I can't thank everyone here enough for all your help, both on my topics and on the hundreds of threads I read to try to understand enough about diamonds to make an ER purchase. Anyway, I'd really appreciate any last minute thoughts as I am down to two stones. I'm including links to the previous threads:
The BGD Blue 2ct H SI1 AGS Ideal: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/take-two-input-on-2ct-bgd-blue-please.161102/
The Abazias 1.73ct F VS2 AGS Excellent: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-decide-again-please.161491/
Today I got to look at both stones in person at a local appraiser, and I've had the BGD diamond in my possession for about a week. Looking at the diamonds in various lighting conditions, I was struck both by how obvious the color difference was to me, even face up, and also by how much bigger the 2 carat looked next to the 1.73. Perhaps more interestingly, even though the 1.73 is outside AGS ideal proportions and got a 100 cut grade, I could swear that it sparkled more than the AGS000 BGD diamond. The two appraisers seemed to agree. It just "popped" more, although it definitely looked smaller. I think a comment in the other thread may have been right about it having more brilliance at the expense of fire, but it certainly wasn't lacking for fire either. It also just looked "brighter" to me, although I'm not sure how much of that was the cut and how much was the icey "F" color. The appraisers were really helpful in pointing out things about both stones, but they were split too. One said go for the 2 carat because you won't see the nuances that much once it's set (and the girlfriend brag value of 2ct vs 1.73ct), and the other said take the smaller one. Help???
I tried to subtlely feel out the color/size preference again with my gf, but she less subtlely indicated that it was all in my hands at this point and that she would love whatever I choose. I believe this as her preferences have been all over the board every time we looked at diamonds together. I know that BGD has the upgrade policy, etc., but I don't plan on ever replacing this stone. The 1.73 is very slightly cheaper, but not enough to influence me in any way. I need to make a decision soon!!! Thanks again
The BGD Blue 2ct H SI1 AGS Ideal: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/take-two-input-on-2ct-bgd-blue-please.161102/
The Abazias 1.73ct F VS2 AGS Excellent: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-decide-again-please.161491/
Today I got to look at both stones in person at a local appraiser, and I've had the BGD diamond in my possession for about a week. Looking at the diamonds in various lighting conditions, I was struck both by how obvious the color difference was to me, even face up, and also by how much bigger the 2 carat looked next to the 1.73. Perhaps more interestingly, even though the 1.73 is outside AGS ideal proportions and got a 100 cut grade, I could swear that it sparkled more than the AGS000 BGD diamond. The two appraisers seemed to agree. It just "popped" more, although it definitely looked smaller. I think a comment in the other thread may have been right about it having more brilliance at the expense of fire, but it certainly wasn't lacking for fire either. It also just looked "brighter" to me, although I'm not sure how much of that was the cut and how much was the icey "F" color. The appraisers were really helpful in pointing out things about both stones, but they were split too. One said go for the 2 carat because you won't see the nuances that much once it's set (and the girlfriend brag value of 2ct vs 1.73ct), and the other said take the smaller one. Help???
I tried to subtlely feel out the color/size preference again with my gf, but she less subtlely indicated that it was all in my hands at this point and that she would love whatever I choose. I believe this as her preferences have been all over the board every time we looked at diamonds together. I know that BGD has the upgrade policy, etc., but I don't plan on ever replacing this stone. The 1.73 is very slightly cheaper, but not enough to influence me in any way. I need to make a decision soon!!! Thanks again