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Need some help to choose a diamond!

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Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 8, 2017
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Hi everyone, I'm planning to propose to my girlfriend soon. So I'm in the process of finding a nice engagement ring for her. I have been researching for couple of weeks now and really need help to decide which diamond I should pick. I am looking for a diamond that is round shape, around 2.5 carat, I to J color, VS2 to SI1. My budget is below 24k. Here are 2 diamonds I found from WhiteFlash and 2 diamonds from James Allen, all of them have HCA score below 2. Please help me to choose one or suggest any diamonds you think it is better. I am really appreciated your help!

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3686854.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3865909.htm

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3423475
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3355750
 
I would definitely go with one of the Super Ideal branded H&A stones (ACA). They also have the best trade-up policy around (if that should ever be needed in
the future...just spend the same amount or more).

The tables on the JA stones are too big (for me). The first JA stone you listed has black carbon under the table which most people shy away from
(even though it is a VS2). Some people are ok with black carbon outside of the table.

Lots of documentation on WF about ACAs if you want to learn more. They are AGS000
graded and have all the images to prove that they are excellent performers (ASET, IdealScopes and H&A images).
https://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/
 
Have you taken your GF shopping to look at GIA stones to determine her color preference? Or has she provided you with some guidance? What kind of setting are you looking at and what metal color (white, yellow, rose)?

I prefer #2 (3865909, $23742) over #1 in your WF choice. I don't like either of the JA options you posted by comparison.

You might also look at these WF options, as they give up a bit of size but retain the I color (which is generally the first color where 'tint' may be visible to most from the side).

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3891967.htm (2.427 I SI1 8.58 mm, $22566)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3817251.htm (2.396 I VS2 8.6 mm, $24198)

This JA option is quite good with a good IS. AGS0 2.46 J VS1, so clarity is lovely. This is quite nice for budget, but not a precision cut like the WF options. But, it shows you another balance in the budget. This very well cut and has a good IS. This stone is still WAY above what most people have, but the WF will edge this out if you are very observant about performance.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-j-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3176569 ($20730)
 

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With a larger diamond and more surface area, you definitely need to make sure the cut is top of the line! If all your proportions and angles are working well together, the color won't be as apparent. Also, if you find a vendor you trust working with, they can provide you with a full evaluation of the diamond (other than what is provided online). Looking though all the options can be challenging:) Good Luck on your search!
 
Thank you for all your suggestions! I'll take a look at them. I have talked to my GF, and showed her some pictures of the setting. She prefers the Legato Sleek Line from WF, and the six prong knife edged solitaire from James Allen will be her second option. It will either be 18k white gold or platinum. I just have few questions. Because my GF is not color sensitive and she is okay with lower color grade and larger size. But is I or J color going to look really tint/yellow on a white gold or platinum setting? And as long as the diamond is eye-clean and no black inclusion under the table, I think SI1 or VS2 is okay. But should I go with the I color SI1 or J color VS2? Last question, is WF ACA really way above than those James Allen diamonds with GIA 3 EX?
 
Short answer --- It depends. :mrgreen2:

Long Answer...
But is I or J color going to look really tint/yellow on a white gold or platinum setting?
No. An PS-approved I or J will not show color from the face. You may see some tint from the side. Most people can start to detect tint at I, but many can't. If your girl is one of those that don't -- go with the J if it gains you something else in size or clarity. Super-ideals like WF ACA tend to mask the tint a bit more to my eyes. Just a note about the knife edge, I personally find them terribly uncomfortable...others are fine with them. I have fingers that are wider at the base and they drive my adjacent fingers nutty.

But should I go with the I color SI1 or J color VS2?
Within WF ACA, I would put all three on hold and then ask the WF gemologist (not sales associated) to review the stones and give you their opinion. I think having expert eyes at the final selection is helpful to tell you their relative merits. I personally am willing to trade down a bit of size to gain better clarity and color in modern diamonds....others would trade away both for increased size. I carry around a 10x loupe and have a 40x microscope at work. So, I can't 'unsee' clarity woes.

Last question, is WF ACA really way above than those James Allen diamonds with GIA 3 EX?
For most, super-ideal have a noticeable difference in sparkle and fire. They are precision cut and the quantity and quality of the light return is truly a thing of beauty. I find the absolute perfection in symmetry and lack of any 'bad' angles compelling and satifies my anal retentive, detail oriented personality. However, that is not to say that you can't find worthy diamonds in non-super ideals. IF the IS looks good, that JA stone might suit.

I will say that I have rarely (ever?) heard of someone getting a super-ideal and then going back to a non-super ideal of the same shape. If there is a Hearts on Fire dealer near you, you could go have a look yourself (we like to call it 'Wallets on Fire', so leave yours at home; take the diamonds into natural light as much as they allow it). You could also see if there is a Crafted by Infinity retailer near you.

Are you or your GF super detail-oriented? Symmetry freaks? Do tiny bits of dust and dirt on your screen/windshield bother you? Are either of you in artistic fields were seeing differences is important? Are you the first to notice when a picture is off-level? If yes, then I'd stick with super-ideal. If you have more flexible approaches to visual details, then the JA stone is worth considering. It does not cost anything to get the IS on the JA stone, so it may be worth doing just to determine if it really is a contender or not.

Pics and commentary from people who have(had) both super-ideal and not.
Would you spend extra on a super ideal?

Would you spend extra on a super ideal?
 
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