Help with round brilliant LGD decisions

[MackPUK]

Hi all,
Third attempt at this - having read through the FAQ's etc it 'might' be due to posting links (but only to things like loupe360 which I see many folk do!).

Anyway, yes, another Round LGD post. I've read loads of threads, blogs, articles, websites etc and have a good understanding of the basics of 4c's and beyond (ASET pics, brilliance, fire, PA, CA etc) and am now close to being ready to 'pull the trigger' on a purchase.

One minor challenge is that I am UK based so a narrower choice for LGD options so I may have to buy blind - hence looking here for help. If I purchase from a US site I would have to pay 20% tax to bring into the UK and it might impact ability to return etc hence needing to get things right (if possible) first time!

Requirements
2 to 2.5 ct (spotted quite a few in the 2.3-ish range that look good at first glance)
Good colour (not fussed about being 'perfect') - prob down to about 'G'
Must be eye clean - VVS1 to VS1 likely range
Cut - am very aware this is the most important aspect. Am keen to get a really well proportioned diamond with great optical performance

Price range - around the $2k mark (which would be closer to $2.5k after import) or £2k GBP

Examples of things I've seen: Note, I am not posting links to pics/videos etc as I think that may have been the issue preventing my other posts from being approved before but happy to share all details if this post works to get discussion started!!!

Thoughts on these:

Ex1 - 2.36 ct E VVS2 EX EX EX (GIA cert + AGS Ideal Report 0) - 8.53 - 8.56 x 5.28
Price (USD Equivalent): $2150
Table: 56%
CA: 35%
PA: 40.8%
Pav Depth: 43$
Crown Height: 15.5%
Depth: 61.8%
Star: 50
Lower: 80

Ex 2 - 2.34 ct D VVS2 EX EX EX (GIA cert) - 8.56 - 8.58 x 5.24
Price (USD Equivalent): $1870
Table: 55%
CA: 34.5%
PA: 40.6%
Pav Depth: 43%
Crown Height: 15%
Depth: 61.1%
Star: 50
Lower: 75

There are quite a few others at lower prices e.g. a 2.71 GCAL (only '5x') and some smaller 8x but will leave this here until I know the posting is working!!

Thanks in advance

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello, MackPUK!
Looks like you have some great candidates picked out.
However, I think the pricing may be a touch too steep when I compare to similar GIA graded diamonds.

Example: here's a clean HPHT 2.4x D VVS with a 40.8/34.5/56 combo listed for around $1500.

(I won't post the link until you're ready to take a closer look at it and possibly pounce on it, at your request)

 

[MackPUK]

Thanks,

The pricing here in the UK tends to be higher and, as we have a 20% tax then buying on the world inventory we have to add that into the mix - it makes the $1500 option you posted the same as $1800 once i get it in the UK - so very similar to the second option i posted in price 'to me'

If I am allowed to post loupe360 links I'm ok to share the two I posted - or I could share the cert numbers - I know there are scalpers but that's just a risk and I'm learning here - there are always options out there!

I don't know the growth method of the first I posted (one with the AGS report) but I thought I could see Stria - but I'm new to this!!

There is another smaller (2.08 with 8.21x8.24 mm diameter) GCAL8x I saw which looks nice in pics - also a CVD - but looks 'cleaner' in the pics and benefit of having the other pics e.g. Brilliance, Symmetry etc. This would be around $1600 in the US (so $1900 uk).

I'm happy to spend for the right option - would obviously prefer not to get stung with taxes but that's life!

The sheer numbers of options is a little paralysing!

I have to step away from my laptop for a short while but back shortly and happy to share details

 

[DejaWiz]

Check about availability for the one I mentioned: and see if they'll give you a price match before VAT gets applied.

You are being redirected...

I am more than happy to provide you with more options, if you'd like.
We'll be happy to check out the diamonds that you've found via grading report numbers,if you'd like to share them.

 

[MackPUK]

Many thanks - am back to the laptop for a short while

That option looks nice. Assuming I get hit by import tax (which I would 100% expect) then it's a touch under 1800 all in.

I did keep looking at some others and found a few similar options that all have cuts in decent ranges.

E.g. This is a 2.5 E VS1 (not a showstopper). It's local at a lower all-in cost (equivalent of approx $1400 pre-tax) so lower than the other options I posted (likely due to clarity but the cut looks good!)

It's a GIA cert with the additional AGS Ideal Report (0) and what looks like a pretty nice ASET picture (see below).

Happy to share Cert numbers if you're online etc so you can view it properly

Stats:

Depth 61.7%
Table 57%
Crown Angle 34.5°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.8°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length[/td] 45%
Lower Half[/td] 75%
Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 4.0%
Culet None

 

[DejaWiz]

Many thanks - am back to the laptop for a short while

That option looks nice. Assuming I get hit by import tax (which I would 100% expect) then it's a touch under 1800 all in.

I did keep looking at some others and found a few similar options that all have cuts in decent ranges.

E.g. This is a 2.5 E VS1 (not a showstopper). It's local at a lower all-in cost (equivalent of approx $1400 pre-tax) so lower than the other options I posted (likely due to clarity but the cut looks good!)

It's a GIA cert with the additional AGS Ideal Report (0) and what looks like a pretty nice ASET picture (see below).

Happy to share Cert numbers if you're online etc so you can view it properly

Stats:

Depth 61.7%
Table 57%
Crown Angle 34.5°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.8°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length[/td] 45%
Lower Half[/td] 75%
Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 4.0%
Culet None

The numbers and ASET image are looking great - I'm online right now if you want to share the cert, then promptly delete it.

 

[MackPUK]

Sure thing:

The additional AGS report shows when I use the GIA 'Report Check' lookup page

Its on Loupe360 also

 

[DejaWiz]

Sure thing:

Cert Number: - The additional AGS report shows when I use the GIA 'Report Check' lookup page

Its on Loupe360 also

Got it, you can delete the report number

 

[DejaWiz]

MackPUK you may want to edit your previous post and delete the report number.
The diamond looks great!
It appears to be HPHT to my eyes (tack on /video/800/800 to the end of your loup360 url after the grading report number to get a magnified view of the video).

 

[MackPUK]

Thanks, I edited the post as soon as you responded earlier so odd that you were still seeing it!

Thanks for the tip re: loupe360 - that will help.

I'm tempted to jump on that option anyway, the AGS report gives me a bit more peace of mind and it looks good, within all the numbers etc and the price is nearly $1000 cheaper than the first 2.36 I posted but, clarity grading aside, it looks better across the board!

(This was the original 2.36: 1236092822 and the ASET doesn't look as clean and the video shows what I assume are stria in the material - though I'm not 100% that's what I'm looking at!)

 

[DejaWiz]

Thanks, I edited the post as soon as you responded earlier so odd that you were still seeing it!

Thanks for the tip re: loupe360 - that will help.

I'm tempted to jump on that option anyway, the AGS report gives me a bit more peace of mind and it looks good, within all the numbers etc and the price is nearly $1000 cheaper than the first 2.36 I posted but, clarity grading aside, it looks better across the board!

(This was the original 2.36: 1236092822 and the ASET doesn't look as clean and the video shows what I assume are stria in the material - though I'm not 100% that's what I'm looking at!)

Oof, that 2.36 is definitely a CVD because of all that obvious graining. Glad you're skipping that one!

 

[MackPUK]

Yeah, I thought it was very obvious but not having much experience didn’t want to pretend I knew 100%

So, I jumped on that 2.5 option - I have a 30 day return if needed so can view in person but all I’ve seen so far suggests it will be a nicely balanced stone with good performance across the board - which is what I was looking for!

The money saved here can / will be used in the setting stage - or perhaps pay for something a bit fancier when I pop the question!!

I’ll post pictures when it arrives and if I have any further questions about it.

Thanks so far! No doubt more to come at some point

 

[MackPUK]

(Reposting this without the loupe360 link - why does it stop the post automatically going through when I see many other links to the same resource posted by others!!?)
----

So, I have been notified that I should receive the diamond in a couple of days which is pretty exciting!

I have a 'Hearts and Arrows' loupe which will help me view those things in more detail but are there any tips/tricks in terms of evaluating the stone overall once I have it in-hand?

Obviously - view in various different light sources etc but anything specific I might benefit from doing to ensure it meets the right standard as indicated in the specs?

E.g. On another web resource someone (experienced) mentioned there may be a feint blue nuance to the stone - is there a particular lighting condition that might highlight this more than others so I can test for that in particular?

Reminder of the stone in question so you can look it up without me posting links! LG2504487893

 

[MackPUK]

Well,

The diamond arrived earlier and I've managed to sneak a few pics whilst my partner was busy on calls!

Shaky hands and not the best phone camera made things slightly tricky on the H&A shots but the pics are a decent representation - I'd say things definitely looked better to the eye through the loupe when I could be steadier.

Taking pics diamonds is an art to itself (and one I'm yet to acquire!) but these should give an idea and I welcome thoughts and feedback


I'll post some other pics of the stone in sunlight etc as well

 

[MackPUK]

A couple of stills - mainly direct or shaded south facing sunlight

 

[DejaWiz]

MackPUK that diamond looks phenomenal...pure perfection!

 

[MackPUK]

Thank you for the comment

The fire/reflections in sunlight are blinding - link here but slightly edited to allow post to go through without mod approval (on that note, I keep getting caught out posting links or trying to embed media - is there a better way?)

imgur.com/gallery/diamond-sunlight-6x4dRsG

I did look at it under LED lighting as well and the fire is captivating!

 

[DejaWiz]

Thank you for the comment

The fire/reflections in sunlight are blinding - link here but slightly edited to allow post to go through without mod approval (on that note, I keep getting caught out posting links or trying to embed media - is there a better way?)

imgur.com/gallery/diamond-sunlight-6x4dRsG

I did look at it under LED lighting as well and the fire is captivating!

Wow all the fire!
Captivating, indeed!

Not sure if there is a better way with the new anti-spam measures that seem to have been recently implemented, but thankfully the amount of spam hitting the forum seems to be vastly reduced.

 

[MackPUK]

Thanks again,

Would you recommend any other lighting conditions in which to get pics/clips prior to engaging a goldsmith to have it set?

 

[DejaWiz]

Thanks again,

Would you recommend any other lighting conditions in which to get pics/clips prior to engaging a goldsmith to have it set?

Nope, you've got it covered with direct and indirect lighting to show the fire and ice aspects.

 

[baxxter]

Well,

The diamond arrived earlier and I've managed to sneak a few pics whilst my partner was busy on calls!

Shaky hands and not the best phone camera made things slightly tricky on the H&A shots but the pics are a decent representation - I'd say things definitely looked better to the eye through the loupe when I could be steadier.

Taking pics diamonds is an art to itself (and one I'm yet to acquire!) but these should give an idea and I welcome thoughts and feedback


I'll post some other pics of the stone in sunlight etc as well

@MackPUK Great pics & videos, just beutiful…stunning

 

[MackPUK]

@MackPUK Great pics & videos, just beutiful…stunning

Many thanks. Now to get the setting made! More decisions. Lol