Please Help Make a Decision (~1.5 carat stone)!!

[BR-84]

Although this is my first time posting, I just wanted to say that pricescope has been a great resource in my search for a ring & diamond. Reading the posts on the forum has been educational (I know more than I ever thought I'd know about diamonds) so thank you all!!

I've narrowed my search regarding the 4 c's to include G+, VS2+, Ideal, and 1.5+ carat. With the understanding that HCA is not necessarily a selection tool, I'm also trying to keep that number to a minimum. Additionally, I'd prefer to stay around $15,000, but could make a slight exception for a great stone. With that said, I am interested in the following loose diamonds that fit my criteria:

First two are "branded" diamonds

1)
G / VS2 / 1.67 / James Allen "True Hearts" / 0.5 HCA / $16.1k
Additional comments: ASET image is provided, but looks somewhat asymmetrical to my untrained eye
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.67-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2430866

2)
G / VS2 / 1.54 / White Flash "A Cut Above" / 1.1 HCA / $16.8K
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3644861.htm


The next three are from lumera; however, they do not provide images other than the certification. These are still very interesting to me though, especially with the price savings.

3)
G / VS1 / 1.58 / GIA Excellent / 1.8 HCA / $15.4K
http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamonds/detail/67581862

4)
G / VS2 / 1.71 / GIA Excellent / 0.8 HCA / $14.8K
http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamonds/detail/79306742

5)
G / VS2 / 1.63 / GIA Excellent / 1.4 HCA / $14.4K
http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamonds/detail/71584214


Don't have a strong preference among these options. Both price and quality are concerns. Would the branded diamonds perform that much better than the others (and enough to justify the price difference)? I could definitely use some help making a final decision. Appreciate the help in advance!!

 

[Snowdrop13]

Well, I'm a big fan of Whiteflash ACAs, personally, so all other things being equal I'd go for that one. The JA one also looks very nice indeed and has an AGS 000 which means it should have great light performance. Based on numbers alone, the last Lumera diamond is probably the best one of those- can they provide a photo of the stone and an ASET?

 

[gm89uk]

I'm perplexed by the JA stone ASET on the certificate. Surely that must be a scanning error?

If I was a buyer, I'd certainly ask JA to confirm with AGS that the scan is correct and issue a new certificate if not. The JA stone is significantly larger than the WF stone and looks great otherwise. Are you ever likely to want to upgrade in the future?

Have you ruled out H colour by seeing them in person or arbitrarily put the cut off at G? I ask because many people would happily have an H colour and there is a significant saving to be had at this carat size.

 

[Tophat1]

I think I've got an awesome stone for you:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3658576.htm

My F and I just bought my ring and this was a top contender. Great price/value and the inclusions are really well hidden. Nothing on the table.

I ultimately went with another WF ACA that was a bit larger (1.84).

If you're concerned about I color, I can tell you that my I faces up super white. After comparing numerous G, H, and I stones in B&M stores,I realized the difference was insignificant to me and so I spent thousands less and ended up with a bigger stone because of the I color selection. I could only start to see a warmer tint with J.

Also - Brittany from WF confirmed this stone is gorgeous. You may want her to pull a few and make a reco for you too.

 

[BR-84]

Thanks for the replies! I reached out to James Allen and they confirmed that the ACET image is not being displayed properly. Unfortunately, doesn't sound like they are able to provide an accurate ACET image.

I'm not strictly opposed to an H or I stone; however, she wants a three stone ring with pave. The sidetones and pave on the setting I'm looking at are G color. I've read that there would a noticeable color difference, but I'm open to any other thoughts on this matter.

 

[marcy]

Another vote for an ACA. I've worked with Brittany several times and she picked me out some great diamonds.

I'll be anxious to see what you get.

 

[bunnycat]

I'm perplexed by the JA stone ASET on the certificate. Surely that must be a scanning error?

If I was a buyer, I'd certainly ask JA to confirm with AGS that the scan is correct and issue a new certificate if not. The JA stone is significantly larger than the WF stone and looks great otherwise. Are you ever likely to want to upgrade in the future?

Have you ruled out H colour by seeing them in person or arbitrarily put the cut off at G? I ask because many people would happily have an H colour and there is a significant saving to be had at this carat size.

it's computer generated on the certificate. That's the best I can say....

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would definitely go with a Whiteflash stone, personally. But in regard to tiny pave stones in a setting, they are going to appear bright white no matter what (assuming the ring is high quality) and I'd want to buy the side stones from Whiteflash because I'd want high quality side stones. Can you post a link to the setting you are looking at?

Is she wanting the largest size possible? Because I'd definitely drop to H color if she does. (or you could meet your budget with one in the 1.5 range)

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3273933.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3801979.htm

However, I think 1.5 is a nice size for the center of a three stone ring. It will be quite blingy!