Opinions: Would love some help on an AGS 0!

[Magester]

Hi Everyone,

I have been learning what to look for in a diamond over the last month. I have been working with both Todd (Niceice) and Brian (BG) and have identified a few options... I just wanted to get everyones thoughts since I am planning to make a purchase in the next week or two. Anything to watch out for in any of these stones?

http://www.niceice.com/certcopies2009/ags0010271801/index.htm - AGS 0 1.59 VS1 F

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104047809010 - AGS 0 1.53 VS1 D

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040397620024 - AGS 0 1.51 VS2 E

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317123.asp - AGS 0 1.55 VS1 F


I find it difficult to justify paying ~ 25% - 30% more for the niceice 1.59 and BG 1.53 for just a clarity / color grade higher. Thoughts?

 

[yssie]

they are all beautiful - request the hearts pic for the first BGD to confirm. Any of those would be lovely stones.

the infinity comes with a lot more tests/information than the others - accounting for the premium, if that is something that is important to you.

 

[Magester]

they are all beautiful - request the hearts pic for the first BGD to confirm. Any of those would be lovely stones.

the infinity comes with a lot more tests/information than the others - accounting for the premium, if that is something that is important to you.

Thanks - I think they are all pretty nice too! I will request the hearts pic for the first BG for confirmation. I think I am actually leaning towards the BG 1.51 right now based upon the value for the price.

I am a fan of the infinity stone on Todd's site, but the infinity stones do seem to go for a bit of a premium like you mentioned...

Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[Amys Bling]

any one of those stones would be amazing!

I personally would also lean towards the 1.51 for 19,900. I wouldnt want to pay the premium for the D VSI- as you really- in all likelihood wont be able to see a visible different in the D to F color- or in the VSI to VS2 clarity. The visual size difference in the stones is so minimal. I like the pricing for what you get in the 1.51 best.

 

[cliqhere]

1.51! With the money saved buy the setting you think it would go perfect for it

 

[Lula]

You've got some great choices there. Have you compared the return, upgrade, buyback, etc., policies among the companies? Nice Ice and the other Infinity dealers have the most generous upgrade and buyback policies of the online vendors, if that matters to you, and it does account for some of the price premium.

 

[Stephan]

4 very nice diamonds.
I'd pick the E-VS2, with its small table and long star facets.
It should be full of fire!
I love it!

 

[Magester]

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts... It really seems like the 1.51 E VS2 is everyone's choice!

I think I have narrowed my options down to the 2 BG stones, but am still not sure which one I prefer. I have actually switched preferences several times this week, but am hoping to make up my mind over the weekend! I spoke with Brian and he told me that the 1.51 had more "fire", but he also said that both are very nice stones - the 1.53 D VS1 is just more rare, hence the higher price. In fact, Brian said the VS1 is so clean that it is almost a VVS2.

Other details... Both stones are eyeclean (9 to 11 inches away with 20/20 vision)... the 1.51 has 3 needles and has some small clear crystals that are visible under magnification. The 1.53 has some clounds that are only visible under 40x.

Please be very critical with the detailed images because I am not very good at reading them... On the surface images, can someone please tell me why the 1.51 looks to have a bit of a yellow reflection, while the 1.53 seems to have a blueish reflection? Is this the stones, or just a result of the picture which can change from picture to picture? Also, the 1.53 seems to be "clearer" than the 1.51 in the picture... What does this mean?

I really appreciate the help and promise to post final pictures for everyone to see...

 

[slg47]

yeah I am assuming the differences in color are due to photography? but I am no photography expert. I would go with the E VS2

 

[diamond_seeker]

I'll throw my .02 in....i say go with the BGD E VS2. Good luck!!

 

[Stephan]

E-VS2, I'm sure it has a lot of fire.
Of course, if you really don't care about the money, then buy the D.
(I have a 1.56ct L color VS1 BGD, it's also a VVS2 border case and inclusions are very very difficult to find with a 10x loupe.)
Both look perfect, it just depends on your budget and what is mind clean for you.
Most of us think that VS2 is the best clarity/money you can buy.
The D looks interesting too, the bold arrows and the long star facets...
Well... this doesn't help, right?

 

[Magester]

Great comments - thanks everyone!

Queen Mum - you play both sides well!

I am still thinking about it, but I am leaning towards the 1.51... I will keep everyone posted!

 

[Magester]

Everyone,

I wanted to post a quick update... Late yesterday I was convinced that I made a decision on the 1.51... However, upon final review late last night before going to bed, I stumbled upon this 1.7 on the BG page. I have been staring at it all morning and I just spoke with Brian for about an hour. I now have a feeling that I didn't get with any of the other 3 stones - this is the one!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040381680001

I will keep everyone posted with pictures once it is set and the proposal is finished! Thank you for all the help! Thoughts / comments appreciated!