Click on diamond for enlarged view

Here are the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Shape: Princess

Carats: 0.86

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: VS1

Measurements:  5.15*5.08*3.77

Depth: 74.2%

Table: 72%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry:  Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$2,640

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Click diamond for enlarged image.

Here are the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Shape: Cushion

Carats: 1.28

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 6.35*5.97*4.10

Depth: 68.7%

Table: 57%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$6,360

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Click diamond for enhanced image.

Here are the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Shape: Princess

Carats: 1.03

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: VVS2

Measurements: 5.78*5.61*3.97

Depth: 70.8%

Table: 73%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry:  Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$4,130

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Here’s the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Click on the photo to see an enlarged version

Shape: Princess Cut

Carats: 1.02

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: VVS2

Measurements: 5.67*5.41*3.98

Depth: 73.5%

Table: 72%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $4,170

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Here’s the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Shape: Princess Cut

Carats: 1.04

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: SI1

Measurements: 5.41 * 5.31 * 3.97

Depth: 74.7%

Table: 74%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $3,760

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TAD0611 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

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Shape: Princess

Desired Color Range: at least H

Desired Clarity: VS1

Budget for Diamond: I guess around $3000-$5000.

Oh, one last issue is I live in Europe but will be traveling on vacation to Miami over the Christmas holidays. I hoping to have it ordered and sent to my hotel. thanks for any help. cheers.

A: Thanks for writing! I’d be very happy to help. Btw, where in Miami will you be visiting? I spent the first 18 years of my life down there!

I don’t think there’s any issue with a tension setting set diagonal. In fact, I think it looks quite beautiful!

Here’s an example of what you can expect to get for your budget:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1261167.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

That stone has a perfect cut for a princess. It’d be great in the tension setting you’re considering. If you’re not ready to order, then please drop me a line when you are, and I’ll gladly look again for you!

Q: Thanks for the quick reply. Btw your webpage is amazingly helpful! I’ll be at South Beach. Plan to surprise my girlfriend on new years.

Just to satisfy my shopping curiosity, I have a few appointment with jewelers in Antwerp next week. I’ll compare those with the online stores (jamesallen is the best one?).

I’ve narrowed the settings down to either:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/contemporary-rings/item_500-1353.asp

or

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/contemporary-rings/ring/item_500-7625.asp

I like the first one better but I’m worried about the unprotected corners.

If you don’t mind, I’ll contact you again after my Belgium trip for help looking for the best princess cut diamond aroudn $3500.

A: Sounds Great. I look forward to hearing from you!

Q: I just returned from a day in Antwerp where I visited 4 different reputable diamond stores (all adja members) and I’m a little confused. First of all, I was really disappointed at the selection of diamonds I was shown. 3-6 per store.

Would love to have your input on a number of issues.

1. The H coloured stones I was shown were in my opinion very obviously yellow compared to the others. I was very surprised as you suggest the H.

2. I saw 2 SI1′s (apparently very difficult to come by), and I can’t see any difference.

3. The table (thats the top, correct?) varies greatly. I saw one at 64% (looked way too small) and one closer to 80% (way too big). What is your ideal?

4. In my opinion, the squareness is very important. What is the threshold for visual squareness?

5. They were uniformly against the tension settings. Not safe, and too bulky.

6. I showed the jamesallen.com site to some of them. They said either, they never heard of, or warned me against online stores. I was a little concerned.

Sorry for all the questions. I’m just starting to get a little anxious.

A: What kind of cert did the h color stones have? HRD?

Q: All the stones I saw had GIA certifs.

A: This is an excerpt from my article on color:

“Especially for Rounds, but also for other shapes, Diamond Color is primarily a relative characteristic. What I mean by this is that an I-colored diamond really only looks like an I-color when it’s placed next to a higher-colored diamond for comparison. “

I think the stone looked yellow to you because they were comparing it directly next to a D or E color.

An H color princess cut viewed by itself will not look yellow.

I agree that an SI1 would be best if we can locate one that’s eye clean.

80% is way to big. I prefer smaller tables in princess cuts. So for me, between 65 and 70% is ideal.

Squareness is definitely key. A l/w ratio of between 1.00 and 1.05 is what you want to shoot for.

i don’t know much about jewelry – my professional experience is limited to the loose diamond trade, so I can’t comment really about the tension setting.

If you want to understand why they “warned” you against JA, see this article here:

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/truth-about/james-allen-blue-nile/

They’re very intimidated by them.

Here’s a great option:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1326504.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Q: Thats what I figured about the H stone. Indeed they were compared side-by-side with an E and a G stone.

Thanks for the suggesting of the G stone. With your criteria, I found a few more that I would appreciate your comments on.

1. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1337584.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

little out of my price category but its large and VVS2

2.http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1324255.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

I’m rather fond of this one. But I’m doubting it would be eye clean with the inclusion right in the middle.

3. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1336339.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

This one looks really nice for a SI1! And a good price too.

A: The SI2 is definitely not good. THe inclusion will almost certainly be visible to the naked eye.

The VVS2 is definitely very nice, but as you mention, it’s expensive.

The SI1 is a really stunning cut, and almost certainly eye clean. THe only issue here is that it has an extremely thin girdle.

Q: hmmm, I was being hopeful with the SI2.

I assume extremely thin girdle is a deal breaker?

I’m almost convinced with your suggestion of the G SI1 best but I found another one. What do you think of this one?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1327152.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Not sure if its eye clean, its just above your cut off of 70% table but its perfectly square.

…….

Oh, I forgot to add that the only concern I have for the G SI1 that you suggested is the ratio of 1.04. Although acceptable, it seems to be on the high side.

A: 1.04 ratio really is fine. It won’t look off-square to you at all. The GSI1 I recommended is a much better choice. The stone you linked to has a black inclusion dead center which will probably be visible. Plus, the stone I linked to is significantly larger in terms of LxW.

Q: Just the confirmation I wanted. Sorry to be a bother.

I’ll try to buy today.

thanks again!

A: Sounds great! Let me know how it goes!

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2527

I really like this ring. It’s over 2 carats. My first concern is color – J – while you recommend H or better for emerald / assher cuts. Should I be concerned about the color of this particular stone? It looks fine to me in the photo.

I guess my other concern is will the whether I will be disappointed in the radiance / sparkle of this stone. I do prefer the more organized pattern of the assher cut over the somewhat disorganized pattern of a radiant cut, but what you gain in order / structure you lose in sparkle, so I guess it’s a bit of a tradeoff.

If you had any thoughts, I would be greatly appreciative. Thanks.

A: Thanks for writing. Have you considered a cushion cut? Cushions can look either like a radiant (call it the “Broken glass’ look), or a more patterned symmetrical look like a round. And they’re brilliant in the same way rounds are as well. I think that might be exactly what you’re looking for. Let me know if you’d like me to help you find one.

As for the color, you can’t really see color in a still photo like that. But you can trust me on this – the stone would definitely have a yellow tinge.

Q: I’ll research the cushion cut. I can always buy just the setting for the ring I showed you, and could buy the diamond elsewhere. Could I then just have any local jeweler set the stone in the ring?

A: Yeah, that’s definitely a possibility.

If you want, let me know your budget, and I’ll send you some links to stones that I recommend.

Q: Thanks Ira. I’m looking to spend about $10k, and would not want anything less than 2 carats.

A: That’s on the stone alone, or including the setting?

Q: Probably both stone and setting. I just started looking, so my parameters are still somewhat fluid.

…….

I liked the cushion cut stones, so I may follow your recommendation there.

The other thing I should mention is that I may get the setting I showed you in yellow gold rather than platinum. So if I went for a cushion cut with that setting in yellow gold rather than platinum, should I get an I or a J color as you recommend in your color recommendation web page? Thanks.

A: That’s definitely the case. You should take advantage of the yellow gold and get a J.

Q: This would be one option in an I color. What do you think?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1316046.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

A: That’s a great looking stone!

Here are a few more that I like:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1184114.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1096811.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1333535.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – no pic yet, but has potential!

Q: Thanks for the good advice and for sending me those links.

With respect to the stone I emailed you about last time, I sent the link (http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1316046.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 ) to the jeweler who makes the ring and who would be setting the stone. She was concerned with the strong fluorescence, thinking that it might make the stone look milky or cloudy. What do you think about the fluorescence issue?

(She also lightheartedly chastised James Allen for calling the cut “ideal,” saying that the GIA only assigns “ideal” cuts to round diamonds. J )

I liked the first two stones that you sent me, and would probably lean toward the larger stone (http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1184114.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 ) but I am concerned about the K color. You think those K stones would look okay against a 14k yellow gold setting? I would just hate for them to look dull. This is one of those situations where I would love to go to a brick and mortar store and ask to look at K stones against a 14k gold setting, just to see for myself. The Ks sure are a lot cheaper, though!

Here are a couple of others in the J color that I came across that I liked:

Pricey, but very symmetrical looking and beautiful: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1268807.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Much less expensive, but not such a great photo: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1319292.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

From the photos, the second stone doesn’t seem to have the sparkle of the first stone. I can’t tell if that’s because it’s a poor photo, or something inherent in the stones. But that’s a $3,500 difference for two stones that on paper appear to be very similar. I can’t quite understand why the first stone is so much more expensive.

Thanks for all your help, Ira.

…….

This one might also be worth inspecting. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1246881.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 No photo up yet. They want me to send them an email to get the photo. Would it be better if you made the inquiry, so you can get the commission?

A: Let me hit your points one by one.

1) It’s quite rare for Strong fluorescence to make an I color stone look milky. You can always ask JA to take a look for you to confirm this.

2) K color wouldn’t make the stone look dull, it’ll just make it look slightly yellowish. But I agree, you probably shouldn’t go for this until you’ve seen one up close.

3) The expensive one looks like it’s make by a specialty cutter that makes this unique type of cushion. It’s not a standard looking stone, but some kind of special cut. Looks incredible.

4) Even if the 2.44 is nice, I’m not sure it’s worth more money than the 2.30. It’s only marginally larger in LxW.

Q: This is fun. I feel like I’m becoming the amateur diamond expert here!

So here’s what I did. I contacted James Allen via chat and asked if their gemologist could look at the 2.30 (http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1316046.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 ) to check for milkiness or cloudiness associated with the fluorescence. At that point, the rep told me I could also have the gemologist to compare it to two other stones, so I took her up on the offer.

So I linked the rep to the 2.41 color K that you recommended (http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1184114.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 ) and asked that the gemologist review the color, so see how it would look against a 14K yellow gold setting. So on that one, the gemologist will address my concern over color.

Finally, I gave her the 2.11 special cut (http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1268807.asp ). I have to admit, I find this stone captivating. Even the rep said it was gorgeous, and she looks at stones all day. I wonder how much of a difference it will make to the naked eye, but under the virtual loupe it’s really magnificent.

I also told the chat rep that I was working with you. So when it’s time to finalize, please let me know what to do to make sure that you get your commission.

Cost aside, I’d probably go for the 2.11, but the fact that it costs $5K more than the 2.41 is tough to swallow. Do you have a strong preference for any of the above three?

A: Unfortunately, I feel exactly the same way you do about the 3 options! So that doesn’t help you one way or the other. If it were my money, I’d feel the exact same tension in my gut as you’re probably feeling now

As for the commission, normally, if you’re buying a ring also, and use the coupon code I provide, then that acts as a fail-safe measure (it supposed to track automatically with cookies and whatnot). But the truth is, their system has been having problems lately. So if you don’t mind, please provide me with the order number after you place it so I can make sure it tracks properly.

Thanks! Let me know what they say!

Q: I think I’m going to go with the more expensive stone. The jeweler which will set the stone really loved it. What’s the coupon code? I don’t know anything about that. Thanks.

A: I’m sorry I wasn’t available last night to answer your emails. I fell asleep on the couch after I put my kids to sleep, so when I went up to bed, I set my alarm for 4:00am to get up to start working early. I see that you placed the order – thanks for remembering to send me the order number. That will help a lot!

Just to make you feel better – I actually don’t have a coupon code for a loose diamond. The code I have is only for an engagement ring setting.

Congrats! And please let me know what you think of the stone when it arrives!

A: Hi XXXXXX.  I’ll be happy to help!  My first question is – why are you locked into VS1?

Q: Not necissarily, I really just wants something that is in that size that’s really clean and has a nice sparkle. I have a few on Jamesallen I a looking at, particularlly:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1302762.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1270574.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1272580.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

And my particular favorite that I am leaning towards:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1306967.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Any opinions on these? If I could find something bigger but close in looks and price to the last one that would be nice too. Thanks again

A: I actually like this one the best:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1315869.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s got a cut just as nice as that last one you linked to, but it’s bigger. It will also be totally clean to your eye.

Q: Somebody purchased both diamonds I really liked. Still looking for something similar asap, how do you feel about premium-vs-ideal cuts on James Allen? Still trying for princess .95-.85ct, vvs1-vs2, 70% or smaller table, g-i color. Any help is appreciated.

A: I know you mentioned VS2+, but I think this is a very nice option for you:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1326246.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s eye clean, so it’ll look exactly like a VS2 to your naked eye.

Here’s another nice option:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1302044.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Let me know what you think!

Q: I actually had that S1 on my short list also, do you think that inclusion on the corner will threaten the integrity of the ring?

A: Not at all.  That’s a great stone!

Q: Thanks for all your help, I feel like I learned a lot from your website and my mom was impressed with my diamond knowledge. The very first ring that I liked came back up and I snatched it up, it was. The .84 H VS1. You are really providing service to people like me who would have purchased a ring that was to costly or not worth the money keep up the great work.

A: I’ll be happy to help!  My first question is – why are you locked into VS1?

Q: Not necissarily, I really just wants something that is in that size that’s really clean and has a nice sparkle. I have a few on Jamesallen.com I a looking at, particularly these:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1302762.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1270574.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1272580.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

and my particular favorite that I am leaning towards:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1306967.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Any opinions on these? If I could find something bigger but close in looks and price to the last one that would be nice too. Thanks again

A: I actually like this one the best:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1315869.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s got a cut just as nice as that last one you linked to, but it’s bigger. It will also be totally clean to your eye.

Q: Somebody purchased both diamonds I really liked. Still looking for something similar asap, how do you feel about premium-vs-ideal cuts on James Allen? Still trying for princess .95-.85ct, vvs1-vs2, 70% or smaller table, g-i color. Any help is appreciated.

A: I know you mentioned VS2+, but I think this is a very nice option for you:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1326246.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s eye clean, so it’ll look exactly like a VS2 to your naked eye.

Here’s another nice option:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1302044.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Q: I actually had that S1 on my short list also, do you think that inclusion on the corner will threaten the integrity of the ring?

A: Not at all.  That’s a great stone!

Q: Thanks for all your help, I feel like I learned a lot from your website and my mom was impressed with my diamond knowledge. The very first ring that I liked came back up and I snatched it up, it was. The .84 H VS1. You are really providing service to people like me who would have purchased a ring that was to costly or not worth the money keep up the great work.

A: Hi There! Is that budget for the diamond only, or is that for the diamond and the setting?

Q: Sorry for the confusion, that’s for the diamond. With the setting, my total budget will be around $5,000. If you need any other clarification let me know!

A: After applying the TAD0611 coupon, the ring will be $1260, so I’m going to work with a budget of about 3750. Lets see what i find!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1323352.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – no pic and no cert. But the cut on this one is really superb. So might be worth contacting JA to get more info. Most likely it’s not eye clean – as most princess SI2s are not. But worth a shot!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1316160.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – No pic either for this one, so need to check it out. But on the numbers alone, this stone’s a beauty

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1278149.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – pic looks great!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1294211.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – great price under 1 full carat.

Have a look and let me know what you think!

Q: Hi Ira- so glad to hear back from you! I’m hoping to order today due to having a paticular date in mind for proposing. Right now I’m leaning towards the last one you mentioned, the .94 ct. (1294211). In your opinion is it eye clean? Can you give me your thoughts on two others:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1323745.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 It’s slightly smaller but it’s a VS2. I’m a bit concerned about what seems to be a visible inclusion near the middle of the lower left quadrant though.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1276286.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 I think I may be forgetting “the truth” by being drawn to the numbers on this one: VVS2! Obviously it’ll be eye clean, but do you think this one’s not as good a value compared to the 1294211 one you suggested?

The two above are H color, and the sidestones on the setting are F-G. Based on what I’ve read and JA’s color scale, that won’t be a noticeable difference. Do you agree? I trust your judgment. I’m placing an order as soon as I hear back from you!

A: If anything, the D VS2 is a MUUUCCCHHH better buy than the H VVS2. The VS2 on the D is totally eye clean – no question. Obvoiusly the H VVS2 is eye clean. So in terms of what your eye sees, the two stones are equivalent. Now, in terms of color, you would definitely be able to see the difference if the two were next to each other. So why spend the same on a stone that’s not going to look as nice?

I have to admit, I think your D VS2 is a much better buy than the G SI1 I recommended. Great job!

Q: I was really undecided between the D VS2 and this G VS1 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1276158.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 . The carat weight and ratio were identical, and price difference was only $60. It seemed that the clarity and proportions of the VS1 were slightly better (71.3% depth vs 73.7%), but the color (D vs G)and polish (excellent vs good) of the D VS2 offset it. And they’re both still listed as “ideal” cut. I still don’t know which would have more fire/brilliance. Well, I’m running out of time (one-year anniversary coming up fast!), so I made the best guess I could and went with the D VS2. I hate to second guess my decision now that it’s made; ultimately, they’re probably both good values. But if you think the other one would have been better feel free to say so. =). I did notice that the date on the VS1′s certificate was from December, while the D VS2 was less than a month ago. Not sure whether that should ever influence a decision but it caught my eye…

I really appreciate your help. I feel much better informed than I was, and I look forward to being able to tell my fiance (!!) that I consulted with a professional jeweler overseas on her rock. Thanks again, and I wish you and your family the best as you settle in to your new home!

Ps. I used your discount code so hopefully that will benefit you too.

A: You did very well.  The D color stone is still the better choice.  Congrats!  And thanks for the concern about the code.  I’m just glad it saved you some money! Please let me know what you think once it arrives.