Which of these Diamonds would a seasoned PS member Buy?

[MatteoT]

So, looking at diamond and reading about them has become my new hobby : ) I’ve narrowed my search down to the four virtual diamonds below (awaiting confirmation that they are available and certificate for #4) and am hoping you all can shed some light on any noticeable differences before I execute a bank wire.

All of the diamonds are GIA-XXX, F/VS1 with HCA scores < 2.0. My budget ceiling is ~$11,500 which put me in the 1.1-1.2 ct range.

1. (1.13, HCA: 1.5, $10,295) http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4262559-1.13-carat-Round-diamond-F-color-VS1-clarity.aspx
2. (1.15, HCA: 1.3, $11,707) http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3005851.htm
3. (1.10, HCA: 1.8, $10,525) http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4346400-1.10-carat-Round-diamond-F-color-VS1-clarity.aspx
4. (1.15, HCA: Awaiting Cert, $11,453) http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3001782.htm

I really appreciate your help on this very important decision! Feel free to suggest any other similar stones I may have overlooked. Thanks!

 

[JulieN]

A seasoned PSer needs pictures.

 

[MatteoT]

Hi JulieN.

I've requested images from the vendors and am hoping they are able to provide. I've had a couple experiences where the vendor has told me they are unable to provide an image until they have the diamond, which would require me to purchase.

 

[JulieN]

Here's your problem: B2C doesn't take very good pictures. Whiteflash takes excellent pictures, but you have to pay them to bring in a virtual stone http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/whiteflash-policies/other-diamonds.htm

If you like WF and B2C your options for getting good pictures without paying is to stick to their in-house stones. You can find in-house stones by searching the PS database.

 

[MatteoT]

B2C just provided pics of #1. You're correct JulieN, they aren't spectacular. I've searched PS for comparable in-house diamond, but they all come back over $1,500 higher. I guess that's the trade-off on between virtual.

Is there anything to be gathered from the pics below?

 

[Gypsy]

This seasoned PSer would not pay for VS1 clarity in a round brilliant.

I'd got for F-G eyeclean SI1 or if you won't go to SI1 I would go VS2.

 

[Tekate]

It looks lovely.. you should have it sent to you and then decide.. I'm not seasoned but I'm getting there congrats on your engagement!

 

[MatteoT]

Hi Gypsy.

Thanks for the feedback. I am pretty sure I am going to go the virtual route and every time I expand my search criteria beyond VS1 I get nervous that I might end up with a diamond that is not eye clean. I think my point-of-view changes on the hour! Any tips on how to expand my search, but ensure I still receive eye clean?

Also, any thoughts on the pics of #1?

 

[insured]

Hi Gypsy.

Thanks for the feedback. I am pretty sure I am going to go the virtual route and every time I expand my search criteria beyond VS1 I get nervous that I might end up with a diamond that is not eye clean. I think my point-of-view changes on the hour! Any tips on how to expand my search, but ensure I still receive eye clean?

Also, any thoughts on the pics of #1?

VS2 should be safely eye-clean if graded by GIA or AGS.

 

[Dreamer_D]

If you buy online, you should see the diamond loose prior to setting and accept you may need to return it.

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Gypsy.

Thanks for the feedback. I am pretty sure I am going to go the virtual route and every time I expand my search criteria beyond VS1 I get nervous that I might end up with a diamond that is not eye clean. I think my point-of-view changes on the hour! Any tips on how to expand my search, but ensure I still receive eye clean?

Also, any thoughts on the pics of #1?

No thoughts on the pics. It's eyeclean.

As for tips on your search for an eyeclean stone: just decide what your definition of eyeclean is, then work with a PS vendor that you trust, that has the diamonds in hand, has a gemologist to examine it and tell you if it meets your standards.

Personally, since you are nervous I'd tell them your definition of eyeclean is completely clean to the naked eye from all angles and all sides (profile and face up) from any distance. Also, no feathers that break the surface.

PS vendors want to make sales and KEEP sales. So it is in their best interest to tell you the truth.


My own comfort would be to work with BGD, GOG, ERD... because I have never worked with BC2. However, others have. And they appear to be reputable and have good reviews, so I would feel fine giving them a call and see if they can work with me to find a nice completely eyeclean (to the definition above) SI1 that meets my standards (HCA, IS).

 

[Gypsy]

VS2 should be safely eye-clean if graded by GIA or AGS.

Not true.

it's a stone by stone definition. There are completely eyeclean I1's and VS2's with visible inclusions. That's why you have to work with vendors that have stones in house and have trained gemologists that can examine them.

Also it can be a matter of eyesight.

 

[Gypsy]

I'm partial to the BGD Blue Line so one of these three would be on my list personally.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.216-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104067041016
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.207-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104067041019
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.257-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959049

But you are working with a vendor that you appear to be happy with. And if that is the case, then you should keep working with them.

 

[JulieN]

from the pics, #1 is at least very good. It should be an attractive stone. You need an Ideal Scope to know more. The final test is your eyes.

 

[MatteoT]

I've been spending lots of time on the BGD site as well and while the Blue line isn't for me, this BG Signature H&A caught my eye:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.132-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104064813012

AGS vs. GIA and a grade lower in color and clarity, but it's BG and I've read nothing but great things about them on PS.

 

[insured]

VS2 should be safely eye-clean if graded by GIA or AGS.

Not true.

it's a stone by stone definition. There are completely eyeclean I1's and VS2's with visible inclusions. That's why you have to work with vendors that have stones in house and have trained gemologists that can examine them.

Also it can be a matter of eyesight.

True enough - although generally "VS1 and VS2 diamonds have minor inclusions that are seen under 10X magnification, but inclusions typically cannot be seen without the aid of a loupe or microscope", so for the average consumer VS2 should be safe face up in an accurately graded diamond. They say a small proportion of people can see VS2 inclusions and honestly 12 years ago I swear I could see my VS2 garnet crystal, knowing where it was, although no one would ever believe me, lol. So I'm not saying it's not possible. Now I can hardly see it with a loupe! Aging eyes suck...

 

[Gypsy]

I've been spending lots of time on the BGD site as well and while the Blue line isn't for me, this BG Signature H&A caught my eye:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.132-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104064813012

AGS vs. GIA and a grade lower in color and clarity, but it's BG and I've read nothing but great things about them on PS.

Is there a reason you don't care for the blue line? Just curious.

 

[Gypsy]

VS2 should be safely eye-clean if graded by GIA or AGS.

Not true.

it's a stone by stone definition. There are completely eyeclean I1's and VS2's with visible inclusions. That's why you have to work with vendors that have stones in house and have trained gemologists that can examine them.

Also it can be a matter of eyesight.

True enough - although generally "VS1 and VS2 diamonds have minor inclusions that are seen under 10X magnification, but inclusions typically cannot be seen without the aid of a loupe or microscope", so for the average consumer VS2 should be safe face up in an accurately graded diamond. They say a small proportion of people can see VS2 inclusions and honestly 12 years ago I swear I could see my VS2 garnet crystal, knowing where it was, although no one would ever believe me, lol. So I'm not saying it's not possible. Now I can hardly see it with a loupe! Aging eyes suck...

I agree about aging eyes.

As for the specificity: on here it's important because most of our buyers are buying sight unseen it's important to state that there are VS2's that may not be eyeclean (especially as definitions of eyeclean vary) and that the best authority is a gemologist that actually has the stone in hand and can examine it.

 

[MatteoT]

Girlfriend asleep…back on Pricescope : )

I keep coming back to the same stones - #1 from above and the Brian Gavin Signature H&A (http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.132-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104064813012).

#1 is a virtual stone and is also listed on the BGD site, so I am thinking the only way I am going to decide is to buy both so I can see them in person, compare, and make a final decision. BGD’s return policy should allow me to send back the other stone for a refund. Any risk with this plan based on other’s experiences?

I am very curious to see how the #1 GIA-XXX F/VS1 stacks up against the BG AGS-0000 G/VS2. Waiting to hear back on whether the BGD meets the “eye clean” definition Gypsy provided above (thanks!), but the ASET & Ideal Scope appear to look good.

When I slow down the spinning diamond video, I am drawn to the bottom section of the center of the stone. I think I see something there, maybe a cloud(?) – so something I also plan to discuss with BGD. If there is in fact anything there, do you think it would be visible to the naked eye?

 

[Gypsy]

Looking at the picture... no. I don't think anything is going to be visible to the naked eye.

 

[sparkle45]

What do you guys think of this one: http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/zj1kep

It's SI2 but the main inclusions are twinning wisps... and some "surface graining" Would maybe be worth emailing victor on if it's eye clean?

 

[sparkle45]

(Would leave over a nice amount for a (discounted) VC setting....)

 

[ariel144]

I've been spending lots of time on the BGD site as well and while the Blue line isn't for me, this BG Signature H&A caught my eye:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/1.132-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104064813012

AGS vs. GIA and a grade lower in color and clarity, but it's BG and I've read nothing but great things about them on PS.

Most long time seasoned PSr's prefer blue fl. in a stone as it gives the stone personality...and in some lighting takes on a blue hue which is highly desirable. Rarely does it cause any cloudiness/milkiness in a diamond and certainly not in a "BGD Blue". Blue color in a diamond is one of the most rare colors. Also in lower colors strong or med blue fl. will make a stone appear whiter.

This stone faces up larger and is cheaper than the one you are drawn to. Maybe you just don't understand fl. yet.
This is my pick as well, it is phenomenal.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.257-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959049

Why is it you don't like the "blues"?

I always prefer blue fl. in a diamond...a stone with multiple personalities is so cool! Good luck in your search. You can't go wrong with BGD.

Or you could go with this 1.55c Premium H & A honker as long as that inclusion is prongeable. H is still in the colorless range.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11676/

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I also love fluorescence and VS1 clarity, too!

But WhiteFlash has better pricing at the moment on a 1.11 G VS2 as compared to the last stone you linked. It is $9038 with Pricescope discount and wire payment and also top cut quality.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2972943.htm

 

[Gypsy]

Blue color in a diamond is one of the most rare colors.

Just to be clear and not stray into forbidden territory: blue fluor is not rare and doesn't make the diamond blue unless the fluor is strong and either exposed to a black light or bright direct sunlight. Then the diamond will GLOW blue but is not, at any time a 'blue diamond'. Blue diamonds are extremely rare. But that has nothing to do with white diamonds that fluoresce blue. Blue fluor is quite common actually.

Many seasoned diamond buyers, including PSers, do prefer blue fluor though. For many reasons. But not because of rarity.

 

[MatteoT]

Thanks for the continued info and recommendations!

diamondseeker - what do you think is driving the price difference between the BG Sig H&A and the WF ACA H&A. The stones look very similar on paper, aside from the WF stone having some feathers.

With regards to the Blue stones, they scare me. Trying to learn as much as I can throughout this first-time buying process, but it feels overwhelming at times. There is just so much information and options that I feel like I am constantly second guessing myself. I think the size of this investment, newness of it all, and likelihood that I won't see the stone until I buy it is making me play it safe (i.e.: Why I started out at F/VS1). Despite all of the information on PS and BGD, I worry that my future fiance may not be ok with a "blue" ring - which draws me back to my safe zone.

 

[Gypsy]

If you go medium fluor and under she'll never see it. Only strong and very strong show it. And again, only in bright sunlight or under a blacklight.

I understand what you are saying about it being a lot of information and playing it safe.

Look there are nice choices without fluor in your budget so... you might as well be conservative.

That said, I don't know that there is much difference between the BG stone and the WF. Diamond prices are based on the market but also on what the diamond rough was purchased at. Also, many jewelers including WF have upgrade and buy back policies. So some of the trade in diamonds are priced a bit lower because there is less overhead on them and they were originally purchased at a lower price.

Hard to tell why? Could just be that WF is priced lower than BG right now. No way to tell.