Need help deciding

[Initial_E]

Hi hi everyone! I need some help deciding between two diamonds. I've read that H and I color diamonds you can kind of tell the difference from the sides but I'm looking at a halo setting which would conceal the sides (right?) but he price difference in these two is pretty big. I'm thinking of going with the I color diamond to save a good bit of money and I've love to know your thoughts. I've also posted the setting below and the diamonds are GIA certified.

What do yall think?!


Diamond 1 (I color)



Diamond 2 (H color)


Setting:

 

[ac117]

An I color will still be plenty white and yes the halo will help mask the color. More importantly, though, these 2 diamonds that you're considering are not well cut! The angles do NOT compliment each other and will result in light leakage and not a great performing diamond. I'm also not confident they will be eye clean given the inclusions are under the table in an SI1 clarity grade. Let us help you! If you wouldn't mind posting your budget and desired specs we could search for options.

 

[Initial_E]

An I color will still be plenty white and yes the halo will help mask the color. More importantly, though, these 2 diamonds that you're considering are not well cut! The angles do NOT compliment each other and will result in light leakage and not a great performing diamond. I'm also not confident they will be eye clean given the inclusions are under the table in an SI1 clarity grade. Let us help you! If you wouldn't mind posting your budget and desired specs we could search for options.

What should I be looking for when it comes to the cut on the GIA report? I see what your saying about the inclusions and being that most of the time one would be looking down or from the top, the inclusions may change the look of the diamond.

My budget for the diamond is 5600. I'm open minded on the specs but would like to keep the carat size anywhere around the .90 and 1.1x range. Ideally, the more "sparkle" the better...

 

[ac117]

The GIA Excellent cut range is very broad and some stones are much better cut than others. These are measurements to help you stay in ideal cut territory with a GIA excellent cut stone.
table: 54-58
depth: 60-62.3
crown angle: 34-35.0 (sometimes 35.5 is the pavilion angle is 40.6 or 33.5 if pavilion angle is 41)
pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

Here are a few options:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.14-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2359308 (you could get $100 off with a JA referral code and could also ask for a PS discount)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.10-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2393328
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.13-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2219821
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.03-platinum_select_round-EX-GIA--VS2-diamond-stock-14897-cert-
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-9054002-1.20-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=9054002&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

ETA: I don't know if you'd be open to this, but it's a STEAL at $5,250! [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/1-11-h-vs1-platinum-solitaire-t227176.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/1-11-h-vs1-platinum-solitaire-t227176.html[/URL]

 

[Initial_E]

The GIA Excellent cut range is very broad and some stones are much better cut than others. These are measurements to help you stay in ideal cut territory with a GIA excellent cut stone.
table: 54-58
depth: 60-62.3
crown angle: 34-35.0 (sometimes 35.5 is the pavilion angle is 40.6 or 33.5 if pavilion angle is 41)
pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

Here are a few options:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.14-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2359308 (you could get $100 off with a JA referral code and could also ask for a PS discount)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.10-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2393328
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.13-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2219821
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.03-platinum_select_round-EX-GIA--VS2-diamond-stock-14897-cert-
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-9054002-1.20-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=9054002&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

ETA: I don't know if you'd be open to this, but it's a STEAL at $5,250! [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/1-11-h-vs1-platinum-solitaire-t227176.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/1-11-h-vs1-platinum-solitaire-t227176.html[/URL]

Excellent. All these online jewelers are pretty safe/reputable and easy to order from?

 

[ac117]

Yes, absolutely! James Allen even offers free returns within 30 days!

Another option would be calling IDJ and seeing if they could call in one of the stones I listed below for you and make the setting. Their pricing is super competitive and they're great to work with. Did she specifically pick that setting? Only asking bc you should know that a wedding band will likely not sit flush against it, which bothers some women!

 

[Initial_E]

Yes, absolutely! James Allen even offers free returns within 30 days!

Another option would be calling IDJ and seeing if they could call in one of the stones I listed below for you and make the setting. Their pricing is super competitive and they're great to work with. Did she specifically pick that setting? Only asking bc you should know that a wedding band will likely not sit flush against it, which bothers some women!

Thanks so much on the recommendations and especially the technical angle aspects of what to look for. We were gossiping about other peoples rings a few month ago and I asked her what her ideal ring would be and she pulled up her pinterest account and showed me all these halo settings and what not.

 

[Initial_E]

The GIA Excellent cut range is very broad and some stones are much better cut than others. These are measurements to help you stay in ideal cut territory with a GIA excellent cut stone.
table: 54-58
depth: 60-62.3
crown angle: 34-35.0 (sometimes 35.5 is the pavilion angle is 40.6 or 33.5 if pavilion angle is 41)
pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

Here are a few options:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.14-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2359308 (you could get $100 off with a JA referral code and could also ask for a PS discount)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.10-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2393328
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.13-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2219821
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.03-platinum_select_round-EX-GIA--VS2-diamond-stock-14897-cert-
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-9054002-1.20-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=9054002&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

ETA: I don't know if you'd be open to this, but it's a STEAL at $5,250! [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/1-11-h-vs1-platinum-solitaire-t227176.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/1-11-h-vs1-platinum-solitaire-t227176.html[/URL]

Ugh I was going to jump on the B2C diamond above today but it's gone! The price was perfect too... Is the below a good one? I think its slightly out of spec on depth,crown,pavilion but not by much.

I dont plan on popping the question till late March so should I hold out till until a little closer or do most people jump on it when they find a great deal.

I did find this 1.18ct https://www.yadavjewelry.com/products/round-diamond-i-vs2-yd528505

Clarity - VS2
Cut - Signature Ideal
Measurements - 6.75 - 6.72 x 4.20
Polish - Excellent
Symmetry -Excellent
Fluorescence - None
Depth - 62.4%
Table -58%
Crown Angle - 35.0°
Crown Height - 14.5%
Girdle - Medium to Slightly Thick
Pavilion Angle - 41.2°
Pavilion Depth - 43.5%
Culet - None
L/W Ratio -1.0

https://www.yadavjewelry.com/products/Round-diamond-I-SI1-YD531537
Weight
1.2ct
Color
I
Clarity
SI1
Cut
Signature Ideal
Measurements
6.78 - 6.73 x 4.24
Grading Lab GIA
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
Fluorescence None
Depth 62.8%
Table 57%
Crown Angle 36.0°
Crown Height 16.0%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick
Pavilion Angle 41.0°
Pavilion Depth 43.5%
Culet None
L/W Ratio 1.01


this one at Blue Nile
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07981203

Carat weight 1.20
Shape Round
Cut Very Good
Color I
Clarity VS2
Length/width ratio 1.01
Depth 64.4%
Table 58.0%
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
Girdle Slightly Thick to Thick
Culet None
Fluorescence None
Measurements 6.67 x 6.62 x 4.28 mm

 

[ac117]

No, no, and hell no ...if you're not within the ranges I gave you, then you're not within the ideal range. Small differences in the numbers actually are a huge deal. I also advise you stick with a PS recommended vendor. We have lurkers here that will jump on good deals so I'll post a few more but if you're not ready to buy then it would be best to start a new post when you are!

Smaller but super ideal cut with a phenomenal upgrade policy: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3739934.htm?source=pricescope
Ask for a pic and IS: http://m.b2cjewels.com/dd/8992767/1-20-carat-round-diamond-i-color-vvs2-clarity?sku=
You'll need to ask how eyeclean this is: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/search?shape=Round&wire_price_max=5870#diamond=R116-042812871

I'm on my iPad now so it's tough for me to search but I'll check back in tomorrow and post more if others haven't already!

 

[Initial_E]

No, no, and hell no ...if you're not within the ranges I gave you, then you're not within the ideal range. Small differences in the numbers actually are a huge deal. I also advise you stick with a PS recommended vendor. We have lurkers here that will jump on good deals so I'll post a few more but if you're not ready to buy then it would be best to start a new post when you are!

Smaller but super ideal cut with a phenomenal upgrade policy: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3739934.htm?source=pricescope
Ask for a pic and IS: http://m.b2cjewels.com/dd/8992767/1-20-carat-round-diamond-i-color-vvs2-clarity?sku=
You'll need to ask how eyeclean this is: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/search?shape=Round&wire_price_max=5870#diamond=R116-042812871

I'm on my iPad now so it's tough for me to search but I'll check back in tomorrow and post more if others haven't already!

Understand. I'm ready to buy but of course I'm that weary shopper that will be upset if I see another "exactly" the same diamond for less lol. But I am totally ready to buy. I've been using the Holloway cut adviser too, so is that a pretty reliable calculation of how clear and cut a diamond is?

The diamond from B2C and their prices are very reasonable and I think the one above is still within my budget. I'm not sure what IS though? So I should call them and ask for a high res pic and IS? Do they typically do that for customers?

I never would've thought that purchasing a diamond would be so technical but I'm fascinated so far about it.

But yes, please let me know if you see something else or have more advice. I want to make sure I get the best for within my budget

 

[ac117]

Understand. I'm ready to buy but of course I'm that weary shopper that will be upset if I see another "exactly" the same diamond for less lol. But I am totally ready to buy. I've been using the Holloway cut adviser too, so is that a pretty reliable calculation of how clear and cut a diamond is?

The diamond from B2C and their prices are very reasonable and I think the one above is still within my budget. I'm not sure what IS though? So I should call them and ask for a high res pic and IS? Do they typically do that for customers?

I never would've thought that purchasing a diamond would be so technical but I'm fascinated so far about it.

But yes, please let me know if you see something else or have more advice. I want to make sure I get the best for within my budget

The HCA is a rudimentary tool that uses 4 data points of a diamond so we only advise using this as an exclusionary tool. Rule out stones with scores over 2. Scores under 2 are worth further investigation and we prefer light return images to evaluate them. IS = idealscope and B2C and other vendors are sometimes able to provide them depending on who is holding the stone.

I personally suggest you jump on the following stone....it's a great buy at 1.3cts and nearly 7mm. The inclusion is a feather that I don't see in the video and is only plotted on the underside: http://diamonddealfinder.com/enquiry.php?id_field=5673955 (image and video: http://www.kapugems.com/kgutil/search.do?method=load&stoneId=1000949229).

This one is also nice if you wanted higher color and clarity: http://diamonddealfinder.com/enquiry.php?id_field=5663507 (https://cutwise.com/diamond/23_B-1578-163A-192A?format=videoGirdle)

And this one...http://diamonddealfinder.com/enquiry.php?id_field=5673953 (http://www.kapugems.com/kgutil/search.do?method=load&stoneId=1000947460)

 

[Initial_E]

The HCA is a rudimentary tool that uses 4 data points of a diamond so we only advise using this as an exclusionary tool. Rule out stones with scores over 2. Scores under 2 are worth further investigation and we prefer light return images to evaluate them. IS = idealscope and B2C and other vendors are sometimes able to provide them depending on who is holding the stone.

I personally suggest you jump on the following stone....it's a great buy at 1.3cts and nearly 7mm. The inclusion is a feather that I don't see in the video and is only plotted on the underside: http://diamonddealfinder.com/enquiry.php?id_field=5673955 (image and video: http://www.kapugems.com/kgutil/search.do?method=load&stoneId=1000949229).

Wow that one is very nice!

Edit: I just called diamonddealfinder.com and they couldnt find it in their system and said is most likely sold Guy said he's sending over a list though