Please help me choose a stone! :)

[fatimzz]

Hi all,
I have recently been offered a bona fide diamond engagement ring after almost 7 years of marriage And I feel I''ve been lucky to have stumbled upon this site instead of going straight to a B&M store (see I''ve already picked up the lingo . I have realized that I am ok with even a J if it is white (and I saw those J ring pictures in that thread - wowee!) but I''d like to stay in the VS1/VS2 clarity range. I''d like a round stone. I am not sure whether it is worth it to go all the way to hearts & arrows or would a ideal cut be quite alright as well. I''d like to stay 0.95-1ct in size. I dont want to spend more than $5k.
These two stones have caught my eye.

First at WF: http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-680231.htm#
Second at James Allen: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122734.asp

I would really appreciate some expert opinions.

Also I have these questions:

1. How do I ensure that a gem appears white enough? I like this setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/products/item_412-2047_build.asp?module=setting. Is there any chance of a color clash?

2. Does VS1/VS2 a guarantee that a diamond is eye clean?

3. How much a difference is there really between ideal and H&A?

4. I read someone''s experience on this board where the stones were sent to be inspected by an appraiser before the person bought the diamond. Is that the recommended course of action? How much does this mailing back and forth cost?

Well that''s all the questions I have right now. Thanks in advance for your input.

Oh also, how are diamonds laser inscribed? Who does it? How much does it cost?

OK THAT''s it

 

[fatimzz]

Just checked. HCA score for diamond#1 is 3.6 and for #2 is 0.8. How much should one trust these scores?

 

[chrono]

Date: 3/13/2008 12:18:17 AM
Author:fatimzz
Hi all,
I have recently been offered a bona fide diamond engagement ring after almost 7 years of marriage And I feel I've been lucky to have stumbled upon this site instead of going straight to a B&M store (see I've already picked up the lingo . I have realized that I am ok with even a J if it is white (and I saw those J ring pictures in that thread - wowee!) but I'd like to stay in the VS1/VS2 clarity range. I'd like a round stone. I am not sure whether it is worth it to go all the way to hearts & arrows or would a ideal cut be quite alright as well. I'd like to stay 0.95-1ct in size. I dont want to spend more than $5k.
These two stones have caught my eye.

First at WF: http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-680231.htm#
Second at James Allen: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122734.asp

I would really appreciate some expert opinions.

Also I have these questions:

1. How do I ensure that a gem appears white enough? I like this setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/products/item_412-2047_build.asp?module=setting. Is there any chance of a color clash?
You mentioned earlier that you are all right with a J, so I assume it is white enough for you? Have you seen a real J? If not, I'd suggest going to a higher end store that carries GIA and AGS stones to view J coloured diamonds to see if a J stone is acceptable to your eyes. An accurately graded well cut J stone will not appear yellow or tinted in a white metal setting but may show hints of warmth from the side.

2. Does VS1/VS2 a guarantee that a diamond is eye clean?
Depends. A VS1/2 is always eye clean from the table (top view). A VS2 may not always be eye clean from all views (side). Eye clean is defined as viewed from about 1 foot away (or at arms length). If you want it at 6 inches away, you may need to specify this with the vendor. There are also eye clean SI1s, which may be an option for you. Many would prefer higher colour and lower (yet eye clean) clarity stones, like H SI1.

3. How much a difference is there really between ideal and H&A?
Yes and no. There are ideal stones with no H&A pattern, and not all H&A stones are ideal cut. There is also a difference between stones that are true H&A and exhibits strong H&A patterns. Personally, I prefer to save a bit of $ and go for an ideal cut stone that shows a strong H&A pattern.

4. I read someone's experience on this board where the stones were sent to be inspected by an appraiser before the person bought the diamond. Is that the recommended course of action? How much does this mailing back and forth cost?
If buying from a trusted vendor like JA, WF, ERD, GOG, I normally skip the appraiser. Also, it may not be cost effective on smaller diamonds. Most vendors are happy to send the stone directly to the appraiser, where you both can view the stone at once - so there's really no shipping fee involved, or just one shipping charge.

Well that's all the questions I have right now. Thanks in advance for your input.

Oh also, how are diamonds laser inscribed? Who does it? How much does it cost?
Not sure about that one. Sorry. The inscription is inexpensive but the inscription can also be removed.
OK THAT's it

 

[chrono]

Date: 3/13/2008 12:29:45 AM
Author: fatimzz
Just checked. HCA score for diamond#1 is 3.6 and for #2 is 0.8. How much should one trust these scores?

The HCA scores are generally accurate. It also depends if you use angles or percentages.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/13/2008 12:18:17 AM
Author:fatimzz


2. Does VS1/VS2 a guarantee that a diamond is eye clean?

Just wanted to add, no not always. Many factors can affect whether a diamond is eyeclean or not, even in VS clarities. Factors which can make a difference are size of the diamond, shape or cutting style, colour, size, location, individual eyesight and type of inclusions. Generally you should be safe, and for your purposes I would definitely think so with the calibre and size of diamond you have posted, but there are some VS diamonds where posters have seen tiny inclusions even face up, rare but it has happened. It is always best to check with the vendor regarding the particular diamond you are interested in, and see this thread for more info.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/clarity-eye-clean-definition-interpretation-and-taste.30483/