Important qualities in smaller diamonds

[ms-tea]

I'm in the process of buying an engagement ring with a budget around the 0.3-0.4 carat mark and I haven't had much luck finding similar sized questions on this forum! The setting is a platinium solitare with a slight twist around the diamond, and I'm going in tomorrow to have a look at the different diamonds the jeweller can offer at the budget.

I have more than gathered that cut is the most important, but for a smaller sized diamond, which of the other cs should I be concentrating on? Or really, what levels can I drop to to still retain a very decent sparkle and a larger carat? I'm imagining this is different for a third of a carat compared to one or two, and any help is really appreciated so I can be armed with a little more knowledge tomorrow!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Actually, I would be looking for the same specs in any size diamond! I'd want excellent/ideal cut, probably go to GIA I color to get more size. I like VS just because, but most here would go to SI1 to get more size. And it is quite possible you might be able to get a better diamond for a better price online, so hold off and come here and compare prices before you buy. If there is a stone you are considering, get the lab report # and exact weight so we can tell you if the stone is well cut.