Diamond Help: Are any of these any good?

[Anjaani3]

Hi PS experts,
I've spent MONTHS searching for my engagement ring diamond. The fi has let me loose so I can chase my own tail while searching highs and lows for the perfect stone. Of course, we're on a budget so that's harder than expected. I've come across three stones I'm considering and would LOVE some input on them and what might be a good buy. Im interested in a minimum of 1.5 ct, but definitely the bigger the better (I've got long hands and like my bling!) . Any feedback is much appreciated.

Stone A

Carat weight: 1.51
Cut: excellent
Color: J
Clarity: SI1
Depth %: 62.4%
Table %: 56%
Crown angle: 35
Pavilion angle: 40.8
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Medium blue
Measurements: 7.34 x 7.30 x 4.57 mm



Stone B

Carat weight: 1.61
Cut: excellent
Color: J
Clarity: VS1
Depth %: 62.7%
Table %: 56%
Crown angle: 36
Pavilion angle: 40.6
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Very Strong Blue
Measurements: 7.42 x 7.47 x 4.67 mm

Stone C

Carat weight: 1.52
Cut: Very Good
Color: I
Clarity: SI1
Depth %: 58.9%
Table %: 59%
Crown angle: 31.5
Pavilion angle: 40.8
Polish: very good
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Faint
Measurements: 7.52 x 7.56 x 4.44 mm


They are all priced in the same range for the most part and for stone A and B, I was told the fluorescence has had a neutral affect, not negative or positive to the unaided eye. I'm a bit concerned about the VG ratings for stone C, but measurements wise it would appear the biggest. All score well on HCA I believe. If you see any stones above 1.5ct in the $7ish (+\-) range, please feel free to suggest!

Thanks PS, you all rock.

 

[diamonds-are-friends]

stone 1 seems to be the best choice amongst the 3.

 

[diamonds-are-friends]

Disclaimer: it is based purely on numbers alone.

 

[dudeinlove]

7K for a 1.5 RB (assuming this is a RB based on measurements) seems a little low. I'd ensure the inclusions on stone 1 aren't too noticeable.

 

[Christina...]

Based only on the numbers my choice would be #1 as well, though it's a tad deeper than I'd like. I try to keep the depth above 62.3, preferably above 62. I like the proportions of stone B but it's deeper than A hiding visual weight. Are you sure that stone C has a crown angle of 31.5?? That is really flat, so I would eliminate that one as well. I just noticed that it also has a cut grade of Very Good, I would only consider stones that have been graded EX by GIA. They already have a very broad range of EX, some being better than others, so stick to EX.

Can you get magnified images of the stones? Can you get idealscope images? Can a gemologists evaluate the stone for you to see if it's eye clean? Is there a return policy so you can return the stone if you are unhappy?

 

[Christina...]

I'm having trouble loading the reports on JA right now, but I'll take a look for you when I can get them up. I also just wanted to mention that the size difference between stone A and Stone C is going to be the width of a single sheet of copy paper around the stone. It's not a huge visual difference. Also, don't use the HCA to select a stone. It's purpose is to allow you to narrow down your potential list, you've done that by choosing these three and asking for other options. Now you need to get additional information, such as images and gemological assessment. There seems to have been some confusion around here lately that if the HCA gives you a score under two that the diamond is beautiful and worth purchasing. That's not what the HCA was designed for.

Okay, I'll see if JA will let me review reports now....

ETA I just noticed that you didn't mention who graded these stones. Is it GIA EGL?

 

[Anjaani3]

7K for a 1.5 RB (assuming this is a RB based on measurements) seems a little low. I'd ensure the inclusions on stone 1 aren't too noticeable.

It's actually a bit above 7k but that's the range I'm trying to stay close to (+/- depending on quality of options). There really aren't many inclusions on this stone, just a small one on the table but i've been told that it's eye clean 6-8".

 

[Christina...]

Did EGL grade the stones?

 

[Anjaani3]

Based only on the numbers my choice would be #1 as well, though it's a tad deeper than I'd like. I try to keep the depth above 62.3, preferably above 62. I like the proportions of stone B but it's deeper than A hiding visual weight. Are you sure that stone C has a crown angle of 31.5?? That is really flat, so I would eliminate that one as well. I just noticed that it also has a cut grade of Very Good, I would only consider stones that have been graded EX by GIA. They already have a very broad range of EX, some being better than others, so stick to EX.

Can you get magnified images of the stones? Can you get idealscope images? Can a gemologists evaluate the stone for you to see if it's eye clean? Is there a return policy so you can return the stone if you are unhappy?

Thanks Christina. Is there really that significant of a difference in the depths of A and B? I was really interested in B as well because I like that it's a big bigger, will it not appear that? I'm still figuring out understanding the measurements of diamonds.

Yes, stone C has a crown angle of 31.5, i assume that's why it's a V.Good cut. I saw that one in person (the other two are online) and it was very pretty but I think I could tell the diff between a VG and Excellent cut when I saw it. I have been aiming for EX cut, but sometimes VG cut seems to come with an attractive package! I think I've eliminated stone C from the running at this point.

Unfortunately, I can't get magnified images of the stones A and B, once I order them I can take them to a gemologist to have them evaluated. They are all GIA rated though, so at least I know the reports will be pretty accurate. They have a return policy so if I'm not too happy, I can send them back. At the moment my concern on both A and B is the flourescence (more worried about B). Is that something I should be concerned about? I'm also worried about how yellow/warm the J color will appear since the seller isn't really saying that the flourescence is making it whiter which is what i was hoping for.

Do you guys think these stones are actually good enough to seriously consider? Or should I keep looking?

 

[Anjaani3]

No, all GIA.

I have been considering EGL stones though, but most jewelers/sellers have told me to stick with GIA because "you know what you're getting". When I've considered EGL, I've looked at stones with high specs, Excellent cut, Color D-F, and nothing below VS2 - Si1. Will those requirements usually present a pretty good stone despire EGL's grading leniancy? The prices are a bit better for EGL so I could get a bigger diamond, but i'm afraid to get a dud. Have you had any success with EGL's?

 

[Anjaani3]

I'd actually like to throw one more diamond into the mix to see if this could be any better than the ones mentioned above. Specs are:

Carat weight: 1.50
Cut: Excellent
Color: J
Clarity: SI2
Depth %: 61.6%
Table %: 56%
Crown angle: 34.5
Pavilion angle: 40.6
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Strong blue
Measurements: 7.31 - 7.38 x 4.53 mm

This one is also GIA certified, and I have an image (attached). One of the details that really worries me though is that this one does NOT have a return policy. Also, although this isn't necessarily a deciding factor, it scores a 0.7 within the TIC range on the HCA (thats the lowest score of all the diamonds i've mentioned, so i thought it might be worth noting).

Also, from the picture attached, does it appear whiter than a J?

Thank you guys so much for your help. I know I'm asking a lot of questions but I can't tell you how much I appreciate this -- I finally feel like im getting closer to finding my diamond after FOREVER.

 

[JulieN]

No, you can't tell color in this type of lighting.

No, don't buy it with no returns! Out of the question.

 

[Anjaani3]

I'm having trouble loading the reports on JA right now, but I'll take a look for you when I can get them up. I also just wanted to mention that the size difference between stone A and Stone C is going to be the width of a single sheet of copy paper around the stone. It's not a huge visual difference. Also, don't use the HCA to select a stone. It's purpose is to allow you to narrow down your potential list, you've done that by choosing these three and asking for other options. Now you need to get additional information, such as images and gemological assessment. There seems to have been some confusion around here lately that if the HCA gives you a score under two that the diamond is beautiful and worth purchasing. That's not what the HCA was designed for.

Okay, I'll see if JA will let me review reports now....

ETA I just noticed that you didn't mention who graded these stones. Is it GIA EGL?

Hi Christina,
Any thoughts on this new stone?

 

[Christina...]

I like the proportions of the last stone you posted, but I agree with Julie, don't buy without a return policy. It's impossible to judge a diamonds true light performance under *trick* jewelry store lighting, so I'd have to pass.

I'm relieved that they are all GIA graded and agree with your jeweler about EGL graded stones,it is best to stick with GIA or AGS. So, as far as the depth of the stones, it doesn't appear that stone A is significantly impacting the face up size of the stones. Most of the 1.5 true hearts that I looked at on JA are facing up at 7.3-7.4, Stone B though I'd like to see at 7.5mm, so yes, you are losing some face up size. the visual size difference between stone A and stone B will be about the width of a single sheet of copy paper around the diameter of the smaller stone, so even though stone B has a larger ct weight, the visual impact because of the depth is minimal. If I had to make a decision based on the stones you listed, stone A would get my vote.

ETA: Don't worry about the lower score on HCA. HCA is strictly pass/fail, under 2 passes over 2 (with a few caveats) fails. A lower score (.7 in this case) doesn't mean it's a more beautiful stone than say..a 1.9.

 

[Anjaani3]

I like the proportions of the last stone you posted, but I agree with Julie, don't buy without a return policy. It's impossible to judge a diamonds true light performance under *trick* jewelry store lighting, so I'd have to pass.

I'm relieved that they are all GIA graded and agree with your jeweler about EGL graded stones,it is best to stick with GIA or AGS. So, as far as the depth of the stones, it doesn't appear that stone A is significantly impacting the face up size of the stones. Most of the 1.5 true hearts that I looked at on JA are facing up at 7.3-7.4, Stone B though I'd like to see at 7.5mm, so yes, you are losing some face up size. the visual size difference between stone A and stone B will be about the width of a single sheet of copy paper around the diameter of the smaller stone, so even though stone B has a larger ct weight, the visual impact because of the depth is minimal. If I had to make a decision based on the stones you listed, stone A would get my vote.

ETA: Don't worry about the lower score on HCA. HCA is strictly pass/fail, under 2 passes over 2 (with a few caveats) fails. A lower score (.7 in this case) doesn't mean it's a more beautiful stone than say..a 1.9.

Thanks Christina and everyone that's taken a moment to answer and help! I'm really torn on whether I should order these stones and check them out or not. I asked BN for images (since they don't offer much else) and got pictures of both stones. I know they're J color but do these look really yellow or is it just me? And the other diamonds ive seen images of usually have dark arrows in the center, this one looks a bit different...is it an issue with the image? Anyone with J color experience, please weigh in! I'm on the clock since my hold us expiring
soon...

1.51 SI1 J


1.61 VS J

 

[JulieN]

I think they look good but is the J SI1 eye-clean?

 

[Anjaani3]

Yes, it's eye clean. So the colors and cut look ok in the pics?