PLEASE HELP!! Final choice!!!

[Tomdiamond]

Hi,



Looking for your thoughts on 3 diamonds. I’m at the last stages of picking so one of these will be my final choice.



For a bit of insight, the most important thing to me is cut. Clarity and colour I’m unsure what i prioritise although I am sure that I do not want a stone that is not eye clean nor a stone that looks noticibly yellow/ warm/ tinted in platinum setting. All 3 diamonds below have a bit of a trade off.



Firstly, we go for the 1.05ct J GIA ideal cut, SI1 stone. This has been confirmed as eye clean and no green tint no brown tint and not milky. It has medium flourecence. It falls in to ‘ideal’ cut grade with AGS and score 2.2 on HCA. In the comparison picture this is the stone in the bottom left corner. It costs £3,470. It is the cheapest stone but my main concern is it may look more yellow tinted/ warmer than the other stones. It looks that way from the comparison picture I attached but also don’t think it is a fair comparison as they are all in different background so is this making the other J look more whiter than this one?



https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD13560253



Next up is the 1.07, J, VS1, GIA ideal cut, medium flourecence, confirmed as eye clean and no brown tint no green tint and no milkyness. This costs £3770 so £300 more expensive than the first stone. To me, in the comparison picture attached (this stone is bottom right) it looks more whiter than the first J. It looks significantly less warm, is this possible or is it just a trick of the light and more related to the background as 1 J has a grey background and the other has a blueish background? This diamond scores 2.3 in HCA calc But Falls in to ‘very good’ cut category in AGS (ie 3 from the top as it goes ideal, excellent then very good)



https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD13861398



Thirdly, is the 1.06 I coloured SI2 gia ideal cut diamond. This is confirmed as eye clean with no brown tint no green tint and no milkyness. No flourecence, it scores 1.5 is HCA calc and falls in to ‘ideal’ cut catagory with AGS. My worry here is if the generally more inclusions and the cloud on diagram on table will dull diamond and affect brilliance. It costs £4200 which is £700 more than the 1.05 J. this diamond Again, to me, this stone looks less warm than the First J (but is there a significant improvement in colour and is this just because of background used??). This diamond is top left in the comparison picture I sent which compares all 3 at same time. Main concern here is that is is SI2 (although confirmed as eye clean I worry that general inclusions will dull diamond and brilliance)



https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD13279808



In summary



The 1.05 J my main concern is colour/warmer tint/ visibly yellow. Could this be significantly more warmer than other diamonds (both a J and an I) or is this just because the background isn’t comparible (ie some diamonds on a blue background some are on grey). Do you think this will be noticibly yellow in platinum?



The 1.07 J, my main concern is Cut. It drops down 2 AGS grades in cut although it is still GIA excellent. It upgrades to VS1 clarity but not too bothered as all 3 eye clean. Is the downgrade in cut worth potentially having the less warm diamond compared to the previous J. (if this actually is less warm on not a trick of the background, but how would I ever know?). It is £300 more expensive than the other J.



The 1.06 I colour SI2 ideal cut diamond. My main concern here is clarity. Will there be a really big colour difference moving from J to I that would justify dropping from SI1 to SI2. This is £700 more expensive than the 1.05 J and also a slightly better cut than this but my concern is that other things going on in the SI2 such as clouds etc could ruin the brilliance and light performance and sparkle of the diamond anyway. Would you drop a clarity grade to go up 1 colour grade and would this affect brilliance? Would there be noticible colour change from J to I, ie going from noticing the yellow warmness in J platinum to not noticing it in I platinum?



What would you think is the best choice? Sorry for large message but the end is near!



Thanks

 

[anangel]

GIA doesn’t have an ideal grade- they go up to Excellent. Diamonds 1 and 2 both have very high crowns- you should try to stick to between 34 and 35. J will often have a noticeable tint in platinum (some PS members have exceptional J’s that don’t but J is the last of the near-colorless for reason).
Diamond three has the best cut going by the numbers but I don’t like the clarity plot. It’s an SI2 with all the inclusions right on the table- not likely to be eye clean in my opinion.
Do you think you’d be willing to drop down to .9 or so to allow more budget for color and clarity? If you need to hit the 1 carat mark and that’s the max of your budget, it may take you more time to find “the one”. I joke with my husband that you can only have two out of three: cheap, quality, or speed. You can’t find a cheap, quality diamond fast, but you can find plenty cheap diamonds quick or quality diamonds fast (example: hit up Whiteflash ACAs with unlimited budget and you’ll come out with a winner guaranteed.).
just curious: Why does one of these three need to be your final decision?

 

[tyty333]

I'm going with the "I". You will see tint in the Js in some lighting (I have a J about this size and in my house with
taupe walls, I see tint all the time). I do wish the "I" had better clarity. Just looking at it from the blown-up video
I would think in general it would be eye-clean but wonder if on close up inspection you might* be able to see a
little something. I really think you would have to be looking for it though. Of course, this is just my opinion from
viewing the up-close video.

 

[gregchang35]

You have shown 4 different diamonds here, as the lot numbers are all different?? Unless I missed something?

I am colour sensitive, so I would not have chosen a J colour. I am also clarity sensitive. So, an eye clean Si1 or higher, woudl be my choice.

Are you willing to have others help narrow down your search? If so, pls provide details of Budget, criteria etc, and some more experienced posters will help you.


What is your time frame for this project?

 

[Tomdiamond]

Hi, thanks. Thanks for your time and advice. I probably won’t drop to 0.9. I’ve been looking for over 2 months and this is the best I’ve managed in that time on my budget. I don’t think I will get better than these 3. Sorry I meant excellent GIA (ideal cut in blue nile search). Final desision as plan on proposing soon and the rings take roughly a month to get here

 

[Tomdiamond]

GIA doesn’t have an ideal grade- they go up to Excellent. Diamonds 1 and 2 both have very high crowns- you should try to stick to between 34 and 35. J will often have a noticeable tint in platinum (some PS members have exceptional J’s that don’t but J is the last of the near-colorless for reason).
Diamond three has the best cut going by the numbers but I don’t like the clarity plot. It’s an SI2 with all the inclusions right on the table- not likely to be eye clean in my opinion.
Do you think you’d be willing to drop down to .9 or so to allow more budget for color and clarity? If you need to hit the 1 carat mark and that’s the max of your budget, it may take you more time to find “the one”. I joke with my husband that you can only have two out of three: cheap, quality, or speed. You can’t find a cheap, quality diamond fast, but you can find plenty cheap diamonds quick or quality diamonds fast (example: hit up Whiteflash ACAs with unlimited budget and you’ll come out with a winner guaranteed.).
just curious: Why does one of these three need to be your final decision?

Hi, thanks. Thanks for your time and advice. I probably won’t drop to 0.9. I’ve been looking for over 2 months and this is the best I’ve managed in that time on my budget. I don’t think I will get better than these 3. Sorry I meant excellent GIA (ideal cut in blue nile search). Final desision as plan on proposing soon and the rings take roughly a month to get here

 

[tyty333]

I just looked at my J/SI1 stone that has a crystal, feather, and cloud all on the table. You cant see a thing for all the
sparkle and brilliance. But, my stone is an SI1 and you are looking at SI2s and of course, what I see in my stone
(or dont see) has nothing to do with your stone.

 

[Tomdiamond]

I'm going with the "I". You will see tint in the Js in some lighting (I have a J about this size and in my house with
taupe walls, I see tint all the time). I do wish the "I" had better clarity. Just looking at it from the blown-up video
I would think in general it would be eye-clean but wonder if on close up inspection you might* be able to see a
little something. I really think you would have to be looking for it though. Of course, this is just my opinion from
viewing the up-close video.

Yes I’m sure the I will be eye clean (as per vault manager check) my worry is that given the cloud/ crystal is on the table and fact the it is si2 with a plot as clean as si1 makes me think something else is going on. Both 1.05 J and 1.06 mention additional clouds on comments. My worry is that even if I clean the 1.06 will appear more cloudy or less brilliant that the 1.05 J SI1 and I definately don’t want to sacrifice brilliance or sparkle. Do you think it would? I’m I paying too much mind to the difference between an SI1 and SI2? My biggest concern with the I is losing brilliance and sparkle where as with the J I’m worried about the tint

 

[Tomdiamond]

You have shown 4 different diamonds here, as the lot numbers are all different?? Unless I missed something?

I am colour sensitive, so I would not have chosen a J colour. I am also clarity sensitive. So, an eye clean Si1 or higher, woudl be my choice.

Are you willing to have others help narrow down your search? If so, pls provide details of Budget, criteria etc, and some more experienced posters will help you.


What is your time frame for this project?

Apologies. I ruled out top right diamond due to etch channel. That was an I colour diamond with SI2 I believe.
Yes, it’s all a balancing act dropping clarity or colour for my budget. What concerns me is going to SI2 and general inclusions or the clouds making the diamond less brilliant even though the SI2 is a better cut than the SI1.

I would be more than happy and very thankful if people could make suggestions. Only looking to shop with blue nile as Uk and it includes VAT. My budget for the loose diamond is £4300. Cut is most important to me and over 1ct diamond. I also would like something close to 6.50 diameter. Thanks

 

[Tomdiamond]

I just looked at my J/SI1 stone that has a crystal, feather, and cloud all on the table. You cant see a thing for all the
sparkle and brilliance. But, my stone is an SI1 and you are looking at SI2s and of course, what I see in my stone
(or dont see) has nothing to do with your stone.

Thanks. Do you notice any warmer/ yellow colour tones? Or does it look just like a white diamond. Bear in mind my fiancé will be no diamond expert I think she will just be looking for something that looks white and sparkles. I just don’t want her to readily notice a yellow diamond esp if she sees friends diamonds and think hers in inferior. Like she will have it on all the time so I imagine she will look down and be able to see the diamond side view a lot and it will be set in platinum.
Do you have a picture of your diamond in normal home or office lighting side view and face view. That would be extremely helpful.

 

[gregchang35]

Hi, thanks. Thanks for your time and advice. I probably won’t drop to 0.9. I’ve been looking for over 2 months and this is the best I’ve managed in that time on my budget. I don’t think I will get better than these 3. Sorry I meant excellent GIA (ideal cut in blue nile search). Final desision as plan on proposing soon and the rings take roughly a month to get here

It sounds like time is going to be of the essence here.
as much as it has been 2 long months of searching, note that this ring is for a lifetime. And, i woudl spend more time on it. There are still some doubts as to the 3 stones that you have to chose from

then there is the setting for the stone. However, a classic “Tiffany” style solitaire is a good choice.

You are in the driver’s seat- which can be slowed down or sped up.
For me, there sounds to be too many compromises to chose from what you have chosen.

 

[gregchang35]

Apologies. I ruled out top right diamond due to etch channel. That was an I colour diamond with SI2 I believe.
Yes, it’s all a balancing act dropping clarity or colour for my budget. What concerns me is going to SI2 and general inclusions or the clouds making the diamond less brilliant even though the SI2 is a better cut than the SI1.

I would be more than happy and very thankful if people could make suggestions. Only looking to shop with blue nile as Uk and it includes VAT. My budget for the loose diamond is £4300. Cut is most important to me and over 1ct diamond. I also would like something close to 6.50 diameter. Thanks

I would start with a new thread with “help finding a diamond”. Then list your specs and vendor.

 

[Tomdiamond]

It sounds like time is going to be of the essence here.
as much as it has been 2 long months of searching, note that this ring is for a lifetime. And, i woudl spend more time on it. There are still some doubts as to the 3 stones that you have to chose from

then there is the setting for the stone. However, a classic “Tiffany” style solitaire is a good choice.

You are in the driver’s seat- which can be slowed down or sped up.
For me, there sounds to be too many compromises to chose from what you have chosen.

Thanks. The problem being is I think there is always going to be a compromise at this budget. And diamond prices are cheaper at the moment due to demand which helps get better value but these still seem to be the best I can find

 

[crnamedic]

What is your budget for the stone and what type of setting are you looking to go with?

 

[Tomdiamond]

Hi

Hi, NO BGM, No hazy oily or milky ness, for it to appear white and no warmth even at sides to untrained eye. Has to be eye clean. Preference is 1.05 and above carat and Si1 carat and above unless Si2 is fine with no cloud affecting brilliance. Ideal cut with the best proportion somerhing that would score high on HCA calc, ie depth 59-62.5, table 54-57, crown angle no higher than 35.5, pavilion depth no higher than 41.2. And no issues with hazyiness due to flour. My budget for a really good stone could be £4350 on the stone. Surface area is important that carat but also need to be ideal cut with ideal proportions. Set in platinum

 

[Tomdiamond]

What is your budget for the stone and what type of setting are you looking to go with?

Hi, NO BGM, No hazy oily or milky ness, for it to appear white and no warmth even at sides to untrained eye. Has to be eye clean. Preference is 1.05 and above carat and Si1 carat and above unless Si2 is fine with no cloud affecting brilliance. Ideal cut with the best proportion somerhing that would score high on HCA calc, ie depth 59-62.5, table 54-57, crown angle no higher than 35.5, pavilion depth no higher than 41.2. And no issues with hazyiness due to flour. My budget for a really good stone could be £4350 on the stone. Surface area is important that carat but also need to be ideal cut with ideal proportions. Set in platinum

 

[whitewave]

I would take a chance with the I si2

 

[anangel]

given your requirements (especially size) and the limited selection on BN that meets your criteria, I’m with everyone else who says to try the I. Can you see it before it is set?

 

[Snowdrop13]

This one looks to have good numbers. Need to check HCA and eye cleanliness,

1.09-Carat Round Cut Diamond | Blue Nile UK

www.bluenile.com

 

[crnamedic]

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10933

This is your best bet. The proportions will be "super ideal" and you won't be disappointed.

 

[tyty333]

@Tomdiamond On the "I" the crystal is the grade making inclusion. The inclusions are listed on the report in order of significance. The additional
clouds should not be an issue unless it says something like...clarity grade based on clouds that are not shown. Yours does not say this.

When a Grader is deciding on the color grade, the stone is evaluated upside down. The evaluator looks at it from the pavilion side because
depending on how good (or bad) a stone is cut it may affect how bright or how much color you see in the stone. A well-cut stone will be
bright and return a lot of light, however, you will see more color (or tint) of the stone from the side where the facets are not facing you and
not returning light. So yes, your GF may see more of the color/tint when she looks at it from the side.

Here it is showing some of its tint. The tint is really contrasted with the white gold bezel.
Sorry for the big pics...I didnt feel like resizing. My stone is an AGS000 so it does have good light return. Most of the time I just
see a white stone but, depending on the walls and lighting I can easily see the tint at times.



Outside you dont see the color. You just see brightness and color from it reflecting whats around it.

 

[natasha-cupcake]

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10933

This is your best bet. The proportions will be "super ideal" and you won't be disappointed.

I agree, but this is well above budget for the OP. If Blue Nile is the preferred vendor, then I think this diamond might be a good option. It's an S!2, which can be a gamble, but I believe this COULD be eye clean. It's also an H, which would be less likely to infringe on color sensitivity. I like that it's an H, it's over a carat, it has slightly chunky arrows and a good HCA score.

1.08-Carat Round Cut Diamond | Blue Nile UK

www.bluenile.com

To get a rough idea of eye cleanliness, I put my computer on a table or desk and play the video of the diamond. Then I walk at least ten feet away from the screen and watch as the diamond rotates. I walk in until I see the inclusions. The closer I get before seeing inclusions, the more likely it is to be eye clean. Of course, if the video allows you to decrease the zoom level, just decrease it until the diamond is roughly normal size. Blue Nile doesn't seem to have a zoom feature. These methods are not guarantees, but they can help. Always best to have a gemologist at Blue Nile take a look, if they have the stone in their possession.

 

[Tomdiamond]

This one looks to have good numbers. Need to check HCA and eye cleanliness,

1.09-Carat Round Cut Diamond | Blue Nile UK

www.bluenile.com

ah I’ve looked at this one but came back with a ‘brown tint’ so disregarded it

 

[Tomdiamond]

@Tomdiamond On the "I" the crystal is the grade making inclusion. The inclusions are listed on the report in order of significance. The additional
clouds should not be an issue unless it says something like...clarity grade based on clouds that are not shown. Yours does not say this.

When a Grader is deciding on the color grade, the stone is evaluated upside down. The evaluator looks at it from the pavilion side because
depending on how good (or bad) a stone is cut it may affect how bright or how much color you see in the stone. A well-cut stone will be
bright and return a lot of light, however, you will see more color (or tint) of the stone from the side where the facets are not facing you and
not returning light. So yes, your GF may see more of the color/tint when she looks at it from the side.

Here it is showing some of its tint. The tint is really contrasted with the white gold bezel.
Sorry for the big pics...I didnt feel like resizing. My stone is an AGS000 so it does have good light return. Most of the time I just
see a white stone but, depending on the walls and lighting I can easily see the tint at times.



Outside you dont see the color. You just see brightness and color from it reflecting whats around it.

Thanks this is really helpful!

 

[Tomdiamond]

I agree, but this is well above budget for the OP. If Blue Nile is the preferred vendor, then I think this diamond might be a good option. It's an S!2, which can be a gamble, but I believe this COULD be eye clean. It's also an H, which would be less likely to infringe on color sensitivity. I like that it's an H, it's over a carat, it has slightly chunky arrows and a good HCA score.

1.08-Carat Round Cut Diamond | Blue Nile UK

www.bluenile.com

To get a rough idea of eye cleanliness, I put my computer on a table or desk and play the video of the diamond. Then I walk at least ten feet away from the screen and watch as the diamond rotates. I walk in until I see the inclusions. The closer I get before seeing inclusions, the more likely it is to be eye clean. Of course, if the video allows you to decrease the zoom level, just decrease it until the diamond is roughly normal size. Blue Nile doesn't seem to have a zoom feature. These methods are not guarantees, but they can help. Always best to have a gemologist at Blue Nile take a look, if they have the stone in their possession.

Thanks will look in to this in more detail. Appreciate you looking