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My diamond search (I'm stuck)

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KenHunziker

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
6
Hi everyone! I've been planning on buying an engagement ring for a couple months now and being who I am, I needed to find out everything I could about buying diamonds first. Pricescope is awesome and I've been reading all of your guy's posts to try to educate myself, but I suppose it is time that I actively participate.

I've been to a number of local stores to try to get a feel for the size, color, clarity etc. that I want and I think that I've settled on ~1ct, G-F, VS2-SI1. I've looked at both HOF and Peerless (Jareds) diamonds and compared them with 'lesser' cuts and I think that I definitely want to go the AGS0 ideal route. I've found a lot of good diamonds but I seem to be pretty attracted to Whiteflash, ACA or Expert Selection. It seems like they have a good reputation and people have been really happy working with them which is very important for me for buying a diamond online. I think that I've narrowed it down to 4 diamonds:

1) 1.006ct AGS0 G VS2 HCA 1.0 (Expert Selection)
2) 1.058ct AGS0 G VS2 HCA 1.3 (Expert Selection)
3) 1.043ct AGS0 F VS2 HCA 1.5 (ACA)
3) 1.028ct AGS0 F VS2 HCA 1.0 (ACA)

The ACA F color diamonds are ~$1500 more expensive than the ES G diamonds.

I guess I'm just looking for a little help and direction in deciding between them. First probably is which color that I want; when I was in the store, it seemed like I could tell the difference between the F and G color diamonds and I liked the F a bit better. I guess it boils down to personal preference and if it is worth the $1500. Does anyone have any opinions about moving from G to F color and the value of such a move?

Another question is; suppose that I chose the F color diamonds, how do I choose between the two? I suppose I could look at the virtual loupe and the ideal scope/H&A images but will those really distinguish the two of them? How do I choose... any suggestions?

Thank you all for your consideration, I'm not stressing as much as this post may make it sound, haha
 
Yap, color depends on your sensitivity and preference. I could never tell the diff, so G/H is as colorless to me as D-F and I prefer more tinted stones anyway.

ACA, maybe some slight difference but they are quite consistent. Post the IS and hearts image here and we may spot some difference. If no difference, then you will have to weight if the price increase is worth the carat/dimension gain.
 
I would save the money and go for the G because I personally like that color, but it is up to you.

As to picking, why not call WF and ask which is nicer? They have the stones in front of them and can perhaps help pick. I am better, though, that you can just flip a coin.
 
the 'value' of moving from G to F is something you have to determine. Personally I would go with one of the G ES stones. Or there is a G VS2 ACA that is 1.155 ct, that is around the same price as the F VS2 ACAs. Or you could go with one of the SI1s to save some money or get more size. Anyway, I don't think you can go wrong with one of the ES or ACAs. So maybe decide on a budget, pick a few, and ask WF?
 
Thanks everyone for your inputs. Luckily WF just got some new stones in so it's like Christmas on my computer. I think that I am going to go with a G VS2 diamond and now I was hoping to get a little help reading IS pictures to see if we can spot anything (btw I've also been talking to a WF person). Please let me know what you think and thank you in advance, here is number 1

AST_AGS-104045694028.jpg

H_AGS-104045694028.jpg

is_ags-104045694028.jpg
 
Here are #2 and #3
#2



#3

AST_AGS-104045699002.jpg

IS_AGS-104045699002.jpg

AST_AGS-1040372120018.jpg

IS_AGS-1040372120018.jpg
 
All looks good.

Not sure what the cause of the white in the star facet of the Idealscope image for the #3 stone is though, no corresponding black in the ASET for that stone.
 
For me it would be one of the G stones and save the cash. Well cut G's show up really white (IMO).
 
Thanks everyone for your comments. It kind of seems like splitting hairs at this point because of the controls between AGS and WF. I'm leaning towards #2 but I'm just having them send me a H&A image.
 
So I'm super close to deciding on #2 but I wanted to take a look at the H&A image from WF. Since it is not marketed as a H&A diamond they don't post the image on the site but they sent it to me. However they asked that I keep it for my private use so I won't be posting it. My question is with the color... All of the images that I've seen are mostly redish color with white hearts, the picture that they sent me was mostly blueish with white hearts. Showing my ignorance here but what does that mean, or is that simply a lighting issue? Otherwise the hearts are very nicely formed with very little splitting although the V might be a bit shallow.

Ken
 
KenHunziker said:
So I'm super close to deciding on #2 but I wanted to take a look at the H&A image from WF. Since it is not marketed as a H&A diamond they don't post the image on the site but they sent it to me. However they asked that I keep it for my private use so I won't be posting it. My question is with the color... All of the images that I've seen are mostly redish color with white hearts, the picture that they sent me was mostly blueish with white hearts. Showing my ignorance here but what does that mean, or is that simply a lighting issue? Otherwise the hearts are very nicely formed with very little splitting although the V might be a bit shallow.

Ken
Click to expand...

#2 sounds like the best value if it has good H&A pattern. Hope you are aware that ACA diamond is not only a H&A marketing. WF guarentees a lifetime trade-up of ACA diamonds. But this benefit will cost you a premium upfront so you have decide if it's worth it. The bluelish color with white hearts only means WF used a H&A scope that has a blue film inside it for contrast. Most sites like James Allen and GOG use red contrast. I've seen orange contrast as well.
 
KenHunziker said:
So I'm super close to deciding on #2 but I wanted to take a look at the H&A image from WF. Since it is not marketed as a H&A diamond they don't post the image on the site but they sent it to me. However they asked that I keep it for my private use so I won't be posting it. My question is with the color... All of the images that I've seen are mostly redish color with white hearts, the picture that they sent me was mostly blueish with white hearts. Showing my ignorance here but what does that mean, or is that simply a lighting issue? Otherwise the hearts are very nicely formed with very little splitting although the V might be a bit shallow.

Ken
Click to expand...
Ken, the blue/white is just a color schematic choice meant to ensure that a client knows the images don't reflect an ACA diamond.
 
Great thanks! Also, please correct me if I'm wrong but I think that the Expert Selection diamonds from WF also give the lifetime upgrade.
 
Check with whiteflash, and get it in writing. Good luck!
 
Yes, all ES stones qualify for lifetime tradeup.
 
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