Hello! I found your website online and really like the efficient frontier pricing and cut estimator tools 🙂 I was wondering if you might be willing to help me decide on two diamonds (or at least determine if they are both a good enough deal that I should order them to look at them both in person and decide).
The two diamonds from James Allen (both on hold and have a price of $5,000):
1) https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-48417232) https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.22-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3528931 Diamond #1 is a better color grade (which is important to me because I want it to be colorless). However, it is rated by IGI, which I have two questions about. I’ve seen your study on GIA and IGI and agree with your methods, so I’m not too concerned about the rating being incorrect. I also think that the certification is largely unimportant so long as I (and my girlfriend) like the diamond. That said, I am wondering about insurance and if it is better to have a GIA certificate when it comes to replacing a lost ring? The other concern is simply that an IS image is not available for Diamond #1. Diamond #2 is a lower color grade, but seems to have a good IS image (not sure how to add it for you to see). Overall, I’m looking for a round, 1.2-1.3 carat diamond. After that, I want it to be colorless/near-colorless (though it will be set in yellow gold) and have a really good amount of brillance/sparkle/fire. For clarity, I would prefer that the diamond be completely eye clean (after that I have no preference) but would be willing to sacrifice in this area if it meant the stone had a better color or cut. My only concern with clarity would be if the diamond looked cloudy or if there were noticeable black inclusions on the table.
Hi,
I think the 1.20 H SI2 is the better option of these two. With the J you could partially cover the black inclusion around 9 o’clock with a prong, but both the H and J still have a large visible feather. Since that’s the case, the H would be better due to its color. However, I think there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see the feather in the H.
With a yellow gold ring, I think you could go down to K. For instance, I think the K below has better color than the J. If you place them side by side on your monitor, the K is lighter because the J is a darker brownish tint. So then it comes down to what you think of the feather in the H.
Diamond List – Generated by https://www.diamondscreener.com/diamond-prices/
Shape,Carat,Color,Clarity,Cut,Price (USD),Link
Round,1.2,K,VS1,Excellent,5140,https://www.diamondscreener.com/ja/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4807509
Sorry i think the links messed up:
Here is diamond #1)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4841723
Here is diamond #2)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.22-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3528931