Brilliant Round Diamonds.. Please help this rookie out!

[tsring]

Hi there PS!
Been lurking these forums for a few weeks as I try to find the perfect brilliant round stone for an engagement ring for my girlfriend.
Her setting preference is the Tiffany Classic 6-prong, knife edge style, and so I'm looking for a stone that will be suitable in a solitary setting.

The goal is to find a stone around 1-ct (larger is always better as long as the price is right) and I've come across 2 specific stones from BlueNile. (Using bluenile as I'm based in Canada and their shipping/return policies seem good) Any other suggestions for diamond dealers are welcome! The budget for the stone is $9000.

Stone #1: 1.12-ct. H VS2
http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD04604298
HCA rating - 1.2
The GIA report shows crystal on the crown of the diamond. Should this be cause for concern?

Stone#2: 0.99-ct. H VVS2
http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD04992706
HCA rating - 2.5

Any advice or comments, good or bad would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Based on the specs #1 is a nicer stone.

 

[16ocean]

1.24-Carat Blue Nile Signature Round Diamond
$8,748

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?stockno=LD04587079&compare=true

I don't know how to find the crown & pavilion angles on the blue nile website
but this might be nice.
Obviously you need to see the certificate(make sure you are ok w/ the inclusions- is it eye clean) and talk to the customer service reps
Stock number LD04587079

Carat weight
1.24
Shape
Round
Cut
Sig. Ideal
Color
H
Clarity
SI1
Length/width ratio
1.00
Depth %
61.8%
Table %
57.0%
Polish
Excellent
Symmetry
Excellent
Girdle
Medium to Slightly Thick
Culet
None
Fluorescence
None
Measurements
6.91 x 6.88 x 4.26 mm

couldn't get the link to work so this is the info.

 

[tsring]

Thanks DancingFire & 16Ocean for your responses.

16Ocean: you mentioned seeing the certificate. Are you referring to the GIA report certificate?


Additionally, being a clairty rating of VS2 (for the first diamond listed above) could it be safe to assume that the indicated crystals/clouds on the diamond will have no bearing on the visual appearance?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You will have to ask BN to look at the stone and tell you if it is eyeclean from all directions and at how close a viewing distance. I'd also want to know if it is a black inclusion as I wouldn't even want to see a dark inclusion right in the center of the stone with a loupe.

 

[16ocean]

you are welcome.
Yes I was referring to the GIA report/certificate.

 

[16ocean]

You will have to ask BN to look at the stone and tell you if it is eyeclean from all directions and at how close a viewing distance. I'd also want to know if it is a black inclusion as I wouldn't even want to see a dark inclusion right in the center of the stone with a loupe.

You have some solid advice from DS2006 here.
To the best of my knowledge and I still feel as if I am practically a newbie:
a VS2 should be eye clean but you don't want to assume anything
a SI might be eye clean and then it is -your- definition of what eye-clean is.
Also clouds can negatively affect light performance.

(experts please chime in here if my statements are not accurate or could be stated better)

 

[Texas Leaguer]

You will have to ask BN to look at the stone and tell you if it is eyeclean from all directions and at how close a viewing distance. I'd also want to know if it is a black inclusion as I wouldn't even want to see a dark inclusion right in the center of the stone with a loupe.

You have some solid advice from DS2006 here.
To the best of my knowledge and I still feel as if I am practically a newbie:
a VS2 should be eye clean but you don't want to assume anything
a SI might be eye clean and then it is -your- definition of what eye-clean is.
Also clouds can negatively affect light performance.

(experts please chime in here if my statements are not accurate or could be stated better)

There are all accurate statements and stated succinctly.

 

[16ocean]

(experts please chime in here if my statements are not accurate or could be stated better)[/quote]
There are all accurate statements and stated succinctly.[/quote]

Thanks.

It's good to know I am on the right track.