Final AVR comparison...2.12 and 2.29 I VS1

[diamondseeker2006]

Heidi...thank you! I can honestly say that few people I know actually say anything about my diamonds, so I am not sure why I worry about it! I just have a very sloooowww case of DSS!

MGR...well, I just said I was leaning toward the 2.12... ....but I think it is the best decision. Good advice to make the decision and let it go! I can't wait to have it set, either! Thank you again!

hlmr...thank you, too!

backwardsandinheels... My name should have been DiamondseekerForever, I suppose! Little did I know how many diamonds would come through my hands! Thanks!

 

[two_little_birds]

So happy for you DS, your new stone is amazing!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

So happy for you DS, your new stone is amazing!

Thanks for all your support, two little birds!!!

 

[gregchang35]

woo hoo!!!

Well done! What a journey you have been on, and am glad that you have thought this out carefully and most importantly, rationally.

Now to wait for 2.12 to be set so that you can have it on your hands!
AVR on one and the asscher on the other.... you will be like looking at both your hands like if you are playing tennis= first the left hand, then the right, then the left, then the right!!!


Cant wait to see the pics on SMTB!!!!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Fun dilemma! I love comparing big diamonds.

To my eye the cut of those stones in basically as identical as you can get. And you say so too. The bigger one looks a little bigger. But not so much bigger that its a swaying factor for me.

I think in this case you should get what makes you all melty and happy. Which stone will make you dance a little jig?

For me in this case the money does not matter. A) you will spend that money anyways, B) I am frugal too but you are already spending a tonne (you know what I mean) and so its too late to talk about deals and frugality! So if the bigger one makes you happier, just get it.

I am perhaps not the best influence. I do think bigger diamonds look better because of the concrete change in the faceting! I would get the biggest diamond I can afford every time. Bring it on! And I also live in a world where NO ONE wears a diamond larger than half a carat. Yet I adore and love my ring so much -- like, silly wacky love adore it -- that I don't care at all! I never ever even think about what other people think, but only because I love it so much.

Funny story: went to lunch with some friends who do not know anything about diamonds. I showed them my ring and my one friend, A, put it on her hand. Her eyes popped out and she said: "This looks amazing on my hand! I don't usually like diamonds but I guess they just need to be really huge, this looks so fantastic on me!" haha... so maybe you just need to let your daughter wear a nice honking diamond and see how great it looks and feels and she will come around

 

[diamondseeker2006]

woo hoo!!!

Well done! What a journey you have been on, and am glad that you have thought this out carefully and most importantly, rationally.

Now to wait for 2.12 to be set so that you can have it on your hands!
AVR on one and the asscher on the other.... you will be like looking at both your hands like if you are playing tennis= first the left hand, then the right, then the left, then the right!!!


Cant wait to see the pics on SMTB!!!!!

Thanks, my friend!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Fun dilemma! I love comparing big diamonds.

To my eye the cut of those stones in basically as identical as you can get. And you say so too. The bigger one looks a little bigger. But not so much bigger that its a swaying factor for me.

I think in this case you should get what makes you all melty and happy. Which stone will make you dance a little jig?

For me in this case the money does not matter. A) you will spend that money anyways, B) I am frugal too but you are already spending a tonne (you know what I mean) and so its too late to talk about deals and frugality! So if the bigger one makes you happier, just get it.

I am perhaps not the best influence. I do think bigger diamonds look better because of the concrete change in the faceting! I would get the biggest diamond I can afford every time. Bring it on! And I also live in a world where NO ONE wears a diamond larger than half a carat. Yet I adore and love my ring so much -- like, silly wacky love adore it -- that I don't care at all! I never ever even think about what other people think, but only because I love it so much.

Funny story: went to lunch with some friends who do not know anything about diamonds. I showed them my ring and my one friend, A, put it on her hand. Her eyes popped out and she said: "This looks amazing on my hand! I don't usually like diamonds but I guess they just need to be really huge, this looks so fantastic on me!" haha... so maybe you just need to let your daughter wear a nice honking diamond and see how great it looks and feels and she will come around

Haha! So you are converting people to being diamond lovers with your beautiful ring! They surely have never seen anything like it!

I am so glad you came back! Hope you had a nice weekend! This is a very hard decision. I do not feel the same way about size in a modern rb as I do about old cuts. I really think I could do a 3 ct AVC. And this 2.29 AVR is a really, really appealing size! But I wrote some reasons on the previous page about why I am leaning towards the 2.12. Do you still have my email address, Dreamer? Email me if you can.

 

[Demelza]

Fun dilemma! I love comparing big diamonds.

To my eye the cut of those stones in basically as identical as you can get. And you say so too. The bigger one looks a little bigger. But not so much bigger that its a swaying factor for me.

I think in this case you should get what makes you all melty and happy. Which stone will make you dance a little jig?

For me in this case the money does not matter. A) you will spend that money anyways, B) I am frugal too but you are already spending a tonne (you know what I mean) and so its too late to talk about deals and frugality! So if the bigger one makes you happier, just get it.

I am perhaps not the best influence. I do think bigger diamonds look better because of the concrete change in the faceting! I would get the biggest diamond I can afford every time. Bring it on! And I also live in a world where NO ONE wears a diamond larger than half a carat. Yet I adore and love my ring so much -- like, silly wacky love adore it -- that I don't care at all! I never ever even think about what other people think, but only because I love it so much.

Funny story: went to lunch with some friends who do not know anything about diamonds. I showed them my ring and my one friend, A, put it on her hand. Her eyes popped out and she said: "This looks amazing on my hand! I don't usually like diamonds but I guess they just need to be really huge, this looks so fantastic on me!" haha... so maybe you just need to let your daughter wear a nice honking diamond and see how great it looks and feels and she will come around

Agree with every word of this! Honestly, I think if you're going to spend the extra savings on jewelry anyway, it's not really a matter of money. No one will be able to appreciate the slight size difference between these two diamonds enough that the 2.29 will garner more attention than the 2.12, but YOU will appreciate the bigger facets and the fact that it was cut by Yoram. In the end, you need to get what feels right to you, of course, but I just had to say my piece one last time. Can't wait to see whichever stone you choose on your finger! And agree with the wise MGR about having no regrets once your decision is made.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks so much, Demelza! I appreciate all your help!

 

[Dancing Fire]

marymm...No, I really cannot see a difference other than one stone is a little larger than the other. The sun just came out and I am looking at them as much as possible in natural light to see if there is anything else that favors one over the other. I guess it wouldn't happen that I'd envy seeing the smaller one on someone else since I'd have the larger one. But if someone else bought the larger one, I would probably think...I had the chance to have that. But whether it would make me have regrets depends on whether I would be comfortable with that size stone in my world, and I am not sure. Just a few weeks ago, I told Jon my max was around 8mm, and the 2.12 is 8.15mm and the 2.29 is 8.4mm!

and I thought women only lie about their age...

 

[purplesilk]

Out of the choir...none of them: I agree with your daughter, that money could be used for useful purposes...I don't mean to unsult you - I adore you- but since 5K makes a remarkable difference in your budget, it means you're not uber rich, so no reason to waste so much money on a diamond - gorgeous but totally useless...buy a huge cz, save money for retirement or for your descendants... and enjoy!

 

[purplesilk]

... deep in your heart you know that none of them is going to be your forever diamond...that's why you're indecisive...don't buy!

 

[gregchang35]

Purple silk- are u serious? This is a diamond forum. What do you mean CZ and spend money elsewhere? You may adore DS but by those comments I dont think you do.
I think an apology is required.

 

[Aoife]

DS, if the 2.12 is the one that feels right, then, as many of us on this thread have said, you really can't make a mistake because both diamonds are so incredibly beautiful. I'm so looking forward to seeing whichever one you choose set, and on your hand!

I know you are planning to use your Vatche setting with a new head temporarily, and have wanted that Van Craeynest setting for a long time--are there any other settings you would consider in addition?

 

[Polished]

3) I have a lifetime to trade up if I desire a larger size, color, style of diamond later on with the 2.12, but getting the 2.29 and trading down to a smaller size means a higher color, and those are not readily accessible in the exact color, clarity, and size you want at the time. (But until that 2.29 stone sells, I could change to it at any time, but I could not take the 2.29 and change back to the 2.12 after 30 days.)

I think this is a strong argument in favour of the 2.12 diamond. You get something beautiful now but it leaves a door open should you decide upon a change later. Paradoxically, knowing you can change a diamond if you wanted to, might actually make you more content with the choice you make.

I love the reality check your daughter gave you, that's the beauty of family. I understand the angst; I've been trying to work out whether I want platinum or yellow gold for a setting for myself. Probably for a lot of people it would be a no-brainer but it's hard to break from what I've always had. I do love that platinum look though.

 

[Phoenix]

Purple silk- are u serious? This is a diamond forum. What do you mean CZ and spend money elsewhere? You may adore DS but by those comments I dont think you do.
I think an apology is required.

I agree with Greg, this is indeed a diamond forum, not one that advocates CZ's. Purplesilk, DS is one of the most respected members here, and I can't say I blame her for being indecisive - both stones are beautiful, and I totally understand her wanting to get better value for money.

DS, congrats on your choice. I can't wait to see how you'll set it.

 

[Phoenix]

(Hi Phoenix! I've missed your great comments around here lately!)

Awww, you're so sweet, Rosebloom. I've been really busy and have missed posting on PS too. How are you?

 

[AnnaH]

As to diamonds and money, at least diamonds are somewhat of an investment. If you ever sell either diamond, you may lose some money, recover your investment, or make some money. Much of what we spend our money on is just gone.
That said, your points on the 2.12 seem very sound. They are both honkers, for sure. Congrats. You will be the envy of us all either way.

 

[Dancing Fire]

... deep in your heart you know that none of them is going to be your forever diamond...that's why you're indecisive...don't buy!

Party pooper...

 

[two_little_birds]

Out of the choir...none of them: I agree with your daughter, that money could be used for useful purposes...I don't mean to unsult you - I adore you- but since 5K makes a remarkable difference in your budget, it means you're not uber rich, so no reason to waste so much money on a diamond - gorgeous but totally useless...buy a huge cz, save money for retirement or for your descendants... and enjoy!

... deep in your heart you know that none of them is going to be your forever diamond...that's why you're indecisive...don't buy!

Wow, really?

 

[Dreamer_D]

DS I slept on it and this morning I think you should get the 2.12. Looks basically the same as the 2.29 but a fair bit less money. Win win.

haha.... I see why this is hard!

I am very lucky my ring plopped in my lap "as is". There were no other options, and there was no angst about a setting. I would still not have a ring if I had to make any of these decisions!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Out of the choir...none of them: I agree with your daughter, that money could be used for useful purposes...I don't mean to unsult you - I adore you- but since 5K makes a remarkable difference in your budget, it means you're not uber rich, so no reason to waste so much money on a diamond - gorgeous but totally useless...buy a huge cz, save money for retirement or for your descendants... and enjoy!

I always appreciate honesty, so I am not offended! What I would tell you is that my daughter and her husband are young, he has a business that is struggling somewhat in this economy, she is a teacher, so they are concerned about being able to buy a larger house to make it comfortable to have more children, save for retirement, etc. It is hard for her to see beyond all those things to get to a point to spend money on luxury items. While we do not help them financially, I do care for their baby 3 days a week while they work, which is a big reduction in child care expense for them. We have a beautiful new home, multiple cars, part ownership in a beach place, have saved for retirement, and I have a little extra income to do with what I want, so I can buy some luxuries if I want, etc. Along the way we adopted our third child from a third world country, so all our spending isn't on material things. The diamond was my 30th anniversary present which is still evolving! I traded the first one in and made a profit when I sold it on consignment at GOG last summer. Before we sold that one, we bought another which I am now selling on consignment. I do not really wish to spend over a certain amount on a diamond just as I have maximums on how much I spend on a car, clothes, purses, etc. For example, I will buy a Coach purse when I can get a discount at Macy's, but I don't buy Louis Vuitton. It isn't worth it to me! So we all have budgets or limits on how much we will pay for things. I don't pay sticker price on a new car. I think that is just being wise with money. I imagine even the uber-rich spend wisely, as well! And they are looking at diamonds in the hundreds of thousands, not $30k!

The 2.12 was great, but I saw one that was close in size that had perfect images, and I just needed to see it to see whether it performed better than the 2.12. Unfortunately, his cost was more on that stone and he had already lowered the price to his bottom line on the site. I am having trouble justifying paying over $5k (and it was more than that but I prefer not to say the exact amount) for .17 cts more in weight and knowing the outstanding cutter. The stones are both gorgeous and the second one confirmed to me that the first one is equally performing, so my primary mission was accomplished. The only problem was, the second stone was a little larger and even more mesmerizing for that reason! So would a 3 ct or a 4 ct, but I know I am not willing to go down in color and clarity to get a much larger stone. I would like this to be my permanent stone, but I can't deny that I'd consider trading for an H VS1 if there was ever a 2 ct one with an equal cut. He is having a 1.7 ct H VS1 cut right now which I could have taken, but I have pretty much decided on the 2 ct stone because I like the facet pattern enough to want to go larger!

I worked for a long time and decided around that 30th anniversary that we could save forever and never enjoy what we earned! So we do spend now on some luxury items! My husband bought a used Porsche 911 (and already has a classic older one) last year, and I tell him this diamond is my Porsche! The great thing is, he is happy for me to get a nice diamond! But I will be the first to say, material things are not the most important in life, and that is not where my true joy comes from!

Thank you, again. That was probably more information that you ever wanted to know!

 

[ame]

I cannot wait to see this puppy set. It would be neat to have a DiaGem stone, but for only a 16 point increase and no other discernible difference...that's a HUUUUUGE price jump.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Oh DS I hope you did not feel the need to justify your spending to us or to anyone . There are always better things to spend your money on. I think a lot of women, including myself, can feel guilty spending anything on themselves. I gave into that feeling 18 months ago when I sold my MRB and I felt sad and bereft until I replaced it with my old cut! Joy can come from many things. Charity, caring for others, behaving in a manner consistent with your values... but it can also come from material things. If its all in balance, I have no trouble with that.

It did cross my mind that if you are going to spend $5k+ more you should get a 3ct I also know a diamond so large is totally rodiculous in my daily reality, but some day waaaaaay in the future I would really love to have a truly monumentally huge rock. It would be so divine!

 

[ForteKitty]

DS, you don't have to justify your spendings to anyone!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks to ALL of you who were concerned about the last issue. I can now relate to Phoenix on a much smaller level!


Dreamer and FK.... I am not sure why I did try to defend my position because I am sure I have told Phoenix in the past that she didn't need to do so, either!

I will reply now to the other posts.

 

[sapphirering]

hi DS, i don't know enough about diamonds to offer anything besides what's been say here. (but if i were you i'd get the bigger one.) but you shouldn't feel guilty about spending the money. you've raised two wonderful daughters and had a long career (you were a teacher if i recall correctly?) please enjoy the fruits of your labor. if this purchase doesn't affect your current lifestyle and you are not dipping into any emergency funds, just go for it!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

DS I slept on it and this morning I think you should get the 2.12. Looks basically the same as the 2.29 but a fair bit less money. Win win.

haha.... I see why this is hard!

I am very lucky my ring plopped in my lap "as is". There were no other options, and there was no angst about a setting. I would still not have a ring if I had to make any of these decisions!!

I am so glad you can relate! I think that is where I have landed, too. (I replied to your email.)

 

[Dreamer_D]

DS I slept on it and this morning I think you should get the 2.12. Looks basically the same as the 2.29 but a fair bit less money. Win win.

haha.... I see why this is hard!

I am very lucky my ring plopped in my lap "as is". There were no other options, and there was no angst about a setting. I would still not have a ring if I had to make any of these decisions!!

I am so glad you can relate! I think that is where I have landed, too. (I replied to your email.)

There is a balance in buying diamonds. Its true the slightly bigger stone might make you feel a weensy bit more giddy, but then on the other hand the smaller one is basically identical and saving that money might also make you feel a little giddy. Or, conversely, spending that extra money might slightly inhibit your enjoyment of the 2.29 -- I have felt that way too when I stretched the budget too far. There is a happy point for me where money spent and value received sort of meet and that is where I can enjoy things most.

 

[GemFever]

DS, you handled that response so gracefully! I have to admit a fumed just a little when I first read the suggestion, but your response was very nice. Way to go Of course you don't have to justify your spending, but I'm going to learn a little lesson here in fuming less, being nice more.