Finally, it is down to two stones... advice please

[ringsoonpls]

Stone #1-
1.2ct Round AGS Ideal ACA
G/VS1
HCA Score = 1.4

Stone #2-
1.4ct Round GIA Excellent
H/VS2
HCA Score = 1.3
About $1,000 cheaper than Stone #1

Exact same ratings for all factors in HCA Calculator.

Size is important, but so is color.

 

[ringsoonpls]

One of my biggest questions is whether GIA and AGS colors can be compared...do both authorities use the same color grading standards? Or is it possible for AGS G to be comparable to a GIA H or vice versa?

 

[mastercut]

The colours are graded by the human beings. It is impossible to say whether these 2 stones are G colour (or H respectively) without seeing them.
But in general, yes, the standards are the same.

 

[minmin001]

I'd take the H VS2 one

 

[lovemybling]

Another vote for the larger h stone

 

[DiamondsDiamonds]

Without hesitation, I would get #2.

 

[ringsoonpls]

Wow. I am actually surprised people aren't voting for the ACA H&A given the forum's penchant for superior cuts. Is #1's cut advantage minimized due to the high HCA score for ring #2?

 

[edwineidschun]

Another vote for the larger h stone

 

[ringsoonpls]

Thanks everyone. For those that are voting for stone #2, are you making certain assumptions about the inclusions? Should the two not even be compared side to side?

 

[0-0-0]

Can you share the report numbers?

 

[ringsoonpls]

Can you share the report numbers?

Sorry, I am new to this. Do you mean the numbers that I had plugged into the HCA calculator?

 

[MissyD]

I think I'd notice the increase in size more than the 1-grade color drop...and since the larger one is cheaper, I would also vote #2

 

[ringsoonpls]

I think I'd notice the increase in size more than the 1-grade color drop...and since the larger one is cheaper, I would also vote #2

Agreed. The question is whether the step down in clarity grade is a good idea.

 

[MissyD]

From what I understand, you aren't supposed to be able to see anything with the naked eye down to an SI2 (although in my experience, a lot of SI graded diamonds (even GIA ones) do show some very teeny tiny imperfections without the loupe). VS stones however definitely shouldn't show any flaws without magnification (assuming they are correctly graded), so I don't think a VS1 would be noticeably different from a VS2...

 

[slg47]

From what I understand, you aren't supposed to be able to see anything with the naked eye down to an SI2 (although in my experience, a lot of SI graded diamonds (even GIA ones) do show some very teeny tiny imperfections without the loupe). VS stones however definitely shouldn't show any flaws without magnification (assuming they are correctly graded), so I don't think a VS1 would be noticeably different from a VS2...

actually SI1 and SI2 does not necessarily mean no visible inclusions...you should check with the vendor about visibility and also specify what eye-clean means to you (top view only? top and sides? from 12" or from 6"?)

 

[MissyD]

From what I understand, you aren't supposed to be able to see anything with the naked eye down to an SI2 (although in my experience, a lot of SI graded diamonds (even GIA ones) do show some very teeny tiny imperfections without the loupe). VS stones however definitely shouldn't show any flaws without magnification (assuming they are correctly graded), so I don't think a VS1 would be noticeably different from a VS2...

actually SI1 and SI2 does not necessarily mean no visible inclusions...you should check with the vendor about visibility and also specify what eye-clean means to you (top view only? top and sides? from 12" or from 6"?)

Hmm then that would explain why I could still see inclusions in some SI stones. How about VS though? Neither of the stones being compared are SI.

 

[Gypsy]

From what I understand, you aren't supposed to be able to see anything with the naked eye down to an SI2 (although in my experience, a lot of SI graded diamonds (even GIA ones) do show some very teeny tiny imperfections without the loupe). VS stones however definitely shouldn't show any flaws without magnification (assuming they are correctly graded), so I don't think a VS1 would be noticeably different from a VS2...

actually SI1 and SI2 does not necessarily mean no visible inclusions...you should check with the vendor about visibility and also specify what eye-clean means to you (top view only? top and sides? from 12" or from 6"?)

Hmm then that would explain why I could still see inclusions in some SI stones. How about VS though? Neither of the stones being compared are SI.

Diamonds are graded for clarity face up. So you might see inclusions in a VS stone from the side and it has no impact on the clarity rating.

VS = very slightly included. So yes, you could have an inclusion in the rare Vs2 that is visible to the naked eye-- especially if you have really good eye sight, or if you loupe the diamond and see the inclusion and then afterward you might be able to squint and see it at 6 inches or something like that. Or you it could be just be plain visible in a step cut diamond for example.

Clarity is generally COMPLETELY safe at VS1 and above. Pretty darned safe at VS2 but there will be an occasional exception. And anything at SI1-SI2 is by individual stone determination. There have been COMPLETELY eyeclean from all sides SI2's on this board and VS2's with inclusions visible too.

If you stick to GOOD trusted vendors that have the stones in house or will bring them in you are fine going down in clarity to SI (not so much in step cuts, but in other cuts) because the vendors will be able to look at the stone themselves and tell you what they see.

But you also need to check your definition of eye clean against theirs.

 

[Gypsy]

To the OP, I would be fine taking a chance on a VS2 stone, even from a vendor that can not pull the stone and examine it. Particularly in a brilliant cut (instead of a step cut) I think the step down in color and clarity are the slight enough that trading them in for size in this case is a good idea.

Is the vendor you are buying from able to pull the stone and look at it? If not, just make sure you have a good return policy and enforce it if necessary by proactively examining the stone in all light, angles, and distances when you get it.