Princess Diamond – 2, 3, and 4 Chevrons

Q:

Dear Liz,

I have read your site extensively, and it has been incredibly helpful to me in my diamond search. I am in the final stages of selecting a princess diamond, and I would greatly appreciate your opinion on my “finalists.”

Below are links to the three princess cut diamonds I am considering. The first one is a GIA diamond which I requested an ASET for, and which is attached to this email. The next two are AGS 0 ideal-cut diamonds. I am more-or-less indifferent among these diamonds: the factors I am still weighing are (1) the light performance of each diamond, (2) the size of the diamonds, and (3) the H color of the AGS 0 diamonds, which I view as a minor negative.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-302395 (I have received an ASET image I am happy to share with you)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-437423

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.392-h-vs2-princess-diamond-ags-104079103005 (I trust the AGS certificate ASET more than BGD’s ASET image: the two images look very different, and the certificate image is more in line with what I would expect given the pavilion and crown angles).

I would really appreciate your quick take on these, and your recommended choice. Thanks a lot!!

Sincerely,

Michael

A:

Hi Michael,

I’m so glad to hear that you have found ODBA helpful in your diamond education and search.

I’ve taken a look at all three princess cut diamonds you have chosen. They all are quite different!

The first one from JA has four chevron facets on the pavilion which makes the scintillation pattern look like many tiny slivers/flashes of light. Please send ASET when you can.

The second princess from JA has only two chevrons and the contrast pattern is quite dark and distinct. Scintillation will be broad chunky wide flashes of light.

The third diamond from BGD has three chevrons and is my preferred diamond for you. Three chevrons tends to have sparkle similar to the round brilliant, not too wide and chunky or not too tiny and numerous. Btw, all BGD’s princess have 3 chevrons and he is the only retailer that keeps his princess cuts consistent in terms of their brilliance, fire, and resulting sparkle.

Anyway, the ASET image on the AGS report is from 3D ray tracing computer technology and although very accurate, any actual picture of the diamond always trumps any technical representation. Therefore, I’d put more weight on BGD’s actual image (which looks fantastic; nice bright red indicating direct light reflection with just enough blue for a pleasing contrast pattern.)

Let me know if you have any additional questions!

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Liz,

Thanks so much for your feedback. I agree they are quite different. Here is the ASET for the 1.30 G VVS2. As you note, the four chevrons lead to lots of small facets. My amateur take was that this diamond performs really well–almost on par with an AGS 0. If I compare it to the ASET image for the BGD diamond, the BGD diamond looks better, but if I compare it to the computer-generated ASET, then the 1.30 G VVS2 performs better. What do you think?

Thanks again,

Michael

A:

Hi Michael,

Thanks for sending the ASET. It is a lovely stone but does have predominant green on the ASET indicating less direct light reflection.

Princess cut diamond with 4 chevrons on the left and Princess cut diamond with 3 chevrons on the right. The red light reflection of the ASET indicates greater direct light reflection.

The 1.392ct performs better and will be visibly brighter: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.392-h-vs2-princess-diamond-ags-104079103005

Let me know if I can help out anymore.

Take care,

Liz