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

FWIW - I recently was able to compare a CBI J with some GIA G's and I have to say the color difference is beyond minuscule. The J faced up extremely close if not on par with the G. Comparing the CBI J to a regular J, the color is VERY obvious like lemons to oranges obvious.

I think that going in person to compare for yourself is a great idea. Since the JA the stone you don't think you can let go, take that with you to compare. It should solidify to you whether you want the JA or a superideal.

Based on my personal comparison, I would 100% go with the superideal.
 
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Thank you everyone for all of your suggestions, inputs, and useful information! I am in touch with @Wink himself and he's working on arranging the 2 stones I picked out shipped to a jeweler in my city so we can go in and see it in person! I am super excited :love: In the meanwhile BF Is working with JA to place that order, so I'm really hoping to be able to do a side by side comparison (as in the timeline would work out). I couldn't have done it without you guys' help!

Part of me still want to order the WF H/VS2 stone @diamondseeker2006 had sought out, but...perhaps it can wait until I see the JA/CBI in person. From what I gathered, ACA/CBI are both superideal so I should be able to get a good sense of what I'm comparing.

You bet I will be posting pictures here like crazy once I see them both in person! I will keep you guys posted for sure.
 
EDITED TO ADD...just discovered its the same one posted by @diamondseeker2006 . So, I agree with DS that this is worth considering.

So, I had a peak at JA, here's an option that looks good. IT is AGS0 (strict on cut), nice numbers and in budget. Both this stone and the JA you posted are cut using the same method of weight saving by varying the pavilion angles. GIA average the pavilion angles, but do not list the range. So, they can get to higher weight by dropped some of them. That is why you see that color pattern under the table that looks like a piano key or stair-step where the facets vary in leakage. With that said, this one may suffer less from this than the one you posted.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3448684
 

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rockysalamander said:
EDITED TO ADD...just discovered its the same one posted by @diamondseeker2006 . So, I agree with DS that this is worth considering.

So, I had a peak at JA, here's an option that looks good. IT is AGS0 (strict on cut), nice numbers and in budget. Both this stone and the JA you posted are cut using the same method of weight saving by varying the pavilion angles. GIA average the pavilion angles, but do not list the range. So, they can get to higher weight by dropped some of them. That is why you see that color pattern under the table that looks like a piano key or stair-step where the facets vary in leakage. With that said, this one may suffer less from this than the one you posted.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3448684
Click to expand...

I posted that one on the first page and no one said anything! lol.. Glad you approve!
 
rockysalamander said:
EDITED TO ADD...just discovered its the same one posted by @diamondseeker2006 . So, I agree with DS that this is worth considering.

So, I had a peak at JA, here's an option that looks good. IT is AGS0 (strict on cut), nice numbers and in budget. Both this stone and the JA you posted are cut using the same method of weight saving by varying the pavilion angles. GIA average the pavilion angles, but do not list the range. So, they can get to higher weight by dropped some of them. That is why you see that color pattern under the table that looks like a piano key or stair-step where the facets vary in leakage. With that said, this one may suffer less from this than the one you posted.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3448684
Click to expand...

@rockysalamander
@lalala
@diamondseeker2006

I now totally see what you mean by the "piano key" near the table in the stone you guys picked out (despite the beautiful symmetrical arrows). I went back to check on the idealscope image of the JA diamond in my OP......and at this point I'm just hoping that the stone was somewhat TILTED when this was taken because the right side looks way less "piano key-y" to me than the left.

3530614.jpg

Update: BF placed the order for this JA stone (the one in my OP) and it's currently in the inspection stage before being shipped off. In the meanwhile, I made an appointment at my local jeweler that handles CBI diamonds and we'll be looking at them next Monday. We'll most like do a 2nd visit when we have the JA diamond in hand, so we can bring it in to do side-by-side comparison.

Will update you guys with photos!
 
The BF and I visited the local jeweler on 10/6. However, the JA diamond is still in inspection and not scheduled to be shipped until 11/13, so a second visit is in the pipeline and that will be the “big day” where the actual comparison will happen. Feel free to skip this post, as it's mostly me rambling. :lol:

I felt that the visit on 10/6 was still super helpful and well worth it, given that I came out of knowing a little better what aspects of diamonds I like/what I can tolerate IRL (not just specification on paper).

We looked at a total of 5 stones in the 2-2.5+ carat range, 4 of which were CBI (all credits to @Wink for generously and promptly shipping over 4 CBI diamonds to the local jeweler) and 1 GIA Triple Ex was also added to the mix.

We took the "blind test" approach to the viewing, which really allowed me to go into the whole thing unbiased. The jeweler prepared and lined up the 5 stones in a white paper tray in no particular order to let me have a close look under multiple light settings - spot lighting seen in jewelry shop, ambient lighting, fluorescent white lighting (think office). This was great, because I had no idea which stone had what spec, and it boiled down to which diamond looks the prettiest to me in the naked eye. We couldn't do natural day light because my appointment was at 6pm - this is now on the list of to do's for next visit.

What surprised me was that I'm not actually as color sensitive as I thought, because I had a hard time telling G from H. However, I was able to isolate the J easily (which kind of sucked, because it was the largest stone in the mix with a GORGEOUS cut, I could tell it was one of CBI's but felt that the tint of color seen from the side profile would eventually bug me). So the first lesson learned: a super ideal H is just as "white" looking as G (to me), but I would not be able to compromise for J. In all fairness, I think if I was looking at the J on it’s own, I might’ve had a different impression. We all know color is accentuated when seen next to clearer stones!

So down to 4 diamonds, I quickly realized I was very much drawn to the 2 larger stones. I especially loved looking at them in dim lighting, with small amount of light coming from the bottom (culet side) and me looking at it from the top, where I can see the defined arrow patterns shift in the light. Soooooooooo pretty! :love: Then between the remaining 2 stones, I figured one of them would be the GIA triple ex - after some time comparing, I picked the one that I thought was the GIA triple ex and turned out I was right!!! Although the BF thinks I just got luckly....haha :dance:

So the 2 stones that won my heart, no doubt were the 2 CBI stones below (but I didn’t know it at the time of picking).

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

They were both really pretty, and I could not see the inclusion with my naked eye. After some consideration, I’ve narrowed it down to HPD8620 due to the more favorable inclusion positioning. This will be the stone we’ll keep in the final selection pool.

I was laser focused during the appointment, I forgot to take pictures...:cry2: but I will definitely take pictures on my next visit when I'll be comparing the CBI to JA, along with a few other GIA triple ex, and hopefully a Fire and Ice brand as well (a brand the jeweler also carries that supposedly has a very different look than the CBI...more 60/60, and was told some people prefer that look). Ultimately, I want to feel good knowing that I've looked at as much quality options as I can.

@lalala
Sorry for the picture-less update...I hope you guys stay tuned for the next update as I might need some insights on the final decision.
 
YAY!!! I'm so glad you got to go... I'll try to be patient for the actual big day, lol! That's so exciting that you'll get to look at some other brands too. I've never seen a 'Fire and Ice' so I'm looking forward to a comparison shot.

By chance did you see any I colored diamonds? Or just a J and then H and above?
 
Drizzle said:
The BF and I visited the local jeweler on 10/6. However, the JA diamond is still in inspection and not scheduled to be shipped until 11/13, so a second visit is in the pipeline and that will be the “big day” where the actual comparison will happen. Feel free to skip this post, as it's mostly me rambling. :lol:

I felt that the visit on 10/6 was still super helpful and well worth it, given that I came out of knowing a little better what aspects of diamonds I like/what I can tolerate IRL (not just specification on paper).

We looked at a total of 5 stones in the 2-2.5+ carat range, 4 of which were CBI (all credits to @Wink for generously and promptly shipping over 4 CBI diamonds to the local jeweler) and 1 GIA Triple Ex was also added to the mix.

We took the "blind test" approach to the viewing, which really allowed me to go into the whole thing unbiased. The jeweler prepared and lined up the 5 stones in a white paper tray in no particular order to let me have a close look under multiple light settings - spot lighting seen in jewelry shop, ambient lighting, fluorescent white lighting (think office). This was great, because I had no idea which stone had what spec, and it boiled down to which diamond looks the prettiest to me in the naked eye. We couldn't do natural day light because my appointment was at 6pm - this is now on the list of to do's for next visit.

What surprised me was that I'm not actually as color sensitive as I thought, because I had a hard time telling G from H. However, I was able to isolate the J easily (which kind of sucked, because it was the largest stone in the mix with a GORGEOUS cut, I could tell it was one of CBI's but felt that the tint of color seen from the side profile would eventually bug me). So the first lesson learned: a super ideal H is just as "white" looking as G (to me), but I would not be able to compromise for J. In all fairness, I think if I was looking at the J on it’s own, I might’ve had a different impression. We all know color is accentuated when seen next to clearer stones!

So down to 4 diamonds, I quickly realized I was very much drawn to the 2 larger stones. I especially loved looking at them in dim lighting, with small amount of light coming from the bottom (culet side) and me looking at it from the top, where I can see the defined arrow patterns shift in the light. Soooooooooo pretty! :love: Then between the remaining 2 stones, I figured one of them would be the GIA triple ex - after some time comparing, I picked the one that I thought was the GIA triple ex and turned out I was right!!! Although the BF thinks I just got luckly....haha :dance:

So the 2 stones that won my heart, no doubt were the 2 CBI stones below (but I didn’t know it at the time of picking).

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

They were both really pretty, and I could not see the inclusion with my naked eye. After some consideration, I’ve narrowed it down to HPD8620 due to the more favorable inclusion positioning. This will be the stone we’ll keep in the final selection pool.

I was laser focused during the appointment, I forgot to take pictures...:cry2: but I will definitely take pictures on my next visit when I'll be comparing the CBI to JA, along with a few other GIA triple ex, and hopefully a Fire and Ice brand as well (a brand the jeweler also carries that supposedly has a very different look than the CBI...more 60/60, and was told some people prefer that look). Ultimately, I want to feel good knowing that I've looked at as much quality options as I can.

@lalala
Sorry for the picture-less update...I hope you guys stay tuned for the next update as I might need some insights on the final decision.
Click to expand...


Ah ha! I wanted to (or did) recommend the 8620 to @RoyEP3 today, but saw it was on hold.

A couple of things about the J. Yes, as you said, compared to a G/H and unset, yes you would clearly be able to pick out the J. As you mentioned, without the other stones there, you probably wouldn't have been able to tell.

Also, as I'm sure you know, but is worth mentioning, is that when set the J would look white, *especially* if it was set in a halo or bezel.

I'm curious if you tried the J on in the temp setting thing?
 
Thank you :) I love sharing here for all the support I get!

I believe the line up included G, H, and J (from CBI), and the GIA Triple Ex I *think* was an H - this I'm not as sure, but I remember when it came down to trying isolate the GIA Triple Ex in the remaining 2 smaller stones, I was taking my time because it wasn't as obvious ...and then the jeweler commented "interesting, one of them is a G color too," and the G colored one turned out to be the CBI, so I'm guessing the GIA Triple Ex was lower on the color grade - H.

No I or F. I would've love to see F in person, as that was the dream color when I first embarked this journey (and future Mr's last name initial) :wink2:

Edited to clarify.

lalala said:
YAY!!! I'm so glad you got to go... I'll try to be patient for the actual big day, lol! That's so exciting that you'll get to look at some other brands too. I've never seen a 'Fire and Ice' so I'm looking forward to a comparison shot.

By chance did you see any I colored diamonds? Or just a J and then H and above?
Click to expand...
 
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IMG_2555.JPG IMG_2557.JPG IMG_2537.JPG

My little HPD/CBI G SI2 in very low light. The pics never do it justice.

Interesting to see that your eyes told you the difference between an ideal and super ideal diamond-- mine did too!
 
I did not get to play with any setting on this visit...but next appointment! I also keep going back and forth on micropave cushion halo (really dainty, smallest thinnest halo basically) or a classic 6 prong solitaire (with maybe some melee in the basket or shank). Oh decisions!

whitewave said:
Ah ha! I wanted to (or did) recommend the 8620 to @RoyEP3 today, but saw it was on hold.

A couple of things about the J. Yes, as you said, compared to a G/H and unset, yes you would clearly be able to pick out the J. As you mentioned, without the other stones there, you probably wouldn't have been able to tell.

Also, as I'm sure you know, but is worth mentioning, is that when set the J would look white, *especially* if it was set in a halo or bezel.

I'm curious if you tried the J on in the temp setting thing?
Click to expand...
 
Drizzle said:
I did not get to play with any setting on this visit...but next appointment! I also keep going back and forth on micropave cushion halo (really dainty, smallest thinnest halo basically) or a classic 6 prong solitaire (with maybe some melee in the basket or shank). Oh decisions!
Click to expand...

2mm is the thinnest most designers will do with micropave given durability issues. My ring in my avatar was done by Caysie van Bebber and each shank is 2mm.

IMG_2558.JPG IMG_2559.JPG
Up close shots
 
@Drizzle
Here are two photos of my smaller 2.21 F-SI1
CBI in a darkened theatre on a cruise ship. I still see fire and dispersion.20171108_170829.jpg

20171108_170852.jpg
 
cflutist said:
@Drizzle
Here are two photos of my smaller 2.21 F-SI1
CBI in a darkened theatre on a cruise ship. I still see fire and dispersion.20171108_170829.jpg

20171108_170852.jpg
Click to expand...

CBI diamonds are so amazing!! My little one blows me away all the time.
 
I mean, could it get any better? Dim light and still putting on a show!? Gahhh :love:
 
How fun to get to see multiple great diamonds at one time! I am glad you were able to assess your color tolerance. It will be very interesting to hear about the next visit when you have the other stone to compare.
 
Hope this process hasn't been too stressful for you, it can become overwhelming!
Looking at the diamond specs as well as the Idealscope, personally, I am not a fan. With your budget and size requirements, you can find something with a better symmetry and sparkle. Happy hunting!
 
Guys!!!! The curiosity got the best of me...and I ended up placing an order for WF ACA too. :snooty: I know it's such an overkill...but I've been lurking on Pricescope for ages, and WF ACA is the very first "Super Ideal" I've ever heard of, and I've always wanted to see them in person! I feel like if I'm going through all the effort to be thorough, I would regret not giving WF ACA a chance too.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3905123.htm

I just got off the phone with the WF rep and they confirmed they will overnight it to me, and I should have it by tomorrow!!

Plus, we found out couple of days ago that the JA diamond had actually shipped (despite the original expectation that it won't ship until 11/13) and BF actually worked from home today so he could sign for the delivery. He texted me this morning to say that he received it!! :clap:

So now I'll have WF ACA, CBI, GIA several GIA Triple EX options (including JA), and possibly a Fire and Ice to compare to. I already made an appointment for this Sunday and I am beyond excited! My heart goes out to my sweet bf for his patience and support on my journey <3
 
Drizzle said:
Guys!!!! The curiosity got the best of me...and I ended up placing an order for WF ACA too. :snooty: I know it's such an overkill...but I've been lurking on Pricescope for ages, and WF ACA is the very first "Super Ideal" I've ever heard of, and I've always wanted to see them in person! I feel like if I'm going through all the effort to be thorough, I would regret not giving WF ACA a chance too.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3905123.htm

I just got off the phone with the WF rep and they confirmed they will overnight it to me, and I should have it by tomorrow!!

Plus, we found out couple of days ago that the JA diamond had actually shipped (despite the original expectation that it won't ship until 11/13) and BF actually worked from home today so he could sign for the delivery. He texted me this morning to say that he received it!! :clap:

So now I'll have WF ACA, CBI, GIA several GIA Triple EX options (including JA), and possibly a Fire and Ice to compare to. I already made an appointment for this Sunday and I am beyond excited! My heart goes out to my sweet bf for his patience and support on my journey <3
Click to expand...

This is fantastic!!! We want a LOT of photos and we will all surely be interested in your thoughts
 
Oh I love it!! Can't wait to see pics and see what you ultimately choose! Any sneak peeks of the JA? :pray:
 
Oh wow. I can't wait for an update. That ACA looks stellar. I got mine today and am blown away. How the heck are you going to choose?!?!
 
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