shape
carat
color
clarity

Please help me make urgent decision on ER!

kangar

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 16, 2012
Messages
8
As a follow up to : [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/poor-hca-score-on-3-carat-gia-ex-diamond.183212/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/poor-hca-score-on-3-carat-gia-ex-diamond.183212/[/URL]

I stopped the shipment of the original ring as was just too uncomfortable with the 3.7 HCA score and asked JA to do some more analysis and comparison. I have narrowed the search down to the following 2 diamonds and would really appreciate the board's help in making an informed decision. Due to time constraints, really need to make the order by today!

The feedback from JA gemologists found: "both diamonds to be eye clean and to offer great light performance. Diamond 1529286 (3.02crt H VS1) is our gemologist's favorite based on its overall beauty. Diamond 1382699 (3.01crt H VS1) has comparable light performance to diamond 1529286. Difference is subtle so you likely wouldn't notice the difference in sparkle. Since the average person will likely see these diamonds as equals in performance, color, eye cleanliness, and cut; you cannot go wrong with any of them."

Given that I already had Diamond 1 mounted, they are not able to turnaround an IdealScope picture for it in time given the urgency of the order and the holidays coming up. I've attached the IdeaScope pic for Diamond 2.

My thoughts:
Personally, I am very much leaning towards Diamond 2 (in contrast to JA's preference) mainly due to the HCA score and my personal peace of mind, especially if as the gemologists have mentioned, that the two diamonds are nearly identical in performance. It is also a couple of thousand dollars cheaper.

Could the community here help affirm (or disaffirm) my decision to go with Diamond 2? Does the IdealScope image look OK?

Thank you so much!


Diamond 1 (original purchase)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1529286.asp
Shape: Round
Carat Weight: 3.02
Cut: Excellent
Color: H
Clarity: VS1
Certificate: GIA
Crown angle: 36.0 degrees
Pavilion angle: 40.8 degrees
Depth: 62.4%
Table: 57.0%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to slightly thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 9.19*9.22*5.75
HCA Score: 3.7!

Diamond 2
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1382699.asp
Shape: Round
Carat Weight: 3.01
Cut: Excellent
Color: H
Clarity: VS1
Certificate: GIA
Crown angle: 35.0 degrees
Pavilion angle: 40.8 degrees
Depth: 62.1%
Table: 55.0%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 9.24*9.26*5.74
HCA Score: 1.6

1382699id.jpg
 
Hmmm....this is a tough cookie. I really like the way diamond 1 (3.02) looks in the picture a lot better versus diamond 2. The idealscope on diamond 2 looks great, and the HCA score is better....but I'm just not liking how it looks in the picture. I could be completely wrong, but it's up to you. The HCA is not supposed to say what diamonds are crap, but to give you an idea on the performance. Normally, I'd say eliminate the worse hca scored diamond, but I just dont like the way your second option looks. If diamond 1 is already mounted, why not see how it looks in person and in the ring? JA has a 30 day full refund policy....
 
kangar|1355947937|3335837 said:
My thoughts:
Personally, I am very much leaning towards Diamond 2 (in contrast to JA's preference) mainly due to the HCA score and my personal peace of mind, especially if as the gemologists have mentioned, that the two diamonds are nearly identical in performance. It is also a couple of thousand dollars cheaper.

Could the community here help affirm (or disaffirm) my decision to go with Diamond 2? Does the IdealScope image look OK?

Yes, Diamond 2's IS looks solid - and personally I do think you should go with Diamond 2... for you, Diamond 2 is more mind-clean - not only does JA say the two diamonds are nearly identical in performance, you have the IS for Diamond 2 (and not for Diamond 1), Diamond 2's HCA and AGA numbers are good, and Diamond 2 is also cheaper... kind of seems like a no-brainer to me. And, you always have JA's return policy as a final back-up.
 
04diamond<3|1355954173|3335917 said:
Hmmm....this is a tough cookie. I really like the way diamond 1 (3.02) looks in the picture a lot better versus diamond 2. The idealscope on diamond 2 looks great, and the HCA score is better....but I'm just not liking how it looks in the picture. I could be completely wrong, but it's up to you. The HCA is not supposed to say what diamonds are crap, but to give you an idea on the performance. Normally, I'd say eliminate the worse hca scored diamond, but I just dont like the way your second option looks. If diamond 1 is already mounted, why not see how it looks in person and in the ring? JA has a 30 day full refund policy....

Thanks for the feedback. How concerned should I be on the visual differences on the photos between the two diamonds? Will this be visible to the naked eye or could it be just a matter of the photography?

Re: return policy, i live overseas and whilst i am able to enjoy the return policy, the shipping/insurance costs are not immaterial, so would really like to get this right the first time.

Im nearly settled on Diamond 2 here, but would appreciate any additional views!
 
#2 is a fabulous stone and I DEFINITELY would personally choose it over #1!!!

So happy that you were able to catch the ring in time and can switch the diamond!!! :appl:

(I am going by the numbers and the idealscope image, both are excellent. I don't worry about the photography of the diamond image because to be honest, James Allen doesn't have the greatest photography.)
 
Photography.
 
Definitely photography. Go for #2!
 
Thanks everyone for the helpful input!

I've made the confirmation for Diamond #2 and now eagerly waiting its arrival

Much more informed and satisfied this time around. :)
 
Absolutely, diamond #2! It will be a gorgeous rock..the numbers are perfect!!
 
pretty!
 
IT'S GORGEOUS AND HUGE!!!!! Oh my goodness!!!! I hope you come back with pictures!!!!
 
Wow, it's stunning! Well done! :appl:
 
Absolutely gorgeous!!! :love:
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Top