Torn Between Super Ideals

[JP 134]

Hi All,

So I went down the rabbit hole of super ideal rounds and am now a bit stuck trying to decide between two options for my future fiancé.

Option 1: 2.5c, D/IF/type 2a, Super ideal H&A round from a respected vendor on here.
Options 2: JannPaul 2.5c, D/VVS2, Round Nova.

The JP option would be about a 7-10% cost different (more money) for lower clarity, but it's a unique cut.

So I know most people may respond that the proprietary cut is the deciding factor here, but the lady is a bit torn. She loves the Nova cut, but isn't sure if that's worth it alone to step away from the "perfect" super ideal H&A. She asks me what I think and I personally am not sure. I think the nova looks beautiful, but I'm also not familiar with these specialty cuts and if they're worth such a premium. A H&A VVS2 super ideal would be about a 25-30% difference, so the markup for the cut is significant.

Some questions that come to mind:
Will these designs fall out of style or become more mainstream with other high end jewelers?
Is traditional the safer bet?
Is a proprietary cut worth dropping down in clarity, while knowing that visually you can't see the difference between VVS2 and IF.

Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions!

Oh some pics for comparison and fun!

 

[MissGotRocks]

I personally prefer the super ideal hearts and arrows. I am very familiar with that cut and have six of them myself. They are in different sizes but the cut quality is superb and consistent. Jann Paul seems to produce a quality product, but I don’t prefer the look of more facets. Is the super ideal cut diamond in stock with the vendor or will it be cut to order? The pricing for IF or VVS clarities really drives the pricing up as does the D color. Just wondering if you have been able to view any diamonds in person to get a feel for preferences, or if you are just choosing these high color/clarity diamonds.

 

[JP 134]

I personally prefer the super ideal hearts and arrows. I am very familiar with that cut and have six of them myself. They are in different sizes but the cut quality is superb and consistent. Jann Paul seems to produce a quality product, but I don’t prefer the look of more facets. Is the super ideal cut diamond in stock with the vendor or will it be cut to order? The pricing for IF or VVS clarities really drives the pricing up as does the D color. Just wondering if you have been able to view any diamonds in person to get a feel for preferences, or if you are just choosing these high color/clarity diamonds.

Thank you for sharing your preference! Both JP and the other jeweler would have to cut the diamond from the rough. We have been able to see H&A's in person from high end stores like Tiffany's, but not a JP design. D color is a must for us, but are willing to drop down to VVS2 if it means either a significant bump from 2.5 or if she ends up really want the JP design. I'm just having a hard time justifying giving up the rarity of a D/IF/2a for a proprietary cut. However, if she was to say that this is "the one" then I'll happily buy whatever she wants. She's just a little torn as well. I think if all things being equal though, she would prefer to have the nova with the specs of the H&A, but the pricing for that is beyond my budget.

 

[Rfisher]

Will these designs fall out of style or become more mainstream with other high end jewelers?
Is traditional the safer bet?

I’d suggest to buy whichever one you like the look of best.
These questions are geared towards betting on futures?

Congratulations on your upcoming engagement?

(I don’t prefer the look of all the extra facets either, jmo)

 

[ceci]

You should book an online consultation with JannPaul and see their different cuts in movement and in different lighting conditions. I’d also suggest you ask them to show you the round 10 and decagon 10.

 

[0-0-0]

If buying for rarity/collection I would get natural D/IF/2a. I don’t see much point of buying natural D VVS2. If she loves the nova round too perhaps get it lab grown as a travel ring?

 

[JP 134]

You should book an online consultation with JannPaul and see their different cuts in movement and in different lighting conditions. I’d also suggest you ask them to show you the round 10 and decagon 10.

Thanks! I did do an online consultation and had a comparison between the Nova, 10 H&A round and traditional H&A. It was helpful, but still left us a bit torn. Wish I could see it in person.

 

[JP 134]

If buying for rarity/collection I would get natural D/IF/2a. I don’t see much point of buying natural D VVS2. If she loves the nova round too perhaps get it lab grown as a travel ring?

Interesting take. I'm kind of leaning in your direction for the rarity factor. I know D color is a must, but have been moving around with clarity.

 

[JP 134]

In case it wasn't clear, these are natural diamonds that I'm comparing. It seems that my post got moved to the lab sub forum.

 

[0515vision]

Personally, I love the faceting of the Nova. The stats for the combo of D IF 2a are all things that are in my mind but not appreciable to my eye. The price tag on IF is a psychological question.

I know there’s such love for the round brilliant, but if they all essentially look the same, and I’m the only one keeping track of the IF label in my head, do I want it? My personal answer is no. Just chiming in here.

Good luck and congrats on the upcoming engagement!

 

[JP 134]

Personally, I love the faceting of the Nova. The stats for the combo of D IF 2a are all things that are in my mind but not appreciable to my eye. The price tag on IF is a psychological question.

I know there’s such love for the round brilliant, but if they all essentially look the same, and I’m the only one keeping track of the IF label in my head, do I want it? My personal answer is no. Just chiming in here.

Good luck and congrats on the upcoming engagement!

Thanks for the comment!

I like it too, I'm just having hard time justifying what would be a 15k premium for the cut difference vs a super ideal with the same stats as the JP Nova, but it sure is beautiful.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Thanks for the comment!

I like it too, I'm just having hard time justifying what would be a 15k premium for the cut difference vs a super ideal with the same stats as the JP Nova, but it sure is beautiful.

Yes, you could buy other jewelry with the 15k. That is quite a premium!