Debating Between Two

[boxer99]

Hello all. I'm debating between the following two stones:

1.51 carat/I/SI2

1.50 carat/J/SI1

Any unbiased input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Boxer and welcome!

I would definitely pass on the second one, it is facing up very small for the weight judging from the diameter. The first looks to be a bit small for the weight too, not as bad as the second one though. However with the first we really need the crown and pavilion percents to know more and the grading report isn''t loaded.

If you like, tell us what your budget is and what you are looking for, carat, colour and clarity etc, and maybe we could suggest some diamonds that might suit you?

 

[boxer99]

Thanks for the info. I''d like to go with a round about 1.5 @ $3500-4000.

I didn''t notice until just after I posted that the second one has a very thick girdle...that would reduce the diameter, correct?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, your budget is not in line with getting a well cut 1.5 ct. stone. With EGL, the color is possibly 1-2 grades lower than stated since EGL is sometimes softer in grading than GIA and AGS. So I wouldn''t consider lower than maybe H color in EGL stones, maybe I. Also you want excellent cut for the stone to have the best light performance. You''ll probably need to stick with closer to one carat to get a nice stone within your budget.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

A 1.5 ct. stone should measure around 7.4mm in diameter and a 1.0 ct. stone is about 6.5mm, just for reference.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/14/2009 1:58:50 PM
Author: boxer99
Thanks for the info. I'd like to go with a round about 1.5 @ $3500-4000.

I didn't notice until just after I posted that the second one has a very thick girdle...that would reduce the diameter, correct?

Yes it can do, and there are other factors which could be responsible also. I don't think you will be able to find a well cut 1.5 for that budget regrettably as DS says, is it essential you try to get this size? If so then we might have to stick with EGL graded diamonds to get you as much size as possible but we will have to work to find the best cut and most promising ones. If this size isn't essential then I would suggest a smaller weight with an excellent cut, GIA or AGS graded and I or J colour and eyeclean SI clarity to get as much bang for the buck as possible.

 

[swingirl]

1ct J SI1

Here is something in your budget if you decide to go down in size and up in cut.

 

[boxer99]

Well, let me ask your opinion of this. Since I can''t really ask my girlfriend whether she''d rather have size as opposed to cut, what would you all suggest? If I could get a killer GIA 1.0 or 1.25 instead of a marginal EGL 1.5, would the size difference most likely be offset by the increase in quality? I want quality, but I also don''t want her to be embarrassed by wearing a small stone.

Excuse my ignorance, but I''m new to this...can I be more confident in GIA grading than EGL? For example, a GIA I or J would be more true to an I or J than an EGL, correct?

I''ve been looking at some 1.0-1.25 GIAs on Union Diamond and have seen some decent ones within my price range.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/15/2009 2:19:29 PM
Author: boxer99
Well, let me ask your opinion of this. Since I can't really ask my girlfriend whether she'd rather have size as opposed to cut, what would you all suggest? If I could get a killer GIA 1.0 or 1.25 instead of a marginal EGL 1.5, would the size difference most likely be offset by the increase in quality? I want quality, but I also don't want her to be embarrassed by wearing a small stone.

Excuse my ignorance, but I'm new to this...can I be more confident in GIA grading than EGL? For example, a GIA I or J would be more true to an I or J than an EGL, correct?

I've been looking at some 1.0-1.25 GIAs on Union Diamond and have seen some decent ones within my price range.

Personally I would much rather have a smaller well cut diamond than a large not so well cut rock which doesn't sparkle or do much. A badly cut rock can sometimes look small for the weight anyway whereas a well cut diamond can look large for the weight due to edge to edge light return - the light is hitting the edges of the diamond all the way round which maximises the appearance of the face up size. What I would suggest is to look at well cut GIA or AGS diamonds and go with a vendor who has an upgrade policy if you think your lady might like a larger diamond eventually - that way when finances permit you could get her a larger rock if you wished. Also a carat is an excellent size and is in no way small.

GIA and AGS are the two top tier labs, this page explains how the grading labs rank.

http://diamonds.pricescope.com/grading.asp

 

[coatimundi_org]

Ditto Lorelei! A well cut stone will leap at you from across a room--that beats size hands down, and if you can potentially upgrade later, even better.

(just another option)

A good setting can also maximize the size of any stone, so that may help if you are going for a sizeable look.

 

[boxer99]

Thanks Lorelei. You're a lifesaver.

I am definitely dropping the 1.5 idea and moving to the 1.0-1.25 range. I will post some of what I find and pick your brain about them.

Just some more information...I'm definitely (without a doubt) going with the Tiffany knife-cut 6-prong platinum solitaire. Just in case that helps with any advice you might have. Thanks.

 

[kcoursolle]

It looks like you have already got some great advice, but I wouldn''t get either. As DS pointed out EGL is known to be a bit soft you may be getting a stone that is 1-2 grades off in color or clarity. I would focus on getting a stone that is well cut, because this is really what makes a diamond stand out and sparkle. Read the cut tutorials here and learn about the HCA.

 

[boxer99]

Thanks. I think deep down I already knew those two original stones were not the way to go and I just needed confirmation from more knowledgeable people than me.

I''ll have some new choices in a little bit. I''m scouring the sites now.

This diamond is starting to consume me

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/15/2009 2:35:56 PM
Author: boxer99
Thanks Lorelei. You''re a lifesaver.

I am definitely dropping the 1.5 idea and moving to the 1.0-1.25 range. I will post some of what I find and pick your brain about them.

Just some more information...I''m definitely (without a doubt) going with the Tiffany knife-cut 6-prong platinum solitaire. Just in case that helps with any advice you might have. Thanks.

Very glad to help! Keep us posted and we will help in any way we can!

 

[boxer99]

Here are a couple I've been looking at:

http://www.uniondiamond.com/diamonds/diamonds.php?search_type_id=3&action_type_id=2&item_id=AB206196&&1.01ct-J-SI1-Round-Brilliant-Cut-Diamond#

http://www.uniondiamond.com/diamonds/diamonds.php?search_type_id=3&action_type_id=2&item_id=AB147352&&1.16ct-J-VS2-Round-Brilliant-Cut-Diamond#

http://www.uniondiamond.com/diamonds/diamonds.php?search_type_id=3&action_type_id=2&item_id=AB202031&&1.07ct-J-SI1-Round-Brilliant-Cut-Diamond#

http://www.uniondiamond.com/diamonds/diamonds.php?search_type_id=3&action_type_id=2&item_id=AB203478&&1.12ct-J-VS2-Round-Brilliant-Cut-Diamond

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-very-good-cut-j-color-vs2-clarity_LD01070550?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-j-color-si1-clarity_LD01443423?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0

http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-2002872.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-1722153.htm

On Solomon's site: item 4FF6H66H

 

[boxer99]

...and one last one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1213899.asp

 

[Lorelei]

See if you can get Idealscope images for the second and third UD diamonds.

 

[boxer99]

Unfortunately, UD doesn't have Idealscopes.

I do like both of those that you mentioned, Lorelei. I have a jeweler friend who thinks I should stay away from the J's though, as they might be too yellow.

What do you think about the fluorescence in both? It's listed as strong blue. Does that enhance or detract?