B2C Jewels - which diamond is better?

[rabbit87]

Hello. After getting recommendations from people to go to B2C Jewels, I've decided on two styles. They are two different bands and one band requires a larger stone. My concern is the stone for the larger band is not that great of quality. But, to the naked eye, it shouldn't be an issue? Any advice would be great!

RING ONE:
Your Settings Price: $649.00
Halo Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
Stock No.: ASAJ3777
Ring Size: 4.50
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Halo-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-14K-White-Gold-6417-1.aspx

Your Diamond Price: $1,948.57
Cushion Shape, 0.90 Carat, Good Cut, I Color, SI1 Clarity
Stock No: 3664188
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3664188-0.90-carat-Cushion-diamond-I-color-SI1-clarity.aspx


RING TWO:
Your Settings Price: $1,225.00
Cushion Halo Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
Stock No.: ASAB4401
Ring Size: 4.50
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Cushion-Halo-Engagement-Ring-14K-White-Gold-8946-1.aspx

Your Diamond Price: $1,007.77
Cushion Shape, 0.65 Carat, Very Good Cut, I Color, VS2 Clarity
Stock No: 3739104
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3739104-0.65-carat-Cushion-diamond-I-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

 

[avsmusic1]

I am certainly no expert but I'm not a fan of either stone. Don't waste your time with a cut quality below excellent.

Is there a budget you had in mind? I notice both pairs would total up around the 2500 mark, is that your ceiling? Also some additional style preferences would be helpful for some of the experts to give you a more accurate suggestion(s)

 

[ecf8503]

Personally I like the style of the first one. Plus you get a larger center stone to go with it! (BUT - do NOT drop below "excellent" cut)

ETA: I see you are looking at cushion cuts. Have you looked at JA, WF, GOG, or BG? They at least work up the stone and provide light performance images. Whatever you do don't settle for less that optimum optics.

 

[delight]

Both are equally bad. Focus on cut. Very good is not good enough!

 

[avsmusic1]

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Images//Certificate//3829675.pdf

Perhaps a round stone like this would be doable for you in the #2 set-up?

The cut and proporsions are excellent, it's got an HCA score <2, and it's not too much more money (percentage wise yes, but hopefully not a deal killer in terms of the dollar increase).

 

[sakari_8]

I like the design of the first link over second.

 

[GoSounders]

Keep in mind that the "Good"/"Very Good"/"Excellent" cut grades for cushions are probably self-graded by B2C or their vendor. It might even be as rudimentary as a combined Symmetry/Polish grade. GIA doesn't grade cut for cushions, and AGS cut/light performance grades for cushions are few and far between besides the Brellia and BGD proprietary cuts.

While an "Excellent" may be safer than a "Very Good", it's nowhere near a sure thing. Make sure you see it in person before you buy, or at the least buy from a place with a very robust return policy that puts you at minimal risk.