Which Diamond? Help me Choose.

[SteveL]

Please help me pick the best balanced and eye catching diamond for an engagement ring. Here are the three I''ve found. Best for under 8k that I found. Also, how important are hearts & arrows as Blue Nile doesn''t list? I''m leaning towards #1 or #2. #1 for it''s larger size, slight Fluorescence, and score in Holloway Cut Advisor.

Thanks in advance.

BTW, do you think I could find better for the same price at jewelry store or specialty shop? Namely, jewelers row in downtown Chicago. My mother is convinced that I can.

1) Price: $7,983
Bank wire price: $7,864
Carat weight: 1.22
Cut: Ideal
Color: F
Clarity: SI1
Depth %: 61.8%
Table %: 55%
Symmetry: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Girdle: Thin to slightly thick, faceted
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Faint
Measurements: 6.84 x 6.88 x 4.24 mm


2) Shape: Round
Carat Weight: 1.19ct
Color: F
Clarity: SI1
AGS Cut Grade: Ideal (estimated)
GIA Cut Grade: Excellent
est GIA Cut Grade: Excellent
est AGS Cut Grade: Ideal
AGS Light Performance: Ideal
Optical Symmetry: Superior
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: Negligible
Girdle: 1.12%
Culet: None
Lab Report: GIA
In House: Yes
Width: 6.86mm
Length: 6.89mm
Depth: 4.20mm
Table Percentage: 54.96%
Depth Percentage: 61.09%
Crown Ú: 34.18‹
Crown Depth: 15.38%
Pavilion Ú: 40.83‹
Pavilion Depth: 43.13%
Upper Girdle Ú: 41.36‹
Lower Girdle Ú: 42.05‹
Policy: Lifetime Guarantee

Price: $8,124.75
(Bank wire price: $7,850)

3) . Report: AGS
. Shape: A Cut Above H&A
. Carat: 1.190
. Depth %: 61.2
. Table %: 55.1
. Crown Angle: 34.9
. Crown %: 15.7
. Star : 52
. Pavilion Angle: 40.8
. Pavilion %: 42.9
. Lower Girdle %: 77
. Girdle: Thin Faceted
. Measurements: 6.84-6.86X4.19
. Light Performance: 0
. Polish: Ideal
. Symmetry: Ideal
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible

 

[Shay37]

Tell Mama NO!!

I can''t say about #1, but they don''t come any better than 2 and 3. Great vendors too. Flip a coin and wire the money.

shay

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Actually, #1 is not larger in diameter. #2 is a minute amount larger. You need to look at the diameter rather than the weight. #2 is 6.86-6.89mm and #1 is 6.84-6.88. I''d have to look at the magnified images and idealscopes to be sure which I''d choose and I''d want to be sure what the SI1 inclusions looked like.

 

[SteveL]

Here are the links - #1 http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00135141&keyword_search_value=LD00135141

#2 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2198/

#3 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/a-cut-above-h-a-cut-diamond-54707.htm


Also, can (NOTICEABLY) bigger be had, in your opinions, with slightly less quality (though still unoticeable to the naked eye) for the money? Or is this about as good as I get sticking around these specs? I''ve been researching this for some time, but I just want to be sure before I make the plunge.

BTW, I''m leaning towards #2 now after diamondseeker''s comments.

Thanks again!

 

[JulieN]

Try: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&cid=131&item=962641

 

[Small]

Date: 10/28/2006 12:56:26 AM
Author: JulieN
Try: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&cid=131&item=962641

As always nice find Julie

I''d take Julie up on this one or consider #3 or #2. I''m not fond of #1! Good luck

 

[SteveL]

That looks like a good diamond, not quite as good on the HCA grading as the others but still very good. I''m not sure how much of a difference that really makes to the naked eye though. Can anyone shed some light on this, no pun intended.

 

[JulieN]

You can go up to 2.5 HCA without any "naked eye" effects. However, you generally don't want to because they /usually/ have more hidden weight. The only time a rational person would go over 2 is if the discount for the >2 is greater than the increase in carat weight you would have to pay to get the same size, ceteris paribus.

Other considerations:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&cid=131&item=879940
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&cid=131&item=896834
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&cid=131&item=945314
http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/round-ideal-cut-cut-diamond-55634.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/round-ideal-cut-cut-diamond-78304.htm#

edit: The 1.35 AGS H SI1 has a very steep crown angle, which allows for more fire. This flavor of cut is naturally a smaller diameter than a Tolkowsky cut.

 

[Kaleigh]

#2 or #3 are both winners in my book.

 

[SteveL]

Holy Cow, Julie. Those are some good choices. The more choices the harder it gets. Which is yours or everyones favorite of the one's I posted and Julie posted. Thanks!

Of the one's Julie picked I like the 1.30 Carat H-SI1 Ideal- Cut Round Diamond the best.
This one... http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&cid=131&item=896834

Of mine I like #2. However, the color shouldn't be noticeable on any. Thus, I'm leaning towards Julie's picks. I think the 1.30 Carat H-SI1 Ideal might be the best bang for the buck, it's got the best HCA score.

Does that seem right?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/28/2006 1:22:15 AM
Author: Kaleigh
#2 or #3 are both winners in my book.

Ditto!

 

[SteveL]

Date: 10/28/2006 7:17:50 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/28/2006 1:22:15 AM
Author: Kaleigh
#2 or #3 are both winners in my book.

Ditto!

Hmm. Is the F color that much better than G, enough to make up for the size differences? Also keep in mind my girlfriend''s ring size 7 3/4. To the human eye which will be most noticeable in a platinum setting? Thanks!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 10/28/2006 7:17:50 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/28/2006 1:22:15 AM
Author: Kaleigh
#2 or #3 are both winners in my book.

Ditto!

Double ditto!

And no, you won''t see a difference between an F and a G. I have a G and there is no color.

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Hi Steve:

Date: 10/28/2006 11:19:44 AM
Author: SteveL

Date: 10/28/2006 7:17:50 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/28/2006 1:22:15 AM
Author: Kaleigh
#2 or #3 are both winners in my book.

Ditto!

Hmm. Is the F color that much better than G, enough to make up for the size differences? Also keep in mind my girlfriend's ring size 7 3/4. To the human eye which will be most noticeable in a platinum setting? Thanks!

I challenge those to really know a difference, however small it might be with those 2 stones side by side as far as the size mm/measurement. They both have great spread. As far as color goes G will look fine in platinum. Like stated earlier, you have found a couple great stones. The cutting is extraordinary, and I would lean on focusiing on which one of these selections is the better eye-clean stone.

 

[SteveL]

I''ve narrowed it down between my #2, which is the 1.19ct F SI1 Round H&A found here: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2198/ Let''s call it Diamond A.

Shape: Round
Carat Weight: 1.19ct
Color: F
Clarity: SI1
AGS Cut Grade: Ideal (estimated)
GIA Cut Grade: Excellent
est GIA Cut Grade: Excellent
est AGS Cut Grade: Ideal
AGS Light Performance: Ideal
Optical Symmetry: Superior
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: Negligible
Girdle: 1.12%
Culet: None
Lab Report: GIA
In House: Yes
Width: 6.86mm
Length: 6.89mm
Depth: 4.20mm
Table Percentage: 54.96%
Depth Percentage: 61.09%
Crown Ú: 34.18‹
Crown Depth: 15.38%
Pavilion Ú: 40.83‹
Pavilion Depth: 43.13%
Upper Girdle Ú: 41.36‹
Lower Girdle Ú: 42.05‹
Policy: Lifetime Guarantee

Price: $8,124.75
(Bank wire price: $7,850)

and this one that Julie found, the 1.30 Carat H-SI1 Ideal- Cut Round Diamond found here:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&cid=131&item=896834 Let''s call it Diamond B.

Item Number: 896834
Shape: Round
Carat weight: 1.30
Cut: Ideal
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
Certificate: AGS

Depth: 61.4%
Table: 57.3%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Neglible
Measurements: 6.94*7.03*4.28

Crown Angle: 35.2°
Crown %: 15.0
Pavillion Angle: 40.5°
Pavillion %: 42.6

Now the only real difference that I can see from the stats are that Diamond A is F in color vs. a G color for Diamond B. It is also a H&A Diamond. Diamond B is .11 carats bigger and has a larger diameter it also scores a .7 on the HCA scale vs. a score of 1 for Diamond A.

Now which one would you choose? The lighter one that is a bit smaller and has hearts and arrows (Diamond A)? Or the slightly larger one that might have a bit more, unoticeable, color and does has a slightly higher HCA score?

For me it''s a toss up. I just want to have the most appealing and eye catching diamond I can get and will have people saying "WOW! That''s a nice diamond!"

Thanks again everyone you''ve all been so helpful!!!

 

[JulieN]

toss up, IMO. are they both eyeclean? the size, color, cut are all at an acceptable level. If this is a "forever" kind of stone, no upgrades, family heirloom thing, I think I will go with the F SI1.

 

[SteveL]

How can you tell which is more eye clean without seeing them in person? Thanks!

 

[jaz464]

You can''t. You would have to contact the vendor and have them eye the diamond for you. Trusted vendors like WF and GOG will be perfectly honest with you about the eyecleanliness of their diamonds. Discuss with each vendor their definition of eye clean, as it can vary.

 

[Stone Hunter]

No one has mentioned this yet. IF you plan/think you might upgrade in the future check the upgrade policy for each vendor. Otherwise call the vendors and ask about the eyeclean issue. Both look very nice.

HTH

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The .7 HCA score is not "better" than the score of 1.0. Just so you know. Some people prefer between 1 and 2. I hesitate on this because I think the 1.19 is the better stone overall, but with her ring size, I''d try to go as large as possible. What''s the lowest color you''d consider?

 

[scarleta]

Date: 10/29/2006 9:25:39 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
The .7 HCA score is not ''better'' than the score of 1.0. Just so you know. Some people prefer between 1 and 2. I hesitate on this because I think the 1.19 is the better stone overall, but with her ring size, I''d try to go as large as possible. What''s the lowest color you''d consider?

hello: how about the one I found? what do you guys think of this one?
measurements: 6.89 - 6.94-4.18 , 1.21 carat, color F, clarity vs1, cut excellent GIA
depth 60.4
table 58
crown angle 33.5
pav angle 41.2
pav depth 43.5
star length 50%
lover half 75%
gridle thin to med faceted
culet none
polish and symetry excellent
fluorescence none
I am somehow confused it scores 2.5 PLease let me know? thaks so much.

 

[SteveL]

Date: 10/29/2006 9:25:39 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
The .7 HCA score is not ''better'' than the score of 1.0. Just so you know. Some people prefer between 1 and 2. I hesitate on this because I think the 1.19 is the better stone overall, but with her ring size, I''d try to go as large as possible. What''s the lowest color you''d consider?

Hmm. I assumed that a lower score was "always" better, not just being below 2 or 2.5. That is partly how I decided on these two choices. However, if this is not the case perhaps I should reconsider. In terms of color I''d go as far as H. Perhaps I should relook again for bigger? I will definitely have to look thru some of the suggestions again, if anyone else has any that would be appreciated.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Here's one with a little larger diameter than the one at JA:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2575/

I'm still looking....

This is an AGS0 even though it says premium cut (but you'd for sure have to ask about the inclusions being eye-clean):

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&cid=131&item=950280

 

[SteveL]

Date: 10/30/2006 11:41:29 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Here's one with a little larger diameter than the one at JA:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2575/

I'm still looking....

This is an AGS0 even though it says premium cut (but you'd for sure have to ask about the inclusions being eye-clean):

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&cid=131&item=950280

I really like the second one and it's 1.44 carats with a nice diameter. It's a 2.3 HCA and I called and asked and they said it was definitely eye clean. They really needed the 10x magnification to really see anything wrong with it. I think I may go with this one.

This one really seems good to me, does it seem like it would be a really good choice to everyone else? Is this on par quality-wise to the others I have considered, at least to the eye? Will it be as brilliant and have as much fire to the naked eye?

What do you think?

Thanks!