Advice appreciated! Choosing the right 2.25+ ct diamond

[blackberryhint]

Hi all. I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on a diamond for my girlfriend and want to make sure I make the most educated decision. While I'm not working off explicit parameters, I'm trying to get the best bang for my buck while keeping the color G+ and clarity VS1+ (although I've looked at some VS2s). I've recently narrowed the search down to the two diamonds below. Both are very similar in stats and price.

I'd really appreciate any advice / suggestions. I'm not too familiar with interpreting ASET images, so any guidance you can provide there would also be a huge help. Thanks in advance.

Diamond #1:
2.31 ct
Cut: Excellent
Color: G
Clarity: VVS2
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
HCA: 1.9 (VG, Ex, VG, VG)

Diamond #2:
2.40 ct
Cut: Excellent
Color: G
Clarity: V1
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
HCA: 0.9 (Ex, Ex, Ex, VG)

 

[ac117]

If just between these 2, I'd choose the second one...it's definitely better cut. The first is too deep so it will actually face up smaller than a well cut 2.31 and it also has green around the edges while the second has red throughout (stronger light return).

 

[bmfang]

Stay away from #1. Way too much light leakage. The proportions are also better on #2. Are you limited to these two stones?

 

[blackberryhint]

I wouldn't say I'm limited to only those two. Rather, I'm just trying to be a little more decisive since I'm getting to the point of needing to make the purchase. I've been on and off online shopping now for the past couple of months now and I feel like I could easily get lost forever searching for the "perfect" one.

That being said, if you have any recommendations, please don't hesitate to share! Trying to keep the budget around $30k.

 

[MissGotRocks]

An H but a very white, beautiful stone and larger to boot - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2095786.htm still under 30k.

 

[SimoneDi]

An H but a very white, beautiful stone and larger to boot - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2095786.htm still under 30k.

Love that diamond! The H will still look very white!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would take the Whiteflash ACA any day because of the top cut quality, but of the two you posted, the second one is better.

 

[LLJsmom]

Is your non-GIA AGS graded? If not, I would still move on, unless I could send it to GIA or AGS for a grade.

For $30K, why are you even considering non-GIA, unless AGS? $30K and cut being your top priority? I'd go WF, GOG, Canera, Brian Gavin. Just saying...

 

[bmfang]

Is your non-GIA AGS graded? If not, I would still move on, unless I could send it to GIA or AGS for a grade.

For $30K, why are you even considering non-GIA, unless AGS? $30K and cut being your top priority? I'd go WF, GOG, Canera, Brian Gavin. Just saying...

The second stone is GIA graded. The NON is likely referring to it having no fluorescence.