Please help! 2.8 vs. 3 carat round

[misty1024]

Hi all! I'm looking for a round diamond as close to 3 carats as possible that’s eye clean with a great cut to go with a pave, 6-prong setting in platinum or white gold. I’ve narrowed it down to 3 options and would love any thoughts or advice. The differences in cost between these are pretty sizable and I’m struggling with whether the higher cost options are actually justified by a “better” diamond.

Option 1 ($26,733): 2.8 carats, I, VS2, XXX, HCA = 0.9
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/2....Cut-Round-Diamond/D41908174?&refer=pricescope

Option 2 ($31,173): 2.8 carats, I, VS2, XXX, HCA = 1.4
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

Option 3 ($35,496): 3.01 carats, I, VS2, XXX, HCA = 1.4
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/3....Cut-Round-Diamond/D41876491?&refer=pricescope

 

[sledge]

Out of those 3 choices, I much prefer option 3. Not because it is the largest carat weight, but because the angles look the best. Downside is you get dinged a premium for actually hitting the 3ct magic weight, instead of staying slightly below like the other two.

57 table w/ 34.5 CA & 40.8 PA combo plus 75 LGF's (fat arrows) will make for a nice combo. AGS proportions charts confirm it. Even with funky GIA rounding/averaging of their values you are so deep in ideal territory that you should be okay.

I'd put this stone on hold and request an ASET and/or Idealscope image to confirm our thoughts. There's a high probability they will tell you they are unavailable, in which case it's still worth the risk to purchase and inspect with your eyes and your own held held ASET scope.





My second choice would be option 2. Weight is a little less than the 3.01, but dimensions are nearly the same. About 0.06mm difference. FYI, it takes about 0.20mm for a normal human eye to even tell there is a difference, and then only when compared side-by-side. This equals about 1/128th of an inch. The 0.06mm is about 1/4th so essentially the two stones will LOOK the same size. The extra carat weight of 3.01 stone is in the depth and not the "face".

You may ask why I ranked this stone 2nd instead of 1st. It's because the table is 59 and depth is 60.4. This is nearing what we call a 60/60 stone, which means the table and depth are both 60. The table isn't quite there, but I'd still be concerned. Typically the CA/PA angle combo of 33.5/41 wouldn't work on a more preferred table size of 54-57 but you can see it lands you deep in ideal territory on this stone.

The issue here is because it is essentially a 60/60 stone it will exhibit more white light/brilliance than traditional rainbow color flashes (scintillation). That said, the stone has great angles and may have a little more rainbow than a traditional 60/60 but still not quite as fiery as option 1.




I wouldn't even consider purchasing option 1. The angles land you in "excellent" territory which never actually means excellent at all. There is a slim possibility this stone dips into ideal territory with funky GIA rounding/averaging but as you can see the odds are slim.

 

[sledge]

If you are open to the super ideal diamonds, this could be a great find. Best weight, plus dimensions are noticeably bigger than the ones you listed -- 9.58 x 9.61mm vs roughly 9.19 x 9.23mm. That's about 0.40mm difference and will be a memorable size difference.

Same color, but SI1 clarity. Website says "inquire" on eye clean which means it may have some issues. Nice thing is WF has this stone in-stock and qualified gemologists that can pull the stone and do a live evaluation with you over the phone. Depending on your sensitivity to clarity, this may not even be an issue.

The stone is gorgeous. Great angles. Complete images and data to make a well informed choice. Also, the upgrade program is killer -- spend $1 more and get full credit of the original stone.

Assuming the SI1 clarity checks out for you, this is what I would personally buy.

3.267ct I SI1, $34,940 wire
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3891965.htm

 

[Bron357]

I’m with Sledge on this one.
For the price (it’s hefty) it’s a very beautiful diamond, great size and great sparkle. As for few tiny little imperfections - no one will notice because after being blinded by the fire, the size will cause them to fall over!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Out of those 3 choices, I much prefer option 3. Not because it is the largest carat weight, but because the angles look the best. Downside is you get dinged a premium for actually hitting the 3ct magic weight, instead of staying slightly below like the other two.

Yes, but the girdle is cut to "slightly thick" to make the magic 3ct.

 

[CareBear]

I personally would not pay 9k more for #3 over #1, even though #3 is a better cut stone and over the 3ct mark. Especially since the diameter difference is 0.1mm. I "downsized" from 3.22 to a 2.97, with only a 0.1mm difference, and I do not notice a size difference visually. #2 is overpriced as well (and not much better cut than #1) , as BN prices are higher than other vendors, but if you can find the same stone on another site for a lower price, BN will price match. That said, if you are looking to stay under 3ct, you can probably find a better cut 2.8 than #1 and #2.

I also would take the 3.267 I SI1 @sledge suggested, over #3, if you have a $35k budget. https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3891965.htm
9.6mm is visually quite a bit bigger than 9.2.

 

[sledge]

Agree with you @Dancing Fire about the girdle being a little thick to hit the magic weight. However, I wouldn't classify as a "steep & deep" stone.

When you factor in stone 2 is nearly a 60/60 stone, does your perception of cut quality change @CareBear? Not my favorite angle combo either but it works on that table. I was reading some other info from John Pollard where those angles were great with a 60/60 stone.

FYI, the BN 3.01 is on the left and the WF 3.267 is on the right.

 

[CareBear]

@sledge I think a 33.5/41/59 combo is still worth considering, if the price is right. 60/60 stones have awesome spread, and can look bigger (for its diameter) due to the extra brightness they exhibit. As I've said in other threads, I'm willing to lose a bit of fire for brightness. But that is a personal preference, as others here much rather have a stone with a higher crown and smaller table, for a bit more fire. To me, my current stone is a good balance, 57.4/60.3/34.1/40.8. I get the spread/brightness, without losing too much fire.

 

[scarsmum]

I find the inclusions in the WF very noticeable.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

#3 The Adiamor 3.01 is a gorgeous stone! It is the only one of the three I would personally buy.

 

[msop04]

3.267ct I SI1, $34,940 wire
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3891965.htm

Holy crap! This is a FABULOUS deal!

ETA: just noticed the black inclusion on the table... UGH!

 

[sledge]

Holy crap! This is a FABULOUS deal!

ETA: just noticed the black inclusion on the table... UGH!

Yup, it has strings. But it's worth a call to WF to figure out how bad it is exactly. If eye clean enough they should jump on it.

 

[msop04]

Yup, it has strings. But it's worth a call to WF to figure out how bad it is exactly. If eye clean enough they should jump on it.

I agree... I think it would be fine for me since it's so magnified. But everyone is different. Plus, it would put you in line to upgrade with WF!

 

[sledge]

Bingo. It may not be the forever stone but it could be the right now stone that is killer and gets you a superior cut and access to a trade up program that is great.

 

[misty1024]

Thanks everyone! WF is pulling the diamond and supposed to call me back later today so will let you know what they say about the inclusion.

@sledge I should have listened to you and put option 3 on hold but unfortunately didn't move quick enough and now it looks like it's been sold.

I've found some more options below but feeling a bit discouraged since it seems like it might be nearly impossible to find a 3 carat that's eye clean under $35k. Would very much appreciate anyone's thoughts on the options below:

Option 1: ($31,966): 3.01 ct, I, VS2, HCA = 1.1. Does this seem to show a lot of yellow? I know an I won't be super-white but this one seems to show more yellow than others at least in the video.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/116244...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Option 2 ($36,042): 3 ct, I, VS1, HCA=0.8.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/112950...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Option 3: ($32,180): 3 ct, I, SI1, HCA=1.8.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/117192...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Option 4: ($29,621): 3.02 ct, I, VS2, HCA=2.8. Is the HCA score a non-starter? Will there be a big difference from this 3 ct with a worse cut than say a 2.8 carat with a better cut?
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/3....Cut-Round-Diamond/D41870099?&refer=pricescope

 

[HappyNewLife]

What is your timeline? I'd probably ask WF if they have any 2.9-something carat I/VS2s in the pipeline. Mine was 2.937 I/VS2 at $35k, but the diameter of a 3 carat (9.3mm)

 

[sledge]

Sorry to hear this @misty1024. I am mobile but will review and respond when possible.

 

[sledge]

Option 1: ($31,966): 3.01 ct, I, VS2, HCA = 1.1. Does this seem to show a lot of yellow? I know an I won't be super-white but this one seems to show more yellow than others at least in the video.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/116244...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

It could be showing more tint than other I's you've looked at. As you go down in color grading, you tend to see more variation. Some people may refer to this variation as a high I (meaning almost H), or possibly a low I (meaning almost J).

The best way to know for sure is ask them to pull the stone and compare against other I colored stones of similar size & proportions. See if this one appears more yellow. The fact you pointed it out tells me you may have an issue with it, so it's better to learn now than later.

As far as angles go, I think it is the most complimentary of the group. It puts you deep into Ideal territory as the attached chart shows. Hopefully the large box will capture the wonky way that GIA chooses to average/round the values they report on their certs.

Also I like the smaller 56 table. It may be a little deep but not bad. It appears some of the depth is taken up in the crown @ 15%.

You may want to place on hold while you ask about the color, and also ask for ASET and/or IS images.

Option 2 ($36,042): 3 ct, I, VS1, HCA=0.8.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/112950...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

See chart below. You can see this lands in ideal territory but is a little more on the fringe. I think it can be a beautiful stone but again would caution how funky GIA averaging/rounding can mess with actual cut grade. I tried to draw a bigger box around where I think it COULD potentially land. This is a best guess, and needs verified with ASET and/or IS images.

Again, if interested place on hold and request the images.

Option 3: ($32,180): 3 ct, I, SI1, HCA=1.8.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/117192...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Eek! I really don't like this one. Table is 62, and depth is 58! This is almost reversed from what is normal. I absolutely would not consider this stone. I'm posting the AGS chart for a stone with 62 table just to show how unlikely it is that you'd ever hit Ideal status with that table size.

Option 4: ($29,621): 3.02 ct, I, VS2, HCA=2.8. Is the HCA score a non-starter? Will there be a big difference from this 3 ct with a worse cut than say a 2.8 carat with a better cut?
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/3....Cut-Round-Diamond/D41870099?&refer=pricescope

The HCA is coming back at 2.8 because the angles aren't complimentary. You have a CA/PA combo of 35.5/40.8. I would pass on this one.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Option 1: ($31,966): 3.01 ct, I, VS2, HCA = 1.1. Does this seem to show a lot of yellow? I know an I won't be super-white but this one seems to show more yellow than others at least in the video.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/116244...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Option 2 ($36,042): 3 ct, I, VS1, HCA=0.8.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/112950...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Option 3: ($32,180): 3 ct, I, SI1, HCA=1.8.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/117192...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Option 4: ($29,621): 3.02 ct, I, VS2, HCA=2.8. Is the HCA score a non-starter? Will there be a big difference from this 3 ct with a worse cut than say a 2.8 carat with a better cut?
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/3....Cut-Round-Diamond/D41870099?&refer=pricescope

What is option #5 ???

 

[misty1024]

Found an option 5 and 6! Just want to say thank you to everyone for being so patient/helpful!!

Option 5 ($30,842): 3.01 ct, I, VS1, HCA=1.9. Not as well cut as option 6 but noticeably cheaper and seems to show less yellow than option 6?
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/3....Cut-Round-Diamond/D42016496?&refer=pricescope

Option 6 ($35,690): 3.02 ct, I, VS2, HCA=1.7
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/3....ut-Round-Diamond/D42030432?&refer=pricescope#

 

[sledge]

Found an option 5 and 6! Just want to say thank you to everyone for being so patient/helpful!!

Option 5 ($30,842): 3.01 ct, I, VS1, HCA=1.9. Not as well cut as option 6 but noticeably cheaper and seems to show less yellow than option 6?
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/3....Cut-Round-Diamond/D42016496?&refer=pricescope

Option 6 ($35,690): 3.02 ct, I, VS2, HCA=1.7
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/3....ut-Round-Diamond/D42030432?&refer=pricescope#

Option 6 has better angles, but both are cut too deep. Probably to hit the magical 3ct weight. Pass on both IMO.

 

[misty1024]

Oh wow and I thought for sure it was going to be one of these..show's what I know. Thanks so much!

 

[sledge]

Sorry.

How about these? All are eye clean.

WF ACA 3.128ct J VS2, $30,727 wire
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3893624.htm

WF ACA 2.725ct J SI1, $24,555 wire
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4018663.htm

WF ACA 2.786ct I VS2, $32,894 wire
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4022278.htm

BGD 2.70ct H SI1, $36,455 wire
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ls/2.700-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104085060021