round cut diamond suggestion

[janjan321]

Hi everyone,

Would kindly appreciate some feedback and help on find the right diamond. Ive been reading some blogs for the past few days. Ive been reviewing all the diamonds on bluenile within a certain criteria. I really like the price on #4 and #5 but feel concerned. Is it worth it to pay a little more for the other options?

Thanks!!!! so worried this is a huge amount of money.

I am looking for a 1.5 carat diamond

• excellent cut
• faint/none fluorescence
• Depth 61-62.5%
• Table 54%-57%
• Crown Angle 34-35 degree
• Pavillion Angle 40.6 to 41 degree

#1 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08749248
1.53 Carat, G, VS2, $13406 (has 360 video)

#2 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09481654
1.51 Carat, F, VS2, $13584 (GIA comments - Additional clouds, pinpoints and surface graining are not shown.) The comments are kind of scaring me.

#3 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05032880
1.50 Carat, G, VVS2, faint fluorescence, $13527 (the GIA report is very old from 2012? is this normal)

#4 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09480696
1.51 Carat, G, VS2, $12418 (has 360 video but in the GIA report the clarity characteristics is very marked up)

#5 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09546067
1.5 Carat, G, VS2, $12035 (lowest price in this criteria but concerned about the chunk of clarity characteristics on the GIA report)

#6 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3472293
1.53 Carat, G, VVS2, faint flourescene, $13560

 

[rockysalamander]

Is this the only vendor to consider? BN will not provide IS or ASET images which are the best way to look at peformance. So, you'd be buying only on video and numbers. If that is the case, I'd narrow the parameters. Other vendors give IS and ASET.

Preference (caveating that you really need an IS or ASET), #2, #3 (pending recert), #4. With an ASET or IS, #1 is actually my favorite with chunky arrows, but numbers not solid enough without images. I'd eliminate #5. See notes below.

#1 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08749248
1.53 Carat, G, VS2, $13406 (has 360 video)
**Lovely chunky arrows. CA a bit steep at 35, but love the small table. Looks eye clean.

#2 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09481654
1.51 Carat, F, VS2, $13584 (GIA comments - Additional clouds, pinpoints and surface graining are not shown.) The comments are kind of scaring me.
**additional clounds need to be reviewed by a gemologist. Should be eyeclean. CA a bit steep.

#3 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05032880
1.50 Carat, G, VVS2, faint fluorescence, $13527 (the GIA report is very old from 2012? is this normal)
**solid numbers. Like these the best. Will be eyeclean. Would require they send it back to GIA for re-cert. If from 2012, likely pre-owned (but so are 50-70% of diamonds on the market).

#4 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09480696
1.51 Carat, G, VS2, $12418 (has 360 video but in the GIA report the clarity characteristics is very marked up)
**solid number. Really clean. I think the video makes the contrast look weird, but that's a photo effect. Will be eyeclean unless you have super-eagle eyes.

#5 https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09546067
1.5 Carat, G, VS2, $12035 (lowest price in this criteria but concerned about the chunk of clarity characteristics on the GIA report)
** may or may not be eyeclean. If nothing else, not in love with location of crystal.

 

[janjan321]

You are so kind to volunteer your time to help review the diamonds. I am considering blue nile because I will be traveling near a webroom in oregon. It will be tax free and I like the option of having stores to go in to service the ring if needed. I would be able to return it to a webroom without mailing it myself too. But I would love to eliminate the hassle of returning. Also, really like the petite pave setting from blue nile for the ring.

I did email a blogger and he suggested whiteflash for diamonds. But it was either 1.4 at $12,000 range or 1.5 that is close to $14,500 plus. The diamonds were also at SI1 clarity only but listed under above the cut.

I think from what I understand #1, #3(re-cert), #4 would be best choices. Did you get a chance to review #6 from James Allen?

#1 when you mention the numbers are not solid enough without images. Do you mean the ASET and other images that reveal more information on how it shines?

#3 When you mention re-cert...Do I get this on my end after purchase? It seems kind of risky. But I really like that its VVS2

#4 I like the price of this one. I do notice there is a long feather near the edge on the GIA. Is this concerning? I read that feather is like a crack?

Thanks!!!

 

[janjan321]

Bumping up the post...
Need to make the decision very soon! would kindly appreciate some help.
Thanks in advance!

 

[doberman]

I get the feeling you really want to go with BN. Just remember their trade up policy is not the best. With Blue Nile I'd stick to the Astor/Signature diamonds. A little more $$, but you get a light performance report. I wouldn't buy any diamond without a light performance evaluation of some kind. And while I know that the forum prefers other vendors, I have a BN Signature AGS0 and I am extremely pleased with it.

 

[lalala]

I like #6, you can request the IS image from JA and then come share it here.

Rockysalamander gave you a thorough write up. #1, #3 and #4 being the winners. IMO, #3 seems kind of like it will be a hassle to deal with.

I think the majority of people here are hesitant to recommend a diamond without seeing the IS and ASET images which BN does not provide. Are you 100% committed to BN?

 

[tyty333]

Hey RockySalamander...can you explain why you're saying 35 degree crown is "a bit steep"? I like your analysis but...I'm confused.
Are you trying to say that the crown/pav angle combos are not the best? That would make a little more sense to me but to just say
that 35 degrees is a bit steep is not making sense to me. Thanks for you clarification! I dont want anyone thinking that a 35 degree
pavilion is not ok.

 

[rockysalamander]

Hey RockySalamander...can you explain why you're saying 35 degree crown is "a bit steep"? I like your analysis but...I'm confused.
Are you trying to say that the crown/pav angle combos are not the best? That would make a little more sense to me but to just say
that 35 degrees is a bit steep is not making sense to me. Thanks for you clarification! I dont want anyone thinking that a 35 degree
pavilion is not ok.

Point taken.

 

[rockysalamander]

#7 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3257559 {loving this one and its less than some of the others. IS looks good}

#6 from JA is nice. It has nice numbers. So, there is far less unknown. They should provide an Idealscope image upon request (hold the stone first). Chubby arrows. I think this and BN #1 are similar.

#1 when you mention the numbers are not solid enough without images. Do you mean the ASET and other images that reveal more information on how it shines?
Yes. I mean that without and IS or ASET, these numbers to me are solid enough in ideal that I'd personally be willing to take a chance. Since BN seems unwilling to provide ASET or IS, it makes it hard to recommend them.

#3 When you mention re-cert...Do I get this on my end after purchase? It seems kind of risky. But I really like that its VVS2
I would expect the vendor to arrange for this. If it comes back the same or better than the 2012, you offer to pay. If it comes back lower, you get to renegotiate price, walk away -- and they pay. BN is a large company and they may not be willing to to this.

#4 I like the price of this one. I do notice there is a long feather near the edge on the GIA. Is this concerning? I read that feather is like a crack?
All feathers are a long linear flaw that comes to the surface at some point. Yes, it can be a structural issue along the girdle. I would ask BN to examine it. It may or may not be an issue. They are rarely an issue with VS2 diamonds.

 

[janjan321]

#7 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3257559 {loving this one and its less than some of the others. IS looks good}

#6 from JA is nice. It has nice numbers. So, there is far less unknown. They should provide an Idealscope image upon request (hold the stone first). Chubby arrows. I think this and BN #1 are similar.

#1 when you mention the numbers are not solid enough without images. Do you mean the ASET and other images that reveal more information on how it shines?
Yes. I mean that without and IS or ASET, these numbers to me are solid enough in ideal that I'd personally be willing to take a chance. Since BN seems unwilling to provide ASET or IS, it makes it hard to recommend them.

#3 When you mention re-cert...Do I get this on my end after purchase? It seems kind of risky. But I really like that its VVS2
I would expect the vendor to arrange for this. If it comes back the same or better than the 2012, you offer to pay. If it comes back lower, you get to renegotiate price, walk away -- and they pay. BN is a large company and they may not be willing to to this.

#4 I like the price of this one. I do notice there is a long feather near the edge on the GIA. Is this concerning? I read that feather is like a crack?
All feathers are a long linear flaw that comes to the surface at some point. Yes, it can be a structural issue along the girdle. I would ask BN to examine it. It may or may not be an issue. They are rarely an issue with VS2 diamonds.

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR KIND FEEDBACK AND HELP!

Hi Rockysalamander,

I cant thank you enough for spending the time to explain the details to a newbie like myself. So far I narrowed it down to #1 from BN and #6 from JA. I am skipping #3 because of the re-cert and since #6 is VVS2 as well.

I have them both on hold right now and BN said they will get back to me on monday for the image because the diamond is in India. I did take a look at your #7 suggestion it is a true hearts but lower in color and clarity. Are #1 and #6 far from being a true hearts? Is it worth spending the money on a true hearts diamond instead?

#6 JA imaging is attached. They told me the diamond has very strong light return spread extremely evenly throughout. What is your feedback on this?

 

[rockysalamander]

#6 has a fantastic IS!!! Wow. This is so pretty. Hang on to it for now. With an IS like this, I would not worry about it not being TrueHearts. But, to be totally sure, just ask them to send you a Hearts image. The arrows look good, a few variations, but its hard to judge the heart's without the imaging.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3472293
1.53 Carat, G, VVS2, faint flourescene, $13560

#1 Its great they will provide an image. They had not be willing on other stones. Must be a vendor thing.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08749248
1.53 Carat, G, VS2, $13406

I don't think you'd see the clarity difference between #7 and 6, but given how much better #6 IS is...no contest. Stick with #1.

Will the diamond be shipped to the US or overseas? If outside the US, stick with JA. BN's upgrade policy is somewhat international buyer unfriendly.

Do you have a setting inspiration while we wait on the BN image? That may also influence which vendor may work better for you.

 

[janjan321]

OMG I am so happy to hear the news!! Thank you kindly for the quick reply. I wanted to double check with you on the forum because your opinion will be honest. But I am so glad to hear it feels great to get some confirmation on a special item this expensive.

I am from Canada but I have the option to ship it to the US to pick up this month. I've been loving a simple petite pave design like this one below. My finger is slightly chubby at 6.5 not sure how it would look with this design. My future hubby has been suggesting to get a plain solitaire design where it thins out near the diamond. He thinks with a nice diamond like this one it might be better bet to have the focus on the centre stone.

I think I am most likely going to buy #6 because the price is very similar and the clarity is better. The only downside would be faint fluorescence vs none. My hold with JA will expire on monday so hopefully BN will reply soon.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ite-pave-engagement-ring-flush-fit-item-56252

https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/petite-pave-ring-platinum_17875

 

[janjan321]

The upgrade policy is quite steep at 2x the original price. It would be nearly $28,000 for the future upgrade to qualify. Yikes!

Is it quite hard to get back a decent amount of money in the future? How is the buyback rate like without using the upgrade policies out there?

 

[HappyNewLife]

That idealscope might be the prettiest I've ever seen

 

[rockysalamander]

OMG I am so happy to hear the news!! Thank you kindly for the quick reply. I wanted to double check with you on the forum because your opinion will be honest. But I am so glad to hear it feels great to get some confirmation on a special item this expensive.

I am from Canada but I have the option to ship it to the US to pick up this month. I've been loving a simple petite pave design like this one below. My finger is slightly chubby at 6.5 not sure how it would look with this design. My future hubby has been suggesting to get a plain solitaire design where it thins out near the diamond. He thinks with a nice diamond like this one it might be better bet to have the focus on the centre stone.

I think I am most likely going to buy #6 because the price is very similar and the clarity is better. The only downside would be faint fluorescence vs none. My hold with JA will expire on monday so hopefully BN will reply soon.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ite-pave-engagement-ring-flush-fit-item-56252

https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/petite-pave-ring-platinum_17875

Policies for upgrades are not great from either. Sorry. You have to bump up to WF or HighPerformanceDiamonds - among a few others- to get a better policy. From WF or CBI, you ony have to spend $1 to get 100% value toward the new one. On the secondary market, you can probably expect 40-60% of what you spend back assuming diamond prices hold when you want to sell. Not great. WF did just buy a diamond from a PS'er for a good price that allowed her to buy into an ACA. That IS on the JA is strong enough that I think you may get a good price from another vendor, but no guarantees. @HappyNewLife

Here are a few WF options...I'd be comfortable dropping to an I in a superideal, but you have to make that call.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3817247.htm {i color, BIG size bump. Top of budget. Most would be fine with these types and location of inclusions}.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3636386.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3903345.htm {G, clean table, you can see a inclusion down low that I think will be near invisible IRL. But you can ask the WF gemologist; 7.23 mm} This one is about 0.2 mm smaller than JA

WF has a really pretty setting called the Legato Sleek with or white pave that has that pinch and some bling!
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm

If you go with JA, have a look at the following.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...dern-tulip-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50830
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-flower-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-50242
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49520

 

[janjan321]

Thanks for everyones help so far again!

I still didnt make the decision yet with the diamond but my top choice so far is #6.
After reading through the forums I found IDJ and I contacted them to see if they had something comparable.

They got back to me with this diamond. Can I please get some feedback on this diamond? I dont know how to read the images. Thanks in advance!

1.54 carat, VS1, Tripe Excellent

 

[lalala]

#6's IS image is MUCH prettier than the IDJ one.

Is #6 still available or long gone now?

 

[janjan321]

#6's IS image is MUCH prettier than the IDJ one.

Is #6 still available or long gone now?

Hihi, it was reserved under my name but when I was ready to purchase I missed it by 1 day. They told me to keep refreshing but its been over a week now. I talked to JA about it and they didnt sell it on their end. They said it just may never return to their site. I lost hope on the #6 for now. I can ask IDJ to see if they can still source it but they told me no return last time because it not from one of their regular vendors. IDJ diamond is $400 less than JA #6 diamond. I am willing to pay the extra $400 if I was able to get #6.

Is this IDJ diamond very average in terms of quality? or just not as superior as #6? Should I move on from both to hunt for another?

Thanks!!!

 

[lalala]

Hihi, it was reserved under my name but when I was ready to purchase I missed it by 1 day. They told me to keep refreshing but its been over a week now. I talked to JA about it and they didnt sell it on their end. They said it just may never return to their site. I lost hope on the #6 for now. I can ask IDJ to see if they can still source it but they told me no return last time because it not from one of their regular vendors. IDJ diamond is $400 less than JA #6 diamond. I am willing to pay the extra $400 if I was able to get #6.

Is this IDJ diamond very average in terms of quality? or just not as superior as #6? Should I move on from both to hunt for another?

Thanks!!!

I am by no means an expert but it looks like there is a lot of leakage with that one from IDJ. I'm sure you can tell them that you're looking for a diamond with great IS and ASET images and to only present you with those.

Just curious, does IDJ have an upgrade policy?

See how these areas show a lot more white than your #6?

 

[flyingpig]

I am by no means an expert but it looks like there is a lot of leakage with that one from IDJ. I'm sure you can tell them that you're looking for a diamond with great IS and ASET images and to only present you with those.

Just curious, does IDJ have an upgrade policy?

See how these areas show a lot more white than your #6?

IDJ uses significantly more intense backlight than JA does for IS Images. Examine the leakage around the edges. It is brighter and whiter in IDJ's images. The stone appears worse than it actually is. I am not too concerned about those areas you circled, especially the middle one; that's normal. I personally call it "backlight bleeding" (not a technical term), not leakage. ALL diamonds, even the most precision super ideal cut ones, bleed backlight to a certain degree, especially when backlight is strong.
One area that clearly leaks light is 6:30.
Overall, the stone is a reasonable option to consider if the price is right.

Having that said, I agree with your assessment that the JA stone is better cut than the IDJ stone, at least based on the IS images.

 

[lalala]

IDJ uses significantly more intense backlight than JA does for IS Images. Examine the leakage around the edges. It is brighter and whiter in IDJ's images. The stone appears worse than it actually is. I am not too concerned about those areas you circled, especially the middle one; that's normal. I personally call it "backlight bleeding" (not a technical term), not leakage. ALL diamonds, even the most precision super ideal cut ones, bleed backlight to a certain degree, especially when backlight is strong.
One area that clearly leaks light is 6:30.
Overall, the stone is a reasonable option to consider if the price is right.

Having that said, I agree with your assessment that the JA stone is better cut than the IDJ stone, at least based on the IS images.

Thank you for clarifying. That also explains why the ASET image looks so different on the black vs. white background!

 

[flyingpig]

Thank you for clarifying. That also explains why the ASET image looks so different on the black vs. white background!

Correct. ASET with white background exaggerates any light leakage. One with black background hides it. They are useful. At the same time, neither is the best representation of real world lighting condition.

 

[janjan321]

Hi flyingpig,
thanks for your clarification on the IS image. I was going to cross this IDJ diamond out but now it doesnt sound that bad. How bad is light leakage? I dont know if I should go with this IDJ diamond. I understand that means the cut is not super good.

BlueNile #1 diamond was another that I was considering. They emailed me a $500 off coupon but they werent able to provide any additional imaging. It would be buying blind.

 

[flyingpig]

How much is the IDJ diamond?

 

[janjan321]

How much is the IDJ diamond?

I dont know if I should post it on the forum...but to get the right guidance I should...the JA#6 I was able to get it down to $12900...the IDJ is $400 less....but JA#6 is most likely unavailable. Also, there is no additional hearts imaging other than the 1 IS image uploaded.

With this price range is it better to go with this IDJ? or should I sacrifice some color or clarity to get a white flash (a cut above diamond)? I really like the color G and clarity of this one. Just not sure how it would sparkle and turn out.

Thanks in advance!

 

[lalala]

It depends, does IDJ have upgrade options?

Edit: I'm thinking they don't. With WF they have higher prices for two reasons 1) super ideal cuts 2) their upgrade policy

 

[flyingpig]

I say no to the IDJ diamond at the price

 

[janjan321]

Thanks for all the feedback! I guess the search continues....been very stressful and confusing...

Really wish I can turn back time to snatch up #6 to get it over with

 

[rockysalamander]

No worries...How about these? Put on hold anything you like...

#8 - AGS0, great number.Has performance shown on cert. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-g-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3276298

#9 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3589569, lovely number (35/41 often a great combo), tiny inclusion on table. Request IS.