Cauntri - Which Diamond should I get?

[downundermate]

Hey guys! I'm new to this wonderful forum.
I have decided to go with Canturi for an engagement ring and diamond.
The setting is from the Canturi Regina range. It's the 4 claw 18k white gold ring.
I'm looking for a round cut diamond.
They have narrowed it down to two diamonds in my budget.

The 1.16 is $8,800

http://pdfcast.org/pdf/1-16-diamond

The 1.20 is $9,300
http://pdfcast.org/pdf/1-20-diamond

Which diamond do you suggest I should get?
Thank you!

 

[misskittycat]

HCA says the 1.16 scores a 1.9 and the 1.20ct scores a 2.6. Based on that, it's more likely the 1.16ct will be a better performer.

Have you seen the two diamonds in question? Which appeals more to you?

 

[downundermate]

Hi, what is HCA? And how does it rating system work?
No, I haven't seen the diamonds in question. I have to base it on the GIA certificates as they don't stock any diamonds in store.
I know it's a silly thing to do, but thats how Canturi works unfortunately.

 

[misskittycat]

You can read about HCA, or the Holloway Cut Advisor, here:

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

Under 2 warrants further investigation. Posters here usually recommend discarding stones that score over 2 if you are looking for a good performer.

That's one of the disadvantages of using a company like Canturi. If you want their designs, you have to take their diamonds. Will you get to see the diamond before it's set? An SI1 is not guaranteed to be eye clean - has someone taken a look at the diamond (a gemologist) to see if there are any visible inclusions?

 

[downundermate]

I can bring in my own diamond but Canturi prices are pretty reasonable.
Yes, all the diamonds from Canturi are eye cleaned checked by their gemologist.
But looking at the certificate, there are a lot of minor inclusions in the 1.16.
What do you think?

 

[misskittycat]

Without seeing the diamond I don't think you can be sure but I wouldn't buy a diamond I haven't seen first. Different people have different perceptions of eye clean. I recently purchased a diamond which has a visible feather but it is clear so you can't see it unless you look very very hard. It might bother some people, it doesn't bother me.

Their prices aren't bad if the diamonds are indeed eye clean, but you usually compensate for paying a little more for the setting. I am not a round brilliant expert, however.

If you are unsure and you are based in Sydney I can recommend a diamond dealer for you to speak with, just as a sanity check.

 

[downundermate]

I'm in Brisbane actually. Where did you end up getting your diamonds from?
The setting is quite exxy, $4,700 to be exact.

 

[arkieb1]

Hi, I am in Brisbane if you want help let me know. You can probably get a GIA triple ex cut H & A in a decent size in your price range from places like Victor Canera, Brian Gavin, James Allen and Good Old Gold and I think there is also an Aussie branch of Blue Nile that will be better value even with our import tax than Canturi.

 

[misssoph]

Given how expensive diamonds and jewelry in general are in Australia those diamond prices seem pretty reasonable to me.By the time you add in the exchange rate, shipping fees, Custom fees etc they dont seem that much more than the US prices, especially as often the retail prices here are nearly double.

I can't comment on how good the cut is as not an expert but I do notice that the diameter, which determines how big it looks, is greater on the 1.16 which is also cheaper.

 

[misskittycat]

I'm in Sydney and I usually get my diamonds from GP Israels. I do think the price is pretty good, it's just whether they are eye clean. I would want to see them before making a commitment.

 

[downundermate]

Hey guys, just spoke to the people at Canturi they said the 1.16 is eye cleaned. Any other opinions on the diamond?
This is the setting it'll be going on:

 

[downundermate]

I ended up ordering the 1.2
Now I'm sort of regretting it. I had a read around.. it could be cut too deep?
Any opinions?