Selection Help: Which & Why

[avsmusic1]

Hello all,

I'll start by thanking you all in advance for any guidance and expertise you may be able to offer. You have already helped me more than you know durring my previous lurking.

I'm looking for a stone to propose with. I'm looking in the size range of .85 - .90 and a budget of approx 4k. I've found a few different diamonds with slightly different specs and I'm hoping you can assist me with which you would pick and why. I suppose there are a few different answers I would be interested in. (1) I would chose diamond #X because... (2) Not enough info, or (3) None of the above because...

#1 http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3725538-0.86-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=3725538&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
Carat: .86
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
Cut: GIA Ex
Polish: Ex
Sym: EX
Depth: 61.1%
Table: 55%
Crown Angle:33.5
Pav Angle: 40.8
HCA: <2
Measurements: 6.14 x 6.18 x 3.77
Price: $3572

#2 http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3750347-0.90-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=3750347&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
Carat: .90
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
Cut: GIA Ex
Polish: Ex
Sym: Ex
Depth: 60.8
Table: 57
Crown Angle: 33
Pav Angle: 40.8
HCA: <2
Measurements: 6.21 x 6.24 x 3.79
Price: $4039

#3 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.84-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-205695
Carat: .84
Color: G
Clarity: VS2
Cut:GIA Ex
Polish:Ex
Sym: Ex
Depth: 61.9
Table: 57
Crown Angle: 35
Pav Angle: 40.8
HCA: <2
Measurements: 6.01 x 6.05 x 3.713
Price: $4290


Thanks again

 

[marymm]

If #2 is eyeclean to your satisfaction, from the paper it looks to be an excellent choice - and its 6.2mm face-up size will be noticeably larger than the #3 stone at 6mm.

However, I have to say I do like the looks of #3 - G/VS2 is a great sweet spot, and I tend to like the 35/40.8 crown/pavilion combo. And don't forget JA offers to PS members a 1%-5% discount depending on the diamond. If JA also had the ring setting you like, I'd more than likely go in this direction. Plus, JA will provide you with an IdealScope of up to 3 diamonds.

Nothing really wrong with #1 - but if I were going to go for H color, then I'd go for #2.

 

[avsmusic1]

thanks Mary
I really appreciate your input
my thoughts on #1 were that it wouldn't look much smaller than 2 (if at all), the crown angle is preferable, & it's considerably less expensive

I should also note that I will not be buying the setting right away so that's not currently a factor for me

 

[marymm]

OP - as long as #1 is eyeclean to your satisfaction, it is a solid choice.

In contrast to many PSers who covet smaller tables, I confess that I personally do not care for tables under 56% - that is one reason why I personally would not choose #1. And I am guessing with JA's PS discount, #3 will come in right about the #1 price yet is higher color and higher clarity and will basically appear the same face-up size as #1, which is why it had my vote.

Both vendors have good return policies and upgrade benefits, so really as long as you are satisfied with the eyeclean status, it would be worthwhile for you to buy the stone you prefer and have it shipped out to you loose for your inspection.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd have to go with the James Allen stone because I can see it and it is a nice stone. SI1 is impossible to choose without seeing the magnified images, and I'd want to see the idealscope images on all three. If B2C will get you pictures and idealscope, then we could give a more accurate opinion on those.

 

[avsmusic1]

Thanks again Mary. I wish the JA stone was the price of the 1st but if their PS discount maxes out at 5% then it seems more likely it would be closer to the range of stone #2 (just over 4k). That being said, I agree with your point that it may make sense to bring a couple of them in. Also, I don't have a preference at this junction regarding table size so you wont hear any arguments from me on that front I REALLY appreciate your responses.

Diamondseeker - I understand that I would need pics in order to really make a determination (and I've put in a request). However, for the sake of comparison, let’s assume the inclusions on the SI1s are identical and eye clean. Do you lean a certain way under those conditions?

Thanks again! This is very helpful

 

[avsmusic1]

I called in to get some pics again today so I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be able to give you all some additional points to compare soon

Again though, any thoughts are greatly appreciated either way

 

[avsmusic1]

Here are a few pics of the .86 pointer.

Thoughts? I can't see any inclusions but I'd love for you experts to look

 

[diamond_concierge]

The first few photos are a little dark, but I am not seeing anything undesirable (like inclusions that reach the surface). Remember that your diamond will never again be under such intense scrutiny after you buy it! People do not tend to carry around magnification devices with them. (Well, actually I do, but it's habit). SI level inclusions are slight.

 

[avsmusic1]

Ya, I thought the same thing about the lighting (dark). I found it interesting that there was a fair amount of darkness in the table but I chaulked it up to bad lighting for the time being.

I'm very pleased to hear you're not picking up any inclusions in these pics. I didn't either but I'm a novice to the 10th degree and the lighting is poor.

I like the size range and the price of this stone but I'm suspicious of it being eye clean and it's brightness. Hopefully I will get my hands on an Ideal Scope and Aset image soon.

Thanks!!