Can you really not see inclusions in VS1/2? I imagine my girlfriend will be doing some heavy inspecting with her loupes (she's in dental school)...

Budget-wise, I'm not sure. I'm just looking for something in the 1.3-1.5 carat range that sparkles like crazy. It must be an ideal cut, though. Color-wise, I'll go as low as an H, so long as it faces up white. Other than that, I'm all ears (that's why I'm finally posting)!

Hi jarjar

Can you give us a ballpark of the max you'd consider spending? This way PS members can search all the trusted vendors and give you tons of choices. I don't think BN is any better or worse than other vendors, but there is something to be said for a vendor that has many views and/or videos of their diamonds. You could see an inclusion in a VS, but not be able to find any on some SI stones -- but you'd be able to maximize your budget if you get an SI stone, KWIM?