WF ACA vs. HPD? Which diamond is best value?

[pxscopereader]

Thanks to everybody for their continued help... Personally, am most concerned with cut and carat (would like to be relatively close to 2ct), and just wanted to clear certain minimum ratings on the other ratings. Originally was planning on a G colour, VS2 clarity... Saw an H vs. a G colour and thought it wasn't a huge difference and am now considering a few H's, though would still prefer a G. Budget around $20K, but with some flexibility upwards.

Am now considering these 3 diamond below - any thoughts on the 3 diamonds below? Which one do you guys like best? Which one do you guys think presents the best value given the price?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3642139.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3872124.htm
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9315

Thanks!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Out of the 3 I'd prefer the HPD H VS2 b/c of the taller crown at 15%. That just me.

 

[cflutist]

Out of the 3 I'd prefer the HPD H VS2 b/c of the taller crown at 15%. That just me.

I agree and I also like the CA and PA combo of the CBI diamond better.

Both WF and HPD/CBI have 100% trade up policies but HPD/CBI also has a lifetime 80% buyback policy.

 

[pxscopereader]

Thanks appreciate the insight! Adding one more that I forgot to link...

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3872121.htm

 

[pxscopereader]

and in general, you guys don't think it's a big issue stepping down from a G color to an H color? Would it be noticeably warmer next to an F or still passable?

 

[rockysalamander]

I'm team HPD as I slightly prefer the CBI diamonds and really like Wink and his old-world manners. On value, HPD has the edge. Both WF and HPD offer generous upgrade policies. But CBI has a much more valuable buy-back policy.

Color is tricky. Brilliant cut diamonds fire off a lot of very high-intensity light (aka 'fire'). That causes your pupils to contract...which makes it harder to detect color. From the top, it is hard for most people to detect color down to a I or J in well-cut rounds (assuming a very well-cut diamond). So, from the top, the CBI or WF will outshine any GIAXXX and will look just as white. From the side, it really depends on the color acuity of the viewer. A trained artist with 40 shades or 'red paint' is likely to see more color than most. But, keep in mind, seeing color and not liking it are not the same.

But, you can also choose a setting that further obstructs the side view. A 6-prong setting with decorative gallery, halo and decorative gallery can go far to make color detection very hard. Rose gold and yellow gold setting (with white metal prongs) are another trick. In any case, any of these diamonds will outperform any diamond she is seeing in her every day life.

Bottom line, you will be fine with an H. If it bothers her, you've got a 100% tradein.

All CBI settings

 

[pxscopereader]

brilliant answer - thanks so much!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I like all the stones, and you can't go wrong. I don't see buyback policy as being a decision factor unless you are proposing after the return policy is over and you think there is a chance she'll say no! So if that's the case, I'd go with the best buy back policy (which is CBI)!

But in the case that you aren't worried about having to return it, I'll ask you one question. Do you think size or higher color is more important to her?

If size is most important, the 1.91 Whiteflash stone is over the 8mm mark and very close to 2 cts. It's only $300 more than the CBI 1.85 H VS2 stone and .1 greater in diameter, so to me, this is a no-brainer.

But if you think she'd value higher color and doesn't care about size, then by all means, the WF 1.83 G VS2 would be the better choice.

 

[rockysalamander]

I like all the stones, and you can't go wrong. I don't see buyback policy as being a decision factor unless you are proposing after the return policy is over and you think there is a chance she'll say no! So if that's the case, I'd go with the best buy back policy (which is CBI)!

But in the case that you aren't worried about having to return it, I'll ask you one question. Do you think size or higher color is more important to her?

If size is most important, the 1.91 Whiteflash stone is over the 8mm mark and very close to 2 cts. It's only $300 more than the CBI 1.85 H VS2 stone and .1 greater in diameter, so to me, this is a no-brainer.

But if you think she'd value higher color and doesn't care about size, then by all means, the WF 1.83 G VS2 would be the better choice.

I love that we all have such different perspectives!

The buyback has been on my mind after a few posters were left with a diamond ring and no girl.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I love that we all have such different perspectives!

The buyback has been on my mind after a few posters were left with a diamond ring and no girl.

That's a valid issue. But I can't think of anything dumber than suprising someone with an engagement ring if the intent to marry has never been previously discussed!!! I'm going to hope most don't make this critical mistake! (So OP, I hope she is expecting this proposal!!!! If not, I don't think it's time to buy a ring!)

 

[whitewave]

In terms of color, an H I think is perfectly good.

 

[pxscopereader]

Thanks again for all the opinions - very helpful!

I don't think she'd care much about the color, so long as she couldn't really notice the difference

She definitely will care about size, I think. If I can "get away" with an H with more carat, then I think she'd be happier...

Regarding returns, let's just say I'm very, very confident she'll say yes (knock on wood ha), though it's nice that both WF and HPD have a good upgrade program...

 

[WinkHPD]

Just a comment.

No one buys a diamond intending to sell it back, even at 80%.

Life does happen though. A busted engagement, or a divorce can be a cause for not wanting a diamond any more, but in my experience, it has been more for the health of a loved one that I see a diamond come back for resale.

When you need money to pay for a doctor or medicine for a loved one, that is NOT the time to discover that you can only get a small fraction of what was paid.

There are other reasons of course, but that has been one of the biggest reasons for HPD to buy a diamond back.

Wink

 

[HappyNewLife]

I don't think you can go wrong with either company. I just got my "I" colored ACA and it blows my mind how white it is. With a superideal stone, I think you could easily go down to an "H"

 

[lapurse]

I’m currently in a similar dilemma for my engagement ring upgrade. Narrowed down to only WF ACA or HPD. I currently have ACA studs and love them but am also very compelled to HPD for their stellar cut quality reputation and the unique buyback policy. However, a pretty big deterrant for me is that HPD doesn’t seem to have inventories that are over 2.7 carats. We’re looking for 3-3.5 carat this time around. Since you’re already getting a 2 carat, who knows what you might want to upgrade to in a few years to a lifetime. By that time you might be looking for materially bigger size (3 and up). I read that they do custom cuts, but it might cost a lot more than comparable ACA’s and a bit of a process/hassle. ACA seems to have more readily available inventories in those bigger carat ranges.
Just wanted to share my current thoughts as I wish we knew and thought about all these factors in retrospect/pre Pricescope knowledge.

 

[whitewave]

I’m currently in a similar dilemma for my engagement ring upgrade. Narrowed down to only WF ACA or HPD. I currently have ACA studs and love them but am also very compelled to HPD for their stellar cut quality reputation and the unique buyback policy. However, a pretty big deterrant for me is that HPD doesn’t seem to have inventories that are over 2.7 carats. We’re looking for 3-3.5 carat this time around. Since you’re already getting a 2 carat, who knows what you might want to upgrade to in a few years to a lifetime. By that time you might be looking for materially bigger size (3 and up). I read that they do custom cuts, but it might cost a lot more than comparable ACA’s and a bit of a process/hassle. ACA seems to have more readily available inventories in those bigger carat ranges.
Just wanted to share my current thoughts as I wish we knew and thought about all these factors in retrospect/pre Pricescope knowledge.

Contact Wink or Melissa at HPD. They may be able to source other stones not listed in their database.