Please help me select a diamond

[vickyscott129]

Hi, we are looking to purchase an engagement ring in the next month or so, and I was wondering if you guys would help me with the selection. White Flash seems to have good reviews and doesn't charge tax where we live (nyc) so that's the prefered vendor. Our criteria are:
1. 22k budget
2. Round with close to 2 carat (>1.
3. GIA/AGS certified
4. G color or above
5. Eye-clean and SI1 at least

From the research I did, I picked out 2 diamonds below in their "a cut above" line. One is a larger size (1.927 carat) but only SI clarity, while the other one is smaller (1.81) but VS2. My question is, do you think the first diamond would be eye clean enough, given it's a relatively large size?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4046750.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4022609.htm

Another question is, should I go with their above "a cut above" line, or the typical GIA diamonds with slightly better clarity but maybe worse cut such as this one?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4022063.htm

Thank you!

 

[Lykame]

Hi, we are looking to purchase an engagement ring in the next month or so, and I was wondering if you guys would help me with the selection. White Flash seems to have good reviews and doesn't charge tax where we live (nyc) so that's the prefered vendor. Our criteria are:
1. 22k budget
2. Round with close to 2 carat (>1.
3. GIA/AGS certified
4. G color or above
5. Eye-clean and SI1 at least

From the research I did, I picked out 2 diamonds below in their "a cut above" line. One is a larger size (1.927 carat) but only SI clarity, while the other one is smaller (1.81) but VS2. My question is, do you think the first diamond would be eye clean enough, given it's a relatively large size?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4046750.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4022609.htm

Another question is, should I go with their above "a cut above" line, or the typical GIA diamonds with slightly better clarity but maybe worse cut such as this one?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4022063.htm

Thank you!

Quick response to say - with this budget, please don't compromise on cut! ACAs are TOTALLY with it. If you cannot see the clarity change with your eyes, don't pay for it. For example there will be no noticeable visual difference between a VS1 and VVS2 BUT cut performance wise there will be.

Have you spoken to Whiteflash? Their definition of eye clean is very specific to face up 10 inches away and you need to figure out whether that's a definition you're comfortable with. They are very very honest and will tell you if a stone doesn't meet your definition. They'll even pull both those stones and photograph them side by side. But if there's one you really like, please put it on hold.

Also they have an amazing upgrade programme.

Are you fixed on colour? Would you consider an H? Have you seen stones of this size and colour (GIA or AGS certificated) in person to figure out what your colour tolerance is?

Stones cut so extremely well will look whiter.

I'll have a quick hunt for you.

 

[Lykame]

1.876 G VS2 (tiiiiny bit over budget, all going by wire price)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4049786.htm
That would be my preferred Whiteflash option over the SI1, not the biggest fan of the SI1 plot, but that's just me.

1.81 H VS1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9589
Again probably VS1 is a bit excess to requirements.

2.07 H SI1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8606
Personally between all the inventory available right now in Whiteflash and HPD, and your budget, I would get this one. It would be stunning and I suspect you would struggle to tell the difference between this and a G unless they were right next to each other, and even then. And it gets you over the 2ct mark.

If you want Whiteflash I would get the first option I posted.

Can't go wrong really.

 

[crbl999]

1.876 G VS2 (tiiiiny bit over budget, all going by wire price)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4049786.htm
That would be my preferred Whiteflash option over the SI1, not the biggest fan of the SI1 plot, but that's just me.

1.81 H VS1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9589
Again probably VS1 is a bit excess to requirements.

2.07 H SI1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8606
Personally between all the inventory available right now in Whiteflash and HPD, and your budget, I would get this one. It would be stunning and I suspect you would struggle to tell the difference between this and a G unless they were right next to each other, and even then. And it gets you over the 2ct mark.

If you want Whiteflash I would get the first option I posted.

Can't go wrong really.

I like the HPD stone. They have a gift card deal going right now which is $1,000 at this price level.

 

[lovedogs]

That HPD stone is stunning!!!!

 

[vickyscott129]

Thank you so much for the quick response and analysis! I think at H I can sometimes tell, but only when next to a E/F stone, so maybe that's ok. I will definitely talk to white flash again to get some side-by-side comparisons of the 2 stones including the one you suggested.

I haven't heard about HPD before but will start looking into that. One reason that I was considering mainly white flash is that they have this Ritani setting that I just fell in love with but haven't seen it offered elsewhere:
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...tani-1rz1318-diamond-engagement-ring-5218.htm

 

[Lykame]

Thank you so much for the quick response and analysis! I think at H I can sometimes tell, but only when next to a E/F stone, so maybe that's ok. I will definitely talk to white flash again to get some side-by-side comparisons of the 2 stones including the one you suggested.

I haven't heard about HPD before but will start looking into that. One reason that I was considering mainly white flash is that they have this Ritani setting that I just fell in love with but haven't seen it offered elsewhere:
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...tani-1rz1318-diamond-engagement-ring-5218.htm

Yes please do ask WF about those comparisons. Be aware there are lurkers who can pinch nice selections out from under your feet, so if there's any you particularly like, put them on hold. Also if you can, would love if you could share any pictures, it would be interesting.

HPD is High Performance Diamonds, and they sell a particular brand of diamond called CBI (Crafted By Infinity). So search CBI in the same way you can search ACA. You'll see there are lots of discussions and lots of comparison threads, so I'll leave you to form your own opinion. You'll see they are both super ideal brands with many happy customers and both have excellent upgrade policies, so you can't go wrong with either choice.

Regarding your setting that you love, no idea if HPD can source Ritani, but they are very responsive to questions.

Best of luck with your decision and keep us updated!