PLEASE HELP! Input needed on my final 3 Diamond selections

[bshaffer12]

Hello everyone - thanks for all the great information posted, it's been a big help in my search.

I've narrowed my search down to 3 round diamonds on JA. Here are the specs:

Diamond 1:
Carat: 2.02
Color: J
Clarity: SI1
Cut: EX
Depth %: 62.8
Table %: 56
Crown: 35.5
Pavilion: 40.8
HCA: 2.7
Faint Flourescence
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-353926

Diamond 2:
Carat: 2.02
Color: J
Clarity: SI1
Cut: EX
Depth %: 60.9
Table %: 57
Crown: 33.5
Pavilion: 40.8
HCA: 0.9
Faint Flourescence
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-303094

Diamond 3:
Carat: 2.1
Color: J
Clarity: VVS2
Cut: EX
Depth %: 61.8
Table %: 58
Crown: 35.5
Pavilion: 40.8
HCA: 2.7
Med Blue Flourescence
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...j-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-353339

I'm leaning toward number 2, although it has Needle on the table that I can see in the pic that is worrying me a bit and it's at the top of my budget (but that's not a huge concern). I also like #3 but worry about the higher HCA value and the Med Blue Flourescence.

I would REALLY love to here some opinions on these stones. Are these worth pursuing? Opinions and reasons for choosing one over the other would be much appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[ecf8503]

Re: PLEASE HELP! Input needed on my final 3 Diamond selecti

2 of the 3 score over 2 on the HCA...

If these are your choices you need idealscope images and the gemologist's review for them - don't buy any of them without that info.

 

[bshaffer12]

Re: PLEASE HELP! Input needed on my final 3 Diamond selecti

Thanks for the reply. That is the same reason I am leaning towards #2. Any insight into the image of #2?

I'll ask for the Idealscope. That's an area I do not have a lot of knowledge, so I'll do a little homework on that. Thanks for the tip.

 

[bshaffer12]

Re: PLEASE HELP! Input needed on my final 3 Diamond selecti

One more to the list...

Diamond 4:
Carat: 2.1
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
Cut: EX
Depth %: 61
Table %: 57
Crown: 34.5
Pavilion: 41
HCA: 1.8
No fluorescence
https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-2-10-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-3V396H

I'm asking for idealscopes on all 4.

Really like this last one but it's slightly over budget.

Really appreciate any feedback

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: PLEASE HELP! Input needed on my final 3 Diamond selecti

The Ritani doesn't even have a photo. So there is no way to comment on that one.

Of the top three, only the second one would be worth considering just from the numbers. The HCA helps you screen stones that have potential, and that generally means a score under 2.0. But there are some diamonds a little higher than 2.0 that are fine. But I would eliminate 2.7 and look for closer to 2.0 or less. Also, you want the depth no lower than 62.3 and preferably 62 or less. If a stone is too deep, it can make it face up (diameter) small for its weight.

However, I would eliminate the second stone because of the inclusion right under the table. I am betting that might be visible at some angles in certain lighting.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: PLEASE HELP! Input needed on my final 3 Diamond selecti

The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F. And GIA Ex is not enough. And you must stick to GIA and AGS only. EGL is a bad option: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/[/URL]
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want?
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut
Well one method is to start with a GIA Ex, and then apply the HCA to it. YOU DO NOT USE HCA for AGS0 stones.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/holloway-cut-advisor
The HCA is a rejection tool. Not a selection tool. It uses 4 data points to make a rudimentary call on how the diamond may perform.
If the diamond passes then you know that you are in the right zone in terms of angles for light performance. Under 2 is a pass. Under 2.5-2.1 is a maybe. 2.6 and over is a no. No score 2 and under is better than any other.
Is that enough? Not really.
So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an idealscope image does. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/firescope-idealscope
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile, as they do not provide idealscope images for their diamonds. BGD, James Allen, GOG, HPD, ERD and WF do.

The Idealscope is the 'selection tool'. Not the HCA.
So yes, with a GIA stone you need the idealscope images. Or you can buy an idealscope yourself and take it in to the jeweler you are working with to check the stones yourself. Or if you have a good return policy (full refund minimum 7 days) then you can buy the idealscope, buy the stone, and do it at home.


Now if you want to skip all that... stick to AGS0 stones and then all you have to do is pick color and clarity and you know you have a great performing diamond. Because AGS has already done the checking for you. That's why they trade at a premium.

 

[bshaffer12]

Re: PLEASE HELP! Input needed on my final 3 Diamond selecti

Thank you very much for the replies! I'm thinking I may go back to the drawing board on my search. I'll post a new set if/when I find something that fits my criteria.

Gypsy - really great info, thank you! I'm sure that will be a big help to other as well.

 

[bshaffer12]

Re: PLEASE HELP! Input needed on my final 3 Diamond selecti

I received the following report for #4. Would really appreciate opinions. Thanks!

 

[bshaffer12]

Re: PLEASE HELP! Input needed on my final 3 Diamond selecti

This report is not convincing me but I really do not have much experience comparing one from the next. I would be very interested in others opinions. Thanks!