Need help in choosing between 2 diamond (or more?)

[ricky0309]

Hi guys!!

This is the my first time posting here, so I hope that I do it correctly.

I am planning to get an engagement ring for my girlfriend. Unfortunately in Singapore the price offered by the local brick and mortar jewelers are exorbitantly high. Hence I made up my mind to hunt for my diamond from online jewelers instead.

I am aiming for "that PERFECT diamond", or at least as perfect as I can get it to be.

Now I know that I won''t be able to see any significant color on F or any inclusion easily on VS2, but I just feel like getting the best in Cut, Color and Clarity possible. In addition, I am also aiming for optical symmetry to get my H&A pattern. The Carat will then be decided based on my budget. Sorry if I sound too fussy but I just want to give her the best diamond possible.

In my hunt I stumble upon two great diamond candidates from Union Diamond and Blue Nile. These two diamonds have all I wanted: D-color, IF-clarity and Excellent Cut (GIA). Unfortunately when I asked for Sarin reports, both of them fall short of being an AGS Ideal 0 due to them having shallow Crown Angle. Anyway here are the details of the two diamonds. Hopefully you can advice me on which one I should go for:

1. Union Diamond
Carat Weight: 0.60 carat
Color Grade: D
Clarity Grade: Internally Flawless
Cut Grade: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Measurement: 5.47 x 3.35mm
Crown Angle: 33.2 degree
Crown Height: 14.0%
Pavilion Angle: 41.4 degree
Pavilion Depth: 43.8%
Table Ratio: 57%
Culet: 1.1% very small
Girdle: 1.2 thin - 2.2 sl thick
Price: $5,375

2. Blue Nile
Carat Weight: 0.63 carat
Color Grade: D
Clarity Grade: Internally Flawless
Cut Grade: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Measurement: 5.55 x 3.35mm
Crown Angle: 33.6 degree
Crown Height: 14.1%
Pavilion Angle: 40.9 degree
Pavilion Depth: 43.1%
Table Ratio: 57%
Culet: 1.0% very small
Girdle: 1.2 thin - 2.1 sl thick
Price: $5,906

I want to see the H&A pattern of the diamond myself, so I asked both UnionDiamond and BlueNile for IdealScope image which both of them unable to provide. When I request for crown photo of the diamond, BlueNile decline to provide while UnionDiamond promise to provide it to me on Monday.
Am I right in asking IdealScope or photo of the diamond, or should I just take their words that the diamond is an H&A diamond?

Also, assuming the price is comparable, will it be better to get an AGS Ideal 0 diamond with D-VVS1 or E-IF as compare to the two diamonds above?

Sorry for the lengthy post. Hopefully all the diamond expert out there could provide me with some advice.

Cheers!!!!

 

[jet2ks]

If you really want to stick to all the criteria you mentioned, I'd suggest looking at other vendors that supply all the images you need to verify light performance (IS or ASET) and hearts images for H&A. My opinion is that if a vendor is going to claim a diamond is H&A, the better supply the images to back it up. As you found out Union Diamond and Blue Nile do not provide this information.

For many people, buying from these vendors is not an issue, but I'm guessing you don't want to be in a position of having to return a diamond from Singapore. Working with a vendor who supplies the necessary images will allow you to get it right the first time.

As far as the diamonds, you mention you want the "perfect" diamond. The one place you do not want to sacrifice is cut. That is what makes the diamond sparkle and shine. Neither of the diamonds you posted are top cut--GIA Excellent ranges is a little broad and includes some combos that just don't perform well. You already mentioned the crown angles, the pavillion angle on the first is too steep, as well. The BN may have some possibilities, but without IS, I wouldn't want to chance it.

EDT: Compare the information you received from UD and BN to something like this

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4343/

 

[ricky0309]

Hi jet2ks:

Thanks for the great input. You are right that I should have all the information I need before making my purchase. I just sent another emails to BlueNile and UnionDiamond so that they can bring the diamond in-house to ensure they are able to provide me with the IdealScope/ASET images. I will post the pictures once I get them.

The GoodOldGold diamond from the link you provide looks stunning. Not to mention that it has Ideal Cut/Pavilion angle. Based on the specification alone, would you choose this GoodOldGold diamond over the BlueNile and UnionDiamond? Appreciate your advice.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/20/2009 1:03:56 AM
Author: ricky0309
Hi jet2ks:

Thanks for the great input. You are right that I should have all the information I need before making my purchase. I just sent another emails to BlueNile and UnionDiamond so that they can bring the diamond in-house to ensure they are able to provide me with the IdealScope/ASET images. I will post the pictures once I get them.

The GoodOldGold diamond from the link you provide looks stunning. Not to mention that it has Ideal Cut/Pavilion angle. Based on the specification alone, would you choose this GoodOldGold diamond over the BlueNile and UnionDiamond? Appreciate your advice.

Hi Ricky

That is a STUNNING diamond from GOG that Jet linked!!! That could be a dream choice! The second BN diamond has possibilities from the numbers but this company won't provide images, so if you want a good h&a pattern you have no way of knowing. This being the case, I would stick to vendors like GOG who offer all the info you could want in order to make an informed choice.

With the first diamond from Union Diamond, I would pass on that one.

 

[stone-cold11]

Ditto.

 

[Ellen]

Go with the GOG stone.

 

[ricky0309]

Wow...thanks guys!! Glad I decided to ask around on this forum. It saves me from regretting my purchase in the future. Surely, this piece of diamond from GoodOldGold diamond moves on top of my list now.

I talked to Sarah from GoodOldGold regarding my requirement and she also recommends another stone of 0.70D VVS1 @$5,733. Unfortunately, this stone is not physically in house so there is no report on it yet. She might only be able to provide the report by mid next week.

Do you think I should wait for this 0.70D VVS1 or straightaway just grab the one from Jet''s link?

In addition, she also mentions two other H&A diamonds which however have strong blue Fluorescence: 0.58 D IF @$4,994 and 0.72 D IF @$7,711. What do you guys think of Strong Blue FL?

Thanks for the great inputs so far!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/20/2009 6:57:27 AM
Author: ricky0309
Wow...thanks guys!! Glad I decided to ask around on this forum. It saves me from regretting my purchase in the future. Surely, this piece of diamond from GoodOldGold diamond moves on top of my list now.

I talked to Sarah from GoodOldGold regarding my requirement and she also recommends another stone of 0.70D VVS1 @$5,733. Unfortunately, this stone is not physically in house so there is no report on it yet. She might only be able to provide the report by mid next week.

Do you think I should wait for this 0.70D VVS1 or straightaway just grab the one from Jet's link?

In addition, she also mentions two other H&A diamonds which however have strong blue Fluorescence: 0.58 D IF @$4,994 and 0.72 D IF @$7,711. What do you guys think of Strong Blue FL?

Thanks for the great inputs so far!

I think it can be fine in a stone, however, some like it, some dont. Since you are so far away, to be safe, I'd probably go with one of the others.

As for the .70 D, I don't know. There will be a small amount of size difference, but not much. So it pretty much boils down to, do you want a flawless diamond, or a D?

And you're welcome!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/20/2009 7:24:59 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 6/20/2009 6:57:27 AM
Author: ricky0309
Wow...thanks guys!! Glad I decided to ask around on this forum. It saves me from regretting my purchase in the future. Surely, this piece of diamond from GoodOldGold diamond moves on top of my list now.

I talked to Sarah from GoodOldGold regarding my requirement and she also recommends another stone of 0.70D VVS1 @$5,733. Unfortunately, this stone is not physically in house so there is no report on it yet. She might only be able to provide the report by mid next week.

Do you think I should wait for this 0.70D VVS1 or straightaway just grab the one from Jet''s link?

In addition, she also mentions two other H&A diamonds which however have strong blue Fluorescence: 0.58 D IF @$4,994 and 0.72 D IF @$7,711. What do you guys think of Strong Blue FL?

Thanks for the great inputs so far!

I think it can be fine in a stone, however, some like it, some dont. Since you are so far away, to be safe, I''d probably go with one of the others.

As for the .70 D, I don''t know. There will be a small amount of size difference, but not much. So it pretty much boils down to, do you want a flawless diamond, or a D?

And you''re welcome!

Ditto, also if you are seriously interested in Jet''s selection, put it on hold to prevent lurker poaching.

 

[Lula]

Date: 6/19/2009 11:54:10 PM
Author: jet2ks
If you really want to stick to all the criteria you mentioned, I''d suggest looking at other vendors that supply all the images you need to verify light performance (IS or ASET) and hearts images for H&A. My opinion is that if a vendor is going to claim a diamond is H&A, the better supply the images to back it up. As you found out Union Diamond and Blue Nile do not provide this information.


For many people, buying from these vendors is not an issue, but I''m guessing you don''t want to be in a position of having to return a diamond from Singapore. Working with a vendor who supplies the necessary images will allow you to get it right the first time.


As far as the diamonds, you mention you want the ''perfect'' diamond. The one place you do not want to sacrifice is cut. That is what makes the diamond sparkle and shine. Neither of the diamonds you posted are top cut--GIA Excellent ranges is a little broad and includes some combos that just don''t perform well. You already mentioned the crown angles, the pavillion angle on the first is too steep, as well. The BN may have some possibilities, but without IS, I wouldn''t want to chance it.


EDT: Compare the information you received from UD and BN to something like this


http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4343/

Jet, that GOG stone is drool-worthy! To the OP, I agree with Lorelei and the others -- go with the .66 or at least put it on hold if you decide to wait to compare it to the .70.

 

[ricky0309]

Hi Everyone, I just got the diamond reserved under my name!!

With everybody voting for this GoG diamond, I cannot be more certain of my decision.
I will still wait for the 0.70 D VVS1 diamond details before I proceed with the purchase. At the very least, I will be able to give my girlfriend a STUNNING 0.66 E IF diamond. I am sure she would be ecstatic to receive it.

I will keep you guys posted once I get the details of the 0.70 D VVS1 diamond.
Thanks again for the inputs

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/20/2009 12:44:22 PM
Author: ricky0309
Hi Everyone, I just got the diamond reserved under my name!!

With everybody voting for this GoG diamond, I cannot be more certain of my decision.
I will still wait for the 0.70 D VVS1 diamond details before I proceed with the purchase. At the very least, I will be able to give my girlfriend a STUNNING 0.66 E IF diamond. I am sure she would be ecstatic to receive it.

I will keep you guys posted once I get the details of the 0.70 D VVS1 diamond.
Thanks again for the inputs

Good move ricky! Keep us posted, Jetskis found a beauty!

 

[jet2ks]

You''ll be in great shape with having that stone on hold. Will look for a post with the D VVS1. Glad to be of help.

 

[tallchickbarbara]

Date: 6/19/2009 11:54:10 PM
Author: jet2ks
If you really want to stick to all the criteria you mentioned, I''d suggest looking at other vendors that supply all the images you need to verify light performance (IS or ASET) and hearts images for H&A. My opinion is that if a vendor is going to claim a diamond is H&A, the better supply the images to back it up. As you found out Union Diamond and Blue Nile do not provide this information.

For many people, buying from these vendors is not an issue, but I''m guessing you don''t want to be in a position of having to return a diamond from Singapore. Working with a vendor who supplies the necessary images will allow you to get it right the first time.

As far as the diamonds, you mention you want the ''perfect'' diamond. The one place you do not want to sacrifice is cut. That is what makes the diamond sparkle and shine. Neither of the diamonds you posted are top cut--GIA Excellent ranges is a little broad and includes some combos that just don''t perform well. You already mentioned the crown angles, the pavillion angle on the first is too steep, as well. The BN may have some possibilities, but without IS, I wouldn''t want to chance it.

EDT: Compare the information you received from UD and BN to something like this

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4343/

Hi Jet,

Just wanted to respond to you quickly about what you had stated above. Union Diamond has actually in the past (and there have been several consumer posts backing this up) taken IS images upon request as well as H&A photos, however this particular diamond was one that were not able to get in house that day, so we weren''t able to, but since had let the customer know that we would have had it shipped in to us to have IS images taken.

Wanted to just put that on record. Thanks!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2009 9:47:01 AM
Author: BarbaraP

Date: 6/19/2009 11:54:10 PM
Author: jet2ks
If you really want to stick to all the criteria you mentioned, I''d suggest looking at other vendors that supply all the images you need to verify light performance (IS or ASET) and hearts images for H&A. My opinion is that if a vendor is going to claim a diamond is H&A, the better supply the images to back it up. As you found out Union Diamond and Blue Nile do not provide this information.

For many people, buying from these vendors is not an issue, but I''m guessing you don''t want to be in a position of having to return a diamond from Singapore. Working with a vendor who supplies the necessary images will allow you to get it right the first time.

As far as the diamonds, you mention you want the ''perfect'' diamond. The one place you do not want to sacrifice is cut. That is what makes the diamond sparkle and shine. Neither of the diamonds you posted are top cut--GIA Excellent ranges is a little broad and includes some combos that just don''t perform well. You already mentioned the crown angles, the pavillion angle on the first is too steep, as well. The BN may have some possibilities, but without IS, I wouldn''t want to chance it.

EDT: Compare the information you received from UD and BN to something like this

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4343/

Hi Jet,

Just wanted to respond to you quickly about what you had stated above. Union Diamond has actually in the past (and there have been several consumer posts backing this up) taken IS images upon request as well as H&A photos, however this particular diamond was one that were not able to get in house that day, so we weren''t able to, but since had let the customer know that we would have had it shipped in to us to have IS images taken.

Wanted to just put that on record. Thanks!

Hi Barbara,

Thats great with the IS images, may I ask, do you also supply hearts images please for your h&a diamonds?

 

[stone-cold11]

Nice to know. Do you guys do ASET too?

 

[tallchickbarbara]

Date: 6/23/2009 9:49:11 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/23/2009 9:47:01 AM
Author: BarbaraP


Hi Jet,

Just wanted to respond to you quickly about what you had stated above. Union Diamond has actually in the past (and there have been several consumer posts backing this up) taken IS images upon request as well as H&A photos, however this particular diamond was one that were not able to get in house that day, so we weren''t able to, but since had let the customer know that we would have had it shipped in to us to have IS images taken.

Wanted to just put that on record. Thanks!

Hi Barbara,

Thats great with the IS images, may I ask, do you also supply hearts images please for your h&a diamonds?

Hi Lorelei,

We''re very careful about what *we* call H&A, but of course, like a lot of our colleagues who sell diamonds on the web, we are able to provide images upon request and do inspect and ship everything here in house prior to shipment ourselves.

If we can do it, we will!

Thanks for the question.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2009 10:02:16 AM
Author: BarbaraP

Date: 6/23/2009 9:49:11 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/23/2009 9:47:01 AM
Author: BarbaraP




Hi Jet,

Just wanted to respond to you quickly about what you had stated above. Union Diamond has actually in the past (and there have been several consumer posts backing this up) taken IS images upon request as well as H&A photos, however this particular diamond was one that were not able to get in house that day, so we weren't able to, but since had let the customer know that we would have had it shipped in to us to have IS images taken.

Wanted to just put that on record. Thanks!

Hi Barbara,

Thats great with the IS images, may I ask, do you also supply hearts images please for your h&a diamonds?

Hi Lorelei,

We're very careful about what *we* call H&A, but of course, like a lot of our colleagues who sell diamonds on the web, we are able to provide images upon request and do inspect and ship everything here in house prior to shipment ourselves.

If we can do it, we will!

Thanks for the question.

Thanks Barbara, so you can in fact provide images of the hearts shown on the bottom view of the diamond? Thanks for taking the time to respond, it is much appreciated!

 

[tallchickbarbara]

We have provided Hearts and Arrows images for our customers Lorelei, when we were able to, yes. We have the viewer here, as well as a camera, and have taken both H&A and IS images. I can provide forum links if you''d like to see some examples. Let me know.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2009 10:31:49 AM
Author: BarbaraP
We have provided Hearts and Arrows images for our customers Lorelei, when we were able to, yes. We have the viewer here, as well as a camera, and have taken both H&A and IS images. I can provide forum links if you''d like to see some examples. Let me know.

Barbara this is great info, thank you so much! I would like to see some links please if it isn''t too much trouble, I have probably seen them but I see so many links its hard to remember!

 

[tallchickbarbara]

Sure thing Lorelei, but I feel like this thread has been hijacked enough with info on my company, so how''s about emailing me and we''ll let the customer get back to their questions.

 

[ricky0309]

Date: 6/20/2009 5:53:41 PM
Author: jet2ks
You''ll be in great shape with having that stone on hold. Will look for a post with the D VVS1. Glad to be of help.

This is the link for 0.70 D VVS1. There is a strange thing at 1 o''clock...which I don''t really like.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6083/

I think I will just proceed with the 0.66 E IF diamond which is the safer option. Hopefully this will be a great purchase.

 

[jet2ks]

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6083/

It appears the diamond was slightly painted/dug at that point, probably to remove an inclusion. The girdle is still in acceptable ranges, so it wouldn''t be an issue. That said, I still like the E/IF''s overall look a little better.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2009 11:12:41 PM
Author: jet2ks
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6083/

It appears the diamond was slightly painted/dug at that point, probably to remove an inclusion. The girdle is still in acceptable ranges, so it wouldn''t be an issue. That said, I still like the E/IF''s overall look a little better.

Could be, I would go with the original diamond personally.

 

[ricky0309]

Hi guys,

I received the GoG diamond about three weeks back and straightaway I went to an independent appraisal to get the diamond verified. The appraiser kept complimenting on the quality of the cut and the cleanliness of the stone. What pleases me most is when he told me that a similar stone in Singapore will cost ~30% more than what I paid for. Looks like I get myself a very good deal. Thanks to all PS-ers for your inputs and to GoG for the wonderful diamond.

After much consideration, I decided to mount the stone on a simple 4-prongs Platinum solitaire setting. I took some pictures on the diamond using a point-and-shoot camera, so the quality of the pictures are decent at most. But I will post them anyway for everyone to see.

Next up is the proposal. Wish me luck, guys!

 

[Ellen]

Yay! Congrats.

I knew you would like it.

 

[ricky0309]

Front View:

 

[ricky0309]

Arrows:

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/15/2009 10:53:58 AM
Author: ricky0309
Front View:

BEAUTIFUL - many congrats!!!

 

[ricky0309]

Setting: