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Help needed on ACA diamonds selection!

lazyshyboy

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 6, 2021
Messages
9
Hello to all PS peeps!

I am looking to get a loose ACA diamond from WF since I heard good feedbacks in this forum and around the web.

I have a tight budget of $4.3k~ and Becca from WF has shortlisted these 6 diamonds below:

Diamond comparison | Compare Diamonds to choose and buy the best one (whiteflash.com)

Now I need some advices and opinions to help me pick the best out of the 6 in the list? Some of the diamonds in the list has HCA below 1 and I read that HCA below 1 is unsuitable for ring?
Else, you may also post another diamond in the same carat weight class from WF not in the list or BGD even if the price is over my budget (might be able to squeeze a lil more!)

I am really in a dilemma so I hope I can get some much needed hep here!
 
You really can't go wrong with any of them, but I like the 0.708 and 0.711 the best due to their slightly smaller tables (just personal preference), with an edge to the 0.708 for the cost savings.
 
The ACA diamonds at Whiteflash are cut to a standard which rules out the need to use the HCA. Apart from personal preferences like color and clarity or table size, they will all be great performers.

The HCA is designed to rule out poorly proportioned stones which it does rather well, however, it is not meant to be a selection tool.

My personal choice would be the first one since it’s the highest color grade and the largest, yet still within budget.
 
Agreed with the others...the differences would be so minor that they wouldn't be noticable, so go with the biggest spread.

TBS, if I were to get into the minutiae, then I like the 0.711 the best...seems to have a smidge brighter center/table area in the photos. Again, it won't matter since all of them will have such amazing light return and performance that they won't be discernable in that regard.
 
Thank you everyone for the great feedbacks! Seems like all of you agreed that since they are all ACA diamonds, all would look hella good. Just need to decide on the weight, color and clarity ultimately.

Do you guys think there would be a visual difference between a 0.71 and 0.74 carat weight diamonds?

Beside the HCA calculation, does the visual indication from the HCA tool stating the visual appearance "average" or "big" is accurate?

My budget is $4.3k on diamond only, without the setting. I am gonna set the diamond locally. My soon-to-be fiancee's ring size is 11.5 by the way.

I would look to upgrade to a bigger carat weight a couple of years down the road so I guess WF lifetime upgrade program fits the bill perfectly!
 
Since upgrading to bigger/better is definitely a possibility, have you considered moving down in color to move up in diameter/spread?

Here are two WF diamonds (one ES and one ACA)...one is an F and the other is a J.

1 F or J.png 2 F or J.png


Here is a rough comparison of the size differences between a J with a 6.2mm spread vs an F with a 5.7mm spread, which is nearly a 20% difference:
https://www.diamdb.com/compare/0.71ct-round-5.7x5.7x3.55-vs-0.9ct-round-6.2x6.2x3.78/

Something to think about, as long as color sensitivity/tolerance isn't an issue.
Although, I personally think you're on the right track to go with D-F: I'm a huge proponent of colorless diamonds, given their more rare nature.
 
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Beside the HCA calculation, does the visual indication from the HCA tool stating the visual appearance "average" or "big" is accurate?

My budget is $4.3k on diamond only, without the setting. I am gonna set the diamond locally. My soon-to-be fiancee's ring size is 11.5 by the way.

I would look to upgrade to a bigger carat weight a couple of years down the road so I guess WF lifetime upgrade program fits the bill perfectly!

Most well-cut stones( Super Ideals) will fall in the "average" size for appearance. Stones that are shallow or 60/60 stones will show
up as bigger than average. You wont find any Super Ideals that show up as Bigger because they will fall within a certain range of
depth.

I would go lower in color and go bigger. You can go G/H/I in the .8ish range. I would definitely do that.

Here is a relative look at a .72 and a .82 on a size 11 1/2 finger
size 11.png
 
Hmm good suggestion on going down on the color and increase the weight. Is there clear difference between an F and G visually?

Also, what do you guys think about their expert selection?
 
Hmm good suggestion on going down on the color and increase the weight. Is there clear difference between an F and G visually?

Also, what do you guys think about their expert selection?

As long as the ASET and IdealScope checks out, then my stance is the ES represents a tremendous value...plus WF includes them in the same upgrade program that their ACA is a part of, so it's a win-win.
 
Sensitive might* be able to tell the difference between a G/F when they are side-by-side but not usually when you see them
by themselves (like on a finger). G colored stones are considered pretty white by most people.

I think you should go down to a G/H color. The stone will have a bigger presence on her hand. Its well worth the trade-off IMO.

Expert Selection stones can be a great option if it allows you to go up in size. They have the same trade-up policy as the ACAs.
 
Well, if i were to downgrade the color grade and go for a bigger weight, I thought this is not bad:

Diamond | 0.83 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4369555 (whiteflash.com)

However, I am not so sure about the cloud inclusion seen on the actual Hearts image?

Else will be this, which color grade is downgraded by 2:

Diamond | 0.812 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4415682 (whiteflash.com)

Lastly, will be this I color grade:

Diamond | 0.82 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4430097 (whiteflash.com)
 
Well, if i were to downgrade the color grade and go for a bigger weight, I thought this is not bad:

Diamond | 0.83 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4369555 (whiteflash.com)

However, I am not so sure about the cloud inclusion seen on the actual Hearts image?

Else will be this, which color grade is downgraded by 2:

Diamond | 0.812 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4415682 (whiteflash.com)

Lastly, will be this I color grade:

Diamond | 0.82 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4430097 (whiteflash.com)

You've pick some great options! If these are all within budget I would suggest choose based on color sensitivity. If unsure, most people would be very happy with G (safe bet) or even H. I don't think what you are seeing in the Hearts image would be the issue. The videos of that G stone looks really good.
 
You've pick some great options! If these are all within budget I would suggest choose based on color sensitivity. If unsure, most people would be very happy with G (safe bet) or even H. I don't think what you are seeing in the Hearts image would be the issue. The videos of that G stone looks really good.

Totally agree. That G looks really lovely.
 
Ditto the above two post...the G is lovely! Talk to WF about the cloud and if you can see anything from the side.
The video looks really nice!
 
I’d FAR rather have a larger G over a smaller F!!! My ACA diamond studs are H color and look very white on!
 
Thank you peeps for the valuable inputs and opinions.

I have narrowed down my pool to these 4 diamonds and I shall not deviate further else I will always be caught in a dilemma which is an endless cycle!

I have included a stone fro BGD as I thought the size, color and clarity all fits within my budget. Let me know your views!

AGS 0.791 Carat Black By Brian Gavin Diamond (briangavindiamonds.com)

Diamond | 0.744 ct E VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4419243 (whiteflash.com)

Diamond | 0.736 ct E VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4396517 (whiteflash.com)

Diamond | 0.731 ct F VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4421894 (whiteflash.com)
 
The 0.736 E VS2 is my favorite! There's no wrong choice here, though!
 
.73 E all the way!! Tall crown - watch in the video how mesmerizing the light show is with that diamond!
 
I don't get your logic. Why wont a G from WF work (in the same price range)? Its easier to upgrade with WF.
 
Okay the thing is, I wanted to go down to G color and increase the carat weight but I realized by going to 0.8ct even with G color, the price is still out of my budget.

I could have gone with G color in 0.7ct range and bring the price down but the only G color and in good weight in 0.7ct range are probably the ones below:

0.742 G VS2
0.728 G VS2
0.721 G VS1
0.718 G VS2

The inclusions I see from the two diamonds above are worse off compared to the E/F range? Probably only the 0.721 and 0.718 is cleaner?

Ultimately, I shortlisted the E/F range I thought I could stretch the cost closer to my budget and the stones are slightly bigger?
 
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Have you registered with WF already so that you can get the $100 off if it is the first purchase with them? See where I highlighted in blue on their listing:

1633963887092.png

Either way it is worth registering to get the discount if you haven't already. Regardless of the option you choose.

You mentioned that your soon to be fiancee's ring size is 11.5, it is always good to get a bit more finger coverage with a larger stone if you can. Although you did talk about potentially upgrading down the track. Hopefully getting the extra discount can just help your budget enough for a larger stone. Bank wire price with the $100 off will come down to $4496 for that 0.83ct G VS2 you were considering.

The 0.736 E VS2 still a gorgeous stone too though.
 
Have you asked Becca to send you some pics/videos of the different colors stones next to each other? My first diamond was a .718 ACA I SI1 and it was bright white to me. (I know everyone has different color sensitivity.) It might be worth exploring to get a bump in size. I’m linking a good video that shows color difference.
 
You really need to eek out as much size as you can IMO. These pics are really blown up. Just because you can see something
in a pic doesn't mean you will be able to see it in real life. Talk to your SA to find out which ones are eye-clean to say like 6 inches.

What exactly is your budget?
 
Have you registered with WF already so that you can get the $100 off if it is the first purchase with them? See where I highlighted in blue on their listing:

1633963887092.png

Either way it is worth registering to get the discount if you haven't already. Regardless of the option you choose.

You mentioned that your soon to be fiancee's ring size is 11.5, it is always good to get a bit more finger coverage with a larger stone if you can. Although you did talk about potentially upgrading down the track. Hopefully getting the extra discount can just help your budget enough for a larger stone. Bank wire price with the $100 off will come down to $4496 for that 0.83ct G VS2 you were considering.

The 0.736 E VS2 still a gorgeous stone too though.

Sorry for the confusion. My gf ring size is HK size 11.5 which is roughly US 6-6.5 after conversion.

Yes, I have already factored in the wire discount and the $100 off for first time buyer so budget better stays at $4300 and below which is why 0.8ct will be out of budget, albeit slightly for some.

Which of the G colored ring would be your pick though?
 
Have you asked Becca to send you some pics/videos of the different colors stones next to each other? My first diamond was a .718 ACA I SI1 and it was bright white to me. (I know everyone has different color sensitivity.) It might be worth exploring to get a bump in size. I’m linking a good video that shows color difference.

Yes Becca did send me images and videos for size and color comparisons between E, F, G and I couldn’t tell any differences. She didn’t see any inclusion from 6 inches away too.

Probably I was too anal with the inclusion in the report and also from the images on WF site. I should realized I will definitely not seen the inclusions in person since they’ll all be hidden with the sparkles.
 
Which of the G colored ring would be your pick though?

Of the G stones, I like this 0.83 ct G VS2 one that you found because it has nice proportions (table size, angles) and the better face up size (6.03x6.07mm):


Here is another nice looking 0.807ct G VS2 that is slightly lower priced (bank wire $4369 after $100 off) that looks nice and well proportioned too and no inclusions plotted on the table. So even with eagle eyes, you can probably set the prong to cover anything you can potentially see.


The face up of the 0.807ct G VS2 is 5.95x5.97mm though and the 0.736ct E VS2 you were considering is 5.80x5.83mm. So although it is bigger, I don't know if the increase will be noticeable. Also, the 0.736ct E is a higher color and lower priced.

Generally human eyes can detect from 0.2mm difference in size of the stone. For the 0.83 ct G VS2 it is 6.03x6.07mm, so I think it is possible to notice the size increase compared to the 0.736ct E.
 
Sorry for the confusion. My gf ring size is HK size 11.5 which is roughly US 6-6.5 after conversion.

Yes, I have already factored in the wire discount and the $100 off for first time buyer so budget better stays at $4300 and below which is why 0.8ct will be out of budget, albeit slightly for some.

Which of the G colored ring would be your pick though?

Ok, that makes a world of difference! That's like the difference between feet and meters!

One of the .7 stones will work fine with her finger size! The .73 E would be lovely!
 
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