Need Help Deciding b/t two diamonds ASAP

[daisy]

I have to decide between the following two diamonds. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Stone #1 - $17,400
2.01 Round H/VS1
8.12 x 8.19 x 4.96
GIA
Polish & Symmetry: VG
Table 58 %
Depth 60.9 %
Crown Angle 34.4
Crown Height 14.3%
Pavillion Angle 40.7
Pavillion Depth 43%
Girdle 1.5 - 2.0 Med-Sl. Th F
Culet - V Sm
No Fluorescence
AGS1

Stone #2 - $15,940
1.74 Round G/VS1
7.76 x 7.80 x 4.75
GIA
Polish & Symmetry: Ex/Ex
Table 57%
Depth 60.9%
Crown Angle 34.0
Crown Height 14.5%
Pavillion Angle 41.4 (I mistakenly posted 41.1 previously)
Pavillion Depth 43.8%
Girdle 1.29 - 1.80 Med - Sl Tk F
Culet - V Sm
No Fluorescence
Ideal cut

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR FEEDBACK!

 

[Magnum]

I'd pick #1, assuming it's not stretching the budget. It is $1500 more, but it's got better numbers (crown and pavilion angles) which suggest better optical performance, and it's a quarter carat larger, which will probably be pretty noticeable. the one thing the second one has going for it is the G color, but I doubt any difference in the color will be as noticeable as the size difference, and the possible light return difference. I wouldn't worry about the 58% table, either, which is the only reason it's not an AGS0. I'd be more concerned about the 41.1 pavilion angle of the second. If you can afford the extra $1500, I say go for #1.

 

[squirerad]

Just my own personally opinion but I would go with the 2 carat. The pavilion angle/percentage is better and given that the pavilions are the main light reflectors, the 2 carat may "perform" better, ie, have better brilliance, fire, and/or scintillation. But then again, Blue Nile's Signature Ideals, which are the creme of their crop, almost always have pavilion angles around 40.9-41.1' (and I have no clue why and really goes against the reasoning above).

Of course, it's hard to say without an official Brilliance Scope report, Ideal Scope image, or seeing them with your own two eyes for side-to-side comparison. But above all, the word "2 carat" gives a better "wow" factor than 1.74. And if you're concern about the price difference, you can get it set in a white gold solataire setting and plan to upgrade it to platinum as an anniversary/bday/wedding/etc. day gift.

JMHO...

squire

 

[daisy]

Thanks so much for your input. I'm leaning towards the 2 carat myself....what do you think of the prices? A bit high? Or just about where they should be?

 

[squirerad]

You can do a quick search on PS to see where you stand. I just looked a 2.01 ct H/VS1 with similar table/depth/polish/symmetry and PS came up with 2 stones (although it listed five different jewelers for each stone, so must be one of those "drop ship" thingy).

The price for the first, which is GIA certified, ranged from $16.5-17.7K. The EGL certified one ranged from $14.7-15.9K. Don't know what the difference really means without knowing the specifics. So check them out to see if your $17,400 is a deal.

squire

 

[daisy]

Will do Squire, and thanks.

 

[aljdewey]

Daisy, just an FYI.....I think BOTH of these diamonds are AGS1 stones.




You noted a change on the pavilion angle on stone #2 from 41.1 to 41.4. If it's indeed 41.4, that's not within AGS0 standards....AGS0 goes up to 41.2 pavilion angle. If this is really 41.4, it's not "ideal".

 

[Sam2000]

I think they both are good diamonds but both look expensive to me. I think you can get better price. As i know people in this trade, even they think the price is high. Let me know if you need help.

 

[daisy]

I never say no to help...thanks!

 

[valeria101]

Well, I am not a fan of AGS0 - there is more to light return than the AGS grade. So it may not be a factor at all, unless you believe in it.

If you can get something equally nice cut for less, why not - but there is a serious difference between the top and 'average' cut quality, just 'cause "average" falls so low.

Most of the trade (as noted in the above post) does not deal with ideal cuts, and there is a reason why the branded (say, HOF... others too) H&A rounds could pass with the respective price premiums - the cut does make a difference which received it's price. For better or worse the H&A model is repeatable, so the stones you picked up already make a good deal compared to "the brands".

The price seems in line with other stones cut for symmetry and brilliance (meaning H&A or near, superor symmetry and light return, ot at least the HCA promise of it, as far as I know).

Is there cheaper - sure that. Also, it is very easy to advertise lower prices for the same color, clarity and weight wiht "in house" grades and the sellers' inexplicable opinion on cut quality

Actually, maybe 90% of stones come this way?

Maybe not 90%, but better stats are always welcome

 

[valeria101]

Actually, 2.01 does not seem like a 'dead-on' price point... and somehow the 1.9 G-VS2 on the list below beckons more.... as would some F-SI if it was there

Oh well... only an E-SI1 stood up (LINK ), if at all tempting.

 

[daisy]

The 1.91 has possibilities...does it matter that I can get the 2.01 now for $775 less than before (approx $16,600)? I think that is the final price for that diamond....

 

[valeria101]

It wasn't a bad price to start with, and of course it is good news

I would expect the 1.91 and 2.01 to come at a hair from one another (same depth, a bit more of girdle on the 2.01), and the new price really puts these two in balance.

If any difference would be seen between the two, it would not be in numbers (maybe splitting H&A hairs for what is that worth), sure that. And than there is the price difference for all to see...


With no I-scope or simmilar, it comes to 5% of table difference, and $1300 !

 

[daisy]

I finally got both diamonds today to view side by side and I'm so excited! They're both gorgeous! And I really can't tell the difference b/t the G & H, but what a noticeable difference in size. You're right Squirerad, not only the word "2 carat" gives a better "wow" factor than 1.74, but to have them side by side sure makes it easier to decide betweem the two.

Still, I'm going to have them checked out this weekend and see what the appraiser thinks....can't be too careful.

Thanks for all of your input. I sure learned alot from all of you and I'm feeling more confident with my purchase!