Hi all,
Long time reader, first time poster
I've learned a lot from you guys as I've prepared to buy a engagement ring.
So, after much lamenting and deliberating, I've narrowed it down (at least for the time being - still open to considerations) to two candidate diamonds. Here are the specs:
Diamond 1: GIA, 1.51 carat, SI2, G, EX/EX/VG (polish is VG); seems to be a great cut but slightly imperfect "hearts and arrows," scores a 1.8 on the HCA; priced at $10.5k. Certificate: http://bit.ly/ldBiOv
Diamond 2: GIA, 1.40 carat, SI1, G, EX/EX/EX, "hearts and arrows," scores a 5.0 on the HCA
; priced at $11.5k. Certificate: http://bit.ly/mkvU3K
If I stick my nose up to the SI2, I can see inclusions right underneath the girdle and maybe one under the table, but I can't see anything on the SI1. I have seen both of these stones in person, albeit only in the jewelry store, and both look GREAT to me (an admittedly untrained eye). I repeatedly asked the jeweler to do blind tests, and probably 4/5 times I chose Diamond #1 (the 1.51 ct SI2). I did blind tests on the jeweler, and she always picked Diamond #2 (the 1.40 ct SI1).
My gut is telling me to go with the 1.51, but I'm conflicted because it's an SI2 and if I really try, I can see some inclusions. The SI1 is definitely "eye clean" and has the H&A designation going for it, but it's more expensive and smaller.
Anyone here have a preference or can offer some momentum to push me off the fence?
Long time reader, first time poster
So, after much lamenting and deliberating, I've narrowed it down (at least for the time being - still open to considerations) to two candidate diamonds. Here are the specs:
Diamond 1: GIA, 1.51 carat, SI2, G, EX/EX/VG (polish is VG); seems to be a great cut but slightly imperfect "hearts and arrows," scores a 1.8 on the HCA; priced at $10.5k. Certificate: http://bit.ly/ldBiOv
Diamond 2: GIA, 1.40 carat, SI1, G, EX/EX/EX, "hearts and arrows," scores a 5.0 on the HCA
If I stick my nose up to the SI2, I can see inclusions right underneath the girdle and maybe one under the table, but I can't see anything on the SI1. I have seen both of these stones in person, albeit only in the jewelry store, and both look GREAT to me (an admittedly untrained eye). I repeatedly asked the jeweler to do blind tests, and probably 4/5 times I chose Diamond #1 (the 1.51 ct SI2). I did blind tests on the jeweler, and she always picked Diamond #2 (the 1.40 ct SI1).
My gut is telling me to go with the 1.51, but I'm conflicted because it's an SI2 and if I really try, I can see some inclusions. The SI1 is definitely "eye clean" and has the H&A designation going for it, but it's more expensive and smaller.
Anyone here have a preference or can offer some momentum to push me off the fence?