New Help Fast!!1 24 hour hold

[starbrite]

I have this on hold

2.15 ct F VVS2​

DIAMOND SPECIFICATIONS​

Depth %	61.7
Table %	56.0
Crown Angle	35.0
Star %	50.0
Pavilion Angle	40.8
Crown %	15.5
Lower Girdle %	75.0

This this good and less prone to turning dark in sun?​

 

[starbrite]

I don't know why specs aren't showing unless you highlight them.

Depth 61.7
Table 56
Crown Angle 35
Star 50
Pavillion Angle 40.8
Crown 15.5
Lower Girdle 75

Natural diamonds are so expensive these days, so I want to make the right decision on this one. Size 2.15 carat VVS2 F

 

[freddyboston]

this it ?

 

[starbrite]

Yes. The two videos look good, but I am concerned about sunlight performance. I also didn't notice the slightly thick girdle that could diminish how big the size looks.

 

[Dreamer_D]

What do you mean by “less prone to turning dark in the sun”?

 

[starbrite]

I’m looking at a 2.18 ct stone with a crown angle that’s on the steeper side. My concern is that diamonds with steep crowns can sometimes go dark in direct sunlight or strong overhead lighting. They may show less brightness and contrast because the light doesn’t reflect back optimally to the viewer. I’m trying to find a stone that holds its sparkle even in harsh lighting—less likely to ‘black out’ or lose life outdoors.

 

[jjca]

I think I know what you mean about “going dark” fears. That’s common in SIC/we’ll cut stones. The sparkle totally makes up for it - most of the time you’re outdoors it isn’t direction sunlight. Your body blocks some, trees, clouds, other people… all diffuse the light and a well cut stone will put on a light show!

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello, starbrite!
As jjca pointed out, you probably want a diamond that goes dark in direct sunlight - all diamonds will to some degree...it's the way diamonds behave in such intense direct lighting.

The key factor is finding a diamond with extremely high light return and optical performance that will blow away most other diamonds in every other lighting/viewing condition that will put it on a higher pedestal.

Without seeing pictures/videos/advanced images of the diamond in question in order to assess cut precision and optical symmetry, the numbers on the report are fantastic and begs for the diamond to be investigated further to ensure it has pinnacle optics.

(PS - it does and you're in great hands with the seller)

 

[Dreamer_D]

There are diamonds that might not go dark in direct sun — though why you’d want that I don’t know bc the phenomenon is a function of being overall really balanced and well cut. But I think it would be a more 60/60 type stone with a shallower crown and larger table and longer lower girdle facets.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I honestly think you have to judge a diamond's performance in all types of lighting. Direct sunlight is not the one source that I would use to judge performance. That is not the usual or most prevalent of lighting sources that I find myself in while looking at my diamonds. When they go dark in direct sunlight, it just reinforces for me the quality of their cut. Move over into filtered sunlight and watch the beautiful show!

 

[jjca]

There are diamonds that might not go dark in direct sun — though why you’d want that I don’t know bc the phenomenon is a function of being overall really balanced and well cut. But I think it would be a more 60/60 type stone with a shallower crown and larger table and longer lower girdle facets.

My 60/60 never went dark - but it also had no fire. Lots of sparkle - but no sparkle. Took a hot minute for me to get used to my SIC - but never going back because I’m obsessed with the fire and brilliance.

 

[MissGotRocks]

@starbrite, assuming the hold is over - did you decide to go for the diamond or keep looking?

 

[Dreamer_D]

My 60/60 never went dark - but it also had no fire. Lots of sparkle - but no sparkle. Took a hot minute for me to get used to my SIC - but never going back because I’m obsessed with the fire and brilliance.

That is the trade off. I would prefer dark in the sun.

 

[starbrite]

@starbrite, assuming the hold is over - did you decide to go for the diamond or keep looking?

Becca extended the hold until Monday. However, I'm starting to feel this particular diamond may not be the right one for me due to its steeper crown angle. I just don't know.

Because this is such an expensive purchase (for me anyhow), my feelings about what to do are now bouncing all over the place. I'm not willing to sacrifice lower light performance and fire for performance in full sun. But I also don't want a diamond that looks too dark when I'm out in the sun. This diamond is supposed to be for all-purpose, almost constant wear. Not for just now and then wear.

I found a smaller stone I really like that may cover all my bases, but in that sparkle video, the stone has unexplained, white microscopic artifacts of some sort. Plus, it is a lot smaller. I feel like I'm going in circles.

I do want to get a diamond (for a ring 10 years in the planning) before the next set of tariffs hit. I'm already having a lot of trouble swallowing the August 7th situation. Even more tariffs will mean no new diamond for me.

Although no one can avoid the tariff situation concerning the necessities of everyday life, I refuse to farther support any additional, future political whims with the purchase of an additionally inflated luxury item. The TACO situation already has foolishly blind sighted me to the current initial August tariffs actually becoming a reality concerning diamonds. Like everyone else, I'm not happy. But I can't go back.

So, it has become a situation for me to either find a diamond now or not ever get any new diamond. Beyond ethical considerations, the next tariff hike will also undoubtedly place any diamonds I may like out of my reach. That has put me in this "find something quick" situation. However, any diamond I buy now still has to be something that at least gives me what I currently have in my carefully selected, smaller ACA's.

Meanwhile, I'm emotionally bouncing all over the place trying to decide on a diamond that is currently in stock. All ACA's are phenomenal stones, but I want the right one for me. I like fire and lower light performance. But I also don't want a stone to go notably dark in sun like some ideal cuts can.

I already own a 5 stone ring with perfectly matched 40 point ACA diamonds that work in all lighting situations the way I like. So, this won't be my first ACA purchase. But a larger stone is a different ballgame than the ones in my 5 stone ring. So, I need help in vetting possible choices.

 

[starbrite]

I think I know what you mean about “going dark” fears. That’s common in SIC/we’ll cut stones. The sparkle totally makes up for it - most of the time you’re outdoors it isn’t direction sunlight. Your body blocks some, trees, clouds, other people… all diffuse the light and a well cut stone will put on a light show!

This makes sense. But I'm still unsure of what the higher crown angle may do with this specific stone. It's at the upper edge of ideal cut.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Many people love a higher crown as it provides more colored light return/dispersion in filtered light and more fire. Honestly I think you are being over critical and attempting to find something that doesn’t exist (super ideal cut and doesn’t go dark in the sun). It’s supposed to do that lol. It’s how fire is perceived by the eye. Focusing on that as a negative is just anxious perseveration IMO.

 

[jjca]

This makes sense. But I'm still unsure of what the higher crown angle may do with this specific stone. It's at the upper edge of ideal cut.

I have a 35 /40.8 from BGD - it’s insanely sparkly and bright white. Remember GIA rounding….

 

[MissGotRocks]

I have a 2.53 ACA graded by AGS so no rounding involved. The crown angle is 34.8 and the pavilion angle is 40.8. It is in my avatar picture. It is a beautiful diamond full of sparkle and fire. In direct sunlight, it goes dark just like all super ideal cut diamonds. However, I don’t spend all of my time in direct sunlight. I want optimal light performance in a variety of lighting environments and I got that. I think you are making this choice based on one aspect of lighting that is not the predominant one you spend time in most days. Is the 2.15 diamond an ACA? When you read about the darkness effect in the post above, you see that the pupil can’t take in all of the light at once in bright sunlight. That is a testament to its cut.
The tariff deal is real and I would hate for you to miss out owning a beautiful diamond due to rising cost. I also understand the struggle of deciding to spend money on a diamond. I think many of us have been there at one time or another. As long as spending the money won’t interfere with your day to day living, I say go for it. None of us can predict the future and what it may hold, so refusing happiness in today’s environment just doesn’t make sense. However, if you would be more comfortable with the money in the bank and would sleep better at night, then maybe a diamond isn’t for you.
Double check with Becca about their return policy. I know they have changed their upgrade policy but if you could return the diamond for a refund if you hated it, maybe that would give you peace of mind. Also ask Becca to do a video of the diamond for you so you can better judge what you are seeing in a still photo. Just remember that all super ideal cut diamonds go dark in direct sunlight. The crown angle will not affect that anymore than if the crown angle was 34.2. GIA has rounded it to 35 so that doesn’t mean it is 35 on the dot. Could be 34.7 or 34.8 too as an example.

Just make your best decision based on facts and not preconceived notions about what is or isn’t good. Again, I understand some of your hesitation, but I feel pretty confident it is a very well cut diamond. If you want an optimally cut diamond then you have to take the good with what you consider to be bad. A diamond that stays white all the time is truly not a well cut diamond. You want light play - otherwise, you could have a pearl that remains white all of the time. Does that make sense? Talk to Becca again on Monday and let her know what scares you about it. She may be better able to put your mind at ease. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[starbrite]

Many people love a higher crown as it provides more colored light return/dispersion in filtered light and more fire. Honestly I think you are being over critical and attempting to find something that doesn’t exist (super ideal cut and doesn’t go dark in the sun). It’s supposed to do that lol. It’s how fire is perceived by the eye. Focusing on that as a negative is just anxious perseveration IMO.

Indeed, I am a Nervous Nelly when thinking about actually getting a stone I've wanted for 10 years now. I'm one of those folks who have trouble hitting the BUY button, even when I think I've found just what I want. Would something around the corner really be better for me??? Am I paying too much? In this case, very probably not. That's why I put the diamond on hold when I saw it. Without over analyzing things, it felt right in the videos. I was headed out the door. Later, when I slowed down, I started to second guess myself.

BTW, I do love fire in a diamond. That was one of the things I concentrated on in the video.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Indeed, I am a Nervous Nelly when thinking about actually getting a stone I've wanted for 10 years now. I'm one of those folks who have trouble hitting the BUY button, even when I think I've found just what I want. Would something around the corner really be better for me??? Am I paying too much? In this case, very probably not. That's why I put the diamond on hold when I saw it. Without over analyzing things, it felt right in the videos. I was headed out the door. Later, when I slowed down, I started to second guess myself.

Well if I may be so bold I’d wager that there is not a stone out there that will satisfy those anxieties! Nothing is perfect. If you let yourself, maybe you can just fall in love, which ultimately means being smart about the choice and then just taking the leap and being uncritical.

 

[starbrite]

I have a 2.53 ACA graded by AGS so no rounding involved. The crown angle is 34.8 and the pavilion angle is 40.8. It is in my avatar picture. It is a beautiful diamond full of sparkle and fire. In direct sunlight, it goes dark just like all super ideal cut diamonds. However, I don’t spend all of my time in direct sunlight. I want optimal light performance in a variety of lighting environments and I got that. I think you are making this choice based on one aspect of lighting that is not the predominant one you spend time in most days. Is the 2.15 diamond an ACA? When you read about the darkness effect in the post above, you see that the pupil can’t take in all of the light at once in bright sunlight. That is a testament to its cut.
The tariff deal is real and I would hate for you to miss out owning a beautiful diamond due to rising cost. I also understand the struggle of deciding to spend money on a diamond. I think many of us have been there at one time or another. As long as spending the money won’t interfere with your day to day living, I say go for it. None of us can predict the future and what it may hold, so refusing happiness in today’s environment just doesn’t make sense. However, if you would be more comfortable with the money in the bank and would sleep better at night, then maybe a diamond isn’t for you.
Double check with Becca about their return policy. I know they have changed their upgrade policy but if you could return the diamond for a refund if you hated it, maybe that would give you peace of mind. Also ask Becca to do a video of the diamond for you so you can better judge what you are seeing in a still photo. Just remember that all super ideal cut diamonds go dark in direct sunlight. The crown angle will not affect that anymore than if the crown angle was 34.2. GIA has rounded it to 35 so that doesn’t mean it is 35 on the dot. Could be 34.7 or 34.8 too as an example.

Just make your best decision based on facts and not preconceived notions about what is or isn’t good. Again, I understand some of your hesitation, but I feel pretty confident it is a very well cut diamond. If you want an optimally cut diamond then you have to take the good with what you consider to be bad. A diamond that stays white all the time is truly not a well cut diamond. You want light play - otherwise, you could have a pearl that remains white all of the time. Does that make sense? Talk to Becca again on Monday and let her know what scares you about it. She may be better able to put your mind at ease. Good luck and keep us posted!

You made me stop to think about the ACA diamonds in my 5 stone ring. I have never noticed those stones go dark in full sun. If they do, it must not have been something that shouted out to me as a problem. They're beautiful stones in all lighting.

What you're saying makes a lot of sense.

Yes, this is an ACA. https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...vvs2-clarity-round-excellent-cut-sku-a4625278

I originally was hoping to have it made into a 3 stone ring similar to the beautiful ring in your avatar. I've always loved your ring. But right now, I just need to take the big step to say yes to the diamond. The ring design will come afterwards.

My e-ring is a family heirloom in my avatar. That stays on my left hand as it has been since the day we got married many moons ago. However, I've always wanted a similar sized modern cut "new" diamond for my right hand. I really don't lust after anything more. Although I have several right-hand rings, I do wear all my rings. I am not a collector. Seeing my rings on my hands (while just doing everyday things) makes me happy. Final line, this is somewhat a "forever" purchase to be worn frequently & have no regrets. That makes taking the leap to an actual purchase a little scary.

No, spending this money won't make a difference in our day to day living. We are very fortunate there. We're not wealthy, but we aren't just scraping by like many Americans are these days.

You speak very true words about not knowing about what tomorrow will bring. There is a lot of uncertainty connected to what I see happening in 2025. Meanwhile, the only value any jewelry really holds (whatever the price) is a feeling of happiness that wearing it provides. I know that I would never feel the same happiness from a Lab diamond, so there is a mindset involved with my getting this stone. Maybe that's why I have been overanalyzing things.

Waiting will only put this kind of diamond out of my reach if the tariff situation really sticks. I can see that it is many US businesses - plus especially the consumer - who are/will be suffering from the tariffs. I'm not willing to downgrade my dream and then be unhappy with the downgrade. That would be wasted money. So, it seems I must make the leap now or never, since I do still want a diamond that I've been wanting for so very long. Your little push of saying "go for it" (if I can) means a lot.

I guess I'm here for some hand holding to reassure me that this is a great stone and I am making a good decision.

Becca held my hand when picking out my 5 stone ring diamonds. She's so easy to work with. Because I was running out the door when I put this diamond on hold, I really didn't have a lot of time to talk to her on Thursday.

 

[starbrite]

Well if I may be so bold I’d wager that there is not a stone out there that will satisfy those anxieties! Nothing is perfect. If you let yourself, maybe you can just fall in love, which ultimately means being smart about the choice and then just taking the leap and being uncritical.

LOL. That applies to my husband. I had a dream man in mind until I fell in love. All these years later, I have no regrets.

Maybe all the hype about modern diamond stats really is making me seek a perfection that doesn't exist. If I have to err, I'd rather have the sparks of fire than ultra white brilliance in sun. As pointed out, I won't be holding my hand up to the sun.

 

[starbrite]

Hello, starbrite!
As jjca pointed out, you probably want a diamond that goes dark in direct sunlight - all diamonds will to some degree...it's the way diamonds behave in such intense direct lighting.

The key factor is finding a diamond with extremely high light return and optical performance that will blow away most other diamonds in every other lighting/viewing condition that will put it on a higher pedestal.

Without seeing pictures/videos/advanced images of the diamond in question in order to assess cut precision and optical symmetry, the numbers on the report are fantastic and begs for the diamond to be investigated further to ensure it has pinnacle optics.

(PS - it does and you're in great hands with the seller)

As just posted, here is all the info I have on the stone https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...vvs2-clarity-round-excellent-cut-sku-a4625278

 

[Dreamer_D]

All of WF stones are gorgeous. And in the sun you get to enjoy the bright flashes of fire. Same in big box store lighting!

 

[MissGotRocks]

You made me stop to think about the ACA diamonds in my 5 stone ring. I have never noticed those stones go dark in full sun. If they do, it must not have been something that shouted out to me as a problem. They're beautiful stones in all lighting.

What you're saying makes a lot of sense.

Yes, this is an ACA. https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...vvs2-clarity-round-excellent-cut-sku-a4625278

I originally was hoping to have it made into a 3 stone ring similar to the beautiful ring in your avatar. I've always loved your ring. But right now, I just need to take the big step to say yes to the diamond. The ring design will come afterwards.

My e-ring is a family heirloom in my avatar. That stays on my left hand as it has been since the day we got married many moons ago. However, I've always wanted a similar sized modern cut "new" diamond for my right hand. I really don't lust after anything more. Although I have several right-hand rings, I do wear all my rings. I am not a collector. Seeing my rings on my hands (while just doing everyday things) makes me happy. Final line, this is somewhat a "forever" purchase to be worn frequently & have no regrets. That makes taking the leap to an actual purchase a little scary.

No, spending this money won't make a difference in our day to day living. We are very fortunate there. We're not wealthy, but we aren't just scraping by like many Americans are these days.

You speak very true words about not knowing about what tomorrow will bring. There is a lot of uncertainty connected to what I see happening in 2025. Meanwhile, the only value any jewelry really holds (whatever the price) is a feeling of happiness that wearing it provides. I know that I would never feel the same happiness from a Lab diamond, so there is a mindset involved with my getting this stone. Maybe that's why I have been overanalyzing things.

Waiting will only put this kind of diamond out of my reach if the tariff situation really sticks. I can see that it is many US businesses - plus especially the consumer - who are/will be suffering from the tariffs. I'm not willing to downgrade my dream and then be unhappy with the downgrade. That would be wasted money. So, it seems I must make the leap now or never, since I do still want a diamond that I've been wanting for so very long. Your little push of saying "go for it" (if I can) means a lot.

I guess I'm here for some hand holding to reassure me that this is a great stone and I am making a good decision.

Becca held my hand when picking out my 5 stone ring diamonds. She's so easy to work with. Because I was running out the door when I put this diamond on hold, I really didn't have a lot of time to talk to her on Thursday.

You are right to be cautious and don't let anyone - especially me - talk you into something that you think you might not be happy with in the long run. I cannot pull up the link to the diamond presumably because it is on reserve. I do know, however, that the ACA diamonds are carefully vetted for their performance. You are wise to consider all of the attributes of these diamonds though so I can appreciate that. I own several ACA's and would not trade them for anything less at this point, but that comes from several years of appreciation for them. I too wear my diamonds and don't collect multiples of pieces. Some folks like variety, but I like what I like and just want wearable, enjoyable pieces of jewelry.

I always tell Becca that she is the real gem - she listens with a kind heart but adds no pressure. A rarity of sorts in the diamond industry but that is the business model for Whiteflash. My best piece of advice is just this - either buy it with the anticipation of a beautiful diamond but not with doubt about whether you will like it. I always tend to overanalyze and can talk myself in and out of something several times a day! I guess it is just a way of winding down on making a very important - and expensive - decision based on something that I really care about. There are many here on this forum that have been very happy with their ACA diamonds and for me, there is always truth in numbers. They will not jump out of the box at you with glaring beauty but will show their amazing ability in all sorts of lighting situations. We all have our favorite places to appreciate them as I am sure you do with your five stone. I can certainly hold your hand, but the decision really has to be yours to make. I wish you all the best in your deliberations!

 

[jjca]

All of WF stones are gorgeous. And in the sun you get to enjoy the bright flashes of fire. Same in big box store lighting!

I can’t even shop when I’m in Costco - I’m too busy taking pictures to show my husband

 

[jjca]

As just posted, here is all the info I have on the stone https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...vvs2-clarity-round-excellent-cut-sku-a4625278

That is absolutely fabulous! Wow!!!! What fire and sparkle.

 

[Tonks]

I guess I'm here for some hand holding to reassure me that this is a great stone and I am making a good decision.

Becca held my hand when picking out my 5 stone ring diamonds. She's so easy to work with. Because I was running out the door when I put this diamond on hold, I really didn't have a lot of time to talk to her on Thursday.

BUY THE DIAMOND.

It’s an ACA. It is going to blow 99% of the diamonds on the market out of the water. I own two larger ACAs (4.20 carat and 2.56 carat). Do they have slight differences? Yes. Are they both fabulous stones? YES.

That higher crown you are worried about is simply going to give you a fiery stone. So many of us search for these. This is a beautifully cut stone.

I get the anxiety, truly I do—looming tariffs are actually the reason I accelerated my purchase of the 2.56.

Trust Becca—she is good at her job and has great eyes. Inquire about the return policy. However, having spent a lot of time with ACAs, you are not going to want to return it.

Maybe all the hype about modern diamond stats really is making me seek a perfection that doesn't exist. If I have to err, I'd rather have the sparks of fire than ultra white brilliance in sun. As pointed out, I won't be holding my hand up to the sun.

You have to have realistic expectations. It it going to shoot light everywhere like a laser? No. It’s a diamond. They reflect light and behave differently in different lighting conditions. What you will get is a stone that looks bright white always (at least in my experience) and has a lot of fire.

Hope this helps!