Looking for opinions on upgrading to 1.79-1.99 carats

[Kaycee2018]

Good morning, all. My husband and I are considering upgrading my current engagement ring, which is 1.01 carat round (color is I, clarity is SI1). We are looking at upgrading to between 1.79-1.99 carats (staying under the landmark "2 carat" mark for cost savings). I've tried to educate myself as much as possible and the most important factor to me me is cut, followed by color (thinking H or I would be sufficient), followed by clarity (VS2-SI1, but SI2 would be fine as long as its "eye clean") and will consider a faint fluorescence. Budget for the stone is up to around $15k, but will go up to around $18k for an exceptional stone.

These are the ones I found and I would love any input from you experts out there on which of these are strong contenders and which I shouldn't waste my time considering:

Brilliant Earth:
1.80 with I color, SI1. I have a hold on this one, but is this price too good to be true?:
https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5539166/?sid=

1.82 with I color, VS2:
https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5605058/?sid=

1.82 with H Color, VS2:
https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5639584/?sid=

WhiteFlash:
1.923 with I color, SI1 (need to confirm if it is “eye clean”):
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3969522.htm

1.824 with I color, SI1:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3965477.htm

1.816 with I color, SI1:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947719.htm

1.821, an H in color and SI1 (need to confirm if it is “eye clean”):
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3408406.htm

These two from BlueNile on are the higher end of the budget, but if they are leaps and bounds superior to the ones above, we would consider them:

1.82 with H color, SI1:
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

1.86 with H color, VS2:
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

Open to other suggestions too! Thank you all so much...can't wait to hear your thoughts.

KC

 

[Lorelei]

So many new posters that are already well educated, fantastic!

 

[Kaycee2018]

So many new posters that are already well educated, fantastic!

Thank you. I wasn't nearly as educated ten years ago when we got my current stone, so I've tried to absorb as much info as possible (this site has been exceptionally helpful) so we make a better decision this time around (my first and likely my last upgrade LOL). The whole thing can be overwhelming (I still don't understand the HCA scoring or how to interpret the various images), but I'm so glad I stumbled on this forum for information and advice! I do know I am unwilling to pay the premium associated with branded stones (Tiffany, Cartier, etc.). Though I am sure all of their stones are top of the line, the mark-up seems astronomical Looking forward to everyone's input and suggestions.

 

[Gussie]

1.824 ACA from wf gets my vote. Tiny table, higher crown. Eyeclean. Beautiful!

 

[Lorelei]

Thank you. I wasn't nearly as educated ten years ago when we got my current stone, so I've tried to absorb as much info as possible (this site has been exceptionally helpful) so we make a better decision this time around (my first and likely my last upgrade LOL). The whole thing can be overwhelming (I still don't understand the HCA scoring or how to interpret the various images), but I'm so glad I stumbled on this forum for information and advice! I do know I am unwilling to pay the premium associated with branded stones (Tiffany, Cartier, etc.). Though I am sure all of their stones are top of the line, the mark-up seems astronomical Looking forward to everyone's input and suggestions.

You'll do just fine I have no doubt!

 

[ringo865]

Are you using your current stone as a trade in? Or keeping as a pendant or right-hand ring?

 

[uyalison]

I am looking forward to seeing what you end up with. I have recently gone through the similar journey.

I will throw one more option into your basket - CBI (craft by infinity) diamond, which I went with.

All the best!

 

[Kaycee2018]

Are you using your current stone as a trade in? Or keeping as a pendant or right-hand ring?

We are planning on keeping the current stone. The trade in really isn't worth it. Will either turn it into a pendant at some point or get a matching stone and have earrings made.

 

[Kaycee2018]

I'm back and I think we've narrowed it down to two options. Any strong opinions one way or another on either of these just based on the report data (sorry, I don't have images yet)? Thanks in advance!

1.85 Option:




1.93 Option:

 

[ringo865]

Those pavilion angles seem kinda high for those crown angles. They should be more like 40.6 or 40.8 with a 35.5. Have you run it thru the HCA?

 

[Kaycee2018]

Those pavilion angles seem kinda high for those crown angles. They should be more like 40.6 or 40.8 with a 35.5. Have you run it thru the HCA?

I just ran these through HCA (apologize for not doing that in advance), and they failed miserably. Back to the drawing board...

 

[JLW05]

I have a diamond with very similar proportions (pre-PS). Not a great performer. At the time I purchased it, I thought that GIA triple X was all you needed to insure you were purchasing a great stone. I am very grateful to this forum for teaching me a thing or two! As you have already figured out, find a diamond with better pavilion/crown angles.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9893

This diamond is on hold--but I'd inquire about it regardless.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Kaycee2018]

HI:

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9893

This diamond is on hold--but I'd inquire about it regardless.

cheers--Sharon

Thanks! Checking it out now!

 

[Kaycee2018]

Is this one perfect?!?! Not sure how to interperite the comments (pinpoints not shown). Thanks!

G, VVS2, Faint Flor.

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