AGS (ideal) vs GIA (Exc) vs ACU - pls share your thoughts

[Kahrioka10]

Like most people, I've been looking for the best bang for your buck - In the market for a 2ct - 2.5ct round diamond. Initially, I was under the impression as long as the diamond was certified by GIA (Exc) or AGS (Ideal) - cut, symmetry and polish - it would be a safe purchase. After reading more reviews, I learned this is not true. There many more factors involved, this is where I became more and more confused and unable to make a decision. After following experts recommendations I began to search for the following:

• Round Diamond
• Size: 2 ct
• Depth: 60 - 62.5%
• Table: 54- 57%
• Crown angle: 34- 35 degrees
• Pavilion angle: 40.6- 41 degrees
• Girdle: thin to slightly thick, thin to medium ➙ lower girdles 75%-80%
• Color: G or above ****would consider an I if everything else could meet criteria***
• Clarity: SI1 or higher (very important to be eye clean)
• Star Facets: 50%-55%
• Cut: excellent
• Symmetry: excellent
• Polish: excellent
• Optical performance: excellent
• HCA score <2
• Certifications: GIA or AGS

Unfortunately, all the jewelers I've visited don't have any stones that meet all these specs. They all have told me they never had anybody asking for all these criterias. Furthermore, they said this is the way a vendor promotes their product to minimize the competition. I looked at a dozen different stones at multiple stores. They all looked beautiful and sparkling. However, since I was not able to see any stones with my required specs it is difficult to compare . I'm asking for your opinion. If you look a Gia triple exc graded stone vs a cut above, would they look that much different to the naked eye?
My budget is 20-22k for the setting and stone. I reached out to WF and got some recommendations. Just not so sure about the color. Don't want my diamond to look yellow. Could you please share your thoughts?


https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4312096.htm 2.168 I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Round $20,674.00 Wire Price

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4104639.htm 2.226 J SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Round $16,403.00 Wire Price

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4123850.htm 2.531 SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Round $20,291.00.00 Wire Price

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I like the I color stone, but I personally wouldn't go with J. For future reference, as long as cut, polish, symmetry are excellent, you are fine looking at the table, depth (60-62.3), crown angle, and pavilion angle. The other things like star facets fall into place when you stay in the right parameters.

I'd also consider this if you could go with an inexpensive solitaire setting:

Diamond | 2.05 ct H VS2 Premium Select Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4248576

This fabulous 2.05 carat Round Excellent cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of H.It is an excellent choice for diamond engagement rings or other fine diamond jewelry. | 4248576

www.whiteflash.com

 

[tyty333]

I like the "I" or the "H" that DS pointed out. What kind of setting are you looking for? The good thing about WF is that you can upgrade at any time
if you want to go up in color (or size...or really anything). The "I" is an AGS000 H&A stones. The "H" is a GIA XXX with nice angles (and all the
images that show it will perform well).

 

[doberman]

I have a J color stone and it never looks yellow to me. And I'm very good at discerning color.

 

[Kahrioka10]

I like the "I" or the "H" that DS pointed out. What kind of setting are you looking for? The good thing about WF is that you can upgrade at any time
if you want to go up in color (or size...or really anything). The "I" is an AGS000 H&A stones. The "H" is a GIA XXX with nice angles (and all the
images that show it will perform well).

Having decided on a setting yet. I like modern looking one, nothing too ornate.

 

[AprilBaby]

The last one looks eye clean. I would go big and upgrade again later for color.

 

[Lookinagain]

The last one looks eye clean. I would go big and upgrade again later for color.

OP, is the diamond for you or someone else? If for you, then making the decision to go big now and upgrade for color later might make sense. But if this is for someone else and if you think tint would bother them, then I'd do the exact opposite and go for the higher color H stone now and if you want something larger later, then upgrade.

 

[La2020]

Are u setting it in rose or gold color? If so, J is fine. I have a H which shows a slight hint of yellow when viewed from the side.

 

[Kahrioka10]

My setting will be all in white gold. Leaning towards a floating diamond set.

 

[winetime12]

Just so you know, I've found many stones that had all the right proportions. Some places didn't take me seriously and told me I'd never find what I was looking for.... because they didn't have what I was looking for and just wanted to sell me something.

 

[oldminer]

In order to be able to find what you are looking for, you will more than likely end up with a premium ideal cut which will be also graded AGS000. Seeking a GIA graded diamond with the range of cut attributes you are searching for will not exist in but a few GIA 3X diamonds. GIA 3X parameters combine a wider range of cut attributes and do not fully represent the top end, the best, of diamond cutting, but rather provide the very acceptable range, not the perfectionist's cut range of premium ideal cut and AGS000 combined.

Diamonds like the one you want are not stocked by many retailers and are sold only by a very few major retailers. These are boutique stones sold mostly by specialized retailers. Of course, there are limited exceptions, but looking for a needle in a haystack for such diamonds is a large time waster. Best to buy from those who know what this part of the diamond business is all about. Of course, every retailer wants to sell you what they have, but you need to shop where this is not the problem or the issue. You will not likely find what you want accidentally.

You should go shop in person and look at diamonds of G-J color and find out what your own eyes can tell you. How sensitive will you be to the nuances of one or two color grades in that range? We can't tell how your eyes will react. I can see the difference between G and J in good lighting. I can't tell between G and H or H and I, or I and J, but when there is a two or three grade difference I am sure to see something. If you want something that will look like it is a very good color and you don't have a budget for D/F range, then G/H will likely do just fine. If you love G/H color and your budget dictates I/J, you need to make some in person discoveries about what you can see and what you like. This is very difficult to do online. It is way better to take the time to do it in a retail store. It is a quick thing to do and not rocket science. After you are sure, then you can proceed without any worries.

 

[Kahrioka10]

Unfortunately there are a lot of dishonest people in this business. I rather pay a little more and go w a company that has a good reputation. So far I’m leaning towards Whiteflash. I’ve read many good reviews, hope I’m not disappointed at the end.

 

[oldminer]

It would be hard to criticize the value of a well respected firm such as Whiteflash. That's clearly going to make your process far easier.

 

[hypermom]

Whiteflash is a good vendor. I don't believe you'd be disappointed. Personally I wouldn't go lower than I in color, and would prefer G-H if possible.