Better Deal On Paper?

[FANTASTIC FOX]

Hello Pricescopers....

I have a choice between two pretty nice stones and was curious which one the community thought was the better deal?

What affects price more; Color or Clarity?

1st. 1.591 Carat, "I" Color, VVS2, Super Ideal Vendor - $11,467

2nd. 1.64 Carat, "J" Color, Internally Flawless, Super Ideal Vendor - $12,036

I know that the difference between VVS2 and IF will not be visible, however it would be pretty cool that she can say to her girlfriends that it is Internally Flawless. But, is that worth giving up a color grade? The cut proportions are in the sweet spot for both diamonds.

So which is the better deal and which would you choose?

Thanks,

 

[LLJsmom]

Go with the better cut diamond. At that level I would ignore clarity. I don’t think she will care about it and neither will she boast about it. I may be wrong. Like for “more sparkly”. I know you said both super ideal vendor. I’m just assuming that one may be more sparkly than the other.

 

[Rpb]

If colour sensitivity is even a minor concern then better to pick I colour. Clarity wise it won't make any difference to naked eye.

 

[TreeScientist]

I would always choose higher color over higher clarity when we're talking VVS clarity grades. Heck, I would recommend dropping down to VS2 clarity to move up to H color. It's easy to find an eye-clean VS2, and an eye-clean VS2 will look exactly the same as a VVS or IF diamond. But the difference between J and H color would likely be noticeable.

 

[sledge]

Agree with @LLJsmom. Although both super ideals and well cut, one might sparkle a little better. If cut is truly identical, then color -- at least with those clarity levels.

Although I have to admit I saw a 1ct E, IF diamond this weekend and it was absolutely stunning.

 

[ringo865]

Personally, I'd get a bigger H or I with VS2 no clouds in a super ideal within whatever budget you've set.

Size and color will be evident. VS and up, not as much.

 

[Katya DXB]

There is no straightforward answer to whether it is colour or clarity that affects the price more. It depends on the carat range the diamond falls into and colour and clarity grades you are jumping to/from. For instance, in the 1.50-2.00 carat range upgrading colour from F/VVS2 to E/VVS2 will be slightly 'cheaper' that upgrading clarity to F/VVS1. But going from H/VVS2 to G/VVS2 will be more expensive than upping the clarity grade to H/VVS1.

It may be worth noting that the lower the colour grade, the less is the price difference between VVS and IF. E.g., in the given carat range, to upgrade from I/VVS1 to I/IF would cost around 5%-10%. But to go from D/VVS1 to D/IF would set one back by about 30%-35%.

In theory, price per carat for a 1.5 J/IF is less than for I/VVS2. That means that between the two I/VVS2 would be considered more valuable, other things equal. In your case it is also a better value for money price wise compared to J/IF - again, other things equal. It would be helpful to see the cut specs though to help you decide

 

[HappyNewLife]

Not that you asked, but I'd go for a larger I/VS2 - I only like to pay for what I can see

but between those two diamonds, I'd get the I. No one will ever see anything in a VVS2 and you will most likely see the J color.

 

[ac117]

Agree with others in choosing the I colored diamond - I could definitely see tint so I value higher color than clarity that will most certainly be eye clean at these grades. I also agree with @HappyNewLife that I'd look for a larger I/VS2 if available because 'mind clean' isn't a thing for me but SIZE and color are!!

 

[Durham Rose]

Both of these diamonds would face up beautifully. However I personally agree with @TreeScientist to go up on the colour and down on the clarity. You will see a bigger difference here as colour is more negligle to the naked eye. if the diamond is a precision cut stone it will still have the wow factor even if the clarity is slightly lower on the scale. I’d add that with high performing diamonds the stone’s colour will actually improve in the face-up position. So cut will help in every aspect.

 

[GolfingGreen]

Hi! Of your two selections, I would get the better color, I.

That said, if you are still looking, maybe consider an H VS2. You may not see it now, but if she ever has other diamond jewelry, your diamond may look more yellow than you wanted. For me, I would not go lower than an H.

Just my two cents. Good luck to you!