Which ACA should I go with ?

[sledge]

So I asked them to take pictures/video comparing the J stone with an I stone, will post it here as soon as I get it. I also asked if the J is closer to an I or closer to a K. As of right now I lean towards the J diamond but once they send the pics I will make a final decision. I appreciate your help. You guys are awesome !!!

Happy to hear this. Can't wait to see the additional photos and videos.

Thinking about this more, I think if the color checks out the J may be your best balanced fit between performance, size and cost. You're almost there, keep the faith.

 

[lovedogs]

So I asked them to take pictures/video comparing the J stone with an I stone, will post it here as soon as I get it. I also asked if the J is closer to an I or closer to a K. As of right now I lean towards the J diamond but once they send the pics I will make a final decision. I appreciate your help. You guys are awesome !!!

Great! Also, keep in mind rhay you honestly can't go wrong choosing an ACA from WF. they have amazing customer service, and their stones are beautiful. No matter your final choice, it won't be a "bad" one.

 

[sp3]

In case you run into color issue,
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true
-Comparable size as the J
-Significant boost in color
-$150 less expensive
-How bad can it be in terms of light performance... honestly?
Unless you like WF upgrading policy

I’m not going to be popular with this, but I will still say it aloud. Average consumers with budget constraints should take the super ideal hype around here with a big grain of salt. If you choose your stones carefully, the difference is quite minimal. That in my opinion is not enough to justify the significant cost increase of super ideal stones or opportunity loss to choose larger and/or better color/clarity stones, especially given a budget constraint.

 

[lovedogs]

In case you run into color issue,
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true
-Comparable size as the J
-Significant boost in color
-$150 less expensive
-How bad can it be in terms of light performance... honestly?
Unless you like WF upgrading policy

I’m not going to be popular with this, but I will still say it aloud. Average consumers with budget constraints should take the super ideal hype around here with a big grain of salt. If you choose your stones carefully, the difference is quite minimal. That in my opinion is not enough to justify the significant cost increase of super ideal stones or opportunity loss to choose larger and/or better color/clarity stones, especially given a budget constraint.

Saving $150 when spending almost 6K is a little silly IMHO. If OP wants alternatives, the PS search tool is helpful.

If OP wants an alternative (seemingly close to a super-ideal) for 300-500 less, there's this:
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/114966...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

But it doesn't come with WF's upgrade policy, so I wouldn't recommend it over the ACA.

Another one that's less expensive and also looks to have excellent cut and proportions (but I worry a little bit about the color--it looks a little brown-tinted compared to other J stones in their inventory). Other issue is that upgrading with WF involves spending 2x the amount.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-5031849

 

[sp3]

@lovedogs
Saving $150 is a fact, and it is not silly when one combines the saving with a significant increase in color from J to G.

People discussed potential issues with color / size but none has offered alternatives to the super ideal bandwagon until now. Are we at a point where useful information should be withheld and alternatives to super ideal are not allowed? Are we too afraid to ask tough questions? Are we helping or pretending to help?

 

[s0 g00d]

 

[s0 g00d]

Both stones look good to me .... which one would you guys go with ? The I stone is I think prettier and will probably have a little more fire but the J stone is obviously a lot bigger ..... decision, decisions !

 

[Wewechew]

Although I like the body color of the J (it seems more brown as opposed to yellow), I would pick the I since you don't know the color sensitivity of the intended. Plus the proportions are perfect on the I.

 

[lovedogs]

Both stones look good to me .... which one would you guys go with ? The I stone is I think prettier and will probably have a little more fire but the J stone is obviously a lot bigger ..... decision, decisions !

I would personally go with the J. It's gorgeous, larger, and honestly doesn't look much different to me than the I. Obviously I'm not the most color sensitive person, but I personally think the difference in color is minimal and the extra size is worth it. But again, you really can't go wrong here.

 

[Siamese Kitty]

If you're unsure on how she'll feel about color, I'd do the I. I do think the J is really pretty, though! And there is definitely a noticeable size difference imo.

 

[chamois]

If it were me I’d go for the J, it is larger. I can see a difference in the colour between the I and J from the side but face up I don’t think it will be an issue. If you think your intended would like a larger stone then go for the J.

Good luck.

 

[kmoro]

@lovedogs
Saving $150 is a fact, and it is not silly when one combines the saving with a significant increase in color from J to G.

People discussed potential issues with color / size but none has offered alternatives to the super ideal bandwagon until now. Are we at a point where useful information should be withheld and alternatives to super ideal are not allowed? Are we too afraid to ask tough questions? Are we helping or pretending to help?

It sounds a bit like you think you’re the first person to bring this up (“until now”)?

This has actually been discussed at length many many many times on these forums.

In the end, it always boils down to personal preference. That’s it and that’s all.

You’re not the whistleblower, lol.

However, if you’re interested in why people find branded super-ideals worth the money, there are many threads that explain it.

You don’t find the premium worth it, are willing to roll the die, and rely on the 30-day return period to save you from a bad decision. That’s totally ok! So is buying a branded super-ideal.

To each their own. Sorry, I wouldn’t be so patronizing if you hadn’t been.

 

[sledge]

Just curious what you decided @s0 g00d?

I'm a little torn myself as I like the color of the I but I do like the size of the J. It really does depend on color sensitivity and tolerance.

If you haven't bought yet, did WF do any videos in various lighting conditions for you to compare? IMO live movement varies from still photos.

 

[s0 g00d]

Just curious what you decided @s0 g00d?

I'm a little torn myself as I like the color of the I but I do like the size of the J. It really does depend on color sensitivity and tolerance.

If you haven't bought yet, did WF do any videos in various lighting conditions for you to compare? IMO live movement varies from still photos.

I am torn as well, I was actually thinking of taking her to a jewelry store this weekend so we can look at different colors and determine how color sensitive she is and what color is ok with her. It might ruin the surprise a little bit but better that than spending 9k and getting a color she doesn't like. The setting is 3k itself and can't be adjusted to accommodate a new diamond is what they told me so I can't afford to mess this up.

 

[sledge]

I am torn as well, I was actually thinking of taking her to a jewelry store this weekend so we can look at different colors and determine how color sensitive she is and what color is ok with her. It might ruin the surprise a little bit but better that than spending 9k and getting a color she doesn't like. The setting is 3k itself and can't be adjusted to accommodate a new diamond is what they told me so I can't afford to mess this up.

Two thoughts. If you want to keep it a total surprise. Pick the stone you like best and have WF put in an inexpensive plain solitaire setting. Pop the question. Then let her know she has other options for the diamond and setting. Proceed to work through the details WITH her so there is no guessing.

Alternatively talk with one of her friends, sister or other family member. Let them know you need some help getting intel about color and size preference. Put together a plan where they call and arrange a lunch with you guys this Saturday. About 30-45 minutes before you are to meet, have them call your GF and advise they are running behind and to meet you at a jewelry store as that person would value your GF's opinion in helping select some specifics on a potential diamond upgrade/purchase.

I'd also work with a jeweler ahead of time and bring them in on the game. Perhaps look at a range of stones from G-K in color, ranging in size from 0.9 to 1.10 carats. All certified, either GIA or AGS, and all of near identical cut quality. Ideally, the jeweler will have a 0.90 I stone and 1.10 J stone to compare so you get an almost equal comparison to what you are dealing with online here. Maybe also a 1.10 K, especially if GIA certified as many believe AGS can be "softer" on color grading.

Encourage the jeweler and friend/family member to test in a variety of lighting conditions -- main jewelry store lighting, back office lighting under fluorescent UV tubes, outside in normal daylight conditions, etc. Make sure the friend is "torn" on her decision and lets your GF wear and assess the same things she is seeing.

Ultimately, the friend/family member will reach indecision and no purchases will be made that day. It's now a talk point over lunch, where you, GF and friend/family member and their SO can debate pretty openly now. Toss some pricing into the equation for good measure as that has an impact. Maybe even toss in a situation where you could go for size now and upgrade the color later. That may set well with her, or it may not depending how sentimental she is.

Either way, option 2 could be a sneaky way to get lots of intel that is helpful in your final decision.

ETA:
One thing I failed to mention is there is a possibility that your GF can't see color difference between G & K. If so, you hit a home run. But if that isn't the case, make sure the friend/family member takes a picture of the accompanying cert for those they find acceptable. Seems like a trivial detail, but it will be useful to you later on when trying to remember all the specifics.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Both stones look good to me .... which one would you guys go with ? The I stone is I think prettier and will probably have a little more fire but the J stone is obviously a lot bigger ..... decision, decisions !

The I looks good to me. Based on the photo it looks much whiter.

 

[sp3]

It sounds a bit like you think you’re the first person to bring this up (“until now”)?

This has actually been discussed at length many many many times on these forums.

In the end, it always boils down to personal preference. That’s it and that’s all.

You’re not the whistleblower, lol.

However, if you’re interested in why people find branded super-ideals worth the money, there are many threads that explain it.

You don’t find the premium worth it, are willing to roll the die, and rely on the 30-day return period to save you from a bad decision. That’s totally ok! So is buying a branded super-ideal.

To each their own. Sorry, I wouldn’t be so patronizing if you hadn’t been.

I didn’t create a new thread to discuss the issue, so “until now” should be understood in the context of this particular thread. My apology if it wasn’t clear. The OP is in a tight budget, wants to maximize size and may have issue with J color stones (potential color sensitivity etc). Yet no people offered alternatives “until now”. I totally respect individual preference of any particular brand of diamonds, but if you want to help those who seek assistance, especially first time buyers, at least give them a full picture and let them decide. For example, I suggested the unbranded G diamond, and it got ignored by the OP. I’m perfectly ok with that, knowing the OP at least is now aware of alternatives with higher color. Isn’t the point of having experts help from PS to minimize risk when purchasing diamonds? That is where all of you can actually make a difference in helping buyers. If everyone goes with the “you can’t go wrong with WF”, who needs help from PS?

At the end the OP seems to get all the info he needs. I’m happy for him and hope he makes an informed decision. I have decided to stop my conversation here.

 

[sledge]

In terms of color I am ok with something as low as J since it will be set in halo setting and the side won't be as visible, plus I don't mind it if it is a little warmer color.
I want ideal cut and prefer ACA but if it is expert selection it is not a deal breaker.

Come on @sp3. When a freakin' thread is titled "which ACA to choose" why wouldn't you expect WF to be heavily recommended and commented about? Not to mention the OP said in their initial post they were okay up to a J in color, and specifically wanted an ideal cut, preferably an ACA.

I understand and appreciate you are trying to be helpful. But the stones being discussed in this thread seem inline with what the OP wants. I'm not condemning GIA 3x stones, but the OP seems to have made a decision about the type of quality they want. To some people getting a true H&A stone is just as important as a color or size. Other people prefer to take a cost savings and maximize other characteristics to get the most bang for their buck at the expense of the perfection of a H&A stone because either they cannot see or they cannot appreciate the difference.

Different strokes for different folks. Either camp is fine.

When I personally recommend stones for people, I try to analyze not only their budget and desires in a stone (color, clarity, etc) but also their situation that led them here. Many times that trumps other factors. For instance, we've had people that were snake bitten in previous transactions and need a picture perfect customer experience with little to no hassle. Or maybe an impossible deadline to meet.

In certain scenarios it's not just about finding the right stone for the right dollar, but making sure that person gets excellence in the area of customer service because the path that led them here was anything but excellent and that aspect truly enhances their buying experience and enjoyment of the stone they eventually end up buying.

More specifically the stone you recommended had good proportions: 57 table, 62 depth, 35 crown, 40.8 pavilion & 80 LGF's. It has potential to be a great stone. I stress potential because that steep crown paired with a steep pavilion doesn't always fair well for a GIA 3x stone. Yes, the proportions fall within ideal parameters but it's not the most complimentary angle combination. The caveat being the quality of the cut. If done well like a super ideal stone, it will be okay. If not, you will see leakage in the ASET or IS images like I've seen on several GIA 3x stones lately when reviewing for other people. IMO, the issue worsens as this particular stone is offered through BN who is known to NOT give ASET, IS and/or H&A images. So now the buyer has to take all the risk and have it shipped to them, buy their own scopes, do their own analysis (or possibly struggle to take a picture and post here, which can be tricky) and then hassle with the return if it's not up to snuff.

The upside being you get more color and possibly a stone with ideal parameters. The downside is the buyer takes all the risk and hassle of verifying if the stone is a stud or dud. That's a headache factor many people don't like or want to experience.

Just my 2 cents. Put a few bucks with it, and you can buy yourself a cheap cup of coffee.

 

[s0 g00d]

The ring is spectacular.I have never seen anything so sparkly in my life. My now fiancee loves it. I am very happy I went with the J, it is beautiful. I would like to thank everyone for your help, I really appreciate it. We had to send it back for resizing though, because it was too big and one of the melee stones fell off which is a little frustrating since we just got it but Whiteflash will get it fixed and sent back asap so hopefully that gets taken of soon. I will post more pictures once we get it back. Thanks once again !

 

[MissGotRocks]

Thanks for coming back with pictures! It looks beautiful! So glad you are both happy with it - when you get it back, please takes lots more pictures for us! Really looks gorgeous in this picture though!

 

[lovedogs]

Beautiful! Congrats!

 

[Dmndsr4evr11]

The ring is spectacular.I have never seen anything so sparkly in my life. My now fiancee loves it. I am very happy I went with the J, it is beautiful. I would like to thank everyone for your help, I really appreciate it. We had to send it back for resizing though, because it was too big and one of the melee stones fell off which is a little frustrating since we just got it but Whiteflash will get it fixed and sent back asap so hopefully that gets taken of soon. I will post more pictures once we get it back. Thanks once again !

Congrats!!! It looks beautiful!