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Round 1.8-1.99, I or J, VS2 or SI1

W

wgl

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 16, 2014
Messages
4
I am looking for suggestions for a high quality diamond engagement ring:
Round brilliant
Ideal/excellent cut
1.8-1.99 carat
I or J color
VS-2 or SI-1 eye clean
Will be set in platinum solitaire.
Looking for GIA or AGS
Max budget $15,000-$16,000
I have looked at White Flash but I live in Texas so sales tax adds 8.25%
Any suggestions from the experts would be appreciated.
Thanks very much.
 
 
Gypsy: thanks for your input. What a great forum. There is one other stone I am considering (also AGS 000, but $1000 less).

1.803 RB, I, VS2, AGS 000
7.76 x 7.81 x 4.82
58.0 Table
61.9 Depth
34.9 Crown Angle
40.9 Pavilion Angle
HCA Score: 2.1 (vg, vg, vg, vg)

1. Should I be worried about crystal, 6-7 clouds on the clarity plot with a VS2 stone?
2. Is AGSL computer-generated light map reliable or do you have to have Ideal Scope/ASET to judge?
3. Should I be worried about gray areas of light leakage on the "hearts" side of the AGSL computer light map.
4. Should I be worried the HCA score is 2.1? I have read that HCA does not matter as much for AGS stones versus GIA.
5. How would you rate this stone versus the JA 1.79 stone you originally recommended?


photo_2_3.jpg
agsl_computer_plot.jpg
 
Well. Let's see. This one? http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.79-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-280487 Versus the new one?

I like the numbers of the above better, on a personal level. It's got exactly the numbers that I consider 'cherry'. It has a smaller table (which is an aesthetic preference, not a performance issue), same spread and it's from JA and you can get an idealscope. And it is just such a crisp well cut stone.

The new stone has lower, but still great Vs2 clarity and saves you a thousand dollars. That's nothing to sneeze at. Larger table. Same spread. I would like to see a picture of it. That would be good. It's right in between a Tolk and a 60/60 in terms of numbers. Which can be very lovely.

Regarding your questions:
1. Generally speaking you are fine. But it's always good to ask the gemologist to review and make sure that the actual stone's inclusions. So please do so.
2. You should still have an idealscope to be absolutely sure.
3. I'm not sure what you mean by this?
4. No. Even if it was GIA 2.1 is in the midrange (2.1-2.5 is a maybe range). As long as you get an idealscope image you are fine up to 2.5 on HCA.
5. It's it clean and the idealscope as good (don't have idealscopes of either right now), I see no issue. And I do see 1000 worth of savings. :$$):
 
I have narrowed my search to 2 diamonds which Gypsy recommended. Final decision time.

Here are the Idealscope images for both:

Stone A - 2.09 J SI-1 (GIA 3X, HCA 1.9). 5% better spread and +2 carats. Although J, gemologist says color is comparable to the I.

2_164.jpg

Stone B - 1.79 I VS1 (AGS 0 HCA 1.1). Smaller but slightly better clarity. Clean well formed arrows.

1_298.jpg

Both are excellent light performers, eye clean, and similarly priced. Which would you choose? Can I go wrong with either of these?
 
The I has better performance by a hair. And the J has high color for a J and spread. I'd go for the size in this case, if it were me. AS LONG AS IT IS EYECLEAN.
 
I ended up going with the 2.09-J-SI1-GIA 3X with a platinum 4 prong setting. Photos below. Gypsy, thanks very much for the input.ring_126.jpg
 
Gypsy|1408246401|3734044 said:
Even with tax, these might be worth your time:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3186656.htm?source=pricescope
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3137126.htm?source=pricescope
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3189868.htm?source=pricescope


If you want 2 carats and great spread:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.09-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-358078 Put on hold and ask for idealscope.
Click to expand...

Since the OP got his perfect diamond, can I chime in here since the 1st stone you posted is right in my sweet spot price-wise. Gypsy, I'm really new to all this, can you say why the 1st stone is a no-brainer for you? It would sure make my life a lot easier if I could get that diamond and have it be the right choice for me and in my price range.

EDIT: Ug, I copied the wrong post by Gypsy. This is the diamond I was talking about
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.79-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-280487
 
PS, this forum is just fantastic! I'm absolutely positive I would have made an awful decision had I this terrific resource not been around :)
 
Why this stone is a great stone?
Keep in mind that the OP wanted a lot of stone for a good, but not sufficient budget to get a high color stone at 2 close to 2 carats. His priority was size over color.
He was looking for a J. This one is an I. It's an AGS0 stone. Obviously the clarity is a little overkill, but not too bad given the price. Angles are great, small table and the depth is in a good range and at 7.8 is a great size. Just under the 8mm of 2 carats.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.79-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-280487

And it is from a vendor that can get you an Idealscope.

But I color is going to be slightly tinted and is not a conservative choice. SO if your priority ISN'T size over color as this poster's was, one of these might be a better choice for you:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.62-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-349939
Gorgeous stone!
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.61-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-382379

What the "best" stone is largely depends on your priorities.

:wavey:
 
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