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Pulling the trigger in 48 hours, need advice asap on 2 diamond avenues! (ACA vs CBI)

I have no doubt the ACA stone will more than meet your expectations. I own and have owned multiple ACA stones, and the cut quality is outstanding. As far as CBI, I don’t own one yet, but hope to someday. I am dismayed to hear that they felt the need to cut down the competition because something like that just isn’t necessary. Both companies cut top notch diamonds.
 
HI:

I look forward to seeing your ring! We all love diamonds here!

Thank you for sharing your experience. Truly.

cheers--Sharon
 
Thanks for sharing your experience. You have a large budget and you've chosen a beautiful diamond that most people would be absolutely thrilled to own! In no way should you feel that you are settling on cut and I am so sorry that you felt that way. Please don't let the purchasing experience dampen this special occasion and this special diamond.
 
Thanks for sharing your experience.

As far as MRBs go, I would place a bet that no pser would turn their nose up at this stone.

I hope it's everything you dreamed of and more!!!

PLEASE POST PICS!
 
Thank you everyone for the replies and support. Come next week I hope to have something finalized, and I look forward to sharing updates as it progresses. I ran onto these forums by accident during my research and I sure am happy I did.
 
@sledge one way to see both in real life is to purchase the ACA and utilise the SITBI CBI feature.

I think the size difference of 0.3mm is noticeable, it is evident on the 2D face up comparison and will certainly be evident in real life.

I'm glad @Wink took the effort to acknowledge and remedy the marketing issues you experienced.
 
I own 2 CBIs but I like size and in your shoes I would definitely consider buying the ACA you bought if size was a priority. I don’t think HPD has any comparable inventory at this time. If you had a budget and size goal you are limited. And: You got a great diamond! Yay you! I personally experienced the polar opposite of what you perceived from HPD (zero pushy salesmanship) but I agree it is a turn off, and a vibe that most buyers do not desire. It is a shame you got that vibe. I think there is a difference between “we are awesome” and “no one can rival us” and celebrating is better than boasting. Please visit them again it is actually a lovely purchase experience.,,
 
I respect their efforts, truly. I was told on several occasions they would have some good news for me and to give them a day. They came empty handed all of those times, WHICH I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND given their strict selection processes. I respect that they just do not settle. I could have just lived with not being given hope the way I was ("talked to Antwerp and they have something that may just work, give me a day"). I understand the process and reasoning on why that particular diamond would not work but I could have lived without being pushed onto something that I clearly stated I was not entirely thrilled about. I know what I want and was hoping for them to deliver but when they could not it was not something simple like we can keep looking, it was more of like not to pull your leg but this is an amazing option, it is smaller but will look bigger (which I also understand), and it is slightly over your budget. I do not see them doing anything entirely wrong but to downplay performance of other diamonds, while not being able to find for me what I need, all while offering me more expensive smaller diamonds just seems a little unnecessary. Their efforts are evident though and they do care, just the approach, for me, could have been a little better.

Still am hopeful, but at the same time struggling to be.
 
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gm89uk said:
@sledge one way to see both in real life is to purchase the ACA and utilise the SITBI CBI feature.

I think the size difference of 0.3mm is noticeable, it is evident on the 2D face up comparison and will certainly be evident in real life.

I'm glad @Wink took the effort to acknowledge and remedy the marketing issues you experienced.
Click to expand...

Actually I think it's closer to 0.5mm as the WF measures out around 9.25mm and the CBI was around 8.75mm. Both are nice sizes but I also agree you will see a difference.

As far as the SITBI program, essentially every online vendor with a return policy has the same program.

To utilize this option, the OP would have to place a temp hold of $28k via credit or cash to participate. If they do the same with WF, we are talking $50k+ money tied up to view side by side. Depending on an individuals cash flow and credit resources this may be a feasible option but I believe it is difficult for the majority of buyers.

HP Diamonds

www.hpdiamonds.com www.hpdiamonds.com

Screenshot_20200208-094459_Chrome.jpg

T1NS said:
I know what I want and was hoping for them to deliver but when they could not it was not something simple like we can keep looking, it was more of like not to pull your leg but this is an amazing option, it is smaller but will look bigger (which I also understand), and it is slightly over your budget.
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I have the utmost respect for Wink, HPD and CBI but I do not agree with the bolded logic.

Yes, if you compare a poorly cut stone to a well cut stone it may give a visual appearance of being larger and even brighter because it has ideal light return that extends edge to edge.

This is clearly demonstrated in Garry's video below.


The caveat being the above video compares well cut to poorly cut diamonds. In your case, the WF and CBI are both ideally cut stones with ideal light return and performance. So if you compared a WF to a CBI you won't see the same difference in the video as you are comparing to very well cut stones that are true performers.
 
Thinking more about the comparison, one advantage CBI offers is they are more of a "manufacturer" that cuts stone. They rely on a network of dealers such as HPD and others to distribute their stones.

These dealers all have access to the same stones, and the prices are the same (except some international vendors include VAT, etc).

If there is a dealer near you, then you could have them send in a stone for you to compare against the WF stone you order at zero cost.

Just be careful which dealer you select. Many of the perks HPD offers is not available at all other CBI vendors.

craftedbyinfinity.com

Infinity Diamonds - Locations

craftedbyinfinity.com craftedbyinfinity.com
 
That was my initial attraction to CBI :) The fact that they will cut a diamond to order, makes it more special to me. Also, the fact that they perform the way they do made me comfortable with the slight premium. Like I mentioned, my heart was set on "a" CBI diamond, but they just did not have what I was looking for. I rather have maybe waited and have been patient, but I was not willing to change my criteria to get something they had just because a 2.5 ct will look like most 3.0 ct. That is why I mentioned I felt like I was at a car dealership, trying to be swayed to something I do not want, because they did not have what I went there for, and did not want to lose me as a customer. This is especially true when knowingly looking at lets say another dealer's product and being told about that dealer being somewhat less then.

It was my take on it. Maybe something comes out of this maybe it does not.

I need to decide on the diamond though, my girlfriend cannot decide which style setting she likes/ wants. That is one part I will involve her in as far as decisions go. Clock is ticking unfortunately but I believe whatever is meant to happen will, and in the end will enjoy and appreciate whatever I end up getting.

Bottom line is this is more than a 30k purchase. This is a representation and a symbol for a life long commitment. My research was done because I care. I want the most sparkly diamond not out of ego but because I appreciate the finer things for my girlfriend. Maybe I am too particular but it needs to feel right. CBI felt right but they unfortunately did not have something to fit my criteria. It happens.
 
I've built lots of custom stuff such as homes, cars, guns, etc. Each time it was because the exact thing I wanted didn't exist and if I was paying $X then I basically wanted what I wanted for my money.

I'd be totally down for custom cutting a diamond for my wife if I could define the finer aspects (crown angle, pavilion angle, table, LGF's, etc).

For me, the issue is I can't control any of those elements.

At best I can say I want a 3 carat G VS2 and then WF, CBI, etc will go buy rough that gets us in that criteria. Sometimes the rough yields a better color or clarity, and sometimes it's off a bit. The vendors guarantee those elements so if it's different you usually get a price adjustment or can walk on the deal. If it comes back better, you get the upgrades for free. That part is cool no doubt.

However if Im looking for a 54 table, and 34.5/40.8 combo with 76 LGF's then they can't guarantee that. In reality I may get a 57 table, 34/40.8 combo with 78 LGF's. All ideally cut but slightly different personalities.

Of course for the vast majority of people simply having an ACA or CBI is good enough. Actually way better than "good enough" because as a whole, these are two of the arguably best cut stones you will encounter.

I will use WF here because IMO their videos do a much better job of highlighting fire. So search their inventory and compare various videos. You will start to see while all of them are beautiful some just have bigger and bolder flashes of rainbow light (fire) than others. I like and prefer those big bold flashes so I tend to favor proportions that provide that performance. It's being extremely picky as I'm looking at personality and trying to find the 1% of the 1%.

If I would custom cut I don't get that luxury. The downside is maybe I don't get a 3ct G VS2 either. But maybe I find a 2.90 F SI1 that fits the bill better.

Neither choice is right or wrong. Just preference. Spend your dollars the way that makes you and your lady the most happy.
 
sledge said:
I've built lots of custom stuff such as homes, cars, guns, etc. Each time it was because the exact thing I wanted didn't exist and if I was paying $X then I basically wanted what I wanted for my money.

I'd be totally down for custom cutting a diamond for my wife if I could define the finer aspects (crown angle, pavilion angle, table, LGF's, etc).

For me, the issue is I can't control any of those elements.

At best I can say I want a 3 carat G VS2 and then WF, CBI, etc will go buy rough that gets us in that criteria. Sometimes the rough yields a better color or clarity, and sometimes it's off a bit. The vendors guarantee those elements so if it's different you usually get a price adjustment or can walk on the deal. If it comes back better, you get the upgrades for free. That part is cool no doubt.

However if Im looking for a 54 table, and 34.5/40.8 combo with 76 LGF's then they can't guarantee that. In reality I may get a 57 table, 34/40.8 combo with 78 LGF's. All ideally cut but slightly different personalities.

Of course for the vast majority of people simply having an ACA or CBI is good enough. Actually way better than "good enough" because as a whole, these are two of the arguably best cut stones you will encounter.

I will use WF here because IMO their videos do a much better job of highlighting fire. So search their inventory and compare various videos. You will start to see while all of them are beautiful some just have bigger and bolder flashes of rainbow light (fire) than others. I like and prefer those big bold flashes so I tend to favor proportions that provide that performance. It's being extremely picky as I'm looking at personality and trying to find the 1% of the 1%.

If I would custom cut I don't get that luxury. The downside is maybe I don't get a 3ct G VS2 either. But maybe I find a 2.90 F SI1 that fits the bill better.

Neither choice is right or wrong. Just preference. Spend your dollars the way that makes you and your lady the most happy.
Click to expand...


I appreciate the support, so you would go for this for flash:

Diamond | 2.983 ct J SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4193183

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 2.983 carat J color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4193183
www.whiteflash.com

Seems like it has the smaller table. I cannot compare this one to the original white flash diamond as far as angles and stuff goes like you broke down ACA vs CBI previously. I would love your input (for fun)
 
I can’t wait to see hand shots!
 
sledge said:
However if Im looking for a 54 table, and 34.5/40.8 combo with 76 LGF's then they can't guarantee that. In reality I may get a 57 table, 34/40.8 combo with 78 LGF's. All ideally cut but slightly different personalities.
Click to expand...
I wish they can. :wink2:
 
Hello all.

HPD has a long history, and clear policy, of discussing our direct competitors in a very respectful way. It is never our intent to discredit others. It would not be appropriate to do so. I spoke to the OP on the phone and have personally apologized.

Having reviewed our communications I do not see internal policy broken but, in reading this thread, I do understand how that perception occurred. There is a fine line between clarifying our uniqueness and having this taken as bashing a competitor. We will work to improve on this in the future.

Again, my sincere apologies for the distress this may have caused. And I truly appreciate the OP’s willingness to discuss it with me.

Wink
 
As mentioned, Wink took a personal approach to clear up any misunderstandings. He was respectable and very professional. One systematic policy would be perceived differently consumer to consumer. That is what I believe happened. It wasn’t a negative approach, just not the best one, as far as I am involved (being in the 0.01%). A lot of respect for the post above and the continued discussion.
 
While I’m at it, I would like to thank moderators and long time members for taking the time to talk to me and expressing concern. It was a real help and I promise to keep everyone posted on which diamond ultimately gets purchased.
 
T1NS said:
2.882ct J SI1.jpg

Here is the stone itself for what it is worth. Shows pretty large for a 2.88 I think (I know finger size plays a role) but overall seems okay.

QUESTION: Is it me or does it seem yellow?
Click to expand...

Hi, Out of curiosity, is there any reason why you don’t get this stone at that time?
 
munchee said:
Hi, Out of curiosity, is there any reason why you don’t get this stone at that time?
Click to expand...

I don't see any hint of yellow
 
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