Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what to do

[cinnamonstick]

Hello, I can be long winded and will try my best to keep this short. I bought a 2.28, GIA, J, 3x, SI1 diamond. Eyeclean. It was SO PERFECT in every single way, but I could not adjust to the "J" shade. Sparkled like I have never, ever seen before!! I have the specks, ASET, IS, H/A (not HA but if needed for viewing). HCA of a .8 or something close (lower end). It was BLINDING!!! Most every light also.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.28-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-386902
I returned (no regrets).

I purchased an H, GIA, SI2, 2.09, 3x and it is very nice. Eyeclean. I have the ASET, IS, H/A (not HA, but have pics.). There is "some leakage under the table" but good looking overall. HCA was like a 1.8 (higher end). WHITE!! That is for sure! Color is out of this world!!! Sparkles...but not quite as much. My husband agrees with me, although he feels this diamond is gorgeous. I worry about the wisps (took to an independent appraiser and she said the wisps were not interfering with the brilliance, but she said they would not unless there were a TON of them and acted like what I was asking was ignorant). She thought it was a great looking diamond. She also said it is not hazy.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.09-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-468329


When I look at the videos, the J does appear "clearer" (obviously, it is a SI1). I cant help but to wonder if this diamond does not sparkle as much simply bc it is an SI2, or if the J was just some crazy performer?? It DOES sparkle, don't get me wrong. The "H" is also a lot more "white" when it sparkles, but maybe bc the J had more warmth. When I look at other SI1s, 3x, GIA on JA videos- they do look clearer to me and I cant help but to wonder if the clarify is SLIGLTLY impacting this SI2.

I am considering buying a second, more expensive SI1, and comparing side by side and returning one. I think this SI2 is a lucky find being eyeclean, but.....if it is definitely impacting sparkle then Im not sure it is not a trade off for me. Then again, my husband says the "H" sparkles a ton, and I am being picky. Does agree the "J" sparkled more so I just don't know. $36k floating around diamonds is nuts, I will need to up one of my credit cards to purchase the second diamond to compare side by side. I cant think of any other way to do this. I don't live local to the vendor. Then I may need to drop to an "I" if I test out a SI1 bc of costs. The SI1 H's are $$$.

I am unsure if the "J" was just one of a kind with its performance, if it sparkled "different" bc of the warmth of color, or even if all 3x SI1 will sparkle as the "J" did.

Any thoughts? Does anyone need to see the ASETs/IS/HA pics?

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Could it be that the "J" is closer to H/A than the "H" (neither are HA but that is what I see in the video).

I took another look at a few "I"s and "H" in SI1 quality (around 17, 17.5K), not HA, none look quite as crisp as that "J" in the video. Maybe the "J" was just a FANSASTIC diamond? NO regrets on the return. Just trying to figure this "H" out.

 

[ecf8503]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

To my eye, the H isn't cut as well - the mirroring facets aren't all in the same plane, making light return more random. The arrows aren't as defined and exact as in the J. The light is reflecting more randomly giving a more disorganized appearance. jmho.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

THANK YOU ECF8503-that is how I feel but really, am very uneducated with this topic and diamonds as a whole (but have learned a lot over the past 6 weeks and reading up like heck on PS). Not seeing the "H" and "J" side by side also make me wonder on my memory, but husband does agree with what I am saying to the best of his memory as well. I do not want to waste shipping costs to see another side by side (plus pay more) if not "needed'. Plus, I know each diamond has its own personality-I also know not all x3 are "equal". Not sure if it is the SI2 impacting, personality, warmth of the J causing different type of sparkle, wisps interfering, or cuts. BOTH fell below 2 on HCA, .8 vs 1.8

I feel the "H" maybe has more dozens "tiny" sparkles (??) where the "J" had larger sparkles (??). Is that what you are explaining?
Will viewing the ASET, IS, HA on each help anyone?

 

[yssie]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Interesting... I have thoughts, but I'm running out the door...

Cinnamon I commend you for questioning what you're seeing and asking about it. I think a lot of people would say "enough is enough, I'm done thinking about this" - and really, it's entirely too much money to spend on something you aren't completely happy with!

By all means post other info you may have (scans, pics) GIA reported measurements are rounded.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Thank you so much Yssie!! I that made me tear up **(OMG such a female!)**.
I will post the pics and info here below. Please stop back in when you have time and share your thoughts.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Here is some info on the "J"

 

[Karl_K]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Being in the trade, I have to talk in general and not specific to those 2 diamonds.

Diamonds even well cut diamonds have different "personalities".
Some people can pick up those difference more than others and some diamonds are more different than others.
The closest in everything diamonds of those proportion sets are going to have different looks or "personalities".
That may be what your seeing if nothing is found to be wrong with the specific diamond.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

J picture (not sure photos will help). Every pic shows different, as you all know. Hard to capture a diamond.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

The "H"

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

More H

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

I feel this may not grasp the experience since the H pics were all taken to capture sparkle only. Where the J pics were to capture color ONLY. Sparkle made it hard to see color against my ering. For that reason, I really only took pics of the J w limited sparkle to see the color comparison.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

The H has a larger table for one thing. I like the 56 table better on the J stone. Honestly, I would not do SI2 in a 2 ct stone. If I were you, I'd try to find the cleanest SI1 I could in either H or I color.

We really cannot judge anything by pictures. Pictures never do justice to any diamond. You have to see it with your eyes. You will know when you find one that you know is beautiful. Do not settle until you find the one!

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Here is a J pic that shows some more of the color sparkle. Can't tell from the pic. I know.

I quizzed the hubby more. He 100% agrees the J was a "total knock out with sparkle". He said "rocket" lol! Adds, the H has a ton of spark (it does, esp. in perfect lighting). Glad to know I am not remembering wrong.

Karl K- thank you for your thoughts. I agree and am learning all diamonds have their own "personality". It could simply be that easy. Different performers, neither bad persay. Both are really to die for! Just different for different reasons.

Diamondseeker- Thank you again for your two cents. You have been helping me on the way . It's tricky bc if I am paying for a 3x GIA, I want to be sure I am getting the bang for the extra price and not negatively impacted bc it is a SI2. Table size? So, maybe it is a combo of maybe SI2 and cut (even though it is a trip x). Lovely stone. Something is off in certain lighting to me. I really can ONLY compare it to the J since that is the only other diamond I studied the HECK out of! Lol.

Independent consultant said it looked great. But also thought the concept of wisps interfering with light refraction (snowglobe, etc) was a bizarre question. I didnt.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Here is a J pic that shows some more of the color sparkle. Can't tell from the pic. I know.

I quizzed the hubby more. He 100% agrees the J was a "total knock out with sparkle". He said "rocket" lol! Adds, the H has a ton of spark (it does, esp. in perfect lighting). Glad to know I am not remembering wrong.

Karl K- thank you for your thoughts. I agree and am learning all diamonds have their own "personality". It could simply be that easy. Different performers, neither bad persay. Both are really to die for! Just different for different reasons.

Diamondseeker- Thank you again for your two cents. You have been helping me on the way . It's tricky bc if I am paying for a 3x GIA, I want to be sure I am getting the bang for the extra price and not negatively impacted bc it is a SI2. Table size? So, maybe it is a combo of maybe SI2 and cut (even though it is a trip x). Lovely stone. Something is off in certain lighting to me. I really can ONLY compare it to the J since that is the only other diamond I studied the HECK out of! Lol.

Independent consultant said it looked great. But also thought the concept of wisps interfering with light refraction (snowglobe, etc) was a bizarre question. I didnt.

I don't either! An Si2 clarity based on twinning wisps, while very possibly eye-clean, is also very possibly suffering from some loss of crispness. This is most likely what you and your husband are seeing. I would question the consultant that thought the concept was bizarre.

 

[gr8leo87]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Here is a J pic that shows some more of the color sparkle. Can't tell from the pic. I know.

I quizzed the hubby more. He 100% agrees the J was a "total knock out with sparkle". He said "rocket" lol! Adds, the H has a ton of spark (it does, esp. in perfect lighting). Glad to know I am not remembering wrong.

Karl K- thank you for your thoughts. I agree and am learning all diamonds have their own "personality". It could simply be that easy. Different performers, neither bad persay. Both are really to die for! Just different for different reasons.

Diamondseeker- Thank you again for your two cents. You have been helping me on the way . It's tricky bc if I am paying for a 3x GIA, I want to be sure I am getting the bang for the extra price and not negatively impacted bc it is a SI2. Table size? So, maybe it is a combo of maybe SI2 and cut (even though it is a trip x). Lovely stone. Something is off in certain lighting to me. I really can ONLY compare it to the J since that is the only other diamond I studied the HECK out of! Lol.

Independent consultant said it looked great. But also thought the concept of wisps interfering with light refraction (snowglobe, etc) was a bizarre question. I didnt.

I don't either! An Si2 clarity based on twinning wisps, while very possibly eye-clean, is also very possibly suffering from some loss of crispness. This is most likely what you and your husband are seeing. I would question the consultant that thought the concept was bizarre.

My thoughts are exactly same as that of Bryan. At SI2s there can be hits and misses. Even at VS2 stones entirely consisting of clouds there will be hampered lustre. And to naked eye it will look eye clean. Only trained eyes can tell if the stone appears milky or hazy.

 

[JDDN]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

I'm sure your new H diamond is quite lovely, but the truth is you are already questioning it! Don't be afraid to be picky as this is an expensive purchase and as you had mentioned in your previous thread, likely your last upgrade. I think picking it apart is good from a "what do I like and what will I look for in the future" stand point. But don't pick it apart to look for reassurance or convincing that it's a keeper. I think your gut is a really good indicator of what you will be happy with.

As others have said, diamonds will have a personality and so the trick is to find one that resonates with you. The first diamond had a personality that you loved, but the color was not right. That's okay! Now to find one with the right look and the right color! It's like Goldilocks, you need one that's just right.

 

[16ocean]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Here is a J pic that shows some more of the color sparkle. Can't tell from the pic. I know.

I quizzed the hubby more. He 100% agrees the J was a "total knock out with sparkle". He said "rocket" lol! Adds, the H has a ton of spark (it does, esp. in perfect lighting). Glad to know I am not remembering wrong.

Karl K- thank you for your thoughts. I agree and am learning all diamonds have their own "personality". It could simply be that easy. Different performers, neither bad persay. Both are really to die for! Just different for different reasons.

Diamondseeker- Thank you again for your two cents. You have been helping me on the way . It's tricky bc if I am paying for a 3x GIA, I want to be sure I am getting the bang for the extra price and not negatively impacted bc it is a SI2. Table size? So, maybe it is a combo of maybe SI2 and cut (even though it is a trip x). Lovely stone. Something is off in certain lighting to me. I really can ONLY compare it to the J since that is the only other diamond I studied the HECK out of! Lol.

Independent consultant said it looked great. But also thought the concept of wisps interfering with light refraction (snowglobe, etc) was a bizarre question. I didnt.

I don't either! An Si2 clarity based on twinning wisps, while very possibly eye-clean, is also very possibly suffering from some loss of crispness. This is most likely what you and your husband are seeing. I would question the consultant that thought the concept was bizarre.

My thoughts are exactly same as that of Bryan. At SI2s there can be hits and misses. Even at VS2 stones entirely consisting of clouds there will be hampered lustre. And to naked eye it will look eye clean. Only trained eyes can tell if the stone appears milky or hazy.

question for either Bryan or gr8leo87-
I thought VS2 stones w/ "clarity is based partially on clouds not shown" should be ok with a well cut diamond. It is when the clarity is SI1 and lower it would effect the luster/sparkle.

 

[gr8leo87]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Partially on clouds could be okay. But needs further investigation. Entirely based on clouds is a no-go for me.

 

[D_]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Maybe it's just the way the pictures were taken, for some reason the diamond doesn't look too symmetrical (the table is not perfectly centred and there seems to be variations on the crown angles).
Anyone else notice this?
I know GIA Ex cut grade allow for some degree of variations.
If this the case, can this possibly explain the less sparkle?
But the ASET/IS images don't seem reflect this - is it because they measure the light performance - as in, total light return versus personality (i.e. how light is refracted/reflected)?

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

I just noticed I didn't post this:
"H"

Interesting to read replies TY.

D, I think I have read about what you are inquiring. I *believe* I read wisp (or cloud) interference may not show up on the IS/ASET images. Not 100% sure if I am correct with that statement.

I wish I could pinpoint what it is to tell the vendor for the next diamond other than "find one that sparkles & appears just like the "J", but an "H". Thankfully he is patient, to date at least.

It's definitely the slightly less sparkle, but also something else ??

 

[pyramid]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Notice the arrows are a lot of the difference for me, caused by the J having shorter lower pavilion facets. I like larger arrows myself so closer to 76% but have read others here prefer closer to 80%. The leakage under the table in the H not sure if that is apparent in real viewing but under magnification I wonder if I can see through it at some angles in your photos. If I had to believe one theory though I would go with Bryan as he has seen a lot more diamonds and knows what he is speaking about. Don't settle though it is more hassle just now but better than regrets just watch your budget though as we are liable to go above for our love of diamonds in the moment.

 

[pyramid]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

I think the larger table makes the 2.09 look bigger than the 2.28 - does anyone else agree in the photos comparing each diamond to the original ring?

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

TY Pyramid I have to reread and study what you just wrote about the lower pavilion facets. I haven't viewed enough diamonds to really know for sure, but think I also lean toward preferring larger arrows.

I just looked at the H again. When I spin slowly in a circle, I do not really see any arrows at all (like the video). Just a lot of sparkle and whiteness. Lacks debth? Would that impact overall sparkle? Or simply Bryan's theory holds the bet explanation.

Trying to organize my thoughts for when I speak to the vendor. Hard for me to explain what is off w my eyes (since this is a beautiful diamond).

Budget, oh yessss.....the budget. That thought woke me up at 5AM today! My poor husband . All the diamonds I am viewing on PS are average 3k more! Ouch!

 

[pyramid]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

The depth percentage is the depth not sure about arrows meaning to depth looks. Maybe post the numbers and someone like KarlK may be able to tell something more if he can do so? See the links but numbers side by side are easier to see. Of course if it is the wisps then numbers won't make a difference.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Size: The J was huge! I was sad to let it go I think the pics do not do it justice since primarily were taken for color comparison. I didn't forsee this new delima. Lol!

The "J" below. Think u can see the size better in this pic.

 

[pyramid]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Don't think I am seeing through where I wondered about leakage think that is the shadow of the camera now.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Pryamid, I appreciate you spending a little bit of your Sunday morning sharing your knowledge!

I think it could simply just be the clarity.

After reflecting, I feel "debth" & the term "hazy" are not the proper verbiage to describe what I mean. Maybe its the lack of any defined lines (HA). With this said, I doubt this explains the sparkle varience. More of a side note to share with the vendor.

I have looked at the diamond few times this morning and I keep thinking "this baby is sparkly, what is my problem!!". Personality? Clarity issue? All of the above? None of the above, it's just me?

I don't want to exchange it flat out, as I did with the "J". This says something to me. I can say I do want to study it side by side with another contender that matches "whatever it is" that stone is missing for me. THEN I will know. So, so close....

I'm trying to avoid a trip to NYC!!

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Question for anybody who has not tapped out of this conversation yet. Debth/haze is 100% the more undefined HA lines. Bad terms on my part. Pics below capture.

ecf8503 used "disorganized"/random light reflection. It isn't as visually appealing to me. I believe the J had "larger" sparkles.The "H" is like glittery sparkle. Personality . Is this because the H has less defined HAs? Or maybe a wisp impact?

Well, at least it is one note to mention to the vendor. Hope he doesn't break up w me

 

[pyramid]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

I notice both diamonds have lower girdle pavilion of 80% so the wider arrows must just be because of the bigger diamond.