Need some opinions on diamond

[midnightdestiny]

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for a diamond for an engagement ring and have short listed a couple of diamonds I've found. I've decided on two already (only need one! ) but just wanted to get an idea of what you guys think of the following. Which one would YOU choose and why? Any feedback will be appreciated

 

[Andelain]

I can't read that.

 

[midnightdestiny]

My uploaded image got automatically resized. This should be better:

http://imgur.com/poLRBpP

 

[Christina...]

hmm...I still can't read it either.

 

[Christina...]

I zoomed in at 400% and was able to read it. Is there a reason that you are looking at such high color and clarity? I ask because some people don't realize that they can purchase a stone that will be as visually pleasing and save thousands of dollars. For example, many people can not differentiate between an E and G, and the price difference is huge. It's also possible to have a completely eye clean Si1 and it will look as flawless as a VVS stone to anyone looking without a loupe. That said, high color and clarity are important to some people and they will happily choose a smaller diamond weight to have such high color/clarity.

 

[midnightdestiny]

Hi Christina,

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. If you click on the link then click on the thumbnail it should give you a readable image but I digress...

In case you couldn't tell I'm actually a complete noob when it comes to diamonds hence I here asking for some opinions

I chose such high color and clarity basically because I was trying to go for the best that I could afford. Frankly I haven't seen any actual diamonds yet so I probably couldn't tell the difference as well between an E and G.

Correct me if I'm wrong but one of my criteria was the diamond has to have a lot of "fire/shine" so my thinking was if it had an excellent cut and be near colorless then naturally it would produce this effect.

As for clarity this is a low priority for me because let's face it, when the diamond is being shown off, who actually whips out a loupe to analyze it right?

 

[RockyRacoon]

Hi Christina,

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. If you click on the link then click on the thumbnail it should give you a readable image but I digress...

In case you couldn't tell I'm actually a complete noob when it comes to diamonds hence I here asking for some opinions

I chose such high color and clarity basically because I was trying to go for the best that I could afford. Frankly I haven't seen any actual diamonds yet so I probably couldn't tell the difference as well between an E and G.

Correct me if I'm wrong but one of my criteria was the diamond has to have a lot of "fire/shine" so my thinking was if it had an excellent cut and be near colorless then naturally it would produce this effect.

As for clarity this is a low priority for me because let's face it, when the diamond is being shown off, who actually whips out a loupe to analyze it right?

Cut is the most important thing.

You don't need as high of clarity as you're looking at, nor do you necessarily need the color to be that high. Looking at VS1/VS2/SI1 stones will save you a considerable amount of money. VS1/VS2 and some SI1 stones should appear similar to the naked eye, when compared with VVS1/VVS2 stones. F or G color will also save you a significant amount vs. D/E.

Here are some worthwhile options to explore:

.525ct, G, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.525-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104067973045

.564ct, F, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.564-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104067041039

.708ct, F, VS1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.708-f-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959034

 

[midnightdestiny]

Thanks to all that have given me suggestions and advice so far. I've learnt A LOT about diamonds through my journey of finding the "perfect" diamond.

Having said that, I've re-evaluated my options, chose 3 different options and I'm THIS close to finalizing my purchase and I just need a few more opinions regarding these 3 diamonds.

If anyone can do some analysis on them and explain to me which one they'd choose other the other 2 and WHY I'd be really grateful!

 

[midnightdestiny]

No one at all?

 

[RockyRacoon]

Thanks to all that have given me suggestions and advice so far. I've learnt A LOT about diamonds through my journey of finding the "perfect" diamond.

Having said that, I've re-evaluated my options, chose 3 different options and I'm THIS close to finalizing my purchase and I just need a few more opinions regarding these 3 diamonds.

If anyone can do some analysis on them and explain to me which one they'd choose other the other 2 and WHY I'd be really grateful!

You aren't even in the right ballpark with these stones. I wouldn't buy any of them.

Since you're not as experienced, look to an experienced vendor who can help educate as you make your purchase. Reach out to Rhino at Good Old Gold, Wink at High Performance Diamonds, or Jamie at Brian Gavin Diamonds, and let them know what you're looking for.

You'll learn a lot more and end up with a really great, vetted stone.

 

[c-k]

Consider cut the #1 importance of a beautiful diamond

Look for an AGSL Ideal cut or a GIA Excellent. If you could post your budget, several will give suggestions.

RockyR has posted several beautiful stones.

 

[Gypsy]

The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F. And GIA Ex is not enough.
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want?
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut
Well one method is to start with a GIA Ex, and then apply the HCA to it.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/holloway-cut-advisor
The HCA is a rejection tool. Not a selection tool. It uses 4 data points to make a rudimentary call on how the diamond may perform.
If the diamond passes then you know that you are in the right zone in terms of angles for light performance.
Is that enough? Not really.
So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an idealscope image does. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/firescope-idealscope
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile, as they do not provide idealscope images for their diamonds. James Allen, HPD, Brian Gavin, GOG and WF do. That's why you see us recommending stone from them.

The Idealscope is the 'selection tool'. Not the HCA.
So yes, with a GIA stone you need the idealscope images. Or you can buy an idealscope yourself and take it in to the jeweler you are working with to check the stones yourself. Or you can buy the idealscope and,if you have a good return policy (full refund minimum 7 days), then you can buy the buy the stone, and do it at home.


Now if you want to skip all that... stick to AGS0 stones and then all you have to do is pick color and clarity and you know you have a great performing diamond. Because AGS has already done the checking for you. That's why they trade at a premium.