Is bigger really better, in this case?

[TorontoBuyer]

Hi,

I''ve expanded my earlier search to look at slightly larger F/SI1 stones that are 100% eyeclean from the top and sides. I had previously focused on F/VS2 in the 1-1.1ct range and Ellen found a fantastic one, but I''d now like to get her something bigger. My fiance-to-be is quite colour-sensitive so unfortunately I can''t drop below F colour.

I''d appreciate opinions on the following two stones, which to me appear nearly equal based on HCA and other analyses (though please let me know if I''m wrong!). Also, one is a bit larger than the other... would this difference be worth a price difference of nearly $2K?


Stone 1: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4230/
Carat: 1.377
Table Percentage: 56.00%
Depth Percentage: 61.61%
Crown: 34.14
Pavilion: 41.05
Is eyeclean according to GOG: "Totally eye clean I had trouble finding it with a loop"


Stone 2: http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-608077.htm
Carat: 1.110
Depth %: 60.7
Table %: 56.5
Crown Angle: 34.7
Pavilion Angle: 40.6
According to WF is eyeclean: "Completely Eyeclean from 8 to 10 inches with 20/20 vision, dark inclusion in the center, cannot been seen from the side"


Thanks very much.

 

[february2003bride]

Yes, the size hits that 1.25 mark, which does make it more expensive. I ran the HCA on the larger stone and it came back a 1.4. If money isn''t an issue, I would go bigger!

 

[Ellen]

There''s a definite difference in diameters/size. I''m not crazy about the inclusion/viewing distance on the ACA. I''d go with the GOG stone.

 

[Kaleigh]

The GOG stone gets my vote.

 

[ImpatientOne]

I vote for the GOG stone as well!

 

[purrfectpear]

Another vote for the carbonless GOG stone, unless budget is a consideration.

 

[TorontoBuyer]

Wow, so far it''s unanimous! I''m assuming this means that the inclusions on the GOG stone aren''t a reason for concern, or is it more that the WF inclusions aren''t as desirable? Or is it just about the size?

Budget is a factor, but both are doable. I also like the fluoro in the GOG stone... I''ve been driving Jonathan crazy trying to find me one of similar size in F/VS2.

Thanks again.

 

[purrfectpear]

It might be just me, but of all the inclusion types, I find carbon to be the most objectionable and hardest to resale.

 

[Fly Girl]

The 1.37 from GOG would be my pick. It is visibly bigger, it is a branded cut that is on my must-buy list someday, and it's an F with med blue fluor, which I absolutely adore. Worth the extra $$$ to my mind, but of course, it's not my money I'm spending.

ETA-About the inclusions, I would choose the stone with the inclusions nearer the edge, and not the one with inclusions under the table.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Again, GOG.

cheers--Sharon

 

[iheartscience]

Date: 4/8/2008 9:32:30 PM
Author: canuk-gal
HI:


Again, GOG.

cheers--Sharon

Ditto!

 

[Sparkalicious]

In this particular case, I would have to say bigger IS better! Another vote for the GOG stone! ....
... or a different WF ACA b/c I''m just not crazy about the placing & color of the inclusion regardless of it being "eyeclean"

 

[Gypsy]

GOG hands down here too.

 

[Rhea]

GOG

 

[Deelight]

GOG stone

 

[TorontoBuyer]

Thanks for all of your replies... I think I''ve found a clear winner! I''ve asked Jonathan to provide a bit more info on the stone (video, isee2 analysis), and then assuming there are no surprises I''ll go for it!

And now on to the setting... perhaps I could ask for your help again? She likes the finger coverage of a 3-stone ring (her finger size is 7.5) and would prefer something that raises the centre stone above the two sides, and has some kind of interesting design/pattern that ''connects'' the three stones (sorry for the unhelpful wording, but that''s all I have to go with!).

What I''ve found so far suggests she wants some combination of this:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/VRG-ENG-0263/ - which is beautiful and raises the centre stone perfectly, but which might separate the stones too much

and this:
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/3Stone/3-Stone-Trellis-Ring_1135.htm# - which has an elegant pattern (the trellis?) but seems to place the stones at/near the same level.

Would love to see examples of settings (white gold or platinum) that combine these, if that''s not too outrageous a request!

I''d probably prefer platinum, but she''s concerned that her finger might... ah... grow over the years, which would mean I''d have to get it re-made, right?

Also, I''ll need to choose side-stones. I know she wants the centre stone to stand out (this is an engagement ring) but am not sure to go for 0.3ct sides (~20% of centre) or 0.4ct sides (~30% of centre). I''ve read all the past threads I could find on proportions (and seen the comparative photos), but couldn''t find any that had stones similar to those I''m looking for... does anyone have a photo of a 3-stone ring like this that I could see?

Thanks so much for all of your help.

 

[Gypsy]

I've been WAITING for someone with a 7mm round to want a three ring so I could post this:

I LOVE this setting and it is SUCH a fabulous deal with the price of metals and diamonds right now. Can be sized to 7 probably. As for her fingers getting bigger, can be resized later too, if needed. But ask Bill. http://store.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry/view/4868/1014/

Others that I like, similar settings one is contemporary in style, the other vintage,

http://store.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry/view/2834/1014/

http://store.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry/view/6211/1014/

 

[rogeshoe57]

The 2nd setting is awesome!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/9/2008 12:52:15 PM
Author: Gypsy
I''ve been WAITING for someone with a 7mm round to want a three ring so I could post this:

I LOVE this setting and it is SUCH a fabulous deal with the price of metals and diamonds right now. Can be sized to 7 probably. As for her fingers getting bigger, can be resized later too, if needed. But ask Bill. http://store.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry/view/4868/1014/

Others that I like, similar settings one is contemporary in style, the other vintage,

http://store.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry/view/2834/1014/

http://store.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry/view/6211/1014/

I love this ring too! I have been eyeing it!!

DD

 

[TorontoBuyer]

Thanks... those do look very nice.

However, I''ve just gone back to GOG to take another look at the stone (and place it on hold)... but it''s already been put on hold by someone else.

Guess it''s back to the drawing board.