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2.3 carat RBC dilemma - WF ACA with lower color/clarity OR "compromise" cut with JA?

HappyNewLife said:
Not unethical at all, they have return policies for a reason. I think you should try the JA diamond - it seems to be speaking to you :)

I assume you have it on hold? If so, can you share the link so we can see the video?
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Thank you Happy...I don't know why but the JA diamond IS really speaking to me. I've been going back and forth on this stone for about 2 weeks now. Part of the reason I posted it here is in case I was looking at all the wrong attributes and it's a dud/complete waste of my time, I wanted the experts here to stop me from ordering it. Also I have a serious fear of missing out and wanted to look at the ACA or HDR in person too, NEXT to this JA stone so I can make the best decision for myself :)

Here's the link to the JA stone...the hold should be expiring tomorrow.

https://www.jamesallen.com//loose-d...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3530614
 
The medium fluorescence is likely helping the price on the JA stone somewhat. I have to say, G VS1 is my favorite for a modern round. I wish they'd redo that idealscope image because the stone might have been very slightly tilted.
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
Also, there isn't a big price jump at 2.5 cts. These are not the specs you are looking for, but it shows there isn't a jump at 2.5.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3905122.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3817253.htm

But with your budget, I'd try to stretch a bit and get this one:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3817253.htm
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input! You're right...it's actually not as bad as I thought. With the diamond you recommended, my hang up is the I color and the inclusions. But then again, maybe if I see it in person I would be blown away. I can't wait until online shopping advances a little more and we can see the hologram of the product we're buying or something, lol.
 
Just get the JA one. It sounds like that is the one you want so don't make it difficult.
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
The medium fluorescence is likely helping the price on the JA stone somewhat. I have to say, G VS1 is my favorite for a modern round. I wish they'd redo that idealscope image because the stone might have been very slightly tilted.
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Diamondseeker, I think part of the reason why I was so hung up on this stone is given the cut/color/clarity and (not ideal, but still great) cut, it seems to be priced so favorably. I also told myself it was the fluorescent, but even with that it seems to be discounted more than others. Thoughts?
 
whitewave said:
Just get the JA one. It sounds like that is the one you want so don't make it difficult.
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I think I will get the JA one, but will also order one of the superideal cuts in the similar price point so I can look at both in person. If you guys have any recommendation on the superideals (ACA, HDR) feel free to post them here. Thanks again for staying with me through this journey. My BF thinks they all look nice and won't listen to me go on and on about the details...haha.
 
Drizzle said:
Thanks for your input! You're right...it's actually not as bad as I thought. With the diamond you recommended, my hang up is the I color and the inclusions. But then again, maybe if I see it in person I would be blown away. I can't wait until online shopping advances a little more and we can see the hologram of the product we're buying or something, lol.
Click to expand...

Ugh, I posted the wrong link!!! I was comparing prices above and below 2.5 and accidentally posted the wrong link! I know you wouldn't want lower than H VS if G is really your target!

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3885296.htm
 
PintoBean said:
Do you need to have it all now?

Are you open to upgrading on a future anniversary?

If yes, then I'd say get the best ACA you can within budget from WF with the goal of upgrading till you hit your goal size.
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Hi PintoBean, I have that exact same litterbox for my 2 cats! :) The upgrade is another hang up why I feel like I will "regret" if I don't at least check out a stone from WF/HDR...knowing myself I can totally see myself upgrading in the future. And JA's requirement is spending 2x the original amount, which I don't ever forsee myself wearing $50k diamond.
 
Drizzle said:
Diamondseeker, I think part of the reason why I was so hung up on this stone is given the cut/color/clarity and (not ideal, but still great) cut, it seems to be priced so favorably. I also told myself it was the fluorescent, but even with that it seems to be discounted more than others. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

You'll often see stones with almost the same specs priced differently at the same vendor. This can be due to the cost of rough and simply when the stone was completed. I didn't look at the other G VS1 stones, but fluorescence helps the price and I'd personally be fine with that.
 
HPD (high performance diamonds) carries CBI diamonds (crafted by infinity).. if you look on HPD's website, you may be able to find a local store that carries CBI diamonds ("see in your city"). Maybe you could order the JA diamond and take it to the local store and compare it to the CBI diamond? I'd still order from HPD *if* you decide you like the CBI diamond more because they will buy back your diamond for 80% of what you paid for LIFE.

I think WF has a storefront in Houston so if you're near them, you could do the same. Or you could even order the JA and WF diamonds go to a local store and compare with the CBI.
 
Normally I'm a VS person but with HPD/CBI I felt very comfortable going for the SI2 and mine are only clear inclusions and table clean, so as I mentioned before, I can't even see them and it doesn't affect the performance in any way.
 
Would a flight to Houston Texas be possible? You could arrange an appointment with WF to look at ACAs within your parameters and some Expert Selections. That would give you a good view of superideal and near superideal. They have all of them in house. We could look through both categories and give you a few to look at.

HighPerformanceDiamonds is in Idaho. I'm not sure if Wink can pull in ideal, but not super-ideal. But, you could check with him. Same comparison.
 
whitewave said:
HPD inclusions are not visible. I have an SI2 and I can't find the inclusions.
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I was just about to say this. My biggest “learning” in seeing many diamonds in person over the past few years is that some SI1 stones are completely eye clean to me. James Allen’s highly magnified photos can tell you a lot about the type and location of inclusions. I’ve seen SI2- and I1s that have also been acceptable to me, due to their cut. So don’t overlook lower Clarity stones as a way to afford a better cut, color or size. IMO the Clarity grade is the most fluid (and highly over-rated) for a tiny stone that projects so much light and brilliance that some internal stone characteristics are nearly invisible. My two cents.
 
rockysalamander said:
Would a flight to Houston Texas be possible? You could arrange an appointment with WF to look at ACAs within your parameters and some Expert Selections. That would give you a good view of superideal and near superideal. They have all of them in house. We could look through both categories and give you a few to look at.

HighPerformanceDiamonds is in Idaho. I'm not sure if Wink can pull in ideal, but not super-ideal. But, you could check with him. Same comparison.
Click to expand...

Regarding HIgh Peformance Diamonds, when I was interested in one of their diamonds, they told me that they could send it to one of the stores that carries their product close to where I live. They were extremely helpful and it seemed like a seamless viewing experience. I’d contact them to discuss.
 
LightBright said:
Regarding HIgh Peformance Diamonds, when I was interested in one of their diamonds, they told me that they could send it to one of the stores that carries their product close to where I live. They were extremely helpful and it seemed like a seamless viewing experience. I’d contact them to discuss.
Click to expand...
Another great option!
 
Here's an H VS ACA in your budget, but I do like the one DS linked more. https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3905123.htm

The JA one is nice for color, clarity, and short-term value. I do think comparing them side by side would be the best way. Cut is very important, but so is color when we're talking going down several color grades. Other people and yourself will not always be looking at your stone from the top down, and color in the H/I range is where most people start to detect it. If you're sure F/G is what you want, I would not look at I. Maybe H but case by case. Good luck!
 
lalala said:
HPD (high performance diamonds) carries CBI diamonds (crafted by infinity).. if you look on HPD's website, you may be able to find a local store that carries CBI diamonds ("see in your city"). Maybe you could order the JA diamond and take it to the local store and compare it to the CBI diamond? I'd still order from HPD *if* you decide you like the CBI diamond more because they will buy back your diamond for 80% of what you paid for LIFE.

I think WF has a storefront in Houston so if you're near them, you could do the same. Or you could even order the JA and WF diamonds go to a local store and compare with the CBI.
Click to expand...
High Performance Diamonds has a See it to Believe Program where they will send the diamond to your home on their dime. Here is a screenshot

Screenshot_20171101-081500.png

I recently purchased a 2.79 F-VS1 Crafted by Infinity diamond. They offered to send it to my house for my inspection and approval, but because I already owned a 2.21 F-SI1 CBI diamond, I said that it was not necessary. A video from Wink was all that needed for my approval.
 
Drizzle said:
Hi PintoBean, I have that exact same litterbox for my 2 cats! :) The upgrade is another hang up why I feel like I will "regret" if I don't at least check out a stone from WF/HDR...knowing myself I can totally see myself upgrading in the future. And JA's requirement is spending 2x the original amount, which I don't ever forsee myself wearing $50k diamond.
Click to expand...

To me, this statement gives you your answer. WF (or other vendor with a better upgrade program) for upgrades.
 
LightBright said:
I was just about to say this. My biggest “learning” in seeing many diamonds in person over the past few years is that some SI1 stones are completely eye clean to me. James Allen’s highly magnified photos can tell you a lot about the type and location of inclusions. I’ve seen SI2- and I1s that have also been acceptable to me, due to their cut. So don’t overlook lower Clarity stones as a way to afford a better cut, color or size. IMO the Clarity grade is the most fluid (and highly over-rated) for a tiny stone that projects so much light and brilliance that some internal stone characteristics are nearly invisible. My two cents.
Click to expand...

This! I just bought a 1.84 ct light brown OEC in an I2 (yes, that's I-TWO), and it is 100% eye clean. Now, I'm in no way saying you should buy an I1-2 included diamond for your engagement ring. What I am saying is that, like @LightBright and others have mentioned, the type of inclusion(s) and placement of said inclusion(s) is key. There are unicorns, just not that many. ;-)
 
lalala said:
HPD (high performance diamonds) carries CBI diamonds (crafted by infinity).. if you look on HPD's website, you may be able to find a local store that carries CBI diamonds ("see in your city"). Maybe you could order the JA diamond and take it to the local store and compare it to the CBI diamond?
Click to expand...

First of all, apologies for misspelling...what I referred to as "HDR" in my previous posts I meant HPD...haha, still learning :read:

I looked into this option and luckily there are 2 jewelers in my area (Seattle, WA) that carries CBI diamonds!!!! I'm beyond ecstatic. I think BF and I will stop by Thursday after work to check them out in person. Perhaps I will reach out to HPD and have them sent the 2 stone I'm considering from them to the store, and by then I can bring the JA stone and compare in person.

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8692
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8620


rockysalamander said:
Would a flight to Houston Texas be possible? You could arrange an appointment with WF to look at ACAs within your parameters and some Expert Selections. That would give you a good view of superideal and near superideal. They have all of them in house. We could look through both categories and give you a few to look at.

HighPerformanceDiamonds is in Idaho. I'm not sure if Wink can pull in ideal, but not super-ideal. But, you could check with him. Same comparison.
Click to expand...

We actually just flew back from Houston back in September...really wish we took the time to go check out the store then. Also do you mean that HPD CIB is ideal but not super ideal whereas ACA is super ideal? I was under the impression that the hierarchy of cut went like this:

Of all GIA triple ex out there, only a small % make the AGS 0 (ideal) mark. Of that small pool of AGS 0, even a smaller % makes it to the "super ideal" which is HoF, ACA, HPD CIB...etc. So I thought those would be all somewhat comparable.
 
LightBright said:
Regarding HIgh Peformance Diamonds, when I was interested in one of their diamonds, they told me that they could send it to one of the stores that carries their product close to where I live. They were extremely helpful and it seemed like a seamless viewing experience. I’d contact them to discuss.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I actually emailed HPD and see if they can send the 2 stones I'm looking at, which are both H/SI1 (you all convinced me that clarity is where I should compromise!). I tried to PM @Wink as well, but couldn't find the feature on the site.
 
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erislynn said:
Here's an H VS ACA in your budget, but I do like the one DS linked more. https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3905123.htm

The JA one is nice for color, clarity, and short-term value. I do think comparing them side by side would be the best way. Cut is very important, but so is color when we're talking going down several color grades. Other people and yourself will not always be looking at your stone from the top down, and color in the H/I range is where most people start to detect it. If you're sure F/G is what you want, I would not look at I. Maybe H but case by case. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks Erislynn, I also looked at that stone and thought maybe it's better since it's cheaper, with most of the specs being the same (so very slightly smaller) but on the grading report, the drawing shows less inclusion than the one @diamondseeker2006 linked. But maybe there's something else I'm missing here?

And agreed, I'm entertaining H/SI1 after all of your feedback, but not ready to go down lower yet. Although when I go visit the jeweler in my city that carries CBI diamonds, I'll be sure to ask for I color too to see the difference.
 
Drizzle said:
First of all, apologies for misspelling...what I referred to as "HDR" in my previous posts I meant HPD...haha, still learning :read:

I looked into this option and luckily there are 2 jewelers in my area (Seattle, WA) that carries CBI diamonds!!!! I'm beyond ecstatic. I think BF and I will stop by Thursday after work to check them out in person. Perhaps I will reach out to HPD and have them sent the 2 stone I'm considering from them to the store, and by then I can bring the JA stone and compare in person.

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8692
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8620


Of all GIA triple ex out there, only a small % make the AGS 0 (ideal) mark. Of that small pool of AGS 0, even a smaller % makes it to the "super ideal" which is HoF, ACA, HPD CIB...etc. So I thought those would be all somewhat comparable.
Click to expand...
CBI diamonds are ALL superideal diamonds.
There is no PM feature on PS.
Best to call 208-371-8251 to talk to Wink directly and he may be able to have them in Seattle tomorrow. @Drizzle
 
Drizzle said:
First of all, apologies for misspelling...what I referred to as "HDR" in my previous posts I meant HPD...haha, still learning :read:

I looked into this option and luckily there are 2 jewelers in my area (Seattle, WA) that carries CBI diamonds!!!! I'm beyond ecstatic. I think BF and I will stop by Thursday after work to check them out in person. Perhaps I will reach out to HPD and have them sent the 2 stone I'm considering from them to the store, and by then I can bring the JA stone and compare in person.

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8692
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8620




We actually just flew back from Houston back in September...really wish we took the time to go check out the store then. Also do you mean that HPD CIB is ideal but not super ideal whereas ACA is super ideal? I was under the impression that the hierarchy of cut went like this:

Of all GIA triple ex out there, only a small % make the AGS 0 (ideal) mark. Of that small pool of AGS 0, even a smaller % makes it to the "super ideal" which is HoF, ACA, HPD CIB...etc. So I thought those would be all somewhat comparable.
Click to expand...

Perfect!! Can't wait to hear your thoughts. I hope you take pictures and share them with us :pray:
 
@Drizzle You have already received some great advice from other members! However, I will say that even though I am all for super-ideals and own a few myself, I am really liking the JA diamond! If you don't think that you will be upgrading, that diamond may be a great pick. I love the color + clarity combo and it is also cool that it is a Canadian diamond so you actually know the origin of the stone. I love all super ideal brands and from an upgrade point of view and affordability, WF are probably leading the group, but you will be paying premium for the flexibility they offer.

I like this diamond that DS linked form WF: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3905123.htm

However, I much prefer the smaller table and the fat arrows of the JA stone. I also agree that the IS may be tilted, because the numbers are great and there shouldn't be much leakage. If you can order both - go for it. There was another member who ordered two stones not too long ago - one from WF and another GIA xxx in the 3ct range, he went with the GIA xxx.

Good luck with your decision making!
 
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I love the idea of doing an in-person comparison, if at all possible. There is nothing like seeing what "speaks" to you. If you do that, please post pics!
 
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