Final Decision - AGS000''s Ideals

[frugaljoe]

First, this is an amazing resource, and between here, and the various vendor''s sites, I''ve learned an amazing amount, and have come to find out diamond hunting is a pretty neat hobby. That said, I''m nearing the end of my search and have it narrowed to 2 stones with similar, but different sizes.

Specs as follows:

Stone #1
AGS000 (new performance based grading) = "inscribed H&A XXX" on girdle, where XXX is the AGS number
CW: 1.01
SI1 - eye clean
Color: I
Depth: 61.9%
Table: 56.7%
PA: 40.9*
CA: 35.1*
HCA = 2.2
~$4375

Stone #2
AGS000 (new performance based grading)
CW: 1.10
SI1 - eye clean
Color: I
Depth: 60.8%
Table: 55.9%
PA: 40.7*
CA: 34.1*
HCA = 0.8
~$4650

The diamond will be set in a 6 prong tiffany style platinum setting. I''m primarily concerned with finding a stone that will sparkle, be brilliant and be fiery. Now having spent hours reading the differences between the H&A''s and whether an H&A graded stone, compared to a AGS000 stone will perform better, and there doesn''t seem to be a final conclusion, beyond, it depends. Therefore, of the two stones above, which would you choose and why.

I was ready to purchase one of them, but decided to ask the experts for opinions before pulling the trigger.

Thanks in advance

 

[kcoursolle]

Both of these stones are probably lovely in person. I think the specs of number two are more in line with my personal preferences however. What is the diameter measurements of each stone? It might be possible that number two is also facing up slightly larger since it''s less deep, but it is probably a small difference.

 

[frugaljoe]

Date: 9/25/2007 3:31:16 PM
Author: kcoursolle
Both of these stones are probably lovely in person. I think the specs of number two are more in line with my personal preferences however. What is the diameter measurements of each stone? It might be possible that number two is also facing up slightly larger since it''s less deep, but it is probably a small difference.

Thanks for the fast response kcoursolle! The measurements are as follows:

Stone 1: 6.40 x 6.50 x 3.98mm
Stone 2: 6.65 x 6.70 x 4.06mm]

 

[chrono]

Both are very beautiful stones and either one you choose will be a winner. That said, my preference is for #2 because it is clearly over the 1 ct mark. Should stone #1 need repolishing or work done to the diamond, it just eeks out at the 1 carat mark and thus may drop to 0.98 ct. This will just bug me mentally since you paid for the 1 carat mark price jump.

 

[cinnamon013]

Stone #2!

 

[iheartscience]

Another vote for #2!

 

[frugaljoe]

Thanks again for the fast responses!

I''m a little concerned with the below 1 HCA score on number 2, and that it may look darker. Is that an unfounded concern, given it''s other characteristics?

 

[hearts-arrows_girl]

I vote stone #2 too. Since both stones are wonderful, get the bigger one!

 

[marcy]

I would go for # 2 just because it is larger.

 

[chrono]

I think you are talking about head obstruction for stones under HCA1. It might appear dark but only when you are viewing the stone up VERY close where your head is blocking the light. I don''t think it''s anything to be overly concerned about. You can do a search on "head obstruction" and read the comments about it.

 

[frugaljoe]

Date: 9/26/2007 8:20:16 AM
Author: Chrono
I think you are talking about head obstruction for stones under HCA1. It might appear dark but only when you are viewing the stone up VERY close where your head is blocking the light. I don''t think it''s anything to be overly concerned about. You can do a search on ''head obstruction'' and read the comments about it.

Ah, yes, that''s correct - thanks for the search tip, I found quite a bit of information.

 

[frugaljoe]

I''ve made a purchase, and the stone should be set by tomorrow. Pics coming soon.