Help with deciding between these 2 round diamonds. Thanks in advance!!

[Chazman253]

Hello all!

I need your guidance in helping choose between these 2 diamonds. The larger 1.55c has strong fluorescence which I worry will make it cloudy.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-12868121

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-13038810

Thanks for the help! Exciting times.

 

[lovedogs]

I am not a fan of either option, unfortunately. What is your budget and preferred size, color, clarity? Both of these options have cut issues

 

[Chazman253]

I am not a fan of either option, unfortunately. What is your budget and preferred size, color, clarity? Both of these options have cut issues

Budget for diamond is 9-9.5k. Would prefer to purchase from James Allen.

1.3c - 1.6c
Lowest color H
Lowest clarity SI1 but want it face clean.

Appreciate your help!

 

[mwilliamanderson]

Hope you don’t mind me jumping in @lovedogs. I’m supposed to be writing a paper, but searching for diamonds is so much more fun!

@Chazman253 These two look promising to me. Can you request the reports and post them for us to look at? Also, put on hold if you think you might like either. There doesn’t seem to be a lot in your preferred ranges.

1.32 Carat round diamond

This 1.32 carat round diamond H color si1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.28 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.28 carat H color vs2 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[Chazman253]

@mwilliamanderson @lovedogs Here is the report for the 1.32c diamond!

 

[Chazman253]

Hope you don’t mind me jumping in @lovedogs. I’m supposed to be writing a paper, but searching for diamonds is so much more fun!

@Chazman253 These two look promising to me. Can you request the reports and post them for us to look at? Also, put on hold if you think you might like either. There doesn’t seem to be a lot in your preferred ranges.

1.32 Carat round diamond

This 1.32 carat round diamond H color si1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.28 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.28 carat H color vs2 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

The 1.28c looks like it has a lot of inclusions.

The 1.32 looks dark in the video. Is this correct?

 

[mwilliamanderson]

The 1.28c looks like it has a lot of inclusions.

The 1.32 looks dark in the video. Is this correct?

The 1.28 is a VS2 so it should be eyeclean, but you can have them look at it to confirm. Funny how the 1.32 is an SI and I don’t see much for inclusions on it.

I noticed the tint to the 1.32 also. The background looks darker so I’m thinking it’s a lighting issue? Not all JA stones are photographed in the same location. I’m really drawn to that stone for some reason.

Hopefully others will weigh in!

 

[lovedogs]

I like the 1.28, but not a fan of the 1.32

 

[Chazman253]

The 1.28 is a VS2 so it should be eyeclean, but you can have them look at it to confirm. Funny how the 1.32 is an SI and I don’t see much for inclusions on it.

I noticed the tint to the 1.32 also. The background looks darker so I’m thinking it’s a lighting issue? Not all JA stones are photographed in the same location. I’m really drawn to that stone for some reason.

Hopefully others will weigh in!

I also like the 1.32 but don't want it to be too dark. HCA score was 1.6.
I already purchased the 1.3c in my initial post but wondering if I should exchange for this diamond. Any suggestions?

 

[Chazman253]

I like the 1.28, but not a fan of the 1.32

What don't you like about the 1.32?

 

[DejaWiz]

Found some more that you can also look at:

Has a crystal inclusion at the 2 o'clock position where the table, bezel, and star facets converge...it's likely going to be easily spotted in certain lighting conditions.

1.35 Carat round diamond

This 1.35 carat round diamond H color si1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

GIA - Report Check

www.gia.edu

Appears to be very clean, but may have a little bit of light leakage/R.O.D.

1.32 Carat round diamond

This 1.32 carat round diamond H color si1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

GIA - Report Check

www.gia.edu

Probably my favorite of these three:

1.30 Carat round diamond

This 1.3 carat round diamond H color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

GIA - Report Check

www.gia.edu

Going to add this WF Premium Select to my list of recommendations, as it has beautiful proportions and angles as well as gorgeous advanced images...fully qualifies for the same amazing upgrade program that WF's ACA diamonds come with.

Diamond | 1.33 ct H VS2 Premium Select Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4248575

This fabulous 1.33 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. | 4248575

www.whiteflash.com

GIA - Report Check

www.gia.edu

Also adding this 6.92mm 1.22 I VS2 that is proportioned in a way that it should lean towards brilliance...and I think it absolutely does, given how bright and white it appears in the videos. Also has a nice taller 15.5% crown height with a smaller 55% table, which I am really loving. Out of all the diamonds in my post, this would be "the one". A heck of a bargain, in my opinion!
Highly recommend that you at least put this on hold while you think things over.

Diamond | 1.22 ct I VS2 Premium Select Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4355235

This fabulous 1.22 carat Round Excellent cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of I.It is an excellent choice for diamond engagement rings or other fine diamond jewelry. | 4355235

www.whiteflash.com

GIA - Report Check

www.gia.edu

 

[Chazman253]

@DejaWiz Thank you for the suggestions.

What do you think about this diamond:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-12822388

 

[DejaWiz]

@DejaWiz Thank you for the suggestions.

What do you think about this diamond:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-12822388

You're welcome!

Got the grading report for this 1.4 H VVS2? If the camera settings and lighting are similar to the GIA H color diamonds, then this one may be closer to J-K, as it seems to have quite a bit more tint.

 

[Chazman253]

@DejaWiz Here is the idealscope image for the 1.32 carat diamond I was able to get. Not really sure what I am looking at... can you take a look and let me know if it is good? Thanks

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...ferral&utm_campaign=earthdiamonds-ps&a_aid=ps

 

[DejaWiz]

@DejaWiz Here is the idealscope image for the 1.32 carat diamond I was able to get. Not really sure what I am looking at... can you take a look and let me know if it is good? Thanks

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...ferral&utm_campaign=earthdiamonds-ps&a_aid=ps

Looks darned good to me!

 

[lovedogs]

Looks darned good to me!

Agreed

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

I also like the 1.32 but don't want it to be too dark. HCA score was 1.6.
I already purchased the 1.3c in my initial post but wondering if I should exchange for this diamond. Any suggestions?

I believe the 1.32ct H (#12838089) looks like a better choice, especially now that you have a good idealscope image to support this choice.

The 1.3ct from your initial post has a depth of 62.7%, meaning you are losing more face up size/spread because it is cut deeper and it is also outside of the PS recommended max of 62.5%.

For your reference, here are PS recommended proportions:

Diamond Proportions

The physics of light-behavior within a diamond are reliably consistent, which means proportions measurements can be useful.

www.pricescope.com

Green "All around" column the safest proportions, Amber "Firey Balanced" and Yellow "Bright Balanced" can be good too.

Are you able to get an idealscope for your original choice if you still prefer it? If not, I believe the 1.32ct H (#12838089) is a safer option since you have the idealscope to confirm its performance. As for the darkness, I believe the lighting in that video might be making it look darker.

 

[mwilliamanderson]

If your original stone is being set, it’s likely they could easily make the switch. The size difference won’t be a factor.

 

[Chazman253]

@Diamond_Enthusiast, @mwilliamanderson, @lovedogs, @DejaWiz

I have spoken to 3 different people at James Allen and they all have informed me the darkness in the diamond of the 1.32 is not due to lighting. They say the diamond itself is rather dark. Looking at the numbers I would expect this to have great fire/brilliance but I am not seeing it.

Unfortunately there was no idealscope image for the diamond I purchased. Should I stick with the original and hope it gives off good fire/brilliance as it does in the video?

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

@Diamond_Enthusiast, @mwilliamanderson, @lovedogs, @DejaWiz

I have spoken to 3 different people at James Allen and they all have informed me the darkness in the diamond of the 1.32 is not due to lighting. They say the diamond itself is rather dark. Looking at the numbers I would expect this to have great fire/brilliance but I am not seeing it.

Unfortunately there was no idealscope image for the diamond I purchased. Should I stick with the original and hope it gives off good fire/brilliance as it does in the video?

It is a shame that JA said the 1.32ct is dark as the idealscope looked so promising!

I had a look on JA and didn't see much that would fit into your criteria and budget. However, I did see this one but it is more expensive from their True Hearts range:

1.26 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.26 carat G color vvs1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

This one is definitely nicely cut and even though it is 1.26ct, it actually has a larger spread than the H you are looking at originally because it isn't cut too deep:




If budget allows, I think this is a far better choice. If you pay by bank wire I think you get a small discount and if it is your first purchase with JA, think there may be a $150 off for first purchase too if you haven't used it already or JA allows you to apply it. After these discounts, this stone may be around your budget.

Edit: Wanted to also mention that JA is having a 25% off early Black Friday Sale for engagement rings. Perhaps the potential reduction in ring cost can help you apply the savings to the diamond budget?

 

[Chazman253]

It is a shame that JA said the 1.32ct is dark as the idealscope looked so promising!

I had a look on JA and didn't see much that would fit into your criteria and budget. However, I did see this one but it is more expensive from their True Hearts range:

1.26 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.26 carat G color vvs1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

This one is definitely nicely cut and even though it is 1.26ct, it actually has a larger spread than the H you are looking at originally because it isn't cut too deep:




If budget allows, I think this is a far better choice. If you pay by bank wire I think you get a small discount and if it is your first purchase with JA, think there may be a $150 off for first purchase too if you haven't used it already or JA allows you to apply it. After these discounts, this stone may be around your budget.

Edit: Wanted to also mention that JA is having a 25% off early Black Friday Sale for engagement rings. Perhaps the potential reduction in ring cost can help you apply the savings to the diamond budget?

Would the grey tint of the 1.32 make the fire and brilliance less? Or just look darker in the setting?

 

[mwilliamanderson]

Would the grey tint of the 1.32 make the fire and brilliance less? Or just look darker in the setting?

I’m wondering if it’s dark because it was color graded incorrectly, maybe just a low H or if it’s just the proportions which would favor fire over brilliance. Hard to say without seeing it. As I mentioned, I really like the look of the stone but it has a very warm presentation.

I like that G stone @diamondenthusiast

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

Would the grey tint of the 1.32 make the fire and brilliance less? Or just look darker in the setting?

It is hard to tell for sure how it will look in person with the grey tint. I would personally stay away from a stone that is confirmed to have a tint to be safe.

Here is an article that talks about tint in a diamond if you are interested:

Victor Canera

www.victorcanera.com

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

I like that G stone @diamondenthusiast

Me too! I really like this G and I believe it'll perform much better than the original H that OP posted. Even though it will cost more, I think it will sooooo much nicer and a better choice in the long run if budget can stretch a touch.