shape
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Help choosing between two diamonds

Rockensocks

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 3, 2014
Messages
4
It was suggested that I post here for advice on choosing an engagement ring diamond. After searching, I am deciding between two possibilities (or neither). The price difference between the two is $400, so let me know what you think:

Shape: Round
Carat: .92
Color: G
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 62.9%
Table: 55%
Crown Angle: 34.9
Pavilion Angle: 40.8
Polish/Sym: Excellent/Excellent

Shape: Round
Carat: .90
Color: F
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 62.9%
Table: 55%
Crown Angle: 33.3
Pavilion Angle: 41
Polish/Sym: Excellent/Excellent

The second one is $400 more than the first one.

Sorry I do not have pictures or a copy of the certifications to share at the moment. I will be viewing both next week in person.
 
They both have nice potential. #2 should skew just slightly more on the brilliance/brighter side. Seeing them in person will help immensely. Choose with your eyes.
 
Looking forward to seeing them in person. You don't think they are too deep?
 
33.3 for #2? GIA rounds to the nearest half angle. 33.0 or 33.5 , it would have a thickish girdle to hit 62.9% depth.
 
Hi,

I'm afraid to say this, but those stones are cut too deep. They face up small for their carat weight.
 
Sakuracherry|1391482274|3607459 said:
Hi,

I'm afraid to say this, but those stones are cut too deep. They face up small for their carat weight.

+1
 
62.3ish is about my personal depth limit (depending on other proportions), but the stones are at least worth looking at if they're what you have to choose from at the moment. Where are you shopping and are you open to other/better options?
 
I am not limited to these two diamonds at all, and can shop around more. I had a feeling they would be too deep.

Are stones cut to that depth going to just face up small? Or is there also the risk of less light return as well?

These ones are from Tiffany since my girlfriend has always had her eye set on the Harmony setting. Although, I am also in the process of seeing what custom options are available through a family friend which would also increase my diamond selection (local jeweler who uses GIA certified diamonds).

Thanks for all the help!
 
Would you be open to buying online...there are several vendors mentioned on this forum that sell the top of the line AGSL Ideal cut diamonds. My preference for buying any diamond is that the cut is the most important consideration.

If so, check Infinity, Whiteflash, GoodOldGold, Brain Gavin Diamonds and take a look.
 
Rockensocks|1391527088|3607636 said:
Are stones cut to that depth going to just face up small? Or is there also the risk of less light return as well?

In this particular case, you actually have stones that are a little deep, but should still perform well when it comes to light. The proportions offset each other in both cases and offer HCA scores which are both <2, which is where you actually want to be. Not surprising if they're Tiffany. They're not poorly cut, but they will face up slightly smaller for carat size.

If you're open to other options, we can definitely find you something with more ideal cut proportions. There are also other setting makers who have Harmony-style settings, so you can get that look without the high Tiffany markup. Between these two points, you can save yourself a ridiculous amount of money and still give her the ring she wants - just minus the blue box. For less than half the money, you'll actually end up with a higher quality, bigger diamond. Believe it or not, it's very easy to blow away Tiffany specs when you know what to look for.

Brian Gray from NiceIce, who's an industry member here, has a great set of cut proportions to start with when you're shopping:

AGS 0 /GIA Ex

Total depth between 59 – 61.8%
Table diameter between 53 – 57%
Crown angle between 34.3 – 34.8 degrees
Pavilion angle between 40.6 – 40.9 degrees
Girdle thickness between thin and slightly thick
Culet: AGS pointed or GIA none

You can fudge a little bit with these numbers, but they represent the sweet spot for a really good cut.
 
"Brian Gray from NiceIce"

I meant Todd Gray. Sorry, Todd! Got you confused with Brian Gavin.
 
Thanks for all the advice and I had seen those cut specifications before, so that is why I was hesitant to pull the trigger on either. As it happens, both of the diamonds have already been sold, so I am on to other options as per your suggestions.

Do you have any suggestions for setting makers that make something similar to the Harmony-style setting? I already found one example at diamonds by lauren (http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-modern-antique-old-mine-brilliant-diamond-classic-solitaire-gia-r4303)
 
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