Which MRB would you choose?

[LolaRVA]

Hello All,
I recently received a 2.39 G SI2 MRB, was happy with it but after a few days of wear I realized that there were a few inclusions (one dark one in particular) that I could not live with. Also, it wasn’t the very best cut, deep at 62.6 and HCA 3.7. I thought I’d settled, so back to drawing board...

Currently having reset done with an H SI2, I don’t have pics but here’s the GIA cert. It’s a very pretty stone, HCA 1.3, I inspected in person, couldn’t pick up color difference compared to another loose G.

Then today during an idle search I saw this stone. It’s HCA 2.7, so theoretically not as ideal, but the inclusions look okay and of course it’s better color.
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...g-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5035783

I realize HCA is an elimination tool and not be-all-end-all for choosing a stone, and I unfortunately do not have any other images to offer.

Question is, would it be worth looking at the JA stone in interest of better color, or should I leave well enough alone and stick with what I’ve chosen? With HCA and GIA reports as only info I can go by, am I still better off with the H-color since it should be better cut?

 

[LolaRVA]

Update, JA stone is overseas so I cannot obtain ASET or Idealscope.

 

[rockysalamander]

What are your goals? A certain size a certain budget? iF you share what you are looking for we might be able to offer a few leads. Are you committed to JA?

 

[Todd Gray]

Update, JA stone is overseas so I cannot obtain ASET or Idealscope.

Here you go:

 

[LolaRVA]

What are your goals? A certain size a certain budget? iF you share what you are looking for we might be able to offer a few leads. Are you committed to JA?

I’m not committed to anyone, really just want this process to be over as I’ve been working with a B&M for a while now (essentially getting an online price from them after a very bad experience, it’s been much easier with them calling in stones as opposed to me having to do it all myself). I do think that the H stone I’ve ended up with works well, the size is excellent, cut within proper parameters, I don’t see any color tint when loose compared to G.

I just happened to spot this JA G, was curious if it looks too good to be true as the price seems low.

 

[LolaRVA]

Here you go:

Thank you! I did just notice that the stone’s listed on several sites, at even lower price than JA. Is it dull/cloudy? There’s something wrong for it to be so cheap, no? I’d expect a good G SI2 at that size to be at least 18k

 

[rockysalamander]

Thank you! I did just notice that the stone’s listed on several sites, at even lower price than JA. Is it dull/cloudy? There’s something wrong for it to be so cheap, no? I’d expect a good G SI2 at that size to be at least 18k

What are the grade setting inclusions and notes? @Todd Gray

 

[LolaRVA]

What are the grade setting inclusions and notes? @Todd Gray

You mean from the GIA Report? Sorry, novice here . I guess mostly twinning wisps and clouds.

 

[LolaRVA]

Or twinning wisps and feathers, with additional clouds not shown.
But maybe you were asking the Todd to answer?

 

[Todd Gray]

What are the grade setting inclusions and notes? @Todd Gray

Twinning Wisps all around the perimeter with additional twinning wisps and clouds not shown.

 

[flyingpig]

I don't like this G SI2. It is leaky and the girdle is dug out. It also appears dull. Light return is not crisp. It is rather scattered.

 

[Todd Gray]

I don't like this G SI2. It is leaky and the girdle is dug out. It also appears dull. Light return is not crisp. It is rather scattered.

YAY! I didn't want to be the one to say it, but the images speak for themselves, right?

 

[LolaRVA]

Thanks everyone! I don’t have much experience evaluating all of these images, but as I said I felt something was odd for the stone to be listed on some sites for <$16,000. Price is way too good to be true for that size and color.

I wish I had images for the H, but that one was evaluated by me in person and I didn’t think to ask. I can see a feather when viewing from the side and one small feather that will be covered with a prong. Can’t see twinning on perimeter, the table is completely clean and bright, no clouds (clouds were grade-setting inclusion in last stone, now with further research I’m realizing that may be why I felt it was always dirty). I also find the H’s HCA score reassuring.

Problem is with reading PS, and seeing many opposing views of twinning wisps...

 

[Todd Gray]

The thing is that some twinning wisps are perfectly fine and have virtually no effect upon light performance, while others can make a diamond look cloudy, and the only way to know which way it's going to go is to take a look and work with a vendor who will shoot straight with you.

 

[LolaRVA]

The thing is that some twinning wisps are perfectly fine and have virtually no effect upon light performance, while others can make a diamond look cloudy, and the only way to know which way it's going to go is to take a look and work with a vendor who will shoot straight with you.

Thanks, Todd.
If you don’t mind, one more question, if I can figure out how to phrase it.... Would you say that, to the layperson, the G stone we discussed earlier would look noticeably dull in person? I ask because I definitely see dullness in the photo, but I’m curious how it would translate in real life. (I’m not interested in the G, I’m more trying to figure out if I can trust my own eyes to choose a good stone.)
The H looked sparkly and bright in person, I viewed it in store, outside, in shade and sun, by windows, in office light. And per HCA it’s excellent in everything but spread (very good). But 99% of the stones I’ve seen look “sparkly and bright,” it’s a kid-in-a-candy-store phenomenon for those of us who aren’t staring at hundreds of diamonds all day every day.
I’d like to believe that I’d be able to spot a dud in person, that if that G was in front of my face I would notice the lack of brightness and not give a second look. Which should mean that if I liked the H when I saw it, it’s a good choice for me. PS can be challenging for many of us non-trade folks, it’s so helpful but (at least for me) causes second-guessing .

 

[LolaRVA]

Do you see the dark sections along the edge of the table facet between 5 o'clock and ten o'clock?

If we had an Ideal Scope image, that would probably show up as light leakage and thus I think you should keep looking for options which exhibit better light return...

Be patient, they always come along eventually.

Thank you. No question, not pursuing this G. My short question is, is viewing in person still ultimately better than trying to evaluate imaging? I’m trying to reassure myself that I shouldn’t second-guess my selection of the H, that if the twinning wisps didn’t cause dullness in person then it’s nothing to worry about.

 

[Todd Gray]

Take a look at the H-color diamond under a variety of lighting conditions and pay attention to how it performs. The key is to relax and allow yourself to get used to the fact that you're looking at diamonds, which tends to be exciting for people, so they miss things that they'll pick-up on later when they get more accustomed to it.

Also, take a look at the diamond under magnification. I find that if the crystals trapped within the twisted crystal planes (twinning wisps) are translucent, they are less likely to make a diamond look cloudy, but if they're dark, then they probably will.