Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds. ~$7k

[dasaro]

I'm in the process of looking for the perfect (for me) diamond engagement ring. After visiting a few B&M stores and doing a lot of online research, I realize that the best place is to buy online. The articles on this forum have helped me tremendously! Here are the stones I've narrowed it down to. They are all from JA because there are settings that I like from there. Also, feel free to suggest something different!

1) 1.02/D/VS2/Ex FL:Med HCA 1.7 TIC $7480
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-d-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-935606

2) 1.05/E/SI1/Ex FL:Med HCA 1.5 TIC $6570
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-777782

3) 1.11/D/SI1/Ex FL:Med HCA 1.8 FIC $6650
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-d-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-881235

4) 1.15/E/SI1/Ex FL:Faint HCA 1.6 TIC $7530
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-718282

5) 1.17/D/SI1/Ex FL:Strong HCA 1.3 TIC $7530
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-d-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-959726

6) 1.20/D/SI2/Ex FL:Med HCA 2.6 $6970
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-d-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-959084

 

[dasaro]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

Can anyone tell me if any of these diamonds I should definitely stay away from? I would really like your opinion(s)!

 

[ringo865]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

Not sure where everybody is, and I'm not an expert. I mostly look at h-k color for larger size, so I just have to say these are SUPER WHITE

Hopefully someone can chime in with specific information to help you.

 

[flyingpig]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

1. Too deep, not eNough spread.
2.60/60 style. Can be good.
3. Crown too steep at 36
4. Can be lovely. Numbers are good. Slightly deep.
5. 60/60 style. Can be good. Strong flou (desirable to you?). Unfamiliar inclusion characteristic.
6. Too deep, not eNough spread.

Nothing really wows me from this list.

Any reason for such high color? If you include G and F, you have more option, still white and save a ton.

 

[dasaro]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

Thanks, FlyingPig! That really helped me narrow it down.

I just found this diamond while searching on WF.....

1.236 ct/ H/ VS2/ Ideal AGS cut

HCA info:
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spread or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.4 - Excellent
within TIC range

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3638805.htm

I'm worried that I'll notice the color. I went to a B&M store (a couple actually) and I was able to easily distinguish an H from an E color. The sales guy said I had better eyes than him. Although, I did read that ideal cuts will make a diamond appear whiter.

 

[RockBrat]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

My eyes are very sensitive and I can see a huge difference in color grades. Especially between F and G so I wouldn't recommend going lower in color than what you're comfortable with. For number 5, I'd take it out of the running. An etched channel is not a great inclusion to have. It's like a tunnel or what happens when someone drills for clarity enhancement. They form naturally but can cause a durability issue in an SI clarity. Also you can get grime stuck in it that's hard to get out.

 

[dasaro]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...agio-939r7-solitaire-engagement-ring-3644.htm

Also, this is the setting that I'm interested in....I don't think an H color would be very noticeable in that setting.

 

[flyingpig]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

Thanks, FlyingPig! That really helped me narrow it down.

I just found this diamond while searching on WF.....

1.236 ct/ H/ VS2/ Ideal AGS cut

HCA info:
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spread or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.4 - Excellent
within TIC range

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3638805.htm

I'm worried that I'll notice the color. I went to a B&M store (a couple actually) and I was able to easily distinguish an H from an E color. The sales guy said I had better eyes than him. Although, I did read that ideal cuts will make a diamond appear whiter.

I think it is a very good offer from WF. Even among expert selection stones, this is one of top performers, with ideal proportions. Price is good. Just ask how eye clean the stone is from a closer distance than normal 6 to 8 inches.

 

[flyingpig]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

Thanks, FlyingPig! That really helped me narrow it down.

I just found this diamond while searching on WF.....

1.236 ct/ H/ VS2/ Ideal AGS cut

HCA info:
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spread or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.4 - Excellent
within TIC range

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3638805.htm

I'm worried that I'll notice the color. I went to a B&M store (a couple actually) and I was able to easily distinguish an H from an E color. The sales guy said I had better eyes than him. Although, I did read that ideal cuts will make a diamond appear whiter.

I think it is a very good offer from WF. Even among expert selection stones, this is one of top performers, with ideal proportions. That spread.. pushing it to almost 7mm. Price is good especially with their amazing upgrade policy. Just ask how eye clean the stone is from a closer distance than normal 6 to 8 inches.

 

[dasaro]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

OMG I think my BF bought the diamond!
I sent him a link to that diamond and the Verragio setting that I wanted a couple hours ago....and while I was chatting with the sales rep at WF (asking her if it's eye-clean from a closer distance) I noticed the status of the diamond was changed to 'reserved.' She said it's because a customer has placed it on hold!

 

[dasaro]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

never mind. Someone must have been lurking on here and reserved right under me. It's someone in Canada. Just so you know, I hate you.

 

[flyingpig]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

never mind. Someone must have been lurking on here and reserved right under me. It's someone in Canada. Just so you know, I hate you.

I think i know who this is. He is not a lurker. lol.

 

[RockBrat]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

This happens so often, stones being grabbed out from others. Do people do that and resell them or do people just generally all want the same thing and when they see one in their budget being discussed, grab it?

 

[dasaro]

Re: Please help me narrow my selection from these diamonds.

They probably resell them. Now I know not to advertise good deals.