Final Diamond Decision - Please Help!

[Niracle]

Hi Everyone -

I am narrowing down my choice between two diamonds for my upcoming engagement from two diamond suppliers who are friends of the family. I am seeking guidance as to your overall recommendation and the quality / value of these two stones. Both stones have the same GIA ratings but differ in price, proportions, and HCA score.

Stone #1: ~$14,800
Carat Weight: 1.72 carat
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Cut / Symmetry / Polish: Excellent / Excellent / Excellent
Measurements: 7.72 - 7.76 x 4.73 mm
Depth: 61.1 %
Table: 58 %
Crown Angle: 33.0°
Crown Height: 13.5%
Pavilion Angle: 41.2°
Pavilion Depth: 43.5%
Star Length: 50%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 4.0%
Culet: None
Reference: https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=6342633582

Stone #2: $11,300
Carat Weight: 1.72 carat
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Cut / Symmetry / Polish: Excellent / Excellent / Excellent
Measurements: 7.70 - 7.75 x 4.74 mm
Depth: 61.3 %
Table: 59 %
Crown Angle: 33.0°
Crown Height: 13.5%
Pavilion Angle: 41.6°
Pavilion Depth: 44%
Star Length: 50%
Lower Half: 75%
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet: None
Reference: https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=6355319557

At first glance, the proportions look very similar so I was leaning toward Stone #2 due to the significantly lower price, but when finalizing my due diligence and ran both stones in the Holloway Cut Adviser (HCA) tool there was a major difference. Stone #1 had a 1.8 score while Stone #2 had a 4.2 score. My fiance may not be able to tell the difference, but I am a bit OCD and always want the best for her. Though, I am skeptical of the delta in HCA scores and the value I am receiving for such a steep cost difference between Stone 1 and 2.

To put these stones in context, I also found three stones on BlueNile that are in contention (first one is my favorite so far)
- Alternative 3: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab
- Alternative 4: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab
- Alternative 5: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[lovedogs]

Did you run the blue nile stones through the HCA? I would absolutely not choose stone 2 (with the 4+ HCA score), and would also be hesitant about stone 1 due to the crown and pavilion angles.

EDIT. None of the Blue nile stones are good choices. They are either too deep or have crown and pavillion angles that are too shallow or too deep.

What is your budget, how big of a stone are you looking for, and what is your preference in terms of color and clarity?

 

[Niracle]

Did you run the blue nile stones through the HCA? I would absolutely not choose stone 2 (with the 4+ HCA score), and would also be hesitant about stone 1 due to the crown and pavilion angles.

EDIT. None of the Blue nile stones are good choices. They are either too deep or have crown and pavillion angles that are too shallow or too deep.

What is your budget, how big of a stone are you looking for, and what is your preference in terms of color and clarity?

Thank you for your feedback. I did not run the Blue Nile stones through HCA since I could only use it freely for 3 searches. Budget is flexible although I'd like to stay under $15k. Size-wise I am targeting a 1.7 but once again am flexible between 1.6-1.9. Targeting near colorless (H is ideal) and VS1/2 clarity that is eye clean and no black marks in the center of the stone.

Thank you.

 

[lovedogs]

Significantly better options (I am assuming you want to stay under 15K, want at least 1.6ct, and would prefer to stay at or above H for color).

Diamond | 1.777 ct H SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4018635

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.777 carat H color SI1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4018635

www.whiteflash.com

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4013665.htm?source=pricescope **I would call them to ask how "eye clean" this one is (e.g. from how many inches away, etc).
Whiteflash stones have an amazing upgrade policy (you only need to spend $1 more), and they are cut specifically to be ideal proportions (in the "a cut above" line). But you will pay a premium for them.

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10812

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10853

HP Diamonds is another "super ideal" vendor with custom cut stones that are on par with "a cut above". Same upgrade policies as white flash. But same as above, you will pay a preimum for getting the best cut stone.


Here's another choice that looks really solid (not as good as the WF option, but still a good choice), and is significantly cheaper.

Earth Grown Inventory Virtual

Shop our list of diamonds online at Good Old Gold. We are an authorized retailer with a huge selection of diamonds in shapes, cuts, clarities, and colors. See our selection now!

www.goodoldgold.com

 

[lovedogs]

PS. Don't be afraid of SI1 stones if they are "in house" (e.g. from people who actually own their stones and can send you IRL pics, like WF and HP diamonds).