Pls critique these stones for me - Lorelei, Karl and other experts...

[Phoenix]

...and of course other PS'ers too!

With great trepidation, I've decided to trade in my BGD studs for a larger RB in the future (abt 4.5-5ct). Thanks to Lesley and Brian for allowing me to to this and for looking for my "dream" RB ring

. BUT I'll only do this if I can find *great* replacements for them, ie. those replacing my beloved fabulously gorgeous BGD studs have to be as close to them as possible, and have to be as fabulous and make me fall in love with them like I have my BGD studs

.

Thanks very much again for everyone who has voted and commented on my other thread. Jim Schultz has very kindly allowed me to trade in my pears for a pair of RB's and for posting possible choices here on PS for them to be critqued. I've asked Jim for IS images, Sarin rpts and ASET images. The pair is to be chosen from the following. Of course, CUT is the first and foremost consideration. I'd also like the pair to match each other as much possible in terms of colour (close to "I" if possible) and also to be eye-clean (6" away, from any angle).

The choices are:

(A) First pair:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1187834.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1196378.asp


(B) Second pair is to be chosen from these:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1194744.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1196635.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122766.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1179574.asp


Just to be clear, I'm only going to go for ONE pair of studs. The reason why I've classified the stones into groups A and B is because the stones in A appear to match each other and the stones in B are also very close to each other. I'd be happy to go with the pair in A or any two in B's if they're suitable.

Thanks very much, everyone.


Btw, lurkers, forget about stealing these from me!!

Jim has kindly put them on hold for me!

 

[kenny]

All six diamonds show up as sold.

ETA, opps I see they were put on hold for you.
My bad.

 

[Phoenix]

Ha ha, Kenny!

I really hope I can get one of these pairs, and that you guys can help me to get them. I guess the reason why I'm nervous is because there's so much money involved here; and also I hope I'm doing the right thing by returning the fab BGD studs (which haven't come off my ears since I rec'd them, except for washing my hair/ bathing and sleeping that is, LOL). Both BGD and JA have been/ are fantastically helpful (and tolerant of me and my numerous requests) in helping me make this happen and I thank them very much.

As many of you may know, having a gorgeous 4.5ct-ish RB is something I've yearned for - for several years now. And to be honest, as much as I love my present 3.02ct F VS2 ering, I've decided that I'll sell it once I get the 4.5ct-ish from BGD. All the talk on the investment threads has really brought home the reality of needing to save and invest, and to not be too frivolous. As much as I love my bling, I think having 2 large e-rings is rather OTT. I think it was DS who asked me what I was going to do with two large RB's and she's really made me think about it. So thanks, DS. You're a wise lady.

I then plan not to spend any more money on bling (at least not serious money anyway, nothing above $1k or so).....until I reach my 50th, that is. Will need something to cheer me up then!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/20/2009 5:44:40 AM
Author: Phoenix
Ha ha, Kenny!

I really hope I can get one of these pairs, and that you guys can help me to get them. I guess the reason why I'm nervous is because there's so much money involved here; and also I hope I'm doing the right thing by returning the fab BGD studs (which haven't come off my ears since I rec'd them, except for washing my hair/ bathing and sleeping that is, LOL). Both BGD and JA have been/ are fantastically helpful (and tolerant of me and my numerous requests) in helping me make this happen and I thank them very much.

As many of you may know, having a gorgeous 4.5ct-ish RB is something I've yearned for - for several years now. And to be honest, as much as I love my present 3.02ct F VS2 ering, I've decided that I'll sell it once I get the 4.5ct-ish from BGD. All the talk on the investment threads has really brought home the reality of needing to save and invest, and to not be too frivolous. As much as I love my bling, I think having 2 large e-rings is rather OTT. I think it was DS who asked me what I was going to do with two large RB's and she's really made me think about it. So thanks, DS. You're a wise lady.

I then plan not to spend any more money on bling (at least not serious money anyway, nothing above $1k or so).....until I reach my 50th, that is. Will need something to cheer me up then!

I think its a good plan to get your dream honker P!

Lets see what you have with the new earring links....

First pair could work if eyeclean and the cloud inclusions aren't impacting performance. The info is missing from one of the J colours below so need that uploaded.

Also P your BG studs are his signature h&a cuts yes? The replacement stones aren't h&a, would that worry you?

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/20/2009 6:12:21 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/20/2009 5:44:40 AM
Author: Phoenix
Ha ha, Kenny!

I really hope I can get one of these pairs, and that you guys can help me to get them. I guess the reason why I'm nervous is because there's so much money involved here; and also I hope I'm doing the right thing by returning the fab BGD studs (which haven't come off my ears since I rec'd them, except for washing my hair/ bathing and sleeping that is, LOL). Both BGD and JA have been/ are fantastically helpful (and tolerant of me and my numerous requests) in helping me make this happen and I thank them very much.

As many of you may know, having a gorgeous 4.5ct-ish RB is something I've yearned for - for several years now. And to be honest, as much as I love my present 3.02ct F VS2 ering, I've decided that I'll sell it once I get the 4.5ct-ish from BGD. All the talk on the investment threads has really brought home the reality of needing to save and invest, and to not be too frivolous. As much as I love my bling, I think having 2 large e-rings is rather OTT. I think it was DS who asked me what I was going to do with two large RB's and she's really made me think about it. So thanks, DS. You're a wise lady.

I then plan not to spend any more money on bling (at least not serious money anyway, nothing above $1k or so).....until I reach my 50th, that is. Will need something to cheer me up then!

I think its a good plan to get your dream honker P!

Lets see what you have with the new earring links....

First pair could work if eyeclean and the cloud inclusions aren't impacting performance. The info is missing from one of the J colours below so need that uploaded.

Also P your BG studs are his signature h&a cuts yes? The replacement stones aren't h&a, would that worry you?

Thank you, dear Lorelei.

I'm sure Jim will provide me with all the infor necessary to enable us to make an informed decision.

Re yr Q on H&A, yes, I do know that my fab BGD studs are their signature H&A cuts and I also do know that JA stones are not true H&A. I really do not know the answer to yr Q though!! Obviously I'd prefer H&A stones, but those are very hard to come by. I'd like to be able to upgrade my JA pears to something (Jim has been soooooo nice and thoughtful and I'd still like to be able to upgrade with JA and I thought a pair of studs from them would be great). As long as they perform nicely and look nice and are as close to being as "sparkly" (don't know the exact terminology here, LOL) as the BGD studs as possible, I *think* that that would be ok. Oh, I'm not sure....I *def* need some hand-holding, LOL!

 

[Karl_K]

You could ask them to have their gemologist take a look at them and pick her favorite pair and an opinion on which ones match the best.
That would give you a starting point.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/20/2009 3:01:26 PM
Author: Karl_K
You could ask them to have their gemologist take a look at them and pick her favorite pair and an opinion on which ones match the best.
That would give you a starting point.

Thank you, Karl. I''ve asked Jim to ask Julianna to narrow the selection.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/21/2009 12:50:31 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/20/2009 3:01:26 PM
Author: Karl_K
You could ask them to have their gemologist take a look at them and pick her favorite pair and an opinion on which ones match the best.
That would give you a starting point.

Thank you, Karl. I''ve asked Jim to ask Julianna to narrow the selection.

You are most welcome and yes that is what I would advise if you want to do this, get Julianna to check these out for you.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/21/2009 4:55:25 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/21/2009 12:50:31 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/20/2009 3:01:26 PM
Author: Karl_K
You could ask them to have their gemologist take a look at them and pick her favorite pair and an opinion on which ones match the best.
That would give you a starting point.

Thank you, Karl. I''ve asked Jim to ask Julianna to narrow the selection.

You are most welcome and yes that is what I would advise if you want to do this, get Julianna to check these out for you.

Thank you, Lorelei.

 

[Phoenix]

OK, some IS images from JA.

First up, 2.54ct J VS1: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1179574.asp

 

[Phoenix]

Second, 2.65ct J VS1: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122766.asp

 

[Phoenix]

Third, 2.74ct I Si2: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1187834.asp

 

[Phoenix]

Lastly, the 2.67ct J Si2: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1196378.asp

 

[Phoenix]

What do you guys think?

 

[Karl_K]

Date: 10/27/2009 12:34:44 AM
Author: Phoenix
What do you guys think?

all of the IS images look good.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/27/2009 1:18:21 AM
Author: Karl_K

Date: 10/27/2009 12:34:44 AM
Author: Phoenix
What do you guys think?

all of the IS images look good.

Thank you, Karl.

Shall I ask Jim for ASET and Sarin too?

Also, are you concerned about the SI2 inclusions on the latter two stones, particularly the third stone, the 2.74ct I Si2?

 

[Karl_K]

Inclusions need to be seen to be judged.
Don't need aset and while sarin/ogi is interesting the numbers are fine on all of them for earrings.
Finding the best matched pair is the goal and there are some different looks in there.
Was Julianna able to tell you which pair she preferred?

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/27/2009 3:44:45 AM
Author: Karl_K
Inclusions need to be seen to be judged.
Don't need aset and while sarin/ogi is interesting the numbers are fine on all of them for earrings.
Finding the best matched pair is the goal and there are some different looks in there.
Was Julianna able to tell you which pair she preferred?

Thanks, Karl. I guess I'll ask Jim and Julianna about the eye-cleaness of these. I'm a bit "bugged" by the 1 o'clock inclusion on the third IS image. I think it's a crystal.

Yes, Julianna said that the first two match very well. However, they're only marginally larger than my BGD studs (which are abt 8.55- 8.60mm in diameter). I'd still prefer the new earrings to be a tad larger than these. [Phoenix runs away to dodge the eggs thrown at her by other PS'ers, LOL].

Julianna also likes the last two, and says that whilst the I may be a little bit whiter than the J when you look at them together closely, when you wear them on the ears you can't see the colour difference. However, I'm concerned about the "mind-clean" issue for me, and am thinking that the colour difference may "bug" me in the long run. I'm also concerned abt the Si2 inclusions.

To be honest, if the last two matched perfectly well in terms of colour and were both closer to an I rather than J (particularly since the I has medium blue fluor), and are of VS clarity, I think I'd like them better.

Do you think I'm over-thinking the above issues?

Also, none of these are true H&A stones, unlike the BGD stones. How much of a difference, look-wise, would I notice between any one of these and the BGD stones? I wish I could put them side-by-side and judge them for myself but alas, I can't!

Would the BGD stones be much more sparkly than these?

Oh, btw, Karl, what do you mean by "different looks"?

Thanks very much.

 

[Lorelei]

Ask Julianna P whether the second pair are eyeclean and make your expectations concerning this extremely clear, if so then those could be definite candidates if the fact that they are SI2 won't bother you and they are in fact eyeclean.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/27/2009 4:50:30 AM
Author: Lorelei
Ask Julianna P whether the second pair are eyeclean and make your expectations concerning this extremely clear, if so then those could be definite candidates if the fact that they are SI2 won't bother you and they are in fact eyeclean.

Thank you, dear Lorelei.

Would it be enough if I say "they need to be eye-clean from 6 inches away and at whatever angle"?

ETA: Ok, I just quickly read through the "eyeclean-ness" thread at the top of this forum and I still have one more Q: is fluorescent lighting or diffused lighting better when viewing a diamond for this purpose?

 

[stone-cold11]

How many people will be able to look at your ear-rings from a distance of less than a foot away? I would at least keep people 2-3 feet away.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/27/2009 4:56:07 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/27/2009 4:50:30 AM
Author: Lorelei
Ask Julianna P whether the second pair are eyeclean and make your expectations concerning this extremely clear, if so then those could be definite candidates if the fact that they are SI2 won't bother you and they are in fact eyeclean.

Thank you, dear Lorelei.

Would it be enough if I say 'they need to be eye-clean from 6 inches away and at whatever angle'?

ETA: Ok, I just quickly read through the 'eyeclean-ness' thread at the top of this forum and I still have one more Q: is fluorescent lighting or diffused lighting better when viewing a diamond for this purpose?

You are most welcome! As for eyecleanliness thats up to you, don't go for them if they don't meet your expectations, even with earrings the mind clean issue matters and these are big stones. Give JA your definition and see if they match, if not the right ones will come along. Ask the gemologist what lighting they use to evaluate them.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/27/2009 7:47:09 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/27/2009 4:56:07 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/27/2009 4:50:30 AM
Author: Lorelei
Ask Julianna P whether the second pair are eyeclean and make your expectations concerning this extremely clear, if so then those could be definite candidates if the fact that they are SI2 won''t bother you and they are in fact eyeclean.

Thank you, dear Lorelei.

Would it be enough if I say ''they need to be eye-clean from 6 inches away and at whatever angle''?

ETA: Ok, I just quickly read through the ''eyeclean-ness'' thread at the top of this forum and I still have one more Q: is fluorescent lighting or diffused lighting better when viewing a diamond for this purpose?

You are most welcome! As for eyecleanliness thats up to you, don''t go for them if they don''t meet your expectations, even with earrings the mind clean issue matters and these are big stones. Give JA your definition and see if they match, if not the right ones will come along. Ask the gemologist what lighting they use to evaluate them.

You''re 100% right. But of course!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/27/2009 9:55:12 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/27/2009 7:47:09 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/27/2009 4:56:07 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/27/2009 4:50:30 AM
Author: Lorelei
Ask Julianna P whether the second pair are eyeclean and make your expectations concerning this extremely clear, if so then those could be definite candidates if the fact that they are SI2 won''t bother you and they are in fact eyeclean.

Thank you, dear Lorelei.

Would it be enough if I say ''they need to be eye-clean from 6 inches away and at whatever angle''?

ETA: Ok, I just quickly read through the ''eyeclean-ness'' thread at the top of this forum and I still have one more Q: is fluorescent lighting or diffused lighting better when viewing a diamond for this purpose?

You are most welcome! As for eyecleanliness thats up to you, don''t go for them if they don''t meet your expectations, even with earrings the mind clean issue matters and these are big stones. Give JA your definition and see if they match, if not the right ones will come along. Ask the gemologist what lighting they use to evaluate them.

You''re 100% right. But of course!

Mais oui !!

 

[Phoenix]

Ok, a bit of an update from Jim: The J is not eye-clean according to my definition (which admittedly is very tough - I think it's a mind-clean issue for me). The black crystal inclusion is about 0.40-0.50mm in size. Their gemologist Julianna did say though that these are not bad SI2's. The I and the J are also one grade apart (when viewed unmounted and upside down), but face up the same. Julianna has recommended the smaller pair (the one with IS images numbered 1 and 2 above).

I'm a bit confused! I had thought I wanted the larger pair, since there's really no point me trrading in the BGD studs (which are a perfect match in terms of size, colour and clarity and are also H&A stones), for another pair which is only 0.25mm larger which are not of the same quality. The larger pair, at 0.40mm on average larger than the BGD stones, would have gone some way towards appeasing my DSS - so would've been a "fair" trade off (in my mind), ie. trading the H&A etc. stones for stones that are not H&A etc. but that are quite a bit larger. I'm worried I may remain "bugged" by the inclusion and the colour difference.

All four stones are quite beautiful, despite their not being H&A (I think we PS'ers are rather spoiled and picky, or maybe I should only speak for myself, LOL), but why am I so bothered? Am I worried about things that should not be worried about, in the grander scheme of things?

What shall I do? What would you do?

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 10/30/2009 1:23:36 AM
Author: Phoenix
Ok, a bit of an update from Jim: The J is not eye-clean according to my definition (which admittedly is very tough - I think it''s a mind-clean issue for me). The black crystal inclusion is about 0.40-0.50mm in size. Their gemologist Julianna did say though that these are not bad SI2''s. The I and the J are also one grade apart (when viewed unmounted and upside down), but face up the same. Julianna has recommended the smaller pair (the one with IS images numbered 1 and 2 above).

I''m a bit confused! I had thought I wanted the larger pair, since there''s really no point me trrading in the BGD studs (which are a perfect match in terms of size, colour and clarity and are also H&A stones), for another pair which is only 0.25mm larger which are not of the same quality. The larger pair, at 0.40mm on average larger than the BGD stones, would have gone some way towards appeasing my DSS - so would''ve been a ''fair'' trade off (in my mind), ie. trading the H&A etc. stones for stones that are not H&A etc. but that are quite a bit larger. I''m worried I may remain ''bugged'' by the inclusion and the colour difference.

All four stones are quite beautiful, despite their not being H&A (I think we PS''ers are rather spoiled and picky, or maybe I should only speak for myself, LOL), but why am I so bothered? Am I worried about things that should not be worried about, in the grander scheme of things?

What shall I do? What would you do?

buy a pair of 5cts then no more DSS.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/30/2009 1:23:36 AM
Author: Phoenix
Ok, a bit of an update from Jim: The J is not eye-clean according to my definition (which admittedly is very tough - I think it''s a mind-clean issue for me). The black crystal inclusion is about 0.40-0.50mm in size. Their gemologist Julianna did say though that these are not bad SI2''s. The I and the J are also one grade apart (when viewed unmounted and upside down), but face up the same. Julianna has recommended the smaller pair (the one with IS images numbered 1 and 2 above).

I''m a bit confused! I had thought I wanted the larger pair, since there''s really no point me trrading in the BGD studs (which are a perfect match in terms of size, colour and clarity and are also H&A stones), for another pair which is only 0.25mm larger which are not of the same quality. The larger pair, at 0.40mm on average larger than the BGD stones, would have gone some way towards appeasing my DSS - so would''ve been a ''fair'' trade off (in my mind), ie. trading the H&A etc. stones for stones that are not H&A etc. but that are quite a bit larger. I''m worried I may remain ''bugged'' by the inclusion and the colour difference.

All four stones are quite beautiful, despite their not being H&A (I think we PS''ers are rather spoiled and picky, or maybe I should only speak for myself, LOL), but why am I so bothered? Am I worried about things that should not be worried about, in the grander scheme of things?

What shall I do? What would you do?

I would keep looking P, the mind clean issues are relevent and you want to be able to totally love these - don''t settle my dear!

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/30/2009 6:12:38 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/30/2009 1:23:36 AM
Author: Phoenix
Ok, a bit of an update from Jim: The J is not eye-clean according to my definition (which admittedly is very tough - I think it''s a mind-clean issue for me). The black crystal inclusion is about 0.40-0.50mm in size. Their gemologist Julianna did say though that these are not bad SI2''s. The I and the J are also one grade apart (when viewed unmounted and upside down), but face up the same. Julianna has recommended the smaller pair (the one with IS images numbered 1 and 2 above).

I''m a bit confused! I had thought I wanted the larger pair, since there''s really no point me trrading in the BGD studs (which are a perfect match in terms of size, colour and clarity and are also H&A stones), for another pair which is only 0.25mm larger which are not of the same quality. The larger pair, at 0.40mm on average larger than the BGD stones, would have gone some way towards appeasing my DSS - so would''ve been a ''fair'' trade off (in my mind), ie. trading the H&A etc. stones for stones that are not H&A etc. but that are quite a bit larger. I''m worried I may remain ''bugged'' by the inclusion and the colour difference.

All four stones are quite beautiful, despite their not being H&A (I think we PS''ers are rather spoiled and picky, or maybe I should only speak for myself, LOL), but why am I so bothered? Am I worried about things that should not be worried about, in the grander scheme of things?

What shall I do? What would you do?

I would keep looking P, the mind clean issues are relevent and you want to be able to totally love these - don''t settle my dear!

Thank you, Lorelei. You''re absolutely right, as always - mais bien sur!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/1/2009 5:20:58 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/30/2009 6:12:38 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/30/2009 1:23:36 AM
Author: Phoenix
Ok, a bit of an update from Jim: The J is not eye-clean according to my definition (which admittedly is very tough - I think it''s a mind-clean issue for me). The black crystal inclusion is about 0.40-0.50mm in size. Their gemologist Julianna did say though that these are not bad SI2''s. The I and the J are also one grade apart (when viewed unmounted and upside down), but face up the same. Julianna has recommended the smaller pair (the one with IS images numbered 1 and 2 above).

I''m a bit confused! I had thought I wanted the larger pair, since there''s really no point me trrading in the BGD studs (which are a perfect match in terms of size, colour and clarity and are also H&A stones), for another pair which is only 0.25mm larger which are not of the same quality. The larger pair, at 0.40mm on average larger than the BGD stones, would have gone some way towards appeasing my DSS - so would''ve been a ''fair'' trade off (in my mind), ie. trading the H&A etc. stones for stones that are not H&A etc. but that are quite a bit larger. I''m worried I may remain ''bugged'' by the inclusion and the colour difference.

All four stones are quite beautiful, despite their not being H&A (I think we PS''ers are rather spoiled and picky, or maybe I should only speak for myself, LOL), but why am I so bothered? Am I worried about things that should not be worried about, in the grander scheme of things?

What shall I do? What would you do?

I would keep looking P, the mind clean issues are relevent and you want to be able to totally love these - don''t settle my dear!

Thank you, Lorelei. You''re absolutely right, as always - mais bien sur!

Merci!