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Would appreciate opinions on diamond purchase

D

DiamondNewb2022

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 27, 2022
Messages
22
Hi All, I'd be grateful for some opinions on a recent diamond purchase — ring upgrade for my wife for our anniversary.

Long story short, this was a very big purchase for me, and I'm feeling a bit concerned I didn't make a great one. I'm still within the return window and wondering if it would be best to utilize that option. Thoughts much appreciated.

Diamond is a 1.7 carat brilliant round. V1, G, triple excellent.
Depth is 63%
Table 59
Crown: 35 degrees
Pavillion 41.6 degrees

Happy to provide any other details that would be helpful.

Cost was about $25K out the door.

The diamond is stunning, and I know it faces on the smaller side. Is this a -- you've got a good enough diamond, move on situation? Or a "you must return it!"

Thanks so much.
 
Hello and welcome to PriceScope, DiamondNewb2022!

The bad news is that the 41.6/35/59 combo isn't in the GIA X or AGS 0 realm, and will produce quite a lot of light loss (leakage or windowing) under the table area, reducing the overall brilliance and sparkle in every kind of lighting condition. Definitely falls into the "you must return it!" category.

The good news is that you have certainly come to the right place to find an alternative that absolutely will provide optical performance that is at the pinnacle of diamonds.

I'll assume that it's about 7.6mm outer diameter?

Compare to this perfectly proportioned diamond at 7.5mm...a difference that almost any human won't be able to discern if they were side by side, other than the 7.5mm diamond will actually appear bigger and brighter due to the superior light return and optical performance.

I'm using this one as an example because of the outstanding videos and photos that Whiteflash publishes for each of their in-house diamonds...that will give you a great basis for comparison.

Diamond | 1.582 ct F VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4494039

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.582 carat F color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4494039
www.whiteflash.com

Here's a diamond with the same 41.6/35/59 combo:
www.jamesallen.com

1.70 Carat round diamond

1.70 Carat round diamond
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
 
Here's a great comparison video by JannPaul showing side by side comparisons (Diamond C would have similar optics as the 41.6/35/59 combo):



Some more great comparison videos:



 
Last edited:
Ugh. Thank you for swift and thoughtful replies, DejaWiz. I was afraid this would be the answer. As mentioned, this is a large purchase for me and I want to feel very good about it.
 
DiamondNewb2022 said:
Ugh. Thank you for swift and thoughtful replies, DejaWiz. I was afraid this would be the answer. As mentioned, this is a large purchase for me and I want to feel very good about it.
Click to expand...

You're very welcome and don't sweat it to much...almost all of us have been in your shoes and we learn then move on to better and brighter diamonds.
Hopefully you are in a position to be able to return it, which so many that come here asking about their diamonds months or even years after their purchases are not, unfortunately.
We are all about getting the best diamonds for our money, because money earned should be money well spent to get the best, with no compromises.
 
Thank you, Flyingpig.
 
flyingpig said:
www.jamesallen.com

1.70 Carat round diamond

This 1.7 carat round diamond G color vvs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com

Objectively better diamond for less
Click to expand...

Hmm. it is strong fluo I meant to exclude strong/med fluo.

www.jamesallen.com

1.84 Carat round diamond

This 1.84 carat round diamond F color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com

Here is another good one. The point is you may be able to get a better (whiter or larger or both) diamond for 25k.
 
You've gotten some great advice and suggestions. Here are a couple more options. Whiteflash and Victor Canera both have excellent upgrade policies and superbly cut diamonds.

Diamond | 1.576 ct F VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4486327

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.576 carat F color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4486327
www.whiteflash.com

https://victorcanera.com/diamonds/AGS104107789004/1.713ct-H-VS2-hearts-arrows-round-natural-diamond
 
DiamondNewb2022 said:
Thanks, Everyone. Returned the diamond this morning. Appreciate your time and insights here.
Click to expand...

I feel you made the right choice.
It can be tough coming to those terms, especially with such an expensive purchase...
If you'd like some assistance to find the best performing diamond for your budget, simply ask and you'll have an army of experts, prosumers, and enthusiasts to help you.
 
Thanks so much, DejaWiz. I was confident in the decision to return (especially after your first comment), but I did lose a lot of sleep last night anticipating the uncomfortable conversation with the jeweler. Fortunately, they were wonderful about it.

I'm curious if you think this diamond looks OK? I think it checks all of the boxes, but I worry it may read a bit warm for a G?

www.jamesallen.com

1.76 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.76 carat G color vs1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com

Thanks again.
 
DiamondNewb2022 said:
Thanks so much, DejaWiz. I was confident in the decision to return (especially after your first comment), but I did lose a lot of sleep last night anticipating the uncomfortable conversation with the jeweler. Fortunately, they were wonderful about it.

I'm curious if you think this diamond looks OK? I think it checks all of the boxes, but I worry it may read a bit warm for a G?

www.jamesallen.com

1.76 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.76 carat G color vs1 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

You're very welcome!

That diamond looks to be a wonderful alternative!
Camera settings and/or lighting conditions are making it appear to have a deeper hue than it probably does, in my opinion...especially since it was graded by GIA, and they are quite consistent on color.
Keep in mind that if you think even the slightest possibility of an upgrade is anywhere in the future, then JA requires at least twice the purchase price for the replacement diamond.

$47,860 minimum minus your original $23,930 = another $23,930 minimum.
 
Gotcha. And thank you. I think this forum (and my internet research) has sold me on ideal cut. My preference would be to get a 1.5 Whiteflash like the one you shared above, but my wife wasn't thrilled when I mentioned the diamond face would be smaller than the one we just returned. :)

I'm definitely going to think about the James Allen option above (including your point about the upgrade policy). If you happen to see anything that feels like a better option (and you've already been more than generous with your time, so please don't hesitate to tell me to get lost), the specs that I'm looking for are:

- Ideally in the 25K range (could even be pre tax)
- Face should be equal or ideally larger than the returned diamond -- was 7.53 x 7.59
- Ideal cut, G minimum, VS1 minimum (I'm finding VS2s too difficult to gauge online)

Again, appreciate all of your time and support.
 
DiamondNewb2022 said:
Gotcha. And thank you. I think this forum (and my internet research) has sold me on ideal cut. My preference would be to get a 1.5 Whiteflash like the one you shared above, but my wife wasn't thrilled when I mentioned the diamond face would be smaller than the one we just returned. :)

I'm definitely going to think about the James Allen option above (including your point about the upgrade policy). If you happen to see anything that feels like a better option (and you've already been more than generous with your time, so please don't hesitate to tell me to get lost), the specs that I'm looking for are:

- Ideally in the 25K range (could even be pre tax)
- Face should be equal or ideally larger than the returned diamond -- was 7.53 x 7.59
- Ideal cut, G minimum, VS1 minimum (I'm finding VS2s too difficult to gauge online)

Again, appreciate all of your time and support.
Click to expand...

What did you think of the F VS1 from Whiteflash I posted above? It faces up 7.51-7.54mm, which is indistinguishable from 7.53-7.59mm.

Diamond | 1.576 ct F VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4486327

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.576 carat F color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4486327
www.whiteflash.com
 
Thanks, Kim. If I were purchasing for myself, this would be the diamond. I feel it's as guaranteed a performer as I can find online. I may end up here, but part of my selling point for returning a ring my wife was already pretty happy with was that she could probably get a larger looking diamond for what we spent. This is on the short list for sure, but I'm still searching.

Thank you again.
 
DiamondNewb2022 said:
Thanks, Kim. If I were purchasing for myself, this would be the diamond. I feel it's as guaranteed a performer as I can find online. I may end up here, but part of my selling point for returning a ring my wife was already pretty happy with was that she could probably get a larger looking diamond for what we spent. This is on the short list for sure, but I'm still searching.

Thank you again.
Click to expand...

Here's an F VS1 that's bigger and whiter than the 1.76 you found, for less money.

www.jamesallen.com

1.84 Carat round diamond

This 1.84 carat round diamond F color vs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
 
You're awesome, Kim. Thank you. Any concerns with the florescence? I've always thought it was to be avoided at all costs. Thanks again.
 
DiamondNewb2022 said:
Thanks, Kim. If I were purchasing for myself, this would be the diamond. I feel it's as guaranteed a performer as I can find online. I may end up here, but part of my selling point for returning a ring my wife was already pretty happy with was that she could probably get a larger looking diamond for what we spent. This is on the short list for sure, but I'm still searching.

Thank you again.
Click to expand...

0.9% (yes, less than 1%) difference in face-up surface area between the steep-deep and a super ideal cut:

1.7ct Round (7.53×7.59×4.76) vs 1.57ct Round (7.51×7.54×4.59)

Compare 1.7 carat Round (7.53×7.59×4.76mm) vs 1.57 carat Round (7.51×7.54×4.59mm) on actual diamond size and finger coverage (44.89mm² vs 44.47mm²)
www.diamdb.com www.diamdb.com

Screenshot_20221028-144639.png
 
DiamondNewb2022 said:
You're awesome, Kim. Thank you. Any concerns with the florescence? I've always thought it was to be avoided at all costs. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be worried at all about faint fluorescence.

If there's a stone you really like, put it on hold ASAP as there are lots of lurkers on the forum.
 
Thanks for all of the support, everyone. Truly.

Ended up purchasing:

1.7, F, VVS2
Depth is 61.8%
Table 56
Crown: 35 degrees
Pavillion 40.6 degrees

Everything look OK?

Thanks again.
 
Also worth sharing -- Needle, Feather, Pinpoint are inclusions (in order). Hoping no concerns about the feather.

Fluorescence is none.

Thanks.
 
DiamondNewb2022 said:
Thanks for all of the support, everyone. Truly.

Ended up purchasing:

1.7, F, VVS2
Depth is 61.8%
Table 56
Crown: 35 degrees
Pavillion 40.6 degrees

Everything look OK?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

It's a nice diamond, much better than the original stone.
 
Kim N said:
It's a nice diamond, much better than the original stone.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Kim. Appreciate your help (and your positive comment is reassuring). I know it's not the largest 1.7 I could get, but it's a good amount larger than the previous, and I appreciate the great clarity and believe it's close to ideal. Any concerns you'd have?
 
DiamondNewb2022 said:
Thanks, Kim. Appreciate your help (and your positive comment is reassuring). I know it's not the largest 1.7 I could get, but it's a good amount larger than the previous, and I appreciate the great clarity and believe it's close to ideal. Any concerns you'd have?
Click to expand...

There's a spot or two under the table where I'd want an Ideal-Scope image to confirm there's no leakage, but overall it's an excellent cut diamond.
 
DiamondNewb2022 said:
Thanks, Kim. Appreciate your help (and your positive comment is reassuring). I know it's not the largest 1.7 I could get, but it's a good amount larger than the previous, and I appreciate the great clarity and believe it's close to ideal. Any concerns you'd have?
Click to expand...

There may be a bit of pavilion twist, leading to some leakage in the pavilion area... Kim N are you seeing anything similar, or is my 4 hours of sleep finally catching up to me?
 
NM Kim N...looks like we are on the same page...at the same time!
 
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