Need help choosing diamond

[kabenton]

Hi everyone. Just joined and first time posting. I hope someone can advise me on what diamond is the best quality/best value. I’m looking to upgrade my current diamond and found the following 3 options at a store near me. The 1.7 seems to have this colorful sparkle that the other two lack but I was hoping to get a little closer to 2.0 carats. I’m a numbers gal so I will most likely put a lot of weight on what the numbers truly say about the diamond. Also, They told me the 2.16 is a hearts and arrows diamond. I kind of saw the arrows in certain lighting. But does that change the value of the diamond?

I also looked at HCA and found the following:
1.7 = 2.9
1.92 = 4.7
2.16 = 5.0
This makes me think the 1.7 would be the best for capturing light and sparkle but I’m wondering why the 2.16 got such a high rating when it’s supposed to be hearts and arrows which I read it the best of the best cuts.

 

[Victor Canera]

Hi and welcome to the community.

So I think numbers are great and IMO they’re a good starting point for a good diamond. What’s not noted on a lab report is the level of optical precision or light performance (unless an additional light performance cert is provided) in the diamond. You could have for example a diamond with perfect numbers on a lab report and still have a dud. Here’s an image that explains this really well:

https://imgur.com/a/ouhQGGg

In terms of hearts, many diamond will exhibit some hearts in a hearts scope image. The level of precision of those hearts will dictate whether they’re a true hearts and arrows diamond. Look at the diamond on the image I linked to for example. Does the diamond at the top exhibit some hearts? Yes. It’s not one we could consider an H&A diamond however.

So these diamonds could potentially be good options, it’s just that a little more research is warranted. Do you have videos or analytic imagery available to you regarding these diamonds?

Good luck!

 

[lovedogs]

I definitely think you need advanced images for these. Especially the one with the high pav angle (41.1). I would likely reject the deep one (first option with over 63% depth).

The third option is a 60/60 stone, which some people like and others don't prefer.

 

[kabenton]

Hi and welcome to the community.

So I think numbers are great and IMO they’re a good starting point for a good diamond. What’s not noted on a lab report is the level of optical precision or light performance (unless an additional light performance cert is provided) in the diamond. You could have for example a diamond with perfect numbers on a lab report and still have a dud. Here’s an image that explains this really well:

https://imgur.com/a/ouhQGGg

In terms of hearts, many diamond will exhibit some hearts in a hearts scope image. The level of precision of those hearts will dictate whether they’re a true hearts and arrows diamond. Look at the diamond on the image I linked to for example. Does the diamond at the top exhibit some hearts? Yes. It’s not one we could consider an H&A diamond however.

So these diamonds could potentially be good options, it’s just that a little more research is warranted. Do you have videos or analytic imagery available to you regarding these diamonds?

Good luck!

I only have videos that I took in the store I don’t have any magnified videos or anything like that. I can post those if they would help. They’re all pretty sparkly but I’m just a little worried about when I leave those bright lights in the store.

That image is very interesting. That such similar proportions could result in such different diamond quality.

 

[kabenton]

I definitely think you need advanced images for these. Especially the one with the high pav angle (41.1). I would likely reject the deep one (first option with over 63% depth).

The third option is a 60/60 stone, which some people like and others don't prefer.

Thank you, this is helpful! I do think the deep one is my third option out of these just based on what I keep reading about depth. And that one had the least about of “fire” or different colored light when I saw them in the store.

What does “60/60 stone” mean?

 

[Lookinagain]

see if you can take them outside to look at them and also maybe look at them under a table. Jewelry store lighting can be very deceiving.

 

[TXwidow]

Thank you, this is helpful! I do think the deep one is my third option out of these just based on what I keep reading about depth. And that one had the least about of “fire” or different colored light when I saw them in the store.

What does “60/60 stone” mean?

white light return and 'fire' are equal; some folks prefer more 'fire' (and I am one of them!)

 

[TXwidow]

the HCA is usually considered a 'rejection' tool, i.e. anything over about 2.8 is something most of the folks here would NOT purchase. Are you needing to only purchase from your local store? If so, would store bring in other stones if you provided the details of what you would accept? Would you consider on-line (vetted) sellers? If so, what is your budget?

 

[tyty333]

These stones dont have complimentary crown and pavilion angles. I personally would reject them all but we're pretty picky
around here. Have you looked on-line?

What are they asking for these stones?

Ditto @cmsmarks

HCA is a pass/rejection tool. We usually reject any stone over 2 (give or take a little).

 

[kabenton]

white light return and 'fire' are equal; some folks prefer more 'fire' (and I am one of them!)

I think I am too! I’m always looking for those colors to be reflected back rather than the white light. I may need to do some googling on what proportions optimize fire

 

[kabenton]

see if you can take them outside to look at them and also maybe look at them under a table. Jewelry store lighting can be very deceiving.

Good suggestion. I will ask when I return next week.

 

[kabenton]

the HCA is usually considered a 'rejection' tool, i.e. anything over about 2.8 is something most of the folks here would NOT purchase. Are you needing to only purchase from your local store? If so, would store bring in other stones if you provided the details of what you would accept? Would you consider on-line (vetted) sellers? If so, what is your budget?

I am trying to trade in my current diamond and get that trade in value so I would prefer to stick with them. Unless trading in is somehow possible with online vendors?

I can see if they would look into ordering a diamond with my specifications. I just need to figure out what those are

So sounds like people here would reject all of these since the HCA is above 2.8 for all.

 

[kabenton]

These stones dont have complimentary crown and pavilion angles. I personally would reject them all but we're pretty picky
around here. Have you looked on-line?

What are they asking for these stones?

Ditto @cmsmarks

HCA is a pass/rejection tool. We usually reject any stone over 2 (give or take a little).

For the 1.7 they are asking 17000
For the 1.92 they are asking 21700
For the 2.16 they are asking 25000

But I am trading in my current diamond and getting 5k off the price.

I’m not sure I can trade in with online vendors.

I will probably ask them if they can look into ordering a diamond to my specifications. Do you have optimal specs that you recommend? That would achieve a HCA score below 2?

 

[tyty333]

For more fire, you want a high crown angle like 35, 35.5 but you need a low pavilion angle to go with it so the light hits right and
bounces back to your eyes. Low pavilion angle to go with these would be 40.8/40.6. The table should be under 58% (59 max).
Depth we usually try to stay under 62.3%.

Sounds like you need to stick with your jeweler. Most on-line jewelers dont take trade-ins from other vendors/stores (unfortunately).

Prices dont seem out-of-line. Just wish the cuts were a little nicer.

If you can get advanced images (ASET images or Idealscope), that would tell us more.

 

[kabenton]

For more fire, you want a high crown angle like 35, 35.5 but you need a low pavilion angle to go with it so the light hits right and
bounces back to your eyes. Low pavilion angle to go with these would be 40.8/40.6. The table should be under 58% (59 max).
Depth we usually try to stay under 62.3%.

Sounds like you need to stick with your jeweler. Most on-line jewelers dont take trade-ins from other vendors/stores (unfortunately).

Prices dont seem out-of-line. Just wish the cuts were a little nicer.

If you can get advanced images (ASET images or Idealscope), that would tell us more.

Thank you for this detail, really helpful! I appreciate it.

I may take these specs and send them to my store and see if they can find something similar.
And also ask if they have ASET images of the current stones.

 

[kabenton]

These stones dont have complimentary crown and pavilion angles. I personally would reject them all but we're pretty picky
around here. Have you looked on-line?

What are they asking for these stones?

Ditto @cmsmarks

HCA is a pass/rejection tool. We usually reject any stone over 2 (give or take a little).

What do you think about this one? It got an HCA score of 0.7

They have it available in the online store so I would need to ask if the local store could get it (same company) so I could keep my trade in option. But wondering if it’s even worth asking

 

[momofive]

Hi. I wouldn't limit myself to the brick and mortar store. You could try posting your diamond on LoupeTroop. See if it sells.
The pros on here are soooo good at finding great diamonds and they are unbiased so you get honest opinions.

 

[lovedogs]

I'll be honest, none of your original choices are good. The one you just posted has potential, but we would need to see pics. If the store is only offering 5k trade in, I wouldn't limit myself to them at all. I would buy what you can afford now from a vendor with a $1 upgrade policy if you want something bigger down the road. For 15-20k there are amazing diamonds out there and you don't have to settle.

Example of options with $1 upgrade policies: https://www.victorcanera.com/diamon...3ct-H-VS2-hearts-arrows-round-natural-diamond

Diamond | 1.87 ct I VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 1050541

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.87 carat I color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 1050541

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.82 ct I SI1 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4596127

This fabulous 1.82 carat Round Excellent cut diamond has a clarity grade of SI1 and color grade of I.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4596127

www.whiteflash.com

 

[tyty333]

What do you think about this one? It got an HCA score of 0.7

They have it available in the online store so I would need to ask if the local store could get it (same company) so I could keep my trade in option. But wondering if it’s even worth asking

Because of the low crown/low pavilion (not complimentary), you would need an aset image or idealscope image for this stone.
With a 34 crown you would want a 40.8 or better yet a 41 degree pavilion.

These stones may not look back (and probably look good under store lighting), we're trying to steer you to ones that look
better in most lighting conditions.

Any up-close images or videos?

 

[DejaWiz]

What do you think about this one? It got an HCA score of 0.7

They have it available in the online store so I would need to ask if the local store could get it (same company) so I could keep my trade in option. But wondering if it’s even worth asking

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, kabenton!
This options looks really good in the video: definitely worth investigating further! Maybe some slight paddling of the upper bezel facets, but that may be a byproduct of the photography environment... something to watch out for.

Loupe360

loupe360.com

 

[lovedogs]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, kabenton!
This options looks really good in the video: definitely worth investigating further! Maybe some slight paddling of the upper bezel facets, but that may be a byproduct of the photography environment... something to watch out for.

Loupe360

loupe360.com

Yeah, this is a good option if OP is tired to the current jeweler and doesn't want to shop online

 

[tyty333]

Bravo for you finding that stone on-line @DejaWiz !

 

[kabenton]

Because of the low crown/low pavilion (not complimentary), you would need an aset image or idealscope image for this stone.
With a 34 crown you would want a 40.8 or better yet a 41 degree pavilion.

These stones may not look back (and probably look good under store lighting), we're trying to steer you to ones that look
better in most lighting conditions.

Any up-close images or videos?

There aren’t any on the website I can see if the store can get up close images.

So out of these 4 which do you think has best potential? Or what are the top 2 you would choose? I think I prefer fire over brilliance I love seeing the different colors reflect back.
The store said they should be able to get the diamond from their site but I don’t want to ask them for all 4. Maybe two of them.

 

[kabenton]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, kabenton!
This options looks really good in the video: definitely worth investigating further! Maybe some slight paddling of the upper bezel facets, but that may be a byproduct of the photography environment... something to watch out for.

Loupe360

loupe360.com

Oh what a cool website! Thank you for providing the link. I can ask them to get the stone in store for me to look at.

 

[kabenton]

Oh what a cool website! Thank you for providing the link. I can ask them to get the stone in store for me to look at.

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, kabenton!
This options looks really good in the video: definitely worth investigating further! Maybe some slight paddling of the upper bezel facets, but that may be a byproduct of the photography environment... something to watch out for.

Loupe360

loupe360.com

I found a few more options on their website with HCA below 2. Based on these certs which do you believe are the best 2 options? I don’t want to ask them to order too many. So I think 2 would be okay.

 

[DejaWiz]

kabenton: 5615 and toss-up between 7554 and 3256, considering the PA/CA/TW combos, stars, and lowers.

 

[DejaWiz]

Found the videos for them:

Loupe360

loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com

 

[kabenton]

Found the videos for them:

Loupe360

loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com

You’re amazing! Thank you!
I’m a little worried about the inclusions on the G VS2 (GIA 7554) do you think those will be visible to the naked eye?

Also based on these videos do you still think “5615 and toss-up between 7554 and 3256” are the best options?
I’m pretty new to the diamond world so these videos all look nice to me.

 

[tyty333]

I like 6864.

 

[lovedogs]

I like 6864.

Same