2.5ct Radiant "flawless" vs 4ct Radiant w flaws

[4ctRadiant]

I am shopping for an engagement ring- radiant diamond with trapezoid side stones.  I am petite with long thin fingers (size 5 ring)I don't wear a lot of jewelry but when I do wear it I prefer wearing a statement piece.  After pricing out stones online for months I decided that this radiant ring will get me the most ring for my budget. I live in NYC and went shopping for stones in person for the first time today.  I looked at a lot of smaller 2.5 ct super sparkly stones today then I found a 4ct. Before I started shopping I had standards- excellent cut, excellent clarity, with a stone as white as can be.  That was until I found the exception- the odd stone that was full of flaws but the beauty still came through- a 4 ct J color SI1 clarity- this stone became my exception.  When the ring I wanted was priced out with this stone, the ring was below the price of the other super but smaller stones I viewed.  The stone did not have the full brilliance of the smaller stones but it sparkled in florescent lights and sunlight.  The stone looked very white set in white gold and even against other white things and even with the low clarity rating- there were no inclusions distracting me away from the stone- the only flaw this stone had was the cut.  The proportion of the stone was a little off.  I know once the stone is properly set, it would help the proportions but now I'm looking for a stone with similar characteristics but with a better cut grade. Personally I think radiant cut stones are not fully appreciated until they are at least 3cts or higher no matter how quality your stone is.  I also feel like anyone can have a higher quality small stone but finding a bigger stone that is beautiful and "affordable" is not something that can be found easy.  

Does it make sense to go for a bigger stone 3.75-4.15 cts with a J color and SI1 clarity rating or should I stick with a high quality smaller stone 2-2.5 cts?
 

 

[Dandi]

If the cut is the problem on the larger one, is a recut an option?

 

[4ctRadiant]

I didn't think about that... What's the cost involve with that?

 

[Amys Bling]

2.5ct Radiant "flawless" vs 4ct Radiant w flaws

Around 350 per xarat

 

[slg47]

Re: 2.5ct Radiant

Around 350 per xarat

I would not buy a stone with the plan to get it recut...too risky.

 

[4ctRadiant]

Yeah, I don't think I'd want to go that route but I also don't want to go the larger route and end up regretting it because it was a bad decision.

 

[Circe]

I'm a creature of extremes myself, but ... it seems like you're missing a nice middle ground here! Personally, I'd prefer to maximize size while maintaining decent clarity (say, VS2 for an e-ring: I have SI stones and I love them, but I'm also not scrutinizing them constantly the way I am with rings). Color is a trickier question: personally I love warmth and wear J stones proudly, but I don't expect them to look "white" - I like the creamy tint! So I'd be happy going J or lower for a golden glow, but be aware that radiants show more color than almost any other cut (which is why you see so many fancy diamonds cut as radiants).

Diamonds by Lauren has the best collection of radiants of the PS vendors, I think. Dunno what your budget is like, but maybe e-mail David and see what he can do for you?

 

[vinjewels]

I am a size 5 finger too, so I have the same challenges with the bigger stones. I don't know enough about cut or your preferences to recommend one over the other, but I definitely would try on the 4 ct. on or wear it. For me, rolling is a really big problem and I like a stone that I can wear daily. But, if you chose the radiant to maximize carat weight, the 4ct. might be the choice. Personally, I had a 2 and a half(ish) carat diamond, it was good coverage and the facets and cut were the part I noticed and loved. IMHO, the better the cut, the more pleasing to the eye.
You will get alot of good advice here on the specs. It sounds like you can't lose, it's just a decision on which one you will be more happy with and which is more pleasing to your eyes. No one will be getting out their loupe, so the only one that has to be pleased with it is you!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree with the middle ground idea. I'd stick with G-H-I (GIA) color and no lower than VS2 in stones that large. I recommend Good Old Gold for sourcing any fancy cuts because they will evaluate light performance and cut for you. Good Old Gold is po Long Island. If you make an appt., they can call in some stones for you to look at.

 

[Enerchi]

If you live in NYC, I'd agree with Circe to speak with David at DBL as well as Jonathon at GOG and Yekutiel at IDJ. Explain your desired stone specifics and have them show you what they have inhouse and they could also source for you. (I have no experience with DBL or GOG but have read nothing but great reviews on PS. I did purchase from IDJ and love my ring from there!)

IMO, I would not want to be obsessing that the diamond I purchased had a flaw that gnawed at me from the start. It will be yours for a very long time... I'd prefer to start with the stone I am happiest and most comfortable with. Maybe these 2 options are a great start - but there could be more to further explore before making the final decision??

Its ultimately up to you and what your eye sees, what pleases you and what your mind can live with.

 

[4ctRadiant]

Can you tell me what DBLis or GOG or IDJ. I just sent good old old an email but can't locate the information of the shops you Reccommend using the information you provided.

Much appreciated.

 

[Enerchi]

Can you tell me what DBLis or GOG or IDJ. I just sent good old old an email but can't locate the information of the shops you Reccommend using the information you provided.

Much appreciated.

DBL - www.diamondsbylauren.com
GOG - www.goodoldgold.com (you have just contacted them)
IDJ - www.idjewelryonline.com

 

[4ctRadiant]

Awesome, I just sent everyone an email. Thank you all so much, any other recommendations I'm open to hear...