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Need help choosing between H VS1 or G VS2 on Bluenile

1

1fookntitefd

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 29, 2014
Messages
24
Gentlemen,

After months and months of searching, I found two diamonds on bluenile that I am very interested in but would like some input/guidance/wisdom before I pull the trigger and choose one.

Diamond #1:
2.14 carat
H Color
VS1
Signature Ideal Cut (1.0 total visual performance on Holloway Cut Advisor)
No Flourescence

Diamond #2:
2.06 carat
G Color
VS2
Ideal Cut (1.7 total visual performance on Holloway Cut Advisor)
No Flourescence

Both diamonds are within my price range. It seems like the tradeoff is between an H color VS1 vs. a G color VS2. Also, the H is a "signature ideal" as opposed to the G which is an "ideal" cut. Can anyone provide any feedback between the two? Based on the respective GIA certificates, the VS1 has less inclusions but after viewing so many diamonds it is difficult to tell with the naked eye anyway. Is there a noticeable color difference between an H color or G color? I will be using a platinum band.

Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.
 
can you ask for pictures?
 
1fookntitefd|1401407091|3682731 said:
Gentlemen,

After months and months of searching, I found two diamonds on bluenile that I am very interested in but would like some input/guidance/wisdom before I pull the trigger and choose one.

Diamond #1:
2.14 carat
H Color
VS1
Signature Ideal Cut (1.0 total visual performance on Holloway Cut Advisor)
No Flourescence

Diamond #2:
2.06 carat
G Color
VS2
Ideal Cut (1.7 total visual performance on Holloway Cut Advisor)
No Flourescence

Both diamonds are within my price range. It seems like the tradeoff is between an H color VS1 vs. a G color VS2. Also, the H is a "signature ideal" as opposed to the G which is an "ideal" cut. Can anyone provide any feedback between the two? Based on the respective GIA certificates, the VS1 has less inclusions but after viewing so many diamonds it is difficult to tell with the naked eye anyway. Is there a noticeable color difference between an H color or G color? I will be using a platinum band.

Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

When your dealing with diamonds of that size I would politely demand images, bluenile or not. They do have a great return policy, but for the hassle and for the money, images are a reasonable request.
 
I do not have any pictures but here are the links at bluenile with the GIA certificates:

Diamond #1:
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD03912479

Diamond #2:
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD04265239

The one thing that I cannot get over on diamond #1 is that it has "blue nile" and the GIA number laser engraved on the girdle. Blue nile says that this is invisible to the naked eye but just knowing that it is there bothers me. Evidently they do this with all of their "signature ideal diamonds"
 
Both of the BN diamonds have excellent numbers and ' should' be safe choices as far as we can tell, but images are certainly a very useful supplement to verify how well all the proportions work together and the overall cut precision, but regrettably BN do not offer such services and I don't find the GCAL images to be very enlightening personally. You could purchase the stone that appeals most then take it to an appraiser skilled in evaluating cut quality that has reflector technology to get their opinion, I believe in view of the price of these diamonds an appraisal would be a justified expenditure. Alternatively, you could certainly consider the Brian Gavin diamond if you were open to SI clarity.
 
If i had to choose between the BN diamonds, I'd choose the G because it has the classic superideal pavilion/crown angles, suggesting that everything else was cut to the same exact precision (you don't just magically land at 40.8/34.5). The H would almost certainly be wonderful, but if you're hesitant to buy w/o images, I think you're safer w/ the G.

But if I had my pick with 30K, I'd get Pheonix's BGS.
 
Hi OP, I think both BN options would be exceptional stones, but my choice of the two BN stones would be the H because I favor shorter, fatter arrows and it faces up a bit larger (8.3mm vs 8.1mm) because of the favorable depth and larger weight. About color, I think H is still very white and it's hard to grade color once it's set. It's extremely difficult to accurately grade stones face up, remember color is graded face down. But if you are very color sensitive, then maybe the G would be more mind clean for you. Maybe you can call and ask BN to rate the H color, is it a high, mid, or low H. But really, any H is very white and the excellent cut will make the stone super sparkly.

If you have a little time before the proposal date, for my $$ I would consider Phoenix's BGS H&A 2.656 H/Si2 and arrange to have the stones shipped to a third party appraiser for you to view as well, and then select the best stone for your eyes. I believe there are a number of threads about this stone so you could find more info. about the clarity. I remembering it being eye clean, which is not easy for a stone of this size with an Si2 rating, but they do exist and it'll be huge! Only you can decide about clarity as a mind clean thing. Please keep us posted to your progress and have fun with it and good luck.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. However, I want to stick with a 2 carat diamond with either a G/H color or VS1/VS2 clarity...

I really like the specs of the H Color on BN. However, because it is a "signature ideal cut" it has the "blue nile" as well as the GIA # laser engraved into the girdle and this bothers the OCD in me to no end...What are your thoughts to this? Has anyone ever bought a BN "signature ideal cut"?

I also found these two diamonds on James Allen last night that I would be interested in. Unlike BN, James Allen has pictures of the actual stones. Can anyone give me input on these two diamonds?

(apologies for not linking something is wrong with my internet browser)

James Allen Diamond #1:
2 carat
H Color
VS1
Ideal Cut (0.7 on Holloway)
No Flourescence
SKU 321535

James Allen Diamond #2:
2 carat
G Color
VS2
Ideal Cut (0.8 on Holloway)
No Flourescence
SKU 325985
 
Thanks Luvdajules.

Any opinions on those two James Allen stones and how they compare with the blue nile stones?
 
The G from BN is still my favorite.

Re: the fatness of arrows previously mentioned--it's really impossible to know how fat these arrows are without seeing the diamonds because GIA rounds to the nearest 5%.

The G with 80% could have LGF's 77.5 through 82.4; the H with 75% could have 72.5 through 77.4.
In other words, it could be 77.4 vs 77.5, or 72.5 vs 82.4, or anywhere in between. It's probably closer to the first option.

I'd bet that the G probably has like a 78% LGF because the pa/ca are so intentional it would be silly that the cutter screwed w/ the rest of it.

If I had to choose a JA diamond, I'd choose the G. The H worries me a bit with it's shallowness + very fat arrows = high potential for obstruction (going dark in the center when you're looking at it kind of close). Definitely get an idealscope if you're interested in it.

My guess is that the G from JA has approx 81% LGF's (looks skinnier than the reported 80); the H has approx 74% LGF's (looks fatter than the reported 75).

If you don't like skinny arrows (though it shouldn't be an issue at all in a diamond this size), then pass on the G from JA. When are skinny arrows an issue? When the diamond is on the smaller side and reflections become so small that the flashes don't register (AKA ineffectual virtual facets). Bigger diamonds have bigger real facets, which make the virtual facets bigger.
 
OP
Most people on this forum would never buy a diamond of that size and price without pictures such as an ASET or Idealscope.
Best of luck.
 
Called James Allen and asked for an Idealscope for both diamonds and they said they would have it to me in a few days...
 
teobdl|1401485355|3683439 said:
The G from BN is still my favorite.


If I had to choose a JA diamond, I'd choose the G. The H worries me a bit with it's shallowness + very fat arrows = high potential for obstruction (going dark in the center when you're looking at it kind of close). Definitely get an idealscope if you're interested in it.


I agree, looks like there is potential for obstruction ( darkening due to head shadow) looking at the proportions and some factors I can see in the image, I would definitely want an Idealscope image for this one and out of the 2, my preference is also the G.
Click to expand...
 
I will be getting idealscopes for both diamonds....JA says it will take a few days though. The problem with the G is that I see the inclusions from the diamond images whereas I do not see any in the H cut...

As an aside, is there a consensus as to whether James Allen is better than bluenile for online shopping?
 
I think the only reason for the preference is that JA shows the actual diamond in the most critical format and is able to provide idealscopes. Their upgrade policy isn't as good as BN.

You can really find bargains at JA bc you can get an eye clean SI2 and great light performance that's been verified by images.

For something like G or H VS1/2 and numbers squarely in the AGS0 range I see no reason to give a significant edge to JA.
 
Lorelei|1401539756|3683746 said:
teobdl|1401485355|3683439 said:
The G from BN is still my favorite.


If I had to choose a JA diamond, I'd choose the G. The H worries me a bit with it's shallowness + very fat arrows = high potential for obstruction (going dark in the center when you're looking at it kind of close). Definitely get an idealscope if you're interested in it.


I agree, looks like there is potential for obstruction ( darkening due to head shadow) looking at the proportions and some factors I can see in the image, I would definitely want an Idealscope image for this one and out of the 2, my preference is also the G.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Interesting. I spoke to "diamond specialists" at both Blue Nile and at James Allen and they both recommended going with the H/VS1's. Blue Nile indicates that they really put their name behind their "signature ideal cut" and James Allen said that the H cut was a better diamond as well. I am still waiting for Ideal Scopes from James Allen. They said that they do not do ASETS unless it is for speciality type cuts. Blue Nile does not provide ASETs or any other report except for a GCAL certificate if you buy from their signature ideal line. Here is the GCAL report for the original H VS1 Signature Ideal cut from Blue Nile. Can anyone provide any opinions on it?
 

Attachments

1fookntitefd|1401651278|3684497 said:
Lorelei|1401539756|3683746 said:
teobdl|1401485355|3683439 said:
The G from BN is still my favorite.


If I had to choose a JA diamond, I'd choose the G. The H worries me a bit with it's shallowness + very fat arrows = high potential for obstruction (going dark in the center when you're looking at it kind of close). Definitely get an idealscope if you're interested in it.


I agree, looks like there is potential for obstruction ( darkening due to head shadow) looking at the proportions and some factors I can see in the image, I would definitely want an Idealscope image for this one and out of the 2, my preference is also the G.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Interesting. I spoke to "diamond specialists" at both Blue Nile and at James Allen and they both recommended going with the H/VS1's. Blue Nile indicates that they really put their name behind their "signature ideal cut" and James Allen said that the H cut was a better diamond as well. I am still waiting for Ideal Scopes from James Allen. They said that they do not do ASETS unless it is for speciality type cuts. Blue Nile does not provide ASETs or any other report except for a GCAL certificate if you buy from their signature ideal line. Here is the GCAL report for the original H VS1 Signature Ideal cut from Blue Nile. Can anyone provide any opinions on it?
Click to expand...


I really don't find GCAL images to be particularly useful personally, that's correct that JA don't usually supply ASET for rounds, only fancy shapes but Idealscope is sufficient. The Idealscope will tell us more if there is going to be an issue with obstruction, it would be interesting to know why JA felt the H was the better diamond, are they basing that on the cut and performance nuances or any other factors?
 
1fookntitefd|1401651278|3684497 said:
Lorelei|1401539756|3683746 said:
teobdl|1401485355|3683439 said:
The G from BN is still my favorite.


If I had to choose a JA diamond, I'd choose the G. The H worries me a bit with it's shallowness + very fat arrows = high potential for obstruction (going dark in the center when you're looking at it kind of close). Definitely get an idealscope if you're interested in it.


I agree, looks like there is potential for obstruction ( darkening due to head shadow) looking at the proportions and some factors I can see in the image, I would definitely want an Idealscope image for this one and out of the 2, my preference is also the G.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Interesting. I spoke to "diamond specialists" at both Blue Nile and at James Allen and they both recommended going with the H/VS1's. Blue Nile indicates that they really put their name behind their "signature ideal cut" and James Allen said that the H cut was a better diamond as well. I am still waiting for Ideal Scopes from James Allen. They said that they do not do ASETS unless it is for speciality type cuts. Blue Nile does not provide ASETs or any other report except for a GCAL certificate if you buy from their signature ideal line. Here is the GCAL report for the original H VS1 Signature Ideal cut from Blue Nile. Can anyone provide any opinions on it?
Click to expand...

personally if that was my price range, I would buy this

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063787.htm

Better or equal specs from a more reputable dealer with more documentation. Scores a 1.2 on the HCA scale.

I was at whiteflash in person this past week and was looking at expert selection lines and an ACA. They all were absolutely phenomenal in person

I thought that H was a great color, and changed my purchase from an I to an H. I also compared an H to a G, and wouldn't pay the price difference.

I think whiteflash's return policy, upgrade policy, customer service and tremendous amount of documentation and detail is second to none.

I was previously looking at Bluenile but am going with whiteflash after seeing them in person.

I highly recommend considering the stone I linked. Another word of advice, you can negotiate with them a bit. Ask me how I know ;)
 
Thanks for the recommendation but I really have my mind set on a GIA diamond.
 
1fookntitefd|1401656916|3684540 said:
Thanks for the recommendation but I really have my mind set on a GIA diamond.
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interesting

im still learning, so let me ask why you prefer GIA?

I was swayed to ACS due to stricter grading requirements and much more supporting documentation (idealscope images etc)

Good luck!
 
1fookntitefd|1401656916|3684540 said:
Thanks for the recommendation but I really have my mind set on a GIA diamond.
Click to expand...

Hi 1fook,

I just wanted to chime in here and also reiterate that AGS are on a par with GIA and some even prefer and covet their performance based cut grading to that of GIA which is proportion based. It is of course down to personal preference, if you are more comfortable with GIA then that's absolutely fine, but I just wanted to echo Kenny's advice concerning AGS lab reports, you can very safely choose such a stone carrying an AGS report and a diamond with AGS0 cut grade is considered to be the gold standard of diamond cut grading.
 
As long as the stone is well cut I don't mind buying GIA or AGS graded stones. Although the last 4 four stone that I purchased were graded by AGS.
 
Lorelei|1401658074|3684552 said:
1fookntitefd|1401656916|3684540 said:
Thanks for the recommendation but I really have my mind set on a GIA diamond.
Click to expand...

Hi 1fook,

I just wanted to chime in here and also reiterate that AGS are on a par with GIA and some even prefer and covet their performance based cut grading to that of GIA which is proportion based. It is of course down to personal preference, if you are more comfortable with GIA then that's absolutely fine, but I just wanted to echo Kenny's advice concerning AGS lab reports, you can very safely choose such a stone carrying an AGS report and a diamond with AGS0 cut grade is considered to be the gold standard of diamond cut grading.
Click to expand...

I understand that AGS is a very reputable lab and that they have very strict standards towards grading diamonds. However, I still prefer GIA because I feel like it is more of a common "standard" for basis of comparison (most diamonds I have seen thus far are GIA and most people that I know have purchased GIA diamonds). For those reasons, I am more comfortable purchasing a GIA diamond. With that said though, the AGS listed above appears to be very very nice...
 
1fookntitefd|1401679665|3684743 said:
Lorelei|1401658074|3684552 said:
1fookntitefd|1401656916|3684540 said:
Thanks for the recommendation but I really have my mind set on a GIA diamond.
Click to expand...

Hi 1fook,

I just wanted to chime in here and also reiterate that AGS are on a par with GIA and some even prefer and covet their performance based cut grading to that of GIA which is proportion based. It is of course down to personal preference, if you are more comfortable with GIA then that's absolutely fine, but I just wanted to echo Kenny's advice concerning AGS lab reports, you can very safely choose such a stone carrying an AGS report and a diamond with AGS0 cut grade is considered to be the gold standard of diamond cut grading.
Click to expand...

I understand that AGS is a very reputable lab and that they have very strict standards towards grading diamonds. However, I still prefer GIA because I feel like it is more of a common "standard" for basis of comparison (most diamonds I have seen thus far are GIA and most people that I know have purchased GIA diamonds). For those reasons, I am more comfortable purchasing a GIA diamond. With that said though, the AGS listed above appears to be very very nice...
Click to expand...


Ok, no problem at all, I just wanted to mention that just in case but if you prefer GIA, that's absolutely fine of course. Yes, that's a lovely diamond Kenny linked!
 
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