Torn between CBI and ACA, help please...

[munchee]

Hi everyone,

First of all, Does anyone know what happened about HPD legal dispute?

I’m debating to get ACA or CBI, I’ve been buying from WF couple times but I never get CBI so I want to give it a shot but at the same time I’m afraid that I’ll get disappointed as its not a cheap purchase. After seeing so many pictures and videos, CBI appears to be gray-ish, does that happened in real life too? I’ve read that it has something to do with the pupils but, regardless of the pupils, grayish is grayish, the most important is what our eyes are seeing. I’m curious why CBI win over ACA for so many people if it appears to be grayish? Customer service wise I have no problem with both company, HPD is more attentive in replying my emails. While sales rep from WF kind of ignored my emails. I can feel that HPD appreciate my business more than WF. So now I don’t know who to choose. Diamond wise, I got it at comparable price.

ACA: bigger than its usual size, which can be good and/or bad thing
The ring: I love the ring that I’m getting, with my budget I can get 18k white gold Micropave and diamond melee around the prongs.

CBI
The diamond: size wise 0.10mm smaller than ACA, in ct wise 0.08 smaller, $300 more expensive, same color same clarity as ACA
The ring: HPD rings are more expensive, I only can get a 14k white gold plain solitaire for $100 more than my total budget.

with that being said, if I choose HPD, in total, I have to pay $100 more than what I would pay to WF, the most plainest setting vs. A pretty setting, 0.10mm smaller diamond. Is it worth it?????
Having never see a CBI in real life and can’t compare them side by side really drives me crazy!!! And getting both to me would costs too much. What should I do....

 

[Kim N]

ACA and CBI are very comparable in cut quality, so for me, it would not be worth it to pay more and get a less nice setting and 0.10mm smaller diamond. If you really want to compare them, can you order one of each and return one?

 

[whitewave]

Get HPD to send you one under their see it to believe it policy.

they aren’t Grayish. The camera can’t take in the color spectrum.
What color are you looking at?

I have videos of my CBI on my IG “yatcube”

 

[munchee]

ACA and CBI are very comparable in cut quality, so for me, it would not be worth it to pay more and get a less nice setting and 0.10mm smaller diamond. If you really want to compare them, can you order one of each and return one?

This would cost me over $50k up front, so I can’t. Update: I can get Micropave ring for the same total amount of money spent, but still 0.10mm smaller diamond.

 

[munchee]

Get HPD to send you one under their see it to believe it policy.

they aren’t Grayish. The camera can’t take in the color spectrum.
What color are you looking at?

I have videos of my CBI on my IG “yatcube”

With their SITBI program, do I have to wire them the money first? I can’t wire them for the SITBI
your CBI looks so white for a K color!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[daisygrl]

With their SITBI program, do I have to wire them the money first? I can’t wire them for the SITBI
your CBI looks so white for a K color!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would give them a call. Wink, the owner of HPD, is often able to send his stones (CBIs) to affiliated jewelry stores near their potential customers (he did it for me). That way, you can see the stone without pay for it. I suggested talking to Wink because I do not know how this option works now with Covid-19 and a lockdown.

PS: CBIs are not gray/ish. Lastly, I agree with you regarding the customer service. I had a similar experience.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The stones definitely are not grayish. And lower color stones are lower color. Otherwise they wouldn't be graded the color they are. So do not go by photos. They rarely capture color accurately.

Are the color and clarity of the two diamonds the same? If so, I'd go for the one that is larger and less expensive. I am very certain WF appreciates your business. It may be that the person you are emailing is only working part-time hours or could be sick, etc. I know many of their staff had been working from home at one point, so I am not sure what that situation is now. There's no way that reflects the company's view toward your business. If you are having trouble communicating, call the company phone line during business hours and get immediate help.

 

[pandalicious]

I would give them a call. Wink, the owner of HPD, is often able to send his stones (CBIs) to affiliated jewelry stores near their potential customers (he did it for me). That way, you can see the stone without pay for it. I suggested talking to Wink because I do not know how this option works now with Covid-19 and a lockdown.

PS: CBIs are not gray/ish. Lastly, I agree with you regarding the customer service. I had a similar experience.

I hope they have this option for OP! I suggested sending my stone to one of their affiliates during my recent SITBI situation (a few weeks ago) but they didn't take me up on this suggestion. I didn't want to push so ended up wiring and receiving the diamond through the program.

Seriously .. you need to see it to believe it. I am wowed!

Re: Legal dispute it sounds like at the end of the day it's an internal shift / bad apple situation but the companies and services (upgrade policy, buyback policy, bench work, diamond sourcing etc) remain intact, according to Layla, as most recently as Monday.

 

[munchee]

The stones definitely are not grayish. And lower color stones are lower color. Otherwise they wouldn't be graded the color they are. So do not go by photos. They rarely capture color accurately.

Are the color and clarity of the two diamonds the same? If so, I'd go for the one that is larger and less expensive. I am very certain WF appreciates your business. It may be that the person you are emailing is only working part-time hours or could be sick, etc. I know many of their staff had been working from home at one point, so I am not sure what that situation is now. There's no way that reflects the company's view toward your business. If you are having trouble communicating, call the company phone line during business hours and get immediate help.

Its same Color and Clarity. I will end up paying the same amount of money, I think the 0.10mm difference is because the ACA one have a bigger diameter than usual, its under 2.9ct but it has 9.20x9.25 diameter, the crown angle is 34, with pavilion angle 40.7 and 60.5 depth. Thats the reason why I’m afraid that it won’t be as good as other ACA. I’m thinking should I sacrifice that 0.10mm and get a better cut?

 

[munchee]

@pandalicious unfortunately they can’t send me the rock I want. If you were given mu circumstances, which one will you choose?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Its same Color and Clarity. I will end up paying the same amount of money, I think the 0.10mm difference is because the ACA one have a bigger diameter than usual, its under 2.9ct but it has 9.20x9.25 diameter, the crown angle is 34, with pavilion angle 40.7 and 60.5 depth. Thats the reason why I’m afraid that it won’t be as good as other ACA. I’m thinking should I sacrifice that 0.10mm and get a better cut?

Better cut? Most people would be absolutely thrilled with the larger diameter due to the 60.5 depth! There's nothing whatsoever wrong with those numbers. It's likely to be a nice, bright stone! ACAs are held to a high standard, so there are no duds in that category. Can you link the stone for me? If it is on hold for you, I may not be able to pull it up.

 

[pandalicious]

@pandalicious unfortunately they can’t send me the rock I want. If you were given mu circumstances, which one will you choose?

To be honest, mine would be an unfair perspective as I've only seen a CBI (via HPD), not an ACA. However, I know they are comparable in quality and it's just up to your eye's preference. I've heard you can't go wrong with either one!

Couple of considerations:
- Have you compared the buy-back policy of each company? I believe HPD has a 80% lifetime buyback policy. Is that of any value to you? It wasn't a big consideration for me, but something to note.
- Have you laid out your thought process / predicament to either company? Perhaps there is something they can do for you in terms of edging you one way or another (a discount or alternative setting options for example).
- Lastly, are upgrades important to you? In my preliminary research it seems that WF has more stones to choose from while HPD has a more limited inventory.

For me, there was a CBI that was lower in clarity (but guaranteed eye clean) that was slightly bigger than the WF comparable which was around the same price. I also chose CBI because I liked their classic settings.

 

[munchee]

Better cut? Most people would be absolutely thrilled with the larger diameter due to the 60.5 depth! There's nothing whatsoever wrong with those numbers. It's likely to be a nice, bright stone! ACAs are held to a high standard, so there are no duds in that category. Can you link the stone for me? If it is on hold for you, I may not be able to pull it up.

Someone else in this forum already put that link here sometimes earlier this year but she decided to get another stone. I also wonder why she didn’t get this stone at that time.

Diamond | 2.882 ct J SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4161791

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.882 carat J color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4161791

www.whiteflash.com

I’m familiar with ACA, I bought 2pairs of ACA studs, 1.35ctw F&G, 2.4ctw F, my e-ring is from them, a really small stone 0.83ct D thats why I want to go big this time but don’t have enough budget for colorless stone . My necklace is also ACA, I lost it and I bought the exact same style with 0.76ct H ACA. Thats how much I love ACA is.
In your opinion 0.10mm is not worth the sacrifice just to get CBI vs ACA?

Oh btw, I’m so glad I have all of you giving me your insight, I really really appreciate it! Otherwise I don’t know who should I ask, my DH only reply me with: “I don’t know, up to you, you’re the one who’s going to wear it”. He doesn’t care as long as he doesn’t have to pay extra $.

 

[Kya]

To be honest, mine would be an unfair perspective as I've only seen a CBI (via HPD), not an ACA. However, I know they are comparable in quality and it's just up to your eye's preference. I've heard you can't go wrong with either one!

Couple of considerations:
- Have you compared the buy-back policy of each company? I believe HPD has a 80% lifetime buyback policy. Is that of any value to you? It wasn't a big consideration for me, but something to note.
- Have you laid out your thought process / predicament to either company? Perhaps there is something they can do for you in terms of edging you one way or another (a discount or alternative setting options for example).
- Lastly, are upgrades important to you? In my preliminary research it seems that WF has more stones to choose from while HPD has a more limited inventory.

For me, there was a CBI that was lower in clarity (but guaranteed eye clean) that was slightly bigger than the WF comparable which was around the same price. I also chose CBI because I liked their classic settings.

Hi everyone,

First of all, Does anyone know what happened about HPD legal dispute?

I’m debating to get ACA or CBI, I’ve been buying from WF couple times but I never get CBI so I want to give it a shot but at the same time I’m afraid that I’ll get disappointed as its not a cheap purchase. After seeing so many pictures and videos, CBI appears to be gray-ish, does that happened in real life too? I’ve read that it has something to do with the pupils but, regardless of the pupils, grayish is grayish, the most important is what our eyes are seeing. I’m curious why CBI win over ACA for so many people if it appears to be grayish? Customer service wise I have no problem with both company, HPD is more attentive in replying my emails. While sales rep from WF kind of ignored my emails. I can feel that HPD appreciate my business more than WF. So now I don’t know who to choose. Diamond wise, I got it at comparable price.

ACA: bigger than its usual size, which can be good and/or bad thing
The ring: I love the ring that I’m getting, with my budget I can get 18k white gold Micropave and diamond melee around the prongs.

CBI
The diamond: size wise 0.10mm smaller than ACA, in ct wise 0.08 smaller, $300 more expensive, same color same clarity as ACA
The ring: HPD rings are more expensive, I only can get a 14k white gold plain solitaire for $100 more than my total budget.

with that being said, if I choose HPD, in total, I have to pay $100 more than what I would pay to WF, the most plainest setting vs. A pretty setting, 0.10mm smaller diamond. Is it worth it?????
Having never see a CBI in real life and can’t compare them side by side really drives me crazy!!! And getting both to me would costs too much. What should I do....

It sounds like you are happier with the overall Whiteflash package, so My first thought would be hey, go with that.

However, I felt the same way about customer service regarding HPD vs Whiteflash. is why I personally went with HPD and it did not disappoint. HPD is incredible!

As far as their inventory, Melissa actually just told me that they are getting in lots more pretty soon after holidays.

IMO, the center diamond is the bigger purchase, so I wouldn’t base vendor on

As others mentioned about the legal dispute, seems like one of thos stories you read about to often, about a bad egg who needs to be removed from company and puts up a fuss in defense.

You cant go wrong either way! Let us know what you end up doing

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Someone else in this forum already put that link here sometimes earlier this year but she decided to get another stone. I also wonder why she didn’t get this stone at that time.

Diamond | 2.882 ct J SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4161791

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.882 carat J color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4161791

www.whiteflash.com

I’m familiar with ACA, I bought 2pairs of ACA studs, 1.35ctw F&G, 2.4ctw F, my e-ring is from them, my necklace is also ACA, I lost it and I bought the exact same style with 0.76ct H ACA. Thats how much I love ACA is.
In your opinion 0.10mm is not worth the sacrifice just to get CBI vs ACA?

Oh btw, I’m so glad I have all of you giving me your insight, I really really appreciate it! Otherwise I don’t know who should I ask, my DH only reply me with: “I don’t know, up to you, you’re the one who’s going to wear it”. He doesn’t care as long as he doesn’t have to pay extra $.

I have several ACAs, as well, and have always been pleased! Are you upgrading your current e-ring diamond? If so, I certainly wouldn't consider another vendor. The only thing that concerns me about the stone you are looking at is that your other WF diamonds are F-G-H and this one is J. What is your budget for the stone and I might suggest some alternatives in a high color unless you are absolutely certain you are okay with the drop in color? What do you have now?

I see nothing wrong with the one you have chosen if you are sure about the color.

Here's one I personally like in I color, obviously not yet knowing what you are trading up from:

Diamond | 2.621 ct I SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4222733

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.621 carat I color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4222733

www.whiteflash.com

 

[marymm]

No, although I have searched online, I have yet to find actual details and/or legal filings relating to the Paul Slegers / CBI / HPD legal dispute. I wish PS would provide links to reputable third-party sites to give PSers/consumers more information on this situation.

I am hesitant to rely 100% on HPD's statements concerning the matter since (1) HPD is a named party to the dispute and (2) HPD's success depends on continuing sales/upgrades.

I have bought diamonds from WF, BGD, and CBI ... I will say the CBI diamond is outstanding yet my preferred vendor is BGD as personally, overall, I have had better customer service experiences with BGD. That said, if I had a better sense of what is happening with the Slegers/CBI/HPD situation, I would be proceeding with a CBI upgrade.

I do encourage you to go with your gut with respect to vendor, and then find the diamond.

YMMV.

 

[munchee]

@diamondseeker2006
I’m not trading my e-ring because it has sentimental value to my DH, so it will be a different ring.
My budget already spread so much that I can’t even go $1 over that or my DH would think I’m ungrateful. It was originally 20k and got to $24k and now its $25750ish coz my DH really don’t like a plain solitaire, so he’s willing to spend more to get me a better setting. But thats it, absolutely no more.
Yes you’re absolutely right, I usually get a higher color, thats why even for a stud and necklace I don’t go over G, oh, my pendant is actually 0.77ct G not H.
but I want to get a big stone this time I give J a try, do you think its too yellow? I’m color sensitive I think, I can see the color difference in my pendant vs the F studs. I do own a lower color OMC tho, but I can let it go coz its OMC.

Do you think I should go smaller Ct and get an I color instead? Coz I definitely can’t add more $$ on this ring. As for clarity its already as low as it can get.
If I can get a 9.00 diameter 2.7ct I Si1 for the same price as 2.88ct 9.20x9.25 J Si1, which one do you think is better option? 0.20mm difference on size or a higher color? If its for the same price?


The WF ring is in setting process as we speak, maybe I should give it a week to get to me and see if I like it? Can I returned it if I don’t like it if its already set in a ring? I just don’t want to give everyone more work if I’m not going to take it. Thats why I want to make a decision ASAP before the ring complete if I’m not going to take it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, if it is already in the process of being set, then you may as well see it first. If they haven't started setting it, I'd personally go to I color. I like the 2.62 I SI1 a lot. If you think you are color sensitive, I think you'll see the tint in J color. I color is my personal cut off for rounds. But your preference is all that matters!

 

[SimoneDi]

OP, if you are hesitating between your original pick, the 2.88 J SI1 and the suggested 2.6 I SI1, you can first ask WF to take a comparison pictures and videos. You might be ok with the J color in person, even if you have had colorless stones prior, if size is your main goal. Which setting did you chose?

 

[munchee]

OP, if you are hesitating between your original pick, the 2.88 J SI1 and the suggested 2.6 I SI1, you can first ask WF to take a comparison pictures and videos. You might be ok with the J color in person, even if you have had colorless stones prior, if size is your main goal. Which setting did you chose?

Well, if it is already in the process of being set, then you may as well see it first. If they haven't started setting it, I'd personally go to I color. I like the 2.62 I SI1 a lot. If you think you are color sensitive, I think you'll see the tint in J color. I color is my personal cut off for rounds. But your preference is all that matters!

yes, I’m asking WF side by side video of these 2 diamonds to compare size and color. Thank you so much for the enlightenment ladies!!!!! I would rock my brain out without all of you!!!!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You know, I find that helping others is much easier than making my own decisions! I tend to over analyze and then get paralyzed! But it’s so much easier to give a reasoned opinion to others! I can’t wait to see the comparison and hear what they say! @SimoneDi was exactly right that this was the best next step to help you make an informed decision!

(just one note, though, it’s very hard to detect color difference in video or photos, but the person looking at them at WF should be able to tell you if they can see the color difference)

 

[munchee]

You know, I find that helping others is much easier than making my own decisions! I tend to over analyze and then get paralyzed! But it’s so much easier to give a reasoned opinion to others! I can’t wait to see the comparison and hear what they say! @SimoneDi was exactly right that this was the best next step to help you make an informed decision!

Yessss, I was thinking why is it soooo hard to make a decision????!!!! My mind go back and forth a lot!!!

oh btw, @SimoneDi I’m getting Elena setting.

 

[SimoneDi]

Yessss, I was thinking why is it soooo hard to make a decision????!!!! My mind go back and forth a lot!!!

oh btw, @SimoneDi I’m getting Elena setting.

That’s a lovely setting! Looking forward to seeing the comparison pics!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Its same Color and Clarity. I will end up paying the same amount of money, I think the 0.10mm difference is because the ACA one have a bigger diameter than usual, its under 2.9ct but it has 9.20x9.25 diameter, the crown angle is 34, with pavilion angle 40.7 and 60.5 depth. Thats the reason why I’m afraid that it won’t be as good as other ACA. I’m thinking should I sacrifice that 0.10mm and get a better cut?

Who told you all of that?

 

[munchee]

Who told you all of that?

My own fear?
From silently reading PS for years, I thought lower crown angle won’t get as much fire like if its 34.2-34.5? And I want my stone to be sparkling fire across the room? Apparently thats not the case?

 

[Patty]

How did the price of the HPD pave setting change between 10 and 11 p.m. last night? At first you said you’d have to go with the plain solitaire at HPD because their pave setting was too expensive. Then less than an hour later you updated and said you could get the pave setting for the same amount.

 

[munchee]

How did the price of the HPD pave setting change between 10 and 11 p.m. last night? At first you said you’d have to go with the plain solitaire at HPD because their pave setting was too expensive. Then less than an hour later you updated and said you could get the pave setting for the same amount.

Its because its not their in house setting, so I got outsourced to a cheaper setting from another company. When I asked for a quote it was their in house rings, but being in budget, I can’t afford them, so I got setting from other place. So the pave setting I mentioned is Not HPD pave setting.

 

[Patty]

Its because its not their in house setting, so I got outsourced to a cheaper setting from another company. When I asked for a quote it was their in house rings, but being in budget, I can’t afford them, so I got setting from other place. So the pave setting I mentioned is Not HPD pave setting.

I see. I’m glad that you can still get a pave setting that you really want! Now you just have to decide on the diamond. I like DSS2006’s suggestion of the I colored stone since you’re used to higher colored diamonds, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. Enjoy your upgrade!

 

[munchee]

I got pictures and video from WF comparing 2.6 I and 2.88 J.
I think the color difference is not worth the size sacrifice, so I’ll go with the J. And for CBI, because it has 0.10mm differences I also don’t think it worth the sacrifice. As for the color, I’m completely aware that J would be outside my comfortable range but I know thats the best I can get with my budget at this time because I prioritize the size. I’ll just make a peace with it. So I’ll quietly waiting my ring to be shipped to me next week. Thank you all for helping me making decision!!!!!

here is the youtube link:

 

[SimoneDi]

@munchee that J is such a beautiful and bright diamond! Congratulations on making your selection. Please post pics once you get it!