Opinion on 0.9ct D VS2 33/41 Diamond

[Dan__2]

Hi,

I've been reading around the forum for a few weeks whilst I try navigate the rabbit hole that is diamond shopping!

I have ordered the diamond below:

0.90 Carat round diamond

This 0.9 carat round diamond D color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

It looked good on the images on James Allen and from my (very little) understanding of desirable cut characteristics. However I was starting to have some concerns after reading around 33/41 diamonds here.

I suppose I'll see for real once it arrives (a little wait as I'm in the UK). But is anyone here with more experience than me able to offer any opinions?

Hopefully the GIA Cert attaches to this post...

 

[tyty333]

What is your budget? It is not a stone that I would recommend due to the higher pavilion and lower crown.

 

[DejaWiz]

What is your budget? It is not a stone that I would recommend due to the higher pavilion and lower crown.

Pure guess on my part: This one is likely in the $8-9000 realm.

Diamond | 1.022 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4406923

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.022 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4406923

www.whiteflash.com

 

[Kim N]

Is the stone already shipped?

For your budget, I'd recommend the stone DejaWiz posted, or one of these two.

1.06 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.06 carat F color vs1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Diamond | 0.914 ct F VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4366944

This fabulous 0.914 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of F.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4366944

www.whiteflash.com

 

[Dan__2]

Is the stone already shipped?

For your budget, I'd recommend the stone DejaWiz posted, or one of these two.

1.06 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.06 carat F color vs1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Diamond | 0.914 ct F VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4366944

This fabulous 0.914 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of F.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4366944

www.whiteflash.com

Unfortunately (given the general opinion here) yes it has shipped.

A little painful as claiming back tax here in the UK I'm sure will be a pain if I return.

The stone posted by @DejaWiz does look very good.

I guess I will have to make a decision when it arrives. By the sounds of it the specs are pretty much a solid "reject". Is that fair to say or is it just not super ideal?

Thanks all for the suggestions!

 

[mrs-b]

Unfortunately (given the general opinion here) yes it has shipped.

A little painful as claiming back tax here in the UK I'm sure will be a pain if I return.

The stone posted by @DejaWiz does look very good.

I guess I will have to make a decision when it arrives. By the sounds of it the specs are pretty much a solid "reject". Is that fair to say or is it just not super ideal?

Thanks all for the suggestions!

Hi @Dan__2 -

It's not ideal. It will be flat-ish on top and while you might even be wowed when you first see it, you wouldn't be if you saw it next to an ideal cut stone. GIA excellent grade is very broad, and this is a good example of that. It *is* nice and white ( - to be honest, whiter than it needs to be), and it should be clean enough ( - tho VS2 can be iffy, tho probably not at that size), the cut simply isn't great.

Just out of curiosity, have you asked her what she wants and are you sure this is what she likes? Also - what are you doing for a setting? Let's be a bit more hands-on with this and see if we can help you come up with something a bit more....well, just more, really.

This isn't a terrible stone and, compared to what most people get, it will probably compare well. It's just not great and you can do better.

And yes, the stone posted by @DejaWiz is much nicer. I also like the look of the F VS1 stone posted by @Kim N, tho only if you think she'd be ok with fluorescence, which isn't something I'd risk if she hadn't expressed an interest in that. You also can't see the GIA report on the F VS1 stone - which is a MUST. So I'd go with the one posted by DejaWiz. But - here's a question - what's your budget? It would be nice to get up over a ct if possible. Personally, I'd be looking for 1+ct F/G VS1. But again - are you sure a round is what she's looking for?

 

[mrs-b]

I like the look of *this* - very much:

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD19094721?refTab=DIAMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails

And this one also -

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD18853035?refTab=DIAMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails

Both are more expensive, but they're also VS1 clarity. With a VS2, you can normally see inclusions with a loupe, and sometimes with the naked eye as well, or if she takes macro photos, for example. Visually, the difference between a D and an F is negligible, so I'd definitely go with an F rather than a D, and a G, also, is very white. I color is where you normally start seeing tint, and sometimes with H colored diamonds. But both F and G should be nice and white, so I wouldn't be throwing my money away on a D unless it's something she's specifically said is important to her.

 

[Kim N]

If the fluorescence is okay with you, I love the specs on the F VS1 from James Allen.



And here's one more option from Whiteflash.

Diamond | 1.016 ct G VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 3331939

This fabulous 1.016 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of G.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 3331939

www.whiteflash.com

 

[mrs-b]

@Kim N - did you call JA to get the cert on the FVS1? That's very nice of you.

The specs on the JA stone are very similar to the specs on the first BN stone, so really, the question is the fluorescence. It's strong (as opposed to medium or faint), so it will definitely fluoresce in the right light - which, as I said - she may either love or loathe (and we have both groups here on PS). It's a lovely stone otherwise, tho, so definitely worth considering. And you will definitely be able to see the difference in spread between this and the .9ct diamond you've bought. And that's always a good thing.

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

Unfortunately (given the general opinion here) yes it has shipped.

A little painful as claiming back tax here in the UK I'm sure will be a pain if I return.

The stone posted by @DejaWiz does look very good.

I guess I will have to make a decision when it arrives. By the sounds of it the specs are pretty much a solid "reject". Is that fair to say or is it just not super ideal?

Thanks all for the suggestions!

Sorry the stone is not well cut IMHO either.

Have you already paid the tax? I believe FedEx/ the courier company sends a link for taxes to be paid. If you haven't paid the taxes yet, you may want to hold off and reach out to JA to see if you can return/exchange. JA may also have some charge for international returns.

I once instructed an exchange for a JA stone before it was supposed to ship. They somehow shipped the original anyway and JA then ask me not to pay the taxes (I'm in Australia) and they will organize a return to sender with FedEx. After the stone was received by them, they sent to correct one. I suggest you reach out to JA before the stone arrives to see what can be done. It'll be more difficult if you want to return once the stone reaches you.

 

[TXwidow]

Yes, consider trying what Diamond_Enthusiast recommended.

 

[Dan__2]

Hi @Dan__2 -

It's not ideal. It will be flat-ish on top and while you might even be wowed when you first see it, you wouldn't be if you saw it next to an ideal cut stone. GIA excellent grade is very broad, and this is a good example of that. It *is* nice and white ( - to be honest, whiter than it needs to be), and it should be clean enough ( - tho VS2 can be iffy, tho probably not at that size), the cut simply isn't great.

Just out of curiosity, have you asked her what she wants and are you sure this is what she likes? Also - what are you doing for a setting? Let's be a bit more hands-on with this and see if we can help you come up with something a bit more....well, just more, really.

This isn't a terrible stone and, compared to what most people get, it will probably compare well. It's just not great and you can do better.

And yes, the stone posted by @DejaWiz is much nicer. I also like the look of the F VS1 stone posted by @Kim N, tho only if you think she'd be ok with fluorescence, which isn't something I'd risk if she hadn't expressed an interest in that. You also can't see the GIA report on the F VS1 stone - which is a MUST. So I'd go with the one posted by DejaWiz. But - here's a question - what's your budget? It would be nice to get up over a ct if possible. Personally, I'd be looking for 1+ct F/G VS1. But again - are you sure a round is what she's looking for?

First, sorry I thought I had responded last night.

She has historically given me very little to go by, I basically have that it must be round (helpful I know...). Honestly, although it would be nice to exceed 1ct she is unlikely to be bothered to any great extent. Without meaning to sound rude, 0.9ct will still be larger than friends if she were to start comparing (I doubt it, she's not the type). Plus, she is very petite anyway.

The stone actually arrived this morning. It certainly has some sparkle and is a lot better than many I was shown in Hatton Garden here in London. Granted that doesn't say much, many were awful. However, I can't help but feel it's downfalls will play on my mind in the future.

I think the $8000 - $9000 range is probably about right. I had set a budget of £7,000 to £8,000 for the stone. At current exchange rates (+ 20% VAT once it arrives to the UK) that's probably about right. Without meaning to sound tight, the lower end of that is preferable to be honest, especially now given uncertainty around claiming back the import charges from the stone I have in front of me!

Again, really appreciate all the help by everyone here! Sorry, I just picked a single post for the "reply". Buying a 2nd stone before getting a refund will be incredibly difficult financially, so I may come seeking help again once sorted. Luckily I have no proposal date in mind.

Could I ask for your opinions on this stone as an example?

Diamond | 0.918 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4476789

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.918 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4476789

www.whiteflash.com

 

[DejaWiz]

^ this 0.918 is gorgeous, Dan__2.
Smaller table, 51% stars, and 15.4% crown height should give some nice fire!

 

[Dan__2]

^ this 0.918 is gorgeous, Dan__2.
Smaller table, 51% stars, and 15.4% crown height should give some nice fire!

Thank you,
I guess the green centre on the ASET image isn't too much to worry about? I noticed on the 1.022 you posted that was still red.

 

[DejaWiz]

Thank you,
I guess the green centre on the ASET image isn't too much to worry about? I noticed on the 1.022 you posted that was still red.

Green center= 40.7 or lower pavilion angle.
Red center = 40.8 or higher pavilion angle.
Nothing to be concerned about with a well-cut diamond.

 

[Kim N]

The 0.918 you posted is beautiful, Dan__2.

Here are a few more options on the lower end of the budget.

Diamond | 0.910 ct E SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4465567

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.910 carat E color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4465567

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.910 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4476792

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.910 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4476792

www.whiteflash.com

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD18368642

Diamond | 1.016 ct G VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 3331939

This fabulous 1.016 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of G.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 3331939

www.whiteflash.com

 

[Dan__2]

The 0.918 you posted is beautiful, Dan__2.

Here are a few more options on the lower end of the budget.

Diamond | 0.910 ct E SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4465567

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.910 carat E color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4465567

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.910 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4476792

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.910 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4476792

www.whiteflash.com

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD18368642

Diamond | 1.016 ct G VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 3331939

This fabulous 1.016 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of G.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 3331939

www.whiteflash.com

The advice given here is invaluable. Thank you both.

I think I will narrow it down between the stone I posted and the one posted by @Kim N:

Diamond | 1.016 ct G VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 3331939

This fabulous 1.016 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of G.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 3331939

www.whiteflash.com

Anyone care to help on pros/cons of each. Carat/size is an obvious benefit of the one suggested by Kim I guess.

 

[Kim N]

The advice given here is invaluable. Thank you both.

I think I will narrow it down between the stone I posted and the one posted by @Kim N:

Diamond | 1.016 ct G VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 3331939

This fabulous 1.016 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of G.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 3331939

www.whiteflash.com

Anyone care to help on pros/cons of each. Carat/size is an obvious benefit of the one suggested by Kim I guess.

The 0.918 is a bit more "perfectly" cut. But that difference will likely not be noticeable to the naked eye, whereas the size difference of 0.2mm will be visible. For me personally, the bigger one wins.

However, if you're leaning towards the 0.918, might I recommend the 0.91 E SI1 that I posted instead? It looks incredibly clean and gets you 2 color grades better (and a smidge more spread) for $1K less.

 

[Dan__2]

The 0.918 is a bit more "perfectly" cut. But that difference will likely not be noticeable to the naked eye, whereas the size difference of 0.2mm will be visible. For me personally, the bigger one wins.

However, if you're leaning towards the 0.918, might I recommend the 0.91 E SI1 that I posted instead? It looks incredibly clean and gets you 2 color grades better (and a smidge more spread) for $1K less.

Thank you. I'll look to make a decision ASAP. I'll update!

Is it just the way the various dimensions interact together that result in the 1ct not being assigned "A Cut Above"?

 

[Kim N]

Thank you. I'll look to make a decision ASAP. I'll update!

Is it just the way the various dimensions interact together that result in the 1ct not being assigned "A Cut Above"?

There are slight imperfections in the ASET. You could ask WF to take a side-by-side video of the two you're considering and see which one speaks to you more. I would also put them on hold while you're deciding.

 

[Double E]

For me that's a tight call for the final three, including the 0.91 E SI1 Kim N suggested to keep for consideration.

1.016 G VS2 -> size & carat mark
0.91 G VS2 -> I also like the proportion the most
0.91 E SI1 -> Higher Colour

It's really down to individual preference, and I believe eye clean or not is also not an issue here as WF confirmed all are eye clean.

However, just my own opinion, as we are torn. It may be more of a mind clean issue that I normally am not concerned with, there're feathers close to girdle of the 0.91 E & it's a SI1, while there's a natural on the 1.016 G VS2. Are you / is she kind of purist? Not sure if this helps making your decision.

 

[Dan__2]

For me that's a tight call for the final three, including the 0.91 E SI1 Kim N suggested to keep for consideration.

1.016 G VS2 -> size & carat mark
0.91 G VS2 -> I also like the proportion the most
0.91 E SI1 -> Higher Colour

It's really down to individual preference, and I believe eye clean or not is also not an issue here as WF confirmed all are eye clean.

However, just my own opinion, as we are torn. It may be more of a mind clean issue that I normally am not concerned with, there're feathers close to girdle of the 0.91 E & it's a SI1, while there's a natural on the 1.016 G VS2. Are you / is she kind of purist? Not sure if this helps making your decision.

Thanks for this.

Me a little bit haha. I'm probably more picky than her in truth.

I've read previously regarding feathers near the girdle and potential issues - although I do appreciate unlikely.

Are you saying the natural is also typically a concern (or more a consideration) in its position?

 

[Double E]

Thanks for this.

Me a little bit haha. I'm probably more picky than her in truth.

I've read previously regarding feathers near the girdle and potential issues - although I do appreciate unlikely.

Are you saying the natural is also typically a concern (or more a consideration) in its position?

Both the feather & natural matters are just for consideration, and I am confident they wouldn't be an actual problem being ACA from WF.

Just many consumers, me also may be to some extent, would wish to know that they get the "best" possible for what they pay for. So in the case here, if we are talking about clarity, beyond the eye clean level, "Feather near girdle", "Natural", "Cavity" etc. may be something you may want to think about.