I SI2 vs H SI3 ... help

[shmotash]

Can someone help me decide?



Diamond # 1
Shape Round (H & A)
Carat Weight 1.55
Color H
Clarity SI3
Make Super Ideal
Report EGL
Depth % 61.6
Table % 59
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
Cut Grade Excellent
Measurements 7.34 x 7.30 x 4.51 mm
Length to Width 1.01 to 1
Girdle Medium
Culet None
Fluorescence Medium
HCA: VG/EX/EX/VG
HCA Score: 2.0



Diamond # 2
Shape Round (H & A)
Carat Weight 1.53
Color I
Clarity SI2
Make Super Ideal
Report EGL
Depth % 60.7
Table % 60
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
Cut Grade Excellent
Measurements 7.42 x 7.33 x 4.48 mm
Length to Width 1.01 to 1
Girdle Medium
Culet None
Fluorescence Medium
HCA: VG/VG/VG/EX
HCA Score: 2.7

Hope they are eye clean.

 

[yennyfire]

First, I wouldn't consider buying an SI2/SI3 in that size expecting them to be eye clean. Second, since EGL is more lenient in grading, they are likely I1 or I2 stones (had GIA or AGS graded them). Eye clean is a touchy subject, as everyone's definition is different, but unless you have really bad eyes, I would guess that neither of these stones will be eye clean at 6 inches away.

I think you can do better. How much are these stones? What is your budget? I'd check out ID Jewelry or Good Old Gold. They can help you find a gorgeous stone that will blow you away!

 

[shmotash]

yennyfire, thanks for the reply.

I have heard that EGL tends to be lenient in grading when compared to GIA or AGS but a difference of a whole grade!!

Well, I was hoping to get a good 1.5ct RB H&A for about US$4,000. Both of these stones were within my budget. In addition to that, I like the warm color of H or I stones and I must say I am a fan of fluorescence (without looking oily or milky of course)

Tried GOG but the stones they have are out of my budget and I don't want a smaller stone and I don't want a color higher than I.

Will check ID Jewelry.

 

[rubybeth]

I think you're going to have a tough time finding a 1.5 for $4k, but it helps that you're flexible about color and clarity. I found this 1 carat from James Allen, K SI1, excellent cut (though not their branded 'Hearts' line of stones) and the inclusions aren't smack in the middle of the table but near the edges:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1466596.asp

And just for reference, this 1.3 J I1 would probably be similar to an EGL SI3 (only EGL gives an 'SI3' grading, and they have been known to be 3 or more grades off with both color and clarity):

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-I1-Fair-Cut-Round-Diamond-1464372.asp

I think I'd rather have the 'smaller' cleaner diamond, and maybe exercise an upgrade policy down the line. JA does require you to spend double the original purchase price, but for an anniversary you could go with something like this, getting the size you want, and easily double what you originally spent:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452942.asp

 

[yennyfire]

I agree with rubybeth. I wouldn't want a larger stone with a visible inclusion in it. Yes, EGL is often more than one grade lower than GIA and AGS in terms of color and clarity. You aren't really saving money with EGL...it's not apples to apples. If you were to compare stones side by side, you'd need a higher color/clarity EGL stone to match a lower color/clarity GIA stone. In which case, the stones would be the same cost (essentially). So EGL isn't really a "deal" if you kwim?

 

[jrich]

I was recently in the same position- looking for a 1.5 for the lowest price I could find - which meant I was going was going to have to go with SI2, so getting an EGL was out of the questions. Bottom line, if you get an EGL SI, chances are slim to none that it will be eye clean. I got my 1.5 for $5950. It is a GIA K triple X SI2, and it took me months of searching through virtual inventory's, etc.

I would see what IDJ can do for you, but just to manage your expectations if you want a nice sparkly diamond, you are going to be looking at a carat, possibly a little more.

 

[shmotash]

Well, I have started excluding EGL from my search criteria.

But it looks like I will have to either compromise on the carat (maybe go for a 1ct instead) or go for a higher color like maybe a K.

I was hoping to get one for about 4K but looks like I will have to Increase my budget by a couple of 1,000 US$. Most GIA / AGS certified 1.5 ct, I or J VS2 are priced US$ 8k and above.

Will a GIA / AGS certified SI1 be eye clean?

 

[Amys Bling]

Well, I have started excluding EGL from my search criteria.

But it looks like I will have to either compromise on the carat (maybe go for a 1ct instead) or go for a higher color like maybe a K.

I was hoping to get one for about 4K but looks like I will have to Increase my budget by a couple of 1,000 US$. Most GIA / AGS certified 1.5 ct, I or J VS2 are priced US$ 8k and above.

Will a GIA / AGS certified SI1 be eye clean?

you would have to confirm if it is eyeclean with the vendor- so work with a vendor who has the ability to examine the stone for you

 

[rubybeth]

Well, I have started excluding EGL from my search criteria.

But it looks like I will have to either compromise on the carat (maybe go for a 1ct instead) or go for a higher color like maybe a K.

I was hoping to get one for about 4K but looks like I will have to Increase my budget by a couple of 1,000 US$. Most GIA / AGS certified 1.5 ct, I or J VS2 are priced US$ 8k and above.

Will a GIA / AGS certified SI1 be eye clean?

I agree with Amy, you'll have to check each SI1 stone for YOUR standards of 'eye clean.' We have had a couple posters recently who had different definitions of 'eye clean' than the vendor they were working with, so make sure you are on the same page.

 

[Dreamer_D]

You are on the right track. GIA/AGS only. And you will either need to increase your budget or drop one of your preferred specs.

 

[jrich]

Maybe a nice sweet spot would be a little increase in budget, GIA J around 1.25. I think you'll find many people here love their J's and say they face up white. You'll find people also say 1.25 is where the diamond starts to look "noticeably bigger" than a 1 carat. As far as clarity, you'll have more options if you exclude SI2, but if you are diligent you can find ones that are eye clean.

 

[Amys Bling]

You are on the right track. GIA/AGS only. And you will either need to increase your budget or drop one of your preferred specs.

agreed. Either increase the budget or drop down in color, or carat- I wouldnt go lower in cut- and you are already looking at the SI range in terms of clarity so I wouldnt go lower in clarity either...