need help with round diamond.. information overload T_T

[vitaminwater]

Hi all. I've been lurking for a long while now and finally decided to create a post as I was overwhelmed and really needed some help on selecting an e-ring. Basically a summary of my diamond search process to explain where I'm coming from in terms of clarity and color. I initially started with H color, VS2 and above, > 0.90 carat and excellent cut. After reading and researching and looking at diamond pictures, the sales rep asked if I could consider an I as that would open up more options. However, due to cultural background, G is usually the minimum color and I could not get past that despite viewing many pictures of beautiful I-J diamonds. I am now looking at F-H (H being the minimum. If possible I'd like to be at G and above but I could definitely accept H). As for clarity, I initially viewed some VS1/VS2 stones and I know, the diamond is zoomed in but man, that "mind-clean" description really applies to me. I almost selected an IF clarity just because I couldn't get past the stains on the diamond but after some time, I have gotten over it and now can accept an IF-VVS2 as long as the marks are not at the center of the diamond (VVS2 being the absolute minimum but if possible I'd like to be at VVS1 and above). Finally, fluorescence. I never knew that concept until further into my research. Wasn't it supposed to only be the 4Cs? I was kind of skewed towards going for fluorescence because it's blue and at a discount but at the end of the day, I cannot get past it so I prefer none.

The only thing that hasn't changed over all my research was the carat and the cut. I definitely want a triple X as for me, the sparkle and fire is what delights me when looking at a diamond and for carat I have been viewing some 0.90 and they look nice on a 5.5 ring. The bigger the better but I have no real need to hit the 1 carat per se. It'll just be a nice plus. The budget given is $5.8k for the diamond. One thing for sure, this will be the setting (14k white gold). I love the simplicity:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/james-allen-exclusive-engagement-ring-item-49506

In summary:
Cut: Excellent (triple X)
Carat: 0.90 and above
Clarity: VVS2-IF (VVS2 being the absolute minimum but if possible I'd like to be at VVS1 and above)
Color: F-H (H being the minimum. If possible I'd like to be at G and above but I could definitely accept H)
Fluorescence: None
Budget: 5.8k

So, I'm really seeking your help, o experienced pricescopers on your recommendation and thoughts. Thank you so much and hope you could ease me on this process!

 

[ssgg]

r u planning to use james allen for both diamond and setting?

 

[tyty333]

Here is an AGS 0 for light performance. Gets a 1 on symmetry. Ask for an idealscope (if they can do it).

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.85-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-635725

GIA stones

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.83-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-838727

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.82-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-834369

If you could consider dropping down in the VS1 range you can get up to .9ish...This stone is lovely...(can you see anything in it?
I sure cant! But I have old eyes! )
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-768573

 

[tyty333]

More...
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R91-2AG93W

VS1 stone
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R90-62UE1K

H VS1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3500065.htm

 

[vitaminwater]

Good morning Yes, I figured that I should stick to JA for the diamond since they could set the diamond for me as well and I didn't have to send it back and forth. I do have a question on that though. I believe I have read some places that an appraiser will only be able to appraise loose diamonds? What is the normal practice? Do most people get the loose diamond sent first before setting the ring?

Thank you tyty333 I had a look at the diamonds and mainly focused on the JA diamonds (as explained above). Out of the links, I like http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-768573 the most I had a look at the super zoom too and don't understand how the ratings work. The other diamonds listed I could clearly see the clarity marks but they were rated VVS. This diamond is rated VS yet the center and sides seem clear. Am I missing something?

I discovered HCA yesterday and played with the specifications of this diamond above. It mentioned this: The result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polish. It is listed at the JA site as excellent polish. Is that just an assumption HCA makes?

 

[flyingpig]

I like http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-768573 the most I had a look at the super zoom too and don't understand how the ratings work. The other diamonds listed I could clearly see the clarity marks but they were rated VVS. This diamond is rated VS yet the center and sides seem clear. Am I missing something?

If VVS2 is for mind-cleanness, please consider VS1 for your purchase; that's what most do. Some VS1 inclusions are REALLY difficult to see at 10x, even at 20x. That is the case with this VS1. It is a good looking stone. Numbers are good.

 

[vitaminwater]

hi flyingpig. yup i definitely could work with that in terms of mind clean. i have set it up to reserve for 24 hours already unfortunately, JA does not have IS/ASET images available

just for comparison sake, i have also looked at these diamonds:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-800422
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-768816
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-765823
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-766094

would love to have your (and anyone else's) thoughts on these compared to http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-768573 ($5,530).

One of my obsessions was to put the diamonds on small (x1) and watch them rotate. God knows how many hours I have wasted staring at diamonds rotate over the past month. I don't know if it's my eye playing tricks with me this diamond in particular: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-766094 has me staring at it. I really like how it rotates. The JA helpchat thought that this diamond is an overall better value. Both the G and H are well within my budget so either way I'm happy. I just want all the sparkle/fire/brilliance etc. If they're all equal I'd definitely go for the G color

Thanks in advance!

 

[flyingpig]

Assuming JA is unable to provide any IS image on these stones..

I would not consider #1 and #2

#3 H VVS1: 34.5/40.6 is arguably safer than VV2's 34/40.6. Depth at 61.1 still provides good spread. highest clarity.
#4 H VVS2: Cheapest. Depth 60.5% makes the stone look biggest among these. 34/40.6=shallow/shallow is not the safest among these three pav/crown combos.
G VS1: It is G color. 35/40.6 combo is arguably safer than VVS2's 34/40.6. Depth at 62.1 makes the stone look the smallest among the three. Most expensive

Personally, I like H VVS1 and VS1's proportions. But it is hard to ignore VVS2's spread and price.
It depends on what you value the most. All three are beautiful.

 

[vitaminwater]

Thanks for your thoughts on those diamonds! Another concept I was not aware of - shallowness. I'm guessing it means that it would be easily chipped and I don't want that. #4 is out then.

As for IS images, yes, I've tried asking JA for a few IS/ASET images over the past weeks and had 0% success rate. Pretty much given up on asking. In fact, the helpchat mentioned that the G diamond is currently in India so I'm hoping no issue with shipping as I've read another post on that hiccup.

I value proportions the most and sparkle/brilliance/fire yet being mind clean and good value

Since you mentioned spread, I did somemore search and came up with these two:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-765723
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-844852

Do let me know your thoughts. I also came across this diamond and wanted to throw it in. Is it worth the F?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-843996

I'm planning to make a list tonight and discuss with my SO

 

[flyingpig]

Thanks for your thoughts on those diamonds! Another concept I was not aware of - shallowness. I'm guessing it means that it would be easily chipped and I don't want that. #4 is out then.

NONO. What I meant by "safer" is in regards to optics and light performance, not durability and chipping.
The ideal ranges for pavilion and crown angles are 40.6-40.9/41 and 34-35. When you have 40.6 pav angle, you want to match it with 35 crown angle. When you have 41 pav angle, you want to match it with 34 crown angle. Or you want something like 34.5/40.8. It depends on the table % as well.

All three combos in those three are potentially good. It's just there is no way to confirm without IS or ASET.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/agsl-proportions-chart-ideal-cut-diamonds-55-table-diameter.jpg

You see the pink ideal runs zone diagonally in this chart

 

[vitaminwater]

lolll my bad. that's new for me too. i'll explore the table thanks

regarding the 3 links I've added, are they worth adding to my shortlist?

 

[flyingpig]

The first two have shallow crown angles below 34.0
I will consider the last F VS2.

Based on your posts, I can almost see you trying to find that feather inclusion at superzoom..

 

[vitaminwater]

lol you're right! i found it... why must it be in the center the G diamond is still in my top list atm. Will take another look at the F