Higher quality vs larger stone

[ChrisZXWJ]

Hi Everyone,

A follow up to my post yesterday...

I'm now stuck between the following two options:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2696774.htm
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.750-d-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104054189011

One diamond is .75ct, D colored and VS1 quality. The other diamond is 1ct, H colored and VS2 quality, for a price difference of about $2,000. Both diamonds have <2 HCA scores.

My girlfriend has very simple taste, barely wears any jewelry except for a few costume pieces on occasion. Either diamond would likely be set in a solitaire setting (Legato on WF, Melissa on BGD) or a pave setting.

Another thing to note is that she's a ring size 7.5...so I'm wondering if .75ct would be too small? I bought her .5ct stud earrings from blue nile and while they're very nice, I do find them a bit underwhelming. That led me to want to find a higher color/clarity combinations for a trade off in size.

I'd like to keep the diamond+setting under $10,000.

I appreciate any input!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Without a doubt, I would go for the 1 ct. H VS2. H VS2 is still relatively high color and clarity, and it is a good balance for when you want to get a little greater size. I wouldn't even consider D VS1 unless I had unlimited money and could afford the size I wanted in that color and clarity.

 

[armywife13]

I would go for the whiteflash diamond. It is a great size, clarity, and is still in the near colorless range. Speaking as someone with larger fingers (8.25) I would gladly drop the color and clarity to go up to a 1ct, especially since both stones would still be eye clean!

 

[chel180]

Always go for a larger size. Her girlfriends will ask how big it is but never how white or clear it is.

You won't notice the difference between a VS1 and VS2 without some experience and a very good loupe so I don't think that's worth the extra. Both are very clean and you won't be able to see inclusions without a loupe.

H is still white and most people would only be able to notice the the difference between a D and a H if they were next to each other and in direct comparison. H's are still very white.

I can see that you are only look at top cuts so any stone you get will be super sparkly.

On a personal note I have size 7 fingers and another under around 6mm is going to look modest. I own a 0.7 radiant and I love it but it is subtle. The 1ct you are looking at is 6.5mm which would give nice finger coverage and certainly not be "underwhelming". That said it is a large jump from 0.75ct to 1ct, maybe you want to try looking for something just under 1ct, say 0.98-0.99ct (these are very good value for money as they are under the 1ct magic number) and around D-F, VS2 but still with a top cut.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I would be the only PS'er that would vote for the D stone--that is my preference. Although the H is certainly
"worthy"!

Has your GF tried on many (size) rings--so that in your "head" you can get a visual?

At the end of the day, if you order one stone and are not happy; both vendors have return policies and/or upgrade that are consumer friendly.

cheers--Sharon

 

[tyty333]

Without a doubt, I would go for the 1 ct. H VS2. H VS2 is still relatively high color and clarity, and it is a good balance for when you want to get a little greater size. I wouldn't even consider D VS1 unless I had unlimited money and could afford the size I wanted in that color and clarity.

Ditto

 

[winternight]

I have a 1 ct H stone, clarity is v-something. I love it. My ring size is a 6. I would drop to an H in color but personally I didn't want to go lower than that or v range for clarity. What I did for more sparkle is get a wedding band with channel set diamonds. Another great option is a three stone ring since those give more finger coverage and sparkle and are much more reasonable in price.

 

[slg47]

I would pick the H VS2. that is still very high quality! and the cut quality is excellent! clarity wise-there should be no difference to the naked eye, and H is still 'near colorless'. Also, there is a big difference between 0.75 and 1 carat!

 

[AprilBaby]

Agreed! The bigger H

 

[ChrisZXWJ]

Thanks for all of the quick replies...I do need to make a decision within 24 hours.

Unfortunately, I've never seen her wear a diamond ring...I still want this to be a semi-surprise (even though we've been together for a long time and she's already expecting it). I do know she doesn't like diamonds that are too big...but I don't think 1ct could be considered too big, especially for a size 7.5 finger.

I guess my interest in a D colored diamond is personal...just wanted something that was more rare and unique...plus I'd end up saving $2,000.

If anyone has any suggestions for other diamonds, I'd definitely be open to other options that would get me out the door (with ~$1,500 for a setting) for under $10,000.

Thanks again!

 

[minmin001]

I'd pick the H VS2 one for sure

 

[ChrisZXWJ]

hmm...what's the appeal of a blue diamond?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The appeal of blue fluorescence is that it usually is means a discount in the diamond price and it rarely has a negative effect. You just have to have a vendor who will look at it for you in different lighting to be sure, or buy one of the Brian Gavin Blues that have already been approved. I just bought one with strong blue, and the only time I can see the fluor. is when I shine a UV light on it...and it is quite amazing then!

 

[jessica1973]

Another vote for the H VS2! I have an H VS1 and I find it looks very white.

 

[plummiecat]

I would definitely pick the smaller D. Color is extremely important to me and I can see tint in an H. Could you get something in between, say an F or G? Is there any way you can subtly find out which is more important to your gf, size or color?

 

[Dancing Fire]

i'll take any well cut G/H SI1/VS2 combo...

 

[Enerchi]

I'm an H vote. I'm quite content with a VS 2. Its the size her friends will see, not the colour, as noted above. If you have the option to upgrade later, you can go to a higher colour at that time, if your FI decides that an H has too much tint for her.

Good luck....!

 

[winternight]

Here is another point to consider if you get a D and want to buy her other diamonds in the future you would have more limited choices or have to go custom since most places set with F,G and H stones. Yes a D is very nice but then I think you need only a D, E or F range for other things like an eternity band. I don't know how noticeable in real life a D will be unless it is up against another diamond.

 

[kindred]

I would much rather have the 1 carat H VS2!

ETA: I hadn't even noticed that it was an A Cut Above stone. I do not think you could go wrong with that stone! My ring size is 8 1/2 and a 1 carat diamond on me looks the same as a 3/4 carat diamond on a smaller ring size.

 

[ChrisZXWJ]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their replies...I went with the 1ct H. Thanks again!

 

[HappyEverAfter]

Good choice! With a 7.25 finger, the 1 carat would have been my first choice too!