Help me pick a diamond please!

[cecelialow123]

Hi all,

My jeweler has sourced two diamonds for an engagement ring. As I have no experience in this, I'd like to seek some opinions from you guys!

What do you think of the two diamonds? Which is actually a better choice?

Diamond 1:


Diamond 2:


Thank you in advance! Any advice would be really really helpful!

 

[lovedogs]

Did you run them through the HCA calculator? They are both 60/60 style stones, which are different than the ideal cuts we typically recommend here. That said, many people love 60/60 style. I suggest you read up about the differences so you're aware of what you are getting and can make an informed choice about whether that's what you want.

How much is the jeweler asking, and are you open to alternatives?

 

[tyty333]

In general, 60/60 stones tend to give off more white light and less fire. Some people prefer this...others prefer the fire. I would recommend
comparing with more firey stones to see which you prefer before buying.

Here is a relative size difference between those two stones on size 6 finger, 2mm shank...

 

[oldminer]

Above are how these two diamonds "compare" using the AGA/NAJA cut class screening tool found on Pricescope. Likely, it will have some agreement with the HCA results. It draws comparison to Tolkowsky's model of round diamond "best" cutting angles and parameters.
There are thousands of reasonably well cut diamonds in this size, color and clarity range with triple EX grading and most of them will look very attractive to normal consumers. For highly experienced consumers and for those who have expectations and demands exceeding the norms, then probably neither is totally a perfect choice. You need to determine your budget and also your degree of personal expectation. There are diamonds which command price premiums above these 2 diamonds, but they are limited somewhat in supply and also limited in demand.

Pricescope shoppers can be very experienced, but sometimes give rather dire warnings that are personal perception based. I'd prefer the nuance better cut, color and clarity of the 0.91ct stone over the 1.07ct , but it would be one of many hundreds of quite similar stones that could be located to choose from. In the end, it boils down to YOU choosing. If you have done a good amount of shopping and price comparison, you must make up your own mind. Hope I have been helpful. No doubt, there will be opposing opinions. One must expect other viewpoints and discussion to make the forum meaningful to all readers.

 

[cecelialow123]

Hello! Thank you for your reply, really really appreciate it! I did not know they are 60/60 style stones. I actually prefer the fire over white light.

The asking price for 1.07 carat is 9.6K USD and for the 0.91 is about 7.3K USD. I’m actually considering the 0.91, but after learning that it’s a 60/60 style, I’m a little apprehensive.

I’m definitely open to more alternatives, do you have any to recommend?

Here’s the HCA score for the 1.07 carat:



And the HCA score for 0.91 carat:

Did you run them through the HCA calculator? They are both 60/60 style stones, which are different than the ideal cuts we typically recommend here. That said, many people love 60/60 style. I suggest you read up about the differences so you're aware of what you are getting and can make an informed choice about whether that's what you want.

How much is the jeweler asking, and are you open to alternatives?

 

[cecelialow123]

Hello! Thank you so much for sharing and for the mock up.

I did not realise it will give off more white light and less fire. I prefer the fire more

As both diamonds are not readily available, I’ll have to confirm them before the jeweller will ship it over from Belgium, so I don’t really have a comparison right now.

Thank you again!!

In general, 60/60 stones tend to give off more white light and less fire. Some people prefer this...others prefer the fire. I would recommend
comparing with more firey stones to see which you prefer before buying.

Here is a relative size difference between those two stones on size 6 finger, 2mm shank...

 

[cecelialow123]

Hello, thank you for your response. It is indeed helpful to have other viewpoints on the diamonds. It did not cross my mind that they are 60/60 diamonds.

The Budget set aside for the diamond is actually around 8-10K USD. Hence, likewise we are leaning more towards the 0.91.

However, it does bother me that the diamond will give off more white light than fire. Seems like both isn’t the most ideal choice...

There’s actually another diamond that was offered but it is a 0.77 carat. It seems like this diamond might be better?



Thank you so so much for your insight!!

Above are how these two diamonds "compare" using the AGA/NAJA cut class screening tool found on Pricescope. Likely, it will have some agreement with the HCA results. It draws comparison to Tolkowsky's model of round diamond "best" cutting angles and parameters.
There are thousands of reasonably well cut diamonds in this size, color and clarity range with triple EX grading and most of them will look very attractive to normal consumers. For highly experienced consumers and for those who have expectations and demands exceeding the norms, then probably neither is totally a perfect choice. You need to determine your budget and also your degree of personal expectation. There are diamonds which command price premiums above these 2 diamonds, but they are limited somewhat in supply and also limited in demand.

Pricescope shoppers can be very experienced, but sometimes give rather dire warnings that are personal perception based. I'd prefer the nuance better cut, color and clarity of the 0.91ct stone over the 1.07ct , but it would be one of many hundreds of quite similar stones that could be located to choose from. In the end, it boils down to YOU choosing. If you have done a good amount of shopping and price comparison, you must make up your own mind. Hope I have been helpful. No doubt, there will be opposing opinions. One must expect other viewpoints and discussion to make the forum meaningful to all readers.

 

[lovedogs]

Honestly I think they are both overpriced and you can do better for your budget. Crafted by infinity has retailers outside of the USA. Where are you located?

For example, this G will be quite white and eye clean, and it's bigger for your money. Plus it's a super ideal cut from one of the best cutters in the buisiness.
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10695

 

[OoohShiny]

If it helps in the search, the PriceScope recommended parameters (to get you into 'super ideal' territory in terms of proportions, although probably not cut accuracy in a generic GIA XXX) are:

Table 54-58%
Depth 60-62.4%
Pavilion angle 40.6-40.9 degrees
Crown angle 34-35 degrees (up to 35.5 or even 36 with a shallow pavilion, i.e. 40.6 degrees)

When crown angle increases, pavilion angle should decrease, and vice versa.

The HCA tool helps weed out stones with pavilion and crown angles that work well with each other, which will score under 2, which is the recommended score to stay below in order to pretty much guarantee decent light performance. You can stretch that to maybe 2.6 or 2.7, IIRC, but it would be a stone-by-stone decision.


The easiest way to sift a lot of stones quickly is to use the PS search bar at the top of the forum, type in the range of parameters you are looking for, then select 'Excellent' in the HCA options boxes within the Filters section.