Help me decide please!

[helpmepick]

I've read everything and researching for quite some time. I have a few opinion questions I need help on. I've been to many jewelers including Tiffany. My head is spinning.

I am trying to decide if I go down in clarity and color to step up from 1.5 to 1.75 or even 2 cts. Does anyone one have any opinion to share?

Is it advisable to skimp a little to get a bigger size? My gal is a size 8. So larger hand, worried about it looking small.

Second question, I have made exhaustive lists. I am strictly focused on cut.
My goals are:
G-I
VS2 - SI2
HCA 1 to 2
Excellent or very good cut.

Is there going to be any difference if I select the H & A designation? If it were an excellent cut would that still in theory be H & A? From my understanding H & A is not GIA.

Thanks in advance.

 

[treasurehunter]

I think the most important thing to focus on when buying an SI2 is the clarity , how eye clean it is and not to worry too much on getting the perfect cut although it is more desired most of those stones get sold really quickly so they won't be around I'm guessing.

With higher clarity like VS2 you shouldn't worry to much on clarity unless its a black inclusion in the table.
Worry more about the cut and colour to maximise the beauty.

If you can sacrifice clarity and get a bigger stone its not a bad idea just as long as the inclusions don't stand out too much or affect the beauty of the stone like a cloud for example which makes the stone look dull but you won't be able to see the cloud.

 

[treasurehunter]

H & A is symmetry with ideal proportions, The Ideal proportions are what makes the stone more lively and beautiful , there is little evidence that the symmetry causes any noticeable difference in the diamonds beauty.
To get Ideal try and get GIA excellent combined with 40/41 pavilion depth and 34-35 crown angle . Ex/VG symmetry and polish (gia)