1.24 vs 1.25 VS1 I diamonds.. help a newbie!

[TheVert]

Hi diamond experts, I was hoping you could help me decide between two diamonds that have caught my eye although I can't seem to be able to decide between them! Both are GIA rated stones, although neither are laser inscribed.. should I be worried about that? Also I know blue fluorescence shouldn't be a big deal, but is that why the second choice is a bunch less expensive? I am also open for any suggestions for other options as well!

#1: $9345
1.24 carat wt
Clarity VS1
Colour I
Cut Grade Excellent
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent

Measurements: 6.96 - 6.99 x 4.25
Fluorescence: None
Table 57%
Depth 60.8%
Crown: 34.5 degrees
Pavilion: 41.0 degrees

#2: $8600
1.25 carat wt
Clarity VS1
Colour I
Cut Grade Excellent
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent

Measurements: 7.04 - 7.07 x 4.19mm
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Table 58%
Depth 59.4%
Crown: 32.5 degrees, 13.5%
Pavilion: 41.0 degrees, 43%

Thanks for your help! I'm really excited to make the best of this experience!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I like fluorescence in an I color stone, but I prefer the numbers on the first stone. The second one has a shallow crown angle (and a nice spread), but I would be afraid that it might be more prone to chipping. You can find price differences on different stones due to many factors such as the diamond supplier the stone is from, the age of the stone and price when it was purchased by the vendor, etc. The medium blue would have some effect on the price, though, but it is not a negative factor as far as the stone's appearance.

Oh, and it means nothing that the stones aren't laser inscribed. That is done for an extra charge and many (most?) diamonds don't have it.

Prices are good.

 

[TheVert]

I like fluorescence in an I color stone, but I prefer the numbers on the first stone. The second one has a shallow crown angle (and a nice spread), but I would be afraid that it might be more prone to chipping. You can find price differences on different stones due to many factors such as the diamond supplier the stone is from, the age of the stone and price when it was purchased by the vendor, etc. The medium blue would have some effect on the price, though, but it is not a negative factor as far as the stone's appearance.

Oh, and it means nothing that the stones aren't laser inscribed. That is done for an extra charge and many (most?) diamonds don't have it.

Prices are good.

Thanks for your quick response! The HCA seems to prefer the second diamond with better grades, and overall a lower number. The GIA report states it is thin to medium (faceted) 3% - would that mean the chipping is less of a concern? I certainly wouldn't want a piece to break off!

 

[Christina...]

I like fluorescence in an I color stone, but I prefer the numbers on the first stone. The second one has a shallow crown angle (and a nice spread), but I would be afraid that it might be more prone to chipping. You can find price differences on different stones due to many factors such as the diamond supplier the stone is from, the age of the stone and price when it was purchased by the vendor, etc. The medium blue would have some effect on the price, though, but it is not a negative factor as far as the stone's appearance.

Oh, and it means nothing that the stones aren't laser inscribed. That is done for an extra charge and many (most?) diamonds don't have it.

Prices are good.

I was told that GIA inscribes diamonds under a ct and supply a clarity plot for diamonds over a ct. I agree and like the first stone too! but I prefer a diamond with a high crown.

 

[TheVert]

I was liking the spread (and better price) of the second one, but now I'm conflicted! Just to make this more complicated, I have a third contender that splits the price difference, and is an AGS ideal, although not as much coverage for a slightly higher price. Should I be concerned about the feathers at the edge and possible structural weakness there (I'm assuming as VS1, the central crystals should be eye-clean..)? What do the experts think about interpreting the light map? Finally, the confounding factor is that

I have attached the report and specs as before, although with the big day coming up, I'm feeling the pressure to make a choice soon! Thanks everyone!

--


#3 - AGS Rated

1.28 carat wt
Clarity VS1
Colour I
Cut Grade AGS Ideal 0
Light Performance AGS Ideal 0
Polish AGS Ideal 0
Symmetry AGS Ideal 0

Measurements: 6.94 - 6.98 x 4.32mm
Fluorescence: Negligable
Depth 61.9%
Table 55.4%
Crown: 33.6 degrees, 13.7%
Pavilion: 41.0 degrees, 43.4%
Girdle Thin to Slightly Thick, Faceted, inscribed

Cost $8800

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, numbers 1 and 3 would be the top choices. In a way, number 3 would be the easy decision to make because of the cut grading, but I like the numbers on #1, too. Can you see these two stones before making a decision? If so, you need to compare them in some good natural light to see if you can see any color difference. AGS grades cut more strictly than GIA (as in GIA Excellent is a broader category and AGS Ideal is narrower) but on occasion, they grade color more loosely. And I color is that borderline color that can be a great value if it is a high I, but if it is borderline I-J (or really a J), then you may see a slight tint in the stone. So if you can see #1 and #3, then you can solve that problem! If I couldn't see them and had to order one, I guess either one of those would be worth buying. VS1 clarity is a wonderfully safe clarity and you don't need to worry about seeing anything!