Help (the hopelessly lost) choose between two diamonds!

[dahlia138]

I am currently in the process of upgrading my current engagement ring to a cushion shaped halo. I received price quotes from my jeweler for ~1 ct. round stones but was unimpressed with the prices/selection. I was hoping to keep my budget relatively low, but have gradually found myself shopping in the $6000-$7000 range which is higher than I had originally hoped. That being said, I found a one carat that had what (to me) looked to be relatively good specs but was priced at the top of my price range:

Ct: 1.00 (6.43 x 6.45 x 4.01)
Clarity: VS1
Color: I
Cut: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Depth: 62.2
Table:%: 53.0
Crown: 34.5
Star: 50
Pavilion Angle: 40.8
Crown %: 16.5
Lower Girdle%: 75.0
Culet: None
Girdle: Thin-Medium
Fluorescence: None

My other option would be a .90 ct. with the following specs:

Ct: .901 (6.15 x 6.19 x 3.84)
Clarity: VS2
Color: G
Cut: Ideal
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Depth: 62.2
Table %: 57.2
Crown: 35.1
Star: 53
Pavilion Angle: 41.1
Crown %: 15
Lower Girdle %: 78
Culet: Pointed
Girdle: Thin-Slightly Thick, Faceted
Fluorescence: Negligible

The .90 ct. would put me under budget, but is it really the "better" choice all things considered?

I've attached a picture of the halo with a .75 ct stone. Assuming the .90 ct. stone is the better choice, would the "face up" difference be noticeable? Thanks for any help!!

 

[Dancing Fire]

The first stone is GIA graded and the second one is AGS?

 

[dahlia138]

Yes, the first is GIA and the second AGS.

 

[Gypsy]

Ok so the first one is an ES, if I am right. It's a gorgeous stone.

Here are some other options:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5044319-0.94-carat-Round-diamond-F-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=5044319&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com If eyeclean, this is the one I'd chose. Saves you a ton of money and is an F color and will look fantastic in that halo.

Here's on that is 700 dollars less than the WF stone : http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4602202-1.01-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=4602202&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Also at the top of your budget, but it is an H color: http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5015121-1.02-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-VS1-Clarity.aspx?sku=5015121&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

 

[dahlia138]

Thanks! I will check out your other options! The first is an ES stone and by all rights on paper seems to be a solid choice. The price is doable, just hard to swallow and with that being said, if I choose to go that route, I just want to ensure that at the end of the day, it's appearance (compared to the other choices) will be enough to justify the cost.

 

[Lorelei]

Thanks! I will check out your other options! The first is an ES stone and by all rights on paper seems to be a solid choice. The price is doable, just hard to swallow and with that being said, if I choose to go that route, I just want to ensure that at the end of the day, it's appearance (compared to the other choices) will be enough to justify the cost.

Hi Dahlia,

Out of the two you posted, the ES would be my preference, but you could certainly consider the options Gypsy posted, she knows her stuff!