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Need help deciding between two Round diamond

C

cartersmith

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 4, 2019
Messages
5
Hi all, I purchased these two diamonds and need to figure out which one to go with. The 1.51 carat was around 10k and the 1.47 was around 12k. Given the 1.47 carat is 2k more, I am wondering if the extra premium is worth it. The 1.51 carat is SI2 clarity, but looks pretty clean aside from some white feathers so not sure if it is eye clean, although one can be hidden under a prong. It is also has better color of G.
I have attached the GIA reports and ideal scopes for both.

Diamond 1:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...excellent-cut-sku-7490654?a_aid=55f8cd4e21a11


Diamond 2:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...excellent-cut-sku-7557183?a_aid=55f8cd4e21a11

7490654-GI.jpeg 7557183-GI.jpeg
7490654.png 7557183.png

D2.PNG D1.png
 
Last edited:
Hi! Please run these through the HCA under “tools” and report back with the results. You can eliminate anything with a score over 2. Diamonds of 2 and under can then be further evaluated.
 
headlight said:
Hi! Please run these through the HCA under “tools” and report back with the results. You can eliminate anything with a score over 2. Diamonds of 2 and under can then be further evaluated.
Click to expand...

I have posted the results, both are below 2.
 
1.47 hands down. The bigger SI2 is deeper than we recommend and the crown is too steep.
 
That said, I don't love the video of the 1.47. it's almost like the h&a is "messy" or not defined somehow? Or the video is just bad. Can other people see that too, or just me?
 
lovedogs said:
That said, I don't love the video of the 1.47. it's almost like the h&a is "messy" or not defined somehow? Or the video is just bad. Can other people see that too, or just me?
Click to expand...
Yes, but I am not experienced at reading these as others here are. With that said, while the HCA is great and nice proportions, I can interpret enough to know the cutting isn’t precise. Do I think that will make a difference in the overall beauty and performance of the diamond?... to me, no. But I am more concerned with performance... if it is bright s d fiery and lively, in my world it is a pretty diamond. By no means will this be unattractive IMO... it will still have a nice optical pattern, just not as perfect as a super ideal, but that’s not important to everyone and, quite honestly, I don’t know if they will even see the difference. There is another element related to this which is what is one’s preference between having the specific, replicated super ideal optical pattern versus the individual personality appearing stone. This is truly about what is pleasing to each individual. Personally, I have to admit that I am old school and am just drawn toward the individuality of a diamond’s appearance (in the context of a good performer). But then again, the color is of prime importance to me where that may be lower on one’s list and cut precision and a specific optical pattern the preference (again, within the context of a good performer).
So long answer... I agree that the cut precision is not super ideal for sure, but not anything to run from IMO (as long as OP understands this). I think this can be a beautiful diamond and I would love to see some images of the stone, itself.
 
lovedogs said:
That said, I don't love the video of the 1.47. it's almost like the h&a is "messy" or not defined somehow? Or the video is just bad. Can other people see that too, or just me?
Click to expand...
I think there is leakage between the arrows and the symmetry of the arrows isn’t great.
 
I would reject both stones.

While the 1.51 has a 36/40.6 combo that falls outside typically recommended ideal limits, the 36 crown can work in some instances especially when paired with a shallow (and in this case, complimentary) 40.6 pavilion. Unfortunately, the IS appears to have leakage under the table. Most likely due to 62.7 thickness which is carrying some extra weight in the girdle.

The 1.47 has the right proportions but the video & IS images clearly show there is symmetry issues. The green circles identify arrow tips that don't even align with the arrow shafts. The yellow circles align better but are still varied. Zoom back out from the detail and you can see how those shifts in symmetry cause an overall odd symmetry in the stone itself.

Inked7490654_LI.jpg
 
We already discussed it’s not perfect... I don’t think overall the slight leakage will make an overall difference... it depends on what OP is expecting. Clearly from all the comments OP should consider some other options if there’s are concerns or solicit the great help from people here to find some better alternatives!!!
 
Although these might be pushing your budget limit, they allow you to keep the size, color and get an eye clean SI1 with a killer upgrade program -- simply spend $1 more and get full credit of the original stone.


WF PS 1.562 G SI1 @ $12,904
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4095773.htm

Everyone gets all giddy about the ACA line, but the PS is a near ACA miss. Clearly this stone still knows how to drop it's money maker. Lots of sparkle. My favorite of the two.


WF PS 1.514 G SI1 @ $12,800
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4149993.htm

Only thing that concerns me here is the stone looks a little hazy in the video. However, the site says it's eye clean. I'd have a WF pull and confirm. Also, ask them to look at the AGS cert as it's not currently posted.
 
headlight said:
We already discussed it’s not perfect... I don’t think overall the slight leakage will make an overall difference... it depends on what OP is expecting. Clearly from all the comments OP should consider some other options if there’s are concerns or solicit the great help from people here to find some better alternatives!!!
Click to expand...

My apologies for commenting.
 
OP: is 12K your max budget? Exactly 12K, or 12.5K? Just trying to see if there are any alternatives that might perform a bit better.

Edit. Like the ones @sledge recommended. But of course we need to respect your budget, and I don't want to recommend stuff that is out of your comfort zone.
 
lovedogs said:
OP: is 12K your max budget? Exactly 12K, or 12.5K? Just trying to see if there are any alternatives that might perform a bit better.

Edit. Like the ones @sledge recommended. But of course we need to respect your budget, and I don't want to recommend stuff that is out of your comfort zone.
Click to expand...

I am open to other suggestions, budget is pretty close to 12k after tax. I am willing to go down on the carat size if it means getting a much better performing diamond.
 
cartersmith said:
I am open to other suggestions, budget is pretty close to 12k after tax. I am willing to go down on the carat size if it means getting a much better performing diamond.
Click to expand...
Since you're willing to go with H color, what about this one? If you wire money, its 12.2K and you won't pay tax outside of Texas (but there's a goods tax for your state that you'll likely need to pay when taxes are filed).

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4150020.htm

12K with wire:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4152848.htm

12.3 with wire:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4139198.htm

I like this option because it's not actually visibly smaller than the ones you were considering due to the ones you posted being deeper. Also it's G color. WF says it's eye clean (which I trust), but you should ask them at what viewing distance it's eye clean. Given your budget, this would be my choice over both of the JA stones you chose, and over the ones I posted above.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4140158.htm
 
lovedogs said:
Since you're willing to go with H color, what about this one? If you wire money, its 12.2K and you won't pay tax outside of Texas (but there's a goods tax for your state that you'll likely need to pay when taxes are filed).

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4150020.htm

12K with wire:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4152848.htm

12.3 with wire:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4139198.htm

I like this option because it's not actually visibly smaller than the ones you were considering due to the ones you posted being deeper. Also it's G color. WF says it's eye clean (which I trust), but you should ask them at what viewing distance it's eye clean. Given your budget, this would be my choice over both of the JA stones you chose, and over the ones I posted above.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4140158.htm
Click to expand...

WF does collect tax in California now. All of these then go over my budget. Are there any you can find 1k or 2k cheaper?
 
cartersmith said:
WF does collect tax in California now. All of these then go over my budget. Are there any you can find 1k or 2k cheaper?
Click to expand...
Yeah, the cheapest one with tax is 12.3.

I'll keep looking.
 
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