which of the 2? Lower & Higher end of my budget

[George000]

I am comparing two stone that are at the lower and higher end of my budget. The biggest difference I can see is the color (I vs. H). I am leaning towards the I, but as an inexperienced buyer and am worried about missing something about the specs or social norms.

Can I get some help selecting between the two, or should I edit my criteria to get a better diamond for a comparable cost? Thanks experts

Option 2 ($18,210) https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-827237
Option 2 ($15 660) https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2571422

Option 2 -$18 120

• George000
• Jul 14, 2017

Option 1-$15 660

• George000
• Jul 14, 2017

 

[bmfang]

The 1.9 H VVS2 has a crown angle (36) far above what we would usually suggest (between 34-35). Sometimes a crown angle of 35.5 works with a pavilion angle of 40.6 but we'd want to see how such a stone looks as well as what the rest of the specs are.

The 1.93 I VVS2 is also a little steep crown angle wise at 35.5. If the pavilion was at 40.6 or you had a combo of 34 crown angle, 41 pavilion angle you might have something to look at further. It is also a tiny tiny bit deep at 62.6%

If you wish to get better value for your dollar, instead of purchasing a VVS2 clarity stone, you can look for an eye clean VS clarity stone (and sometimes even a SI1 eye clean stone, though with the carat weight you are looking at, it is likely to be better if you stuck with a minimum VS2 clarity stone). You will likely be able to pick up more carat weight or you can upgrade the colour to a G or even a F. Or move up to a branded superideal cut stone from a vendor like Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds or High Performance Diamonds (amongst others that the PS community recommends). Or you can just pocket the savings if you should so desire.

An eye clean VVS clarity stone will look the same as an eye clean VS clarity stone as these clarity gradings are graded at 10x magnification. In real life, you are likely to not be able to distinguish between a VS and VVS clarity grade stone.

For example, this Whiteflash Expert Selection stone:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3365302.htm

 

[ac117]

Very much agree with bmfang...the stones you chose are not well cut. I also like these 2 at WF:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3855430.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3698978.htm

Other nice choices at JA...one gets you over 2 cts:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2519459
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2859886
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2522338 - you'd need to ask for an IS for this to check the 36 CA

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd agree with the others that the two stones you posted are a little outside of the recommended range to have great cut. I like the Whiteflash stones above as I have bought a few diamonds from them and think they have outstanding cut stones.

But in terms of looking at GIA Excellent cut stones, here are the measurements I stay within to get stones that fall into the ideal cut range:

table: 54-58

depth: 60-62.3

crown angle: 34-35.0 (up to 35.5 crown angle can sometimes work with a 40.6 pav angle)

pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

 

[msop04]

Very much agree with bmfang...the stones you chose are not well cut. I also like these 2 at WF:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3855430.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3698978.htm

Other nice choices at JA...one gets you over 2 cts:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2519459
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.18-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2859886
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2522338 - you'd need to ask for an IS for this to check the 36 CA

Nice finds, ac! I totally agree that you should consider VS clarity and get more diamond. Those stones you chose aren't the best cut.

Of the stones ac117 posted, I like this one best. It's MUCH larger at 8.31 mm and has SBF (which I love). It doesn't appear to have any negative effect on the stone, but have JA check to be sure. It also passes the HCA @ 0.9.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2859886

 

[AprilBaby]

Great finds!