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Urgent Help Needed - Diamond Selection for Engagement Ring

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Flirtymurty

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 28, 2024
Messages
30
Hello,

I am considering buying 1 of 2 diamonds here in the next 12 hours or so, however, I am undecided on which is "Better". I initially was set on the 1.53 H SI1 but after seeing the price difference, color/clarity improvement, and videos of the 1.4 G VS2, I am now torn. My only real concern with the 1.4 G is that it may be getting too spready and potentially show dark close up and/or show the girdle due to a potential fish eye. My concern with the 1.53 is that the inclusions are worse and the diamond didnt seem to sparkle as much as the video of the 1.4 ct. I have also attached the certs and images of the diamonds. The ASET image corresponds with the 1.4 Ct diamond as do the images of the diamond with the yellow band. The silver band and prong image is the 1.5 ct. I saw the 1.5 ct in person and while it looks good, I can't determine whether the 1.4 is a better deal as it shows face up of 1.46 and is cheaper. However, since I only have videos and images to go off of, I am uncertain how the 1.4 Ct looks in person. Any insight is appreciated!!

Diamond 1: 1.53 Ct H SI1. $10,000.
HCA: 1.9
StoneAlgo: 8.4

Diamond 2: 1.4 Ct G VS2. $8,800.
HCA: 1
StoneAlgo: 7.8

1726831772699.png
1726831810450.png1726831824444.png

1726831848729.png
 
I am not a cut expert but to me the top one has a "paddling" effect where it will be darker around the ends of the arrows. A perfect ASET won't have those big blue areas on the outside edge.

The second one has a big table and is shallow so is more of a 60/60 type stone.

I wonder how the experts feel about these super ideal cut options:

* https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...-vs2-clarity-round-excellent-cut-sku-a4678017
* https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...-vs2-clarity-round-excellent-cut-sku-a4691039

Hopefully one of the people who is good at shopping for very well-cut non-super-ideals will reply soon too!

Here are two lists of angles from experts that are most likely to be good:

@DejaWiz
  • PA 40.6-40.9°
  • CA 34-35° (35.5° max for PA of 40.6°)
  • Crown Height 15.0-15.5% (14.5% min, 16% max)
  • Table Width 54-57% (max of 58%)
  • Overall Depth 60.5-62.5% (closest to 61%)
  • ⁠LGF 75-80%
  • Star Facets 50-55%

@Kim N
  • Crown angle 34-35
  • Pavilion angle 40.6-40.9
  • Depth 60.4-62.4
  • Table 55-58

A

Thread 'What’s the best proportions and angles?'

I’ve seen DejaWiz recommend these ranges

• ⁠PA 40.6-40.9°
• ⁠CA 34-35° (35.5° max for PA of 40.6°)
• ⁠Crown Height 15.0-15.5% (14.5% min, 16% max)
• ⁠Table Width 54-57% (max of 58%)
• ⁠Overall Depth 60.5-62.5% (closest to 61%)
• ⁠LGF 75-80%
• ⁠Star Facets 50-55%

And Kim N recommend
Crown angle 34-35
Pavilion angle 40.6-40.9
Depth 60.4-62.4
Table 55-58

What’s the best source?

1726834936129.png
 
newtojewels said:
I am not a cut expert but to me the top one has a "paddling" effect where it will be darker around the ends of the arrows. A perfect ASET won't have those big blue areas on the outside edge.

The second one has a big table and is shallow so is more of a 60/60 type stone.

I wonder how the experts feel about these super ideal cut options:

* https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...-vs2-clarity-round-excellent-cut-sku-a4678017
* https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...-vs2-clarity-round-excellent-cut-sku-a4691039

Hopefully one of the people who is good at shopping for very well-cut non-super-ideals will reply soon too!

Here are two lists of angles from experts that are most likely to be good:

@DejaWiz
  • PA 40.6-40.9°
  • CA 34-35° (35.5° max for PA of 40.6°)
  • Crown Height 15.0-15.5% (14.5% min, 16% max)
  • Table Width 54-57% (max of 58%)
  • Overall Depth 60.5-62.5% (closest to 61%)
  • ⁠LGF 75-80%
  • Star Facets 50-55%

@Kim N
  • Crown angle 34-35
  • Pavilion angle 40.6-40.9
  • Depth 60.4-62.4
  • Table 55-58

A

Thread 'What’s the best proportions and angles?'

I’ve seen DejaWiz recommend these ranges

• ⁠PA 40.6-40.9°
• ⁠CA 34-35° (35.5° max for PA of 40.6°)
• ⁠Crown Height 15.0-15.5% (14.5% min, 16% max)
• ⁠Table Width 54-57% (max of 58%)
• ⁠Overall Depth 60.5-62.5% (closest to 61%)
• ⁠LGF 75-80%
• ⁠Star Facets 50-55%

And Kim N recommend
Crown angle 34-35
Pavilion angle 40.6-40.9
Depth 60.4-62.4
Table 55-58

What’s the best source?

1726834936129.png
Click to expand...

Hey thanks so much for the response! The ASET image is actually for the 1.4 ct.. I dont have an ASET image for the 1.53 ct. Are you saying the shallow 60/60 1.4 ct ASET image might allude to darker arrows on the edges? Do you have an opinion on which one you would go with? Thanks again for the help!
 
We need up-close videos/pictures of both stones. I would pass on the 1.4.
 
tyty333 said:
We need up-close videos/pictures of both stones. I would pass on the 1.4.
Click to expand...

Understood! What is the reason for passing on the 1.4? Here is the best close up image I have of the 1.4 IMG_8665.png
 
I do not like the proportions of the 1.4. It is a 60/60 style stone and those tend to favour white light return over coloured light. I also think the ASET isn’t great (paddling, leakage). It is not a total dud. Probably if you are not super obsessed with cut it will look great to you!

Can’t say much about the H without more images or video.
 
Dreamer_D said:
I do not like the proportions of the 1.4. It is a 60/60 style stone and those tend to favour white light return over coloured light. I also think the ASET isn’t great (paddling, leakage). It is not a total dud. Probably if you are not super obsessed with cut it will look great to you!

Can’t say much about the H without more images or video.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input!! I unfortunately dont have a better image of the 1.53 ct other than the attached. 1726844820194.png
 
Dreamer_D said:
I do not like the proportions of the 1.4. It is a 60/60 style stone and those tend to favour white light return over coloured light. I also think the ASET isn’t great (paddling, leakage). It is not a total dud. Probably if you are not super obsessed with cut it will look great to you!

Can’t say much about the H without more images or video.
Click to expand...

Here is the 1.5 in another photo.. Sorry this is the best I could do. I just feel like the 1.5 seems darker than the 1.4... really curious to hear your thoughts1726848816839.png
 
MissGotRocks said:
Here is a super ideal cut diamond from Whiteflash. You can see from the images the sharpness in the diamond cut. Why are you limited to only the two diamonds you have referenced?

Diamond | 1.40 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4708687

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.40 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 4708687
www.whiteflash.com
Click to expand...

Thanks for sending this over! I have been looking mostly locally for a couple months and based off the ones I have seen thus far within the proportions I am looking for, these 2 options were the best. While the diamond from Whiteflash looks great, I think it is a bit out of my budget. Are you suggesting that I avoid both 1.4 and 1.53 diamonds?
 



Cut is king.
 
Flirtymurty said:
Here is the 1.5 in another photo.. Sorry this is the best I could do. I just feel like the 1.5 seems darker than the 1.4... really curious to hear your thoughts1726848816839.png
Click to expand...

Can’t tell much from those pictures and you can compare two pictures of stones bc lighting is different between them and lighting determines like 90% of diamond appearance!
 
You need to see the 1.4 in person and compare it in person to the 1.53 to be certain of your choice.
 
Dreamer_D said:
You need to see the 1.4 in person and compare it in person to the 1.53 to be certain of your choice.
Click to expand...

I agree seeing the 1.4 in person would be ideal but unfortunately this option is not local to me which is another reason I am now leaning towards the 1.53.
 
I honestly would reach out to Whiteflash and have them send you a couple video options from their A Cut Above collection… just so you know all your options. Their modern diamonds are beautiful. I looked at modern round brilliant cut diamonds for a long time and planned to go with their ACA + Vatche U113 setting (this is coming from a happily married woman of 20 years who’s never had a diamond, so I was VERY picky when I started looking and went from wanting Tiffany to WF ACA)… then one day I got “lost” in the antique forum on here and never left, lol!

I love shopping local myself for most things… but for a piece of jewelry for someone you love who will be wearing for a long time… it’s good in that case to take a breath and weigh all your options.
 
Last edited:
If you can't see the 1.4 in person than I don't see the benefit of shopping locally/in person anyway and you might as well buy from a company that knows how to see remotely and provides adequate information to assess cut quality.
 
Dreamer_D said:
If you can't see the 1.4 in person than I don't see the benefit of shopping locally/in person anyway and you might as well buy from a company that knows how to see remotely and provides adequate information to assess cut quality.
Click to expand...

Fair point! I am just overwhelmed by the number of options. I really want to stick to $10,000 max for the diamond but it seems like I need to compromise down to ~1.3 ct diamond for ACA or similar diamond that has a great ASET and H&A images at least from a shopping online standpoint. Locally, I guess I am willing to sacrifice some quality as I truly don't think her nor I can tell a difference between a super-ideal diamond and a great diamond.
 
Diamond shopping can be very overwhelming! But you found a great place where a lot of really wonderful people hang out that love to help others find beautiful diamonds. Can you tell us what your parameters are? What’s most important to you? Size, color, cut, clarity? I’m assuming you’re looking for a mind diamond versus lab?

A $10k budget is definitely doable and I have no doubt the wonderful people here will be able to find you something beautiful!
 
lavenderdragonfly23 said:
Diamond shopping can be very overwhelming! But you found a great place where a lot of really wonderful people hang out that love to help others find beautiful diamonds. Can you tell us what your parameters are? What’s most important to you? Size, color, cut, clarity? I’m assuming you’re looking for a mind diamond versus lab?

A $10k budget is definitely doable and I have no doubt the wonderful people here will be able to find you something beautiful!
Click to expand...

Here are the parameters that I THINK I am looking for. Albeit, I have found varying information depending on where I look.

$10,000 budget for diamond (ideally entire engagement ring but would be open to spending this on the diamond itself)
Natural Round Diamond (Unfortunately, non-negotiable)
1.4-1.5 ct (have narrowed from 1.5 - 2 ct due to price)
VS-SI1
I color and up
XXX Gia certified (and ideally scores well with sites below)

Potential Dimensional Parameters:
Table: 54-57%
Depth: 59-62.6%
Crown angle: 34-35°
Pavilion angle: 40.6-41°
Thin - Medium - Slightly Thick girdle
Cutlet: None
Fluorescence: Faint to none

Misc:
I have been using HCA, StoneAlgo, and Diamondscreener as tools to intially vet diamonds based on their proportions.
I have also recently started to look for ASET images as well.

Also, as mentioned, my significant other and I most likely won't be able to tell the difference between a super-ideal cut and a great cut but I do want to make sure I am getting the best bang for my buck. However, I am starting to wear myself out as I have been looking for a couple of months and can't decide. This is making me want to go with the 1.53 ct as it is local and I know it looks "great".
 
Hmmm…. I may have stumbled across something for you to ponder while we wait for some suggestions to come in …

Food for thought… I have read on here multiple times, and from WF that with a super ideal cut diamond, because of the cut, they will often appear whiter than a 3X diamond. That being said, if you are ok with an I color 3X, you *might* be able to go up to a J super ideal… if that’s something you are open to, and you would be cool with something already set - and in the 2ct range.. I think the seller is willing to sell the diamond separate if the setting isn’t her style.

2ct Whiteflash ACA, J/SI1 set in a Victor Canera Emilya

$11k for 2ct J/SI1… if the size works, the price includes the setting + eternity band too. It’s been listed for a while so there may be some wiggle room in the price too!

Just a thought!
 
Last edited:
MamaBear said:
This might be worth contacting Whiteflash about. This is a fantastic price, if the stone is eyeclean to your preference!
www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.30 ct I SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4698204

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.30 carat I color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). | 4698204
www.whiteflash.com
Click to expand...

Also, Whiteflash has several J colored stones within budget and size preferences, if you decide a J could work!
 
Please keep looking. Not a fan of either of those
 
lovedogs said:
Please keep looking. Not a fan of either of those
Click to expand...

Thanks for the insight! May I ask why you aren't a fan of the 1.53 ct diamond?
 
MamaBear said:
Also, Whiteflash has several J colored stones within budget and size preferences, if you decide a J could work!
Click to expand...

I have seen a couple of J colored stones and while not drastically different than an I, i think I would like to stay at an I or better. Also, ideally, a 1.4-1.5 ct size. However, it seems like I may have to compromise if I truly want a super-ideal cut. That being said, I dont know if I will be perfectly content with a great/ideal cut diamond in 1.5 ct I or better.
 
Its unlikely that you can get a diamond for less money from a B&M locally, all else being equal. So you could look for a non-branded, non-super ideal online and likely save money that way. The benefit of in person buying is seeing the diamond in person and being able to select that way! When that is taken out of the equation, its just paying more for not much benefit IMO.
 
Flirtymurty said:
I have seen a couple of J colored stones and while not drastically different than an I, i think I would like to stay at an I or better. Also, ideally, a 1.4-1.5 ct size. However, it seems like I may have to compromise if I truly want a super-ideal cut. That being said, I dont know if I will be perfectly content with a great/ideal cut diamond in 1.5 ct I or better.
Click to expand...

Ideal cut - -meaning an incredibly sparkly diamond that people can see across the room and comment on all the time -- is well worth spending money on and well worth sacrificing a tenth of a milliemeter in diameter! You can't see that across the room or even on the hand!
 
Flirtymurty said:
Thanks for the insight! May I ask why you aren't a fan of the 1.53 ct diamond?
Click to expand...

Oops, I thought one of tje pics face up was of tje 1.53. Didn't realize all the clear ones were the smaller option. The pics of rhe 1.53 aren't helpful. Pass on the 60/60 style
 
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