Now it's time to pick one. Guys please help!

[rstyle]

Hi guys,

Thanks everyone who helped out in my search process. Now that I have a pool of candidates, I would like comments from you guys. Basically, I have put them into two groups. Group A is a little bit inferior cut (or blue fluorescence), but larger carat weight; Group B is smaller stones but better cuts. Let me know which group you think is better and which stone you think is better within that group (so that you only need to look into one group that you think is better).

My ideal stone would be completely eye clean (any angle and distance), ok color (I+), excellent cut, and then as large as possible. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Group A

A1. http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-5ct-i-vs2-hand-selected-premium-round-ideal-cut-diamond.html
A2. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...1.500-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104079100011
A3. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...1.531-h-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104077586003
A4. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3400965.htm
A5. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3430624.htm
A6. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3435429.htm

(A6 is an exception. At this price for an ACA I VS2, I suspect some inclusion might be visible. I haven't asked yet as I just found it today)

Group B

B1. http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-35ct-i-vs2-superior-round-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html
B2. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.250-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104072616006
B3. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.275-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104078383003
B4. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3236276.htm
B5. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253507.htm
B6. http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3265525.htm

I'm also curious as what additional steps do you guys take before pulling the final trigger? I'm certainly going to make sure with the sale rep that the stone is completely eye clean. If possible, I'll ask for some photos as well. What else do you guys typically do? Thanks a lot!

 

[MissGotRocks]

You have quite a range there. First of all, only you can determine your color preference and if you like fluorescence. An expert selection from WF may be a slightly inferior cut to a cut above stone but will still be far superior to many other stones you can find. Many would tell you that you probably wouldn't be able to distinguish the small nuances of difference. Eye clean from all angles could wipe out stones from SI2 to VS2 - depending on the size and color of the inclusions.

Call these vendors and discuss with them what you would most like to have in a stone. They would be happy to discuss and recommend stones from their stock for you to consider. You have several parameters that you need to narrow down in terms of color, clarity and fluorescence before you choose a stone.

 

[rstyle]

Thanks for the reply, MissGotRocks.

I know I might included too many. Let me rephrase my question and narrow it down to Group A only now. I feel I am quite specific on specs in this group. There are six stones, all within H-I, VS1-VS2 range:

A1 might be a little bit noisy on the clarity graph, but GOG sale rep said it is completely eye clean;

A2 and A3 (A2 confirmed to be completely eye clean) are both BGD Signature Blue. From my understanding, their cut quality should be the same as BGD Signature, only that they have strong blue fluorescence. I'm personally fine with it, but any comments on extra caution when purchasing a Blue would be appreciated;

A4 and A5, WF has confirmed me that they are completely eye clean. A6 I hasn't got the chance to ask yet. All three look pretty good to me.

If anyone think that one particular stone is a definitely No-No based on IdealScope or ASET (as you may be more experienced at looking at those graphs than I do), please let me know so that I could narrow down. Thank you so much!

 

[MissGotRocks]

The A6 from WF says it is eye clean. You will have to ask them about their definition vs. your definition. I think from group A it would be my pick because of cut, size and price. Some people love fluorescence and find it a plus; some don't. I personally would choose a stone without it. The hue the fluorescence produces can be beautiful but in my mind's eye, I like a steely white diamond. However, that is strictly personal preference and if you consider it a plus, you might want to choose on of BGD's blues. Many here have purchased them and love them!

 

[rstyle]

Thank you so much!

Yep, my definition of eye-clean is a little bit different from theirs. I'm going to check with them first thing tomorrow.

 

[rstyle]

Any more comments please! Currently let's focus on Group A.

Please also let me know what steps I should take before I make the final call! Thank you so much!

 

[JDDN]

My top 2 picks would be A6 and then A5. A6 because it is an ACA, it has a bit more size, and the price seems right.

For the BGD stones, I would probably opt for the 1.5 carat mainly due to cost. I have heard nothing but good things about his Blue line. Personally I like no fluorescence in my stones, so I would choose A6 or A5. Fluorescence is very much a personal preference so it's hard to say if it's the right fit.

Exciting, they are all beautiful stones!

 

[rstyle]

Thank you so much! I'm leaning towards A6 too. I just feel the price might be too good to be true. Going to confirm how clear it is to naked eyes tomorrow.