I'm having difficulty choosing one of the two diamonds that I'm consider buying. My idea of an engagement ring WAS "a flawless diamond" because I'm buying it to keep. However, after reading many posts in this forum I begin to realize that many experts focus on Cut rather than Clarity. Please give me as much info about these 2 diamonds and which one you would buy. The pros and cons of each one. Many thanks

First diamond:
Weight 1.06
Color: F
Clarity: IF
Depth: 61.5
Table: 56
Polish: Very good
Sym: Ex
Price: 8900

You are right, we speak a lot about cut probably because it is the most complex factor responsible for the beauty of a diamond.

However, you have to decide for yourself what is more important for you - clarity or cut. It is very much a matter of taste.

Some will say, "Why pay for IF or VVS if you won't see inclusions with naked eye even in good SI1".

Other will say, "Why pay for premium cut if the difference in light return is only a few percents".

Best answer you will find if you'd be able to compare several different diamonds with each other and tell what is more important for you.

This ACA diamond has very good proportions (crown angle=34.6°, pavilion depth =43.2%) and scores 1.7 (Excellent) on the Cut Adviser.

Since we don't know crown and pavilion data for the first stone it is difficult to say but it also could be very nice stone. Its total depth is not deep.

Thank you for quick reply. I'll try to obtain crown and pavilion info of the first diamond then I'll let you test it out on your Cut Advisor.
Your post suggests that regardless of which diamond I chose, there won't be any different to the eyes? If so, can I just compromise these 2 qualities for Carat weight and get a bigger diamond for the same price?
Hmmm this diamond business is getting more more headache for me as I learn more
Many thanks and wait to hear from you soon.

Garry is right. I was trying to say that you have to decide for yourself what qualities you can bear. It is all very personal.

Definitely you won't see the difference between IF and VVS without a loupe. Many people wouldn't even care about such a high clarity. However, for you it might be extremely important...

Cut is different. Many people see the difference between well-cut and ordinary stones. Besides, deep stones can cost more because of the weight while look bad.

But, again, only you can decide.

Good luck

AGS has an advantage that they report more data on the cut. Besides, since they have the cut grading system, cutters used to send their stones to AGS only if they expect to get "ideal" cut grade. Diamonds with AGS0 grade usually cost more than similar stones with GIA report.

If you have checked the tutorial on this site, you probably have read that current AGS cut grading system is not perfect and quite a few AGS0 diamonds can be worse than some AGS1-6.

You can use Holloway Cut Adviser as preliminary filter when assessing the cut quality for the diamonds you cannot examine alive.

The price is right for both diamonds. It looks like you won't make an error with any of them.

A Cut Above diamonds are very precisely cut but the first one has higher clarity and $300 less expensive...

Sorry mate I cannot tell you witch one to choose

Here's the info of the first diamond:

Depth: 61.5%
Table: 56%
Crown: 15.5%
Pavilion: 42.5%

I got .6 ex,ex,ex,vg for this stone! a lot higher than the A Cut Above H&A

To make sure you might want to check it with independent expert like Pamela White, Vista, CA or Steven Policastro, San Diego, CA (see www.pricescope.com/appr_list.asp )

I guess you've had an opportunity to see the stone and compare it with others, right? Do you see the difference?

HCA Scores: Please keep in mind that this is a preliminary filter and cannot substitute life examination of the diamonds.

If the score is below 2 one should take other beauty factors into account such as symmetry, polish and H&A pattern. Obviously current version of HCA doesn't take them into account.

Please don't get me wrong. You ask tough question Both diamonds sounds great. If I would recommend one vs another without seeing them, It will be at least unprofessional and might sound impartial

It is pity that you cannot see and compare these two diamonds. You might want to call Whiteflash and ask whether they can help you in this situation. They are very friendly and professional fokls

Thanks very very very much. I'll let you know the ultimate result this July
You know, this is a great site, you guys have done an excellent job.