Help choosing an Asscher (0.5 - 0.8)

[tungsten]

Here is the Sarin on the .56 D VS1. CH is 17.3%. Is that too high? I am not sure exactly what is optimal for a small asscher like this.

I spoke to JA''s gemologist and she agreed that this was the nicest stone with best Asscher characteristics.

Unless there are strong objections, I will probably buy this one too and line them up next to each other at home and make a choice.

I have also come to realise that I won''t be getting a custom setting made in time (everyone is on vacation), so my time constraints have eased up a little.

Thanks for your help so far.

 

[strmrdr]

CH of 17.3% rocks

 

[tungsten]

I just got the 0.56D VS1 from JA. It is brighter and a little busier, perhaps due to the smaller size.

I took a few pictures of the two together and would love to hear your comments.

 

[tungsten]

Here is picture with more direct light.

 

[tungsten]

I''m replying to my own post here... but after looking for a while I think that the .56D has less of the depth feeling that I think is typical for Asscher. Partly because the table''s dimensions are smaller and at some angles the culet effect makes it look like a hole in the middle. Another thing is that it looks ever so slightly milky to me. The fluor is supposed to be faint, but maybe it just so colorless and together with the small steps, you don''t see any clear facets. Probably a very minor effect that I won''t think about later.

The .82L looks clearer because the steps are bigger, but there is that tint (esp because I have it next to a D, I was actually OK with the L color yesterday).

I am weighing more tint and size vs. whiter and brighter but busier, smaller.

Whichever one it is, it will be going into a simple solitaire setting, probably the doubleclaw type.

Anyone else have any opinions on these 2?

 

[strmrdr]

can you put them in the V of your fingers and take some pics?
So far I am liking the D.

 

[tungsten]

Here are 3 shots to look at. Scary to see your hand so close up.

 

[tungsten]

From the side a little. Sorry for the smudges on the crown.

 

[tungsten]

Last one.

 

[strmrdr]

The D is kicken but that doesn''t mean it is necessarily the right one for you.
The L is showing more darkness than I like to see.

Does the D look significantly brighter in person?

 

[tungsten]

The D is significantly brighter, and also whiter. Something about it gives it a milky quality from the side. The D has a bit more sparkle in diffuse light, but under spotlighting, they look about the same, each with their own personalities. The D does have something going on with the culet when you see it dead-on, but I am nitpicking here.

I am leaning towards the L even though when I started this quest, I really thought I would be inclined to pick a smaller "better" diamond but I think that the slightly larger size helps visualize the facets and you get more depth.

I think I will be happy with either one, I just need to make a choice.

As a side note: I took them both to a jeweler (at John Frankin) to look at settings and he personally liked the .82L and when we dropped it in a setting it didn''t look tinted anymore. That is just one person''s opinion. I realise that it boils down to that.

I will have to sleep on this, but I really appreciate all of your thoughts. So please keep them coming.

 

[tungsten]

OK. I''m going with the 0.56D. Quality won over quantity. I was looking at them from a distance and the brightness really made a difference.

Whew. Such a relief to come to a decision. I have talked to Jeff at John Franklin in San Diego and he has already produced some nice renderings of split prong solitaire settings. I feel very happy with the diamond and confident with Jeff''s skills.

I will post the mandatory Asscher pictures when I have it all done in about 2 weeks. I am excited. Thanks for being such a helpful forum. I have learnt so much from PS and the information here has sparked my interest in diamonds, so I will probably be reading posts here even when I am not actively shopping.

Thanks again!

 

[strmrdr]

congrates!!!
I was wondering which you picked.

 

[DiamondFlame]

That''s one of the sweetest half carat Asschers I''ve seen; I love its proportions. Congrats!

 

[tungsten]

Hey everyone!

I''m all set. I got the ring last week and surprised my girlfriend (at the zoo) with this ring. I''m really happy with the way it came out. Its a palladium (custom by John Franklin in San Diego), knife edge ring. I highly recommend him to anyone in the area. I went to talk to him twice and did the rest by email.

I am so happy that I picked the smaller brighter diamond. It really shines in the setting and on her hand. You can still clearly see it is an Asscher, just like I wanted.

Thanks again for teaching me so much and offering advice. I can''t wait to start my next diamond quest.

 

[tungsten]

Here it is from the side.

 

[strmrdr]

congrates!!!!