Need Help Narrowing Diamond Options - Please

[DiamondNewbieCP]

Hello PS,

This is my first post after spending the last few weeks anonymously "over" educating myself in the forums and becoming an ideal prosumer prior to making my purchase. This forum is a proverbial diamond mine of valuable information and I value the users feedback immensely. But as my search is now becoming narrowed, I need a little more help with anything I may be overlooking. If there is any feedback on the following diamonds I would greatly appreciate it. I am hoping to narrowing down my choice to one or maybe two options.

These are the current options that are within my budget:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3075975.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063758.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3048652.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3045749.htm

My main issue with deciding between the first two options is that one is a WF ES F color versus a WF ACA G color. I am leaning toward the first as I've really wanted to keep the diamond colorless and I was advised by the WF representative that it just missed the ACA standard based on one of the hearts. However, when I started my search I was set on making sure I have the best of the best when it comes to the cut so I didn't consider the ES as an option until the WF sales rep informed me of it. I am a little worried that either option may give me buyers remorse since the ideal purchase would be an ACA F color VS1or2 and both options seem to need compromise. I do realize that the third option has been reserved but it may come off hold and is one that I was also considering prior to it being reserved. The fourth option is just something I found that seemed to be an ES comparable on the same budget but the lower specs allowed me the larger rock.

This one is slightly over budget but if it is the "best" diamond I am willing to move my budget because she is absolutely worth it:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063754.htm

The reason I'm staying with WF is that I am looking at the Tacori settings and I haven't found anyone else that offers the quality of diamond I want paired with the Tacori designer settings I am looking for.

Thank you in advance for any and all feedback.

DiamondNewbieCP

 

[Roqsteady]

I don't think you need to worry that you're compromising by getting an F ES vs a G VS2, especially if you know it's just due to the variance of one of the hearts. Actually, if you look at the hearts pattern on the last F VS2 ACA you posted, there is noticeable variance in the size of the tips of the hearts (the smallest one at 4 o clock). So don't confuse getting the best (which I understand, that's how I felt when buying) with having to get the brand. $2700 dollars for no appreciable difference between the 1.23 F VS2 ES and the 1.26 F VS1 ACA is a significant amount, and while I can't speak for your gf, I'd guess most girls would want to save that and put it towards their wedding band/home/wedding/honeymoon if it didn't affect the appearance of the diamond.

I'd go with the first option

Btw, GOG carries Tacori also.

 

[Gypsy]

You don't need VS1. And G is going to be indistinguishable from F when set. In fact you could set them side by side.

I personally like this one: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3045749.htm Big, affordable and lovely.

 

[heididdl]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the first four you selected. I agree you do not need to spend the extra money for the last stone you discussed.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the black inclusion in the first G VS2 would bother me. So I would probably choose this one:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3048652.htm

It is not worth the extra money, in my opinion, to go to the F VS1 since it is so close in size to this one.

I am mainly choosing that one because you said you wanted the very best cut, and I think you'll regret it if you don't.

 

[DiamondNewbieCP]

Wow!!! Little did I realize answers would be coming only hours after my original post. Thank you all for your immediate feedback. Amazing!

I had to change my approach after diamondSeeker2006 (thank you) pointed out the second diamond in the original list had significant and noticeable inclusions on the table and then I found out the third diamond was indeed sold. However, I actually ended up reserving the 1.231ct F VS2 ES as this one appears as front runner for now since I don't want to risk loosing it. But after more searching and deliberating I have 2 new options and more questions for PS. All 3 are right on budget and comparable so cost is no longer a factor.

The order, I think, that I'm left with is as follows:

1) http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3075975.htm - $12,061 this one I've reserved
2) http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063739.htm - $12,691 this one is smaller but appears almost flawless to me
3) http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3045747.htm - $11,417 this one is similar in size to option 1 but an ACA as a G color.

I understand the common trade-offs I'm faced with between options 1 and 2 - essentially size vs cut (I understand slight clarity and color differences also exist but these would not change my opinion given they are both in VS clarity and colorless ranges). I'm now really more confused than ever about how to feel about a diamond closer to 1.0 ct but has from what I can tell the top specs for a diamond its size vs. a visually larger diamond (option 1) but not cut as an ACA. Hopefully someone can shed some light and share their opinions about this common debate? When I started my search I told myself that I had to get the top cut no questions asked, however, many PS comments throughout the forums seem to dispel this common belief. But now I'm torn?

Another question I have specific to the 1.031ct ASET image is why is there a distinct green center which is not present in either option 1 or option 3. Is this something that will impact the visual appearance of the diamond? In a good way or bad? The arrows and overall symmetry of this diamond come across as very very appealing to me. Does anyone notice anything wrong with this diamond?

Lastly, option 1 vs option 3 provides me with an ACA with a slightly lower color but "better" cut. The only issue I have with option 3 is, what I think are potential inclusions in the top middle two Hearts. Am I correct by thinking this? These should not be visible from the top correct? Also, in the ASET/Idealscope images there seems to also be a noticeable inclusion in the center of the diamond on the table? Is that true? This doesn't seem noticeable from the diamond image? Which diamond would PS view as superior option 1 or 3 based on these potential inclusion issues?

I don't necessarily know if I'm any closer than I was earlier this week despite having a deposit on option 1 now. It seems like more questions? But I do think option 1 is a good choice I just get unsure when pitting this against option 2.

Thank you again for any and all feedback.

Have a blessed Easter.

DiamondNewbieCP