Please critique my diamond choice

[tulanebme]

I''ve been lurking on the forum for a while now, and I think I''ve found a good candidate for my future fiance''s ring. My budget is ~$6k for the diamond, and the setting (already purchased) fits the 6.48mm diameter CZ it currently holds quite well. Here''s is the link (on hold at Blue Nile):

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-g-color-vs2-clarity_LD01438056

I realize that Blue Nile doesn''t offer a lot of information. HCA gave a score of 1.1. Thanks for all of the useful info thus far, everyone.

 

[stone-cold11]

Looks promising from the numbers.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/18/2009 9:45:22 PM
Author:tulanebme
I''ve been lurking on the forum for a while now, and I think I''ve found a good candidate for my future fiance''s ring. My budget is ~$6k for the diamond, and the setting (already purchased) fits the 6.48mm diameter CZ it currently holds quite well. Here''s is the link (on hold at Blue Nile):

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-g-color-vs2-clarity_LD01438056

I realize that Blue Nile doesn''t offer a lot of information. HCA gave a score of 1.1. Thanks for all of the useful info thus far, everyone.

Welcome!

Without images its difficult to say with any certainty anything about a diamond but the stone does have potential and could be a good choice. BN do have a 30 day return policy so plenty of time to inspect the stone.

 

[tulanebme]

Thanks for the input. I just realized that Whiteflash is actually located in Houston. So, I''ve spoken with them and have made an appointment for tomorrow to see some of their ACA stones in person. I''ll definitely have to make some compromises in color and/or clarity to keep within budget with those stones, especially when tax is considered. We''ll see.

 

[stone-cold11]

Contact BrianGavinDiamonds too, they are in the same building with WF.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/19/2009 3:36:23 PM
Author: tulanebme
Thanks for the input. I just realized that Whiteflash is actually located in Houston. So, I''ve spoken with them and have made an appointment for tomorrow to see some of their ACA stones in person. I''ll definitely have to make some compromises in color and/or clarity to keep within budget with those stones, especially when tax is considered. We''ll see.

Sounds good! If they don''t have what you are looking for, John Pollard from www.craftedbyinfinity.com is in DFW and might be able to help you.

 

[stone-cold11]

I think craftedbyinfinity now has a dealer in Houston too.

http://www.boxandboxjewelers.net/

 

[tulanebme]

UPDATE - Well, I met with Bryan at Whiteflash and have decided to purchase one of their ACA diamonds. To stay within budget, I was basically deciding between getting an eye clean SI1 with G color or a VS1 with I color. After thoroughly convincing myself of how difficult it is for me to tell between G and I colors when their diamonds are faceup, I''m now leaning towards an I color VS1. Here''s the link to the stone that I viewed in the store (1.002 ct VS1 I):

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Diamond_Details.aspx?idno=1848208#

They also have the stone below (1.025 ct VS1 I):

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1151345.htm#

Is there enough of a difference to choose one over the other, or am I splitting hairs at this point? The price difference is only $100. The Ideal scope images are very similar. The 1.025 is a litte unusual, I guess, in that it is an older stone (AGS dated 2008 and marked "a cut above"), and it has an extra facet. I know that I won''t be able to tell a difference visually, but I''m wondering if one might be a better value than the other. Or, do you think I''m completely off track with both choices

. As silly as it sounds, I think the factor that annoyingly keeps me debating are the inclusions sitting dead center in the 1.002 stone when looking at the magnified view (even though I''ll never be looking at it at that magnification again).

Thanks again for all of the help.

 

[stone-cold11]

Splitting hairs here. :p

Both are ACA and looks good from the information available.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/21/2009 10:47:36 PM
Author: tulanebme
UPDATE - Well, I met with Bryan at Whiteflash and have decided to purchase one of their ACA diamonds. To stay within budget, I was basically deciding between getting an eye clean SI1 with G color or a VS1 with I color. After thoroughly convincing myself of how difficult it is for me to tell between G and I colors when their diamonds are faceup, I'm now leaning towards an I color VS1. Here's the link to the stone that I viewed in the store (1.002 ct VS1 I):

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Diamond_Details.aspx?idno=1848208#

They also have the stone below (1.025 ct VS1 I):

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1151345.htm#

Is there enough of a difference to choose one over the other, or am I splitting hairs at this point? The price difference is only $100. The Ideal scope images are very similar. The 1.025 is a litte unusual, I guess, in that it is an older stone (AGS dated 2008 and marked 'a cut above'), and it has an extra facet. I know that I won't be able to tell a difference visually, but I'm wondering if one might be a better value than the other. Or, do you think I'm completely off track with both choices

. As silly as it sounds, I think the factor that annoyingly keeps me debating are the inclusions sitting dead center in the 1.002 stone when looking at the magnified view (even though I'll never be looking at it at that magnification again).

Thanks again for all of the help.

They are both superb diamonds, could be the inclusion placement is a ' mind clean' issue for you so if thats the case then maybe go for the other one.