Would you please help me choose between these 4 diamonds?

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

Hi All!

To say that I am a bit overwhelmed is an understatement. I am upgrading my engagement ring and I have selected the most beautiful platinum setting. All I need to do is to select a center diamond, and I just can't make a decision. I have all the GIA information and the HCA information (I will try to post the pictures). Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Any one stand out as the best? Any one that you would eliminate right off the bat? All are round stones.

1. 1.8, G, VS2. HCA is 2.5 (if I calculated properly). GIA 5202865745

2. 1.71, F, VVS1. HCA is 4.2 (but I cannot figure out why because this diamond seems like a dream). GIA 2205752838

3. 1.7, H, VS1. HCA 3.2 (again, I can't figure out why because this stone is so pretty). GIA 2347696946

4. 1.85, F, VS1. HCA 2.5 GIA 5353007686

I have to admit that I first heard of HCA today. I've read about it- but don't fully understand it. Any help would be much appreciated. I am just spinning my wheels here.

 

[Kaycee2018]

The specs for these don't meet the generally acceptable requirements for "PS quality" (see below). 1, 2 and 4 have pavilion angles that are too deep. 3 is too deep overall and the crown angle doesn’t work well with the pavilion angle. For HCA, scores of 2 or less (in some cases up to 2.5) are worth further investigation. If you post pics, videos, and any advanced images you are able to get (request Hearts & Arrows, ASET and IS Images) for 1 and 4 since they score 2.5, that will help In getting opinions. But based on the numbers alone (low crown angles, etc.), they don’t look very promising to me. If you post your budget and preferences (size, color, etc.), you will get suggestions. GL

Table: 54-58
Depth: 60-62.4
Crown Angle: 34-35.0
(35 pairs best with a pavilion angle of 40.6/CA can go up to 35.5 if the Pavilion Angle is 40.6)
Pavilion Angle: 40.6-41
(41 pairs best with CA of 34)

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

The specs for these don't meet the generally acceptable requirements for "PS quality" (see below). 1, 2 and 4 have pavilion angles that are too deep. 3 is too deep overall and the crown angle doesn’t work well with the pavilion angle. For HCA, scores of 2 or less (in some cases up to 2.5) are worth further investigation. If you post pics, videos, and any advanced images you are able to get (request Hearts & Arrows, ASET and IS Images) for 1 and 4 since they score 2.5, that will help In getting opinions. But based on the numbers alone (low crown angles, etc.), they don’t look very promising to me. If you post your budget and preferences (size, color, etc.), you will get suggestions. GL

Table: 54-58
Depth: 60-62.4
Crown Angle: 34-35.0
(35 pairs best with a pavilion angle of 40.6/CA can go up to 35.5 if the Pavilion Angle is 40.6)
Pavilion Angle: 40.6-41
(41 pairs best with CA of 34)

Great thoughts. I will try to get ASET and IS Images-- is that something I can find online?

 

[Kaycee2018]

Great thoughts. I will try to get ASET and IS Images-- is that something I can find online?

You will need to request them from the retailers. Sometimes they are available, but it’s not unusual for them not to be available. Macro pics and videos will help too.

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

You will need to request them from the retailers. Sometimes they are available, but it’s not unusual for them not to be available. Macro pics and videos will help too.

I will do that. Is there one or two that you would eliminate just from what I provided?

 

[Kaycee2018]

I will do that. Is there one or two that you would eliminate just from what I provided?

If you are looking for the best possible cut quality, 2 and 3 should be eliminated based on the HCA. 1 and 4 *might* be worth considering, but honestly I‘d keep looking and wouldn’t settle for these. They both have pretty large tables with low crown angles (flat tops). But pics, videos and advanced images might show one or both are exceptions. And you post your budget and preferences (size, color, etc.), you will get also get recommendations.

 

[daisygrl]

I would avoid all of these. There are better diamonds out there.

 

[Gemly]

I would avoid all of these. There are better diamonds out there.

Yup, keep looking.

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

My parameters are: 1.7-1.8 (I prefer 1.7) carat, VS 1 or VS2, color F-G. I don't know anything about the HCA-- but I want a good diamond. I am trying to find a really nice stone without being too involved with budget--there is a range, but I am trying not to make this my #1 concern. Any ideas? My jeweler says that there is not a big inventory now-- true?

 

[jp201845]

My parameters are: 1.7-1.8 (I prefer 1.7) carat, VS 1 or VS2, color F-G. I don't know anything about the HCA-- but I want a good diamond. I am trying to find a really nice stone without being too involved with budget--there is a range, but I am trying not to make this my #1 concern. Any ideas? My jeweler says that there is not a big inventory now-- true?

It’s true that inventory is not as large because of COVID but in my opinion this is an excuse for your jeweler to present you with sub par stones with inflated prices. As other people suggested you can do much better.

 

[lovedogs]

My parameters are: 1.7-1.8 (I prefer 1.7) carat, VS 1 or VS2, color F-G. I don't know anything about the HCA-- but I want a good diamond. I am trying to find a really nice stone without being too involved with budget--there is a range, but I am trying not to make this my #1 concern. Any ideas? My jeweler says that there is not a big inventory now-- true?

What is your budget, and are you open to buying online? We can help you find better stones. I woudln't consider any stones that score over 2.5 (if I were being more strict I would say ignore anything that scores over 2, but stones with scores up to 2.5 can be considered if you have seen it in person and/or have advanced images).

 

[jp201845]

I really like this diamond from White Flash which is a recommended and trusted vendor with an excellent upgrade policy. Based on the parameters you posted this looks good

Diamond | 1.725 ct F VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4172754

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.725 carat F color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4172754

www.whiteflash.com

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

What is your budget, and are you open to buying online? We can help you find better stones. I woudln't consider any stones that score over 2.5 (if I were being more strict I would say ignore anything that scores over 2, but stones with scores up to 2.5 can be considered if you have seen it in person and/or have advanced images).

Budget would be up to 20. I would consider buying online - although that does scare me.

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

I really like this diamond from White Flash which is a recommended and trusted vendor with an excellent upgrade policy. Based on the parameters you posted this looks good

Diamond | 1.725 ct F VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4172754

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.725 carat F color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4172754

www.whiteflash.com

What a beauty. Thank you. How do you know if that one has a good HCA— I was able to get 3 reports and then you have to pay for each one (but maybe that is just what everyone does— I’m new at this).

 

[jp201845]

What a beauty. Thank you. How do you know if that one has a good HCA— I was able to get 3 reports and then you have to pay for each one (but maybe that is just what everyone does— I’m new at this).

This diamond is from a Super Ideal vendor Whiteflash with their “ A Cut Above “ brand which does not require you to run the numbers through the ACA since the cut is at the highest level of precision.

Here is another option closer to your budget

Diamond | 1.706 ct G VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4287217

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.706 carat G color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4287217

www.whiteflash.com

 

[daisygrl]

What a beauty. Thank you. How do you know if that one has a good HCA— I was able to get 3 reports and then you have to pay for each one (but maybe that is just what everyone does— I’m new at this).

People on PS often prefer super-ideal cuts from vendors such as High Performance Diamonds, Victor Canera, Gavin. Whiteflash. Cut, to most, is everything. It determines the beauty and performance of the diamond.

Pros to buy from these vendors: you will get best of the best. All the asets and ideal scopes people are talking about here are done for you. All the work to get the best diamond is done for you. These vendors also have the best service and a return policy (some might vary slightly so you need to look into it.) You know you will NOT get ripped off by these vendors. And that is for people, like you, who do not know much about diamonds, very important.

Cons: you pay premium for the cut and service. The cut is superb but if you feel like your diamond #2 is "a dream", then you might not appreciate the fire ball and sparkle that super-ideal diamonds offer.

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

People on PS often prefer super-ideal cuts from vendors such as High Performance Diamonds, Victor Canera, Gavin. Whiteflash. Cut, to most, is everything. It determines the beauty and performance of the diamond.

Pros to buy from these vendors: you will get best of the best. All the asets and ideal scopes people are talking about here are done for you. All the work to get the best diamond is done for you. These vendors also have the best service and a return policy (some might vary slightly so you need to look into it.) You know you will NOT get ripped off by these vendors. And that is for people, like you, who do not know much about diamonds, very important.

Cons: you pay premium for the cut and service. The cut is superb but if you feel like your diamond #2 is "a dream", then you might not appreciate the fire ball and sparkle that super-ideal diamonds offer.

Thanks. That was very helpful. Why is say number 2 is a dream is because all I’ve ever known was D color is the best and VS1 etc— basically the 4 c’s. I’ve never even heard of fire ball sparkle. I’ve been married 20 years, but we have never looked into upgrading at all. I don’t have any other jewelry, so this is all great info. If it is certified by GIA only, is there a way to tell if super ideal? Fire ball?

 

[flyingpig]

2.01 Carat round diamond

This 2.01 carat round diamond H color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

2.0c H VS1. Ask for the GIA teport.

 

[jp201845]

Thanks. That was very helpful. Why is say number 2 is a dream is because all I’ve ever known was D color is the best and VS1 etc— basically the 4 c’s. I’ve never even heard of fire ball sparkle. I’ve been married 20 years, but we have never looked into upgrading at all. I don’t have any other jewelry, so this is all great info. If it is certified by GIA only, is there a way to tell if super ideal? Fire ball?

Super Ideal diamonds are graded by AGS ( American Gem Society ) who prioritize on cut above anything else. With a grading report of AGS 000 you do not have to use the HCA tool and have the best cut and performance.

 

[flyingpig]

1.75 Carat round diamond

This 1.75 carat round diamond E color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.75 E VS1

 

[lovedogs]

I 100% recommend you go with a super ideal vendor (WF or HPD), or go with one of the stones that @flyingpig recommended.

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

1.75 Carat round diamond

This 1.75 carat round diamond E color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.75 E VS1

Silly question- but how did you figure out that was a good diamond? The site gives you very little information. Thanks.

 

[lovedogs]

Silly question- but how did you figure out that was a good diamond? The site gives you very little information. Thanks.

@flyingpig is a god among mortals when it comes to identifying great diamonds even with little info. JA hides their certificates so you have to chat with their reps to see them (which is annoying). Most of us are *Decent* at it, but flyingpig is on a whole other level

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

@flyingpig is a god among mortals when it comes to identifying great diamonds even with little info. JA hides their certificates so you have to chat with their reps to see them (which is annoying). Most of us are *Decent* at it, but flyingpig is on a whole other level

Thanks so much. I’m still wondering why the HCA on the second diamond I posted is so low when the diamond seems so great ( as far as the 4 cs). Any insight on this? I’m just trying to wrap my mind around it.

 

[flyingpig]

You got really healthy budget. You can go for 2.0c H or colorless 1.7c+, or whatever in between.

Silly question- but how did you figure out that was a good diamond? The site gives you very little information. Thanks.

You can set the depth, table, symmetry, and polish.
So, I know it has depth less than 62%, table less than 58%, with excellent symmetry and polish and none-faint fluo.
The diamonds shows nice clean uniformly sized arrows (some are longer, it is because the diamond is tilted) and decent light reflections.
It should have HCA less than 2.0 and pavilion angle between 40.6 and 41.
What I do not know is the crown angle. It may be a tad shallow. That's why we need to see the GIA report.

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

You got really healthy budget. You can go for 2.0c H or colorless 1.7c+, or whatever in between.


You can set the depth, table, symmetry, and polish.
So, I know it has depth less than 62%, table less than 58%, with excellent symmetry and polish and none-faint fluo.
The diamonds shows nice clean uniformly sized arrows (some are longer, it is because the diamond is tilted) and decent light reflections.
It should have HCA less than 2.0 and pavilion angle between 40.6 and 41.
What I do not know is the crown angle. It may be a tad shallow. That's why we need to see the GIA report.

Wow! That is so impressive. Thank you. That might just be the winner. Would you mind telling me why the 2nd diamond I posted got such a low HCA score. I almost bought that today and now I’m glad I didn’t

 

[flyingpig]

Wow! That is so impressive. Thank you. That might just be the winner. Would you mind telling me why the 2nd diamond I posted got such a low HCA score. I almost bought that today and now I’m glad I didn’t

The #2 1.71c VVS1 got that score mainly because or 41.6 pavilion angle.
At best, it should look like this (I do not have the exact proportions, but it also has steep pavilion angle)

1.80 Carat round diamond

This 1.8 carat round diamond F color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

You tell me which is better looking. The one I (or others) posted or #2.

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

The #2 1.71c VVS1 got that score mainly because or 41.6 pavilion angle.
At best, it should look like this (I do not have the exact proportions, but it also has steep pavilion angle)

1.80 Carat round diamond

This 1.8 carat round diamond F color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

You tell me which is better looking. The one I (or others) posted or #2.

I’m learning so much and I so appreciate your time. I didn’t know any of this a few hours ago. What about diamond 3 listed above- I saw it in person and it looked nice, but maybe that was due to the lighting in the store. It only scores 3.2 HCA.

 

[flyingpig]

#3 1.70 H VS1 with 58TB, 36CA and 40.8 PA probably looks like this

2.11 Carat round diamond

This 2.11 carat round diamond H color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

I mean... it looks nice... De Beers and even Cartier offer diamonds like this and people fall in love.
But still, instead of clean white light reflections, you see yellowish stone's H body color between the arrows under the table. It look mushy and dead.

 

[flyingpig]

@flyingpig is a god among mortals when it comes to identifying great diamonds even with little info. JA hides their certificates so you have to chat with their reps to see them (which is annoying). Most of us are *Decent* at it, but flyingpig is on a whole other level

Nah. I know there are other PS members who are equally good (if not better).
BTW, I learned from @tyty333