Help choosing between 1.3 H SI1 versus 1.2 H VS2

[francisrogers]

Hello Everyone,

I'm wondering if you could help me please with a loose diamond:

I'm debating between these two from James Allen:

1.30 Carat H SI1, HCA Score 1.4
$9,100
Depth %:59.50
Table %:60.00
Crown ∠: 33.0
Pavilion ∠: 40.7
Polish:Excellent
Symmetry:Excellent
Fluorescence:None
Girdle: Medium - Medium
L/W/D (mm): 7.09*7.12*4.23

1.20 Carat H VS2, HCA Score 1.5
$8,400
Depth %:59.60
Table %:60.00
Crown ∠: 33.5
Pavilion ∠: 40.8
Polish:Excellent
Symmetry:Excellent
Fluorescence:None
Girdle: Medium - Medium
L/W/D (mm): 6.93*6.91*4.12

Proportions and resulting HCA scores are very similar.

I am waiting on the idealscope images from James Allen, but in the mean time, does anyone have any opinions on the two?

1. Is the extra $500 worth the increase in diameter for option 1 (7.09-7.12 versus 6.93-6.91)? The cost discrepancy isn't really an issue, and I'm willing to pay this. Also, the first option has a small black inclusion on the table, but this is minor and the JA chat agent agreed that these two stones are both eye clean. Otherwise, this stone is clean, with some twinning wisps responsible for the SI1 grading.

2. Alternatively, the second option is $500 cheaper, VS2, and the images look cleaner (although both of these diamonds appear quite eye clean to me). However, it is slightly smaller at 6.93-6.9 versus 7.09-7.12.

Thanks! This is a great forum.

 

[marymm]

Wow, by the numbers and the images these 2 diamonds are very, very similar - I admit I have a slight preference for the H-SI1 based on the video but if the JA rep says the inclusion on the table is black in color, that would be enough to put me off this one, and instead go for the H-VS2 as long as the pending IdealScopes don't indicate otherwise. I agree with you that, especially once set, the face-up size of these 2 diamonds would be virtually indistinguishable, so I'd suggest perhaps basing your final decision on the IdealScope results and the JA gemologist's comments.

 

[francisrogers]

Thanks for your thoughts, Mary! Great advice. I'll post back again in a few days to let you know what I decide.

Any further suggestions or advice would be very much appreciated!

 

[MarionC]

The black speck looks reflective - I think I can see it on a side/top facet as well, so it may be in a position that causes it to be reflected in other facets as well. You can ask about that. If it's eye clean it won't matter unless it bothers you to know it's there,