Thoughts on two Diamonds - Hearts and Arrows

[Jinli]

Hi all,
I was curious as to your thoughts between two diamonds from James Allen.

One is in their True Hearts collection, while the other isn't. They both are well under 2.0 on the HCA, and have near ideal proportions. The 360 deg photographs both look beautiful, and the light return (from the photos) may be better in the non-true hearts.

The True Hearts is almost $2k more expensive, so wanted to get feedback if it's worth the premium or if we're paying for a difference we can't see. Of note, according to the AGS cut guidelines, I saw the 34.0/40.8 crown/pavilion combo wouldn't necessarily qualify for AGS 0, although I know GIA rounds these values.

See information below with links. Thanks in advance!

True Hearts 1.54 carat, VSI, F color, GIA 3ex, no fluorescence:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7338902
Table: 57%, Depth: 62.1%, Crown Angle: 35.0 deg, Pavilion Angle: 40.8 deg, Star Length: 50%, Lower Half Length: 80%, medium-slightly thick faceted

Non-True Hearts - 1.50 carat, VSI, F color, GIA 3ex, no fluorescence:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7199218
Table: 54%, Depth: 61.8%, Crown Angle: 34.0 deg, Pavilion Angle: 40.8 deg, Star Length: 55%, Lower Half Length: 75%, medium faceted

 

[the_mother_thing]

On the issue specifically of JA’s ’True Hearts’ line/branding/price, personally, I would not pay the extra $2K if I loved the other diamond equally or even ‘close’/just slightly less. Reason being - I have no knowledge that JA has published any actual criteria for it’s TH ’brand’, nor has any management/oversight of cutting for diamonds in that line. It’s my understanding - open to correction - that they just select diamonds from virtual inventory that fit certain criteria, and slap the TH brand on them along with a price hike.

On these two particular diamond choices, I much prefer the 1.5ct (non-TH) diamond ... for the reasons I noted above, but also I like the smaller table & thicker arrows on that diamond vs. the larger table & thinner arrows on the 1.54ct TH branded diamond. Even if the 1.54 wasn’t a TH but all other factors/specs remained the same, I’d still choose the 1.5.
Bonus: the $2k saved can help cover the setting cost.

ETA: Visual to illustrate what I’m referencing ... the arrows on the diamond on the left appear thicker, which from my experience will yield more contrast that IS visually discernible once set. Also, the area under the table on the 1.5 - in the still pictures - just appears a bit brighter/more distinctive.

 

[tyty333]

I also prefer the look of the non-True Hearts and in this case, would pick it (and save my $2k).

 

[Jinli]

Thank you both! I'm trying to get as close to optimally cut as possible with a GIA certificate (which is admittable more time consuming). Any concerns with the proportions, or is the 1.50 within the ranges most cutters would consider ideal?

 

[sledge]

You should contact JA and place both stones on hold while you finalize your decision. I'd hate to see someone "snipe" one of these from you.

And yes, the 34/40.8 combo is within ideal territory along with other proportions. As you pointed out GIA rounds so actual values will vary some. For this reason it would be nice if JA would provide you an idealscope image of this stone (normally available by request).

I am uncertain about symmetry. A hearts image would tell us more, but JA doesn't provide them unless the TH collection. Although you can and should ask as it costs zero dollars to request it.

Link to proportion criteria that WF utilizes on their ACA super ideal stones:

A CUT ABOVE® Diamonds Specifications and Qualifications

Uncover the diamond specifications and qualifications that make up the Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® diamonds. The most carefully crafted diamonds in the world.

www.whiteflash.com

 

[KKJohnson]

I would also go with the 1.5, visually it is more appealing then their "true hearts" also there is no size difference between the JA diamonds

If it is in budget then WF has a1.54 that is larger then the JA diamonds, it is not much more then the 1.54 JA stone

Diamond | 1.54 ct F VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4180545

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.54 carat F color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 4180545

www.whiteflash.com

Smaller then all the stones listed but price wise it is in the middle, it is higher priced due to the cutting.

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10095

If you even choice to upgrade the diamond for whatever reason then HPD and WF are the better vendor for this compared to JA, HPD also offers a lifetime buy back at 80% of the stones original worth (this is not the same as a return window). So there are lots of reasons to consider other vendors before making the purchase.

 

[the_mother_thing]

I do hope OP put those JA diamonds on hold if he/she was serious about either because both are showing ‘not available’ now.

 

[Jinli]

I did put them on hold that’s why they aren’t available. Really appreciate everyone’s help and sledge and kk, thank you for the information and links to other vendors!

 

[Jinli]

Hi All,
Thank you for your help. Just in case you are interested, the James Allen non true hearts idealscope actually looks much more ideal. Found a better diamond than both! Appreciate all of the help and additional vendor options. Happy holidays.

 

[sledge]

Wow, the 1.50 looks so much better. And cheaper. Of those two choices that's what I would buy.

But what is this 3rd mystery stone that is better than both these?

 

[tyty333]

Get the 1.5...

 

[Jinli]

I looked on Whiteflash and you all were right they had the best selection of cut quality. I went with 1.54 carat colorless comparably priced from that site. Perhaps not better than the 1.50, but a bit larger and slightly greater table size, which I like. Thank you both KKJohnson and Sledge for pointing me in that direction!


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