Detectable Size Difference? - Need Advice

[Lyrical_Sage]

Hey all. I am new to the boards, but have been lurking for a while. I appreciate the posts I have read especially in regards to diamond cut and clarity in the decision of purchasing my engagement ring. About two months ago, I purchased a loose diamond measuring 4.79x4.82x2.89mm. It was a .40 ct, and upon being set, I've realized it looks slightly smaller than I wanted. My return period on the diamond is nearly up, so I searched for the largest diamond in our (my husband and I) price range, and found a .47 ct measuring 5.09x5.12x3.02mm from the same company, which is online. Both diamonds have the exact same specs in respect to color, clarity, and cut (both are ideal cut). (By the way, my husband and I have come to an agreement to buy from a single company, please do not suggest that we purchase a different diamond. After much searching between us, it has only come down to these two.) My question is, if I return the first diamond for the second, is that enough of a size difference that I'll be able to notice? If my math is correct, that's about an 11% difference in surface area. Is that enough to detect, or should I just wait it out a couple of years for an upgrade? Thanks so much for your replies!

 

[Lyrical_Sage]

I should note, these are round brilliants.

 

[Enerchi]

IMO, I do not think that the difference in size would be that noticeable. If you can afford to, then I'd be looking in the .6 - .7 range if you want to see a noticeable difference. OR, as you suggested, you could love it for now and then upgrade at an anniversary.

 

[rubybeth]

Hey all. I am new to the boards, but have been lurking for a while. I appreciate the posts I have read especially in regards to diamond cut and clarity in the decision of purchasing my engagement ring. About two months ago, I purchased a loose diamond measuring 4.79x4.82x2.89mm. It was a .40 ct, and upon being set, I've realized it looks slightly smaller than I wanted. My return period on the diamond is nearly up, so I searched for the largest diamond in our (my husband and I) price range, and found a .47 ct measuring 5.09x5.12x3.02mm from the same company, which is online. Both diamonds have the exact same specs in respect to color, clarity, and cut (both are ideal cut). (By the way, my husband and I have come to an agreement to buy from a single company, please do not suggest that we purchase a different diamond. After much searching between us, it has only come down to these two.) My question is, if I return the first diamond for the second, is that enough of a size difference that I'll be able to notice? If my math is correct, that's about an 11% difference in surface area. Is that enough to detect, or should I just wait it out a couple of years for an upgrade? Thanks so much for your replies!

As one of our regular posters, Christina, likes to say, .01mm is the same width as a sheet of copy paper. You're talking about approximate .03 difference, or 3 sheets of copy paper. You might be able to perceive the difference, though. I would ask: will this make the stone more 'mind clean' for you, to have nearly a half carat vs. a .40?

 

[tyty333]

Well, I'm going to say that you would be able to notice the size difference. Is it going to be a big difference...no. Is it going to be worth
swapping them out? I would but, have you considered going down in clarity and or color to go up in weight like Enerchi said?
That would be worth looking into.

 

[marymm]

I think you will be able to see a size difference between the two stones - also, 5mm is a standard size and you may well be able to go with a stock ER setting rather than having to go custom to accommodate the 4.8mm stone.

 

[webdiva]

How much did you pay? Perhaps we can find you something better and larger? What are the specs?

 

[Gypsy]

No, it won't be appreciably bigger.

 

[GreenBling]

I would notice a 0.2mm difference. With rounds, it is not just a wider width but overall bigger surface area. You calculated that it'd be 11%, that's 11% more coverage on your finger.

 

[mcosme]

I think .3mm will be quite noticeable.

 

[GreenBling]

I think .3mm will be quite noticeable.

Sorry, it's 0.3mm...my math is bad. Yup then v noticeable. My ring is bigger than erings by 0.3 in diameter. You'd notice it right away.

 

[Lyrical_Sage]

Thanks to all who replied so far. Someone asked about the specs: Both are H color, VS2, Ideal cut. Also, I am a size 4.5, if that helps.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I see that someone already corrected the .3mm difference!

Yes, I would definitely upgrade now for that difference. You can always upgrade later again, if you want.

 

[JulieN]

13% bigger, yes, you'll see it.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I have had two diamond that size in my hands at one time. Yes, it is noticable. But .5 would be more noticable If you can eek out another bit of size I would do it. In diamonds that size the bonus is that SI1 stones are (in my experience) eye clean the vast majority of the time. If you are open to considering that clarity then you could perhaps get a bigger stone -- though the price jump at .50ct is substantial unfortunately.