WF ACA 2.1 G VS2 on hold... input pretty please

[Bruin Bling]

Happy New Year’s Eve, Pricescopers!

First, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your community. Since finding this site in Jan and then finally joining around April, I have to say this is the nicest online forum that I have come across. Although I really haven’t posted much, I have thoroughly enjoyed following the search journeys and guidance offered to established members and newbies alike.

Second, a little back story on me/us. Long-time, long-distance girlfriend and I officially got engaged on holiday back in March, and returned home the same day the US COVID lockdown was announced. I proposed with something small but sparkly as I wanted the ring search to be shared (after all, she is the one that will be wearing it). We have not been in a rush to get this done (and frankly we have both struggled a bit with all the lockdowns and new normal in 2020). But we decided 2021 will be the year of positive change, and I recently prioritized the search!

Okay, okay... so what about the search? Some of you might have seen on other recent threads that I have been loosely searching and monitoring inventory at WF, HPD, and VC. But after two diamonds went to fellow PS’ers literally right after I had bookmarked them, I signed up for alerts on WF (thanks @NicoleNeedsHelp @Dmndsr4evr11 A veteran SA from WF connected with me shortly after that to help with my search.

Future wife doesn’t have specific needs re: the diamond other that “it be nice enough that other men will get the message she is not interested nor available.” Lol. We did learn during a visit to Tiffany that 1.75ct looked too small to her, while the 2.5ct seemed a bit too big. After reading and following posts and members’ opinions for months, I netted out with the following search parameters: Round Brilliant, AGS Ideal, 2.1-2.25 carat, G color, VS2 or better clarity but with a ‘mind clean’ table. I am still vascillating between G and H though.

A new stone matching that criteria appeared on WF this week, and I quickly reserved it to allow some time to consider the stone and of course ask you all for your thoughts. Here it is:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4344283.htm

WF won’t have a video of the stones nor a comparison picture for color until early Monday, so I only have the pictures posted and certificate to reference. I can post those videos as soon as I get them! SA stated that the inclusions will not impact the stone’s brilliance or sparkle. She also stated she doesn’t see anything in the pipeline in the 2.2-2.5ct range, G color with my preferences. I would consider going up to 2.3 as it is still below that 2.5 size she felt was too big for her.

My questions to y’all are:
1. Should we still be concerned about the inclusions listed on the certificate - twinning wisps and surface graining? I had read in a past post about questionable stone integrity with wisps, but not sure if it was conclusive. And I thought graining was a “no no”.
2. Alternatively, if we could get a 2.3 Ideal (8.50mm diameter), H VVS2 for about the same cost and almost no inclusions, would that make more sense vs this 2.1 Ideal (8.25mm), G VS2 stone? Does color matter at this size? Seems like some members suggest G or better when above 2 carats, but others don’t notice color at all.
3. Anything else I should consider, or ask/request from WF to help assess this stone? Future wife is considering a basic solitaire or pave setting.

Best wishes to you all in 2021, and thanks in advance for your input and guidance too.... whether we do go for this one or wait for another.

 

[Karl_K]

wisps and graining are both it depends.
wisps can be total clean looking with no impact on the transparency of the diamond to giving it a mushy snow globe effect in bright lighting.
Graining on the crown can sometimes give an off look in some lighting. On the pavilion no issues.
Both will need to be evaluated with the stone in hand for you by WF.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Beautiful stone. Love the proportions...

 

[NicoleNeedsHelp]

Is the H VVS2 also at Whiteflash? If yes, WF will place them side by side and take pics for you.

Also, consider your setting. Many members recommend setting the stone with the same vendor. Does WF have any settings you guys like? WF has some super beautiful solitaire settings. But, IMO, VC is the king of pave.

 

[Bruin Bling]

Thanks you three for the replies. It also looks like WF added the videos to the listing... in the Sparkle video, I think I see a flash of graining, a pinpoint around 7:30, and something in the star in the 3pm position. Anyone else see that?

@Karl_K - good points and I will make sure to inquire about this with the SA on Monday morning.

@Dancing Fire - glad to hear that you approve. You have really terrific diamonds from what I’ve seen in your posts. So jealous!

@NicoleNeedsHelp - we really didn’t get to the setting phase yet, other than she is not a big halo fan. Look forward to seeing your ring from VC!

 

[Dmndsr4evr11]

Happy New Year’s Eve, Pricescopers!

First, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your community. Since finding this site in Jan and then finally joining around April, I have to say this is the nicest online forum that I have come across. Although I really haven’t posted much, I have thoroughly enjoyed following the search journeys and guidance offered to established members and newbies alike.

Second, a little back story on me/us. Long-time, long-distance girlfriend and I officially got engaged on holiday back in March, and returned home the same day the US COVID lockdown was announced. I proposed with something small but sparkly as I wanted the ring search to be shared (after all, she is the one that will be wearing it). We have not been in a rush to get this done (and frankly we have both struggled a bit with all the lockdowns and new normal in 2020). But we decided 2021 will be the year of positive change, and I recently prioritized the search!

Okay, okay... so what about the search? Some of you might have seen on other recent threads that I have been loosely searching and monitoring inventory at WF, HPD, and VC. But after two diamonds went to fellow PS’ers literally right after I had bookmarked them, I signed up for alerts on WF (thanks @NicoleNeedsHelp @Dmndsr4evr11 A veteran SA from WF connected with me shortly after that to help with my search.

Future wife doesn’t have specific needs re: the diamond other that “it be nice enough that other men will get the message she is not interested nor available.” Lol. We did learn during a visit to Tiffany that 1.75ct looked too small to her, while the 2.5ct seemed a bit too big. After reading and following posts and members’ opinions for months, I netted out with the following search parameters: Round Brilliant, AGS Ideal, 2.1-2.25 carat, G color, VS2 or better clarity but with a ‘mind clean’ table. I am still vascillating between G and H though.

A new stone matching that criteria appeared on WF this week, and I quickly reserved it to allow some time to consider the stone and of course ask you all for your thoughts. Here it is:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4344283.htm

WF won’t have a video of the stones nor a comparison picture for color until early Monday, so I only have the pictures posted and certificate to reference. I can post those videos as soon as I get them! SA stated that the inclusions will not impact the stone’s brilliance or sparkle. She also stated she doesn’t see anything in the pipeline in the 2.2-2.5ct range, G color with my preferences. I would consider going up to 2.3 as it is still below that 2.5 size she felt was too big for her.

My questions to y’all are:
1. Should we still be concerned about the inclusions listed on the certificate - twinning wisps and surface graining? I had read in a past post about questionable stone integrity with wisps, but not sure if it was conclusive. And I thought graining was a “no no”.
2. Alternatively, if we could get a 2.3 Ideal (8.50mm diameter), H VVS2 for about the same cost and almost no inclusions, would that make more sense vs this 2.1 Ideal (8.25mm), G VS2 stone? Does color matter at this size? Seems like some members suggest G or better when above 2 carats, but others don’t notice color at all.
3. Anything else I should consider, or ask/request from WF to help assess this stone? Future wife is considering a basic solitaire or pave setting.

Best wishes to you all in 2021, and thanks in advance for your input and guidance too.... whether we do go for this one or wait for another.

Proportions look great but I am no expert and I don’t know how wisps can affect the stone’s performance. Did you ask the SA’s opinion? I have worked with my SA for a while so I trust her input. There are other few new stones that just came up. A couple of G color. I’ll try to post the links.

 

[Dmndsr4evr11]

Happy New Year’s Eve, Pricescopers!

First, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your community. Since finding this site in Jan and then finally joining around April, I have to say this is the nicest online forum that I have come across. Although I really haven’t posted much, I have thoroughly enjoyed following the search journeys and guidance offered to established members and newbies alike.

Second, a little back story on me/us. Long-time, long-distance girlfriend and I officially got engaged on holiday back in March, and returned home the same day the US COVID lockdown was announced. I proposed with something small but sparkly as I wanted the ring search to be shared (after all, she is the one that will be wearing it). We have not been in a rush to get this done (and frankly we have both struggled a bit with all the lockdowns and new normal in 2020). But we decided 2021 will be the year of positive change, and I recently prioritized the search!

Okay, okay... so what about the search? Some of you might have seen on other recent threads that I have been loosely searching and monitoring inventory at WF, HPD, and VC. But after two diamonds went to fellow PS’ers literally right after I had bookmarked them, I signed up for alerts on WF (thanks @NicoleNeedsHelp @Dmndsr4evr11 A veteran SA from WF connected with me shortly after that to help with my search.

Future wife doesn’t have specific needs re: the diamond other that “it be nice enough that other men will get the message she is not interested nor available.” Lol. We did learn during a visit to Tiffany that 1.75ct looked too small to her, while the 2.5ct seemed a bit too big. After reading and following posts and members’ opinions for months, I netted out with the following search parameters: Round Brilliant, AGS Ideal, 2.1-2.25 carat, G color, VS2 or better clarity but with a ‘mind clean’ table. I am still vascillating between G and H though.

A new stone matching that criteria appeared on WF this week, and I quickly reserved it to allow some time to consider the stone and of course ask you all for your thoughts. Here it is:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4344283.htm

WF won’t have a video of the stones nor a comparison picture for color until early Monday, so I only have the pictures posted and certificate to reference. I can post those videos as soon as I get them! SA stated that the inclusions will not impact the stone’s brilliance or sparkle. She also stated she doesn’t see anything in the pipeline in the 2.2-2.5ct range, G color with my preferences. I would consider going up to 2.3 as it is still below that 2.5 size she felt was too big for her.

My questions to y’all are:
1. Should we still be concerned about the inclusions listed on the certificate - twinning wisps and surface graining? I had read in a past post about questionable stone integrity with wisps, but not sure if it was conclusive. And I thought graining was a “no no”.
2. Alternatively, if we could get a 2.3 Ideal (8.50mm diameter), H VVS2 for about the same cost and almost no inclusions, would that make more sense vs this 2.1 Ideal (8.25mm), G VS2 stone? Does color matter at this size? Seems like some members suggest G or better when above 2 carats, but others don’t notice color at all.
3. Anything else I should consider, or ask/request from WF to help assess this stone? Future wife is considering a basic solitaire or pave setting.

Best wishes to you all in 2021, and thanks in advance for your input and guidance too.... whether we do go for this one or wait for another.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4345128.htm
This is an F though but the right carat weight range. The other one is a G but closer to 2.5 range.

 

[Bruin Bling]

Thanks @Dmndsr4evr11 Seems like I will have to pick the SA’s brain on Monday and confirm a few things. Did you figure out your setting yet?

 

[munchee]

As I just got a H ACA VS1, I can share a little bit about the tint in H. I think you need to see that particular H to know if you’re comfortable with it. As G and H tint is vary. @NicoleNeedsHelp is right, ask WF side by side picture to compare how big is the difference and if you can see any.
was worried that I can’t be comfortable with H, its true that when I see it in my car I can notice the tint, I thought I would not love this diamond for sure. When I got home, I want to see it in a bathroom light, where I can see tint the most. It does show some tint, but the sparkle kind of take all my attention and I actually don’t really mind with the tint I saw. Then I wear it in any kind of lighting conditions and all I can see is a white, bright and sparkly diamond.
I compare it with 2.06 G VS2 GIA 3ex under bathroom lighting and I feel that my H is actually whiter.


The Bigger one is H and the smaller one is a G. So don’t quickly eliminate the H, the cut is more important. Ask WF side by side pictures and video.
I saw the video of 2.1 G and the 2.3 H me personally vote for the G but I don’t know if the inclusion is a bad one or not

 

[Dmndsr4evr11]

Thanks @Dmndsr4evr11 Seems like I will have to pick the SA’s brain on Monday and confirm a few things. Did you figure out your setting yet?

Happy new year. I decided on the Valoria. Hope it turns out perfect. Good luck with your search.

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi Bruin,

Thought I would drop by and say hello. My DH is a Bruin, so you are forgiven. Totally kidding! (I'm a Cal Bear.) And I love that you are involving her because "she is the one wearing it", such a simple concept that so many fiancees don't seem to be able to grasp.

With regard to your questions:

1. Should we still be concerned about the inclusions listed on the certificate - twinning wisps and surface graining? I had read in a past post about questionable stone integrity with wisps, but not sure if it was conclusive. And I thought graining was a “no no”.

Usually, people don't worry about the integrity of a stone with twinning wisps, especially after it has been vetted by WF. And some people specifically look for SI1s, with twinning wisps as the grade setting inclusion because they usually don't impact the performance of the stone to the extent of it being noticeable to the naked eye. Some find these hard to find SI1s a good bargain.

I personally don't like internal graining, but I would say it depends on the individual. I just don't like being able to see (even with a loupe) something that seems to permeate a diamond. Again just me. I think it would help if you could look at it.

2. Alternatively, if we could get a 2.3 Ideal (8.50mm diameter), H VVS2 for about the same cost and almost no inclusions, would that make more sense vs this 2.1 Ideal (8.25mm), G VS2 stone? Does color matter at this size? Seems like some members suggest G or better when above 2 carats, but others don’t notice color at all.

With regard to the clarity question, given that WF has vetted the stone, the inclusions should not impact the performance of the stone. For some people, it may be more of a "mind-clean" thing. For example, for me, mind clean when I buy WF is VS clarity. I would prefer not to pay extra for the VVS because I would rather spend the money on something more noticeable to me. VS is my mind clean level. Some people have serious eagle eyes, and can spot inclusions, and those inclusions bother them. They may be more picky. So this would depend on you and your fiancee.

Color is also very personal. I have returned a WF ACA H because it was too tinted for me. I also have seen a non-WF AGS H that was NOT too tinted, and was pretty much as white as a GIA G. The color selection totally depends on how color sensitive your fiancee is. 1. Does she see the tint? Some people who are not color sensitive don't even notice. 2. Does she mind it? Some people see it and don't have a problem with it. Maybe the stone is so sparkly that the tint just doesn't matter. Maybe some people do see it and mind it. Everyone is different, and you will find PSers all along the spectrum. What did your fiancee think about the color of the diamonds that she saw at Tiffany?

As an aside, the look of Tiffany diamonds is different from WF ACAs. Generally, they show less dark contrast, and more general just whitish, silver, gray, and some colored, light return. So an H that looked plenty white to her may not mean an H ACA will look the same. My prediction is that the ACA will have more contrast, white, silver, gray, black and colorful reflections. If you want to err on the side of conservatism at this point, and would rather not return a stone because it is not white enough, I would go with the G. If you are fine looking at and potentially returning a stone, and you care about inclusions, go for the H.

3. Anything else I should consider, or ask/request from WF to help assess this stone? Future wife is considering a basic solitaire or pave setting.

I would trust your eyes to evaluate the stone when you receive it. I assume you are going to look at the stone before you ask them to set it? If it isn't what you are hoping for, definitely stay open to returning it and trying another.

Good luck!

 

[MrsBlue]

Edited: Oops just realized this is the other stone you mentioned. Deleting to avoid sniping.

The vvs2 stone is not much more in cost so it's a no brainer for me. Gorgeous stone.

 

[MamaBee]

Happy new year. I decided on the Valoria. Hope it turns out perfect. Good luck with your search.

@Dmndsr4evr11 I hope you love it...I don’t want to derail this thread...I will start a new one...I just upgraded and am going again..with the same setting in 18k white gold.

 

[Dmndsr4evr11]

Yay!!! @MamaBee!! Can’t wait to see yours. Please share specs.

 

[Bruin Bling]

@munchee - thanks for the comparison pic and the input as it is helpful. I’ve seen quite a number of H’s on here that not only face up white, but even look ‘pretty’ white from the side angles. Then there are others where you see a brownish tint. Looks like you found the former! The SA seemed to think the inclusions are not an issue given the vetting that @LLJsmom mentioned. Def will need more input about the relative colors of the two.

 

[Bruin Bling]

@LLJsmom - Hi fellow U of CA system alum. And Go Bruins to your DH! I greatly appreciate your detailed response as well. Definitely giving us more to consider over the weekend.

In an ideal world, the G stone would be closer to 2.2-2.25 carats all things considered. If the SA feels like the inclusions are not a concern to the integrity of the stone, nor the brilliance, then I’m good with that But will make sure to ask for additional info and pics from the SA.

I’ve gone back and forth on the G and H color thing MUCH more than my fiancé. Must be the OCD in me. She tried on a 1.75 I and a 2.5 E VVS2 at Tiffany and the color difference didn’t jump out at us but we didn’t compare side by side either. And that was in the store vs everyday lighting.

I found some pics of both which I will attach to the reply (Not the best lighting tho). I actually felt she pulled off the larger stone pretty well, but it was also $110K with the setting!?! She has a 4.75 size finger, but the 1.75 felt smaller than she and I had expected. Maybe the lower Novo setting had something to do with it too. As you can see, any color diff is hard to see in the lighting of the pics unfortunately.

1.75 I @ T&Co


2.5 E @T&Co

 

[Dmndsr4evr11]

Oohhh the 2.5 looks like the perfect size for her ! .

 

[munchee]

I’ll give you more pictures showing this H at the MOST tinted lighting: My mudroom lighting show the most tint, but since I don’t live in my mudroom and my bathroom, I don’t see the tint at any other lighting I spend time the most, its not a problem for me. This is as tinted as it can be, but I need to underlined, other kind of lighting it looks trully white. All 4pictures taken in my Mudroom.

 

[daisygrl]

My H, similar in size as yours. Last pic (Christmas one) is my H next to an F color bracelet to compare. This H (it is a high H) is plenty white for me.

 

[Dmndsr4evr11]

My H, similar in size as yours. Last pic (Christmas one) is my H next to an F color bracelet to compare. This H (it is a high H) is plenty white for me.

Wow! @daisygrl! Love your ring! What are the specs of your ring and what setting is that? I may have seen your original post about your ring but for the life of me, I can’t recall details .

 

[Dmndsr4evr11]

Wow! @daisygrl! Love your ring! What are the specs of your ring and what setting is that? I may have seen your original post about your ring but for the life of me, I can’t recall details .

@daisygrl - found it. Please ignore my previous post. I remember now! Love your Boston classic setting. Your ring is beautiful!

 

[daisygrl]

@daisygrl - found it. Please ignore my previous post. I remember now! Love your Boston classic setting. Your ring is beautiful!

Thank you! Just wanted to let you know to not be afraid of an H. It can be plenty white (if a high/medium H).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

She has gorgeous hands and I'd go a little larger than the 2.11 if you can.

I'd have them pull these three and find out which ones are highest H color. Then compare that one (or two) to the G. I think if any of them are high H, I'd take them over the G. There's a lot of difference in the size.

Diamond comparison | Compare Diamonds to choose and buy the best one

Whiteflash gives you an excellent opportunity to compare diamonds to make a great deal. With diamond’s parameters provided, you can compare any detail.

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[Bruin Bling]

@LLJsmom - Sorry, forgot to address some of the other points in your post. I agree with you re: clarity requirements and will keep that in mind. Regarding seeing the diamonds, it's unfortunate that we don't live nearby the WF store, otherwise, I would have already gone in there. However, I think we might decide on a stone, and then fly out to the store within the 30 day period to see it first-hand as well as figure out which setting is best. Not sure if that is the best way to approach this, but that was the initial thought.

@munchee - If that is the WORST tint that you were able to capture, then I think you're in a really good spot with that H stone. If we end up going down that path as well, I hope that it will be similar to yours or @daisygrl beautiful stones. And btw, that size looks great on you too.

@daisygrl - Thanks! I have enjoyed following many of your posts over the last year and how you finally got what you wanted. Seems like everyone's journey is different, right? Your past posts were one of the reasons we reconsidered H as opposed to F/G. Seems like finding a 'high' H is the key.

@diamondseeker2006 - Thank you for your thoughts too, and the Dear Future Wife says 'thank you' for the comment about her hands. I also kinda think she can handily pull off larger than the 2.11 stone that is currently under consideration, and was thinking 2.2-2.3 would look good without being too flashy which she also wants to avoid. Although she is a 4.75, seems like her fingers are kinda wider than normal for that size, as I've seen some pics of people wearing 2 carat solitaires with size 5 fingers and the stone looks good on them. I think your suggestion re: which ones to compare makes total sense, and I will be sending an email to my SA over the weekend so hopefully she can get working on that early Monday.

 

[daisygrl]

@LLJsmom - Sorry, forgot to address some of the other points in your post. I agree with you re: clarity requirements and will keep that in mind. Regarding seeing the diamonds, it's unfortunate that we don't live nearby the WF store, otherwise, I would have already gone in there. However, I think we might decide on a stone, and then fly out to the store within the 30 day period to see it first-hand as well as figure out which setting is best. Not sure if that is the best way to approach this, but that was the initial thought.

@munchee - If that is the WORST tint that you were able to capture, then I think you're in a really good spot with that H stone. If we end up going down that path as well, I hope that it will be similar to yours or @daisygrl beautiful stones. And btw, that size looks great on you too.

@daisygrl - Thanks! I have enjoyed following many of your posts over the last year and how you finally got what you wanted. Seems like everyone's journey is different, right? Your past posts were one of the reasons we reconsidered H as opposed to F/G. Seems like finding a 'high' H is the key.

@diamondseeker2006 - Thank you for your thoughts too, and the Dear Future Wife says 'thank you' for the comment about her hands. I also kinda think she can handily pull off larger than the 2.11 stone that is currently under consideration, and was thinking 2.2-2.3 would look good without being too flashy which she also wants to avoid. Although she is a 4.75, seems like her fingers are kinda wider than normal for that size, as I've seen some pics of people wearing 2 carat solitaires with size 5 fingers and the stone looks good on them. I think your suggestion re: which ones to compare makes total sense, and I will be sending an email to my SA over the weekend so hopefully she can get working on that early Monday.

I am a 3.5 (ring is 4) and would like a bigger ring (which I have already hinted to my husband and he ok-ed it.) 2.3 will be fine on 4.75 finger - nice coverage but not too much. I hope you will find what you are looking for. If so, come here to show us.

 

[munchee]

@munchee - If that is the WORST tint that you were able to capture, then I think you're in a really good spot with that H stone. If we end up going down that path as well, I hope that it will be similar to yours or @daisygrl beautiful stones. And btw, that size looks great on you too.

as you can see I’m not trying to take a pretty picture but only wanted to show you the color, and yes that is the “worst” tint. Its not as white as higher color for sure but its not too warm and extremely acceptable

 

[LLJsmom]

Here are some pics of two AGS 000 Hs, one super ideal and one not.

 

[marrduk24]

Here are some pics of two AGS 000 Hs, one super ideal and one not.

Wow, those differences are stark. Assume that the more sparkly one is super ideal?

I may have to reconsider my decision to save $5000 and go with a pair of studs from IDJ.

 

[LLJsmom]

Wow, those differences are stark. Assume that the more sparkly one is super ideal?

I may have to reconsider my decision to save $5000 and go with a pair of studs from IDJ.

No actually the one I see more sparkles from the non-super ideal. I was testing the super ideal which is in the spring ring.
It is not a general rule. Each diamond is different.

 

[marrduk24]

Ohhh. Shouldn’t have jumped to a conclusion.