Picking the best ~0.50 round

[kb1gra]

Am I reasonably safe buying an AGS000 stone without doing too much additional analysis? And is it possible to determine some set of criteria that will give me my #1 preferred feature of a diamond -- really prominent visual symmetry?

My preferences don't tend towards the value spectrum-- I like bright white stones (D-F, but I've seen some G/H I don't mind) and mind clean (above VS2) but my biggest preference is a stone with a lot of contrast that really highlights the diamond's symmetry. If I want this, is there some set of stats that I should pursue? Should I limit myself only to branded H&A stones?

In other words...what trait produces contrast that really highlights symmetry, including visible arrows?

Budget is around $3kish for anything from .40-.55.

 

[ecf8503]

I like the way you think. I love icy colors too, and I admire your desire for good symmetry - but you need to make sure the symmetry of the arrows correlates with proper alignment of the facets (cut quality = optical performance) as well. That said, when cutters aim for proper optics the appearance of arrows will usually follow, but not always.

I'd stick with vendors known for top-notch cutting; Crafted by Infinity and Brian Gavin and Whiteflash's A Cut Above line come to mind. Here are a few to get you going:

0.53 D VS2 http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=1394

0.51 E VS1 http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=1054

0.50 F VS2 http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3265469.htm

0.55 D VS2 http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.557-d-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104054189022

0.59 E VS2 http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.597-e-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104070945027

 

[JulieN]

is this for a pendant?

You could try to find an Eightstar, or 8*-style, which are cut to have prominent arrows.

 

[kb1gra]

is this for a pendant?

You could try to find an Eightstar, or 8*-style, which are cut to have prominent arrows.

No, it is for a small bezel set "everyday" sort of ring.

 

[JulieN]

What size stone do you usually wear?

Are you used to high contrast in small stones?

 

[kb1gra]

My engagement ring is a 1.92tcw 3 stone-- 1.28 in the middle and .31 and .33 on the sides.

I also have a .44 bezel set H/VS2 Ideal cut diamond that exhibits the high contrast and visible arrows. It doesn't have a GIA cert so that is an appraiser's estimate. It's a nice stone, though. I've considered going to the same vendor for the ring (they now only do AGS000 stones) but I thought I could do better price wise buying my own.

Essentially I am looking for the solitaire version of what I have (it's in a 5 stone which contains green stones-- it's an inherited piece that I don't love, but the sentimental value is too much to take apart the existing ring).