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Battle of 2 Diamonds (GIA report and links provided)

Which diamond should I choose for my engagement ring?

  • Total voters
    7
G

gktenegue

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 7, 2020
Messages
26
Hi all, hoping to get some advice on which loose diamond i should select for my engagement ring. Before sharing more about the diamonds, I will be getting my ring from Blue Nile as my girlfriend is a huge fan of the American fashion designer Zac Posen and hence I am planning to get the Zac Posen Knife-Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring in Platinum which can only be found exclusively on Blue Nile.

Now on to the diamonds:

I've narrowed down my choices to these 2 diamonds,
Option 1: 1.22-Carat Round Cut Diamond. ASTOR Ideal Cut | G Color | VVS1 Clarity
and
Option 2: 1.22-Carat Round Cut Diamond. ASTOR Ideal Cut | F Color | VS1 Clarity

The key differences are the Colour (G vs F), Clarity (VVS1 vs VS1) and that Option 1 comes with a GIA Natural Diamond Dossier while Option 2 comes with the more common GIA Natural Diamond Grading Report with Clarity Characteristics. Would this be a classic Colour vs Clarity comparison? And while i've done my research on the different types of reports from GIA, should the type of report affect my decision?

Additionally, i've also noticed that the dimensions are slightly different with Option 1 measuring at 6.92 - 6.95 x 4.21mm, and Option 2 measuring at 6.84 - 6.88 x 4.22mm. Would these .## measurements make any significant difference to the visual of the diamond?

Calling all diamond experts to please give me your advice. I plan to purchase the ring immediately after I have decided between these 2 diamonds and I would be so grateful to have any advice on how I can make my decision. Please also do point out on any other significant differences of the diamonds that I may have missed out above which can help me make my decision better. Thank you so much in advance for any replies!

GIA Report for Option 1:
Option 1.png


GIA Report for Option 2:
Option 2.png
 
Both diamonds are Astor Ideal and will be super sparkly. The difference in dimensions will be completely imperceptibl. I’d go with the F/VS1 combo as that’s high clarity anyway and F stones look icy which I love.
 
MsShnooks said:
Both diamonds are Astor Ideal and will be super sparkly. The difference in dimensions will be completely imperceptibl. I’d go with the F/VS1 combo as that’s high clarity anyway and F stones look icy which I love.
Click to expand...

@MsShnooks Yes for sure. Was educated at the very beginning that "Cut is King". No less than Astor Ideal for me. Icy sounds very cool. Thanks for your reply :)
 
Last edited:
gktenegue said:
@MsShnooks Yes for sure. Was educated at the very beginning that "Cut is King". No less than Astor Ideal for me. Icy sounds very cool. Thanks for your reply :)
Click to expand...

FWIW, I never buy Astor ideal. I find my diamonds through the ideal selector and I turn off Astor ideal for search.
 
gktenegue said:
@doberman thanks for your suggestion. Unfortunately that diamond that you linked is about 4k above my budget. I was hoping to keep the diamond within my budget of 14k USD.

The other bigger carat diamond that is within my budget is this: https://www.bluenile.com/sg/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab.

Would you pay the extra 1.5k for an extra 0.07 carat, E colour, but VS1 and faint fluorescence? Thanks for your reply :)
Click to expand...

My bad. I didnt realize your links were not in US dollars. I am of the opinion that far too much fuss is made over clarity. I'm all for a colorless SI1 in order to increase size and color. I do understand it's a mind thing and some people need that high clarity. I need size much more than clarity since I have 6.5 fingers! And no woman ever complained that her diamond was too big.

I would do these:

1.55-Carat Round Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com www.bluenile.com

1.56-Carat Round Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com www.bluenile.com

I have an AGS 000 Astor that is D SI1 and it's fabulous.
 
I, too, recommend dropping clarity to gain size and/or color (in that order). Why pay for what you can't see? If not needed for mind-clean issues or bragging rights, I would recommend sticking to VS2 or eye clean SI1 (even eye clean SI2 from the right vendor). I voted for #2 over #1 in your poll, but honestly, I think you should go with one of the two that @doberman linked. You would gain a half mm in size, which is significant and still stay at a high color. Many people here would recommend that you drop significantly in color to gain even more size. I, personally, prefer colorless diamonds, but if your girlfriend has seen GIA graded diamonds in different color ranges and doesn't mind lower colors, you could gain even more size.
 
With those SI diamonds, I’d really want to make sure they’re eye clean. The 1.55ct one seems to have a big black inclusion in the middle of the table - I’d worry that a girl looking at her rock up close might see that.

I‘d also say that everything depends on finger size and location. It looks like you’re in Singapore? 1.22ct is huge anyway, isn’t i?
 
MsShnooks said:
With those SI diamonds, I’d really want to make sure they’re eye clean. The 1.55ct one seems to have a big black inclusion in the middle of the table - I’d worry that a girl looking at her rock up close might see that.

I‘d also say that everything depends on finger size and location. It looks like you’re in Singapore? 1.22ct is huge anyway, isn’t i?
Click to expand...

It's important to remember that the photos we see are magnified many times over. Inclusions that seem large with a magnified view are often invisible to the naked eye. The smaller the diamond, the harder it is to see. I have an SI1 and no one, including my eagle-eye daughter can see the inclusions.

By all means check if it's eye-clean. They should be, considering they are Astor qualuty diamonds, but I'd ask just the same.
 
MsShnooks said:
Both diamonds are Astor Ideal and will be super sparkly. The difference in dimensions will be completely imperceptibl. I’d go with the F/VS1 combo as that’s high clarity anyway and F stones look icy which I love.
Click to expand...

It Is not accurate that all astor ideal stones are considered what we as PSers would call "ideal cut". For example, I wouldn't buy stone 1 because the specs don't fall into recommended ranges and there aewnt any advanced images to check performance.
 
MsShnooks said:
With those SI diamonds, I’d really want to make sure they’re eye clean. The 1.55ct one seems to have a big black inclusion in the middle of the table - I’d worry that a girl looking at her rock up close might see that.

I‘d also say that everything depends on finger size and location. It looks like you’re in Singapore? 1.22ct is huge anyway, isn’t i?
Click to expand...

These stones are incredibly magnified. I obviously can't guarantee this one is eye clean, but if you think about the actual IRL size, it's nothing like what we see in these huge pics
 
lovedogs said:
It Is not accurate that all astor ideal stones are considered what we as PSers would call "ideal cut". For example, I wouldn't buy stone 1 because the specs don't fall into recommended ranges and there aewnt any advanced images to check performance.
Click to expand...
All Astor stones H&A??
 
@doberman @natasha-cupcake @MsShnooks @lovedogs

Thanks for all the replies! I think all of you have brought up some really interesting points and seems like i've still got lots to consider. Generally, this is my first time buying an engagement ring, let alone online from Blue Nile and I would say that I am definitely particular about it being eye clean. Which is why when I search for diamonds on Blue Nile I always filter the Clarity scale to VS2 - VVS1. I guess I wouldn't classify myself as what you guys call a "purist" so I am definitely open to SI diamonds but I definitely would needs to check if it is eye-clean.
doberman said:
By all means check if it's eye-clean. They should be, considering they are Astor qualuty diamonds, but I'd ask just the same.
Click to expand...

Question: How do i check if it's eye-clean? Do I have to make a call to Blue Nile?
 
MsShnooks said:
I‘d also say that everything depends on finger size and location. It looks like you’re in Singapore? 1.22ct is huge anyway, isn’t i?
Click to expand...

Truth is, my girlfriend is a really petite girl. 159cm in height and last we measured she was a 3.5 ring size. That said, I know for a fact that she wants a huge ring so definitely carat is 2nd priority after cut. After reading the replies above, I may be more open to dropping the Clarity to SI but definitely with the condition diamond is eye-clean.

And yes, good eye ;) I am from Singapore. Does that make any difference though? :lol:
 
lovedogs said:
It Is not accurate that all astor ideal stones are considered what we as PSers would call "ideal cut". For example, I wouldn't buy stone 1 because the specs don't fall into recommended ranges and there aewnt any advanced images to check performance.
Click to expand...

I had the impression that Blue Nile's Astor Ideal should fall into the "ideal cut". Maybe I am being too naive :/ Thanks for pointing it out!

Dancing Fire said:
All Astor stones H&A??
Click to expand...

To answer you both at the same time, yes unfortunately Blue Nile doesnt provide advanced images to check performance and to see their H&A. But they are definitely H&A.

Is there a way to request for the advanced images of the diamonds?
 
gktenegue said:
Truth is, my girlfriend is a really petite girl. 159cm in height and last we measured she was a 3.5 ring size. That said, I know for a fact that she wants a huge ring so definitely carat is 2nd priority after cut. After reading the replies above, I may be more open to dropping the Clarity to SI but definitely with the condition diamond is eye-clean.

And yes, good eye ;) I am from Singapore. Does that make any difference though? :lol:
Click to expand...

F color probably. I’m from Singapore too and most people I know are so color sensitive. A 1 carat on a 3.5 ring size is big but hey no one ever feels like a diamond has grown bigger... so yeah, bigger if you can. Good luck!
 
icy_jade said:
F color probably. I’m from Singapore too and most people I know are so color sensitive. A 1 carat on a 3.5 ring size is big but hey no one ever feels like a diamond has grown bigger... so yeah, bigger if you can. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Hello fellow Singaporean! F colour because of our constant sunlight? hahah. Yeah when it comes to my girlfriend and diamonds, size definitely matters.
 
Dancing Fire said:
JannPaul deals in well cut GIA diamonds.
www.jannpaul.com

About JannPaul Singapore | Top Engagement Diamond Ring Jewellers - Jannpaul

From our philosophy to our quality diamonds, JannPaul is one of Singapore’s best jewellers. Shop customized diamond engagement rings here in Singapore.
www.jannpaul.com www.jannpaul.com
Click to expand...

I have heard of JannPaul for sure but I plan to buy the ring online just because I believe that I will be able to get more value for the price that I will pay. Additionally, as I've mentioned in my first paragraph of the post above, Blue Nile has that Zac Posen ring setting that I am sure my girlfriend would love :)
 
gktenegue said:
I have heard of JannPaul for sure but I plan to buy the ring online just because I believe that I will be able to get more value for the price that I will pay. Additionally, as I've mentioned in my first paragraph of the post above, Blue Nile has that Zac Posen ring setting that I am sure my girlfriend would love :)
Click to expand...

It’s such a plain setting, I honestly think it’s not worth locking yourself to Blue Nile just because of the brand.
 
icy_jade said:
It’s such a plain setting, I honestly think it’s not worth locking yourself to Blue Nile just because of the brand.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your honesty! It was a compromise that I had to go with because my girlfriend has always been a sucker for brands. (She carries LVs and Guccis) I took a trip down to tiff and co. and cartier but after much deliberation I decided not to pay those exorbitant prices just for branding. I thought this Zac Posen setting would be a good middle ground for value and brand :)

Also, my girlfriend has made if clear that she would like a plain setting for the ring. Anything to make that rock stand out the most ;)
 
icy_jade said:
It’s such a plain setting, I honestly think it’s not worth locking yourself to Blue Nile just because of the brand.
Click to expand...
Yea, Any jeweler can sell you a 4 prong knife edge setting.
 

When it was time for me to get a diamond, I went for a CBI. Not sure if they still have a free setting offer but you can ask. Boasting rights re: really really excellent cut.

Or ACA from whiteflash as well.

Both have great upgrade policies, which is important imo if your gf wants to trade up next time.
 
icy_jade said:

When it was time for me to get a diamond, I went for a CBI. Not sure if they still have a free setting offer but you can ask. Boasting rights re: really really excellent cut.

Or ACA from whiteflash as well.

Both have great upgrade policies, which is important imo if your gf wants to trade up next time.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll definitely check them out :)

On a separate note, since coincidentally you’re Singaporean. How was your experience buying jewellery online? Any issues with shipping to SG? Is the 7% tax unavoidable?:P2 Thanks in advance for your replies! You’ve already been of great help :)
 
icy_jade said:

When it was time for me to get a diamond, I went for a CBI. Not sure if they still have a free setting offer but you can ask. Boasting rights re: really really excellent cut.

Or ACA from whiteflash as well.

Both have great upgrade policies, which is important imo if your gf wants to trade up next time.
Click to expand...

Btw, did they have a free setting offer for just certain styles or all of them?
 
Astor Ideal diamonds from Blue Nile come with a Gemex certificate in addition to the GIA one as proof of very high light performance. The point of the ‘Astor Ideal’ line is top light performance and not the super precise H&A cut.

If you‘re after as big a diamond as possible, then you could drop to SI1 (trying to pick a crisp looking diamond). I’d also drop down from Astor Ideal to Ideal. The diamonds will be gorgeous and as sparkly as what you’d seen in Cartier or Tiffany anyway (Which actually stock excellent as well as ‘only’ very good cut stones).

You could also consider one of the other Zac Posen settings as a more elaborate setting will give more finger coverage (not sure what selection you get in Singapore but the UK selection coming up isn’t great).

In terms of location, I touched upon that as social norms vary from country to country. In the UK, for example, above a certain size rings are perceived as ‘gaudy, flashy new money’ but I have no idea what it’s like in Singapore. I did notice designer shops round every corner when I was there, though ;)
 
daisygrl said:
Btw, did they have a free setting offer for just certain styles or all of them?
Click to expand...

Oops I think the setting offer has expired
 
gktenegue said:
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll definitely check them out :)

On a separate note, since coincidentally you’re Singaporean. How was your experience buying jewellery online? Any issues with shipping to SG? Is the 7% tax unavoidable?:P2 Thanks in advance for your replies! You’ve already been of great help :)
Click to expand...

I picked up my diamond on a US trip. Shipping to HK is also an option... or it was before the protests unrest and covid-19.

FWIW, I know people who will only buy branded stuff. For them only the brand matters, like pearls must be from Mikimoto or diamonds from Tiffany. But if it’s actually the quality of the diamond that matters, then I think either CBI or ACA is top notch, and I won’t get into the which is better argument... You can do some research on this site yourself. I went with CBI myself.

The bench that HPD uses is the same as Harry Winston, or it was last time. No idea if still the same bench now. Personally, I love blossom setting:

HP Diamonds

www.hpdiamonds.com www.hpdiamonds.com

Ultimately, you have to decide what makes her happier... a branded diamond or a great diamond. A bit of a simplification but as mentioned, I do know people who will only go for branded stuff, no matter that other brands can offer better value, and/or quality for the same price.
 
MsShnooks said:
Astor Ideal diamonds from Blue Nile come with a Gemex certificate in addition to the GIA one as proof of very high light performance. The point of the ‘Astor Ideal’ line is top light performance and not the super precise H&A cut.

If you‘re after as big a diamond as possible, then you could drop to SI1 (trying to pick a crisp looking diamond). I’d also drop down from Astor Ideal to Ideal. The diamonds will be gorgeous and as sparkly as what you’d seen in Cartier or Tiffany anyway (Which actually stock excellent as well as ‘only’ very good cut stones).

You could also consider one of the other Zac Posen settings as a more elaborate setting will give more finger coverage (not sure what selection you get in Singapore but the UK selection coming up isn’t great).

In terms of location, I touched upon that as social norms vary from country to country. In the UK, for example, above a certain size rings are perceived as ‘gaudy, flashy new money’ but I have no idea what it’s like in Singapore. I did notice designer shops round every corner when I was there, though ;)
Click to expand...

We did have Crazy Rich Asians... so anything goes.

I am wearing a 2 ct and it’s large by local standards. Every time I moan that I’m experiencing diamond shrinkage syndrome, my colleagues assure me that a 2 ct is big even on my size 7.5-8 finger.

But seriously, I think 1.5 ct on a size 3.5 finger is huge. But I guess it depends on the social circle... if everyone around her is sporting huge rocks, then pls don’t let her sport the smallest one around.
 
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