Picking the right diamond

[firsttimer6]

Hi all,

I'm a newcomer here although I've been lurking and reading threads on and off for a while now. I have finally done the easy part of finding a woman I want to marry, but on to the hard stuff... picking out a center stone. We've visited a few local shops so I can get an idea of what she wants and see how well her expectations mesh with my budget. I've picked out a ring (Pave .50 ct. t.w., solitary center stone, white gold, matching wedding band, six prong) from a local store (Shane Co.). The store has a great reputation in my area and ideally I'd like to buy the center stone from them too, but their selection is lacking. I'm in need of some advice/suggestions for a center stone. I'll post some links shortly of stones I have been looking at.

Budget: $10.5K for center stone
Color: H or better
Clarity: Eye clean (I assume this is VS2 or better) I have trouble looking at the photos in certs and determining what I will actually be able to notice.
Shape: Round
Size: 1.25-1.5, bigger is better

Obviously I want to get the best diamond for my budget (just like everyone else). I would like to get a diamond that is cut well and sparkles as it should. I have been looking on rarecaret and whiteflash the most, but am open to suggestions.

I look forward to feedback and suggestions and hopefully I can become an educated consumer. Thanks!

Edit:
Some stones I have been looking at.
https://www.yadavjewelry.com/diamond/round-diamond-1.33-carat-g-vvs1-yd3909941
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R141-61Z930492?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc
https://www.shaneco.com/loose-diamo...illiant-round-diamond/p/18J0YM9?isUnload=true

 

[ringo865]

Can you post a pic of the setting you like. I don’t know that you’ll get recommendations to buy anything from Shane. @sledge embarked on a similar journey, but ended up with AMAZEBLING for his woman. (From P.S. not Shane)

 

[lovedogs]

The Shane co diamond is not good at all, unfortunately. I honestly would recommend you steer clear of them, since the settings won't be as high quality as ones you can find from trusted PS vendors. The ED diamond seems to have leakage under the table (the light pink). The YADAV one I'd ask about an aset/IS images to confirm light performance. Can we see a picture of the setting you like? That would help us steer you in the right direction

 

[lovedogs]

I like these ones your budget

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3965471.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3970291.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947706.htm

 

[sledge]

Edit:
Some stones I have been looking at.
https://www.yadavjewelry.com/diamond/round-diamond-1.33-carat-g-vvs1-yd3909941
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R141-61Z930492?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc
https://www.shaneco.com/loose-diamo...illiant-round-diamond/p/18J0YM9?isUnload=true

1.33 G VVS1 @ Yadav: 57 table, 61.9 depth, 35 crown, 40.8 pavilion and 75 LGF

It has potential. You are paying for overkill on clarity. Many SI1 stones will be eye clean if buying from a vendor that stocks and vets their stones like WF. Buying on virtual inventory I'd be tempted to stay with VS2 just as an added layer of security since the bulk of VS2's will be at least eye clean or better.

All the proportions, etc seem to check out are within ideal range. I'd ask Yadav to provide you an ASET, idealscope and hearts & arrow (H&A) image. You'll be lucky to get any of them, but it's worth the ask either way as that will tell us more about the precision cut (or lack thereof) in the stone.

1.41 H VS1 @ ED: 56 table, 61.9 depth, 35 crown, 40.8 pavilion and 75 LGF

Proportions have potential until you look at the ASET image. Sometimes the light pink can just be over saturation but how it has the green mixed in makes me think there are some issues going on. Either way, my gut says no and I trust it so I'd pass. This is a perfect example why you need to request those additional performance & symmetry images -- proportions doesn't always indicate a well cut stone.

1.25 G VS2 @ Shane Co: 58 table, other specs unknown as I couldn't find GIA cert

The large table already tells me I'm probably not going to like the stone. No cert to review, so flying a little blind but I didn't care for the video. Inclusions seemed bad for a VS2. Hard pass for me.

Can you post a pic of the setting you like. I don’t know that you’ll get recommendations to buy anything from Shane. @sledge embarked on a similar journey, but ended up with AMAZEBLING for his woman. (From P.S. not Shane)

LOL, thank you @ringo865.

David Klass (DK) in Los Angeles made my fiancee's ring. We found a setting she liked at a local store but I refused to buy crap quality and decided to custom build it. It got refined and is much better than the original. Design build is not for the weak hearted. Post a link and depending where we find your stone, maybe we can find a similar setting. Or if you are up for the challenge, I'd highly recommend DK.

 

[beardog]

Agree with lovedogs on both the assessment & the recommendations. Was surprised the ED aset was as light as it is. Maybe the crown idk.
Have you put any thought into whether or not having an upgrade policy is important to you?
I had pretty much the same wants as you when I bought mine, but ended up dropping to an 'i' ACA. Having the upgrade policy made me comfortable with it & I really don't notice a tint... Just fire

 

[sledge]

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947706.htm

Holy sparkleballs.....buy it, buy it, buy it! *drool*

54.6 table, 61.8 depth, 34.6 crown, 40.8 pavilion & 76 LGF

Seriously, go put this on reserve while you maul it over. I don't want someone stealing it from you. For me, the only concern would be making sure your girl is okay with the I color.

 

[firsttimer6]

Wow, I appreciate all of the replies already. I'll read through them and respond, but in the mean time here's the ring design she likes.

https://www.shaneco.com/engagement-...ith-pave-setting-in-14k-white-gold/p/41045046

As far as color goes: initially she thought she only wanted D or E but after seeing them in stores and viewing her friends she noticed that the "lower end" colors are still nice and clear. I used H as the cutoff as that was mostly the lowest color that I saw in store when browsing but I am certainly open to an I.

 

[sledge]

Wow, I appreciate all of the replies already. I'll read through them and respond, but in the mean time here's the ring design she likes.

https://www.shaneco.com/engagement-...ith-pave-setting-in-14k-white-gold/p/41045046

As far as color goes: initially she thought she only wanted D or E but after seeing them in stores and viewing her friends she noticed that the "lower end" colors are still nice and clear. I used H as the cutoff as that was mostly the lowest color that I saw in store when browsing but I am certainly open to an I.

If you go with WF, here are several settings that may work for you. I just quickly glanced through their offerings. The reality is they work with lots of designers and even though they show many on their site, the designers normally have more on their direct site and WF can access all them for you.

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...k-small-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-2810.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-diamond-engagement-ring-773.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ssic-romance-diamond-engagement-ring-4918.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ve-diamond-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1766.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...set-eternity-diamond-engagement-ring-3590.htm

 

[lovedogs]

Also, WF can make a setting just like that of such better quality (if you don't like the options on their website). I think you're likely ok with I color in a super ideal cut, because it'll face up whiter than most options in store.

 

[sledge]

Also, WF can make a setting just like that of such better quality (if you don't like the options on their website). I think you're likely ok with I color in a super ideal cut, because it'll face up whiter than most options in store.

Also, let's not forget that when you buy a setting from WF the melee is also super ideal. Many people think because melee is just small side stones it doesn't matter, but I think it can either compliment the main stone or detract from it (if the melee isn't good quality).

 

[OoohShiny]

1.25 G VS2 @ Shane Co: 58 table, other specs unknown as I couldn't find GIA cert

The large table already tells me I'm probably not going to like the stone. No cert to review, so flying a little blind but I didn't care for the video. Inclusions seemed bad for a VS2. Hard pass for me.

FWIW I don't think we can class 58 as a 'large' table - if that were the case, a 60/60 would have an enormous table, nevermind those terrible MRB cuts with >60 tables!

My understanding was that PS-recommended specs (which themselves favour Tolkowsky-like proportions rather than 60/60 stones, whereas both are viable potential choices depending on personal taste) can vary slightly from person to person, with a core range of 54-57 and an extended range of 53-58.

We should be careful in our terminology in order to ensure clarity of message - we could say a 58 table is 'larger' but not 'large' generally, or 'at the upper end of the PS-recommended range', perhaps

 

[sledge]

FWIW I don't think we can class 58 as a 'large' table - if that were the case, a 60/60 would have an enormous table, nevermind those terrible MRB cuts with >60 tables!

My understanding was that PS-recommended specs (which themselves favour Tolkowsky-like proportions rather than 60/60 stones, whereas both are viable potential choices depending on personal taste) can vary slightly from person to person, with a core range of 54-57 and an extended range of 53-58.

We should be careful in our terminology in order to ensure clarity of message - we could say a 58 table is 'larger' but not 'large' generally, or 'at the upper end of the PS-recommended range', perhaps

Good point. We cannot define anything by one characteristic only. Not even two as many do with a 60/60 stone.

Sweet spots exist with both. My apologies if I led anyone astray.

If the OP can get a copy of the GIA cert I'm sure myself and others can further comment on all the proportions to give a more fair evaluation.

 

[TreeScientist]

Another option for you to consider:
https://www.yadavjewelry.com/diamond/round-diamond-1.31-carat-g-vs2-yd4540215

Pavilion is on the shallow side, but has a beautiful ASET image, and looks very lively from the video. Also gets you over that 7mm diameter mark, which is nice. I like round numbers.

 

[firsttimer6]

This is the GIA cert for the Shane diamond I initially linked: https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2297815803&s=1544046975480

Some considerations:
- I would like to propose last week of December or First week of January so I think this limits my options going custom on the ring due to turnaround time.
- I still would like to buy the ring and diamond from the same place, but maybe that is just me being irrational. The style I linked is pretty much exactly what I am set on buying. Now just to find a quality version.
-On the topic of quality (ring): When we looked at the options she liked the Shane Co. setting so that tells me she's not too discerning. I kind of view it as I would like to buy the best for my budget but at some point there is diminishing returns (at a higher cost too) of "enjoyment" beyond her standards.

I have been using this (https://beyond4cs.com/step-by-step-guide/determining-the-cut-of-a-diamond/) guide and my standards in the original post to narrow down my diamond search. I am trying to compare the GIA certs and then look at ASET and other images. I can notice little differences in the "hearts and arrows", etc. but I have trouble grasping what difference in those images will result in how the diamond shines and sparkles (and to what extent).

I really do appreciate all of the feedback and suggestions so far. Clearly this forum is filled with great people eager to help educate people like me.

 

[Stephan]

This is the GIA cert for the Shane diamond I initially linked: https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2297815803&s=1544046975480

Some considerations:
- I would like to propose last week of December or First week of January so I think this limits my options going custom on the ring due to turnaround time.
- I still would like to buy the ring and diamond from the same place, but maybe that is just me being irrational. The style I linked is pretty much exactly what I am set on buying. Now just to find a quality version.
-On the topic of quality (ring): When we looked at the options she liked the Shane Co. setting so that tells me she's not too discerning. I kind of view it as I would like to buy the best for my budget but at some point there is diminishing returns (at a higher cost too) of "enjoyment" beyond her standards.

I have been using this (https://beyond4cs.com/step-by-step-guide/determining-the-cut-of-a-diamond/) guide and my standards in the original post to narrow down my diamond search. I am trying to compare the GIA certs and then look at ASET and other images. I can notice little differences in the "hearts and arrows", etc. but I have trouble grasping what difference in those images will result in how the diamond shines and sparkles (and to what extent).

I really do appreciate all of the feedback and suggestions so far. Clearly this forum is filled with great people eager to help educate people like me.

This diamond is too deep.

 

[sledge]

This is the GIA cert for the Shane diamond I initially linked: https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2297815803&s=1544046975480

58 table, 62.8 depth, 35.5 crown, 41.2 pavilion & 80 LGF

As I initially indicated, these proportions are a mess and just don't work. The stone is too deep. The pavilion is too steep by itself and somewhat atrocious with a 35.5 crown. While a 35.5 crown can work, you have to compliment it with a shallow pavilion like 40.6 and then that combo only works on well cut stones.

As you can see, GIA rates this stone as XXX yet according to AGS it's closer to a Very Good (VG) cut.

This is a firm no for me, and I hope you do not buy this stone.

 

[firsttimer6]

https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/wedding-sets/petite-diamond-wedding-set-1483.htm

This seems to be almost identical to the style she likes. I think this is the setting I will go with.

Sledge, I appreciate you taking time to really look into that stone and showing me why it isn't a good choice. It is now out of consideration for me.

 

[ringo865]

Oooh. Whiteflash for the setting means Whiteflash for the stone. Remember that you don’t have to get an ACA to get an awesome stone (or to utilize their very generous trade up policy). Also expert selection and premier select diamonds from Whiteflash are in-house and qualify for upgrade. Later. In five years. Or two.

 

[sledge]

https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/wedding-sets/petite-diamond-wedding-set-1483.htm

This seems to be almost identical to the style she likes. I think this is the setting I will go with.

Sledge, I appreciate you taking time to really look into that stone and showing me why it isn't a good choice. It is now out of consideration for me.

No problem. Glad to help.

I'd have ZERO issues pulling the trigger with WF. Top notch quality with total transparency. Awesome upgrade program -- get full value of your original stone when you trade to a new stone of equal or higher value. Oh yeah, and they actually care about their customers and will make sure you are completely satisfied.

They won't have a problem meeting your deadline, but you do need to contact them and get the ball rolling to leave you both some wiggle room.

 

[firsttimer6]

So I've read so many good things about WF lately and am happy with their policies. I plan to purchase the setting and diamond by Wednesday. So I've tried to narrow down my choices of center stone to a few and hopefully with help (you awesome people!) I can pick the best stone of the lot. I know I want eye clean and "A Cut Above". My only real concern at this point is whether an I color will be noticeable (to the average person, in general).

Some choices below, but I am certainly open to suggestions: (I'm learning towards number 1 or 2)

More expensive:
1 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947706.htm
2 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3970291.htm
Less expensive:
3 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4061061.htm
4 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4060824.htm
5 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986343.htm

Thank you all so much so far for making this a much less stressful experience than I anticipated.

 

[sledge]

Color is so subjective. So only you and your SO can really answer this.

As an example my fiancee can see tint in an H. When I met the CEO of WF, her and my fiancee was talking shop and she mentioned she has a J stone and cares more about fire than tint.

But generally speaking H+ is a good start point if you both desire white. Yet I've seen some beautiful I and J stones. Another element is the setting type. Tint is seen from the side of the stone so if you have a setting that exposes the side you may see more tint than one where you see little of the side.

 

[Golden_bird]

So I've read so many good things about WF lately and am happy with their policies. I plan to purchase the setting and diamond by Wednesday. So I've tried to narrow down my choices of center stone to a few and hopefully with help (you awesome people!) I can pick the best stone of the lot. I know I want eye clean and "A Cut Above". My only real concern at this point is whether an I color will be noticeable (to the average person, in general).

Some choices below, but I am certainly open to suggestions: (I'm learning towards number 1 or 2)

More expensive:
1 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947706.htm
2 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3970291.htm
Less expensive:
3 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4061061.htm
4 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4060824.htm
5 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986343.htm

Thank you all so much so far for making this a much less stressful experience than I anticipated.

You will def see slight tint in I and in H even little bit in G! The completely colorless stone I would say start with F! Also it a lot depend on the lighting . F will be colorealess in all light condition . h and I will be kind of white from the side 85% of the time .

 

[firsttimer6]

so this (https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-diamond-engagement-ring-773.htm) will be the setting. As I understand it, the pave style and white gold may cause the center stone to appear more tinted if the melee is a better color than the main diamond. I've read that you can get away with H or I color round diamonds if they are a quality cut. To keep things in perspective... in normal everyday light, on her finger, will a quality H or I diamond appear colorless for the most part? We certainly aren't going to be inspecting the diamond under super bright light or putting it side by side others.

 

[kmoro]

Very pretty setting!

I notice that you can easily see the diamond from the side in that setting, so if you or fiancée are color sensitive, the H or higher might be better ... but I is still “near-colorless” ... perhaps keep in mind also that AGS has a reputation for being less strict in color grading than GIA.

 

[DickyB89]

I went with an H ACA very similar to the ones you are looking at and proposed last month. We both could not be happier and the stone appears very white. The only time I can notice a little tint is when she has the ring off I sometimes like to inspect it closely in the light and can see a slight tint on the side. But again with the amazing cut and facing up the H is very white.

I imagine an I wouldnt be too much worse. If you are deciding between all of the I ones you posted maybe have whiteflash pull some of them and compare the color for you. They are truly amazing to work with.

For reference here is the stone I went with:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3984592.htm

 

[kmoro]

So I've read so many good things about WF lately and am happy with their policies. I plan to purchase the setting and diamond by Wednesday. So I've tried to narrow down my choices of center stone to a few and hopefully with help (you awesome people!) I can pick the best stone of the lot. I know I want eye clean and "A Cut Above". My only real concern at this point is whether an I color will be noticeable (to the average person, in general).

Some choices below, but I am certainly open to suggestions: (I'm learning towards number 1 or 2)

More expensive:
1 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947706.htm
2 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3970291.htm
Less expensive:
3 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4061061.htm
4 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4060824.htm
5 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3986343.htm

Thank you all so much so far for making this a much less stressful experience than I anticipated.

I forgot to cast a vote on the diamonds ... since the less expensive ones are smaller, I would go with the first expensive one ... I would say that there’s barely a difference between 1 and 2, but I think the first one is closer to preferred numbers - like slightly smaller table and shorter lower girdle length ..

 

[sledge]

I bought my fiancee an H VS2 from BGD. It has medium blue fluor. Here are the glam shots from DK who did the custom setting.

I think these shots show more tint than everyday normal viewing. It normally looks very white but occasionally I catch a very minor tint. But as you can see, the pavilion of the stone is heavily exposed as well which makes it more noticeable.

 

[kmoro]

I bought my fiancee an H VS2 from BGD. It has medium blue fluor. Here are the glam shots from DK who did the custom setting.

I think these shots show more tint than everyday normal viewing. It normally looks very white but occasionally I catch a very minor tint. But as you can see, the pavilion of the stone is heavily exposed as well which makes it more noticeable.

Gorgeous!!!! And if I didn’t know what I was looking for, I don't think I would notice the tint (I’m kind of a tint eagle eye) unless I was analyzing it every day from every angle ... and face-up it would be incredibly hard to notice, if at all. Beautiful diamond ring!

 

[firsttimer6]

So here's a little update:

A very nice employee at WF compared the #1 and #2 stones from above.
"In terms of body color, they are both solid accurately graded I color diamonds. I do not feel one is higher or lower than the other. Both are nice and white to the naked eye, and provide fantastic brilliance and fire as well. There is a slight difference in visual clarity between the two however. The 1.402ct I VS2 does have a black inclusion which can be seen to the naked eye from the side view. The 1.412ct I VS2 is completely eye clean."

I'm getting a quote to change the setting to a six prong and have the six prongs built a little higher so the band will sit flush to the setting.

I'm going to buy an I color and if we don't love it I will return it for a smaller, but better color (G) diamond.