Down to the final two diamonds: E VS1 vs F IF

[whiteanvil]

Hey everyone, I'm new here to this forum, and am seeking some sound input for a personal ring I am making for myself. For some reason, when it comes to my own ring I am losing it when it comes to making a decision.

After months of looking, I am down to two stones. They are both the same price, and I am holding them in my hand right now! The E VS1 is a tad brighter to me, but would anyone here choose the F IF stone instead? They are both great stones to me, but this is why I can't decide!

Here is a video of the two stones in my hand:
F IF is on the left, E VS1 is on the right
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8zj6YYI2uWGOWNPRkVFNkRRYVU&authuser=0

Round Brilliant: 1.21ct E VS1

• Depth: 61.7%
  Table: 55%
  Crown: 34 deg
  Pavillion: 40.6 deg
  Culet: none
  HCA: 0.7
  Clarity: I examined it with my 10x loupe and there is a tiny crystal the size of a pinpoint under the star facet, plus 4 very small twinning wisps which I can barely make out under the other star facets.

Ideal Scope image here:


Round Brilliant: 1.22ct F IF

• Depth: 62.4%
  Table: 55%
  Crown: 35 deg
  Pavillion: 40.8 deg
  Culet: none
  HCA: 1.6

Ideal Scope image here:

 

[lxAsTrOxl]

What are the dimensions of both stones?

I'd pick the E Vs1 so far.

 

[UrsTx]

I'd also like to know the dimensions. If they're basically equal in your mind, thus the dilemma, go with the bigger spread? Otherwise, I personally like the arrows better in the E color stone.

 

[JDDN]

Thritto the above two comments. I'd go with the one that has the bigger spread, otherwise I was gravitating towards the E in your video.

 

[whiteanvil]

I have also been leaning towards the E this whole time. I think the "IF" factor is making me want to like the F, does that make a difference for anyone else?

Dimensions, here goes:

E: 6.84 x 6.86 x 4.22

F: 6.81 x 6.84 x 4.26

 

[mrs-b]

Hi Whiteanvil -

Yes, the IF would make a marked difference for me; it would make me not want to buy it. You can't see it, and there can still be surface inclusions (which is what stops it from being graded Flawless) anyway. For me, the best balance of quality and color - and I'll happily take lower than this, but this is my 'high quality' sweet spot - is F VS1. For me, anything about that isn't visible and isn't worth my dollars.

To that end, I'd go with the E VS1. I like the idealscope images better. What's the spread on each stone? That and price would be the two deciding factor.

 

[LLJsmom]

E. If side by side, I see a brightness in the E that is not in the F. That's just me. And VS1 is mind clear enough to me.

 

[whiteanvil]

Thanks everyone, unanimous decision to go with the E VS1 then!

 

[Texas Leaguer]

What are the lab cut grades on both stones?

 

[whiteanvil]

Ex Ex Ex for both.

Bryan what are your thoughts?

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Ex Ex Ex for both.

Bryan what are your thoughts?

As a trade member I am prohibited from recommending or criticizing another vendor's stone, even if that vendor is not identified. This is of course for good reason. However, I can make general statements about the things you may want to consider. The first thing that came to mind was that one or both stones may have been dinged for some reason and not been graded XXX. This would have consequences on present value and future resale.

The next most obvious thing is the three clarity grades difference and the fact that IF has a special significance. Though there is a color downgrade, DEF are all considered colorless because they are icy white.

The fact that the E color looks brighter could be your personal sensitivity to color as both stones appear to be cut well and clarity features are obviously not an issue with F color. If that is the case it might end up being more enjoyable long term to own the E.

When you are comparing them in person, make sure both stones are completely clean when you are viewing them.

 

[solgen]

Both look great. I might lean towards the F IF only because if I were to sell it down the road it might have a better return because of the clarity rating.

 

[gr8leo87]

Ex Ex Ex for both.

Bryan what are your thoughts?

As a trade member I am prohibited from recommending or criticizing another vendor's stone, even if that vendor is not identified. This is of course for good reason. However, I can make general statements about the things you may want to consider. The first thing that came to mind was that one or both stones may have been dinged for some reason and not been graded XXX. This would have consequences on present value and future resale.

The next most obvious thing is the three clarity grades difference and the fact that IF has a special significance. Though there is a color downgrade, DEF are all considered colorless because they are icy white.

The fact that the E color looks brighter could be your personal sensitivity to color as both stones appear to be cut well and clarity features are obviously not an issue with F color. If that is the case it might end up being more enjoyable long term to own the E.

When you are comparing them in person, make sure both stones are completely clean when you are viewing them.

I agree with Bryan.