Need help choosing!!!

[diamondseeker2006]

OK, I will never be able to make a decision. I currently wear a 1 ct. F and am concerned about color. I prefer VS1 but will go to a good VS2. I also do not know if a 1.3-1.4 is enough difference to be able to see over my current 1 ct., yet I don't know whether 1.6 is too big considering none of my friends wears larger than 1 ct. Here are my choices:

The first 4 are all Ideal H&A and have HCA between 1&2 (I think):

#1 1.37 I VS1 (diameter 7.15) @$7900 (this color may be too warm for me..it's just a tempting price!)

http://www.goodoldgold.com/1_37ct_i_vs1_h%26a2.htm

#2 1.35 H VS2 (diameter 7.11) @$8800

http://www.goodoldgold.com/1_35ct_h_vs2_h%26a1.htm

#3 1.38 H VS1 (diameter 7.11) @$9800

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/2085.html

#4 1.38 G VS1 (diameter 7.19) @$11,000

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=130&item=315322

The last one is my best chance of having a stone above 1.5. It is almost ideal (58% table), is sold by a reputable vendor from this site, and it has a discount on it because it is being sold on consignment (but new, never set). It has an old GIA cert which does not give crown and pavilion angles, so I cannot do the HCA on it. According to the jeweler, it is a beautiful stone and that only if you put it next to a H&A will you notice the difference.

#5 1.66 H VS1 (diameter 7.57, table 58%, depth 62%, g-vg polish and symmetry) $10,500.

I really want an excellent stone and am not wanting to trade up later. I am not a perfectionist and do not have to have a stone in the top 1%. However, the top 10% would be nice! Downside of #4 is no trade-in on it, but it is the best value for the money. I guess I am leaning toward #4 and #5, but I don't want to throw money out the window if #1-32 would look just as good.

I'd really appreciate some help! (I am even considering having two sent here and returning one with the full knowledge of both vendors that there is a 50% chance it will be returned)

 

[Rod]

I''m sure the "expert numbers" folks can chime in and say that this angle or depth is better than another, but it seems you have selected some really nice stones to consider from really stellar vendors that have a great reputation. I still believe that if you can see the stones side by side, your eyes will be the best judge. Not that I''m against the numbers. I realize the numbers mean a lot, but your eyes will tell you more, IMHO. Since you have the ability to see your top two choices, that''s exactly what I would do.

Best of luck to you and do tell us what you end up with.

 

[Sundial]

It looks like you have found some nice diamonds to consider, but that size is really what you are after. If you are determined to stay with VS clarity I would certainly give the larger consignment stone a try as long as you can send it back if it turns out to not be what you are looking for. As you yourself mentioned you could always have that one and your top choice among the others sent to you or an appraiser for comparison purposes. Good luck and have fun with your search!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thank you so much, Rod and Sundial! I admire both of your rings very much, by the way!

I have just ordered the (#6) 1.66 ct. H VS1 stone to look at. If I love it, then I am not looking any further! If I am not sure, then I will call in one of the others to look at to compare. I will probably have it delivered next Friday since I don''t work on Fridays. So I''ll be running to PriceScope as soon as I open that package!!!

Gotta run to the bank to get that cashiers check before they close!

Thanks so much for your input!

 

[Rod]

That''s exactly what I did. I decided what cut, color, clarity and carat weight I wanted and then set a budget. So when my jeweler called and said he''d ordered a stone that met my requirements and that stone was coming from a trusted source of his who said it was spectacular, I had to hope it was as nice as he anticipated. When I saw it, I knew it was exactly what I wanted and I just stopped looking at that moment.

Still, we drive ourselves crazy with numbers, reports, and scopes. And we''re sure there''s something just a bit brighter, a bit better cut, a bit heavier, a bit less included, a bit higher in color just around the corner and we surround ourselves with self-doubt.

I say, let your eyes determine if the stone has the fire and scintilation you seek and if you can''t see any inclussions with your own eyes and you can afford it and it has appropriate papers (GIA/AGS)......BUY THAT PUPPY AND PUT IT ON YOUR FINGER TO ENJOY FOR MANY MANY YEARS TO COME!!

Best of luck to you. Do let us know how it looks when you see it.

 

[Kaleigh]

That''s great, I bet you will love it. Good for you!!!

 

[cobrateach]

Oh you will love the 1.66 size. I just got a 1.61, although I am already planning on adding a 2+ to my collection in a few years.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks so much everyone! You have all been so helpful!

Cobrateach, is there a picture of your new diamond on PS? I''d love to see it, too, especially since it is the same size!

 

[cobrateach]

No photos yet, but will be soon. I have taken them but just need some assistance from either my hubby or daughter to post them. I will promise to put them on this weekend. I had it set in a very thin yellow gold band with Tiffany setting. I can interchange it with my diamond bands, but I mainly wear it alone on my right hand. It has been fun to have!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, I can relate about the posting pictures situation! I''ll be totally relying on our college age kids or my husband when it comes time to do pictures here! I''ll be watching the Show Me the Ring forum for your pictures. I may have mine set in a Tiffany setting unless I decide on some kind of antique reproduction setting.

 

[cobrateach]

Oh now I dont feel so bad about not be able to post photos. LOL....I was going to have the stone sent unset, but then decided to get just the basic setting...and actually I like it! I like seeing more stone than metal...BUT I do love all the antigue settings that are out now. Either way, you will end up with something that you will find yourself staring at all the time! Diamonds are a girl''s bestfriend! How true is that!!!!