Please help me pick from these diamonds - Links with Pics

[Tommotommo]

Hi All,

I'm on the search for a diamond to propose to my girlfriend. I'm looking for a decent Round Brilliant in the 0.9 to 1.0ct size to centre a cushion halo white gold ring, which is the style she likes best.

I've been lurking here for a while trying to absorb as much info as possible and I am hoping you may be able to assist with providing advice on which of the following diamonds is the best value based on the info/ specs and photos.
I have been using the following system to try and find the best diamonds possible within my budget:
1. Search for RBC diamonds 0.9 to 1.0ct with the most ideal dimensions (ie, Depth 60%-62.45, Table 54%-57% etc)
2. Searching the GIA report and running the numbers through the HCA Calculator (elimination tool)
3. If HCA under 2, search and find photos online with (hopefully) idealscope and/or ASET images for evaluation.

Please let me know if you think my process could use improvement.

0.9ct F SI1, Ex/VG/Ex (cut/Pol/Sym,)Med Blue FL,
HCA 1.1
GIA Cert http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=5176640043
Pictures available here https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R90-LA3BEC

0.9ct G SI1, Ex/Ex/VG (Cut/Pol/Sym),No Flour
HCA 0.8
GIA http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2186549110
Pics https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R90-KD4GXK

0.96ct H SI1, Ex/Ex/VG (cut/Pol/Sym), No Fl
HCA 1.8
GIA http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2136739623
Pics https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R96-FUY2FA

0.93ct H SI1, Ex/Ex/Ex, No fl
HCA 1.4
GIA http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=6205446517
Pics https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R93-L85BN4

0.9ct F SI1, Ex/Ex/Ex, Med Bl Fl
HCA 1.9
GIA http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2161416517
Pics https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R90-6NRW1J

0.9ct E SI1, Ex/Ex/Ex, Strong Bl Fl
HCA 3.6
GIA http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=6201500185
Pics https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R90-76QR26

0.9ct H SI1, Ex/Ex/VG (cut/Pol/Sym), No Fl
HCA 3.6
GIA http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2207127495
Pics https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R90-G3ZLP7

The above diamonds fit within the budget that I am able to put towards a centre stone and still have budget for the setting.

Would appreciate any and all advice on the above diamonds to assist in making the best decision I can!

Thanks so much to all

 

[tyty333]

Re: Please help me pick from these diamonds - Links with Pic

Almost all of these stones are showing some leakage. What is your budget?


Some at JA that you might look into
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-671414
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-644515
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-493627 check for eye-clean

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Please help me pick from these diamonds - Links with Pic

This appears to be the best of those you posted although it has slight leakage.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R93-L85BN4

Enchanted Diamonds really helps you out in terms of screening the round brilliant stones by the numbers. I only consider the stones with a cut score of 97-100. That will save you a lot of time. Then I narrow them down further by ASET image and clarity.

 

[Tommotommo]

Re: Please help me pick from these diamonds - Links with Pic

Thanks for the quick responses!

I'll check out the James Allen stones as well.

In terms of budget I'm hoping to keep it around $4-4.5K USD (I'm in Australia so equivalent of about $6.5K Aud) for the stone.

In regards to the leakage displayed by the stones I posted, is the amount of leakage displayed going to have significant effect on the diamonds performance?

Where I am located, it's difficult to find opportunities to see good stones as the popular jewellers are overpriced and sell high depth, small table diamonds in higher colours which are well over priced compared to what I am looking at online.

 

[Tommotommo]

Re: Please help me pick from these diamonds - Links with Pic

I have also been looking at an Australian online retailer - Jogia Diamonds http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au
Does anyone have any feedback?

I came across the following stone on the Jogia diamonds website and thought I would share for feedback.

Measurements 6.67 - 6.68 x 4.04 mm
Carat Weight 1.11 carat
Color Grade G
Clarity Grade SI1
Cut Grade Excellent
Depth 60.5 %
Table 58 %
Crown Angle 34.0°
Crown Height 14.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.6°
Pavilion Depth 42.5%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet None
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
Fluorescence Strong Blue

GIA Report http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=7206125269
Pic1 http://www2.jogiadiamonds.com.au/images/certs/J8714593-image.jpg
Pic2 http://www2.jogiadiamonds.com.au/images/certs/J8714593-image2.jpg
Pic 3 http://www2.jogiadiamonds.com.au/images/certs/J8714593-image3.jpg
Video http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/showMovie.php?code=J8714593

This diamond is $7900 AUD (or $5,400 USD roughly).

It scores a HCA of 0.7 and the Enchanted Cut score calculator gives it a 100.

Do you think the diamond would be eyeclean? From the images available in the links, would you expect this diamond to have good light performance?


I went and had a look at a retail Store today that had a couple of different cushion centre stones in single halo settings.
Totally felt like I was being sold a story to try and get the sale.
The lady I was dealing with told me that fluorescence is where the reflected light leaks out the sides and bottom of the diamond.
I also happened to comment that one of the cushions was slightly rectangular and she replied that that was 'much rarer' and therefore 'more special' than a square cushion cut diamond....

 

[adele_h]

Re: Please help me pick from these diamonds - Links with Pic

Hey Tommo,

Not sure if you've used the search function, but there was definitely a guy not all that long ago who used Jogia - he had two threads I think, one was quite extensive and detailed, the other was a finished pic. I'll try to link it if I can find it!

Aussie too here. Sucks about the exchange rate and remember, try to deal with a vendor who is familiar with the correct paper work (I think it's AFTA or AusFTA? Free trade agreement stuff so that you only pay GST at customs, I think? Most reputable US vendors mention it in the FAQs of their site (again, perhaps do a quick search to see what I'm on about, the forms have been linked on here previously I think!)

Good luck, keep us posted!

 

[adele_h]

Re: Please help me pick from these diamonds - Links with Pic

I can't seem to find any of his threads.. But he had a positive experience. I'm just not sure if some of the more season jewellery folk on here were all that blown away with the craftsmanship (although some of it might have been the design that the client asked for, too).

But, here's something very handy from Whiteflash on the AUSFTA
http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/faq/australiaunited-states-free-trade-agreement.htm

 

[Tommotommo]

Re: Please help me pick from these diamonds - Links with Pic

Thanks Adele,

That's an interesting read. I'll keep that in mind when looking at the overseas (US based) vendors.

I'll do another search on Jogia but couldn't find too much recent stuff about them on here. Found some good reviews on Whirlpool forum though as well.

What's your take on Diamonds International (The Aussie company)?
I've viewed a couple of rings with them recently and they are about to have their 40% off sale kick off again very shortly, which from what I can see makes there rings only moderately overpriced rather than ridiculously overpriced...
The rings were quite nice looking but no information on the stone other than GIA certs and only have an opportunity to look at the stone under store lighting.

I'm confused as to which way to go.

Buying from the store, I can touch and view the ring and that makes me feel somewhat comfortable, but then I also I know that either the stones aren't the best or are overpriced.
Buying online, I find myself agonising over the specs and second guessing my choices and having to remember to keep adding on GST. Plus, as you said, it sucks about the exchange rate!

 

[Diamond_Hawk]

Re: Please help me pick from these diamonds - Links with Pic

Tommotommo,

I am so glad you have found PriceScope. As I read through your debate of buying online vs. in-store, esp. with exchange rate and tax considerations, do remember that, ultimately, you want the diamond to be 'mind clean.' In short that means - only excitement and no regrets. Since you are now familiar with optical imagery (ASET and Ideal-Scope) and how cut can change diamond performance, it makes the in-store sales job much harder.

We know many diamonds, of various cuts and various quality, look amazing under the show-room lights. Without the additional information you can find online, might you wonder about the in-store diamond you buy? Sure, the numbers can look promising, the HCA can be under 2, but now you want those images.

You can purchase an Ideal-Scope and, if you are committed to in-store buying, take it to the store with you (you may even educate your salesperson) - but once you get familiar with these images you may find yourself coming back to online-only buying in order to find the cut, images, and price where you'd like it and to get yourself a 'mind clean' diamond.

Either way - enjoy the process.

 

[gr8leo87]

Re: Please help me pick from these diamonds - Links with Pic

This appears to be the best of those you posted although it has slight leakage.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R93-L85BN4

Enchanted Diamonds really helps you out in terms of screening the round brilliant stones by the numbers. I only consider the stones with a cut score of 97-100. That will save you a lot of time. Then I narrow them down further by ASET image and clarity.

I suspect that light leakage on the ASET appears to be a work of strong back lighting rather than the stone it self. I could be wrong though.