Round #1 : 3 Diamonds for Expert Review (IS images)

[danny_italia]

I put in a request for several IS images, I'm from Canada and really want to make sure I'm getting the best diamond out there that I could afford (she deserves it! ). This is all so new to me so I'm hoping you can all help me out. I've gained a wealth of knowledge and really just looking for you guys to help me in the very last step before finalizing a purchase.

I'll be picking it up for the end of next week - so as you can imagine I'm a mix of excited and nervous!

Below are the diamonds, email I received and the IS images.

Your input/opinion would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Diamond #1 : 1516564
Carat Weight: 1.01
Cut: Excellent
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
HCA Score: 1.7
Light Return: Excellent
Fire: Excellent
Scintillation: Very Good
Spread: Very Good
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1516564.asp


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Diamond #2 : 1516274
Carat Weight: 1.02
Cut: Excellent
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
HCA Score: 3.7
Light Return: Good
Fire: Very Good
Scintillation: Good
Spread: Very Good
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1516274.asp


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Diamond #3 : 1500327
Carat Weight: 0.92
Cut: Hearts & Arrows Ideal
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
HCA Score: 2.5
Light Return: Very Good
Fire: Very Good
Scintillation: Very Good
Spread: Very Good
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1500327.asp


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EMAIL

The gemologist has confirmed that all three of your diamonds are excellent selections. Each of them is comparably bright and offers great light performance! They each have an excellent cut and also face perfectly eye clean. You cannot go wrong with either of them, but the gemologist found diamond 1516564 (1.01crt I VS2) to have a slightly higher/whiter "I" color, which appeared closer to an "H." This difference in color is subtle and I'm not sure how likely it is that the average eye will see it. In short, you cannot make a wrong choice amongst these three and I believe that you'll be pleased with whichever one you decide to go with.

 

[TitanCi]

Wow. I'm impressed that #2 has an IS like that despite it's sorta low HCA score. This goes to show that perhaps many of the ones we discredit because of the HCA should be looked at. I know I would have eliminated this stone flat out based on the HCA

Anyway, did you ask if the inclusions are eye clean and from your desired distance (i.e. eye clean from 6 inches? 10 inches? From the sides?). SI stones can be great values and you may have found one!

So far, of the three, I like #1. But if the GG says this stone is super eye clean then perhaps this is the best bang for the buck!

#3 has some partial leakage, probably can't see it - it seems tilted a bit in the pic.

 

[JulieN]

Wow. I'm impressed that #2 has an IS like that despite it's sorta low HCA score. This goes to show that perhaps many of the ones we discredit because of the HCA should be looked at. I know I would have eliminated this stone flat out based on the HCA.

GIA rounding...

Clearly, go with the I VS2 as the gemologist recommended.

 

[danny_italia]

Wow. I'm impressed that #2 has an IS like that despite it's sorta low HCA score. This goes to show that perhaps many of the ones we discredit because of the HCA should be looked at. I know I would have eliminated this stone flat out based on the HCA.

GIA rounding...

Clearly, go with the I VS2 as the gemologist recommended.

I figured - it's always great hearing your comments and qestions though. I feel I learn something new from every post!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Call me a cynic, but the I Vs2 is priced much higher than the others, right?

After looking at all of them the 1.01 I VS2 is the safest bet.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would also choose #1.

 

[danny_italia]

Call me a cynic, but the I Vs2 is priced much higher than the others, right?

After looking at all of them the 1.01 I VS2 is the safest bet.

Not by very Much the

#1 is $5080
#2 is $4890
#3 is $5070

 

[Dreamer_D]

The #1 all the way, don't even bother continuing to look into this.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The #1 all the way, don't even bother continuing to look into this.

Agreed. Good price.

 

[danny_italia]

The #1 all the way, don't even bother continuing to look into this.

I really think it's between the one you like and the following:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thoughts-on-a-1-01ct-round-diamond.179242/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thoughts-on-a-1-01ct-round-diamond.179242/[/URL]

I am just waiting on the IS image for this diamond to make my decision.

Please take a look, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

 

[OCgirl]

I picked #1 before looking at the responses. I see most people agree as well.

 

[Dreamer_D]

LOL... I don't think they will give you any more IS images my friend

 

[danny_italia]

LOL... I don't think they will give you any more IS images my friend

I actually had a chance to speak with James Allen personally (a great guy to speak with!).

He was very understanding and is willing to work with me to find the right diamond - with that said... That will definitely be my last image. I PROMISE!

Once I get the final IS image I'll post it up but I've definitely come up with my FINAL top 3.

1516567
1516564
1509707

I've already spoken and thanked the JA staff but I honestly want to let everyone know here that I have never dealt with a company who prides themselves in such great Customer Service as they do. They are honestly such a pleasure to work with.

Not even 2 month ago I couldn't tell you a thing about diamonds but between what I've learned here on the PriceScope Forum and the James Allen staff... well it's a winning Combo!

I'm looking forward to posting my experience with their staff and images of the diamond and final product!

If all goes according to plan. I should have it for the 6th of September!

Danny