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Q&A: Choosing the Best Cut 3 Ct. Round Brilliant Diamond

By Mike Fried,

Can you please give me your expert opinion of this diamond I am considering purchasing:

GIA 1172328851 — SI1 3.18 carat triple xxx. Thank you very much!

It’s well cut, but the inclusions are a concern there. Have you seen it in person? Because it’s a quite large diamond, you should be more careful about them.

How much is it?

The diamond is $51,340. The supplier has said its eye clean and provided a video, but I am unable to view in person. Here’s a link to the video: http://up.diacam360.com/scan/6176_27556.

Your input is greatly appreciated 🙂

I’m worried about the black crystal that is too far from the edge so it can’t be covered. Look at this diamond from JA:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.13-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-660918?a_aid=dmnd1357

There are two bigger inclusions, but because they both are on the edge, they will be easily recoverable with prongs.

That was my thought exactly… I’m waiting to hear back because that was the inclusion I was most concerned about too.

Let me know what they say.

I will! Thank you…do you think the cut will have good scintillation and light return if the inclusion is eye clean?

My pleasure.

Yes, the cut is great on it.

Could you please tell me in your opinion which diamond is a better choice the 2.91 for $55,600k or the 3.23 for $60k – many thanks!!!

Both are beautifully cut, but I would definitely go with Brian Gavin. We have had terrible personal experiences with White Flash that a) make us feel no one should ever buy from them and b) precludes us from being objective about them.

I can’t recommend someone who we don’t trust and I would personally pick a company that is 100% reliable and has an excellent reputation.

My big issue is that I really want 3.00 cts… Will I notice the difference?

There is no visible difference between a 2.917ct and 3.00ct whatsoever. The 3.267ct will be slightly larger, but you would notice that only if you compare it side by side with a significantly smaller one.

Thanks… Two more questions do you think the price is a little high for a diamond that is not quite 3.00 ct at $55,6K and will the diamond face up white? I’m used to GIA F color…

It’s not a lot for a quality Brian Gavin offers. He is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. BGD’s Signature diamonds are truly fantastic. They are all incredibly brilliant.

I looked at James Allen again and found similar prices for 3ct diamonds. And because there is no big difference in size, I’d go with the more brilliant choice of BGD than spending the same on a regular GIA Ex.

Also, G color is absolutely colorless, especially at BG.

Thanks!!!

My pleasure. Let me know how it goes.

I will! Just need to get past that it’s not 3.00 cts… Totally a mind thing and then I think people will know if it’s not. (So stupid I know!)

I understand. But the paper is not what you’re showing to people. And the diamond will be extraordinary and I’m pretty sure people will be amazed by it.

Thank you.

No worries.

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
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