Which of these is best? (1.2-1.3ct >VS2, >H, Triple Ex)

[justflyin]

Hi guys,

New to diamonds, and looking to get an engagement ring to propose soon...

Found a few options based on the basics, but wanted to make sure if these are the right ones given how expensive things can get.

Hoping to get some opinions on which of these is good, and if this is a good price for them!

My Basics were:
1.20-1.30 Ct
VS2 or Greater
H Colour or Greater
No Fluorescence

This one I found on Bluenile to me seemed to fit the criteria the best for its price:

https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD19440640?offerId=77805

1.3CT
VS1
H Colour
No Fluorescence
GIA - Didn't seem to have any visible markings on the cert

The other 3 I liked were on James Allen:
$8,160 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-14218742
1.2CT
VVS2
H Colour
No Fluorescence
IGI - Didn't seem to have any visible markings on the cert

$8,250 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-14366977
1.25CT
VS2
H Colour
No Fluorescence
IGI - Didn't seem to have any visible markings on the cert
This one seems very similar to the above but sacrificing VVS2 to VS2 but gaining .05CT

$9,860 - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-13465828
1.27CT
VS1
H Colour
No Fluorescence
GIA - Didn't seem to have any visible markings on the cert

 

[Kim N]

The Blue Nile stone is not well cut. And for natural diamonds, it's best to stick with GIA or AGS, as IGI has been known to be softer on color and clarity by 1-2 grades. The last James Allen stone has potential, but be sure to ask them for an Ideal-Scope image to verify light return.

I would check out these articles which explain why cut is the most important C.

Diamond Cut: Everything You Need To Know

What's the right diamond grade for your budget? Read our extensive guide to diamond cut and how it can impact your diamond's sparkle.

www.pricescope.com

What diamond 4C is most important?

PriceScope director of education, John Pollard explores the 4Cs of a diamond and explains why Cut is king. A must read for beginners.

www.pricescope.com

These are examples of super ideal cut stones which would blow any of the above stones out of the water. They're cut to very tight proportions and optical symmetry, aimed at producing diamonds with the best light return.

https://victorcanera.com/diamonds/NHRVMA/1.204ct-H-SI1-hearts-arrows-round-natural-diamond

Whiteflash also has one of the most generous upgrade policies around.

Diamond | 1.173 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4406919

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.173 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4406919

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.204 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4483288

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.204 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4483288

www.whiteflash.com

 

[DejaWiz]

1.264 G VS2
$12194 wire price, plus $100 off if you sign up on their site.
This one looks to have barely missed the VS1 mark...super clean!

Diamond | 1.264 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4466360

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.264 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4466360

www.whiteflash.com

 

[justflyin]

The Blue Nile stone is not well cut. And for natural diamonds, it's best to stick with GIA or AGS, as IGI has been known to be softer on color and clarity by 1-2 grades. The last James Allen stone has potential, but be sure to ask them for an Ideal-Scope image to verify light return.

I would check out these articles which explain why cut is the most important C.

Diamond Cut: Everything You Need To Know

What's the right diamond grade for your budget? Read our extensive guide to diamond cut and how it can impact your diamond's sparkle.

www.pricescope.com

What diamond 4C is most important?

PriceScope director of education, John Pollard explores the 4Cs of a diamond and explains why Cut is king. A must read for beginners.

www.pricescope.com

These are examples of super ideal cut stones which would blow any of the above stones out of the water. They're cut to very tight proportions and optical symmetry, aimed at producing diamonds with the best light return.

https://victorcanera.com/diamonds/NHRVMA/1.204ct-H-SI1-hearts-arrows-round-natural-diamond

Whiteflash also has one of the most generous upgrade policies around.

Diamond | 1.173 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4406919

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.173 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4406919

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.204 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4483288

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.204 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4483288

www.whiteflash.com

Thanks for all of the tips! Very helpful!

1.264 G VS2
$12194 wire price, plus $100 off if you sign up on their site.
This one looks to have barely missed the VS1 mark...super clean!

Diamond | 1.264 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4466360

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.264 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4466360

www.whiteflash.com

Approx $2,600 difference between that and the 1.27 one from James Allen. Is there anything specific to go for this vs that one?

 

[DejaWiz]

Thanks for all of the tips! Very helpful!



Approx $2,600 difference between that and the 1.27 one from James Allen. Is there anything specific to go for this vs that one?

Much more precise cut quality in regards to symmetry (true Hearts and arrows), custom cut to strict specifications (more labor involved), hand picked and human vetting, superior upgrade program, and guaranteed super ideal cut diamond. There's a LOT of value-add built in to that extra price.