Requesting Advice and Help to decide between 2 diamonds

[knarf627]

Hi Everyone, I am in the market for a diamond to propose to my partner.

I have landed on 2 that seem similar on paper but I have also gathered some other metrics available on the internet.

The details of the diamonds are as follows:
3.24 VVS1 D colour
57% table
61.9% depth
35.3 Crown angle
40.7 Pavilion Angle
StoneAlgo Cut score - 9.7
HCA rating of 1.6

https://diamondurl.com/Vision360.html?d=P65R-16&btn=0&sv=0&z=0

3.21 VVS1 D colour
58% table
61.5% depth
35.2 crown angle
40.6 Pavilion Angle
StoneAlgo Cut score - 9.2
HCA rating of 1.1

V360 Viewer

1 diamond is $1k more than the other. The 3.21 looks a little dark? in some of the photos. Not sure if that is reflective of the 1.1 HCA rating? As I have heard that as it gets closer to 1 HCA there is a soft recommendation that they could be used for earrings or pendants instead. I also have seen that all scores under 2 are largely equal, so interested in everyones thoughts around this and based on the detail above.

I can try upload some photos I have and some videos as well.

Thank you so much to everyone who has thoughts. I really appreciate your help as I have been stuck on choosing and its starting to do my head in =D

 

[knarf627]

3.21 VVS1 D

 

[knarf627]

3.24 VVS1

 

[knarf627]

I can take some more screenshots as I have a video of the diamond when it was being viewed. Thank you again everyone.

 

[knarf627]

Can someone also assist me with tagging some people who are in the know.

If I can please seek your assistance it would be much appreciate - @Karl_K @Garry H (Cut Nut)

Thank you to everyone again for all your help.

 

[knarf627]

3.24 VVS1

Forgot these

 

[newtojewels]

I replied to you on Reddit. Also tagging @DejaWiz and @Kim N

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, knarf627!
Eh, I'd say either are in the realm of "OK" - can we help you search and see if there are any better options for whatever your budget is?
Any particular sellers that you're looking at?

 

[newtojewels]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, knarf627!
Eh, I'd say either are in the realm of "OK" - can we help you search and see if there are any better options for whatever your budget is?
Any particular sellers that you're looking at?

I suggested this stone on the Reddit post with the caveat that I'm not an expert, I'm curious what you think of this. I think there's a little leakage under the table but at least it has light return imaging and is probably a similar price and has similar proportions to the other two the OP liked.

3.11ct F VVS2 Round Lab Grown Diamond Neckladce

This is a fantastic 3.11ct F VVS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond Necklace. The cut is wonderful and the clarity and color are near perfection

diamondsbylauren.com

 

[knarf627]

Budget is around $4000, I have largely been aiming for D colour and VVS1. Do the ones I have linked look like bad performers? Would be interested in some particulars to understand and learn.

Would be interested to see if we were able to find a better diamond with similar colour and clarity?

 

[knarf627]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, knarf627!
Eh, I'd say either are in the realm of "OK" - can we help you search and see if there are any better options for whatever your budget is?
Any particular sellers that you're looking at?

Hello and thank you DejaWiz. No particular sellers, as long as it is a good deal my sister can get to it in New York, should be ok.

However I might be running low on time as she was going try bring the diamond back to Australia in a couple of days...

Budget was $3500 - $4000 USD
3.2ct D VVS1

 

[knarf627]

I suggested this stone on the Reddit post with the caveat that I'm not an expert, I'm curious what you think of this. I think there's a little leakage under the table but at least it has light return imaging and is probably a similar price and has similar proportions to the other two the OP liked.

3.11ct F VVS2 Round Lab Grown Diamond Neckladce

This is a fantastic 3.11ct F VVS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond Necklace. The cut is wonderful and the clarity and color are near perfection

diamondsbylauren.com

This diamond does look like it would performance better than the ones I had linked, but interested in the impact of the F colour. The VVS2 seems relatively clean as well. Is the price competitive considering the drop in price that normally occurs with collour steps?

 

[DejaWiz]

I suggested this stone on the Reddit post with the caveat that I'm not an expert, I'm curious what you think of this. I think there's a little leakage under the table but at least it has light return imaging and is probably a similar price and has similar proportions to the other two the OP liked.

3.11ct F VVS2 Round Lab Grown Diamond Neckladce

This is a fantastic 3.11ct F VVS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond Necklace. The cut is wonderful and the clarity and color are near perfection

diamondsbylauren.com

I'm not a fan of the leakage under the table and I'd want some serious assurance that the material isn't detrimentally grainy.

Loupe360

loupe360.com

Here's an example of a clean HPHT diamond, and for around $1000 less:

Loupe360

loupe360.com

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think both of the stones you selected look nice. There are not wild red flags. Are you looking for perfection or are you looking for a nicely cut sparkly stone? If the latter I think either of your choices look nice. You have seen them in person. You could let your eyes choose.

ETA: I have a slight preference for 1. But as others are pointing out, there are more precisely cut options out there if you want to keep looking.

 

[knarf627]

The stones recommended seem to go deeper into the colour range. Does it matter too much? I know D E and F are considered colourless? I think I have noticed a difference in colours but not sure if it is just bias.

I think both of the stones you selected look nice. There are not wild red flags. Are you looking for perfection or are you looking for a nicely cut sparkly stone? If the latter I think either of your choices look nice. You have seen them in person. You could let your eyes choose.

ETA: I have a slight preference for 1. But as others are pointing out, there are more precisely cut options out there if you want to keep looking.

I would say I would like to be some where in the middle. Perfection i do not think is achievable on my budget but would want it to be atleast a standout, impact and make her feel special.

The first diamond 3.24 is asking $4100 in a pendant. Is that on the high side?

Do we think there is much more I can get for the $3500 price range?

 

[knarf627]

When looking at close up of the diamonds, I am assuming that darker bolder arrows are better for contrast? However do lighter arrows offer more brightness and light return? I noticed also in the 2nd stone, the outer arrows are obscured by other dark elements and negate the arrow all together. Are those some elements that would impact the light performance and why they arent great choices?

 

[newtojewels]

DEF are all absolutely going to white, the cut matters more for visible brightness than the drop from D to F in color. I doubt you would be able to see that difference side-by-side face-up even if you knew which was which.

So if I'm understanding you correctly, the stone needs to be collected in-person in NYC soon? By when?

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello and thank you DejaWiz. No particular sellers, as long as it is a good deal my sister can get to it in New York, should be ok.

However I might be running low on time as she was going try bring the diamond back to Australia in a couple of days...

Budget was $3500 - $4000 USD
3.2ct D VVS1

That's quite a time crunch - best option would be to go and see some options from David (Rockdiamond) at Diamonds by Lauren, Frank Darling, I.D. Jeweler, and any of the other recommend/popular NYC sellers.
Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem may have something on-hand, as well...he's near NYC.

 

[knarf627]

It is probably not possible, i think my sister is leaving on Friday, so my options are limited as I had been working on those 2. I should have started in the forums earlier =[
Do we think these are a reasonable price or should i go with the F colours

 

[Kim N]

The stones recommended seem to go deeper into the colour range. Does it matter too much? I know D E and F are considered colourless? I think I have noticed a difference in colours but not sure if it is just bias.



I would say I would like to be some where in the middle. Perfection i do not think is achievable on my budget but would want it to be atleast a standout, impact and make her feel special.

Do we think there is much more I can get for the $3500 price range?

Are you open to an E VVS2 for under $2500? I've also found a D VVS1 for under $3500. Let me know when you're ready to put one on hold and I'll post the links. Just saw you're on a time crunch, so these will probably not work.

 

[knarf627]

Are you open to an E VVS2 for under $2500? I've also found a D VVS1 for under $3500.

Is E VVS2 going to be much different to the D VVS1? What are your thoughts on the colour scale.

Are you able to explain to be simply what I might be able to look for to understand why these diamonds are better performers than the ones I were looking at? and waht we might expect interms of visual difference?

The 3.21 ct is being sold for $3.1k is that a reasonable price for the diamond? I am open to paying $3500 for a D VVS1.

Based on my budget of $3500, would we think I would be better off getting a lower colour grade with a better precision cut and proportion? It feels like most are suggesting to go that route rather than commit to a D. Does D vs E really matter in your opinion?

Realistically, I am looking for colourless, no visible flaws and a good amount of sparkle, flashes, as a diamond should. I am still learning so probably am not articulating myself well but hopefully that makes sense.

 

[knarf627]

Are you open to an E VVS2 for under $2500? I've also found a D VVS1 for under $3500. Let me know when you're ready to put one on hold and I'll post the links. Just saw you're on a time crunch, so these will probably not work.

It doesnt necessarily need to be by Friday, as my sister will be returning to Australia next year but this Friday would be ideal... But not much goes according to plan i guess.

 

[knarf627]

That's quite a time crunch - best option would be to go and see some options from David (Rockdiamond) at Diamonds by Lauren, Frank Darling, I.D. Jeweler, and any of the other recommend/popular NYC sellers.
Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem may have something on-hand, as well...he's near NYC.

Are we able to assist with some options. I have already searched through online and came to the ones I had selected haha.

 

[newtojewels]

I really 100% promise you that an F will be so so white. You will not see color in it at all unless there are weird off-tints and that can happen even at a D in lab stones.

I think given the timeline, call up ID Jewelry and Diamonds by Lauren. They're right next to each other, she can see what they have available:

I.D. Jewelry to Diamonds by Lauren

www.google.com

 

[Kim N]

Is E VVS2 going to be much different to the D VVS1? What are your thoughts on the colour scale.

Are you able to explain to be simply what I might be able to look for to understand why these diamonds are better performers than the ones I were looking at? and waht we might expect interms of visual difference?

The 3.21 ct is being sold for $3.1k is that a reasonable price for the diamond? I am open to paying $3500 for a D VVS1.

Based on my budget of $3500, would we think I would be better off getting a lower colour grade with a better precision cut and proportion? It feels like most are suggesting to go that route rather than commit to a D. Does D vs E really matter in your opinion?

Realistically, I am looking for colourless, no visible flaws and a good amount of sparkle, flashes, as a diamond should. I am still learning so probably am not articulating myself well but hopefully that makes sense.

It depends on how color-sensitive you are whether D or E will look different. Most people will not notice the difference, especially once the diamond is set and on the hand.

I think the average person would think the diamonds you've been offered are just fine. We're a little pickier about cut here on the forum, though. The price you've been offered for the 3.21 is fair.

 

[knarf627]

Thanks Kim, I appreciate your comments.

I am definitely interested in getting the best cut I can for around $3500. Are you able to share with me the 2 diamonds you had inmind?

Do you think I can do much better if I was to stay around the $3100 range? and How much more is there to gain moving to the $3500 price point? Sorry for these types of questions, I know it is hard to answer these as it normally isnt that straight forward, but just trying my best to understand.

Thanks again.

 

[Kim N]

Thanks Kim, I appreciate your comments.

I am definitely interested in getting the best cut I can for around $3500. Are you able to share with me the 2 diamonds you had inmind?

Do you think I can do much better if I was to stay around the $3100 range? and How much more is there to gain moving to the $3500 price point? Sorry for these types of questions, I know it is hard to answer these as it normally isnt that straight forward, but just trying my best to understand.

Thanks again.

Here are the two diamonds. I suggest putting them on hold while you're thinking about it so a lurker doesn't snatch one up. You can call or chat with the vendor to put them on hold.

You are being redirected...

You are being redirected...

 

[Rockdiamond]

Thanks for the mention @DejaWiz and @newtojewels
If we have a stone listed on the site, we've vetted it for transparency issues.
My personal feeling is that F/VVS2 and D/VVS1 are indistinguishable based on color and clarity alone.
The prices of Lab Diamonds are loosely based on the grades- so F/VVS2 seems like a smarter budget grade than D/VVS1....but it's not a hard fast rule.
I'm seeing a large difference in price for a really well cut stone, to the sort of perfection many seek here on PS. Slight leakage in the table is not an issue for many of our buyers.....but I never question the desire for that type of stone.
I do feel like the most vocal members here are very dedicated to perfection in cut- and I take my hat off to them.
Sometimes a really nice stone does the job just as well as a perfect one......

 

[Rockdiamond]

Sites using sample images...they do not possess the diamonds they are selling and have no idea what the stones actually look like......
If you have a favorite vendor, most can obtain the very same stones being offered on many of the sites without pics....even some that are on sites that do have pics....

 

[lovedogs]

VVS1 vs VVS2 won't be visible at all. The average prtspn can't tell between D and F. Cut is the most important factor IMHO.