Opinions PLEASE!!!

[mrsj]

I'm looking for an approximately .50ct RBC for a Petite Pave engagement ring. I'm aware of the need to maximise cut for my buck.
Looking to spend around $2,000 - $2.400 for the stone. I have been researching and following tips from helpful Pricescopers in order to narrow it down.
I would REALLY appreciate any opinions on the following diamond, or to help lead me if I'm not going in the right direction. There are images of the diamond available on the GCAL report on the Blue Nile website.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-g-color-vs2-clarity_LD03475903

Thank you SO much in advance!

 

[MarionC]

Here are a couple more...
The one you've chosen has a good HCA score, but is only "very good" in scintillation.




http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.51-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-303082

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3061797.htm?source=pricescope

 

[mrsj]

Thanks very much for you advice Jimmianne.

Updated request: I am looking exclusively at Blue Nile diamonds (I am aware a number of Pricescopers will be adverse to this, but that is my decision).
In saying this, following on from Jimmianne's advice I have selected the following 4 diamonds on Blue Nile and would appreciate any feedback anybody has the time to give. Thank you

http://www.bluenile.com/au/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-g-colour-vvs2-clarity_LD03983861?keyword_search_value=ld03983861

http://www.bluenile.com/au/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-f-colour-vs2-clarity_LD03892903

http://www.bluenile.com/au/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-h-colour-vs2-clarity_LD03984195

http://www.bluenile.com/au/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-h-colour-vs2-clarity_LD04141665

 

[mrsj]

Bump...

 

[Gypsy]

If you want to shop at Blue Nile, that's your choice. Stick to the Signature LIne and run the stones through the HCA. And read the below (so you understand what the HCA is).

The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F. And GIA Ex is not enough. And you must stick to GIA and AGS only. EGL is a bad option: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/[/URL]
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want?
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut
Well one method is to start with a GIA Ex, and then apply the HCA to it. YOU DO NOT USE HCA for AGS0 stones.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/holloway-cut-advisor
The HCA is a rejection tool. Not a selection tool. It uses 4 data points to make a rudimentary call on how the diamond may perform.
If the diamond passes then you know that you are in the right zone in terms of angles for light performance. Under 2 is a pass. Under 2.5-2.1 is a maybe. 2.6 and over is a no. No score 2 and under is better than any other.
Is that enough? Not really.
So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an idealscope image does. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/firescope-idealscope
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile, as they do not provide idealscope images for their diamonds. BGD, James Allen, GOG, HPD, ERD and WF do.

The Idealscope is the 'selection tool'. Not the HCA.
So yes, with a GIA stone you need the idealscope images. Or you can buy an idealscope yourself and take it in to the jeweler you are working with to check the stones yourself. Or if you have a good return policy (full refund minimum 7 days) then you can buy the idealscope, buy the stone, and do it at home.


Now if you want to skip all that... stick to AGS0 stones and then all you have to do is pick color and clarity and you know you have a great performing diamond. Because AGS has already done the checking for you. That's why they trade at a premium.

 

[Roqsteady]

The F VS2 looks the best in terms of least light leakage, good proportions, and decent hearts & arrows patterning. I'd say the G color would come in second.

 

[mrsj]

After all of the amazing help from many members here on Pricescope, I went ahead and purchased my stone from James Allen last week! It is currently on the FedEx vehicle for delivery, and in my excitement I just wanted to thank everyone again!