What do you think of these 3 BlueNile diamonds?

[matsukaze]

Hi everyone,

I'd really appreciate any help in choosing the best of these 3 diamonds from BlueNile for an e-ring.

My current options are as follows - about to make the final decision pretty soon, so PriceScope experts, please feel free to comment on them!

I've reached out to Blue Nile for images/videos/ASET/Idealscope etc. but haven't received any yet.



Option #1
1.41 ct, H, VS1
HCA = 1.1
measurements = 7.26-7.28*4.39
table% = 58
total depth%: = 60.4
crown angle = 34
pavilion angle = 40.8
crown depth% = 14
pavilion depth % = 43
lower girdle facet % = 80
star facet % = 50
girdle = medium (3.5%)





Option #2
1.31 ct, G, VS2
HCA = 1.2
measurements = 7.07-7.09*4.31
table% = 56
total depth%: = 60.9
crown angle = 34.5
pavilion angle = 40.8
crown depth% = 15
pavilion depth % = 43
lower girdle facet % = 75
star facet % = 50
girdle = thin to medium (2.5%)

waiting for image



Option #3
1.35 ct, H, VS1
HCA = 1.3
measurements = 7.05-7.08*4.38
table% = 56
total depth%: = 62
crown angle = 34.5
pavilion angle = 40.8
crown depth% = 15
pavilion depth % = 43
lower girdle facet % = 75
star facet % = 50
girdle = slightly thick

waiting for image

 

[bmfang]

Hi everyone,

I'd really appreciate any help in choosing the best of these 3 diamonds from BlueNile for an e-ring.

My current options are as follows - about to make the final decision pretty soon, so PriceScope experts, please feel free to comment on them!

I've reached out to Blue Nile for images/videos/ASET/Idealscope etc. but haven't received any yet.



Option #1
1.41 ct, H, VS1
HCA = 1.1
measurements = 7.26-7.28*4.39
table% = 58
total depth%: = 60.4
crown angle = 34
pavilion angle = 40.8
crown depth% = 14
pavilion depth % = 43
lower girdle facet % = 80
star facet % = 50
girdle = medium (3.5%)





Option #2
1.31 ct, G, VS2
HCA = 1.2
measurements = 7.07-7.09*4.31
table% = 56
total depth%: = 60.9
crown angle = 34.5
pavilion angle = 40.8
crown depth% = 15
pavilion depth % = 43
lower girdle facet % = 75
star facet % = 50
girdle = thin to medium (2.5%)

waiting for image



Option #3
1.35 ct, H, VS1
HCA = 1.3
measurements = 7.05-7.08*4.38
table% = 56
total depth%: = 62
crown angle = 34.5
pavilion angle = 40.8
crown depth% = 15
pavilion depth % = 43
lower girdle facet % = 75
star facet % = 50
girdle = slightly thick

waiting for image

All three of the stones have ok proportions. Presuming all three are GIA graded? Of the three you have picked, I'd be leaning towards stone #2 on proportions but without ASET I'd be unwilling to say anything more. After that stone #1. What is your budget? Have you looked at the other online vendors?

 

[matsukaze]

Thanks! Yes, all GIA graded. I've checked other vendors like James Allen. Budget is around 10k.

I got video, ASET, and Idealscope for #2.

1.31, G, VS2

Video: http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/hkfauna/Vision360.html?sd=50&z=1&v=2&sv=0&d=160673-605

GIA rated it as "excellent" in symmetry but to me, the arrows don't look well aligned (esp. one at 6 o'clock direction). BN says good symmetry doesn't guarantee good hearts and arrows.

Also there are multiple black crystals in the video, which to my knowledge are not shown in the GIA image.

BN says it's eye clean.

What you you think?
- Do you think this is eye clean?
- Should I be concerned about the symmetry?
- Should I be concerned about the hearts and arrows in the ASET image?

ASET


Idealscope


Thanks for advice!!

 

[flyingpig]

Also there are multiple black crystals in the video, which to my knowledge are not shown in the GIA image.

BN says it's eye clean.

What you you think?
- Do you think this is eye clean?
- Should I be concerned about the symmetry?
- Should I be concerned about the hearts and arrows in the ASET image?

ASET


Idealscope


Thanks for advice!!

[/quote]

I think it is eye-clean. The diamond is hugely magnified in the video. Those are very tiny, although I don't like inclusions that multiply when viewed from the side.

The girdle is painted to a significant degree.
You can read about painting and digging here.. http://www.pricescope.com/journal/visible_effects_painting_digging_superideal_diamonds

 

[EvaEvans]

The best diamond is the third one (3), in my opinion.

 

[matsukaze]

@flyingpig -- Thank you for the advice!

How can you tell it's painted? Because of the green parts? That's not good, right?

(Unless it's crown-only painting on a superideal diamond, as the reference you kindly provided says, but they say that's super rare.)

Do you think I should rule it out because of that?

@EvaEvans -- Thank you for the comment!

May I ask why you prefer #3?

 

[flyingpig]

@flyingpig -- Thank you for the advice!

How can you tell it's painted? Because of the green parts? That's not good, right?

(Unless it's crown-only painting on a superideal diamond, as the reference you kindly provided says, but they say that's super rare.)

How can you tell it's painted? Because of the green parts?
-Yes. because of the size, shape, light return characteristics of the green parts.

That's not good, right (Unless it's crown-only painting on a superideal diamond, as the reference you kindly provided says, but they say that's super rare.)
-I think you and the article answered your question.

Do you think I should rule it out because of that?
-The stone is GIA ex, and may have a chance for AGS 0 in light performance based on the ASET. It really depends on the price and what your other options are.

 

[matsukaze]

How can you tell it's painted? Because of the green parts?
-Yes. because of the size, shape, light return characteristics of the green parts.

That's not good, right (Unless it's crown-only painting on a superideal diamond, as the reference you kindly provided says, but they say that's super rare.)
-I think you and the article answered your question.

Do you think I should rule it out because of that?
-The stone is GIA ex, and may have a chance for AGS 0 in light performance based on the ASET. It really depends on the price and what your other options are.

Thank you so much! Hopefully images for the others will come through, and I'll look for more candidates.

 

[matsukaze]

On JA I happened across another candidate #4 that looks good to me. What do you think?

SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.28
COLOR: H
CLARITY: VVS1
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 6.98*6.96*4.31

L/W RATIO: 1.00
DEPTH %: 61.90
GIRDLE: Medium - Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 55.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 34.00
CROWN %: 15.50
PAVILION ∠: 40.60

HCA: 0.7

Video at URL: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.28-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2266786

image upload isn't working for me at the moment -- sorry! please click the link to see the image

 

[bmfang]

On JA I happened across another candidate #4 that looks good to me. What do you think?

SHAPE: Round
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.28
COLOR: H
CLARITY: VVS1
CUT: Excellent
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Excellent
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 6.98*6.96*4.31

L/W RATIO: 1.00
DEPTH %: 61.90
GIRDLE: Medium - Slightly Thick
TABLE %: 55.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 34.00
CROWN %: 15.50
PAVILION ∠: 40.60

HCA: 0.7

Video at URL: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.28-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2266786

image upload isn't working for me at the moment -- sorry! please click the link to see the image

Proportions look good, though on HCA it looks like it is out of AGS 000 Ideal proportions by the tiniest of amounts (which might be inconsequential). For a non-super ideal, this one looks good to my eye based on the JA video (see some very distinct arrows looking at it straight ahead). ASET should reveal any inadequacies of it.

 

[EvaEvans]

Now number 4 is my favorite!
I will explain why I'm choosing N3 and N4: I just eliminate N1 and N2.
N1 -Although graded as Excellent cut, I don't like this particular cut - diamond is too swallow (60% depth), too big table (58%), too short crown (under 15%), lower half 80% (this gives too tiny arrows)
N2 - I pass this one because of the ugly VS2 clarity, one black carbon inclusion that reflects at all facets...
N3 - I like all aspects of the cut, plus VS1 clarity, plus 1.35ct that is nice number
N4 - I like all aspects of the cut proportions, plus VVS clarity! Nice diamond!

 

[matsukaze]

Proportions look good, though on HCA it looks like it is out of AGS 000 Ideal proportions by the tiniest of amounts (which might be inconsequential). For a non-super ideal, this one looks good to my eye based on the JA video (see some very distinct arrows looking at it straight ahead). ASET should reveal any inadequacies of it.

Thanks a lot! JA says there might be an ASET image & they're looking for it.

Now number 4 is my favorite!
I will explain why I'm choosing N3 and N4: I just eliminate N1 and N2.
N1 -Although graded as Excellent cut, I don't like this particular cut - diamond is too swallow (60% depth), too big table (58%), too short crown (under 15%), lower half 80% (this gives too tiny arrows)
N2 - I pass this one because of the ugly VS2 clarity, one black carbon inclusion that reflects at all facets...
N3 - I like all aspects of the cut, plus VS1 clarity, plus 1.35ct that is nice number
N4 - I like all aspects of the cut proportions, plus VVS clarity! Nice diamond!

Thank you for the detailed comments! This helps a lot. I'm going to pass on #2 for now & keep considering the others.

BN can't provide ASET or Idealscope for #1 & #3 bc the vaults don't have the equipment. Is it a big risk to go ahead and purchase one without seeing those?

 

[matsukaze]

I got BN images for #1 & #3

PS image uploader just redirects to homepage in the frame... are other ppl having this issue?

Option #1
https://goo.gl/photos/H5xZbaqsbFFHgvkp7

Option #3
https://goo.gl/photos/nJnJrd92ZXX1pQkQ9

#3 seems to have a yellow coloration at the bottom. Is that something to worry about, or is it a photo error?

 

[matsukaze]

Re: What do you think of this JA diamond?

I got an Idealscope image for #4 (ASET unavailable). also, #1 & #3 are sold

Option #4
https://goo.gl/photos/55ZANcWmPpr5Did78
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.28-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2266786

I think it looks good. What do you think about the light performance?

 

[bmfang]

That JA stone you posted isn't available anymore so it looks like it was sold (either to you or to someone else!)

 

[matsukaze]

That JA stone you posted isn't available anymore so it looks like it was sold (either to you or to someone else!)

I think it's just on hold for me.

 

[EvaEvans]

#4 is the best one, in my opinion, so don't miss it out!

 

[ac117]

Re: What do you think of this JA diamond?

I got an Idealscope image for #4 (ASET unavailable). also, #1 & #3 are sold

Option #4
https://goo.gl/photos/55ZANcWmPpr5Did78
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.28-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2266786

I think it looks good. What do you think about the light performance?

IS looks great and so does the diamond video. Truly beautiful, I'd say go for it!

 

[bmfang]

That JA stone you posted isn't available anymore so it looks like it was sold (either to you or to someone else!)

I think it's just on hold for me.

The vid does reveal quite a symmetrical stone. IS confirms it. Would've been nice if they had an ASET of it given that there is a little bit of white under the table at around the 4-5 o'clock position to my eyes, but it's pretty much a sea of red everywhere else!

This is probably one of the better GIA XXX's that I've seen over the last year and a half!

Go on! Pull the trigger!

 

[matsukaze]

Re: What do you think of this JA diamond?

Thanks a lot you three! Definitely getting closer to a decision with your invaluable help. Thanks for your patience & input!

I've heard GIA sometimes rounds their numbers; is that something to be concerned about?

For example, #4 looks good by numbers, but the table%=55 & crown angle=34 are just on the edge of ideal -- is it possible they are rounded?

@bmfang - Should I be concerned that this stone is not quite within the AGS ideal range?

Also, in general, how concerned should I be with the numbers, when the IS & video look good?

 

[bmfang]

Re: What do you think of this JA diamond?

Thanks a lot you three! Definitely getting closer to a decision with your invaluable help. Thanks for your patience & input!

I've heard GIA sometimes rounds their numbers; is that something to be concerned about?

For example, #4 looks good by numbers, but the table%=55 & crown angle=34 are just on the edge of ideal -- is it possible they are rounded?

@bmfang - Should I be concerned that this stone is not quite within the AGS ideal range?

Also, in general, how concerned should I be with the numbers, when the IS & video look good?

I'm not that concerned about it not sitting within the AGS ideal range based off HCA scores. It looks like it's just on the other side of the border (so I'm reading that as meaning it's a borderline case which would be fine, having it sit within both GIA XXX and AGS 000 bounds is the ideal, but with stones like this, one might be able to ignore that advice).

I don't think the crown and pavillion angles are rounded off (if they were, I'd expect them to be rounded off to the nearest 0.5%). The table percentage might, but I'm not that concerned as it sits within the range for ideal spec for table percentage.

Only measurements on GIA reports that I believe are rounded are the percentages for lower girdle facet and star length. AGS reports seem to measure to the nearest 1% whereas GIA measure to the nearest 5%. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong (always want to make sure that I'm learning).

I'm not that concerned with the numbers because if I had the cash to spend like you have on one of these stones, this is the one I'd pick. I suspect that if this stone was in WF's inventory, this might be one of their "Premium Select" rocks.

Anyone else got thoughts?

 

[EvaEvans]

Every laboratory has from-to ideal cut proportions. You shouldn't focus on one measurement only, because the ideal cut is a sum of all dimensions. The whole picture is important.
About the rounded numbers - I think that GIA round off the table size, the star length and the lower half, but most probably the crown/pavilion angles are exact, if this is what is written on the certificate.

 

[EvaEvans]

I just checked this diamond with the AGS Proportion Charts.
Table 55%, crown angle 34, pavilion angle 40.6 gives AGS Excellent, but NOT ideal. I think that people equals GIA Excellent with AGS ideal, that is not exactly true. AGS also have Excellent cut grade. AGS triple 0 is very narrowed "from-to" area.
Look here:
https://www.americangemsociety.org/Content/uploads/85481435071929.pdf

 

[bmfang]

This one is right on the borderline based on the chart. Either 0.5 deg more on the CA (maybe even 0.2-0.3 degree more) or 0.1 deg higher on the PA and it would've just made it into AGS Ideal.

If the HCA was fully implemented as per Mr Holloway's patent, can I guess that this one might have been somewhere around the borderline 2.0 area? Because in its current implementation, that JA stone is at HCA 0.7 which is one of the lowest scores I've seen in my year and a half of diamond searching...

 

[EvaEvans]

I agree with bmfang, the proportions are on the borderline of AGS Excellent and Ideal. Table size is rounded to full number (xx%), angles are rounded to decimal number (xx.x), in fact there is always some roundness. So this wouldn't bother me as a potential buyer. I think that this diamond is a perfect choice.

 

[matsukaze]

Thanks a lot for all the comments! This one is definitely on my short list.

Now what do you think about this 1.36 H, VS1, also from JA?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.36-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2163072

HCA comes out at 1.1 and the x is in the mid range of both GIA and AGS ideal.

Comparing this to the previously discussed 1.28, my thoughts are:

- It's JA super-ideal cut
- It's slightly bigger
- Clarity-wise, AGS noted it as VS1 due to clouds so I will need to confirm with JA if it's "eye clean". I myself cannot see the clouds from the diamond video.
- It has H & A image and it looks good to me.
- Most importantly, it seems all the key specs are "safer", as opposed to be on the edge like the 1.28. I like the 34.5 CA and 40.7 PA!
- Are the white spots on the edge of the diamond considered as normal light leakage? Would that be a deal-breaker for this one?

Feel free to comment on it. As always, appreciate the help from the PS community!

 

[bmfang]

Thanks a lot for all the comments! This one is definitely on my short list.

Now what do you think about this 1.36 H, VS1, also from JA?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.36-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2163072

HCA comes out at 1.1 and the x is in the mid range of both GIA and AGS ideal.

Comparing this to the previously discussed 1.28, my thoughts are:

- It's JA super-ideal cut
- It's slightly bigger
- Clarity-wise, AGS noted it as VS1 due to clouds so I will need to confirm with JA if it's "eye clean". I myself cannot see the clouds from the diamond video.
- It has H & A image and it looks good to me.
- Most importantly, it seems all the key specs are "safer", as opposed to be on the edge like the 1.28. I like the 34.5 CA and 40.7 PA!
- Are the white spots on the edge of the diamond considered as normal light leakage? Would that be a deal-breaker for this one?

Feel free to comment on it. As always, appreciate the help from the PS community!

I presume you have this one on hold as well

I wouldn't worry about the clouds too much. They appear to be confined to one small area under the table and I think I can just see them if I squint really hard at the 20x magnified video. This one should be eye clean.

As for the light leakage, I'm not sure whether it is or not. I don't have anywhere near the experience of other PS-era to be able to comment on that. Computer generated ASET on the grading report however looks very good.

For a minuscule amount more, the 1.365 H/VS1 would be the one I'd take (though a part of me says, take the VVS1!)

 

[ac117]

Thanks a lot for all the comments! This one is definitely on my short list.

Now what do you think about this 1.36 H, VS1, also from JA?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.36-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2163072

HCA comes out at 1.1 and the x is in the mid range of both GIA and AGS ideal.

Comparing this to the previously discussed 1.28, my thoughts are:

- It's JA super-ideal cut
- It's slightly bigger
- Clarity-wise, AGS noted it as VS1 due to clouds so I will need to confirm with JA if it's "eye clean". I myself cannot see the clouds from the diamond video.
- It has H & A image and it looks good to me.
- Most importantly, it seems all the key specs are "safer", as opposed to be on the edge like the 1.28. I like the 34.5 CA and 40.7 PA!
- Are the white spots on the edge of the diamond considered as normal light leakage? Would that be a deal-breaker for this one?

Feel free to comment on it. As always, appreciate the help from the PS community!

This is a beautiful choice - you'll see the AGS certificate provides an ASET for the stone, which looks perfect. Clouds are not an issue in a VS1 stone but it never hurts to confirm with their gemologist.

 

[EvaEvans]

I still prefer the 1.28 VVS1, but it's my personal taste. As I mentioned before, I would not pick up a stone with crown under 15%, because I consider it "swallow" and not well proportioned with the pavilion. I always give consideration to the crown height, not only the crown angle. I also tend to like clean diamonds, and VVS1 is right on target!
About the light leakage - if AGS consider this diamond triple ideal, you shouldn't worry at all.