Need some validation on diamond choice

[fishmana]

I recently purchased, but have not received, a custom setting and center stone from Whiteflash. The center stone is a 1.7 K VS2 AGS0 branded as "A Cut Above" shown here:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3098833.htm?source=pricescope...

I know this is a high quality cut due to the HCA score of 1.8 and the ACA branding, which makes me confident in the quality of stone I am getting. However, since I sent the payment (and work is just now beginning on the custom setting), I am having second thoughts about paying the extra value for the ACA branding and the super optimal symmetry, which won't be noticeable. I have since found a stone from Solomon Brothers that is slightly smaller at 1.62 carat, but significantly lower in cost (by about $3,300) with a very nice HCA score and GIA excellent symmetry (other specs are the same):

http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=7463F347&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope

My question is, besides the very slight reduction in size, what am I giving up by going with the much cheaper stone? Am I missing something? Given Solomon does not offer images of the actual stone on their site, are their pitfalls I should be looking out for? Having a little buyers remorse after seeing this stone and seeking some advice!

 

[alene]

I'll let someone more knowledgeable comment on the performance but I'm wondering if your comparison is entirely apples to apples size-wise. The small difference in weight comes with a pretty big difference in price, it seems. I was able to find just one H&A stone in the PS database that's the same weight, color and clarity as the Solomon Brothers' one and it's a good bit cheaper than the 1.7 ct. So while the super ideal stone comes with a premium, I don't think it's anywhere near $3k.

 

[Lorelei]

I recently purchased, but have not received, a custom setting and center stone from Whiteflash. The center stone is a 1.7 K VS2 AGS0 branded as "A Cut Above" shown here:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3098833.htm?source=pricescope....

I know this is a high quality cut due to the HCA score of 1.8 and the ACA branding, which makes me confident in the quality of stone I am getting. However, since I sent the payment (and work is just now beginning on the custom setting), I am having second thoughts about paying the extra value for the ACA branding and the super optimal symmetry, which won't be noticeable. I have since found a stone from Solomon Brothers that is slightly smaller at 1.62 carat, but significantly lower in cost (by about $3,300) with a very nice HCA score and GIA excellent symmetry (other specs are the same):

http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=7463F347&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope

My question is, besides the very slight reduction in size, what am I giving up by going with the much cheaper stone? Am I missing something? Given Solomon does not offer images of the actual stone on their site, are their pitfalls I should be looking out for? Having a little buyers remorse after seeing this stone and seeking some advice!

Hi fish,

Here are a few thoughts for you to add to alene's post. The ACA is a well known quantity, all the information you could possibly want is provided for you. This diamond meets the criteria to represent WF's top brand h&a stones. It boasts an AGS0 Ideal cut grade and report. It has all the images and analysis provided to prove optical performance and precision of the optical symmetry in the patterning. In case you aren't aware, optical symmetry is a different thing to lab graded physical symmetry of a diamond.

Whiteflash also offer a lifetime upgrade policy on this diamond and various other benefits, all of the above cost money and are part of the package you get with one of these diamonds. That's not to say the SB diamond isn't a very fine stone indeed but without images and a lot more information on the diamond and taking into account any after sales benefits SB's offer, we can't get a meaningful comparison at the moment unfortunately but you could certainly request images from SB's so we can learn more about this diamond.

Also, buyer's remorse I believe can be the sign of a smart buyer, there is nothing wrong with really questioning a purchase of this magnitude before the deal becomes irrevocable. You could certainly find out more about the SB's stone but might you lose the WF diamond in the process...? Then you might have to wait until another suitable diamond came along but if you could find a way to compare both without losing the one you have, then fine. You could of course ask WF if they could suggest any others if that would be easier for you, no harm in seeing what else is out there before you commit.

 

[MarionC]

If this helps at all...before I bought my ACA I thought I could find something comparable myself and ordered an AGS triple 0 that looked great on paper.
It was a beautiful stone, but I found that the light performance was not balanced - it was a fireball in certain lighting, then the performance dropped off in other lighting situations.
I decided to pay the premium to WF to pick an optimal diamond for me and went with one of their ACAs, which is "on" all the time. So I feel there really is a noticeable difference, and it was easier for me to let WF help me that continue to search & research. [and research & search].

This is just one person's story, so please don't take it as an absolute for your situation.

 

[Lorelei]

That's a very helpful post and good to hear of your experiences, thank you Jimmi!

 

[MarionC]

That's a very helpful post and good to hear of your experiences, thank you Jimmi!

Thanks Lorelei - I bought 11 diamonds in 6 months before finding my keeper- -- it was a process of educating myself through the very generous help of PSers, which I would not have traded for anything!

 

[fishmana]

Jimmianne, that does help. I do feel that the ACA gives me confidence I'm buying a superb diamond without even having to see it!

 

[MarionC]

Jimmianne, that does help. I do feel that the ACA gives me confidence I'm buying a superb diamond without even having to see it!

I'm excited for you and hope you will post your reaction -and some photos- when you get it!

 

[marcy]

Hi Fishmana,

The ACA does come at a premium but when you are buying diamonds sight unseen only trusting the "numbers", reports and images I feel the ACA gives me the reassurance I am getting the best diamond I can find. I am not saying the SB diamond isn't a great diamond but with an ACA you know what you are getting. Which one performs better? You'd have to have them side by side to see. I will be anxious to see your finished ring.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I also have bought H&A stones including ACA's because I didn't have the luxury of lining up 10 ex/ideal cut stones to compare. It's a sure thing...you know you are getting the best cut quality and that means no regrets later. All my regrets with jewelry have been when I compromised quality because of cost, and I would have been far better off waiting to get great quality.

That said, you can save money going with a diamond under 1.7 if WF has anything with specs you like. I will tell you that I'd personally go with a 1.5 ct stone and get I or J color at the lowest.