Opinions needed

[Monst3ra]

Hi all,

I'm picking out an engagement ring. Let me tell you, it's been a wild ride learning all these aspects of diamonds in just a few days!

I have two options so far that I might go ahead with a purchase that's in my budget.

Option 1: 0.7 Carat / H / si2 / triple x cut / Contains twinning wisps but eye clean
Option 2: 0.7 Carat / G / si2 / triple x cut / Contains twinning wisps & feather but eye clean

Option 1 is about $100+ more.

In your opinion, is it better to go with the higher colour G but having 2 types of inclusions or a lesser colour H with only 1 type of inclusion? Noting that both are eye clean.

Thanks

 

[Kaycee2018]

For that size, H color would not be an issue for me. But for better advice, you should post the lab reports since what is more crucial is the specs of the cut and how well the angles work together. You can check the HCA scores here:

Holloway Cut Advisor | HCA Tool

The HCA Tool uses data from a round brilliant diamond to produce a score that can help you make an estimate regarding the cut quality. Use it here.

www.pricescope.com

 

[tyty333]

We need pictures of the stones and copies of the GIA reports. Its usually not good for the grade making inclusions to be twinning wisp. Or, I should
say, it may not be good. We need more info/pictures to figure it out.

 

[Monst3ra]

We need pictures of the stones and copies of the GIA reports. Its usually not good for the grade making inclusions to be twinning wisp. Or, I should
say, it may not be good. We need more info/pictures to figure it out.

This is the report for option 1 – thoughts? On the HCA it gave it a score of 5. (Will have option 2 report later.)

 

[MRBXXXFVVS1]

@Monst3ra I would not go with this diamond due to sub-optimal cut, despite excellent GIA grade. Let's see the HCA for the other one.

If you can post your budget and minimum spec requirements, we can find a great diamond for you!

 

[lovedogs]

Definitely dont choose a stone that scores over 2 (maybe 2.5) on the HCA. A score of 5 means that it is not a well cut stone

 

[Monst3ra]

@Monst3ra I would not go with this diamond due to sub-optimal cut, despite excellent GIA grade. Let's see the HCA for the other one.

If you can post your budget and minimum spec requirements, we can find a great diamond for you!

Oh wow. Thanks for the insight! The seller (as you would expect) kept telling me it's one of the good si2 he's seen.

My minimum requirement is 0.7 Carat / H / Si2 / Budget is around $3.7k US / $5.5k AUD

 

[ecf8503]

My minimum requirement is 0.7 Carat / H / Si2 / Budget is around $3.7k US / $5.5k AUD

For just the stone or both stone and setting?

 

[Monst3ra]

For just the stone or both stone and setting?

For both stone and setting If it's not achievable to get a good HCA score etc within my budget, do let me know.

 

[MRBXXXFVVS1]

Try to search with these PS-recommended proportions:

Table 54-59%
Depth 60-62.4%
Crown Angle 34-35 degrees (up to 35.5 or maybe even 36 degrees with shall (40.6 degree) pavilion, but additional checks are needed)
Pavilion 40.6-40.9 degrees

Look for clean, clear hearts and arrows in the diamond image. This could be a good one, but would have to request GIA report and run HCA.

0.81 Carat round diamond

This 0.81 carat round diamond H color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

I usually try to stick with VS or better clarity, as finding SI eye clean can be tough.

 

[lovedogs]

For both stone and setting If it's not achievable to get a good HCA score etc within my budget, do let me know.

What style setting do you want? And do I need to include any kind of import tax when looking at stones?

 

[Monst3ra]

What style setting do you want? And do I need to include any kind of import tax when looking at stones?

Trying to get a solitaire round cut. Oh yes, would have to include an import tax as I'm in Australia.

 

[Snowdrop13]

I’m not clear if your budget includes the taxes or not but here are some nicely cut stones which popped up on the search tool (above under resources tab),

Diamond | 0.700 ct H SI1 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4209282

This fabulous 0.700 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of SI1 and color grade of H.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4209282

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.733 ct H VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4178517

This fabulous 0.733 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of H.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4178517

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.707 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4219803

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.707 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4219803

www.whiteflash.com

 

[Monst3ra]

Hi all,

I haven't seen this diamond in person yet. But this is the report. It is $500 more than my budget and wondering if it's a good justification to spend the additional money on it. I know that's subjective, but opinions welcomed.

 

[lovedogs]

Trying to get a solitaire round cut. Oh yes, would have to include an import tax as I'm in Australia.

Does anyone know what the import tax is so we can search within OPs budget?

 

[lovedogs]

Hi all,

I haven't seen this diamond in person yet. But this is the report. It is $500 more than my budget and wondering if it's a good justification to spend the additional money on it. I know that's subjective, but opinions welcomed.

I think you can get a super ideal .7 stone on WF within budget, so I'd do that before going over budget for a different stone. Especially bc this one is H/SI2 and the WF options are H / SI1 for less $$

 

[gregchang35]

Does anyone know what the import tax is so we can search within OPs budget?

If buying from USA, there is an AUSFTA.. ie an agreement between the 2 countries of AUs and USA, where import taxes are $0. The vendor must complete the AUSFTA forms to minimise the duties/taxes. The min is 10% GST. Most vendors that sponsor this site know about this and will complete the forms for you. THere will be a $50 handling charge by the relevant courier.

IF the vendor does not understand or know about the AUSFTA, it will be approx the 15% taxes.

The invoice total will be converted to AUD, the applicable charges and then the 10% GST on top of all of that. Hence, it is about 15%.

Note the exchange rate is not the greatest at USD0.69c/ 1AUD. so these numbers will be a little bit more of a guide than anything.

So currently your budget for BOTH RING AND DIAMOND with taxes consideration (15% just in case vendor doesnt knwo abotu AUSFTA) will be about USD$3200 / $AUD 2220

if they know about AUSFTA then USD$3360/ AUD 2321

SO your budget will be taken up a bit with exchange rate and taxes.

@Monst3ra where in AUS are you?
@Garry H (Cut Nut) is a jeweler in Vic that may be able to help you.

 

[737liz]

Note the exchange rate is not the greatest at USD0.69c/ 1AUD. so these numbers will be a little bit more of a guide than anything.

So currently your budget for BOTH RING AND DIAMOND with taxes consideration (15% just in case vendor doesnt knwo abotu AUSFTA) will be about USD$3200 / $AUD 2220

I think you means USD 2220= AUS 3200?

 

[gregchang35]

I think you means USD 2220= AUS 3200?

Oops my mistake. 1aud=0.69USD.
The calculations I made are based on that.

sorry for confusion.