Help Choosing - Color vs. Size

[MD 5353]

Hi all,

I''ve been searching for a ~2.5ct princess cut for a very long time and I''ve finally narrowed it down to the following options...please let me know what you think in terms of quality and value. All three have been represented as eye-clean and bright, but still waiting on pictures, idealscope, etc.

The 2.30 F has been described as "oozing brilliance", and seems to be the best cut stone...but I am still battling with the tradeoff between color and size and could use some advice on how much I am sacrificing moving from F to I for the size increase.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Option 1:
2.30 F Si1, Ex Ex, No fluor
7.27 x 7.19 x 5.23
Table: 68.0%, Depth: 72.7%, Crown: 13.0%
$18,785 ($8,167 / ct.)

Option 2:
2.40 G Si1, Ex Vg, No fluor
7.41 x 7.34 x 5.25
Table: 71.1%, Depth: 71.5%, Crown: 11.4%
$17,559 ($7,316 / ct.)

Option 3:
3.01 I Si1, Ex Ex, No fluor
8.06 x 7.97 x 5.71 (~20% larger than the F)
Table: 68.0%, Depth: 71.6%, Crown: ???
$20,085 ($6,673 / ct.)

 

[OcMrsB]

are you color sensitive? i chose a J to maximize size and i love it

 

[megumic]

I am color sensitive and went with a G, which was perfect for me. I compromised clarity - Si1 - but it depends on the flaws. Also consider that the larger the diamond is, the more it shows color and every other characteristic. I think you really need to see diamonds in person to make a decision, but many people purchase online with no qualms! Good luck!

 

[LtlFirecracker]

It depends on how color sensitive you are. If size is a priority I would go down to the I color, but you might see some warmth especially on the profile view of the stone.

The G SI1 is a safe choice for color if you are more color sensitive.

 

[marcy]

I think the G would be fine color wise but I would go for the F since it seems to be the best cut stone.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think G is a safe place if you prefer never to see a tint in your diamond. A 3ct I color diamond will show some tint from the side. Will it matter to you?

 

[HVVS]

I can see I tint in a princess either face up or from the side, but especially from the side. Princess seems to concentrate color more than RB. G or F, I''d say, unless the I is beautifully cut and the wearer likes the warm tint.