Please help me choose a WF ACA

[Lani]

Hello everyone!

Feeling extremely grateful to have found this forum before purchasing a diamond! Thank you to all who have taken the time to offer insight, educate and post pictures for reference!

We've set a budget of $30k for the stone (some flexibility for something exceptional in value). I live in Texas and drove up to Whiteflash yesterday for an in person look at their diamonds (all stunning!) narrowing it down to the two options below (higher color vs. higher clarity). What would you select and why?


2.41ct H SI1 (easily eye clean from 10 inches):

Diamond | 2.410 ct H SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4287227

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.410 carat H color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4287227

www.whiteflash.com

(I personally could not spot the inclusion on the edge without the loupe)

2.51ct I VS2:

Diamond | 2.517 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4113563

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.517 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4113563

www.whiteflash.com

(Appeared slightly warmer from the side than the H)

Setting (Platinum): size 3.75

Contemporary Classic Solitaire Engagement Ring | 1415

Contemporary Classic Solitaire Engagement Ring. A ring that combines timeless elegance with a contemporary touch. | 1415

www.whiteflash.com

Looking forward to your responses and thanks in advance!

 

[Sexypiggy]

As a non expert i would pick the H only coz of the higher color which makes it more mind clean for me.

If the size difference was more substantial I would go for the bigger stone.

 

[lovedogs]

hmmm, what a fun choice to make! I am honestly not sure what I would choose having not seen either of them. Did either of them appeal to you more than the other? Do you think you'll want a less tinted stone? If yes, go with the H

 

[Lani]

As a non expert i would pick the H only coz of the higher color which makes it more mind clean for me.

If the size difference was more substantial I would go for the bigger stone.

I am not color sensitive, but did notice a difference between the stones when next to one another from the side view. It would be ideal to combine specs from both diamonds hitting the 2.5ct mark with H color and VS2 (eye clean / mind clean) clarity. I appreciate your input!

 

[lovedogs]

I am not color sensitive, but did notice a difference between the stones when next to one another from the side view. It would be ideal to combine specs from both diamonds hitting the 2.5ct mark with H color and VS2 (eye clean / mind clean) clarity. I appreciate your input!

I don't think the size difference will be noticible IRL (though obviously you will know better since you saw them in person

 

[Lani]

hmmm, what a fun choice to make! I am honestly not sure what I would choose having not seen either of them. Did either of them appeal to you more than the other? Do you think you'll want a less tinted stone? If yes, go with the H

The light performance was incredible for both stones! It is so hard to choose and I don't yet have the experience to know what will matter more to me long term (thankfully WF has a great upgrade policy - just in case). During the visit, I realized I am not color sensitive, but the H color would be more mind clean in that respect. The I was more mind clean in clarity. Thanks for your input!

 

[Lani]

I don't think the size difference will be noticible IRL (though obviously you will know better since you saw them in person

You're right - they appeared identical in size. I just also liked the idea of hitting the 2.5ct mark

 

[Fancygems]

The H it’s a higher color and I would prefer the grade setting inclusion over the other and has a smaller table if you prefer one (although may be negligible). Good luck deciding! Fun decision to make.

 

[Kim N]

Since they appear identical in size and the H's inclusion is eye-clean, the H for sure!

 

[headlight]

I vote for the H. You will definitely see the tint in the I. I have a BG Signature in similar size (2.31) in H color and I can see the warmth in that!

 

[daisygrl]

Would you agree to go with a slightly smaller stone and get H/VS2 to satisfy both requirements: mind clean clarity AND color? Or do you value size more than a mind clean diamond (whatever that might mean to you?) This is a personal choice as no one can tell you if you are going to like H over I, SI1 over VS2. You need to figure out what would make you happy.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, that's a tough choice! I like H color and I like VS2 clarity, so for me, personally, I'd choose one of these two (I'd have them check to see which is the highest H):

Diamond | 2.330 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4172768

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.330 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4172768

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 2.432 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4024624

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.432 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4024624

www.whiteflash.com

I think I would take the H of the two you posted, because the color likely will be more visible than the clarity.

 

[Lani]

The H it’s a higher color and I would prefer the grade setting inclusion over the other and has a smaller table if you prefer one (although may be negligible). Good luck deciding! Fun decision to make.

Good point about the grade setting inclusion. Is a smaller table preferable? Thank you!

 

[Lani]

Since they appear identical in size and the H's inclusion is eye-clean, the H for sure!

Appreciate the feedback!

 

[Lani]

Well, that's a tough choice! I like H color and I like VS2 clarity, so for me, personally, I'd choose one of these two (I'd have them check to see which is the highest H):

Diamond | 2.330 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4172768

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.330 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4172768

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 2.432 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4024624

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.432 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4024624

www.whiteflash.com

I think I would take the H of the two you posted, because the color likely will be more visible than the clarity.

I had them check on those two stones previously, but they have visible inclusions. If not - either diamond would have been a great option! I agree, the color will be more noticeable from day to day. Thank you for your advice!

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

I had them check on those two stones previously, but they have visible inclusions. If not - either diamond would have been a great option! I agree, the color will be more noticeable from day to day. Thank you for your advice!

I was just comparing a G vs. H and I ended up buying a G because I could see the color in the H. Maybe a G to H is a big jump in color- I don’t know- the pros would have to weigh in. I bought from VC. Don’t know if you‘re considering other vendors. You could try VC, HPD or BG and maybe there are others?

 

[headlight]

I was just comparing a G vs. H and I ended up buying a G because I could see the color in the H. Maybe a G to H is a big jump in color- I don’t know- the pros would have to weigh in. I bought from VC. Don’t know if you‘re considering other vendors. You could try VC, HPD or BG and maybe there are others?

I'm glad you went with the G. Given the choice, if you have the opportunity/ability to go higher color, I think a good idea. As I've said, my H in my BGD Signature that is GORGEOUS, I do see the tint. It isn't the cut (it's amazing), it is just the color nature gave it! What I definitely would recommend to anyone wholeheartedly is if someone can find a G with medium blue Fl, that is the ticket! My other BGD Signature (pendant) is just that from the BGD blue collection and it totally rivals my E diamond. You would not know, even from side view, that it is not a colorless diamond. If I ever have the opportunity to purchase another diamond (my husband will jump off a cliff haha), I would definitely pursue a G with med blue fl.

 

[Lani]

I'm glad you went with the G. Given the choice, if you have the opportunity/ability to go higher color, I think a good idea. As I've said, my H in my BGD Signature that is GORGEOUS, I do see the tint. It isn't the cut (it's amazing), it is just the color nature gave it! What I definitely would recommend to anyone wholeheartedly is if someone can find a G with medium blue Fl, that is the ticket! My other BGD Signature (pendant) is just that from the BGD blue collection and it totally rivals my E diamond. You would not know, even from side view, that it is not a colorless diamond. If I ever have the opportunity to purchase another diamond (my husband will jump off a cliff haha), I would definitely pursue a G with med blue fl.

That's funny and I appreciate the advice!

 

[Lani]

I was just comparing a G vs. H and I ended up buying a G because I could see the color in the H. Maybe a G to H is a big jump in color- I don’t know- the pros would have to weigh in. I bought from VC. Don’t know if you‘re considering other vendors. You could try VC, HPD or BG and maybe there are others?

I looked on VC's site and considered having the setting made by him, but he isn't currently taking orders without the purchase of one of his stones and I did not see anything that really matched my criteria. I'm sure your ring is beautiful - his designs are lovely! Thanks for your input!

 

[bps413]

My other BGD Signature (pendant) is just that from the BGD blue collection and it totally rivals my E diamond.

Would love to see side by side pictures!!!

 

[Lani]

For anyone who is interested in the outcome:

Love at first Whiteflash ACA! (2.5 I VS2)

Hello everyone! I just wanted to post because this forum has been incredibly helpful. Seeing ring photos of the different styles / hand sizes for reference was truly beneficial when making a decision. 2.5ct I VS2 https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4113563.htm...

www.pricescope.com

I decided to start off with the I color because it was mind clean for me and at the 2.5 mark! Thank you all for your input and for posting your lovely photos on this forum!

 

[headlight]

Congrats! You can't go wrong with an ACA... and 2.5ct WOWZA. Enjoy!

 

[Lani]

Congrats! You can't go wrong with an ACA... and 2.5ct WOWZA. Enjoy!

Thank you! I completely agree and so glad to have gone with Whiteflash! Their quality, reputation and upgrade policy - all excellent! Your rings are beautiful!

 

[DeeDee Gemologist]

Hi Lani,

I am so happy to see that you went for the diamond over two and a half carats. It is one of those magic numbers that when you cross a certain threshold people perceive it to be better. It is what I would have suggested to you and the thing that I would have purchased had I been in your shoes. Great choice. Hope you enjoy and please post a pic when you have it finally made and finished

 

[headlight]

Hi Lani,

I am so happy to see that you went for the diamond over two and a half carats. It is one of those magic numbers that when you cross a certain threshold people perceive it to be better. It is what I would have suggested to you and the thing that I would have purchased had I been in your shoes. Great choice. Hope you enjoy and please post a pic when you have it finally made and finished

This is so interesting! I had never heard of that (or had that perception)... crossing the 2.5ct equating with being “better”. Thanks for providing that food for thought!