Which round brillian diamond with $3000 difference in price?

[helpmepls]

We''ve been perusing the CutAdvisor tool in our diamond search but this is our first time posting so please bear w/ us.

In a nutshell, we purchase a 2.16 carat/F/VS2 round brilliant (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD00112151?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report) from BN about a week ago. We received it and was very happy how clean it looked (under magnification) compare to all the VS2 we saw with local jewelers.

Since we forgot to turnoff the Bluenile new diamond alert, earlier this week, we were informed of these two diamonds from BN: 2.16 carat/E/VS2 round brilliant (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-e-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487072?filter_id=0&rf=pd#grading_report) and 2.28 carat/F/VS2 round brilliant (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487440?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report)

Both of them are $3000 less than the one we bought (even though both of the new diamonds seem to have more inclusions than the one we own)! . But I just don''t get the price difference and that $3000 could be the fund for the setting already!

We are not sure what to do. Since the original diamond is still within the 30 day return period, we are contemplating on ordering one of the two new diamonds, compare that with the one we have, and then return whichever we don''t want.

Here is the question for everyone, which one do you think we should order to compare?

PLEASE HELP

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/24/2009 1:36:49 PM
Author:helpmepls
We've been perusing the CutAdvisor tool in our diamond search but this is our first time posting so please bear w/ us.

In a nutshell, we purchase a 2.16 carat/F/VS2 round brilliant (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD00112151?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report) from BN about a week ago. We received it and was very happy how clean it looked (under magnification) compare to all the VS2 we saw with local jewelers.

Since we forgot to turnoff the Bluenile new diamond alert, earlier this week, we were informed of these two diamonds from BN: 2.16 carat/E/VS2 round brilliant (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-e-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487072?filter_id=0&rf=pd#grading_report) and 2.28 carat/F/VS2 round brilliant (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487440?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report)

Both of them are $3000 less than the one we bought (even though both of the new diamonds seem to have more inclusions than the one we own)! . But I just don't get the price difference and that $3000 could be the fund for the setting already!

We are not sure what to do. Since the original diamond is still within the 30 day return period, we are contemplating on ordering one of the two new diamonds, compare that with the one we have, and then return whichever we don't want.

Here is the question for everyone, which one do you think we should order to compare?

PLEASE HELP

Welcome!

I will take a look for you....

 

[helpmepls]

thank you!

 

[helpmepls]

Here are the CutAdvisor scores for the 3 diamonds respectively:

(Cut Advisor Score: 3.1) $28,515 2.16/F/VS2/EX/EX/EX/NoFlour/8.44 x 8.40 x 5.04 mm
(Cut Advisor Score: 1.7) $25,534 2.16/E/VS2/EX/EX/EX/NoFlour/8.34 x 8.39 x 5.08 mm
(Cut Advisor Score: 1.9) $25,369 2.28/F/VS2/EX/VG-Sym/EX/NoFlour/8.48 x 8.54 x 5.19 mm

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/24/2009 1:45:58 PM
Author: helpmepls
Here are the CutAdvisor scores for the 3 diamonds respectively:

(Cut Advisor Score: 3.1) $28,515 2.16/F/VS2/EX/EX/EX/NoFlour/8.44 x 8.40 x 5.04 mm
(Cut Advisor Score: 1.7) $25,534 2.16/E/VS2/EX/EX/EX/NoFlour/8.34 x 8.39 x 5.08 mm
(Cut Advisor Score: 1.9) $25,369 2.28/F/VS2/EX/VG-Sym/EX/NoFlour/8.48 x 8.54 x 5.19 mm

Thanks!

Ok, I looked at your selections, the diamond you already have - the cut could be improved on and the other two which are cheaper appear to be cut better, so I would definitely consider one of those instead if you aren't happy with this diamond. You can see from the cut advisor score also that it doesn't have the best proportions. Images such as Idealscope are always useful to properly check out a diamond, however BN don't provide them unfortunately. The other two diamonds fall within brilliant ideal cut range ( BIC) which basically means from the info we have, that this diamond would be a bright and brilliant diamond. The last one falls within Tolkowsky ideal cut range ( TIC) which is considered to be a well balanced type of diamond which should supply a nice mix of fire, brilliance etc, so I would personally favour this one out of the ones listed.

I will take a look and see what else BN have that you might like.

Here is one which has an excellent cut, it has strong blue fluorescence if you like the idea of it, if not no problem - there is sometimes a discount for SB fluoro in colourless diamonds.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs1-clarity_LD01435522

Here is another, falls within fiery ideal cut range ( FIC)

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01485877

 

[swingirl]

Don't know if you would consider dropping down in clarity but I found this which is sure to be a beautiful cut and less expensive. AGS ideal cut.

2.16ct F SI2

 

[helpmepls]

Hi. Thank you for your quick response. To be honest, prob coz we don''t know better , we were happy when we got the 2.16 carat/F/VS2 round brilliant one. Also, it''s dimension is quite large and the diamond looks big.

That said, however, when we saw the price difference with the other 2 (2.16 carat/E/VS2 and 2.28 carat/F/VS2), our jaws dropped. Both show better score on cut advisor, with has former has a better color grade, and one is large in carat size.

Given the 2.16 carat/E/VS2''s lot seems cleaner than the 2.28 carat/F/VS2 one, we are leaning on getting that one to compare. However, I do notice that the dimension for 2.16 carat/E/VS2 is smaller than the 2.16 carat/F/VS2 one I currently have and therefore a bit under dimension according to this other chart I saw on the forum. So the question remains, which one should I order to compare?

 

[helpmepls]

Hi. Thank you for your response. It looks nice! But I think we are planning on sticking with GIA and VS2-ish clarity rating. But thanks again!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/24/2009 2:01:22 PM
Author: helpmepls
Hi. Thank you for your quick response. To be honest, prob coz we don't know better , we were happy when we got the 2.16 carat/F/VS2 round brilliant one. Also, it's dimension is quite large and the diamond looks big.

That said, however, when we saw the price difference with the other 2 (2.16 carat/E/VS2 and 2.28 carat/F/VS2), our jaws dropped. Both show better score on cut advisor, with has former has a better color grade, and one is large in carat size.

Given the 2.16 carat/E/VS2's lot seems cleaner than the 2.28 carat/F/VS2 one, we are leaning on getting that one to compare. However, I do notice that the dimension for 2.16 carat/E/VS2 is smaller than the 2.16 carat/F/VS2 one I currently have and therefore a bit under dimension according to this other chart I saw on the forum. So the question remains, which one should I order to compare?

You are most welcome!

First, don't go by the plotting diagram on the report to judge the ' eyecleanliness' of a diamond, they aren't representative of how the diamond will actually look in real life. Personally I like the last diamond you listed as it looks to be the best ' all rounder' for cut and performance, but go with the one you feel most comfortable with. As to the diameters, they can vary a little and with nicely cut diamonds a minimal amount of variance is ok and not something you would really notice visually when you get into diamonds of this size range, however the last diamond has the largest diameter. Also take a look at the diamonds I posted above and Swing's if you are open to lowering the clarity - if so check the diamond of SI2 is eyeclean to your standards as Swing notes.

I just wanted to mention with the diamond Swing posted, it has an AGS report which is considered to be the other top tier lab along with GIA, in fact AGS cut grades are considered extremely reliable and the AGS0 cut grade is highly desirable. You can read more here on how the grading labs rank -

http://diamonds.pricescope.com/grading.asp

 

[helpmepls]

Hi Lorelei

When you said below:
"Personally I like the last diamond you listed best as it looks to be the best '' all rounder'' for cut and performance, but go with the one you feel most comfortable with. "

Which one was it? The 2.28 carat? Sorry we are a bit slow (and confused.

Date: 1/24/2009 2:07:08 PM
Author: Lorelei

You are most welcome!

First, don''t go by the plotting diagram on the report to judge the '' eyecleanliness'' of a diamond, they aren''t representative of how the diamond will actually look in real life. Personally I like the last diamond you listed as it looks to be the best '' all rounder'' for cut and performance, but go with the one you feel most comfortable with. As to the diameters, they can vary a little and with nicely cut diamonds a minimal amount of variance is ok and not something you would really notice visually when you get into diamonds of this size range. Also take a look at the diamonds I posted above and Swing''s if you are open to lowering the clarity - if so check the diamond of SI2 is eyeclean to your standards as Swing notes.

I just wanted to mention with the diamond Swing posted, it has an AGS report which is considered to be the other top tier lab along with GIA, in fact AGS cut grades are considered extremely reliable and the AGS0 cut grade is highly desirable. You can read more here on how the grading labs rank -


http://diamonds.pricescope.com/grading.asp

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/24/2009 2:15:12 PM
Author: helpmepls
Hi Lorelei

When you said below:
''Personally I like the last diamond you listed best as it looks to be the best '' all rounder'' for cut and performance, but go with the one you feel most comfortable with. ''

Which one was it? The 2.28 carat? Sorry we are a bit slow (and confused.

Date: 1/24/2009 2:07:08 PM
Author: Lorelei

You are most welcome!

First, don''t go by the plotting diagram on the report to judge the '' eyecleanliness'' of a diamond, they aren''t representative of how the diamond will actually look in real life. Personally I like the last diamond you listed as it looks to be the best '' all rounder'' for cut and performance, but go with the one you feel most comfortable with. As to the diameters, they can vary a little and with nicely cut diamonds a minimal amount of variance is ok and not something you would really notice visually when you get into diamonds of this size range. Also take a look at the diamonds I posted above and Swing''s if you are open to lowering the clarity - if so check the diamond of SI2 is eyeclean to your standards as Swing notes.

I just wanted to mention with the diamond Swing posted, it has an AGS report which is considered to be the other top tier lab along with GIA, in fact AGS cut grades are considered extremely reliable and the AGS0 cut grade is highly desirable. You can read more here on how the grading labs rank -


http://diamonds.pricescope.com/grading.asp

No worries! Yes it was the 2.28 F VS2!

 

[helpmepls]

Nevermind, I found your earlier comment "The last one falls within Tolkowsky ideal cut range ( TIC) which is considered to be a well balanced type of diamond which should supply a nice mix of fire, brilliance etc, so I would personally favour this one out of the ones listed."

Thx, Lorelei!

Anyone else, pls chime in too! We might as well take a pool because we''re so lost here

Date: 1/24/2009 2:15:12 PM
Author: helpmepls
Hi Lorelei


When you said below:

''Personally I like the last diamond you listed best as it looks to be the best '' all rounder'' for cut and performance, but go with the one you feel most comfortable with. ''


Which one was it? The 2.28 carat? Sorry we are a bit slow (and confused.

Date: 1/24/2009 2:07:08 PM

Author: Lorelei


You are most welcome!


First, don''t go by the plotting diagram on the report to judge the '' eyecleanliness'' of a diamond, they aren''t representative of how the diamond will actually look in real life. Personally I like the last diamond you listed as it looks to be the best '' all rounder'' for cut and performance, but go with the one you feel most comfortable with. As to the diameters, they can vary a little and with nicely cut diamonds a minimal amount of variance is ok and not something you would really notice visually when you get into diamonds of this size range. Also take a look at the diamonds I posted above and Swing''s if you are open to lowering the clarity - if so check the diamond of SI2 is eyeclean to your standards as Swing notes.


I just wanted to mention with the diamond Swing posted, it has an AGS report which is considered to be the other top tier lab along with GIA, in fact AGS cut grades are considered extremely reliable and the AGS0 cut grade is highly desirable. You can read more here on how the grading labs rank -



http://diamonds.pricescope.com/grading.asp

 

[Lorelei]

Most welcome and don't feel lost, you are doing fine!!

I will just put the links in so Ellen can take a look if she has time, and some of the other experienced PSers.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD00112151?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report

Existing diamond above probably to be returned, new contenders below.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-e-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487072?filter_id=0&rf=pd#grading_report

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487440?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report

 

[helpmepls]

Lorelei

I just read more about what TIC means. Thank you. We are sort of leaning towards this last one now (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487440?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report).

One more question ... I know you told me not to look at the plot map ... but do you think I should be at all concerned that the GIA report says things like ''surfacing graining'' and ''additional clouds'' not shown?

Thanks!
Tiffany

Date: 1/24/2009 2:21:57 PM
Author: helpmepls
Nevermind, I found your earlier comment ''The last one falls within Tolkowsky ideal cut range ( TIC) which is considered to be a well balanced type of diamond which should supply a nice mix of fire, brilliance etc, so I would personally favour this one out of the ones listed.''


Thx, Lorelei!


Anyone else, pls chime in too! We might as well take a pool because we''re so lost here

Date: 1/24/2009 2:15:12 PM

Author: helpmepls

Hi Lorelei



When you said below:


''Personally I like the last diamond you listed best as it looks to be the best '' all rounder'' for cut and performance, but go with the one you feel most comfortable with. ''



Which one was it? The 2.28 carat? Sorry we are a bit slow (and confused.

Date: 1/24/2009 2:07:08 PM


Author: Lorelei



You are most welcome!



First, don''t go by the plotting diagram on the report to judge the '' eyecleanliness'' of a diamond, they aren''t representative of how the diamond will actually look in real life. Personally I like the last diamond you listed as it looks to be the best '' all rounder'' for cut and performance, but go with the one you feel most comfortable with. As to the diameters, they can vary a little and with nicely cut diamonds a minimal amount of variance is ok and not something you would really notice visually when you get into diamonds of this size range. Also take a look at the diamonds I posted above and Swing''s if you are open to lowering the clarity - if so check the diamond of SI2 is eyeclean to your standards as Swing notes.



I just wanted to mention with the diamond Swing posted, it has an AGS report which is considered to be the other top tier lab along with GIA, in fact AGS cut grades are considered extremely reliable and the AGS0 cut grade is highly desirable. You can read more here on how the grading labs rank -




http://diamonds.pricescope.com/grading.asp

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/24/2009 2:27:32 PM
Author: helpmepls
Lorelei

I just read more about what TIC means. Thank you. We are sort of leaning towards this last one now (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487440?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report).

One more question ... I know you told me not to look at the plot map ... but do you think I should be at all concerned that the GIA report says things like ''surfacing graining'' and ''additional clouds'' not shown?

Thanks!
Tiffany

Most welcome Tiffany!

That sounds like a plan with that diamond, it should be a nice rock! No worries at all with the comments of '' surface graining'' and '' additional clouds not shown'', these are just mentioned for the sake of completeness, basically whenever it says -
'' --- not shown'' in the comments section of a report, then it means these factors are insignificant and nothing to worry about.

 

[helpmepls]

Thanks Lorelei!

I guess I also shouldn''t read too much into the fact that the symmetry is only VG (v. excellent) on this diamond.

And also, is the dimension range of 0.06mm (8.48 x 8.54 x 5.19 mm) too big ? The one I have right now from BN has a range of 0.04mm (8.44 x 8.40 x 5.04 mm) and that E/VS2 has a range of something like 0.05mm (8.34 x 8.39 x 5.08 mm)? Writing it down this way does seem like I am crazy (aka splitting hair!)!

Date: 1/24/2009 2:37:08 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/24/2009 2:27:32 PM

Author: helpmepls

Lorelei


I just read more about what TIC means. Thank you. We are sort of leaning towards this last one now (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487440?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report).


One more question ... I know you told me not to look at the plot map ... but do you think I should be at all concerned that the GIA report says things like ''surfacing graining'' and ''additional clouds'' not shown?


Thanks!

Tiffany

Most welcome Tiffany!


That sounds like a plan with that diamond, it should be a nice rock! No worries at all with the comments of '' surface graining'' and '' additional clouds not shown'', these are just mentioned for the sake of completeness, basically whenever it says -

'' --- not shown'' in the comments section of a report, then it means these factors are insignificant and nothing to worry about.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/24/2009 2:43:22 PM
Author: helpmepls
Thanks Lorelei!

I guess I also shouldn't read too much into the fact that the symmetry is only VG (v. excellent) on this diamond.

And also, is the dimension range of 0.06mm (8.48 x 8.54 x 5.19 mm) too big ? The one I have right now from BN has a range of 0.04mm (8.44 x 8.40 x 5.04 mm) and that E/VS2 has a range of something like 0.05mm (8.34 x 8.39 x 5.08 mm)? Writing it down this way does seem like I am crazy (aka splitting hair!)!

No problem with VG symmetry, apparently good and above for polish and symmetry is indistinguishable to the naked untrained eye. The diameter variance is fine and well within very acceptable tolerances for a well cut diamond, so no worries there either. Also you are not hairsplitting - this is a large purchase and it is good to be able to ask questions so you can have confidence!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/24/2009 2:27:32 PM
Author: helpmepls
Lorelei

I just read more about what TIC means. Thank you. We are sort of leaning towards this last one now (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487440?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report).

One more question ... I know you told me not to look at the plot map ... but do you think I should be at all concerned that the GIA report says things like ''surfacing graining'' and ''additional clouds'' not shown?

Thanks!
Tiffany

This one says it is not available for purchase. Did you put it on hold?

If not, and it''s gone, I''d go with this one that Lorelei picked.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs1-clarity_LD01435522

 

[Lorelei]

Thanks El !

 

[helpmepls]

I have both of them on hold, that''s why

Thanks!

Date: 1/24/2009 3:23:12 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 1/24/2009 2:27:32 PM

Author: helpmepls

Lorelei


I just read more about what TIC means. Thank you. We are sort of leaning towards this last one now (http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01487440?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0#grading_report).



One more question ... I know you told me not to look at the plot map ... but do you think I should be at all concerned that the GIA report says things like ''surfacing graining'' and ''additional clouds'' not shown?


Thanks!

Tiffany

This one says it is not available for purchase. Did you put it on hold?


If not, and it''s gone, I''d go with this one that Lorelei picked.


http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-f-color-vs1-clarity_LD01435522

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/24/2009 3:27:12 PM
Author: helpmepls
I have both of them on hold, that's why

Thanks!

LOL! You don't mess around!!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/24/2009 3:31:18 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/24/2009 3:27:12 PM
Author: helpmepls
I have both of them on hold, that''s why

Thanks!

LOL! You don''t mess around!!!

Indeed!

Good job helpme!

In my honest opinion, I''d still go for the 2.13. The reason for that is because I like all the numbers/stats on it. It should just be a great stone, no surprises.

The other one has a pavilion agle that is iffy. In a very tightly cut stone, it might not be any problem, but I would hesitate to think that stone would be that tightly cut (usually only seen with select online vendors here). So it would not be my first pick personally.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/24/2009 3:25:30 PM
Author: Lorelei
Thanks El !

Welcome!

 

[helpmepls]

Hi Ellen, I haven''t been looking at anything w/ flour greater than a faint. I didn''t like having them when I saw it at a local jeweler...

What about 2.16/E/VS2? What''s wrong with that one? Sorry...

Date: 1/24/2009 3:42:38 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 1/24/2009 3:31:18 PM

Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/24/2009 3:27:12 PM

Author: helpmepls

I have both of them on hold, that''s why


Thanks!

LOL! You don''t mess around!!!

Indeed!

Good job helpme!


In my honest opinion, I''d still go for the 2.13. The reason for that is because I like all the numbers/stats on it. It should just be a great stone, no surprises.


The other one has a pavilion agle that is iffy. In a very tightly cut stone, it might not be any problem, but I would hesitate to think that stone would be that tightly cut (usually only seen with select online vendors here). So it would not be my first pick personally.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/24/2009 4:00:53 PM
Author: helpmepls
Hi Ellen, I haven''t been looking at anything w/ flour greater than a faint. I didn''t like having them when I saw it at a local jeweler...

What about 2.16/E/VS2? What''s wrong with that one? Sorry...

Nothing wrong with it Tiffany as such, it is just that the diamond with the fluorescence has the best proportions, then the other F VS2 is next on the list for preference, the E is a well cut diamond but the others fall within a more balanced range perhaps.

 

[Ellen]

Ditti Lore.

I had a thought. We can be looking other places, since you are not locked in with BN. Here's some I would suggest.


This one is nice because it's just under 2 cts., so you'll save a bit but still get that 2 ct. look. Bankwire is discount.

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4843/

I know you said VS2 or higher, but if this were eyeclean, it would be such a nice pick!

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/5302/



These would get a 5% discount off listed price.

Holy cow, talk about just under 2 cts!

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1844708.htm


Anyway, thought I'd throw these out. Feel free to ignore!

 

[helpmepls]

Thanks Ellen. I will take a look at this.

On a separate note, I just went to talk to local jeweler to shop for a setting. She mentioned that she would not be able to set anything that does not have a crown angle between 34 and 35. I had no idea! All 3 of the BN stones I have been considering are under that. We''re just so lost with this whole thing!!

 

[glitterata]

Too bad for that local jeweler--she might have had a customer, but she just lost your business.

 

[helpmepls]

Is there any truth to that? They can''t set a diamond with 32-33.5 crown angle?

Date: 1/24/2009 9:17:11 PM
Author: glitterata
Too bad for that local jeweler--she might have had a customer, but she just lost your business.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 1/24/2009 10:00:36 PM
Author: helpmepls
Is there any truth to that? They can''t set a diamond with 32-33.5 crown angle?

Date: 1/24/2009 9:17:11 PM
Author: glitterata
Too bad for that local jeweler--she might have had a customer, but she just lost your business.

No, it is not true. But if you want to buy an ideal cut stone, you need to be looking for a 34-35 crown angle!

I am going to strongly recommend the stones that Ellen linked for you! Those are all ideal cut and gorgeous! The two that are in the 1.9 range are a fabulous buy....top cut quality and getting close to 2 cts. without the price jump!