help me decide between 2 princess cut or 3 round cut

[ineedhelp379]

hello!
i normally dont post to forums but this is special case, and ive seen the great advice many of you have given and would appreciate the same

i need some help deciphering the vast amount of information that goes into online diamond shopping. Its hard to not see it and see how it sparkles. To solely base a decision on certifications, numbers, and conversions etc... is a bit unwelcoming for me.

i understand briandavin, bluenile, and whiteflash, but already have the setting from shane co and want to go through them again to have a B&M store to frequent, and for their warranty.

this is the setting: http://www.shaneco.com/detail/diamond-split-shank-engagement-ring-with-pave-setting/41050106

the 2 princess
1. http://www.shaneco.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?XS=1158973&O=SB
2. http://www.shaneco.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?XS=1159046&O=SB

and the 3 rounds
1. http://www.shaneco.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?XS=1146925&O=SB
2. http://www.shaneco.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?XS=1166903&O=SB
3. http://www.shaneco.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?XS=1164286&O=SB

what diamond would you chose? ive looked at the gia certs and put the numbers (of the rounds) into HCA and i just need help deciphering.

thanks a bunch in advance!

 

[momhappy]

I don't know much about choosing the right diamond based on the specs, so perhaps others here can be of help. However, I will say that I wouldn't choose a princess cut simply because in that size range, it's probably going to look smaller (than a round in the same size range).

 

[ineedhelp379]

Great insight, I didn't know that. Thanks momhappy.

 

[tyty333]

Hi ineedhelp,
A couple of things...

You have not given us enough information to evaluate the stones. Fancy cut stones like princess cuts require aset images to check
on light return. Close up pictures are also needed.

And for round stones we need things like depth, table, crown and pavilion angles. Also, for any stone you need to ask if they are
eye-clean if they are SI1 or below.

What we recommend is that you stick with GIA or AGS graded stones. Other labs are not as strict as AGS/GIA. Can you ask Shane
to show you some well cut AGS/GIA graded stones?

Do you know what shape your GF prefers? Most (well alot), either really like princess cut stones or really DONT like princess cut
stones. I think that setting favors a round cut.

If you can provide more info then maybe we can help.

tyty

 

[tyty333]

I would suggest something like this setting
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/allegro-in-d-diamond-engagement-ring-159.htm


Round stone ...there are others that would also work in your budget
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2994238.htm

Princess stone...again, there are more in your price range that would work.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-174074.htm

round
http://www.whiteflash.com/testimonials/details-2079.htm
princess
http://www.whiteflash.com/testimonials/details-2137.htm

These stones are graded AGS/GIA and are very nice stones.

 

[momhappy]

Hi ineedhelp,
A couple of things...

You have not given us enough information to evaluate the stones. Fancy cut stones like princess cuts require aset images to check
on light return. Close up pictures are also needed.

And for round stones we need things like depth, table, crown and pavilion angles. Also, for any stone you need to ask if they are
eye-clean if they are SI1 or below.

What we recommend is that you stick with GIA or AGS graded stones. Other labs are not as strict as AGS/GIA. Can you ask Shane
to show you some well cut AGS/GIA graded stones?

Do you know what shape your GF prefers? Most (well alot), either really like princess cut stones or really DONT like princess cut
stones. I think that setting favors a round cut.

If you can provide more info then maybe we can help.

tyty

I agree. It's not that I don't like princess cuts (my best friend has a princess cut, but it's a 3 carat, so it looks huge), but I don't like that they can look smaller than other cuts. The princess cut is just not enough bang for your buck IMO.

 

[kelmel]

I am a "round girl". I think you get more for your money. Round diamonds tend to have more brilliance that princess cuts (assuming they are a good cut). Round is the classic! GIA or AGS only!! Dimensions are crucial. They determine fire and brilliance.

 

[Gypsy]

Is this for you or for someone else.

If it is for you... please go out and try on some rings and decide whether you like the look of princesses or rounds better on your fingers. It really makes a difference on some hands.

If it is for someone else. Then please chose whichever shape they prefer. MANY people who like square shapes do NOT like rounds. And many people who love rounds do NOT like square shapes at all.

So it is important that the wearer, not a bunch of a strangers on the internet, pick the shape of the stone.
After all an engagement ring is something the wearer will be stuck with for the rest of their lives. Best to make sure it is something they love.

Not something a bunch of strangers on the net love.

 

[heididdl]

Honestlly the setting is okay but I would prefer a larger GIA/AGS ideal cut RB stone in a simple setting. The setting looks a little cheap for that amount of money. I'm sorry. But in my HO the Ering is a about the stones.

 

[ineedhelp379]

thank you all for your replies. i really appreciate it. i see a bit more backstory is needed and info on the diamonds.
i already have the setting with a .4 carat S1 H princess diamond in it from the shane co. i want to add a bigger/new diamond in it and want to use shane cos trade in program to do so. thats why i chose shane co. ill look into the whiteflash regardless cause those links look fantastic. also im strictly online because i live in socal now temporarily and there is no shane co nearby

however about the diamonds which is the crucial info, here is the details on table, crown and depth.

the two PRINCESS with IGI certs.

1. SHAPE AND CUT SQUARE MODIFIED BRILLIANT
Weight : 0.74 CARAT
Measurements 4.90 x 4.83 x 3.62 MM.
PROPORTIONS
Total Depth Percentage 74.9 %
Table Diameter Percentage 71.5 %
Crown Height Percentage 13.5 %
Pavilion Depth Percentage 59.0 %
Culet Size NONE
Girdle Thickness MEDIUM
FINISH
Polish EXCELLENT
Symmetry VERY GOOD
PROPORTION/CUT GRADE
CLARITY GRADE : SI 1
COLOR GRADE : H
FLUORESCENCE NONE

2. SHAPE AND CUT SQUARE MODIFIED BRILLIANT
Weight : 0.60 CARAT
Measurements 4.53 x 4.46 x 3.33 MM.
PROPORTIONS
Total Depth Percentage 74.7 %
Table Diameter Percentage 71.5 %
Crown Height Percentage 13.5 %
Pavilion Depth Percentage 59.0 %
Culet Size NONE
Girdle Thickness MEDIUM
FINISH
Polish EXCELLENT
Symmetry VERY GOOD
PROPORTION/CUT GRADE
CLARITY GRADE : SI 1
COLOR GRADE : G
FLUORESCENCE FAINT

3. The three ROUNDS with GIA certs

1. ROUND BRILLIANT - HCA: 1.6 (excellent light return, fire, scintillation. very good spread.)

Measurements 5.25 - 5.27 x 3.22 mm
Carat Weight 0.54 carat
Color Grade H
Clarity Grade SI1
Cut Grade Excellent

PROPORTIONS

Depth 61.3 %
Table 57 %
Crown Angle 35.0°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.8°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet None
FINISH

Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
FLUORESCENCE

Fluorescence None
CLARITY CHARACTERISTICS

Clarity Characteristics Twinning Wisp, Cloud


2. ROUND BRILLIANT - HCA: 1.5 (excellent fire, light return and scintillation. very good spread)

Measurements 5.45 - 5.50 x 3.35 mm
Carat Weight 0.61 carat
Color Grade J
Clarity Grade SI2
Cut Grade Excellent
PROPORTIONS

Depth 61.2 %
Table 56 %
Crown Angle 35.0°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.8°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length 60%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium, Faceted, 3.0%
Culet None
FINISH

Polish Very Good
Symmetry Excellent
FLUORESCENCE

Fluorescence Medium Blue
CLARITY CHARACTERISTICS

Clarity Characteristics Crystal


3. ROUND BRILLIANT - HCA: 1.3 (excellent fire + light return. very good scintillation + spread)

Measurements 5.20 - 5.22 x 3.20 mm
Carat Weight 0.52 carat
Color Grade I
Clarity Grade VS2
Cut Grade Excellent
PROPORTIONS

Depth 61.4 %
Table 55 %
Crown Angle 34.0°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 41.0°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 75%
Girdle Thin to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.0%
Culet None
FINISH

Polish Very Good
Symmetry Excellent
FLUORESCENCE

Fluorescence None
CLARITY CHARACTERISTICS

Clarity Characteristics Crystal




thanks again everybody. Ill continue to browse but found these stones and need help deciphering what is a good stone and a good value cause they all look too similar based on specs now. i appreciate all your wisdom and help!

 

[momhappy]

Is this for you or for someone else.

If it is for you... please go out and try on some rings and decide whether you like the look of princesses or rounds better on your fingers. It really makes a difference on some hands.

If it is for someone else. Then please chose whichever shape they prefer. MANY people who like square shapes do NOT like rounds. And many people who love rounds do NOT like square shapes at all.

So it is important that the wearer, not a bunch of a strangers on the internet, pick the shape of the stone.
After all an engagement ring is something the wearer will be stuck with for the rest of their lives. Best to make sure it is something they love.

Not something a bunch of strangers on the net love.

So very true! When it comes to shape, the ONLY opinion that matters is the one wearing the ring!!!

 

[MollyMalone]

Since the ring was pruchased with a princess-cut center stone and you are looking to upgrade, it seems that you are the ring's wearer -- and like princess cuts. Don't think you should flatly reject Shane's princess stones out of hand just because they have IGI reports - see, e.g., this 2013 thread with its contribution from John Pollard of Crafted By Infinity:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/should-i-consider-igi-or-hrd-graded-stones.187930/

But I too think that the setting is better suited for a round stone & you'll get more bang for your buck with a well-cut round.

 

[ineedhelp379]

Thanks for the replies! I am not the ring bearer and she is indifferent to princess or round. She'll love it either way. I just want to get a beautiful diamond and am having trouble deciding which one is best