Newbie needs help with studs for X-mas

[mbenrud]

I need help deciding on what diamonds to buy, for some studs that I am going to give my wife for X-mas. I want to get about 1ctw. I have picked out two sets of diamonds. Here is the first pair.

http://whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958329.htm
http://whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958331.htm

Here is the second set:
http://whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958316.htm
http://whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958356.htm

Are these good enough? Am I spending too much? Are these sets compatible?
A response would be very much appreciated,
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Search for stones with shallow proportions and ideal-scope images that have extra darkenss inside the table and they will be bigger and sparkle more.

I would not suggest spending the premium on H&A''s - if you must then spend more then put it on bigger size

 

[valeria101]

Hm... maybe the H&A are a bit of overkill practically, but other diamonds with information about cut quality do not seem to come much cheaper. They are not the most expensive even on the list of certified diamonds with no cut pedigree.

It could be a pair of G-SI1 for about $2500 like these:

Link 1 0.51cts, 5.11- 5.14mm, table 55%, depth 61.5%, crown/pavilion angles: 34.3 /40.5 (HCA=0.5 Ex.)

LINK 2 0.52 cts, 5.19-5.21mm, table 55%, depth 60.8%, crown/pavilion angles: 34.0/40.6 (HCA=0.6 Ex.)

Both have AGS reports and AGS1 cut grades... No H&A status advertised but as it happens, the proportions turn out promising.

Does the price difference matter?


A pair of GIA graded half carats without any cut information as they come are not much cheaper. Those could turn as lovely as the above, only it remains up to you and the seller to agree on how to check and guarantee cut quality. Since there are no stats on the lab reports and not all sellers can provide pictures... and Sarin tests take forever and are not perfect so to say. Well, it is up to you. You could agree with the seller on a quality standard based of Aset or IdealSCope observation, or? Maybe Garry can come with a practical idea how to go about it

I like what he says about less pricey (or larger?) diamonds, but how to tell them apart? practically...


My usual 0.02

 

[mbenrud]

Gary, Ana, I greatly appriciate your response, and guidance. I have spent some time at this web site reading about buying diamonds, and the things to look for, but I still find it a bewildering process. H&A is not a requirement, and the price difference is not a big issue. I just want to be sure that I am buying a couple of nice diamonds that my wife will love, without spending more than I need to.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[fisiogrl]

Use the WF expert selection ''ready-to-go'' section for diamond studs. The stones are spectacular and a great match. WF picks them for you and they really are great value. I just got mine and they are gorgeous!

You should find what you want there.