Better cut?

[ringbuyer7]

Hello, I am considering 2 diamonds and wondering which has a more desirable cut and better light performance. They both score Very Good on HCA but #2 has only Good Fire and Scintillation as opposed to Very Good, BUT has a lower score than #1. So any advice would be appreciated.
#1 EGL USA
Depth 62.7%
Table 58%
Crown 13.6%
Pavilion 44.1%
Girdle Medium
Culet None
Polish and Sym Very Good

#2 EGL Int
Depth 59.5%
Table 63%
Crown 13%
Pavilion 43%
Girdle Medium
Culet None
Polish and Sym Very Good

 

[canvasback]

I can't help much, but I can tell you the pros here are going to be very wary of any EGL graded diamond. They are not a reputable lab, as we all prefer a GIA or AGS certificate along with IS, ASET images, and often even video of the diamonds to best help you. Are these the only two diamonds you will consider, or are you open to other options/retailers/labs?

 

[ringbuyer7]

I am looking to buy pre-owned from a private seller, so it just happens to be what the certificates are. Thanks

 

[HopeDream]

The HCA is a rejection tool, not a selection tool. Below about 2, a lower score doesn't mean a better diamond.

Of the two you've chosen, by the numbers, Diamond #1 is the best all around performer, and diamond #2 has been cut more for spread (faces up larger for its weight) than light performance and could be bright but not very lively. So... do you want brightness or size?

These stones are about average, so if you're looking for top light performance you will be disappointed.
If a deal is your main priority, then let your eyes do the choosing. Take them to different lighting environments (outside under a tree, inside in office lighting, in a dim hallway, beside a window) and see which one speaks to you. If they won't let you move the diamonds around, at least shade them with your hand to see how they look in indirect light. Choose the one that performs the best in all light conditions.

Don't get confused by jewellery store spot-lighting which makes everything sparkle.

Where are the inclusions in the stones and what do they look like? If a stone is really peppery or has a big white feather running across it, don't choose that stone. If there is a large inclusion, but it's by the girdle (edge of the stone) and can be hidden by a prong, then that could be a good option.

If you let us know your budget, we could offer alternatives, just so you know what your options are.

PS tends to dislike EGL certified stones because EGL is usually soft on grading (by 1-2 grades in the color and clarity categories), so you don't always get what you think you're paying for (ie. an EGL H VS2 is really a GIA/AGS I SI1). Buying an EGL stone is fine, just know the grading could likely be off, and so even if the diamond seems like a "deal" or "cheaper", you are actually just paying for a lower spec stone.

Currently EGL is facing a lawsuit in the USA for their soft grading practices.

 

[ringbuyer7]

Thank you for your response! #1 does have a visible inclusion, it is like a curved line off to the side corner than runs about half way (not on the table) Seller says you can only see it while looking strait down into the diamond. #2 has smaller inclusions, some of which are on the table and the seller says you have to look hard to see them. They are both above an H color after I made a few deductions for it being EGL. Both with negotiations I would expect to pay $5k or $6k not factoring in the mounting.

 

[ringbuyer7]

Forgot to mention they are both 1.5 carat

 

[HopeDream]

$5-6k for 1.5ct above an H is hard to beat.

Hmm.. the "curved line" on #1 sounds like a feather (crack) and could be a durability risk. Could you have it evaluated for risk by a gemologist as a condition of the sale, and return it if it comes back as a risky stone? #2 Could be an option, but it really depends on what it looks like in person.

If you wanted to tweak the light performance, BGD does re-cuts at around $300/ct (last time I checked), but you'd loose a bit of size and weight. (if the stone is a good re-cut candidate) http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/need-help-faq/

In your budget:
Size and a great HCA : http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5082824...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com (seems mostly clean, not sure if the inclusions would bother you, not quite hearts and arrows)

Sacrificing size for H color: http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Diam...-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope (Note that I can't see this stone, so I'm just guessing on the numbers and grading report and hoping it's eye-clean, not hearts and arrows)

My personal sweet spot of high color, high clarity and excellent cut:
Best size:
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Diam...-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope (Note that I can't see this stone, so I'm just guessing on the numbers and grading report)

Best lifetime upgrade policy:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3034520.htm?source=pricescope (I own WF stones and have been very pleased with their quality and service).

Used pieces can also have excellent value:

This could be just perfect: http://diamondbistro.com/index.php?a=2&b=35563

Nice clean stone in the 1.5 ct range, could negotiate on price http://diamondbistro.com/index.php?a=2&b=39686

High color, precision cut, more expensive, but comes mounted: http://loupetroop.com/listings/ring...gia-certified-in-brian-gavin-platinum-setting

Other folks might also have other options.
Good luck!