Please help with Diamond Selection

[JoaTrade]

Hi All,

I've been doing a lot of research leading up to this month. Wonderful amount of resources and knowledge on PriceScope. Looking to finally lock down a purchase!

Budget: 10-15k (prefer to stay on the low end)
Size: 1.4+ carat
Color: G/H
Clarity: up to VS2

I'm looking at these four stones from WhiteFlash - 2 Expert Selection and 2 ACAs: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3802450,3839988,3839984,3858592

I've asked for an in person comparison, which WF rep kindly came back suggesting the ES 1.4 G VS2 as the best quality/value: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3802450.htm

Per WF, this stone missed the ACA certification because of the smaller hearts, but the stats are in-line with ACAs. HCA scores of 1.1 for this stone. I'd love to get some opinions from you guys, as well as any alternative suggestions!

Thank you.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think they are all very nice stones. I'd probably go for one of the ACAs personally since those are 1.45 and 1.5, but the other two are very nice, as well. I don't think you can go wrong. These 4 are graduated in size and there is a visual difference between 7.15 and 7.36mm in diameter. So keep that in mind.

 

[rockysalamander]

I think you found some great options. Nice work!

From WF. I'd probably go for the suggested 1.4 if that size works for you. Expert Selection get the same upgrade options as an ACA from WF. $2k less for some teeny amount of performance difference.

Alternatives. * https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8905 {listed as eyeclean and ASET shows no impact from clarity, just ask for a video, but well under budget}

Size reference. 7.13 mm on the left, 7.36 mm on right; size 6.5 finger. Size difference is there, but I'd still choose the 1.4.

 

[JoaTrade]

Thanks both for the comment. I am leaning toward the G VS2 ES given the price. Should I be worried about the inclusion crystal on the table, and the feather near the edge? WF has stated that it is eye clean. There are also some marks on the hearts vs. clean compared to the other stones. What would those marks be?

 

[ac117]

I would agree that the 1.4 G ES stone provides the best value and is really lovely. I wouldn't be concerned if WF has confirmed the stone is eye clean but I would ask at what distance/angle the inclusion could be seen. Some people prefer "mind clean" stones and I totally get that but at this size, it will be really hard to see unless you're looking at a very, very close distance at just the right angle.

 

[ringo865]

Oh, and just because a trained gemologist "might be able to see" an inclusion in a VS stone, perhaps at some certain angle, does NOT mean that average Jane/Joe would be able to see anything without a loupe.

 

[JoaTrade]

Thanks again for the feedback all. I've asked WF to come back on the inclusion. Their feedback is that it is seen with 10x magnification under the loop. It couldn't be seen as close as 6 inches away from top and side. But it can be seen pretty clear from the bottom up - which once mounted, is not possible. I think that gives me some comfort.

I'm just looking at the other stones with the hope to be "mind clean" as well.

What do you all think about this 1.5 G VS 1 stone from James Allen? This scores a 0.9 on HCA.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3323473

Idealscope: https://imgur.com/a/eN7nj