Need Help Today: 1.5 Ct (help me pick!!!!)

[diamond_d]

*** Down to 4...see last post ***

Vote for the best Diamond for my girl:

I'm trying to finalize a blue nile purchase today with a 1.5-1.6Ct, VG-Ideal, SI1-VS2, I-H from $7000-8500, and am having some problems reading the GIA reports and trading off which are best.

A general question, is this category of diamond way out of range with the price I'm looking for and will I only be getting bottom of the barell? If so what price would I need to go up to? (I could go higher if need be but for the IS1s-I diamonds I examined in stored I couldn't really ever see anything with the naked eye).

Setting blue nile to the above sliders gives 20 diamonds. Other than the above requirements, my only real requirement is not having visible to the eye (obvious at least) inclusions on the top of the diamond nor having obvious discoloration.

Some of the GIA reports that look troubling:

Example 1) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00588506&query=2&filter_id=1

Not sure what those big red lines are but it looks nasty, from this view I would say drop this sucker, what does it reall mean, would it be visible from the naked eye?

Example 2) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00359637 or http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00359708

Now these reports looks very clean on the face, but the black marks on the undeside view along the northern edge look like a chip or something almost. What is this? Should it be avoided?

Example 3) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00478897

While this was a bit higher priced, I liked the safety of going up to Ideal, H, VS2. This is the type of inclusion diagram I would like to see with very little messy stuff!

In the end, these 10 made my list out of the 20 results:



Carat Color Clarity Cut Depth/
Table Fluorescence Polish/
Symmetry Report Price Remove Detail


1) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00230759
1.56 I SI1 Very Good 63.7%/
60% None G/VG GIA $7,352.00


2) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00359637
1.50 I SI1 Very Good 63.3%/
56% Faint VG/VG GIA $7,754.00


3) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00523852
1.51 I SI1 Very Good 59.0%/
59% None VG/G GIA $7,867.00


4) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00359708
1.52 I VS2 Very Good 63.1%/
59% None EX/G GIA $7,980.00


5) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00470324
1.50 I SI1 Ideal 61.2%/
57% None VG/VG GIA $8,152.00


6) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00486107
1.56 I SI1 Very Good 61.7%/
60% None VG/VG GIA $8,336.00


7) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00206610
1.54 I VS2 Very Good 63.0%/
58% Medium Blue EX/VG GIA $8,386.00


http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00526286
1.54 I SI1 Ideal 62.0%/
56% Faint VG/G GIA $8,460.00


9) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00487500
1.54 I SI1 Very Good 60.8%/
59% None EX/EX GIA $8,483.00


10) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00589194
1.58 I SI1 Ideal 61.5%/
56% Strong Blue EX/EX GIA $8,511.00

In the end it's hard to compare the GIA reports because they're scanned and hard to read. Again my main concern is a brilliant diamond withouth naked eye flaws.

Experts, do you work and help me to pick a winner. If you know anything about diamonds and think one of these is best (or one of the other 10 results I didn't include in my final list) vote for your favorite, and add any advice you may have.

Making the purchase today, so any help would really be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

-daimond_d

BTW: I realize there are other (probably better) options than blue nile, but circumstances require this, so help me pick between these diamonds!!!

 

[EdSkinner]

As for the stones you have listed: #1,2,4&7are to deep. #3&8 are ok, price seems good, #10 to much fluorescence. #6&9 paying for ideal and only getting very good. Best stones on the list are #5 & 8 and i prefer 5 which I figured quick @8100 for an internet sale. That all depends on it being Ideal. Is Blue Nile guarenteeing that? Is there a sarin report?

 

[diamond_d]

Thanks for the feeback HAMMER, that was useful. Anyone else planning on putting their vote it?

Thanks...diamond_d

 

[Xrisus]

If I had to pick, I personally like #10, and this is coming from a guy that doesn''t like flourescence. My rationale is that in an "I" color diamond, the flourescence can make the color appear whiter than the "I" color it has. The diamond is an ideal cut with nice table and depth percentages, which is also a big (if not most important bonus). In addition, the diamond will appear larger than many of the others since carat weight is not being lost in the girdle. Lastly, the inclusions are crystals and a feather, which unlike some of the other inclusions in the other diamonds, are going to be much harder to see with a loupe (who really will be doing that with everyday wear anyways

). Good luck picking!

 

[diamond_d]

Thanks Xrisus,

Again, very useful info. I also considered the blue on an I to be a plus, but I haven''t seed a blue flourescence in person so I am hesitant.

It seems your wording recommends not going with an I, but instead moving up in color. I looked at some SI1 Is and Js around 1.5Ct and was happy with the color in a store. Should I focus on H and up maybe?

The rock choice will be made this evening after work & class around midnight PST, so keep your votes coming everyone, I really, really appreciate your informed opinions as I''m new to all this.

-diamond_d

 

[diamond_d]

Oh ya, one last thing. I would love for you all to vote, but please don''t forget to consider the price.

I would hope #10 would be better than #1 comparatively as it costs a lot more, but make your choices considering the value for the price, and fact that my main requirement is no detectable irregularites without special tools/magnification/jewler techniches.

Thanks again for all the help...this forum is amazing, and I owe you one!

-diamond_d

 

[EdSkinner]

style="WIDTH: 99%; HEIGHT: 194px">Date: 11/9/2004 3:51:22 PM
Author: diamond_d

Oh ya, one last thing. I would love for you all to vote, but please don''t forget to consider the price.

I would hope #10 would be better than #1 comparatively as it costs a lot more, but make your choices considering the value for the price, and fact that my main requirement is no detectable irregularites without special tools/magnification/jewler techniches.

Thanks again for all the help...this forum is amazing, and I owe you one!

-diamond_d

If clarity is what you are concentrating on you have to move up to at least VS2. #7 may be alittle deep and not ideal, but it may look good. Can''t tell from the info you got. Fluorescence should not be a proble in the stone. Need crown height and pavilion depth.

 

[Xrisus]

Actually, if you like the way an "I" looks, I would go for it. I''m not professing to be a diamond expert (but I did spend 7 months finding the right rock for my girl), the difference between an I & H will be hard to see. Furthermore, the most important factor is what your eye sees. Many of the specs of a diamond are important, but sometimes it is very easy to get lost in the details. For instace, will a layperson be able to to see the inclusion of an SI1, even with a loupe---probably not, but when we (as in folks like you and I) look at grading reports the minute details can come blaring out at us, even though in real life they are relatively insignficant. I guess what I''m trying to say is, trust your eye, don''t let minor details take away from the bigger picture. If you know that the I SI1 works for you, go with it, no need to second guess yourself

. Furthermore, know that blue nile does have a 30 day return policy, so if you don''t like the way any of the diamond look, you can always send it back.

Also, I think #10 will look much better than #1 because it is an ideal cut (as seen by its better proportions). I think that it is definetely worth the extra $$. As you already know, cut is the most improtant factor, and that is definetely where you should put your dough.

 

[pearcrazy]

Quite honestly, you have too many choices and I don''t have time to slog through ten diamonds. Narrow your choice down to your top three and I''ll give you my vote.

 

[Hest88]

LOL Pear! Sorry Diamond_D, but that''s sort of how I felt.

Be happy to chime in if you end up narrowing it down a bit.

 

[EdSkinner]

I gave my wife a "I" color and a SI. She didn''t care about the specifics and loves the ring. Remember, when you started this quest, you wanted to get something that she likes. do not loose yourself in tecnocalities. Blue Nile is a very good company, and if you have any problem Iam sure they will get it straight. But then again if she is that pickey, you may want to reconsider.

 

[Xrisus]

When you do make a choice, let us know what it is. I, for one, will be curious.

 

[diamond_d]

Down to 4

The med blue flourescence pictures in the daylight scared me away from #10 with it''s Strong Blue. Some have been sold, some new, down to 4:

Okay...last update. Down to 4:

5) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00470324
1.50 I SI1 Ideal 61.2%/
57% None VG/VG GIA $8,152.00
Stock number: LD00470324
Carat weight: 1.50
Cut: Ideal
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
Depth %: 61.2%
Table %: 57%
Symmetry: Very good
Polish: Very good
Girdle: Extremely thin to thick, faceted
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 7.28x7.32x4.47 mm

INC: Minimal small feathers on side, face clean.

Notes: Smallest diamond width left…

6) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00486107
1.56 I SI1 Very Good 61.7%/
60% None VG/VG GIA $8,336.00
Stock number: LD00486107
Carat weight: 1.56
Cut: Very Good
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
Depth %: 61.7%
Table %: 60%
Symmetry: Very good
Polish: Very good
Girdle: Medium to thick, faceted
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 7.41x7.43x4.58 mm

INC: Less visible cluster on face. But still a cluster.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00526286
1.54 I SI1 Ideal 62.0%/
56% Faint VG/G GIA $8,460.00
Stock number: LD00526286
Carat weight: 1.54
Cut: Ideal
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
Depth %: 62.0%
Table %: 56%
Symmetry: Good
Polish: Very good
Girdle: Very thin to thin, faceted
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Faint
Measurements: 7.40x7.47x4.61 mm

INC: Looks clean, small dots on Table. Larger cavity on edge

Note: Flourescence withough a color listed is a bit troubling.

9.5) http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00239061
1.50 I SI1 Ideal 60.5%/
56% None EX/VG GIA $8,486.00
Stock number: LD00239061
Carat weight: 1.50
Cut: Ideal
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
Depth %: 60.5%
Table %: 56%
Symmetry: Very good
Polish: Excellent
Girdle: Thin, faceted
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 7.41x7.47x4.50 mm

INC: Minor cloud on face, cluster of crystals on edge.

I have them somewhat ranked in my mind...anyone else care to pick a winner?

Anything to be scared of in the inclusion maps?

Thanks again...

 

[EdSkinner]

Iam still with #5. #9 is the only competator but more expensive and the only difference is excelent polish. Good luck

 

[alexah]

I like the last one you listed best - #9.5 - for various reasons. However, it's a best guess of preference til you get a sarin from BN on the stone...

Edited to add reasons for eliminating other stones: #5 & #8 for their girdles being very or extremely thin (esp #5 for the wide variation ext thin to thick). #6 for the *lesser* cut Q, larger table & thick girdle.

 

[Xrisus]

Well, out of these, I would also pick 9.5, I like the specs and the inclusions the best. It''s just me, but I''m not big on "cavities" as an inclusion. From what I know, it''s an external flaw, and I personally strayed away from anything externally wrong with a diamond.

Here is a thread on what a cavity is:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bobs-flashes-cavity-in-diamonds.6368/

 

[headlight]

#5

However, why don''t you have the top two shipped to an appraiser in your area and together you''ll pick the winner?

 

[moremoremore]

#1- twining wisps are your friend. They are not visible...I don''t know about the rest of the inclusions. I don''t know much about rounds- but isn''t this a little deep?

#2- the feathers break the surface, just FYI. Isn''t this deep too?

#3- That crystal could be a black dot or sometimes they are clear...but I believe (not sure) that they are mostly black? dunno...

WHy the heck you buying from blue nile anyway? So overpriced! Just my .02

 

[diamond_d]

Good feedback, are the clouds on the table something that might be visible to the eye in 9.5''s inclusion map (attatched)?

That''s one thing that troubled me a bit about 9.5. But hearing more about cavities, that doesn''t sound great either.

In the end I''m sure we''d love any of these, but some expert direction is helpful.

Thanks...

 

[moremoremore]

Does it have to be 1.5?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/1_39ct_h_si1_h%26a.htm

 

[Hest88]

Get rid of #6. Table''s too big.

I like #5 or 9.5, and it depends on how important diameter is to you.

 

[diamond_d]

moremoremore,

Paying more with BN I agree, but I need to for a couple of other reasons.

Also, were you referring to 1,2,3 of my initial post? Or the first three of the final 4?

 

[diamond_d]

Nevermind you were responding to my commones on the inclusion details (example 1-3 in first post). Thanks for clarifying some of that...helps a lot.

 

[moremoremore]

Oops! I''m such a dope!

I just don''t have a good feeling about the inclusions on 9.5... could possibly make for a sloppy pavillion depending on where they are, if that bothers you. Dunno. I like #5...but I suppose these guesses are worthless without you seeing the stones or getting sarin info

 

[diamond_d]

Ya, 5 then 9.5 were my preference, so it looks like there is somewhat agreement. Thanks for all the feedback, if you''ve got anyting else to avoid or shoot for let me know...