Considering an upgrade to a 3 ct advise needed

[AVCadmirer]

Hi guys

So last year I bought my first diamond which is a gorgeous 2.54 VS1 I color BGD set into a platinum half round tiffany setting. So basically my finger size is a 9 and although I loved the ring was a little disappointed in the size that it appeared on my finger. The upgrade option was always going to happen at some stage as I am wanting to eventually aim for the 4 -4.5 ct max, this will not be an option for several more years yet though. Im not only wanting to upgrade into the 3 ct mark at this stage but also want to set it in a VC anne marie or emilya I actually regret not doing that straight away but I though it was just a phase and would pass but no its only intensified I drool over his work all the time.
The options I have are
3.01 H SI eye clean .53mm increase
3.20 G SI eye clean .73mm increase and roughly $6000 because I live in Australia, more than the 3.01.

Even though it will be in a halo setting, just incase I don't ever upgrade to a 4ct and decide to unhalo do you think a .53mm difference is noticeable enough? Or should I only consider the 3.20 with .73mm difference. and is that size difference worth the $6k price difference?
Sorry for all the questions but Im just curious as to what you guys all think.

 

[SB621]

As someone who has upgraded her diamond and her Emilya setting can I just recommend keeping your current diamond and putting it in the Emilya or similar? I think if your dream stone is the 4-4.5ct marker I wouldn't spend 5-6k on a setting plus however much the upgrade will cost on something that is going to be temporary. Perhaps use ERD and get the setting now as that is the most cost effective and then when you upgrade to your dream rock you can get the VC version?

 

[thecat]

When you try on diamonds, what is the minimum carat that looks large enough on size 9 finger? If 3 ct doesn't cut it, then your choice in this case is 3.2 ct. But if a 2.8 ct looks large enough, then the 3 ct would suffice.

 

[Dancing Fire]

When you try on diamonds, what is the minimum carat that looks large enough on size 9 finger? If 3 ct doesn't cut it, then your choice in this case is 3.2 ct. But if a 2.8 ct looks large enough, then the 3 ct would suffice.

Don't forget that most diamonds will shrink about .25mm per year...

 

[m-2-b]

The 3.01 H SI-1 was my previous stone before my current upgrade--it was a beauty! The crystal inclusion is hidden in the facets and the table is clean! I would have loved to keep it if I could...

 

[AVCadmirer]

Thanks guys Yes I thought that might have been your previous 3ct mom2boys and as beautiful as it looks playing around with sizes on the finger chart there really doesn't look like enough difference for me to upgrade to that one. I can definitely see the difference in 3.2 though. Just coming back to the future upgrade to the 4ct plus that would easily be 5 plus years away and that's even if I am able to fund it then, also depending on the actually size I might not halo it if its a 4.5ct. So I completely understand what you are saying SB621 but just incase things don't happen the way I hope they will I definitely would prefer a larger stone for now and even if I decide not to upgrade my stone at this time as really I would prefer more near the 3.5ct mark after seeing differences. I definitely have no problem spending the money with VC for the halo I really want as I will be wearing it for many years and I know I would never be happy with another halo not in my mind anyway haha

I just have to see if Lesley can come up with a stone still in budget closer to the 3.5 mark. I have also wanted a AVC so I don't know which to follow though on. I don't know Im in 2 minds but I will just see what comes up.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Go for the largest that you can now. Prices are likely to increase in those larger sizes, and since your ultimate goal is 4+ cts, I'd go with the 3.2 at least now just in case the 4 ct never materializes. I also would not spend $6k on a setting you plan to replace in 5-10 years. I agree with doing the VC setting on the final upgrade. If I were you, I'd probably wait until they could get in an I color that is 3.5+ cts rather than G-H at 3-3.2.

 

[AVCadmirer]

Thank you diamondseeker I do agree I should go ahead and just get a larger diamond sooner than later as I have the money for this now and who knows what the future holds. However unfortunately I cant get an I colour unless I go up to a VVS in clarity so I have to go up in colour for upgrade approval. I still may hold out for a stone closer to the 3.5 H si though. I was happy with an I so H would be very perfect for me.

 

[Gypsy]

Go for the largest that you can now. Prices are likely to increase in those larger sizes, and since your ultimate goal is 4+ cts, I'd go with the 3.2 at least now just in case the 4 ct never materializes. I also would not spend $6k on a setting you plan to replace in 5-10 years. I agree with doing the VC setting on the final upgrade. If I were you, I'd probably wait until they could get in an I color that is 3.5+ cts rather than G-H at 3-3.2.

HUGE DITTO!