Thoughts on diamonds i'm considering

[gcnd06]

Hello,

I've been reading and researching the past week. Learned a ton. I'm looking at 3 diamonds and was hoping to get some thoughts. I'm shopping in the .9-1 range. Budget for stone (round) is 6200 max. I'm looking at these 3 stones that are below budget and would appreciate some feedback. Of course I'm open to suggestions. I may be way off course. Thanks for the help!

1: 5300
Carat weight: 0.93 Cut: Ideal Color: H Clarity: VVS2 Depth %: 62.7% Table %:56% Polish: Very Good Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Medium Culet:None Fluorescence:None Measurements:6.27 x 6.23 x 3.92 mm

2:5500
Carat weight:0.94 Cut: Ideal Color: F Clarity: VS2 Depth %:62.6% Table %:56% Polish:Excellent Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle:Medium to Slightly Thick Culet:None Fluorescence: Strong Measurements:6.27 x 6.23 x 3.91 mm

3:5900
Carat weight:1.00 Cut: Ideal Color: H Clarity: VS2 Depth %:62.7% Table %:55% Polish: Excellent Symmetry:Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick Culet: None Fluorescence: Strong Measurements: 6.35 x 6.39 x 3.99 mm

 

[Gypsy]

The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F. And GIA Ex is not enough. And you must stick to GIA and AGS only. EGL is a bad option: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/[/URL]
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want?
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut
Well one method is to start with a GIA Ex, and then apply the HCA to it. YOU DO NOT USE HCA for AGS0 stones.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/holloway-cut-advisor
The HCA is a rejection tool. Not a selection tool. It uses 4 data points to make a rudimentary call on how the diamond may perform.
If the diamond passes then you know that you are in the right zone in terms of angles for light performance. Under 2 is a pass. Under 2.5-2.1 is a maybe. 2.6 and over is a no. No score 2 and under is better than any other.
Is that enough? Not really.
So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an idealscope image does. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/firescope-idealscope
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile, as they do not provide idealscope images for their diamonds. BGD, James Allen, GOG, HPD, ERD and WF do.

The Idealscope is the 'selection tool'. Not the HCA.
So yes, with a GIA stone you need the idealscope images. Or you can buy an idealscope yourself and take it in to the jeweler you are working with to check the stones yourself. Or if you have a good return policy (full refund minimum 7 days) then you can buy the idealscope, buy the stone, and do it at home.


Now if you want to skip all that... stick to AGS0 stones and then all you have to do is pick color and clarity and you know you have a great performing diamond. Because AGS has already done the checking for you. That's why they trade at a premium.

 

[Lorelei]

Hello,

I've been reading and researching the past week. Learned a ton. I'm looking at 3 diamonds and was hoping to get some thoughts. I'm shopping in the .9-1 range. Budget for stone (round) is 6200 max. I'm looking at these 3 stones that are below budget and would appreciate some feedback. Of course I'm open to suggestions. I may be way off course. Thanks for the help!

1: 5300
Carat weight: 0.93 Cut: Ideal Color: H Clarity: VVS2 Depth %: 62.7% Table %:56% Polish: Very Good Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Medium Culet:None Fluorescence:None Measurements:6.27 x 6.23 x 3.92 mm

2:5500
Carat weight:0.94 Cut: Ideal Color: F Clarity: VS2 Depth %:62.6% Table %:56% Polish:Excellent Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle:Medium to Slightly Thick Culet:None Fluorescence: Strong Measurements:6.27 x 6.23 x 3.91 mm

3:5900
Carat weight:1.00 Cut: Ideal Color: H Clarity: VS2 Depth %:62.7% Table %:55% Polish: Excellent Symmetry:Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick Culet: None Fluorescence: Strong Measurements: 6.35 x 6.39 x 3.99 mm

Hi gcnd and welcome!

From a quick glance at the info you provided, I can see for a start, they are cut rather deep, this is undesirable as in some cases, the diamond can face up too small for the weight, not what you want.

Clarity, it's a personal choice but you can consider SI clarity grades if verified eye clean by a trusted vendor, VVS is not really necessary unless you find a diamond you love of that clarity grade or you want high grades for purity or cultural reasons.

Colour, H is a good mid range.

I have to go and unpack my groceries and do some other chores, but if you wish we would be pleased to post some suggestions for you.

 

[Lorelei]

Quick look while I brace myself to go and unpack... but working from your original specs, this diamond might be an option.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2972977.htm?source=pricescope

 

[Dancing Fire]

I wouldn't mind a little extra depth with a high crown, but still prefer < 62%

 

[SirGuy]

Hmm. The ones you listed seem they'd be over your budget if cut well.

Which lab did the grading reports on those you listed as possibilities?

Please excuse my brevity; I'm typing this on my mobile!