Help selecting an engagement diamond

[toast]

I am looking for a diamond for my engagement ring. My soon-to-be-official-fiancé and I have discussed a budget and I've been doing my homework on diamonds. I've learned a lot from studying sources on the internet--mainly here on Pricescope! I don't know anything about fine jewelry or gems, but it's important to me to make a good choice about this diamond because I plan to wear it and enjoy it for the rest of my life. That's why I invested in the Ideal-scope and Ideal-light. I think it is worth it, because one of the features that appeals to me most about a diamond is the quality of the cut.

My boyfriend calls me "the salesman's nightmare!" He says it with pride.

There are two diamonds that I am considering, but before I make the final decision I'm hoping to get some opinions from people who have more experience with diamonds. I have my own opinion, but it's not informed by much experience -- I just feel like such a rank amateur that I guess I'm a bit wary of making amateur mistakes.

Both diamonds are GIA-certified SI2, with excellent polish, excellent symmetry, ideal cut, medium faceted girdles, and no culet. They're within $100 of each other in price.

DIAMOND 1 (1.16 ct)
Color: E
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 6.78 x 6.73 x 4.15 mm
Inclusions: feathers, pinpoints, indented natural
61.4% depth, 57% table, 34.5° crown angle, 40.8° pavilion angle
Light return: Excellent
Fire: Excellent
Scintillation: Excellent
Spread: Very Good
Total visual performance: 1.3 - Excellent / within TIC range

DIAMOND 2 (1.23 ct)
Color: F
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Measurements: 7.02 x 7.04 x 4.17 mm
Inclusions: feathers, crystals, twinning wisps, surface graining
59.3% depth, 59% table, 32° crown angle, 41° pavilion angle
Light return: Excellent
Fire: Excellent
Scintillation: Very Good
Spread: Excellent
Total visual performance: 1.1 - Excellent / within BIC range

I think I prefer Diamond 2 -- fluorescence doesn't bother me -- but the big crystal inclusion gives me pause. I can't see it without magnification, and I'm sure no one would ever notice it, but with the Ideal-scope it really jumps out at you.

I have trouble comparing the Ideal-scope images. Both seem to have good features -- nice arrows for Diamond 1, lots of black "hot spots" for Diamond 2 -- but I don't know if one is "better" than the other.

So. What do you think? Any opinions will be much appreciated!

 

[stone-cold11]

Can''t see the image.

My preference will be #1 as it is more balance between light return and fire. #2 is cut more for light return and spread, so it looks bigger and face up bigger, but sacrifice fire performance. Not sure did you note the difference in fire between the 2.

 

[toast]

Stone-cold11,
Thanks! I am new to this. I''ll try to attach the image to this reply:

 

[jet2ks]

Very different personalities on these diamonds, but both IS images look good. As SC mentioned, #1 will likely be more balanced between fire and brilliance, #2 is a spreadier stone and will likely be very brilliant with a little less fire.

Go for the one that you like the look of more.

 

[Lorelei]

Yes the first is the best balanced stone and will show a good display of fire, brilliance and so on, the second is geared more towards brilliance and fire could be down some. The first would be my pick.

 

[stone-cold11]

Ok, both IS look nice to me, but take note of the characteristics of each in normal viewing, IS is not able to tell the difference there. Very good job on the IS.

 

[chrono]

The IS pattern is quite different and I would pick diamond 1 for the above mentioned reasons.

 

[toast]

Thanks, guys! I am relieved to know that both Ideal-Scope images look good. That is what I thought, too, but I couldn't be sure since these two stones are the only ones I've ever personally looked at with the IS!

I had been hoping that there wouldn't be much difference in fire since the Holloway Cut Advisor rates both as "Excellent." Both are "Excellent" on 3 factors; Diamond 1 is "Very Good" on Spread and Diamond 2 rates "Very Good" on Scintillation.

I have been making myself cross-eyed this morning trying to determine whether Diamond 1 has more fire/scintillation. Inside, outside, a dark room with candlelight--I can't see much difference. Or rather, as soon as I think I see a difference, a few flashes and sparkles in the next second makes me change my mind!

It is great to have Pricescope as a resource--I really appreciate you four taking the time to give your opinions. This is all good input for me. Thanks!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/3/2009 8:46:32 AM
Author: toast
Thanks, guys! I am relieved to know that both Ideal-Scope images look good. That is what I thought, too, but I couldn''t be sure since these two stones are the only ones I''ve ever personally looked at with the IS!

I had been hoping that there wouldn''t be much difference in fire since the Holloway Cut Advisor rates both as ''Excellent.'' Both are ''Excellent'' on 3 factors; Diamond 1 is ''Very Good'' on Spread and Diamond 2 rates ''Very Good'' on Scintillation.

I have been making myself cross-eyed this morning trying to determine whether Diamond 1 has more fire/scintillation. Inside, outside, a dark room with candlelight--I can''t see much difference. Or rather, as soon as I think I see a difference, a few flashes and sparkles in the next second makes me change my mind!

It is great to have Pricescope as a resource--I really appreciate you four taking the time to give your opinions. This is all good input for me. Thanks!

Take them for a good test drive if you can to see if one appeals to you more than the other across the board.