Need some advice choosing a diamond

[diamondnoob2017]

Hey guys, diamond noob here. I've read a lot from these forums and I'm wondering if I can get some advice about the difference between these two diamonds

1) 1.3 carat I VS2 excellent cut $6430 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2439562

2) 1.36 carat I VS2 true hearts cut $8260 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.36-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2100108

I would like something around 1.3 (or high 1.2s) I'm wondering if an average person can really tell the difference in brillance/shine/sparkle between true hearts and excellent cut in a natural light setting. The cuts for the excellent are of course not as good e.g. pavillion angle. I guess I'm just trying to see if it's justified to pay (or not pay) almost 2k more for the true hearts cut.

Thanks!

 

[PSPL]

Unfortunately, only you and the wearer can decide if it's worth it to or not because what others see may not be what you see.
Have you already requested IdealScope and ASET images for the linked stones? Please post them.

I can tell you that although both are "Excellent" cut, the 1.36 ct will likely have better light return. Why? The crown and pavilion angles on the 1.30 ct do not complement each other. A steeper crown should have a shallower pavilion, and vice versa. However, it is possible for a diamond to perform brilliantly despite both angles being steep. Light return images (ASET and IdealScope) will tell you how well a diamond performs, which is why we ask posters to post them.

 

[Snowdrop13]

The numbers for the cut on the second one are definitely better BUT the certificate alongside it says it's an "L" colour. It does look noticeably yellower than the other one. Please check. Also it looks to have a carbon spot just under the table, is it eye clean?

 

[diamondnoob2017]

Hey thanks for your replies PSPL and Snowdrop13,

I tried to ask for Idealscope/ASET images for the 1.30 carat one but they say because it's one of their international vendors they can't get it unless I buy it :/ (is that a bad sign?)

As for the 1.36 carat one, the two attachments are the images I got from the website. I called James Allen and the rep said that it is eye clean. Edit: and you're right.. it does look visibly more yellow...

 

[diamondnoob2017]

Actually, scratch that. I'm not going to pay that much for an L diamond anyway, so let's not waste you guys' time. And the 1.3 carat one without idealscope images is a bit concerning. I'm now thinking of this one and have attached the idealscope images.

1.24 carat H VS2 true hearts https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.24-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2336290

Thanks!

 

[PSPL]

While the IdealScope looks good, and I really like the table and lower half percentages, the feather concerns me. It's very close to the girdle, if not touching. The plot supports this, and this makes me worried that it may eventually cause the diamond to crack further, especially since it's rather large. I would be a little worried about seeing it, too.

 

[ac117]

This H VS2 is a lovely stone. I disagree with the poster above. Someone in the trade recently answered a question about a feather and said the diamond has already been exposed to high heat temperatures while going through the rigorous cutting and polishing process without problems so it is not likely to cause any issues. The feather is also light in color and I'm sure it would be very difficult to see in real life without a loupe. You're talking about a stone the size of a pencil eraser.

 

[farrahlyn]

Actually, scratch that. I'm not going to pay that much for an L diamond anyway, so let's not waste you guys' time. And the 1.3 carat one without idealscope images is a bit concerning. I'm now thinking of this one and have attached the idealscope images.

1.24 carat H VS2 true hearts https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.24-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2336290

Thanks!

Beautiful stone, i'd go for this one! As far as the feather, lots of info on the boards as far as feathers and whether or not you should be concerned and the consensus seems to be that it is a case by case basis. Seems some even feel that its not a concern until you get to I1.

some good reading to help you decide:

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/diamond_feather_inclusions_durability_risk

 

[diamondnoob2017]

While the IdealScope looks good, and I really like the table and lower half percentages, the feather concerns me. It's very close to the girdle, if not touching. The plot supports this, and this makes me worried that it may eventually cause the diamond to crack further, especially since it's rather large. I would be a little worried about seeing it, too.

Thanks ac117, farrahlyn and PSPL for your answers. You're right ac117, I was told it is eye clean. Thanks for the website farrahlyn, unfortunately as the website says it IS right by the girdle gah!

I asked the JA rep about this and she said I can request to have the prong over this feather to "protect" it from further damage. What are your opinions on that?

I really appreciate all your comments on all these things, it really makes me realize what a noob I am even after reading so much about diamonds. I have (hopefully) one last diamond to ask for your opinions on:

1.39 carat H VS2 True Hearts https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.39-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2427822

Attached are the idealscope images once again.

Thanks!!!

 

[bmfang]

While the IdealScope looks good, and I really like the table and lower half percentages, the feather concerns me. It's very close to the girdle, if not touching. The plot supports this, and this makes me worried that it may eventually cause the diamond to crack further, especially since it's rather large. I would be a little worried about seeing it, too.

Thanks ac117, farrahlyn and PSPL for your answers. You're right ac117, I was told it is eye clean. Thanks for the website farrahlyn, unfortunately as the website says it IS right by the girdle gah!

I asked the JA rep about this and she said I can request to have the prong over this feather to "protect" it from further damage. What are your opinions on that?

I really appreciate all your comments on all these things, it really makes me realize what a noob I am even after reading so much about diamonds. I have (hopefully) one last diamond to ask for your opinions on:

1.39 carat H VS2 True Hearts https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.39-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2427822

Attached are the idealscope images once again.

Thanks!!!

The feather on the 1.24 should be ok. I would prong over it but then you'd end up covering over one of the arrow heads given how close it is to it. Looks like it's pavillion side and within the main body of the stone rather than it being right up against the girdle going by the inclusion plot though the video certainly makes it look like it's right up against the girdle.

The inclusions in the 1.39 stone are easier to prong over without covering up one of the arrow heads.

Both of them are beautiful.

If the two stones are comparably priced, I'd take the one with the larger carat weight.

 

[PSPL]

Unlike kalistamin's stone, the 1.24 ct GIA report shows the feather hugging/touching the girdle in the crown plot. You can also see the feather is close to the girdle in the video. That is why I am hesitant to recommend it.

As to whether to cover a feather with a prong, that is something that should be discussed with the setter on a case-by-case basis. Depending on how close the feather is to the girdle, setting the prong on the feather may cause too much stress and damage the stone. You may also want to consider what direction the feather should be in the ring (i.e., N/S vs E/W).

Diamondnoob2017, I like the 1.24 ct cut better, but the 1.39 ct is pretty and a whole lot larger! I do want to point out that there are some black pinpoints in the 5 o'clock position in the video. It might be dirt, and it will be eye-clean regardless, just FYI since they're not mentioned in the GIA report, and not in the plot.

 

[gm89uk]

It's a VS2 feather. I wouldn't worry about it. After everything I've read here (and most were questions regarding si2 feathers) which were generally found to be safe. This is also round, not a pointy edge that's more vulnerable.

 

[diamondnoob2017]

Okay, I'm gonna go for the 1.39 carat one. The fact that the feather in the 1.24 carat is so close to the girdle which may/may not matter in the future and may/may not be touching the surface and may/may not be protected by the prong is just too many variables for such a big online purchase The prices were comparable and I don't mind paying a little bit more for a peace of mind

Thanks PSPL, yeah I noticed the black points too, but as long as it's eye clean . And yes, 1.39 carats is much bigger

Thank you so much for your critique/comments everyone! Without your input, I might have gotten that L color stone without even knowing. She would not have been happy

 

[ac117]

The 1.39 is an awesome choice! I do like it over the 1.24!

 

[diamondnoob2017]

The 1.39 is an awesome choice! I do like it over the 1.24!

Awesome. Thanks everyone! Here's hoping she likes it too

 

[PSPL]

The 1.39 is an awesome choice! I do like it over the 1.24!

Awesome. Thanks everyone! Here's hoping she likes it too

Yayyy!!! I am so excited for you! ^o^ Good luck, and come back to update us and share photos if you have time!