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Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS 000

D

dumbo

Shiny_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 5, 2015
Messages
222
Hi everyone,

I have a dilemma. Been searching for a long time, was directed to an I color, AGS Ideal (1.4 on the HCA), 61/55/34.9/40.6, Si2 2.31ct. Finally received it today. It is gorgeous, perfect idealscope, eye clean. I paid $16,400 with a simple WG solitaire setting. Figured I was all set, after I compared it to a HOF diamond today, looked identical face-up, maybe a tiny bit less brilliance from the edge of the crown.

Later today, I received a note from a consigner I had been working with: they just received a 1.7ct H-VS2, also AGS ideal, 62/55/34.7/40.4, gorgeous, with a really nice platinum Pave setting. It is significantly cheaper at $14,000. I can't really afford to bring in the second for an inspection, but I have seen pics; it is a beautiful stone, gorgeous setting, and $2400 cheaper; I trust the seller.

What to do? Will I regret not "going big" and getting the bigger diamond? Then again, 1.7ct isn't puny, and H is a very nice color. Those of you who have been here: diamond shrinkage syndrome is a distinct possibility?

Votes please.

I can afford the more expensive diamond, but don't have money burning a hole in my pocket. Here are a few pics of the 2.31ct.

img_3480.jpg

img_3479.jpg
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

If that 2.31 is an eye clean si2, no doubt about it I would keep the big stone. That seems like a real good price for an eye clean stone that size graded as AGS 000.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

Yeah, it seemed a little "too" cheap for a 8.47mm diamond, actually, one that well cut and I color. Magnified, in backlight, the inclusions looked noticeable, but in real light, they are transparent, and 2 pinpoints under the table, one darker area at the edge of the crown (prong covering it). I was worried, but the broker (a PS vendor) told me that the magnified pics didn't do it justice, and he was right. I could see the inclusions under a H&A viewer, and I also saw that the arrows weren't quite as good as on the H&A diamond, but certainly respectable, AGS ideal cut, similar to what I see at Whiteflash on their "expert selection" or "premium select" diamonds.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

If you arent bothered by the color I wouldnt even consider the huge downsize just to get H color. And if you couldnt tell much of a difference between your stone and the HOF (a superideal) then I don't see the reason to change anything. You love what you have and can afford it so why risk ending up with something way smaller that you may soon regret? Seems to me it may be the setting on the other stone that you prefer? If that is the case I would save to upgrade the setting in the future but I wouldn't give up that big rock to get it.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

Ditto...go big :-) I'm chiming in here to tell you that DSS does certainly exist! I have recently upgrade from a 1.5 to a 2.538...and I look down on mine and surprisingly (even to me!) think "yeah, I could go bigger..." haha...thank goodness that my husband is NOT on this forum! Sounds like you got a really great deal on the bigger stone...and as pfunk said, you could upgrade the setting later!
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

+1 to everything thats been said. I would keep the big rock..... a 1.7 is not tiny but that's a BIG difference in size and you will definitely notice the size difference after wearing the 2.13ct. and I am not sure you would see the color difference between an H and an I. I would keep it and upgrade the setting in a couple of years...... gives you time to decide on your dream setting ;)) Congrats on the rock you luck ducky. That is an awesome find to get a huge rock with nearly perfect cut for the $$$. :naughty: :appl: I am green with envy!!
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

I am not sure what stone you ended up with. I am not very much in favor of SI2 for an engagement ring. But if her desire and expectation is for a diamond over 2 cts, you'd be kind of crazy to go down to 1.7 cts. In addition, if that ring has pave on the shank, I wouldn't consider it unless it is her ring size. I would not size a ring with a pave shank. I would also need to see an ASET or idealscope image on the 1.7 because of that 40.4 pavilion angle. If she is a quality over size girl, then I would keep looking for a smaller diamond with better specs.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

HI:

Were you thinking of having the stone unset from the consigned ring and buying that, or present it as it is to your intended? I might be reticent to buy a pave ring--not of my choosing--since they vary in design and execution. Notwithstanding pave is not for everyone and mounts itself are limited in their sizing capacity.

Your decision is difficult.

cheers--Sharon
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

If you're okay with the color and the stone is eye clean (as you've indicated), I think you'd be a little cuckoo to go all the way down to a 1.7 ct... that's a HUGE difference in size. To me, an eye clean SI2 in that size is a wonderful value!! :bigsmile:
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

Thanks everyone. To answer DS's question, yes, it is a size able pave setting, looks very well made. Already is a 6, she is a 5.75. As far as her expectations; she has said multiple times that she would be happy with a Cracker Jack box ring. She isn't joking. Which makes me want to get her something very nice. I couldn't be with someone who had "expectations" as far as a ring is concerned. We tried on a 1.37ct at Tiffany, she thought that was a great size. It is a tough decision. I agree.

This diamond is very gorgeous, the 2.31. Now that I have seen the plot, I can barely see an inclusion at just the right light, when looking for it. And I have quite a bit better than 20/20 vision. I am comfortable with the si2 grade. Gonna compare it to a HOF diamond at another store today, just to confirm. Their pricing is crazy. For an extra $1500, I can downgrade to an eye clean 1.5 K color. A tiny bit better performance at the margins perhaps, I would need a super ideal side by side to see the difference. Not worth the $, at least for HOF
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

I guess I would vote to differ. I would prefer a smaller stone that is vs2 than a larger stone that is Si2. You may not notice the inclusions now, but your fiance will be staring at the stone a LOT and those inclusions may become more noticeable (to her) over time.

I'd just find out whether her heart is set on getting a 2+ carat, and knowing that she will sacrifice some in clarity if that is what is most important to her.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

I say keep the big one!
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

I say keep the big one too! LOL Looks beautiful.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

Can I put in another vote? I say again, keep the big! If the inclusion is so slight that it can't be seen easily, that would be my choice...just as in my VS2, I can see the one inclusion that made it a VS2, but only when I search for it, and I consider it her birthmark!
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

I vote for the big one if the SI2 is eye clean. SI2 is the best bargain. And yes DSS does exist.
I recently upgraded from a 1.22 ct to a 2.28 ct. The size difference between a 1.7 ct and a 2.3 will be VERY noticeable; whereas the color difference (H vs I) and clarity (both eye clean I assume) won't be very noticeable at all. Why pay more for less?
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

Another vote for keep the big one!
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

Unless you know for a fact that she would be very upset/bothered by an SI2 diamond and has an expectation of a certain clarity, I vote for keeping the larger stone. IMO nobody will know, and most people really don't care, what the clarity is when she is wearing it on her finger and the size difference compared to the other stone is substantial. SI2 diamonds can be a great value. IMO if you are happy with the appearance of the diamond I think she will be too. It's a beautiful ring!
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

You already have the hard part out of the way... Finding an SI2 of that size that is eye clean to the point where you have to really look for inclusions. That's tough to do unless you are willing to spend more for it. The price you got is good and I think you'll have a hard time finding that sort of value again if you go with the "small" one and try to upgrade in the future. Like others have said, the big difference in size will be far more noticeable than a slight increase in color or clarity.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

I vote that you keep the big one too. I don't think anyone will notice the difference in color and you'll probably have to look very close to see the inclusions. You can see the difference in size from across the room.

And yes, DSS is a real thing. I thought my 1.68 ct was a honker when we bought it but now it just looks normal.

Also, you've seen the 2.31 ct and you like it. I think you'll second guess yourself on this one if you go down in size.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

pfunk|1426786445|3849627 said:
You already have the hard part out of the way... Finding an SI2 of that size that is eye clean to the point where you have to really look for inclusions. That's tough to do unless you are willing to spend more for it. The price you got is good and I think you'll have a hard time finding that sort of value again if you go with the "small" one and try to upgrade in the future. Like others have said, the big difference in size will be far more noticeable than a slight increase in color or clarity.
Click to expand...

Well put.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

junebug17|1426784616|3849608 said:
Unless you know for a fact that she would be very upset/bothered by an SI2 diamond and has an expectation of a certain clarity, I vote for keeping the larger stone. IMO nobody will know, and most people really don't care, what the clarity is when she is wearing it on her finger and the size difference compared to the other stone is substantial. SI2 diamonds can be a great value. IMO if you are happy with the appearance of the diamond I think she will be too. It's a beautiful ring!
Click to expand...

True words, I've never had anybody say "wow, that's a really great color/clarity diamond" but I do hear, "wow, that is big! and super sparkly!" I guess this is vote number 3 for going big. Mine is an AGS I in color, and unless I put it right next to another diamond of two or three colors up, I wouldn't even notice the tint, and I'm somewhat color sensitive. I first had gotten a J color and sent it back because to my eye, it was too tinted. Way back when we were first engaged, the first stone my husband got me and proposed with was an SI1 in clarity, with the largest inclusion under a prong, so NO problem, I never noticed any of the inclusions, It was 1.32 carats of sparkliness and I was ecstatic, the size was what I noticed most! In fact, if it had not gotten chipped a few years later, I would still be sporting that one happily! I have no idea what color it was! The point is, Big is better, and it really seems like you did well...but in the end, it's you who have to be happy with it, so go with what your gut is telling you! :-)
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

baroque|1426789834|3849651 said:
junebug17|1426784616|3849608 said:
Unless you know for a fact that she would be very upset/bothered by an SI2 diamond and has an expectation of a certain clarity, I vote for keeping the larger stone. IMO nobody will know, and most people really don't care, what the clarity is when she is wearing it on her finger and the size difference compared to the other stone is substantial. SI2 diamonds can be a great value. IMO if you are happy with the appearance of the diamond I think she will be too. It's a beautiful ring!
Click to expand...

True words, I've never had anybody say "wow, that's a really great color/clarity diamond" but I do hear, "wow, that is big! and super sparkly!" I guess this is vote number 3 for going big. Mine is an AGS I in color, and unless I put it right next to another diamond of two or three colors up, I wouldn't even notice the tint, and I'm somewhat color sensitive. I first had gotten a J color and sent it back because to my eye, it was too tinted. Way back when we were first engaged, the first stone my husband got me and proposed with was an SI1 in clarity, with the largest inclusion under a prong, so NO problem, I never noticed any of the inclusions, It was 1.32 carats of sparkliness and I was ecstatic, the size was what I noticed most! In fact, if it had not gotten chipped a few years later, I would still be sporting that one happily! I have no idea what color it was! The point is, Big is better, and it really seems like you did well...but in the end, it's you who have to be happy with it, so go with what your gut is telling you! :-)
Click to expand...

Just as a review, here is the cert: based on these angles, I am not giving up anything performance wise, correct?

http://www.agslab.com/pdf_sync_reports/104069729011-PLDQR.PDF

My gut is saying keep it; I know she would be happy with either, really. I also ordered a similar diamond from James Allen, will be here tonight, just for comparison's sake, also AGS Ideal. J, 8.42mm. It was more money, but I didn't know at the time if I would be happy with an Si2, I wanted an AGS ideal Si1 to compare it to. It does seem like a great size: not over the top, but as people have mentioned; I is basically colorless.

I will post pics of both, and see if I can get them against the HOF diamonds again. Honestly, I wasn't that impressed with the HOF, considering the price premium. Sure, they looked more symmetrical, but performance wise? It was 98% of the HOF, maybe more. Even then, I may have been imagining things, I expected the HOF to be better. I had my heart set on an ACA diamond, but even with the much more competitive pricing vs. HOF, my budget would get me into a 1.8ct I, not 2.3+. Even that is a good .65mm. As much as I would love "the best of the best", I also don't want to let the perfect be the enemy of the merely outstanding.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

Go big! You won't regret it. If you opt for the smaller, less expensive stone, you may always have a residual niggle that you could have spent that bit extra and chose not to. You are talking about a significant and visible size difference and it sounds like the 2.31 is quite a find. She is going to be beyond ecstatic when she sees that ring. It will be worth every penny. It's not only your girlfriend but you who is going to see it on her finger every day for many years. It's going to be a lovely warm glow for both of you. Priceless!
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

Go for the larger diamond. Diamond shrinkage syndrome is a very real thing. I've had a few diamonds in the 20+ years I have been married and no one has ever approached with me a loupe to examine any of them. I don't for a minute think you will regret getting the larger stone. I have also upgraded a few times to get a larger stone.

Congratulations on your engagement!
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

baroque|1426789834|3849651 said:
junebug17|1426784616|3849608 said:
Unless you know for a fact that she would be very upset/bothered by an SI2 diamond and has an expectation of a certain clarity, I vote for keeping the larger stone. IMO nobody will know, and most people really don't care, what the clarity is when she is wearing it on her finger and the size difference compared to the other stone is substantial. SI2 diamonds can be a great value. IMO if you are happy with the appearance of the diamond I think she will be too. It's a beautiful ring!
Click to expand...

True words, I've never had anybody say "wow, that's a really great color/clarity diamond" but I do hear, "wow, that is big! and super sparkly!" I guess this is vote number 3 for going big. Mine is an AGS I in color, and unless I put it right next to another diamond of two or three colors up, I wouldn't even notice the tint, and I'm somewhat color sensitive. I first had gotten a J color and sent it back because to my eye, it was too tinted. Way back when we were first engaged, the first stone my husband got me and proposed with was an SI1 in clarity, with the largest inclusion under a prong, so NO problem, I never noticed any of the inclusions, It was 1.32 carats of sparkliness and I was ecstatic, the size was what I noticed most! In fact, if it had not gotten chipped a few years later, I would still be sporting that one happily! I have no idea what color it was! The point is, Big is better, and it really seems like you did well...but in the end, it's you who have to be happy with it, so go with what your gut is telling you! :-)
Click to expand...

This! I've never once had anyone comment on the color or clarity (2.43 GIA J/SI1) of my diamond... it's always just "wow! that's a big/sparkly diamond!"... Even though it's a J all day long, I've had people comment on how super white it is -- I think people are just mesmerized with a larger stone and love them... they don't tend to see the color unless it's noticeably tinted. Even friends with considerably whiter stones (ranging from 1.25-2.2 ct) have commented on how white they think mine is. My point is, if it's a larger stone, most people will get googly-eyed and see SIZE & **sparkly** -- Bless them... :halo:

You've found a great stone at an amazing value, so go GET THAT BIG HONKIN' DIAMOND AND BLOW HER AWAY!!!! :appl: :appl: :appl: :appl: :appl:
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

Update: I got the slightly smaller J AGS ideal in as well today. This I-Si2 diamond is seriously amazing, it is significantly more fiery and brighter at the crown than the other diamond, which was no slouch, AGS ideal, picked over 2 others at James Allen that were also sub 2.0 HCA. I took it to a different dealer today, they have a big selection of Hearts on Fire, and compared it against those: it was every bit as good in terms of light performance. This one is truly a find, I feel so blessed to know I have a home run here. The saleswoman was trying to sell me a $31,000 2.04 K VVS2 diamond, and she kept telling me that my diamond was not very good, hers was so much of a "luxury purchase, a Ferrari vs a Honda", but honestly, side by side, I couldn't tell any difference, aside from the price. Under the microscope, I could see the transparent inclusions on mine, and the arrows didn't line up quite as well, obviously; it is very well cut, but not quite the same standard. She said "well, at least you know what $30k buys you from a run of the mill diamond". Her heart sank when I told her I spent under $16k. She did show me an "affordable" 1.51ct I color HOF for $25,500, telling me it might be a better purchase, perhaps she doesn't need nor want such a big diamond....
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

This was a really good thing to do, comparing side by side! You will never see them side by side again, so I say be happy for your fortunate selection and move forward! Yay for you and your great deal!
Oh, and keep us updated on her reaction! I am sure she will be blown away! Keep in mind that many people by average mall diamonds and are happily ever after in those...and realize that you have done so much more than that!
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

dumbo|1426813780|3849827 said:
"luxury purchase, a Ferrari vs a Honda", but honestly, side by side, I couldn't tell any difference, aside from the price.
Click to expand...

You'll hear the same "honda vs ferrari" talk here like you're always leaving something to be desired if you don't buy the very best of the best. Glad to hear your big ol' "Honda" is proving to be a great value. I am sure she will be floored by it.
 
Re: Dilemma: 2.31ct AGS ID in hand, considering a 1.7ct AGS

I am glad you were able to compare your stone and it came out so well against HoF! I have one more thing to ask you, though. You said she saw a 1.3 ct stone and was totally fine with that. I will tell you that I would not have been comfortable with an over 2 ct diamond until fairly recently, and I have been married over 30 years. There is a comfort range for most people, and many of us with larger diamonds wore smaller ones for a long time before we had the ones we now have. You are saying that it is more your desire to give her a big diamond than hers, but really think about what SHE might be happiest with. I could afford a 3+ ct diamond right now (and could have bought one with lower specs for the same amount we spent on the current diamond), but I choose to not upgrade to that size because it is larger than I'd feel comfortable wearing. Bigger is not always everyone's choice, and sometimes higher color and clarity in a smaller stone is preferable. I think there is a lot of territory between 1.7 and 2.3 cts.
 
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