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Please Help with Opinion on this Diamond!

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Newbie4933

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 13, 2021
Messages
12
Hello everyone!

I am new to this forum, but have been lurking for the past couple of weeks. I am in the process of buying an engagement ring and have been lucky enough to read and learn a lot from here. I currently have a diamond on hold at James Allen and was hoping you could let me know if it is a good choice. It is a 1.54 CT, I color, VS1 Clarity GIA Triple EX diamond. Here are the proportions:

7.37 x 7.43 x 4.58 (L x W x D)
Table: 58%
Depth: 61.9%
Girdle: Med - Sli Thick
Crown Angle: 36.5
Pavilion Angle: 40.6

I am going to ask for an Idealscope today so hopefully that will shed some more light on it. I ran the numbers on HCA and it came back with a 2.4.

Here is a picture of the diamond:

Screen Shot 2021-05-13 at 7.51.58 AM.png
 
Looks pretty decent. There's some asymmetry in the arrow alignment, but nothing horrifying. Do you have a link to the video? A good video is the best indicator.
 
Video looks pretty good. It's not totally perfect - so if you're looking for that it isn't going to be this diamond. You should also ask for an ASET image. Other than the video, that's the best way to see how any imperfections will affect it.

What are the most important factors for you? This one should have good "fire" and a nice contrast pattern. It definitely looks like it'll be totally clean looking to your eyes. I don't see any notable graining or clouds (which I do see in a lot of JA stones), so it shouldn't be milky.
 
I am also looking at this 1.54 CT, I color, EX cut diamond, but it is IGI graded. The proportions are:

7.29 x 7.34 x 4.58
Table: 57%
Depth: 62.5%
Crown Angle: 35.5
Pavilion: 40.8
HCA Score: 2.3

Here is a picture of the diamond and Ideal image. The only thing that worries me is that it is IGI.

Screen Shot 2021-05-13 at 10.06.50 AM.pngarrows.png

The link is:

www.jamesallen.com

1.54 Carat round diamond

This 1.54 carat round diamond I color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
 
musicloveranthony said:
Video looks pretty good. It's not totally perfect - so if you're looking for that it isn't going to be this diamond. You should also ask for an ASET image. Other than the video, that's the best way to see how any imperfections will affect it.

What are the most important factors for you? This one should have good "fire" and a nice contrast pattern. It definitely looks like it'll be totally clean looking to your eyes. I don't see any notable graining or clouds (which I do see in a lot of JA stones), so it shouldn't be milky.
Click to expand...

The most important factor for me is that it has good sparkle and fire. Does JA also do ASET images that I can ask them for?
 
Second diamond has better symmetry but it doesn't look as good overall. I can see light leakage in the still and the video. There's also a small inclusion on the table that probably isn't super noticeable, but if she has sensitive eyes she might be able to see it (I would notice it)
 
musicloveranthony said:
Second diamond has better symmetry but it doesn't look as good overall. I can see light leakage in the still and the video. There's also a small inclusion on the table that probably isn't super noticeable, but if she has sensitive eyes she might be able to see it (I would notice it)
Click to expand...

Yeah, i also noticed that inclusion. The price difference between the 2 is about $1860. It looks like the second diamond is also a bit more warm than the first, which I assume is because of the difference in grading labs. Do you think it would be worth to go for the GIA Diamond, given it's $1860 more? Thanks again for your replies!
 
Honestly, I probably can't answer that for you. Everyone's budget is different. I think the first stone uses the not-quite-perfect angles better than the second stone does so it looks better.
 
You have a little leakage in the IS around the 7 o'clock position. Also it appears you have some varying intensity in other locations. Overall, not bad, but if I were buying I would want something more solid.

In regards to the point of a lab report, the purpose is to instill confidence and allow the market to price a stone based on it's unique properties. GIA and AGS are reputable labs that consumers trust and have strict grading standards. Unfortunately many times IGI grades are "softer" than GIA and AGS. Consequently, there is some distrust concerning the color & clarity grades provided by IGI.

If it were my money, I would insist on a GIA or AGS lab report as I want the assurance that what I am buying is truly accurate.

What is your overall budget? In both the web links you provided, the price is unavailable as I am guessing you have them on reserve. We can try to find you an alternate stone. Are you set on purchasing from JA, or would you consider other vendors?

Capture.PNG
 
Here is a really nice option. It's a super ideal with ideal proportions and hearts & arrow symmetry. The thing is a freaking sparkle bomb!

WF ACA 1.498 I-VS2 @ $10,850 wire

Diamond | 1.498 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4391577

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.498 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4391577
www.whiteflash.com

It's also extremely rare. It's very hard to find a super ideal just below a magic carat weight like 1.50 carats for instance. This one weighs in at 1.498! The IS, ASET and H&A images all look gorgeous.

And despite being a smidge less on the carat weight, compare the dimensions (spread) of this one to the 1.54 I-VS2 you last linked. This one is just a hair larger because the diamond has the weight spread out properly.
 
Unfortunately I am need to buy it from JA since I am switching out diamonds. The first diamond was about $9.5k and the second was about $7.8k.
 
Apparently JA can not get an ideascope image for me at this time since their imaging services are limited due to COVID restrictions. I am a little hesitant to buy the diamond without seeing an idealscope image.
 
What criteria do you need to meet to upgrade?

www.jamesallen.com

1.64 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.64 carat K color vvs2 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com

This one looks nice. With the solid proportions and light return it probably won't look any more "colorful" than the I colors you are looking at.
 
musicloveranthony said:
What criteria do you need to meet to upgrade?
Click to expand...

Newbie4933 said:
Unfortunately I am need to buy it from JA since I am switching out diamonds. The first diamond was about $9.5k and the second was about $7.8k.
Click to expand...

Good question. JA standard policy is 2x the value of the original stone. Based on this, assume OP spent around $3.5 to $4k on the original stone.
 
Some other potential candidates.

JA TH 1.55 J-SI1, AGS000 @ $8,150
www.jamesallen.com

1.55 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.55 carat J color si1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com

Lab report attached. Very nice stone. Slightly more tinted than the I stones. Also, a little concerned if the crystal will be eye clean or not. The JA rep I spoke to was brain dead, so if interested I would ship loose for inspection and if it checks out ship back (with your original stone) so they can complete the swap/trade.

Not bothering with an HCA score, as the ray-traced ASET shown on the report supersedes the HCA (estimate) tool. ASET confirms solid light return. Also, you have hearts image & IS image on the web link since it's a TH collection stone.

155-JSI1.jpeg

JA 1.46 I-VS2, GIA XXX @ $9,000
www.jamesallen.com

1.46 Carat round diamond

This 1.46 carat round diamond I color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com

Slightly under the 1.50 carat mark, but very close. Helps keep color and VS2 clarity. The 35.5/40.6 combo should work well together. Video looks good. Lab report attached along with HCA score.

146-IVS2.jpeg

Capture146.PNG
 
Last edited:
I'm sorry I should have clarified, I purchased a diamond but because it was taking so long (shipping from another country) I need to switch it with a diamond that can ship quickly (which narrows down the options). Those 2 diamonds can ship quickly because they are in the U.S. and not abroad. Sorry for the confusion!
 
Then I'd go for the first. THe second doesn't do good things for me
 
Newbie4933 said:
I'm sorry I should have clarified, I purchased a diamond but because it was taking so long (shipping from another country) I need to switch it with a diamond that can ship quickly (which narrows down the options). Those 2 diamonds can ship quickly because they are in the U.S. and not abroad. Sorry for the confusion!
Click to expand...

No worries. Appreciate the clarification.

I’m not trying to persuade you, but another option would be to cancel the order in its entirety, get a refund and then you aren’t locked into JA.

So I’m clear, which 2 diamonds are in the US? The ones you posted? Or some of the ones myself or @musicloveranthony suggested?

Is there a particular deadline you have to meet? Or just frustrated with lengthy delays? While the WF stone is more pricey, it is located in WF’s vault in Houston and could ship very fast. They actually own their stones unlike virtual vendors like JA and similar.
 
Thank you both for such quick replies! The ones I posted are in the US. I am a little afraid of going past I in color. The 1.46 stone you posted already got taken haha but I don't think that was could have shipped quickly if I remember the shipping time.
 
sledge said:
No worries. Appreciate the clarification.

I’m not trying to persuade you, but another option would be to cancel the order in its entirety, get a refund and then you aren’t locked into JA.

So I’m clear, which 2 diamonds are in the US? The ones you posted? Or some of the ones myself or @musicloveranthony suggested?

Is there a particular deadline you have to meet? Or just frustrated with lengthy delays? While the WF stone is more pricey, it is located in WF’s vault in Houston and could ship very fast. They actually own their stones unlike virtual vendors like JA and similar.
Click to expand...

The WF one was beautiful but a little out of my price range, unfortunately :(
 
Color is such a subjective matter. There are no right or wrong answers, just preference.

I think lots of people consider that G/H/I range as their cut off limit for tint. Also within each color grade you can have a little bit of variation (or range). So a “high” I may be closer to H, where a “low” I would be closer to J. Or maybe it’s just an average I.

I thought the 1.46 was pretty nice too. Sorry it’s gone. And I understand that WF can be more pricey. There are some compelling reasons why but it doesn’t help with your situation.

I am curious if JA can identify a way to search all US stock? If so, maybe we could help find another stone.
 
sledge said:
I am curious if JA can identify a way to search all US stock? If so, maybe we could help find another stone.
Click to expand...

I think I answered my own question. There isn't really a way to shop "US stock" but you do have two options to help narrow results:

1. The Fast Shipping box. If you check this it shows stones that can ship within 3 business days. For instance, if I click today (Thursday, 5/13), the stones selected would show as deliver by Tuesday, 5/18.

2. If you need something faster, or if a few days slower is okay, then you can use the "ships as a loose diamond" drop down menu where it will show deliveries as fast as next day (in this case Friday, 5/14) and as late as 5 business days out (Thursday, 5/20). You can pick your poison based on your own needs.

I am unclear if the currency type (USD, CAD, GBP, etc) in the upper right corner has an effect. In my testing I have changed it, but the available stock of diamonds doesn't change. Only the currency used seems to change.

So either all the stones I have selected by filtered criteria are not affected or JA's site just isn't as robust as BN's site where you can select shipping location, currency & language and making those changes WILL affect the available inventory.

Either way, this may be helpful to someone trying to search that is on a time crunch w/o having to waste their time asking a JA rep about every stone.

Capture.PNG

CaptureBN.PNG
 
I'm jammed up on time or would do some more searches for you. Maybe one of the others can help out.

If not, here is a list of ideal proportions that should get you in the ballpark:
  • 54-57 table
  • 60-62 depth (max 62.5)
  • 34-35 crown (maybe 35.5 w/ 40.6 pav)
  • 40.6-40.8 pavilion (maybe 41 w/ 34 crown)
  • 75-80 lower girdle facets
  • GIA or AGS grading report
  • HCA score 1-2 (0-1 can work, but will be shallower stone that favors white light return)
Remember, HCA is an estimation tool and doesn't account for the minor facets (LGF's, stars, UGF's) or GIA gross rounding. So an idealscope or ASET image will trump it.

Sticking in the stuff NOT in parenthesis increases your odds of finding an ideal stone. Pushing to the fringe takes on more risk.
 
Thank you both for helping me and for taking the time to do some research, really much appreciated! I ended up going with the first stone (GIA stone). The other thread you shared had a stone very similar to mine in proportions so I hope it works out well. Should be coming this week so I will post pictures!
 
Just wanted to let you know that I received the ring and it is absolutely gorgeous! It sparkles like crazy and I am really happy with it! I will post pictures/videos later on, once my gf isn't home. Will be proposing at the end of the month :)
 
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