Bigger Bang for the Buck

[Titan35]

I''m looking at 2 diamonds, and I can''t decide.

>
cut: ideal
carat: 0.78
color: f
clarity: vs2
polish: excellent
symmetry: excellent
fluorescence: medium
Price: 2,852

>
cut: signature ideal
carat: 0.74
color: h
clarity: vs2
polish: excellent
symmetry: excellent
fluorescence: medium blue
Price: 2,617

My preferences are: cut>color>carat>clarity. I want a brilliant diamond. Shiny over size. I''m willing to buy a diamond costing from $2,000 to $2,800 USD. Am I getting a good diamond for the price?

Here are the scenarios:
#1 has the bigger carat and better color - pricier.
#2 has the better cut - cheaper.

I want 1 carat or something close to it and the best cut. But that seems impossible to find for my price. Can i get a better diamond than these two for what I am paying for?

Any advices will help. Thanks!

 

[stone-cold11]

Can you list the report numbers down for these stones?

Is there Idealscope/ASET image for them?

 

[stone-cold11]

This looks good.

Request an Idealscope image from JA to confirm if you are interested.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1253507.asp

 

[Titan35]

#1:
Link for #1

#2:
Link for #2

 

[stone-cold11]

The F VS2 is slightly steep in the pavilion angle for that crown angle, might have leakage. Will need to see an Idealscope image, which BN can't provide.

The H VS2 number is safer.

 

[glitterata]

The diameters are almost identical, so the diamonds will probably look exactly the same size.

The F scores a 2.4 on the HCA. That''s not terrible, but it''s a little steep/deep and might look a little dark under the table. Or you might find it beautiful. You would need to look at it to know for sure.

The H scores a .7 on the HCA and falls safely in the center of angle standards popular here.

You''re unlikely to see a difference between the colors once the stone is set, unless you have really, really good color vision.

Best bet is to buy them both and choose the one your eyes prefer.

If you can''t afford to do that, I''d choose the H.