Need help choosing between 2 diamonds (plots inside)

[eediamond]

I am trying to decide between these 2 diamonds, which are both around the 2.0ct range:

Diamond #1: Excellent cut (HCA score of 2.3) / E / SI2
Diamond #2: Ideal cut (HCA score of 1.1) / G / SI2

#1 costs $2500 more than #2, but based on the inclusion plots, it also seems to have 2 tiny feathers that run around the edge, which worries me a bit from all that I''ve read about feathers. #2 looks fairly clean, but it does have a big needle running down the middle.

Based on the inclusion plots as well as the color and price difference, which diamond would you guys choose? Would you consider the feathers in #1 to be a big risk? If it makes a difference, I am planning on setting the diamond in a platinum 4-prong setting.

 

[outatouch0]

An IS image would help a great deal in making the decision for you. The HCA 2.3 especially needs images for evaluation.
Assuming these are GIA/AGS certified stones (so we actually know the color and clarity, etc.) and just based on numbers I would easily pick the H color with the better cut (my FI''s H is ideal cut and faces up very white). Keep in mind the HCA assumes perfect symmetry is present. This really needs images to determine if that symmetry is there.

However, I would not purchase without IS & ASET images if this is for an ER. The images will also tell you if/how the inclusions effect the light performance of the stone - another thing the HCA does not account for.
We are talking SI2 so I am assuming eye clean is not a priority?

 

[Lorelei]

Hi eediamond

I wouldn''t base my choice on the clarity plot but the cut quality and whether the diamonds were eyeclean to my standards, can you post all the info you used for the HCA plus the rest of the info on the grading report for the diamond''s measurements and any images if you have them please?

 

[stone-cold11]

numbers pls? Also, IS if available.

 

[FB.]

Notice that feather is listed second on stone one - the crystals are what determined the grade. They will probably be visible at six inches, possibly at twelve inches.

On the second stone, feather is listed first. My money says that what you think is a needle under the table, is actually a feather. I suspect that at six to twelve inches, it will be visible as either a reflective white streak, or a black streak, depending on the direction of the light source.

As the others have said; the actual proportions of the stones would be helpful.
But subject to satisfactory angles and eye clean to your requirements, I wouldn't get too worried about the feathers in either stone - but if anything. A prong, or specific direction of mounting could protect number one and the under-table feather of number two is in a thicker/stronger part of the stone (as compared to thin girdles) and the table is not generally in a position where it will take as many knocks as the girdle.

Number 2 looks to have the better cut (as determined by HCA score) and also looks to have less risk of problems with the feathers. So, if buying blind, I'd lean towards number 2.