1.8-2ct - What's Better? Better Color or H&A?

[susiecee]

I am looking to get a round brilliant 1.8-2ct and trying to keep cost down.

In order to do so these are the specifications that I am looking at
-Excellent cut, color, polish, symmetry - I know cut makes a big difference in the fire of the stone
-SI1
-Medium to No Flour.

Now what I am wondering is, what is most important color or hearts and arrows cut?
I am thinking of the following:

- J color, XXX, but H&A
- I color, XXX

But wanted to get your opinion on what would be the best value.

 

[Niel]

I top cut non h&a ideal round is going to be hard to distinguish from an ideal h&a.
Less noticeable than the color. And less noticeable than a .2 ct difference in size.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think you look at all the stones available within your range of specs and budget and then choose the best one. It would depend on which GIA XXX as to whether it would be good enough or not. I personally do prefer I color, but I'd want a great cut stone as well whether it is true H&A or just falling into ideal cut range.

 

[chrono]

GIA 3X is too broad. I would go for the best cut (HCA under 2.0 and confirm with IS). It is very likely that the diamond will exhibit a strong but ever so slightly imperfect H&A pattern. For me, that is good enough and I would go for a whiter colour.