New to Pricescope, Need feedback please

[kencatt]

Hello All,

I've been lurking for a couple of weeks while shopping for an engagement ring for my soon to be fiance, I've learned much.. thank you all. I'm considering the James Allen stone/setting combination below and hope to get some opinions from the experts. My Goal is an eye-clean stone with good face up size and great light characteristics (HCA). I,m sure my girlfriend will love the James Alllen setting so decided to drop stone size under a carat to fit my budget.


Shape: Round
Carat weight: 0.94
Cut: Hearts & Arrows Ideal
Color: J
Clarity: VS2
Certificate: AGS
Depth: 62.3%
Table: 57.3%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to slightly thick
Culet: Pointed
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 6.22*6.26*3.89
Crown Angle: 35.9
Crown %:
Pavilion Angle: 40.7
Pavilion %:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1458696.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/Common-Prong-Engagement-Ring.html

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Clairitek]

I am not an expert but I will provide some information for the ones who come over to this thread.

I found the crown and pavilion angles on the AGS certificate. (here: http://www.jamesallen.com/grading_report.asp?pic=1458696).

Crown angle: 35.9
Pav angle: 40.7

HCA score was 2.6 with very good on everything across the board.

I'm going to go do some digging around to see if we can find something in that same price point but a little better cut. Since I don't know all of the science of this that well I would surmise that an AGS000 will be a gorgeous stone. My gut says it is a little deep so some of the weight of the diamond is hiding in the pav but I could be wrong.

 

[kencatt]

Great, appreciate the input!

 

[Clairitek]

A suggestion. But it is one color grade less than the J you linked before. From what I know, GIA is a bit more stringent on color than AGS so a GIA K may look similar to an AGS J. Experts, please correct me if I am wrong. This one has a better HCA grade for light return so that could boost apparent color.

1.07 K/SI1. Call them and ask about eye cleanliness. GIA Excellent Cut $4550 is the PS price.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1447849.asp

Table 55
Depth 61.9
Crown 34.5
Pav 41

Excellent symmetry and polish

HCA 1.8 with excellent light return and very good spread, fire, and scintillation.

ETA: You're welcome.

 

[shimmer]

Place the diamond on hold if you are considering it! I agree with Claire that GIA is often stricter on color grading than AGS. Not sure if I would go to K color though...

 

[Clairitek]

Place the diamond on hold if you are considering it! I agree with Claire that GIA is often stricter on color grading than AGS. Not sure if I would go to K color though...

Excellent advice. There are a lot of lurkers and it isn't a rare occurrence that someone is hunting for a stone and then it magically disappears before they can pull the trigger.

Found another one to consider. Its from Blue Nile but chances are JA can get it, too, if its a virtual stone. If JA can't get it I am going to search through BN's settings to find one similar to your original choice.

1.01 J SI1. I would call and ask if eye clean. I am useless with interpreting clarity plots. $4925 so it is a little more pricey than the one you originally listed.

GIA Certificate
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-cert-viewer?cert_pid=LD02457427&cert_num=1

Stone listing:
http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-j-color-si1-clarity_LD02457427

Table 57
Depth 60.9
Crown 34
Pav 41

HCA 1.4 X X VG VG

 

[Clairitek]

Ths setting from BN is very similar in aesthetic to the JA setting. Half the carat weight but it is four prong, 18k white gold, cathedral, and has melee down the shank.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-white-gold_9937

$831 so it is about $100 cheaper than the JA option.

 

[kencatt]

Clairitek and Shimmer; Thanks again for taking the time to help. I would like to stay with at least J color even with the AGS cert. I'd be happy with SI1 if vendor will confirm the "eye"test. The BN setting is nice but still prefer the JA setting, the thread below sold me on it;

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/james-allen-h-a-engagement-ring.125414/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/james-allen-h-a-engagement-ring.125414/[/URL]

I will certainly put stone on hold once Its a true contender.

 

[Clairitek]

Clairitek and Shimmer; Thanks again for taking the time to help. I would like to stay with at least J color even with the AGS cert. I'd be happy with SI1 if vendor will confirm the "eye"test. The BN setting is nice but still prefer the JA setting, the thread below sold me on it;

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/james-allen-h-a-engagement-ring.125414/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/james-allen-h-a-engagement-ring.125414/[/URL]

I will certainly put stone on hold once Its a true contender.

I can see why you prefer it! The IRL pictures are really lovely.

How about this one? Really, really close in diameter to your previous one but with a slightly better HCA score of 2.2.

GIA Excellent Cut J VS2 0.90 carat $4080 PS price.

6.24 x 6.21
Table 55
Depth 61.7
Crown 35
Pav 41

Ex sym and polish

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1445258.asp

Cert
http://www.jamesallen.com/grading_report.asp?pic=1445258


I believe I have read on PS that the average human eye can pick up 0.1 mm of difference in size so I don't think you would notice the size difference between this stone and the original one you suggested, even if they were put side by side.

 

[Clairitek]

Crown angle: 35.9
Pav angle: 40.7

I was reading too quickly before and totally missed that you had already listed all of the information needed to run the HCA before... doh! My excuse is that it was before coffee...

 

[kencatt]

Clairitek and Shimmer; Thanks again for taking the time to help. I would like to stay with at least J color even with the AGS cert. I'd be happy with SI1 if vendor will confirm the "eye"test. The BN setting is nice but still prefer the JA setting, the thread below sold me on it;

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/james-allen-h-a-engagement-ring.125414/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/james-allen-h-a-engagement-ring.125414/[/URL]

I will certainly put stone on hold once Its a true contender.

I can see why you prefer it! The IRL pictures are really lovely.

How about this one? Really, really close in diameter to your previous one but with a slightly better HCA score of 2.2.

GIA Excellent Cut J VS2 0.90 carat $4080 PS price.

6.24 x 6.21
Table 55
Depth 61.7
Crown 35
Pav 41

Ex sym and polish

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1445258.asp

Cert
http://www.jamesallen.com/grading_report.asp?pic=1445258


I believe I have read on PS that the average human eye can pick up 0.1 mm of difference in size so I don't think you would notice the size difference between this stone and the original one you suggested, even if they were put side by side.

I'm sure I wouldn't notice the 1mm but dont show the two stones to my gf! That is a nice but I'm still hoping to get closer to a carat or at least be able to round up when asked what size it is

btw, my price point is $6K

 

[tyty333]

You might check on this one. Make sure its eye-clean. It is over a carat.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1461965.asp

You could check on this one also. You would need to request an aset. The HCA is
over 2 but the aset will tell whats really going on. It looks like it could be a nice stone.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1461833.asp

You get 3 free asets from JA. After you get them post them here.

 

[Clairitek]

Clairitek and Shimmer; Thanks again for taking the time to help. I would like to stay with at least J color even with the AGS cert. I'd be happy with SI1 if vendor will confirm the "eye"test. The BN setting is nice but still prefer the JA setting, the thread below sold me on it;

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/james-allen-h-a-engagement-ring.125414/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/james-allen-h-a-engagement-ring.125414/[/URL]

I will certainly put stone on hold once Its a true contender.

I can see why you prefer it! The IRL pictures are really lovely.

How about this one? Really, really close in diameter to your previous one but with a slightly better HCA score of 2.2.

GIA Excellent Cut J VS2 0.90 carat $4080 PS price.

6.24 x 6.21
Table 55
Depth 61.7
Crown 35
Pav 41

Ex sym and polish

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1445258.asp

Cert
http://www.jamesallen.com/grading_report.asp?pic=1445258


I believe I have read on PS that the average human eye can pick up 0.1 mm of difference in size so I don't think you would notice the size difference between this stone and the original one you suggested, even if they were put side by side.

I'm sure I wouldn't notice the 1mm but dont show the two stones to my gf! That is a nice but I'm still hoping to get closer to a carat or at least be able to round up when asked what size it is

btw, my price point is $6K

If I had a 0.90 carat diamond I totally would be saying "About a carat" if ever asked (and I've never been asked about my carat weight by anyone other than a PSer).

Good to know about the budget increase. I was trying to keep it at or under $4700 for the most part since that was the price for your original choice.

 

[Clairitek]

Ok $6k opens up some options!

I assume you are open to over a carat within your other specs (J+ color, eye clean, ideal cut) if budget affords?

1.17 J SI1 $5610 PS price.
Need to ask for a diamond image, about eye cleanliness, and for an ASET (like tyty mentioned). Tutorials on how to read them can be found in the knowledge section I believe.

Diamond listing
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1462091.asp

Cert
http://www.jamesallen.com/grading_report.asp?pic=1462091

HCA Score 1.4 x/x/x/vg
Table 58
Depth 61.3
Crown 34.5
Pav 40.8

1.09 J VS2 PS Price $5930

Diamond Listing
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1457516.asp

Cert
http://www.jamesallen.com/grading_report.asp?pic=1457516

HCA Score 2.5 VG across the board
Table 58
Depth 62
Crown 35
Pav 41

 

[kencatt]

Ok $6k opens up some options!

I assume you are open to over a carat within your other specs (J+ color, eye clean, ideal cut) if budget affords?

1.17 J SI1 $5610 PS price.
Need to ask for a diamond image, about eye cleanliness, and for an ASET (like tyty mentioned). Tutorials on how to read them can be found in the knowledge section I believe.

Diamond listing
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1462091.asp

Cert
http://www.jamesallen.com/grading_report.asp?pic=1462091

HCA Score 1.4 x/x/x/vg
Table 58
Depth 61.3
Crown 34.5
Pav 40.8

1.09 J VS2 PS Price $5930

Diamond Listing
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1457516.asp

Cert
http://www.jamesallen.com/grading_report.asp?pic=1457516

HCA Score 2.5 VG across the board
Table 58
Depth 62
Crown 35
Pav 41

Thanks again Clairitek and all that have helped thus far. Sorry I've been slow in responding, future fiance and I live together so can be difficult to reply at times. Clairitek .. the $6K number includes the setting which adds $975 from J Allen (11104W, linked above) so your last recommendations are out of reach for me. I wonder if anyone knows of a (very) similar setting that is less expensive?

I should also mention that I've been working with IDJ to find a ring as well, thus far Yekutiel has been helpful and responsive but certainly focused on IDJ stones and settings. I'm still weighing options at his point but really like the JA 11104 setting.

Thanks All

 

[Clairitek]

Thanks again Clairitek and all that have helped thus far. Sorry I've been slow in responding, future fiance and I live together so can be difficult to reply at times. Clairitek .. the $6K number includes the setting which adds $975 from J Allen (11104W, linked above) so your last recommendations are out of reach for me. I wonder if anyone knows of a (very) similar setting that is less expensive?

I should also mention that I've been working with IDJ to find a ring as well, thus far Yekutiel has been helpful and responsive but certainly focused on IDJ stones and settings. I'm still weighing options at his point but really like the JA 11104 setting.

Thanks All

I realized last night at one moment that you meant setting + stone in the figure. You must thinkg my reading comprehension skills are not very good!

I do not have personal experience with IDJ but I've read many good things about them and their customer service. I am glad that you are getting help there, too.

I'll poke around some more to find a setting more similar to the JA setting than that BN one.

No need to apologize about slow response times. The thread is a good place for those of us trying to help to dump information for you to peruse when you can.

 

[Clairitek]

Probably not exactly what you want, but figured I would throw this out there.

Whiteflash Rounded Open Cathedral setting
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...pen-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-626.htm

With this diamond
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2762879.htm

1.8 on HCA ex/vg/vg/vg


I've seen that setting in person and it's gorgeous. Their settings are really well made (though this is not to say that a JA setting won't be). Whiteflash's melee is ideal cut and extremely sparkly. I highly recommend working with Bob Hoskins there.

 

[kencatt]

Very Nice.. both the settting and the stone. I like that WF lists the "eye-clean" stat as well. Thanks for the reference.

 

[kencatt]

You might check on this one. Make sure its eye-clean. It is over a carat.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1461965.asp

You could check on this one also. You would need to request an aset. The HCA is
over 2 but the aset will tell whats really going on. It looks like it could be a nice stone.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1461833.asp

You get 3 free asets from JA. After you get them post them here.

Experts.. Help

Please comment on the stone below, I'm not sure how to read these. Stone is a 0.91CT J VS2 Table 57, Depth 60.7, 34/41 HCA 1.3 EX/EX/VG/VG

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc487/kencatt/IMG_7709.jpg

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc487/kencatt/IMG_7695.jpg

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc487/kencatt/IMG_7696.jpg

 

[kencatt]

Oops guess I'll have to figure out how to post

 

[kencatt]

one

two

Three

 

[Clairitek]

From my point of view, the cutting looks superb. The hearts are symmetrical and the arrows are, too. Those proportions look awesome, as well.

Is this an IDJ stone or JA? My bet is that it is gorgeous.

 

[kencatt]

Clairitek, yes its the IDJ stone. Yek is looking for a setting more like the whiteflash one you linked earlier, really like that setting. This stone looks nice to my untrained eye and the HCA scores are great, still hoping to get some of the experts to weigh in.. should I pm anyone?

 

[06pvc]

can you ask for and post the Idealscope/ASET pictures as well? IDJ is equiped to take these, and it will give a better idea about the light performance of the stone.To my untrained eye it looks great nice.

 

[kencatt]

can you ask for and post the Idealscope/ASET pictures as well? IDJ is equiped to take these, and it will give a better idea about the light performance of the stone.To my untrained eye it looks great nice.

Yes, I'll ask for those on Monday. Sounds like you're familiar with IDJ? .. Have you purchased from them in the past?
Thanks,
Ken

 

[Dreamer_D]

The IDJ stone is great, you do not need an IS image when you already know it is GIA Ex and has a good HCA score. I have never seen a diamond that passes those two cut criteria and has a poor IS image. You found a winner!

It is a particular flavour of cut, in case you are cusious, with long lower halves giving it those really thin arrows. Will have lots of pin fire and "faster" looking scintillation. Also will look blazing white.

 

[06pvc]

Yes, I'll ask for those on Monday. Sounds like you're familiar with IDJ? .. Have you purchased from them in the past?
Thanks, Ken

I just worked with Yekutiel to buy an ER in January (she said yes this past last week!). Had a great experience working with them. I think the best feature they have is their best price program. Basically there are a lot of websites out there that list virtual stones but don't have good pictures, IS, ASET etc. Working with IDJ will allow you to buy those same stones, but with pictures etc that insure it is a high caliber stone.

It is a particular flavour of cut, in case you are cusious, with long lower halves giving it those really thin arrows. Will have lots of pin fire and "faster" looking scintillation. Also will look blazing white.

This sounds liike the diamond I bought too.

 

[kencatt]

Congratulations 06pvc! and Thank You Dreamer for the input.. very re-assuring.

 

[kencatt]

I still haven't settled on a setting yet, I do like this one Clairitec recommended earlier this week;

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/rounded-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-626.htm

IDJ is going to show me a similar setting Monday I'd appreciat4e any recommendations for this type of setting, should I be concerned with the quality of the smaller stones or how high the primary stone will sit.. etc..

 

[Dreamer_D]

That setting is a stocl piece from Unique Settings of New York I know because I used to own the same mount but in white gold. It is *very* nice for the price point. IDJ can order you the exact same mount from Unique.