HELP!! Should I go with Quality over size??

[Morenita21]

Ok, so long story but back in January 2018 I upgraded my diamond from 0.72ct to my current diamond 1.32. I immediately regretted it because
1) the diamond just didn’t look as beautiful as my smaller one.
2) the store who remade my ring messed it up despite me taking it back 3 times and it took 3 months before I gave up!

This has left me feeling disappointed with my current ring.

So my husband gave me the green light to do what makes me happy to love my ring (within budget).

I found a person in NYC that I feel is competent and transparent and honest to do this job. His work is so beautiful and impeccable. Anyhow, he has agreed to buy my current diamond and put the credit towards a new diamond. I’m also redesigning my ring to this style (first picture with barely there halo).

Anyhow he has sent me this diamond for consideration but has said that he’s not sure since I’m upgrading my diamond if I’d be content with the small size upgrade.

Here are the specs of the new diamond (1.54ct) and my current diamond (1.32ct).

It scores perfectly on the HCA scale.

My dilemma is do I go with a better quality diamond or sacrifice quality for a larger diamond?

I’ll post pictures of the diamond next.

Hoping you all can help.

TIA

 

[blueMA]

I could see why you weren't happy with your upgrade. You'd definitely have light leakage with those proportions. I'm not so keen on 35 combined with 40.8 either although much better, but would need to see the Idealscope or ASET image before advising further.
You might want to share your budget and people here can help find you better alternates.

 

[Morenita21]

Here is a short video of the 1.54ct I am considering:

Also, here are some photos of a 1.31ct (my current size) vs. the 1.54ct (the potential new diamond).

 

[blueMA]

It's definitely better (def no to 1.32), but you probably could do even better than 1.54. Again need IS or ASET to confirm for GIA stones.
Have you seen the stone in person? If you love it, then that's what matters.

 

[Morenita21]

I live in Canada so no I have not seen the stone in person.

 

[Morenita21]

It's definitely better (def no to 1.32), but you probably could do even better than 1.54. Again need IS or ASET to confirm for GIA stones.
Have you seen the stone in person? If you love it, then that's what matters.

I will ask for IS and ASET on Monday.

 

[Morenita21]

It's definitely better (def no to 1.32), but you probably could do even better than 1.54. Again need IS or ASET to confirm for GIA stones.
Have you seen the stone in person? If you love it, then that's what matters.

@blueMA - I guess aside from performance do you think I can do better at $10k price point? Meaning bigger and better? Or is this reasonable for 10k budget for stone?

 

[lovedogs]

I would avoid ever sacrificing cut quality. A better cut stone will look bigger every time. 100000% do not go with a stone just bc it's larger, as you will regret it. The 1.32 is not well cut and definiitrly has issues.

Don't agree to the 1.5 without an ASET or O
Is, because angles aren't complimentary.

 

[blueMA]

These might be decent choices, with great upgrade policy
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3947706,4001980

 

[blueMA]

bigger on SI1
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=4045672,4018629

 

[EvaEvans]

I like the 1.54ct

 

[lovedogs]

These might be decent choices, with great upgrade policy
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3947706,4001980

I prefer both of these 2 to OPs 1.34, anf suspect they will perform better than the 1.5 bc they are super ideal stones. But if I were OP I'd still want an IS/ASET for more info about the 1.5 option.

 

[blueMA]

Yes, the 1.54 could be a decent stone. Definitely not a sweet spot ideal proportions as I said already, but it can still be an weak H&A that may look great in person. I wouldn't automatically rule it out, but the chances are the IS and ASET may be disappointing and you're better off going with an ACA. If not one of the stones aforementioned, then consider raising the budget just a bit to get additional selections. You'll have to do a lot of digging to get a great stone with the 10K budget and it's definitely possible to get a better stone, even if not a branded super ideal.

 

[sledge]

@blueMA - I guess aside from performance do you think I can do better at $10k price point? Meaning bigger and better? Or is this reasonable for 10k budget for stone?

Do you have $10k in cash to spend right now? Or do you need to sell the existing diamond and pool that money with saved money to get to your $10k budget?

If it's contingent upon selling to the NYC jeweler, is he willing to buy the stone if you don't procure a new stone from him? A true sale transaction and not a trade-in where he gives you "store credit"?

Asking because it can be difficult to sell a pre-loved stone.

 

[sledge]

Yes, the 1.54 could be a decent stone. Definitely not a sweet spot ideal proportions as I said already, but it can still be an weak H&A that may look great in person. I wouldn't automatically rule it out, but the chances are the IS and ASET may be disappointing and you're better off going with an ACA. If not one of the stones aforementioned, then consider raising the budget just a bit to get additional selections. You'll have to do a lot of digging to get a great stone with the 10K budget and it's definitely possible to get a better stone, even if not a branded super ideal.

100% agree. Obviously we are speculating but just seems 35/40.8 is hit & miss. You see it working on super ideals because of the precision cutting but most GIA 3x's I see with this particular combo tend to show leakage or poor symmetry when/if you can get the advanced images.

Just my 2 cents, but I feel OP needs the peace & sanity of a "sure thing". The WF ACA delivers that, and so much more. She's been kicked around with a few bad diamond experiences, this one needs to be spectacular.

 

[Morenita21]

100% agree. Obviously we are speculating but just seems 35/40.8 is hit & miss. You see it working on super ideals because of the precision cutting but most GIA 3x's I see with this particular combo tend to show leakage or poor symmetry when/if you can get the advanced images.

Just my 2 cents, but I feel OP needs the peace & sanity of a "sure thing". The WF ACA delivers that, and so much more. She's been kicked around with a few bad diamond experiences, this one needs to be spectacular.

Hi @sledge
You nailed it! I’m not necessarily looking for a huge rock, just one I will love and deliver the best performance.

The gentleman I am dealing with is giving me a credit for my stone and I’m paying the difference. He’s a diamond dealer too. He knows his stuff and has steered me away from some bad diamonds (presented it to me but gave me his two cents).

He did say the 1.54ct is super ideal.

I will ask for IS and ASET pictures on Monday to appease my mind.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Morenita21]

Also, one more thing I liked was that for a diamond graded at color I, it is borderline H. Even he said that. Here’s a picture left is D and R is the 1.54 I.

 

[SimoneDi]

Are you going to lose money on your stone or getting pretty much the same amount as what you paid? Is the 1.32 H SI1 your existing stone? How much out of pocket will the 1.5 I VVS1 cost?

The 1.5 I VVS1 has lovely proportions. You will be paying a bit more for the clarity, but it will certainly be an upgrade in size, cut and clarity for you!

 

[Morenita21]

Are you going to lose money on your stone or getting pretty much the same amount as what you paid? Is the 1.32 H SI1 your existing stone? How much out of pocket will the 1.5 I VVS1 cost?

The 1.5 I VVS1 has lovely proportions. You will be paying a bit more for the clarity, but it will certainly be an upgrade in size, cut and clarity for you!

Yes, the 1.32 H SI1 is my current stone that I don’t love. Yes, I will be losing money. But you always do.

 

[sledge]

Hi @sledge
You nailed it! I’m not necessarily looking for a huge rock, just one I will love and deliver the best performance.

The gentleman I am dealing with is giving me a credit for my stone and I’m paying the difference. He’s a diamond dealer too. He knows his stuff and has steered me away from some bad diamonds (presented it to me but gave me his two cents).

He did say the 1.54ct is super ideal.

I will ask for IS and ASET pictures on Monday to appease my mind.

Thank you for your help!

The jeweler's use of the term super ideal bothers me. It's incorrect. A true super ideal stone will have AGS000 certification and true hearts & arrow (H&A) symmetry. Additionally you will have idealscope, ASET and H&A images to verify & confirm both light performance & symmetry.

IMO, your jeweler is trying to sell you a GIA 3x stone with ideal proportions. I commend him for prioritizing cut; however, you need to know the difference. WF, BGD, HPD, VC, etc offer true super ideal stones.

Moving on. What kind of price did he offer on your current stone? Asking because it's common to see 50-70% of original retail price paid when you don't have a good trade-in policy. And maybe you could sell your stone on the open market or work a trade-in with a different vendor so you aren't "stuck" using that vendor.

As @blueMA and I mentioned earlier, the proportions of this stone do fall within ideal parameters; however, as I said before that 35/40.8 combo is hit and miss. Here are a few examples of what I am talking about.

1.35ct G VS2
https://www.yadavjewelry.com/diamond/round-diamond-1.35-carat-g-vs2-yd4536519

Not posting this link for your buying consideration, but rather to show how the 35/40.8 combo isn't always good. See the yellow circles? Those white spots indicate leakage in the stone. Ultimately leakage = less fire/sparkles.



1.30ct G VS2
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R130-769371978?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc

Same deal here. Not recommended for buying but rather an example of a bad 35/40.8 combo. Again yellow circles indicate leakage. The one at 5pm is the worst. The other two are less severe. Still, not what you want to see on your ASET image.

Also, this one has a hearts image. See how they really aren't that uniform? This stone is not a true H&A stone.

 

[sledge]

My other post was growing long so I wanted to start a new one as I wanted this to stick with you -- the above I was pointing out what could happen. Obviously we aren't going to let that happen to you. I just wanted to make you aware of the differences.

You can absolutely find a good GIA 3x stone with good ASET and H&A images. They exist, but are rare. Maybe this particular stone your vendor has presented you really is that awesome. We simply don't know until we see the images.

What I like about any of the true super ideal vendors is you don't have to worry about if it's a good one or bad one. It's like hitting an easy button, which is why I thought you might appreciate them given your history. Either way, we will help you find the best stone that fits your needs and budget. Wishing you the best through this journey.

 

[EvaEvans]

It doesn't matter if the 1.54ct is true Hearts and Arrows or not, what's matter is that it is a beautiful stone, much better choice than the 1.32ct!
I am not stick in that H&A perfectness, I appreciate the quality of the diamond crystal and the overall performance.

 

[kmoro]

You said your vendor is a diamond dealer. If that’s the case and he has the diamonds in hand, he should have an ideal scope or ASET scope. I mean, they’re not expensive and there have been people here that have taken pictures through them with their cell phones. I bought some too, lol.

A thought on the color ... comparing the 1.54 to a D doesn’t really give you an idea if it’s a high I, imo.

I think the 1.54 will be a big improvement!

Have you checked with any other vendors to see if they will let you trade in your old diamond? You might be able to find more takers and then have more options.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

I'd buy an ASET scope. It's around 50$ incl shipping I believe and that way you can confirm performance yourself. I, too, was bothered that the jeweler calls this stone a super ideal. It might be a beautiful stone IRL (or not), but the term is incorrect.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Have you checked with any other vendors to see if they will let you trade in your old diamond? You might be able to find more takers and then have more options.

+1

 

[nala]

So just to clarify. You are trading in a 1.32 and paying 10k to upgrade in size and cut by .20?
I did the exact same thing last year and paid 5k and I realized that I was paying a penalty fee for Trade up.
I think you are better off selling it and starting fresh or recutting it. That jeweler is making the process easier for you at a steep price.

 

[Morenita21]

My other post was growing long so I wanted to start a new one as I wanted this to stick with you -- the above I was pointing out what could happen. Obviously we aren't going to let that happen to you. I just wanted to make you aware of the differences.

You can absolutely find a good GIA 3x stone with good ASET and H&A images. They exist, but are rare. Maybe this particular stone your vendor has presented you really is that awesome. We simply don't know until we see the images.

What I like about any of the true super ideal vendors is you don't have to worry about if it's a good one or bad one. It's like hitting an easy button, which is why I thought you might appreciate them given your history. Either way, we will help you find the best stone that fits your needs and budget. Wishing you the best through this journey.

He does have the ASET and IS equipment as he regularly posts it along with the diamonds he sells. It was late Friday and I really just wanted some pictures of the stone to see size comparison so I didn’t have time to ask for those other images as he had already left the office. I have not made any commitment to him. He has not asked for any money upfront at all. So all his communication and time looking for a diamond has been complimentary.
He is giving me 70% of the original price of my diamond. Again, this is relative since I purchased it in Canadian dollars and selling in US.

I will post the additional images hopefully Monday when he’s in the office and I’m crossing my fingers it looks good.

 

[Morenita21]

It doesn't matter if the 1.54ct is true Hearts and Arrows or not, what's matter is that it is a beautiful stone, much better choice than the 1.32ct!
I am not stick in that H&A perfectness, I appreciate the quality of the diamond crystal and the overall performance.

I am not stuck on the H&A either. My first and original stone was an excellent cut Canadian Diamond. It was so beautiful at such a small size (0.72ct) that people would always compliment me on my ring. I’m kicking myself for selling it because I should have kept it and made it a pendant.

 

[Morenita21]

So just to clarify. You are trading in a 1.32 and paying 10k to upgrade in size and cut by .20?
I did the exact same thing last year and paid 5k and I realized that I was paying a penalty fee for Trade up.
I think you are better off selling it and starting fresh or recutting it. That jeweler is making the process easier for you at a steep price.

I am only paying the difference for the new stone. But I told him my budget including the trade in value is $10k.

I have looked at other vendors so I know I have options. I really wouldn’t want to sell my diamond myself, too much hassle.

 

[nala]

I am only paying the difference for the new stone. But I told him my budget including the trade in value is $10k.

I have looked at other vendors so I know I have options. I really wouldn’t want to sell my diamond myself, too much hassle.

I totally get not wanting to sell your diamond yourself. But whiteflash has s 1.50 ACA I VS1 for a little over 12k. Comes with the best trade up policy ever. Should you decide you want to. So by that math, and given your 10k budget, your diamond’s value is 2k. I would totally keep my diamond at that point. and stretch my budget by 2k. And have the reassurance that I can upgrade at any time and not find myself in this situation again.
FWIW, my upgrade was from a 2.20 to a 2.52. And when I comped with wf, I would have lost over 10k. And at my size range, every upgrade would have cost me another 7 or 8k. That’s how I knew when to stop lol and to go with my jeweler. Bc I wasn’t going to be using their upgrade policy.