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Q&A: Best Asscher Cut Diamond for $10K Budget

By Mike Fried,

[Q&A starts as response to this posting — click here]

Ira- do you have any idea why this diamond seems to be so discounted for its color? i know the clarity is low – am i missing something???? the clarity seems to be miss categorized.

It’s cheap only because of its clarity. It’s not hard to believe that the SI2 lies in such a way in this stone that it’s not visible face-up. It happens all the time.

Thanks for your thoughts. I was able to get the GIA report from James Allen. Is there anyway i can get it to you for your review? I just want to make sure the report lines up with your initial thoughts.

How visible do you think the cloud directly to the left of the center is by the naked eye?

Thanks.

I’ll contact you via email.

The cert is attached.

Very interesting cert. Feathers are generally very clear and blend in nicely with the rest of the stone. Looking at the stone from the sides, you’ll almost certainly see something there, but from the top, I would guess that it would look like the picture (clean). Here’s what I think – for a stone like this, it might be worth it to just buy it with the mindset that you’ll just return it if you can see the inclusions yourself. It’s the kind of thing that’s very subjective. Meaning, if you ask JA to inspect it, they’re always going to err on the side of caution and tell you not to get it because they don’t like to deal with returns – they’re expensive. But from your perspective, it’s very likely that you wouldn’t see the inclusions that the gemologist at JA sees. So why not give it a shot?

Thanks again for your time. The setting will be similar to this:

https://www.jamesallen.com/designer-jewelry/meno-collection-by-danhov/ring/item_294-1130.asp

This setting may eliminate seeing anything from the side. I think I might take your advice and just buy the stone.

I’ll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks again.

Go for it! And PLEASE let me know what you think when it arrives. I’m very curious – especially in your case.

I just found this Asscher: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Premium-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1276069.asp

The price is very appealing on this one. What do you think of the color/clarity?

I promise I won’t bother you everyday. I really appreciate your help.

No Good. Look at the bottom of the pic. The feather is strong and obvious.

…….

And you’re not a bother!

Alright – this is the last one I will ask you to look at. If this one is no good then i will likely get the one that you initially reviewed on your website. The cert says the fluorescence is “faint”. Would that make an H diamond look a little more clear?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1275911.asp

If you still think the 1.72 F SI2 is a better option i will pull the trigger on that one.

thanks.

Faint fluor has no effect whatsoever.

I don’t like this H SI1. spready inclusions like the ones on this stone will be visible because it’s an asscher. On a round, it would be great.

I think you should give the F SI2 a try and see what happens when it arrives.

Me again. James Allen has been stalling with putting the F SI2 back on the internet so i can take another look at it before i purchase. To be honest, that diamond is a little more than i wanted to spend. I was hoping to be all in for 10K with the setting. I’d like your opinion on another diamond on JA. Its smaller and the color isn’t as good. Can you give me your opinion on the diamond below. Does it look a little yellow to you? As always, i appreciate and value your opinion.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1353122.asp

That’s a VERY nice looking stone. Don’t worry about H color – it’ll look totally white to your eye. It’s definitely a less risky choice than the SI2.

Great- Before i buy this stone i wanted to show you another diamond and get your opinion as it compares to the previous one. Its the same size and clarity but an I color. It is $1500 cheaper than the H color. In your opinion – is it worth spending the extra $1500 to get the H? Will there be a noticable difference to the naked eye? I should preface the question by saying i DO NOT want a yellowish looking diamond. I’ve looked at some I color cushion cuts in person and they seem to have a yellowish tint.

H color link: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1353122.asp

I color link: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1335557.asp

yeah, I would definitely err on the side of caution with an asscher and say you should go with the painful decision and buy the H.

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