Thinking of buying this diamond, opinions, please!!!!

[PalmSpringsPJ]

Hello there! I'm a new member and first-time poster! I need help, please!!!!!!

My husband is giving me the gift of a diamond upgrade for my 60th birthday.

I would be switching from a very pretty GIA graded .90 Princess shape, Excellent cut, G, VS2, to a GIA graded 1.51 Round, Excellent cut, I, VS1. My goal is to get a nice larger stone, and I don't mind a little warmth.

Could I please get some honest input on this diamond? Please be brutally honest, I can take it, and I won't be offended. There are plenty of nice diamonds out there!!! If this one is a dud, I'll keep looking!!!

Thanks in advance!

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12741633

 

[lovedogs]

Unfortunately it isn't great. Are you open to VS2 stones or eye clean SI1s? That will open up options. I would also recommend you stick in the following ranges:

Table: 54-57
Depth: 60-62.4
Crown: 34-35 (sometimes 35.5 if pavilion is 40.6)
Pavillion: 40.6-40.9

Also, you can check if the angles work together by using the HCA tool (under "tools"). Scores under 2 = pass and worth considering. Scores over 2 = fail, do not consider.

 

[lovedogs]

PS. what is your max budget? that will help us look through BN stones for you. I'm assuming you need to stick with BN because of trade ups?

 

[the_mother_thing]

Welcome to PS! I won’t say the diamond you’ve chosen is bad, but I will encourage you to read up on ‘60/60’ diamonds. They have a different flavor/look that some people love, and that’s perfectly okay IF you understand the difference between those vs. other types of diamonds. Here’s a thread dedicated to the topic of 60/60 vs. ‘ideal’ cut diamonds: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...e-of-the-beholder-can-one-cut-fit-all.232226/

 

[PalmSpringsPJ]

I have never heard of a 60/60 diamond...I will follow your advice and study up right now. Thank you so much!!!

 

[lovedogs]

I don't know your budget, but I used 10K-ish as a guideline and found these 3 (all score under 2 on the HCA and are within the above parameters)
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

 

[PalmSpringsPJ]

A follow up question, please. Since GIA is grading the diamond "Excellent", do I still need to be concerned about the "60/60" proportions? Please forgive my ignorance.

 

[lovedogs]

A follow up question, please. Since GIA is grading the diamond "Excellent", do I still need to be concerned about the "60/60" proportions? Please forgive my ignorance.

Yes. GIA excellent is unfortunately SUPER broad. It includes some total disasters of stones, and the fact that they are called "excellent" is pretty meaningless. It's a necessary but not sufficient check of cut.

And yes, 60/60 isn't a bad thing. You just need to be 100% clear about what it is and know if you want it.

 

[PalmSpringsPJ]

I don't know your budget, but I used 10K-ish as a guideline and found these 3 (all score under 2 on the HCA and are within the above parameters)
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

I am open to any and all suggestions! Budget of $9,000, and I have to stick with Blue Nile because of tradeups.

 

[PalmSpringsPJ]

PS. what is your max budget? that will help us look through BN stones for you. I'm assuming you need to stick with BN because of trade ups?

Thank you! Budget of $9,000, and it has to be Blue Nile because of tradeups.

 

[lovedogs]

I am open to any and all suggestions! Budget of $9,000, and I have to stick with Blue Nile because of tradeups.

Ok perfect. I'll re-check with 9K as the limit. Note that to get a very well cut stone in ideal parameters, you'll likely either need to go down in color to a J (which may or may not be ok with you), or down in size.

 

[PalmSpringsPJ]

Ok perfect. I'll re-check with 9K as the limit. Note that to get a very well cut stone in ideal parameters, you'll likely either need to go down in color to a J (which may or may not be ok with you), or down in size.

Ok perfect. I'll re-check with 9K as the limit. Note that to get a very well cut stone in ideal parameters, you'll likely either need to go down in color to a J (which may or may not be ok with you), or down in size.

Unfortunately it isn't great. Are you open to VS2 stones or eye clean SI1s? That will open up options. I would also recommend you stick in the following ranges:

Table: 54-57
Depth: 60-62.4
Crown: 34-35 (sometimes 35.5 if pavilion is 40.6)
Pavillion: 40.6-40.9

Also, you can check if the angles work together by using the HCA tool (under "tools"). Scores under 2 = pass and worth considering. Scores over 2 = fail, do not consider.

I am willing to go lower in size, but not lower in color. Thank you, I really appreciate it!!!

 

[lovedogs]

I am willing to go lower in size, but not lower in color. Thank you, I really appreciate it!!!

Here are some choices that fall into (or close to) the specs above and score under 2 on the HCA.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true


This is my least favorite because of the 41 pavilion. I'd check to see if BN has ASET/IS images for it, because it might be good, but it might be less good.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

 

[TODiamonds]

Ditch this diamond. There's something weird going on with the arrows - they don't look neat and consistent. Some look shorter/fatter than others. It also looks like this one may have a brown tinge - it's a poor I for sure... maybe even a poor J.

Keep looking based on parameters described above. There's lots better than this out there.

 

[lovedogs]

Ditch this diamond. There's something weird going on with the arrows - they don't look neat and consistent. Some look shorter/fatter than others. It also looks like this one may have a brown tinge - it's a poor I for sure... maybe even a poor J.

Keep looking based on parameters described above. There's lots better than this out there.

I agree that the original stone isn't a great choice, but it's definitely not a poor J (it's a GIA I color, and it's rare they are super far off). I think what you might be seeing is a slight brown undertone in the stone.

 

[headlight]

I personally do not like the proportions on the diamond presented by OP. It is shallow and spready (not in a good way). @lovedogs will find something infinitely better!

 

[sledge]

A follow up question, please. Since GIA is grading the diamond "Excellent", do I still need to be concerned about the "60/60" proportions? Please forgive my ignorance.

Absolutely under no circumstance dismiss the properties of a stone because it is rated "excellent" by GIA.

Unfortunately GIA has a very wide criteria range for getting this moniker and many simply are not excellent at all. It doesn't matter if we are talking 60/60, Tolk, etc.

Whatever style you decide on, you want an ideal cut stone. Remember, with diamonds, the most important attribute is how well it can do the sparkle bomb dance.

The first stone you found will have more white light return vs big bold rainbow flashes. Reasoning is fairly simple because as the table size increases the upper girdle facets decrease. The UGF's is where rainbow light is produced. Additionally the flat top with only 13.5% crown height won't look lively but instead "flat".

Another major concern and issue is the 41.2 pavilion. Without getting too technical, things go wonky as you cross the 41 degree mark and in particular at 41.2. To complicate the matter, you see a SINGLE value on the GIA report. A round diamond has 8 ACTUAL crown and pavilion angles. Per GIA standards, these are measured, averaged and rounded to the nearest 0.5 degree for crown and 0.2 degree for pavilion. In other words, the likelihood of you getting values at or above 41.2 is almost certain which will cause leakage and undesirable effects.

If you wish to stick with a 60/60 stone, that is fine as long as you realize there is a personality difference. The ideal proportions provided by @lovedogs is for a Tolkowsky style stone, which many people tend to like.

 

[PalmSpringsPJ]

Here are some choices that fall into (or close to) the specs above and score under 2 on the HCA.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true


This is my least favorite because of the 41 pavilion. I'd check to see if BN has ASET/IS images for it, because it might be good, but it might be less good.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

Here are some choices that fall into (or close to) the specs above and score under 2 on the HCA.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true


This is my least favorite because of the 41 pavilion. I'd check to see if BN has ASET/IS images for it, because it might be good, but it might be less good.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

Awesome!! Thank you so much for your kind help!!!!!

 

[PalmSpringsPJ]

Ditch this diamond. There's something weird going on with the arrows - they don't look neat and consistent. Some look shorter/fatter than others. It also looks like this one may have a brown tinge - it's a poor I for sure... maybe even a poor J.

Keep looking based on parameters described above. There's lots better than this out there.

Thank you so much for your help!!

 

[MK Malone]

Blue Nile has the OP’s diamond listed as Ideal cut. Is this not true? I’m curious....did anyone run it through the HCA?
@lovedogs @sledge

 

[lovedogs]

Blue Nile has the OP’s diamond listed as Ideal cut. Is this not true? I’m curious....did anyone run it through the HCA?
@lovedogs @sledge

HCA = 2.8, and blue nile's listings of cut is pretty worthless. JA has the same thing, and it largely doesn't tell you much about how the stone will actually perform.

 

[PalmSpringsPJ]

Here are some choices that fall into (or close to) the specs above and score under 2 on the HCA.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true


This is my least favorite because of the 41 pavilion. I'd check to see if BN has ASET/IS images for it, because it might be good, but it might be less good.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

Awesome!! Thank you so much for your kind help!!!!!

I hope I am writing my responses to you in the right place!!! I'm new here and not sure how everything works. Thank you again so much for your help. My husband and I are reviewing the diamonds you found for me on Blue Nile, and will probably move forward with one tomorrow. I am SO grateful for you help!!!! Thank you!!!!!

 

[MK Malone]

HCA = 2.8, and blue nile's listings of cut is pretty worthless. JA has the same thing, and it largely doesn't tell you much about how the stone will actually perform.

I absolutely hate that they can call it Ideal cut if it is not!! That’s just not right.

 

[lydial]

I don't know your budget, but I used 10K-ish as a guideline and found these 3 (all score under 2 on the HCA and are within the above parameters)
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

The second one here (if that seed looking inclusion is not on the table / if stone is eye clean) could be a real winner with a D color! Probably a real sparkle bomb!

 

[lovedogs]

I absolutely hate that they can call it Ideal cut if it is not!! That’s just not right.

Agreed. Unfortunately, they aren't the only ones

 

[tigertales]

Hi Palm Springs! ( and lucky you, if you live there. My old haunt was STR !)
Anyway, I'm late to this convo, but what bothers me more is the slight brown tint. I like warm stones,too, but this is a shade of I that would concern me, so do pay attention to that as well as the cut.

So excited for you! And Congrats!

 

[lovedogs]

I hope I am writing my responses to you in the right place!!! I'm new here and not sure how everything works. Thank you again so much for your help. My husband and I are reviewing the diamonds you found for me on Blue Nile, and will probably move forward with one tomorrow. I am SO grateful for you help!!!! Thank you!!!!!

Yay!! No problem let us know what you decide and please share pics!

 

[PalmSpringsPJ]

Hi Palm Springs! ( and lucky you, if you live there. My old haunt was STR !)
Anyway, I'm late to this convo, but what bothers me more is the slight brown tint. I like warm stones,too, but this is a shade of I that would concern me, so do pay attention to that as well as the cut.

So excited for you! And Congrats!

We did decide to abandon that diamond, thank you for your input! I really appreciate your help! We have decided to go with one of the diamonds that lovedogs found.

 

[tigertales]

We did decide to abandon that diamond, thank you for your input! I really appreciate your help! We have decided to go with one of the diamonds that lovedogs found.

Oh great! You can totally trust Lovedogs...she's an excellent resource for all things diamond!

 

[TODiamonds]

I agree that the original stone isn't a great choice, but it's definitely not a poor J (it's a GIA I color, and it's rare they are super far off). I think what you might be seeing is a slight brown undertone in the stone.

I wouldn't assume just because it's GIA that the color will be within a reasonable limit. I've seen some pretty poor GIA color gradings in real life. It's harder to discern online, especially on Blue Nile because of the background they use and the way they present the videos. This particular one was very clearly brown imo.