What do you guys think of this diamond?

[kris11]

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.356-k-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076722021/?build=ring#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

I have been a lurker for quite a while now. Have not posted very much at all. I mainly look at diamonds on WF, or JA... but recently I saw you guys post about Brian Gavin being good too. I have tried over the months to slowly learn about diamonds so when it comes time I get a fantastic diamond instead of wasting money at a brick and mortar location selling me a crappy one.

I am in no immediate rush or anything, but this diamond seemed like a good "value" I really want to stick with a J-K color(more so K so I can go larger size)...I know the cut has to be excellent to do this...cut is #1 priority this diamond is triple AGS 0....im not sure if this would classify as an "eye clean" SI1. It passed the HCA test at 1.5

The diamond has strong blue fluorescence... I am assuming that is the main reason why this diamond is cheaper.... or is it not cheaper? Seems cheaper compared to other diamonds with similar specs. I thought strong fluorescence would help make the diamond "face whiter"

Also... as far as the setting is concerned... its going to be just this 1 diamond on a solitare setting....I want the diamond to appear as large as possible. My girl has pretty small hands im going to guess her ring size is 4.5 at most....but I would guess 3.5-4. She absolutely hates gold.... so it has to be white gold. I hear going with a 6 prong setting will help hide the yellowish tone from a K color diamond on the sides....I hear going with a very small width of the setting(2-3mm) will help make the diamond appear larger(even though this is what I believe is a very large size to begin with)

1.35 cts for $6500

What do you guys think? Am I going in the right direction? Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you very much.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Will you be ok with an K colored stone? have you seen a K stone IRL? how about the strong blue fluorescence?

 

[kris11]

I have viewed alot of threads with K colored stones with excellent cuts and looked at a bunch of youtube videos over time. I would be be ok with the K color...and fluorescence as long as it looks good...... and to be honest my girl really doesn't care about size/color/cut or anything. She will love anything I give her. She knows absolutely nothing about diamonds as I didnt know ANYTHING until about a year ago.

I have really not seen many diamonds in person.....everytime I try and go in a store to look at something all these people try and do is sell sell sell sell and it is REALLY annoying. To the point where I am solely going to base my decision from the information I get on this forum.

I like how these reputable places online allow returns, if for whatever reason I dont like my initial choice in person.

 

[kris11]

anyone?

 

[kris11]

Nobody?...

 

[pfunk]

Nobody?...

If you think she will be fine with K, then that looks like a good stone to me. You wouldn't get that size and superideal cut quality in a higher color. Have you decided that superideal cut is what you want? At this point you are giving up color for size and cut quality, which is totally fine as long as you are sure she is going to be ok with K. Also, make sure to ask what kind of k color it is because it can vary. I found the AGS I diamond I had originally purchased to be the same color as my GIA J, and have heard on many occasions that AGS can be a little softer on color, though that is obviously not the case on every stone and it is very subjective especially in these colors (j and k).

Edit: Looked at GOG and whiteflash and you would have to go up in budget or down in size for a superideal. There are some nice looking well cut stones on Enchanted and one that I like on James Allen that I could post but I will wait until you confirm whether or not you want to stay with the superideal stones. If you are in a rush to get the stone and you think you will be ok with K, that BG diamond will be nice. Otherwise, you can always watch the market for awhile to see what comes along.

 

[kris11]

When you say 'super ideal' do you mean triple ags 0 stones? I know I want to mask any much yellow tiny as possible with J/K color by going with as best cut as I can get. I know ags 0s trade at a premium because 'the work has been already done' other than confirming the stone hits under 2 on the hca.

Anything your willing to share I would appreciate.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

When you say 'super ideal' do you mean triple ags 0 stones? I know I want to mask any much yellow tiny as possible with J/K color by going with as best cut as I can get. I know ags 0s trade at a premium because 'the work has been already done' other than confirming the stone hits under 2 on the hca.

Anything your willing to share I would appreciate.

Kris,
As a trade person I cannot recommend or criticize another vendor's stone. But since you are interested in the concept of color masking, I can say that it is true that diamonds with a high level of light return, such as ideal cuts, do tend to make diamonds look a little whiter. But only from the face up direction. So, depending on how the diamond is to be set, if there is a profile view it will not benefit from that type of masking.

Regarding blue fluoro, there is also a masking aspect to it. However, it will normally only be in effect when the stone is viewed outdoors. There is not enough UV of sufficient intensity in artificial lighting to stimulate fluorescence under normal viewing conditions, so you do not really get benefit under most circumstances. There are other things that are important to understand about fluorescence and there have been many discussions here recently about it. You will get a variety of opinions and you should consider them all before you decide if a fluorescent diamond fits your particular needs and taste.

 

[kris11]

When you say 'super ideal' do you mean triple ags 0 stones? I know I want to mask any much yellow tiny as possible with J/K color by going with as best cut as I can get. I know ags 0s trade at a premium because 'the work has been already done' other than confirming the stone hits under 2 on the hca.

Anything your willing to share I would appreciate.

Kris,
As a trade person I cannot recommend or criticize another vendor's stone. But since you are interested in the concept of color masking, I can say that it is true that diamonds with a high level of light return, such as ideal cuts, do tend to make diamonds look a little whiter. But only from the face up direction. So, depending on how the diamond is to be set, if there is a profile view it will not benefit from that type of masking.

Regarding blue fluoro, there is also a masking aspect to it. However, it will normally only be in effect when the stone is viewed outdoors. There is not enough UV of sufficient intensity in artificial lighting to stimulate fluorescence under normal viewing conditions, so you do not really get benefit under most circumstances. There are other things that are important to understand about fluorescence and there have been many discussions here recently about it. You will get a variety of opinions and you should consider them all before you decide if a fluorescent diamond fits your particular needs and taste.

Thanks for commenting. I have done a crazy amount of reading and video watching on the fluorescence topic and I believe it is something that will only benefit me as a consumer(saving money) and my girl would love.

 

[pfunk]

When you say 'super ideal' do you mean triple ags 0 stones? I know I want to mask any much yellow tiny as possible with J/K color by going with as best cut as I can get. I know ags 0s trade at a premium because 'the work has been already done' other than confirming the stone hits under 2 on the hca.

Anything your willing to share I would appreciate.

No, when I say superideal I do not mean AGS 000. There are branded lines of diamonds (Brian Gavin Signature & Blue, Whiteflash ACA, GOG Superior H&A) that are considered 'superideal' because they are cut to certain specifications to give a consistent, repeatable look. Such cutting requires more time and better equipment and thus demands a price premium above and beyond that of what AGS 000 or gia XXX demand. Some people appreciate the time and effort that goes into these stones and will gladly pay a premium for them and choose to sacrifice on the other 4 c's. Other people are willing to compromise some on the cut to improve size, color, or clarity. Others (not many here at PS) are willing to drop quite a bit in cut to improve other factors.

You have to decide how you want to balance the factors. The BG will be cut beautifully, but if the K color arrives and bothers you, what good is the beautiful cut? Yes it will help hide color from a face up view, but it will still have warmth. From the side, the cut wont do anything to improve color. Instead of "masking color" you can always make compromises to go to a higher color that won't be as noticeable, but this is for you to decide.

Here is where a good vendor with a good return policy is nice. If you aren't quite sure what you want, I recommend buying from someone with a generous return window (30 days or close to it) and I would try to find someone who offers free returns unless you are comfortable insuring and shipping the stone yourself on your dollar.

If you are willing to accept less than a superideal, branded stone, you will be able to get a higher color like J without sacrificing size and could probably even go up in face up size. If you go higher yet to an I color, you will likely have to do a slightly smaller diamond or lower clarity. I would be comfortable going this route but I wouldn't sacrifice too much on cut. I would still want a diamond with good light return and proper proportions.

Think about your priorities and post back. If you want me to I will post up some possible stones.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

When you say 'super ideal' do you mean triple ags 0 stones? I know I want to mask any much yellow tiny as possible with J/K color by going with as best cut as I can get. I know ags 0s trade at a premium because 'the work has been already done' other than confirming the stone hits under 2 on the hca.

Anything your willing to share I would appreciate.

Kris,
As a trade person I cannot recommend or criticize another vendor's stone. But since you are interested in the concept of color masking, I can say that it is true that diamonds with a high level of light return, such as ideal cuts, do tend to make diamonds look a little whiter. But only from the face up direction. So, depending on how the diamond is to be set, if there is a profile view it will not benefit from that type of masking.

Regarding blue fluoro, there is also a masking aspect to it. However, it will normally only be in effect when the stone is viewed outdoors. There is not enough UV of sufficient intensity in artificial lighting to stimulate fluorescence under normal viewing conditions, so you do not really get benefit under most circumstances. There are other things that are important to understand about fluorescence and there have been many discussions here recently about it. You will get a variety of opinions and you should consider them all before you decide if a fluorescent diamond fits your particular needs and taste.

Thanks for commenting. I have done a crazy amount of reading and video watching on the fluorescence topic and I believe it is something that will only benefit me as a consumer(saving money) and my girl would love.

It's good that you have done your homework. That's how you get to a point of confidence in your purchase, which adds greatly to the enjoyment of your diamond.

This is a thread from just this week devoted to the pros and cons of fluoro with references and pictures too.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/fluorescence-pros-and-cons.211191/#post-3841990#p3841990']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/fluorescence-pros-and-cons.211191/#post-3841990#p3841990[/URL]

 

[kris11]

When you say 'super ideal' do you mean triple ags 0 stones? I know I want to mask any much yellow tiny as possible with J/K color by going with as best cut as I can get. I know ags 0s trade at a premium because 'the work has been already done' other than confirming the stone hits under 2 on the hca.

Anything your willing to share I would appreciate.

No, when I say superideal I do not mean AGS 000. There are branded lines of diamonds (Brian Gavin Signature & Blue, Whiteflash ACA, GOG Superior H&A) that are considered 'superideal' because they are cut to certain specifications to give a consistent, repeatable look. Such cutting requires more time and better equipment and thus demands a price premium above and beyond that of what AGS 000 or gia XXX demand. Some people appreciate the time and effort that goes into these stones and will gladly pay a premium for them and choose to sacrifice on the other 4 c's. Other people are willing to compromise some on the cut to improve size, color, or clarity. Others (not many here at PS) are willing to drop quite a bit in cut to improve other factors.

You have to decide how you want to balance the factors. The BG will be cut beautifully, but if the K color arrives and bothers you, what good is the beautiful cut? Yes it will help hide color from a face up view, but it will still have warmth. From the side, the cut wont do anything to improve color. Instead of "masking color" you can always make compromises to go to a higher color that won't be as noticeable, but this is for you to decide.

Here is where a good vendor with a good return policy is nice. If you aren't quite sure what you want, I recommend buying from someone with a generous return window (30 days or close to it) and I would try to find someone who offers free returns unless you are comfortable insuring and shipping the stone yourself on your dollar.

If you are willing to accept less than a superideal, branded stone, you will be able to get a higher color like J without sacrificing size and could probably even go up in face up size. If you go higher yet to an I color, you will likely have to do a slightly smaller diamond or lower clarity. I would be comfortable going this route but I wouldn't sacrifice too much on cut. I would still want a diamond with good light return and proper proportions.

Think about your priorities and post back. If you want me to I will post up some possible stones.

Wow you are very helpful! Thank you.

Initially my budget was between 4-5k without a setting, but I stumbled on that K stone and saw good value. So $6500 would be as much as I would want to go at tgis point. I figure I want to go 1.2 or above...or go around .8-.9 and save some money. Around 1ct doesn't appeal to me. I know this may sound odd. I'm either all in, or taking a step back.

I'm ok with exploring the option of a less than super ideal cut diamond if I could increase diamond size, and color. Of the 4 c's cut and size are more important to me. Clarity and color not so much. I would prefer the diamond to be eye clean, so anything above si1 seems like overkill to me.

I absolutely will be buying from a place where I'm comfortable with the return policy. Worst case, I'm fine paying a few dollars for return shipping.

I'm willing to see some stones you can recommend, and I greatly appreciate it!!!!

 

[pfunk]

Ok, so the first option here is a big, spread cut diamond that will face up large. It is 0.2mm larger in diameter than what you posted, is higher color at J, and is still cut with good precision and good light return. It has a shallow depth which is why the diameter is BIG, but still shows a nice pattern on the ASET view. This one might sacrifice a bit on the fire (colored flashes) but makes up for it in brightness (this is what helps hide the yellow tint). This is because of the slightly lower crown height. Scores exc,exc,exc,exc on the HCA.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R138-MGPXBY

If you like the large, bright look here is another one that would give you the strong blue if that is something you like (seems like it is).

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R140-6S1TFT

These other options are more in the "ideal" proportions range, which will offer more of a balance between fire and brilliance. They will face up smaller though, closer to the K you had chosen.

This first one looks really nice and has a lot of images. A little bit of leakage in the idealscope and ASET images, but overall looks good. It is also higher clarity at VS2 so it will for sure be eye clean.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R133-17LTTL

The second options has shorter lower girdles which give the bigger, chunkier arrows. It is high in clarity though at vvs2 so it is super clean. Again, images show good light return, though there is more green on the ASET for this stone.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R135-S98WL9

Finally, an option from JA that I don't like quite as much. It looks like it might be a little cloudy or hazy so you would have to ask about that. Also, check if the feather is a durability issues.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-396308

Edit: found another with great numbers but from a site that doesnt have info so you'd have to request it. Enchanted also has it but their price is higher so you'd have to ask for a price match.

http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Diam...-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope

 

[toade]

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R123-663F53

This diamond is really close to super - ideal. It came in a very close second to the stone I bought. I know it's a little smaller than your stone, but it's an I color, and very clean si1, borderline vs2.

They sent me the ASET, which I can post when I get to a PC tonight.

 

[toade]

Sorry, make that vs2 borderline vs1.