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Lidstar

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 28, 2018
Messages
6
Hello everyone,

I am currently looking to purchase a diamond for my engagement ring and have read through various useful threads/articles here for the past month. My spec is 0.9 carat, VVS2-VVS1, D-G with budget around $6-7k USD before taxes. I have narrowed down my options to these 3 diamonds:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-g-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3440360

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5128360

https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5980459/?sid=

It will be much appreciated if you can give me your input. Also, do you think it is worth it to pay premium for the branded "super ideal" diamonds?

Thank you.
 
Just to check, do you need VVS-IF for cultural reasons?

VS1 will 99.9% definitely be eye-clean, and many VS2s are eye-clean. Even some SI1 and SI2 stones are eye-clean, although they are harder to find.
 
Yes. Unfortunately, it needs to be at least VVS2 for cultural reasons. In our culture, it is either VVS or bust without considering the cut, pavilion angle and other proportions. :roll
 
Just a word of advice, a lot of people seem to be having issues with James Allen lately.
 
rockysalamander said:
I know you said VVS, but this is such a lovely VS1 choice.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3935929.htm

If VVS is a must, than how about this one?
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3988042.htm

I like these.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-g-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3440360
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4547728
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, after inquiring JA for Idealscope/Aset image for the diamonds I listed above, they don't have any of them and I can't really analyze their actual light performance subsequently. I'm still not convinced if I should pull the trigger for the "super ideal" diamond that you suggested.

The diamond that I listed all of the textbook ideal specifications minus the table that is a bit over the super ideal 54-57%. Since I am new at this, how do you experts rate the light performance between the ideal cut vs. the branded "super ideal cut"? Do you think it's worth paying ~20% premium to get the super ideal cut?
 
Lidstar said:
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, after inquiring JA for Idealscope/Aset image for the diamonds I listed above, they don't have any of them and I can't really analyze their actual light performance subsequently. I'm still not convinced if I should pull the trigger for the "super ideal" diamond that you suggested.

The diamond that I listed all of the textbook ideal specifications minus the table that is a bit over the super ideal 54-57%. Since I am new at this, how do you experts rate the light performance between the ideal cut vs. the branded "super ideal cut"? Do you think it's worth paying ~20% premium to get the super ideal cut?
Click to expand...

Personally, I would pay the perceived premium for a branded super-ideal at this size and specs based on your post. Aside form the fact that they can demonstrate light performance and symmetry with the online documentation for precision cut stones, Whiteflash and HighPerformanceDiamonds have excellent customer service. They also will hand-pull stones and will compare them for you, often recommending a less expensive option. WF and HPD give 100% of the cost of a diamond toward any upgrade. BGD give 100% if you upgrade 2 of color, clarity or color. Most drop-shippers require you spend 2x on an upgrade. So, those benefits are where the 20% go.

It may not be worth it to you. So, you'll have to make the call. But, after many many years of diamond and gemstone buying, I place a huge value on working with vendors whom I can trust to tell me the truth and work in my interest. I'll pay more for that service and for their time and expertise.

Looking at your options,

#1, JA 3440360 has nice angles and looks pretty good. It stays within ideal/excellent cut territory. I personally prefer a table less than 58%. Keep in the running if a wide table works for you.

#2. 5128360. Angles are ok, but I'd like an IS or ASET to confirm that they the lower facets are staying tight to 40.6 and are don't include more varying angles. There is also visible obstruction under the table. I'm not a fan of the skinny arrows. I'd eliminate.

#3. BrilliantEarth. I don't have much experience with this company and their ability to evaluate and consider any impact for strong blue flour. I'd be hesitant. Flour can impact the stone. I'd eliminate.

My recommended JA option. 4547728. These are certainly the angles I prefer. Small table and high crown. But, without an IS, I can totally respect caution. You could reach out to ID Jewelry in New York to see if they can pull this for you and give you more info. They are highly competitively prices and will tell you if there is anything to worry about.

But, like I said above, I'd go with the super-ideals...
 
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