RB 2.5-2.7 D-I IF-VS1 Excellent Cut

[DiamondsInTheSky]

Hello everyone! Long time lurker here looking to finally take the plunge. I've been looking for a stone with the above listed characteristics, and recently came across the following stones. The first is a AGS0 2.52 ct H/VS1. The other two stones are GIA 2.7 cts VS1 but I color. My question is: if the 2.7s are within my budget, and if I'm buying these stones unseen, am i better sticking to the 2.5 with the better color? My concern is that the 2.7s are the price that they are because of their I color (assuming that any inclusions are not seeable to the naked eye). On the other hand, the 2.5 is priced the way it is because it's not a GIA certified stone and the light performance map shows leakage. So between the cons of these three, can someone argue that the pros of one clearly place one over the other two? Would be interested to hear people's opinions! Thanks very much in advance~

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02236616

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#certViewer_cert_pid=LD02286612|cert_num=1

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#certViewer_cert_pid=LD02252495|cert_num=1

 

[kenny]

Unfortunately a lab report saying the cut is excellent is rather a large bullseye that can contain diamonds that are not so well cut.

Cut is more important than color or clarity to how beautifully a diamond performs with light.
There are two wonderful tools to help you pick a round that is well cut, the HCA and the Idealscope.

HCA or Holloway Cut Advisor: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca is a tool to reject candidate stones.
Reject those that score over 2.0.
Get Idealscope pics on those that score UNDER 2.0.
Of the three diamonds you listed only the second one passes the HCA:

Stone 1



Stone 2



Stone 3



Step 2 is the IS or Idealscope: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/ideal-scope

Get Idealscope pics on stones that pass the HCA test becuause the the crown and pavilion angles input into the HCA are just averages of the 8 measurements around the diamonds 8 sides.
It is possible for the average to be groovy but some of the 8 angles may be wonky, which will be revealed by the Idealscope.

Compare IS pics to this reference chart or post them here for feedback.



Unfortunately Bluenile refuses to provide IS pics.
Your options are to buy your own IS and temporarily buy the Bluenile diamond.
Keep it if it passes, return it if it does not.

Other vendors DO provide IS pics and IMHO are better vendors than Bluenile:
www.goodoldgold.com
www.whiteflash.com
www.jamesallen.com
www.briangavindiamonds.com

Good luck.
Take your time.
Have fun.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Actually, the H stone is AGS graded Ideal cut, which is normally desirable. I usually don't even look those up on the HCA, but it is interesting that it scored so low yet made ideal cut. I prefer H color, but the 2.70 I looks good, too. It would be nice if you could see both stones and then choose with your eyes. I generally do prefer to deal with vendors who provide images of the stones, though.