Thoughts on James Allen sku# 362933

[Riksmits45]

Hopefully I'm allowed to post specific sku numbers. If not, I will remove immediately.

I'm looking for a diamond with similar characteristics to this. Focusing on the cut and clarity. Not so worried about color (please let me know if that's smart or not). I'd obviously like a full carat, but .95 and above will suffice. My price range is right around that $5k.

Any help at all is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[alirov]

I'm still shopping for my first diamond as well so take anything I take with a grain of salt. From what I've learned over the last few weeks (or has it been months now), you should look for a diamond that scores below a 2.0 on the HCA. This diamond scores a 5.3 so would generally not be recommended.

As far as color goes, it's really a personal preference. I just purchased a J and K diamond to compare and see with my own eyes. I've also noticed that even diamonds that are rated the same color have a range within them. Some K color diamonds that I've seen were definitely too yellow for me but the one I ended up buying looks almost more like a J to me from photos.

 

[alirov]

I'll have others chime in to probably provide a better opinion but this diamond looks better to me:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-362977

It faces up a lot bigger and gets a much better score on the HCA. I know it's an SI1 but it looks to be eye clean to me (but that's something you should definitely get a gemologist to double check).

 

[RockyRacoon]

That stone is not well cut.

Here are 3 options from well-vetted vendors, with light performance analysis data included. This will ensure you get a well-cut stone, graded objectively.

All of these are AGS 0 - Ideal for light performance. They are all VERY close in size to the JA stone (diameter is what you need to look at).

.92ct, I, SI1 (this would be my pick)
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3237353.htm

.91ct, J, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.914-j-vs2-round-diamond-blags-104074500003

.91ct, H, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3237348.htm

Best of luck!

 

[RockyRacoon]

I'll have others chime in to probably provide a better opinion but this diamond looks better to me:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-362977

It faces up a lot bigger and gets a much better score on the HCA. I know it's an SI1 but it looks to be eye clean to me (but that's something you should definitely get a gemologist to double check).

60/60 stone.

OP - be sure you like the look of this type of stone prior to consideration:
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond

 

[Riksmits45]

Thanks for the reply!

What exactly is an HCA score?

I do see a little scuff on the front, but I would imagine it most definitely would not be visible without the scope.

Is it pretty standard to purchase the diamond and then bring to an appraiser to see if his ratings match the cert that is provided with the diamond?

My apologies if these questions seem stupid, but I'm brand new to this.

 

[Riksmits45]

Thank you! I'm really nervous to purchase anything in the Si range. Is that naive?

 

[tyty333]

SI range is usually budget friendly. A lot of them are eye-clean but you need to ask the vendor. This one has a little smidge
on the outside of the stone that even if it is visible can be hidden by a prong.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-348082

HCA is an elimination tool. Look for stones that score under 2. Lower doesnt mean better. Just under 2. Then you can request
and idealscope.

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

Edit - I just saw a cloud in that above stone. Just ask the vendor if it is eye-clean.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Thanks for the reply!

What exactly is an HCA score?

I do see a little scuff on the front, but I would imagine it most definitely would not be visible without the scope.

Is it pretty standard to purchase the diamond and then bring to an appraiser to see if his ratings match the cert that is provided with the diamond?

My apologies if these questions seem stupid, but I'm brand new to this.

The HCA score is a rejection tool that uses the angles provided on a diamond's certificate to determine if it is 'worthy of consideration.' HCA is not a selection tool, but it will tell you stones that are worth further consideration.
https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

You can ask the vendor about how 'eye-clean' the stone is to determine if it is a good candidate for you.

Some people will bring the stone to an appraiser, but if you purchase a stone from one of the well-vetted vendors, it would not be necessary, as the certificate will hold more weight than a person's opinion.

Not stupid questions, at all. Being educated about the details is important.

Your other question about SI clarity - as long as you speak with the vendor about the stone, you can find VERY nice SI stones. I've seen SI1 stones that looked better to me than VS2 stones. By working with an expert vendor, they will be able to tell you if there is any need for concern. I own a number of SI1 stones myself, and am pleased with the purchases, even years later.

If you need any other clarification - feel free to ask.

Best of luck!