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Where to start? Finding an nice EC diamond on James Allen

metro

metro

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 28, 2005
Messages
782
Hello folks! It's been a while since I've been on PS. My 15 years wedding anniversary is around the corner and I think I'm ready for a trade up on my JA diamond. I love the look of emerald cut diamonds but I honestly don't know where to start to find nice stone. I've done a basic search and went through several threads but couldn't really make heads of tales of it all. I'm here hoping one of you might point me to a good one on JA's site! Here's what I'm looking for:

Price - $7400 - $8500
Color - J or higher
Clarity - Eye clean!
Weight - 1.30 or higher. I want as much finger coverage as possible
I must go with JA, as I want to trade up my current stone.

I've seen where people ask about ratio - I don't know what that means. :think:

Any tips, suggestions, links would be appreciated on where to start the hunt! Thank you.
 
Ratio-length by width. Do you want skinny or chubby, square or rectangle.
 
Thank you @scarsmum! I really like the look of the 1.53 H/VS2 stone. I hope @Matthews1127 chimes in with his opinion. Thank you so much for searching and posting! I really do appreciate it! I'm at such a loss!
 
Do you like chunky facets or skinny facets in ECs?

Do you mind/want fluorescence?
 
Chunky!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.70-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5440684

Skiinny, but may not be eye-clean and windows at each end when tilted:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.70-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5311621

This one is... different... it has great brightness at all angles, with good contrast patterns, and the crown facets really seem to 'lift' the internal faceting to create a 3D look (IMHO) - I would say this is an unusual one!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.53-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5055883

Good brightness and contrast patterns, doesn't seem to window at tilt angles (which makes a change!), and at VVS1 will definitely be eye-clean!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-j-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5055780

Very skinny facets - should be visually interesting! Windows a smidge at tilt angles but I like it.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-j-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5329674

Also same comments for this one!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5465696

Strong contrast patterning, possibly too much head-on, but works well at all other angles and the obstruction might well not be a problem at normal viewing angles (i.e. without a black camera 6" away lol):
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5633393

Chunky and bright! Reminds me of the Brian Gavin 'ideal' ECs. Crown might be a bit low, though, so might major on white light rather than fire:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4555374

This seems to perform well in every way!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5641157

Lonnnng skinny facets, but lacking contrast head-on so more to check if you like the shape/look:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5609457

Similar to the one two above this one but perhaps not as bright:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5592856

A similar look again, but perhaps seems to lack primary reflections and have more virtual facets being worked (if that make sense and I'm not talking nonsense??)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5429139


All IMHO, of course, and I am open to being told I'm wrong! lol
 
scarsmum said:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.53-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5412255

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.33-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5548484

Possibly the only two I like right now in the specs, but even they may have problems. @Matthews1127
Click to expand...

1.53HVS2 is a very beautiful EC. It’s closer to the more rectangular l x w ratios (my personal preference). It doesn’t seem to show much body color in the video, which is good. It has EX/EX Polish/Symm which is great! The steps seem consistent in width, and they move well; no dark/dull areas.
Place this one hold & request ASET. ;)2
I will also see what I can find to help out!
Remember: JA will provide 3 ASET reports per email address, so, if you consider more than 3 stones, you can use different email addresses to compare more than 3 stones. :mrgreen2:
 
This has interesting step patterns, and has a “faux culet” in the center, which I find really neat!!
It appears to move well in the video; tough to tell, when a step cut stone is positioned on pavilion facet 3.


https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...t/1.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5429238

Adding: l x w ratio = 1.44:1 which is very rectangular (bonus for me), which will look elongated against her finger. For an I color, it shows little body color, compared to other EC’s in the same color range. It has a really great spread for its weight, as well.
 
@Matthews1127 & @OoohShiny

I received the ASET for 1.53/H/VS2, which you guys wanted to see. I also placed the diamond on hold.
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.53-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5412255

Remarks from JA: "Diamond 5412255 has more direct light return and has a tiny bit of leakage in the center, but still shows excellent light performance throughout. The panels are giving off big flashes of light."

5412255.jpg

I also got the ASET for 1.50/I-VVS2.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5429238

Comments from JA: Diamond 5429238 has a little more indirect light return, but the video confirms tons of brilliance and fire.

5429238.jpg

What do you guys think? One better than the the other?

The others stones I like should neither of these prove to be optimal are:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5429139 (request ASET on this one but it hasn't come in)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5465696

THOUGHTS?

AGAIN, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!!
 
metro said:
@Matthews1127 & @OoohShiny

I received the ASET for 1.53/H/VS2, which you guys wanted to see. I also placed the diamond on hold.
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.53-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5412255

Remarks from JA: "Diamond 5412255 has more direct light return and has a tiny bit of leakage in the center, but still shows excellent light performance throughout. The panels are giving off big flashes of light."

5412255.jpg

I also got the ASET for 1.50/I-VVS2.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5429238

Comments from JA: Diamond 5429238 has a little more indirect light return, but the video confirms tons of brilliance and fire.

5429238.jpg

What do you guys think? One better than the the other?

The others stones I like should neither of these prove to be optimal are:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5429139 (request ASET on this one but it hasn't come in)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5465696

THOUGHTS?

AGAIN, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!!
Click to expand...

Not bad...but let’s wait for the other ASET you requested. I think you can do “better”, but neither is terrible. I’m concerned about the dark areas in #2, but it appears the dark areas blend with blue areas, indicating more contrast. I just hope it’s not contributing to leakage or “indirect light return”. If the brilliance & flashes are awesome, as the gemologist states, I believe a better video would be warranted to examine the stone N-S, instead of resting on P3 facet.
Let’s wait for ASET #3.
 
I agree with @Matthews1127 - let's wait until no.3 arrives!

Personally speaking, I think it performs better 'head-on' (in terms of brightness and contrast/obstruction patterning), whereas 1 and 2 do lack some brightness/contrast directly head-on, but I think all 4 are some of the better ones as far as ECs go :))

Don't forget that the ASET images are only from one, head-on angle, though - that is why video is so important!
 
"The others stones I like should neither of these prove to be optimal are:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5429139 (request ASET on this one but it hasn't come in)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5465696

THOUGHTS?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The first one has promise. The second one is not flashing all the way into the center. I would pass on that one.
 
I wonder if your third selection might have a low crown.
 
Hello again! Well, DANG! I got the 3rd ASET back but I must have sent off for the wrong stone :roll

The ASET I received for was on the stone @scarsmum suggested a pass.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5465696
5465696.jpg
Lots of green areas. Of course, JA says it's a keeper. Her comments:
" This one has a nice blend of red and green which is great. Lots of direct and indirect light throughout. The cut proportions and videos are stunning as well.".

What do you think @scarsmum and @Matthews1127 ?

I'm going to request ASET for these:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5429139
and
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5641157

@scarsmum your comment about the 1.40 working the camera was cute! I do see the beauty and sparkle in the diamond you posted but it's a little less than what I'm looking for.

JA's trade up policy requires one spends 2x the trade in price. I have to at least trade up for $7400. What I have now is a .93RB.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/so-my-idealscope-is-in-what-do-you-guys-think.77590/

My diamond in a halo setting. I'm gonna ditch the halo. I just hope I don't have major shrinking issues. Here's my current set. I have small fingers, size 3. Though I have gained weight since this was taken and I think I need to bump it up to a size 4. :(2

metros_ring_halo.JPG
 
metro said:
Hello again! Well, DANG! I got the 3rd ASET back but I must have sent off for the wrong stone :roll

The ASET I received for was on the stone @scarsmum suggested a pass.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5465696
5465696.jpg
Lots of green areas. Of course, JA says it's a keeper. Her comments:
" This one has a nice blend of red and green which is great. Lots of direct and indirect light throughout. The cut proportions and videos are stunning as well.".

What do you think @scarsmum and @Matthews1127 ?

I'm going to request ASET for these:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5429139
and
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5641157

@scarsmum your comment about the 1.40 working the camera was cute! I do see the beauty and sparkle in the diamond you posted but it's a little less than what I'm looking for.

JA's trade up policy requires one spends 2x the trade in price. I have to at least trade up for $7400. What I have now is a .93RB.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/so-my-idealscope-is-in-what-do-you-guys-think.77590/

My diamond in a halo setting. I'm gonna ditch the halo. I just hope I don't have major shrinking issues. Here's my current set. I have small fingers, size 3. Though I have gained weight since this was taken and I think I need to bump it up to a size 4. :(2

metros_ring_halo.JPG
Click to expand...

I am concerned about the center (dotted circle):
CFE5A62C-ED00-4C6A-95CF-76B0DEE08D12.jpeg

I’d pass on this, and see what the other ASETs show....
 
Hello, @Matthews1127 and @OoohShiny:

Just wanted to thank you both again for your input on my search for an EC diamond. Over the weekend, I did some playing around at a local jewelry store, and to my surprise, I actually found that I'm drawn to the radiant cut MORE than the EC.
I've been collecting and saving pics of beautiful rings for the last year and they've all been ECs, but yet when I put one on my finger, it didn't sing to me like I thought it would. For giggles, I tried a radiant and BAM - I was kinda blown away. So, my search is gonna continue - just for a radiant cut now. If you guys can offer any advice on a radiant, I'd be most grateful.

Off to James Allen to see what I can find!
 
This is why it's SO IMPORTANT to try stuff on before buying. Thrilled that you saw the cuts on you and made the choice based on looking at the options. It's always surprising how much we can love something in photos but not love it *on us*. I was SURE I wanted a pear shape for my e-ring, but when I tried them on, I felt like they didn't look right on me.

I'm not an expert with radiants or ECs, but the ladies and gentlemen here will find you something incredible :)
 
metro said:
Hello, @Matthews1127 and @OoohShiny:

Just wanted to thank you both again for your input on my search for an EC diamond. Over the weekend, I did some playing around at a local jewelry store, and to my surprise, I actually found that I'm drawn to the radiant cut MORE than the EC.
I've been collecting and saving pics of beautiful rings for the last year and they've all been ECs, but yet when I put one on my finger, it didn't sing to me like I thought it would. For giggles, I tried a radiant and BAM - I was kinda blown away. So, my search is gonna continue - just for a radiant cut now. If you guys can offer any advice on a radiant, I'd be most grateful.

Off to James Allen to see what I can find!
Click to expand...

No worries!! We’re still in “Fancy Cut” mode, which means we still have to use ASET, Specs, video & (hopefully) up close & personal examination to finalize your search.
Let me see what I can find for you....
Please refresh me on Carat size/mm spread....???
 
OH, YES PLEASE @Matthews1127!!!

The diamond must come from James Allen, since I'll be doing a trade up. The one I tried on over the weekend was a 2ct, G/SI2. It was priced around 11K. I took a pic of the GIA paperwork. Too bad I cannot find anything like this on JA's site. Here's a pic of the stone that won me over. In this picture, the diamond was placed inside a setting I don't care for, but the SA did it to show me what it could look like set.

gradiant.jpg

gia_radiant.jpg

Anything you can find that would come close to this would be awesome! My budget must come below 11K. I've got a little bit of a budget increase ;-).
 

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@Matthews1127 THANK YOU! That I is a very pretty stone - I dig it! I wish it was larger though. I might have to just keep my finger on the JA pulse for something to come along. I'm in no hurry.
 
metro said:
@Matthews1127 THANK YOU! That I is a very pretty stone - I dig it! I wish it was larger though. I might have to just keep my finger on the JA pulse for something to come along. I'm in no hurry.
Click to expand...

If you have the time, my advice would be to wait and see what else becomes available; I believe you could do so much better!! New inventory should be coming soon!! I will keep my eye, out as well!!
 
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