Need help choosing an e-ring

[Level390]

First of all hello everyone, after spending a few months lurking I decided to finally take the plunge and register.

As far as first threads go I think this is pretty much typical, but I need some help (I'm completely stuck) deciding between two diamonds for me to give to my girlfriend as an engamenet ring.

The diamonds are:

1. 0.81ct G VS1 (measurements are 5.98 x 6.03 from above) at 4,800 euros including mounting

2. 1.01ct E SI1 (measurements are 6.52 x 6.56 from above) at 5,300 euros, not including mounting

I'm sorely tempted by the 1.01ct diamond as I think it would be nice to get her a full carat diamond. My only worry is that SI1 (which obviously is the main thing bringing the price down to something I can afford) which could ruin the look of it.

Fire away

 

[stone-cold11]

Post the grading reports.

 

[tyty333]

Who are these stones graded by? You will need to provide us more info on the stones if you want a real evaluation.

Either
carat weight/certificate number

or
depth
table
crown angle
pavilion angle

to start with.

If the cut on both stones were the same and the SI1 were eye-clean then I would also go for the 1 carat stone. Have you see
the 1 carat stone? Does it look eye-clean in all different lighting?

 

[Level390]

Ok so here are both reports:

1.01ct HRD: http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/3282/hrd101esi1.jpg

0.81ct GIA: http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/2999/imag0190g.jpg

Unfortunately I haven't seen either stones, they are both in Antwerp at the moment so I'd have to ship them over or take a trip there (I'm not too far away but it's still a 2 day trip) for me to see the stones.
That's one of the reasons I'm considering the 0.81, since it's a safer bet with G and VS1. Otherwise I'd have chosen the 1.01 assuming it's eye clean.

 

[tyty333]

I used the HCA on these stones...here is the output for the 1 carat
Factor Grade
Light Return Very Good
Fire Very Good
Scintillation Very Good
Spread or diameter for weight Excellent
Total Visual Performance 2.2 - Very Good - Worth buying if the price is right

I think this stone may be considered a 60/60 stone. Here is info on it...
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond

the smaller stone
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spreador diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.4 - Excellent
within TIC range

So it is showing that the smaller stone is better cut. Hopefully someone who knows more about 60/60 stones will comment.

 

[tyty333]

Stop the presses...I re-entered the data for the 1 carat using the angles instead of % and here is the output
(angles are more accurate).

Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Very Good
Spreador diameter for weight Excellent
Total Visual Performance 1.1 - Excellent
within TIC range

So from the HCA point of view they look like they both should be nice stones.

edit - here is the HCA if you want to play with it.
www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

 

[Level390]

I see, so it seems that with both stones as far as cut goes I can't go wrong, and the 1ct diamond is slightly better.

Now what about the other specs, would you go for the larger one with inferior clarity or the smaller, higher quality one? (as far as clarity goes)

 

[Level390]

Anyone?

 

[Eilonwy]

Most people on here would say the clarity doesn't matter as long as it's eye-clean. But personally with an Si1 I would want to see it first before making a decision.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Unless you have confirmation that the SI1 is eyeclean and can be returned if it doesn't meet your standards, then don't do it. I personally like VS stones for rings, but many here choose SI stones to get larger sizes of stones.