1.10 VVS2 vs 1.28ct

[QuickRock]

THIS IS MY UPDATED POST:

Okay, here are all the details on these two stones:

1.10ct
VVS2
G
61% depth
56% table
Ex Polish
Ex Symmetry
6.65-6.69mm x 4.07mm (diameter x total depth)
Crown Angle 34.6
Crown Height 15.2%
Pavilion Angle 40.7
Pavilion depth 42.8%
Culet 0.7%
Girdle 0.7-1.2% (Thin-Medium)
No flourescence
Proportion cut grade 0

1.288ct
VS1
G
62% depth
57% table
VG polish
VG symmetry
6.97-7.01mm x 4.33mm (diameter x total depth)
Crown angle 35.6 (35.4-35.
Crown height 15.3 % (15.1-15.4)
Pavilion angle 41.4 (41.3 - 41.5)
Pavilion depth 43.7% (43.5-43.
Culet 0.4% (V. Small)
Girdle 1.6% (1.1-2.0 - Medium/Faceted)
No fluorescence
Proportion cut grade 0

Based on this information, does anything good/bad stand out about these? The angles on the 1.28ct don't show up too well on the HCA.

I have worked out an independant appraiser to evaluate the stone prior to purchasing, so now I just need to determine which stone to focus on. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[aljdewey]

QuickRock:




1) You really didn't give enough information to give you any meaningful feedback on these stones. What are the dimensions of these stones? Are they certed, and if yes, by whom? What are the crown/pavilion angles? Crown/pavilion angles are pretty important in determining light return/performance.




2) Also, have you considered dropping down a bit on color/clarity? Most stones in this range face up SNOW white in the H range, and you'd find a much better value in a VS2 or an eye-clean SI-1 stone. These adjustments might help you comfortably get the size range you're looking for without sacrificing anything discernable to the unaided eye.

 

[Mara]

Get the crown and pav angles first...then ask

I would definitely go G VS over VVS....as you can see the same money gets you much more stone. I have a 1.35c diameter G VS and I adore it...set into plat it's very white. No worries at all. I would have gone SI but the only one they showed me had a black carbon in it that I did not like. But now 20/20...could have gotten a bigger stone online for same money most likely with SI quality. So be sure you know your requirements, then shop.




Good luck!

 

[QuickRock]

Sorry for the initial lack of info:

These stones are both GIA certified and have no fluorescence.

The VVS2 1.10ct has dimensions of 6.65 - 6.69 x 4.07
The VS1 1.28ct has dimensions of 6.97 - 7.01 x 4.34

Does this info help make the comparison any more meaningful?

The crown and pavilion angles I will get tomorrow and post.

Thanks again,
P

 

[Mara]

QR..after you post the angles..people will be able to tell you more...

 

[QuickRock]

Okay, here are all the details on these two stones:

1.10ct
VVS2
G
61% depth
56% table
Ex Polish
Ex Symmetry
6.65-6.69mm x 4.07mm (diameter x total depth)
Crown Angle 34.6
Crown Height 15.2%
Pavilion Angle 40.7
Pavilion depth 42.8%
Culet 0.7%
Girdle 0.7-1.2% (Thin-Medium)
No flourescence
Proportion cut grade 0

1.288ct
VS1
G
62% depth
57% table
VG polish
VG symmetry
6.97-7.01mm x 4.33mm (diameter x total depth)
Crown angle 35.6 (35.4-35.
Crown height 15.3 % (15.1-15.4)
Pavilion angle 41.4 (41.3 - 41.5)
Pavilion depth 43.7% (43.5-43.
Culet 0.4% (V. Small)
Girdle 1.6% (1.1-2.0 - Medium/Faceted)
No fluorescence
Proportion cut grade 0

Based on this information, does anything good/bad stand out about these? The angles on the 1.28ct don't show up too well on the HCA.

I have worked out an independant appraiser to evaluate the stone prior to purchasing, so now I just need to determine which stone to focus on. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[aljdewey]

QR: The 1.10 stone should be GORGEOUS......scores a 1 on the HCA, with ex-ex-ex-vg.




The 1.28 stone however, in my opinion, is a definite PASS....it scores a 5!!!!! on the HCA. It has a very steep crown and a very deep pavilion which I suspect may be getting close to the "ring of death" that so many talk of here....the dark circle that appears within the table.




Also, stone #2 will appear MUCH smaller visually than what you are paying for because it's carrying extra weight in the crown and pavilion that don't contribute to the dimension.




You didn't mention the cost of these stones, but personally, I'd recommend that you consider stones in the VS2 and SI-1 ranges....and also in the H color range. You're paying a premium on the 1.10 stone for the VS1, and dropping down a bit on color and clarity could help get you into the larger stone for the same money with NO sacrifice visually.




If you search by cut quality on the front page, you'll find there's a 1.21 G, SI1 available for $6584 (scores 1.7 HCA) and a 1.19 G, VS2 available for $7358 (scores 1 on HCA).




This may help you get the extra weight/size for the same money. Believe me, there should be NO discernable difference to the naked eye on the color/clarity.




Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[QuickRock]

Thanks for all the input here. I am scheduled to see this 1.10ct stone tomorrow at the independant appraiser. I appreciate the thoughts on going down in color and clarity, however being somewhat of a perfectionist (a dangerous characteristic when diamond-shopping, I presume), I feel very comfortable with the G and VVS2. Also, the 1.10ct weight/size "fits" my soon-to-be fiancee nicely (i.e. she actually asked for nothing too big!!). From several conversations with her, this is a good size.

As an aside, I have had very good experiences so far with the online vendor I've been working with, as well as the independant appraiser. If all ends well here, I will be telling my tale in more detail. I must admit that at first I was quite sKeptical about this whole internet diamond thing. It has proved me wrong thusfar. My B&M jeweler seems to even be impressed........

More to come.

 

[Mara]

Number one is definitely the way to go...#2 is a huge PASS, that HCA score is horrible, and the angles are way off. Let us know what your appraiser says about stone #1..should be very nice!

 

[aljdewey]

Awesome.......delighted to help.




Remember.....we want stories and PICS!

 

[QuickRock]

Well, it's a done deal. The independant appraiser nailed the cert. spot on for the 1.10ct. and couldn't stop talking about how nice it was. Got to spend about 1 1/2 hr. with her with the stone under the scope, remeasuring all dimensions, seeing the H&A patterns, etc. etc. Most importantly, the stone really looked fantastic and I knew even before seeing all the details that it was the one.

I went to the bank, wired the money to the vendor, and had the diamond released before driving home. Now it's in transit to my jeweler where it will be set in a JB Star traditional platinum setting w/ 0.50 tcw round sides. My jeweler was amazed at the price, and came flat out and said that he could definitely not match it. Not even close. My litmus test will be complete when he calls me tomorrow upon receiving the stone and concurs with everything I've seen/heard/felt.

I'll get some pics up once the complete package is in my hands.

 

[magna2]

Congratulations on what sounds like an exceptional diamond and an exceptional bargain.