Help me decide between these two stones- need to decide soon.

[MelanieC]

Ok,
DH is wanting me to make up my mind and doesn't understand why I am obsessing over this ring. It's my 17th wedding anniversary present and replacing my wedding ring.

This first one is the one I purchased on Saturday, but the depth was a little deep.

Diamond #1- $4683.00
GIA cert- I think it is laser inscribed. Gives a laser inscpription registry #
Dated 7/24/03
Color: H
Clarity SI1
Measurements: 6.28-6.34 x 4.09 mm
weight 1.01 ct Round Brilliant
Depth 64.8%
table 55%
Girdle - Thin to Thick, faceted
culet - None
Polish- Excellent
Symmetry-Very Good
Florescence- None
This diamond is eye clean with 3 or 4 black carbon (tiny specks) near each other and a very tiny cloud off to the side of that. I could hardly see them with a 10x loupe.

Diamond #2- $6785
EGL Cert - dated 6/26/01
Color G
Clarity VS1
Meausurement- 6.57 - 6.51 x 3.96mm
Weight 1.02 Ct Round brilliant
Depth 60.6%
Table-58%
Crown Height-12%
Pavilion Depth 44%
Girdle thickness- Thin, faceted
Polish Good
Symmetry Very Good
Culet - None
Graining - Nil
Fluorescence

This diamond is SOOOOOOO clean! The table is clean and there is a tiny speck on the side of the diamond. There are two marks on the EGL cert on the 3 and 9 o'clock positions that would only be able to be seen underneath the diamond. The cert also says Hairline feathers in girlde, monor bearding and minor details of the finish not shown.

Diamond #2 is a little bigger. Its the size a diamond should actually be. There was a little difference in size in the diamonds holding them next to each other, but the jeweler who sets them in the rings said that they are put into the same setting (the prongs aren't bigger for the larger stone).
Diamond #2 is over $2000 more, but it looks beautiful. Outside I didn't see a huge difference in how they shined. Diamond #1 looked a little darker when you looked at it straight down, but that could have been in my head. Inside I had to play around with the diamond for a while, but I eventually got Diamond #2 to really bounce the light and it seemed like the light was reflecting off more facets. Not sure if it was my imagination or not.

I am so confused right now. The snob in me wants the more expensive, better cut, better clarity and color. My husband thinks I am crazy. He thinks I should take the less expensive one and get the setting I want now. If I get the more expensive one, I have to put the setting I want on layaway and pay for the setting myself. DH gave me a budget of $7500 for both ring and setting. If I get the better ring, I am just going to put it on layaway(I call it creative financing to get both of the things I want). If I go with the more expensive diamond, I am having it put in an innexpensive white gold solitair ring that is a little wider. Diamond #2 is also an EGL, could I possibly be getting about the same clarity and color but in just a slightly larger diamond.


Here is the Halloway cut adviser from this site for the second diamond using % on crown and pavillion.
Selected: 60.6% depth, 58% table, 12% crown, 44% pavilion, 0% culet
The result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polish
HCA scores were adjusted Dec. 15, 2001 and Feb. 6, 2003.


Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Very Good
Spread
or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.7 - Excellent
within BIC range
Even though HCA grades cut more effectively than systems like the AGS, it does not yet factor in symmetry and minor facets. Having found a diamond that scores well, you should employ an expert appraiser to examine the stone. If you decide not to, then at least compare the diamond to others and/or view it through an ideal-scope.

A score below 2 (Excellent) means you have eliminated known poor performers (more than 95% of all diamonds). Your own personal preference may be for a diamond with an HCA score of 1.5 more rather than one with a lower score of say 0.5.

Many diamonds with excellent scores may not be traditional 'ideal cuts' but we believe their value will rise once the GIA establishes its cut standard.
This system is being continually fine-tuned and results may change without notice.




Thanks for your help,
Melanie

 

[hoorray]

If you do a search on H&A AGS 0 stones on the PS engine, you will find lots of ideal cut stones this size and color in the $5xxx range. Goodoldgold has several nice G/H VS2/SI1 stones in that range. Thus, I would consider shopping online to get the better stone for less money so that you can get your setting now within your budget.

 

[Iceman]

I would take the first one back. Remember a diamond is forever and so is ugly

Would you tell your husband to buy a car with a bad paint job to save some money ? No!

 

[MelanieC]

Just a side note:
Diamond #1 is beautiful too! The differences are very minute and even the fact that its a little smaller, it doesn't look THAT much smaller. I just am having a hard time justifying paying 6785 for a diamond.

What do you think of the specs of diamond #2. Does it justify $2000 more??

DH does not want me to buy online. He is not as trusting as I am and afraid of getting ripped off. Plus looking at a diamond to make sure I like the looks is nice.

Thanks!
Melanie

 

[lenhejo]

Hi there,

I would also recommend buying from Jonathan at Good Old Gold. He has an amazing 30 day refund policy on all Round Brilliant H&A stones, a great buyback policy, and lifetime trade-up. I am currently in the process of buying a stone from him. He has been nothing but helpful through the whole process. You will get a superior cut stone and save a significant amount of money. That way you could get the better stone and the setting you want all at once. No layaway and financing hassles. Just my 2 cents.

I am in no way affiliated with Good Old Gold, just a happy customer.

 

[fire&ice]

I would run fast from BOTH stones. The first is too deep & not the best bang for your buck. The second has "hairlines feathers in the girdle"

Those hairlines could possibly effect the durability of the stone. That coupled with the fact that it is at least 1k more money than *better* stones offered on-line.