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Need help deciding between 1.09/IF/F/AGS0 or 1.08/IF/E/GIA exexex

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ccjung

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 25, 2009
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21
Hi everyone

This is my first post here, and I have found the collection of knowledge here to be instrumental in choosing the Rock for my main squeeze. I''m chinese, so there is alot of superstition in numbers. Traditionally, 8s are the luckiest numbers, but in the case of a wedding, the 9 is even luckier, as its a homophone for the chinese word for "longlasting".


I have narrowed it down to 2 stones. They both about the same price. Any help/recommendations would be appreciated.

1.09 - IF - F - AGS 0
Table - 57%
Depth - 61.2%
Crown - 34.8 Degrees
Pavillion - 40.8

HCA score 1.6 (AGS 0 Candidate)
TIC

extra factors - Graded on my 30th birthday

1.08 - IF - E - GIA EX-EX-EX

Table - 59%
Depth - 59.8%
Crown - 32 Degrees
Pavillion - 41.2 Degrees

HCA score - 1.2 (not a candidate for AGS 0, but definately in GIA EX)
BIC

extra factors - GIA certificate ends in an 8.

Bluenile is delivering the 1.09 today.
 
Date: 4/25/2009 10:27:13 AM
Author:ccjung
Hi everyone

This is my first post here, and I have found the collection of knowledge here to be instrumental in choosing the Rock for my main squeeze. I'm chinese, so there is alot of superstition in numbers. Traditionally, 8s are the luckiest numbers, but in the case of a wedding, the 9 is even luckier, as its a homophone for the chinese word for 'longlasting'.


I have narrowed it down to 2 stones. They both about the same price. Any help/recommendations would be appreciated.

1.09 - IF - F - AGS 0
Table - 57%
Depth - 61.2%
Crown - 34.8 Degrees
Pavillion - 40.8

HCA score 1.6 (AGS 0 Candidate)
TIC

extra factors - Graded on my 30th birthday

1.08 - IF - E - GIA EX-EX-EX

Table - 59%
Depth - 59.8%
Crown - 32 Degrees
Pavillion - 41.2 Degrees

HCA score - 1.2 (not a candidate for AGS 0, but definately in GIA EX)
BIC

extra factors - GIA certificate ends in an 8.

Bluenile is delivering the 1.09 today.
Welcome!

I prefer the 1.09 by the info given. Top quality specs too!
 
Can the vendor provide you IdealScope or ASET pictures?
Do you know lower girdle and star length? They are on the certificates.
Both diamonds could be nice, but we need more information.
 
Date: 4/25/2009 10:27:13 AM
Author:ccjung
Bluenile is delivering the 1.09 today.
I didn''t see that.
No pictures then.
 
Thanks lorelei -

My GF and i have been together for 7 years. We would have been married about 5 years ago, but being from a traditional chinese family, we've taken it really slow to keep her parents appeased. (they dont like me very much because i wasnt "their pick").

The 1.09 would be a no brainer for me except for the Color. its and F vs an E.

I come from a broken family, so I would really like to start my generation off right. We are hoping to be able to pass the ring down the family, and as such, I have chosen to go the higher end route.

(I'm a tech nerd. I would spend 10K on a computer quicker than a diamond, but symbolically I know how important a diamond is to "sealing the deal". And shes a very very special girl.

The stone selection is more of a reflection of her personality/character than it is anything. This girl had me from the moment i saw her serving everyone cake at her birthday party FIRST! In an era of teenagers getting bentleys for their sweet 16, this means ALOT to me.

Someone like her comes along once in a lifetime, and I am a lucky man.


So on to the questions.

1. E vs. F - any difference besides apparent value?

2. BIC vs TIC - I understand one is more popular than the other, but does a TIC perform less well than a BIC?

Thanks again for any advice.

I love this forum.

Chris
 
Date: 4/25/2009 10:42:04 AM
Author: ccjung
Thanks lorelei -

My GF and i have been together for 7 years. We would have been married about 5 years ago, but being from a traditional chinese family, we''ve taken it really slow to keep her parents appeased. (they dont like me very much because i wasnt ''their pick'').

The 1.09 would be a no brainer for me except for the Color. its and F vs an E.

I come from a broken family, so I would really like to start my generation off right. We are hoping to be able to pass the ring down the family, and as such, I have chosen to go the higher end route.

(I''m a tech nerd. I would spend 10K on a computer quicker than a diamond, but symbolically I know how important a diamond is to ''sealing the deal''. And shes a very very special girl.

The stone selection is more of a reflection of her personality/character than it is anything. This girl had me from the moment i saw her serving everyone at her birthday party FIRST!

Someone like her comes along once in a lifetime, and I am a lucky man.


So on to the questions.

1. E vs. F - any difference besides apparent value? You won''t notice any difference between these colour grades, F is still completely and undisputably white/ colourless.

2. BIC vs TIC - I understand one is more popular than the other, but does a TIC perform less well than a BIC? TIC types are popular here as they are considered to be well balanced diamonds that will offer a good display of fire, brilliance etc. TIC and BIC are different types of diamond, personally I prefer TIC compared to BIC.

Thanks again for any advice.

I love this forum.

Chris
Hi Chris,

Your GF is a lucky lady!! And I quite understand why buying the best you can get is what your sweet girl deserves!

Ok answers to your questions above.
 
Thanks to the advice of others and my own feelings about the symbolism of the stone, I''m leaning heavy on the 1.09. But with both of them being SOOOO close in price, heres the last tidbits of info for the experts.

Thank you very much lorelei, as your advice will most likely be my ultimate choice. Just wondering if any further info would help you help me make a decision. YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

Dont know if this is KOSHER, but here are the 2 diamonds.

1. 1.09/IF/F/AGS0
http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-if-clarity_LD01123860

2. 1.08/IF/E/GIA EXEXEX

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-e-color-if-clarity_LD01367946?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0

Please let me know if this is not allowed (or a bad idea to post the diamonds i am interested in) and I will gladly remove all links.

Last thing - I am a USAA member and as such, they have the same access to inventory that BlueNile does, but with a slightly higher price. They offer 0% financing for 12 months and a 100% trade up policy.

I already purchased #1 at BN. Do they offer anything similar/comparable as far as trade up policy is concerned?

The rock arrives later today and I am going to go to the Jewelers to have them look at it for us.

Again, thanks in advance.
 
BN does not offer trade ups.
 
Now I''ve seen the certificates, both diamonds look great to me.
Nr 2 was a good deal too:
~ 1 color higher (on paper, eyes won''t see the difference);
~ a little more spread;
~ only 200 bucks more for the 2 qualities mentioned above.
But nr 1 is perfect, and you''ve probably bought a perfect diamond without paying a premium for a brand.
Congratulations!
 
Let me mention you didn''t use the HCA correctly:
nr 1 scores 1.5
nr 2 scores 2.0
 
Thank you.

Where did i goof?

Chris
 
"I see says the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw."

I must have entered the wrong info (bad idea to use a netbook in bed and at Midnight).

Thank you VERY VERY much.

I''ve got a winner!!! I am in the aquarium lighting business, so light performance, color, etc are all passions of mine OUTSIDE of the world of diamonds. Its great to be able to find a stone that also performs well.

Chris

ps - Send me a PM - if anyone on the forum is interested in small saltwater aquariums, am always willing to help fellow members. The knowledge i''ve gained here is priceless.
 
Date: 4/25/2009 12:15:18 PM
Author: ccjung
Where did i goof?
I don''t know!
Here is nr 1:

109HCA1.PNG
 
Here is nr 2:

108HCA1.PNG
 
Date: 4/25/2009 11:38:48 AM
Author: ccjung
Thanks to the advice of others and my own feelings about the symbolism of the stone, I'm leaning heavy on the 1.09. But with both of them being SOOOO close in price, heres the last tidbits of info for the experts.

Thank you very much lorelei, as your advice will most likely be my ultimate choice. Just wondering if any further info would help you help me make a decision. YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

Dont know if this is KOSHER, but here are the 2 diamonds.

1. 1.09/IF/F/AGS0
http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-if-clarity_LD01123860

2. 1.08/IF/E/GIA EXEXEX

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-e-color-if-clarity_LD01367946?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0

Please let me know if this is not allowed (or a bad idea to post the diamonds i am interested in) and I will gladly remove all links.

Last thing - I am a USAA member and as such, they have the same access to inventory that BlueNile does, but with a slightly higher price. They offer 0% financing for 12 months and a 100% trade up policy.

I already purchased #1 at BN. Do they offer anything similar/comparable as far as trade up policy is concerned?

The rock arrives later today and I am going to go to the Jewelers to have them look at it for us.

Again, thanks in advance.
I will just take a look at the links Chris, thanks for your very kind words too!

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-if-clarity_LD01123860

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-e-color-if-clarity_LD01367946?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0

Also BN don't offer such services as an upgrade policy Chris, so if that might be a future consideration, some of the other vendors do.

Out of the two diamonds, my vote is still for the first one. Also be careful with a jeweller's opinion on the diamond, they might let the fact that they have not made this particular sale affect their opinion.
 
You''ve definitely chosen a winner, don''t worry!

Date: 4/25/2009 12:22:10 PM
Author: ccjung
ps - Send me a PM - if anyone on the forum is interested in ...
PM is not allowed on this forum.
;)
 
You would be able to upgrade if you buy this one.
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-608080.htm
Please consider it.
I have an EightStar and I want a bigger diamond, I have a hard time to sell my actual diamond.
We should know upgrade policy is as important as the cut.
31.gif
 
Wow- That is stunning.

I know visually IF isn''t detectable from VVS, but I have hugely symbolic reasons for IF.

I am admitting that we are both human and as such, always have flaws. But am stating that internally, in our hearts, our intent is flawless.

If i could find a IF in a cut that range, i wouldnt hesistate investing a bit more. Beautiful beautiful diamond.
 
Date: 4/25/2009 12:40:21 PM
Author: ccjung
Wow- That is stunning.

I know visually IF isn't detectable from VVS, but I have hugely symbolic reasons for IF.

I am admitting that we are both human and as such, always have flaws. But am stating that internally, in our hearts, our intent is flawless.

If i could find a IF in a cut that range, i wouldnt hesistate investing a bit more. Beautiful beautiful diamond.
I understand about the IF reasoning! Chris I don't know what your budget is but I found this...

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4955/
 
Just so that you know, clarity grading is only done with 10X magnification. There will always be flaws in a stone if you go up in magnification high enough. Do not look at a stone using very high magnification if you do not want to ruin your mind clean state. :)

Good luck.
 
Date: 4/25/2009 12:49:42 PM
Author: Stone-cold11
Just so that you know, clarity grading is only done with 10X magnification. There will always be flaws in a stone if you go up in magnification high enough. Do not look at a stone using very high magnification if you do not want to ruin your mind clean state. :)
Well said!
 
Just so that you know, clarity grading is only done with 10X magnification. There will always be flaws in a stone if you go up in magnification high enough. Do not look at a stone using very high magnification if you do not want to ruin your mind clean state. :)


Oh, don't paint me out to be a boy scout. This girl SNORES in her sleep and will trick you into losing at poker. Look closely at anything and you'll find out she may have other bad habits. lol.

I have 21 days to ponder on this. I'll be a posting some pics soon.

Oh also, the deal is she picks the ring, i pick the stone.

She picked the tacori 2623 RD SM P. Its a big chunk all said and done, but i divide it by the days we've been together and i realize ive spent more on lattes and hot chocolates than the ring!!!!

Of course, shes not to comfortable with a midsize sedans worth of bling on her left ring finger, but this isnt the forum where someone can talk you out of ANY diamonds.

Thanks guys. I'll be back soon!!!!

36.gif
36.gif
 
Date: 4/25/2009 12:58:44 PM
Author: ccjung
Just so that you know, clarity grading is only done with 10X magnification. There will always be flaws in a stone if you go up in magnification high enough. Do not look at a stone using very high magnification if you do not want to ruin your mind clean state. :)


Oh, don't paint me out to be a boy scout. This girl SNORES in her sleep and will trick you into losing at poker. Look closely at anything and you'll find out she may have other bad habits. lol.

I have 21 days to ponder on this. I'll be a posting some pics soon.

Oh also, the deal is she picks the ring, i pick the stone.

She picked the tacori 2623 RD SM P. Its a big chunk all said and done, but i divide it by the days we've been together and i realize ive spent more on lattes and hot chocolates than the ring!!!!

Of course, shes not to comfortable with a midsize sedans worth of bling on her left ring finger, but this isnt the forum where someone can talk you out of ANY diamonds.

Thanks guys. I'll be back soon!!!!

36.gif
36.gif
LOL! Like you obviously know, with anything under magnification the higher power you go you will see "flaws" - diamonds are no exception.

Keep us posted Chris on how you get on!
 
Your story is so cute, especially the chocolate thing.
The BlueNile diamond will probably be gorgeous.
Try to take great pictures, then we will tell you if you may keep it or not.
Just kidding!
Can you find an IdealScope or ASET near your home?
It will help you take the decision to keep or to reject the diamond.
But, on the other side, it is an AGS0 so there are 99% chances that you will like it.
Good luck!
36.gif
 
How does she trick you into losing at poker??
9.gif
 
i''m smart enough to sit out when she plays, so i''ve never been tricked. But 1. Shes just amazingly lucky 2. Shes a cutie (by my standards) 3. She plays innocent

Some how shes the one with the pot at the end of the night.
 
Date: 4/25/2009 1:31:11 PM
Author: ccjung
i''m smart enough to sit out when she plays, so i''ve never been tricked. But 1. Shes just amazingly lucky 2. Shes a cutie (by my standards) 3. She plays innocent

Some how shes the one with the pot at the end of the night.
LOL!! She sounds adorable!
 
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