Advice on 2 diamonds: which one would you choose?

[ritarepulsa]

Hi there, I deleted my other post because I thought I had made up my mind - apparently this was not the case, and I am now comparing these two options on diamonds. They are graded GIA "triple excellent cut" but I have researched and found "excellent" is used very loosely... I will be seeing the diamonds in person, but can anyone advise on whether these have potential/or should look for better, or which one you would choose. Anyway, if any experts can help me decide on one of these diamonds, or provide some insight that would be appreciated so much. Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Option 1:

1.26 carat
Round brilliant
6.91x6.92x4.28mm
F
Si1 (eye-clean)
Ex symm/ex polish
Med blu fluorescence
Table: 56%
Depth: 61.9%
Crown angle: 34.5
Crown height: 15.0%
Pavillion angle: 40.6
Pavillion height: 43.0%
Girdle medium to slightly thick (faceted) 4.0%
Lower girdle 75%
Star facet length 50%
Culet: none

Received an HCA score of 0.7 (so under 2)

I do not have any images to share for this diamond, but I will be checking the ASET and Idealscope in person.

Option 2:

1.30 carat
Round brilliant
6.96x7.00x4.33mm
H
Si1
Ex symmetry/Ex polish
No fluorescence
Table: 56%
Depth: 62.1%
Crown angle: 34.5
Crown height: 15.5%
Pavillion angle: 40.8
Pavillion height: 43.0%
Girdle medium to slightly thick (faceted) 4.0%
Lower girdle 80%
Star facet length 50%
Culet: none

Received an HCA score of 1.1 (so under 2)

Images I have received of the 1.30 carat diamond and its heart & arrow scope are attached. For some reason the photo looks off center to me (not facing diamond head on) Note: It is not a H&A diamond, just hoping it's an ideal cut and the symmetry is acceptable for better than average light performance.

 

[mwilliamanderson]

The angles look okay on these but the images of the second stone reveal less than optimal symmetry which could have an effect on fire and scintillation. My guess is it would have better than average light return and average fire and scintillation. I’m picky about symmetry though YMMV.

 

[gregchang35]

There is an inclusion of some sort in diamond 2, that is evident in the images provided. To me, that is not something that I could look past. It’s thst brown burn out look thst I see on the images.

Will be keen to see what the other diamond looks like.

 

[tyty333]

Any way to get an Aset or Idealscope Image on the second one? The numbers are good. The hears are ok for not an H&A. Its impossible to
tell you to buy the first one without more info.

 

[ritarepulsa]

There is an inclusion of some sort in diamond 2, that is evident in the images provided. To me, that is not something that I could look past. It’s thst brown burn out look thst I see on the images.

Will be keen to see what the other diamond looks like.

Yeah I did point out the crystal inclusion under the table and was told it was eye clean and only visible at 10x magnification.

I had asked to get the diamonds in to see them but he can only get one in at a time, therefore I need to choose which is the better option to view. I’m on a short time line too

 

[ritarepulsa]

Any way to get an Aset or Idealscope Image on the second one? The numbers are good. The hears are ok for not an H&A. Its impossible to
tell you to buy the first one without more info.

There wasn’t one provided but when the diamond comes in I will be able to view them with the ASET and Idealscope. Unfortunately I have to choose one to have him bring in

 

[MissGotRocks]

Is this the first diamond you are buying? If so, why limit yourself to such narrow parameters and having to choose or the other to be brought in? There are several online vendors that provide all of the imagery up front; no need to have to choose between two stones. However, if you are in a trade in position, this might be the jeweler you have to deal with. Just thought I'd ask!

 

[ritarepulsa]

Is this the first diamond you are buying? If so, why limit yourself to such narrow parameters and having to choose or the other to be brought in? There are several online vendors that provide all of the imagery up front; no need to have to choose between two stones. However, if you are in a trade in position, this might be the jeweler you have to deal with. Just thought I'd ask!

It is for an engagement ring. My SO is looking to have the ring made by a jeweler in the diamond district where he lives. I know online can be a great way to buy quality diamonds, but he and I prefer to see the diamonds in person. Also we are in Canada and a lot of the websites are US... a bit pricier in CAD or maybe it's just me.

I have researched that AGS Ideal diamonds can be a great way to go, and the jeweller has this diamond on hand. We aren't necessarily looking for VVS1 clarity, however. It is slightly smaller in carat weight than we were looking for, but I would rather have quality>size

Does anyone see anything concerning with this diamond, such as the depth at 62.4? It also has a steeper crown but the ASET looks pretty good. Is it worth going down in clarity to save $ or go up in carat weight?

Any feedback appreciated.

 

[mwilliamanderson]

It is for an engagement ring. My SO is looking to have the ring made by a jeweler in the diamond district where he lives. I know online can be a great way to buy quality diamonds, but he and I prefer to see the diamonds in person. Also we are in Canada and a lot of the websites are US... a bit pricier in CAD or maybe it's just me.

I have researched that AGS 000 diamonds can be a great way to go, and the jeweller has this diamond on hand. We aren't necessarily looking for VVS1 clarity, however. It is slightly smaller in carat weight than we were looking for, but I would rather have quality>size

Does anyone see anything concerning with this diamond, such as the depth at 62.4? It also has a steeper crown but the ASET looks pretty good. Is it worth going down in clarity to save $ or go up in carat weight?

Any feedback appreciated.

This one looks very nice! I own a VVS1 and I’ve never regretted giving up some size for it. Ultimately you have to decide your priorities. AGS000 is a good way to go. Some of the parameters are just a touch outside of the ranges normally recommended here but that should be a very nice looking diamond IMHO.

 

[headlight]

AGS000 should be a sure thing. It would be my suggestion you have them bring in the F color with the less than 1 HCA score. See how different the performance is (check in many lighting situations, not just under jewelers lights). If performance is comparable enough for you, see how you feel about an H compared to the slightly larger F color. I would rather have the F that’s larger over the H unless the performance is just so beyond the GIA stone. I have a large AGS000 Brian Gavin Signature in H color with VVS clarity and a smaller GIA in an E color with SI2 clarity and while the performance is better in the AGS stone, the performance is still good in the GIA and I find that the E color has me wearing that one more than the larger super ideal because of the color. Unless the clarity is eye visible or will adversely affect beauty of the stone, it isn’t seen whereas the color is. I think you need to compare two.

 

[ritarepulsa]

Thank you everyone for your feedback thus far. The 1.21 VVS1 H does look gorgeous in person, viewed in different lighting. The ring will be set in a yellow gold setting so I’m hoping the color won’t be an issue.

We have ordered in the 1.26 Si1 F to compare which should arrive in a few days. Here are a few photos of the VVS1 (unfortunately they are not as clear as on my phone).

 

[jBright]

I don’t have an eagle eye like these other professionals, but it looks pretty to me! If you’re worried about the color, you could keep the gold setting but maybe do white gold prongs??!

that’s what I’m doing w my G color diamond!

Good luck in your search!