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Pre Purchase Advice --- Please :)

H

hc228

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 30, 2018
Messages
6
Hi:

I am considering a diamond purchase and ran across the following stone. Based on my research I believe this may be a good option, however I was hoping to get some feedback before moving forward. Thanks all


thumbnail_4634440ID.jpg
GIA Report.pngdiamond-Round-1.50-Carat-D-SI1_0_first_.jpg
DIAMOND INFORMATION
SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.50
COLOR: D
CLARITY: SI1
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: Medium
L/W/D (MM): 7.43*7.39*4.49
MORE DIAMOND INFORMATION
L/W RATIO: 1.01
DEPTH %: 60.60
GIRDLE: Medium - Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 57.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 33.00
CROWN %: 14.00
PAVILION ∠: 40.80
MORE DIAMOND INFORMATION
PAVILION %: 43.00
 
Last edited:
hc228 said:
Hi:

I am considering a diamond purchase and ran across the following stone. Based on my research I believe this may be a good option, however I was hoping to get some feedback before moving forward. Thanks all


thumbnail_4634440ID.jpg
DIAMOND INFORMATION
SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.50
COLOR: D
CLARITY: SI1
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 7.36*7.39*4.53
MORE DIAMOND INFORMATION
L/W RATIO: 1.00
DEPTH %: 61.40
TABLE %: 57.00
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 33.00
CROWN %: 14.50
PAVILION ∠: 41.00
PAVILION %: 43.50
Click to expand...

Hi Hc and welcome!

This diamond has great potential, you can see the overall cut precision isn't quite as tight as it could be as you can see a touch of what appears to be light leakage around 5 and 6 o'clock, but it's nothing you'd ever see with the naked eye.

The proportions are fine, it's an excellently cut stone but not among the very best, it just depends what you want. This is an estimate as no one can tell for sure without seeing the stone, but the proportions suggest this diamond might favour brilliance over fire or coloured light but again the vendor would be the best one to talk to.

Main concerns with this diamond are as it's Si clarity, you'd need to check it's eye clean to your standards by asking the vendor to discuss it with you and also, what are the grade making inclusions mentioned on the report? Some may be potential issues in this clarity grade, so if you could link to the report or post those please, that would be great.

I take it this diamond's online? Do you prefer colourless diamonds? If so that's fine, just to mention you could drop your colour grades a little if you wanted in order to expand your options, but that's a personal choice.
 
Lorelei: Thank you for your quick response ... Much appreciated .. I've attached the GIA and an upclose image of the stone for additional review. Thanks againdiamond-Round-1.50-Carat-D-SI1_0_first_.jpg GIA Report.png
 
Thank you!

All looks good, the medium blue fluorescence shouldn't pose a problem if you're ok with that, as above, make sure it's eye clean to your preferences and just check the feather isn't a durability issue - I very much doubt it in this clarity grade but best to make sure.

If it all checks out then it's definitely worth shortlisting for potential purchase.
 
Judging by the logo on the picture of the diamond, I think this is a JA stone.

I'd prefer higher clarity and lessen my color requirements, but as @Lorelei noted, that is just personal preference. The images shown does indicate some light leakage.

Depending on your budget, you may be able to get a better cut diamond with better clarity.
 
@Lorelei @sledge ... Thank you both for your quick responses .. Yes, this is an online JA diamond .. I am a bit nervous / apprehensive about spending 11K-12K for an online purchase so I really do appreciate the feedback!
 
hc228 said:
@Lorelei @sledge ... Thank you both for your quick responses .. Yes, this is an online JA diamond .. I am a bit nervous / apprehensive about spending 11K-12K for an online purchase so I really do appreciate the feedback!
Click to expand...

I thought it was a JA, can never be sure though as sometimes stones are resold on other sites and original images are used.

That's completely understandable being nervous, we've all been there but I can reassure you JA are a great company and this should be a beautiful diamond. Ask one of their gemologists to discuss the stone with you re whether it's eye clean to your standards and just double check the feather ( I doubt it's an issue) and you should be good to go, it's an excellent choice if you don't want to get a branded Superideal and the perfect size.

How do you plan to set it?
 
I'm not as much a fan of CA under 34. That does not mean it won't be fine, just that my personal aesthetic and love of fire in modern rounds makes me look 34.5-36 with a good CA pairing.

So, I prefer a diamond with numbers like these. I also like that the inclusions are smaller and while on the table, not really visible. If you have more IS requests, this might be worth one.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4596697

Super-ideal, little smaller. https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3983288.htm

(quick search "at work" might be others ;-)
 
@rockysalamander
Thanks so much for your insight ... The stones on the links you provided (especially the Whiteflash item) certainly look like great options as well!

@Lorelei
I will likely set in a halo similar to the ones pictured here.

e2e9f2056c0500bc559edb7ca1168d7b.jpg RING.jpg
 
Lovely choice of settings!
 
sledge said:
Judging by the logo on the picture of the diamond, I think this is a JA stone.

I'd prefer higher clarity and lessen my color requirements, but as @Lorelei noted, that is just personal preference. The images shown does indicate some light leakage.

Depending on your budget, you may be able to get a better cut diamond with better clarity.
Click to expand...

I think the balance between color and clarity is definitely a personal preference. As for myself, I would much rather have an eye-clean SI1 in a higher color than a VS1 in a lower color. Color is something I can at least see (I am very color sensitive) while eye-clean is eye-clean to me, whether it's SI1 or VVS1. Different strokes for different folks.

To the OP: I think the original diamond you posted is nice. IS looks fairly decent, and the 33.0 crown angle, while perhaps not creating as much fire, would probably make for a very bright stone. But just a few notes on the diamond that you might want to consider before making your final decision:

1.) Medium blue fluoresce in very high colors (like this D) can sometimes make the stone appear blue in daylight, as there's no yellow in the stone to be canceled out by the blue fluorescence. These stones used to be known as "blue whites" and actually traded at a premium, and can look really cool if you're into that look. But not everyone likes there diamond to appear blueish. Is the ring for you or for your soon to be fiancee? If it's not for you, I would check with her about her feelings on a blue-white diamond.

2.) Also regarding the color, you may want to consider how a D color would look in a halo setting, where the melee stones will likely be F-G or G-H in color. If you're buying from a custom designer, then you could perhaps request that they set the halo with D-E melee, but if you're buying from James Allen, then the ring is most likely going to have F-G or G-H melee. Depending on your color sensitivity or the sensitivity of the recipient, a D color center stone may look mismatched with lower colored melee. While I love the crisp look of a D color stone, I would personally only want such a high color set in a solitaire. If you're dead-set on the stone going in a halo, then I would consider stones in the F-G range (like the G's posted above by @rockysalamander), as a F or G would "mesh" better with the halo melee stones.

Hope that helps. :)
 
@TreeScientist I had a chance to view the diamond before purchase and it did indeed have the blue/dark look not only in sunlight but in dim interior light as well. I am returning and considering three other stones .. Trying to stick with 1.50 ct or higher ..

@TreeScientist @rockysalamander @Lorelei Iam hoping you can all comment on these as well. Thanks again

#1 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4910470

#2 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4307385

#3 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4321723

Details below

#1
DIAMOND INFORMATION
SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.51
COLOR: E
CLARITY: SI1
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: Faint
L/W/D (MM): 7.32*7.28*4.57
L/W RATIO: 1.01
DEPTH %: 62.60
GIRDLE: Thin - Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 56.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 35.50
CROWN %: 15.50
PAVILION ∠: 40.80

#2
DIAMOND INFORMATION
SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.50
COLOR: F
CLARITY: SI1
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 7.37*7.32*4.49
L/W RATIO: 1.01
DEPTH %: 61.10
GIRDLE: Medium - Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 58.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 34.00
CROWN %: 14.00
PAVILION ∠: 40.80
MORE DIAMOND INFORMATION
PAVILION %: 43.00


#3
DIAMOND INFORMATION
SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.50
COLOR: F
CLARITY: SI1
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: Faint
L/W/D (MM): 7.30*7.26*4.57
L/W RATIO: 1.01
DEPTH %: 62.70
GIRDLE: Medium - Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 57.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 35.50
CROWN %: 15.50
PAVILION ∠: 40.80
 
All the ones you posted have symmetry and angle problems.

What is your max budget? And does it need to be 1.5 carat, or could it be slightly less:

This is the nicest I could find in the colorless range, but may be a bit out of your budget (around 13.5k after the pricescope discount):
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4892623

This one is also promising:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4904187

Definitely the nicest I've seen in your budget range, if you don't mind dropping a bit in color and size. The difference between an F and a G is marginal at best, and I think it would still be plenty white for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4628177

Big, beautiful diamond, but I'm not a fan of that black crystal in the middle of the table. If the crystal was white/transparent, I would jump on this one in a heartbeat, but it may be eye-clean enough for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4684471

And finally, the nicest G at 1.5+ carat, but would need to stretch your budget a bit (may be closer to 12.5k after asking for the pricescope discount):
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4877888
 
Are you locked into JA?

If you will consider G color, these might be worth a consideration. All these state eye clean, but I would want a gemologist to review the actual diamond and confirm. FYI, eye clean is subjective. When I spoke to WF they told me they consider 10" and looking from top down to be eye clean. I am more sensitive to detail and they adjusted their eye clean review to 6" and from the top and side as well.

Two of the stones are A Cut Above (ACA) and the other is a premium select.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3950139.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3983287.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3983288.htm
 
sledge said:
Are you locked into JA?

If you will consider G color, these might be worth a consideration. All these state eye clean, but I would want a gemologist to review the actual diamond and confirm. FYI, eye clean is subjective. When I spoke to WF they told me they consider 10" and looking from top down to be eye clean. I am more sensitive to detail and they adjusted their eye clean review to 6" and from the top and side as well.

Two of the stones are A Cut Above (ACA) and the other is a premium select.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3950139.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3983287.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3983288.htm
Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of the last 1.446 G SI1 posted by @sledge. Looks very clean for an SI1, and I would trust WhiteFlash for vetting that the clouds don't impact light performance. Also, this diamond has beautiful H&A and ASET images. Would be a great performer for sure.

Is there are reason you wanted to go with JA? Are you planning on purchasing a setting from them? If so, then it may make sense to purchase the diamond from them. But if you're getting the setting elsewhere, then it's definitely worth it to consider these WhiteFlash diamonds.
 
Of the JA options listed by @TreeScientist, I like these both for G and above.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4628177
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4877888 (too high for budget?)

I'd add this to your G list. This is just under your size goal, but great angles with a nice higher crown well paired with a good PA}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4596697

But, given your perfectly find budget, I would look at these H colors.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4822374 {this one depends on how eyeclean you are looking for, but it is big and otherwise has really nice angles and should be firey)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4910498 {good angles, one inclusion just past 6'oclock but may be hard to see IRL; ask if eyeclean}

You get 3 IS requests, in general from JA. So, I'd pick your top three and ask for those.

I can't argue with the WF stones as great superideals.

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11437279/Round-Diamond-F-Color-VS2-Clarity {nothing is listed on this stone other than its size, no GIA number but they have one. Its a total shot in the dark, but it would meet your brief. 1.54 F VS2; just email them for the GIA Cert Number}

Ok. Between @sledge @TreeScientist and I, you have lots of options. Give us some thoughts and feedback.
 
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