I've officially reached the point of analysis paralysis in my diamond search for an engagement ring. This is for a solitaire engagement ring, yellow gold band with a white gold or platinum head.
I'm trying to weigh the importance of the technical aspects, scores, chart ratings, etc, versus the constant unknown of should I keep looking for better. All three are GIA triple Excellent, no fluorescence. Here are my current contenders:
1) 2.07 carat, H, VS2. 58% table; 36 degree crown angle, 15% crown height; 40.8% pavilion angle, 43% pavilion height; 62.2% depth; 80% lower girdle. 8.11-8.13x5.05mm
2) 2.07 carat, I, VS2. 56% table; 36.5 degree crown angle, 16.5% crown height; 40.6% pavilion angle, 43% pavilion height; 62.5% depth; 75% lower girdle. 8.11-8.14x5.08mm
3) 2.03 carat, I, VS2. 59% table; 33.5 degree crown angle, 13.5% crown height; 40.8% pavilion angle, 43% pavilion height; 59.3% depth; 80% lower girdle. 8.26-8.28x4.91mm
Here's where my analysis paralysis has taken over. Looking at the AGS charts, #1 is an EX (bordering ideal), but scores 3.6 on the HCA. In person though, it has great fire and sparkle and appears bright white. The hearts and arrows also appear very symmetrical and straight. #2 is an AGS EX (bordering ideal), but scores much better at 2.3 on the HCA. In person it doesn't appear quite as bright as #1 (I'm guessing I vs H?), but it does still have great fire. #3 charts as Ideal on the AGS charts and scores a 1 on the HCA, but in person it probably has the least bright sparkle. I do like that it shows the biggest though.
I do like the H color of #1 the best, and the difference is noticeable to me, but I'm having trouble moving past the relatively poorer scores. #3 is the only one that scores AGS ideal, and I like its size, but for whatever reason it doesn't appear to have as much "life" to it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I'm trying to weigh the importance of the technical aspects, scores, chart ratings, etc, versus the constant unknown of should I keep looking for better. All three are GIA triple Excellent, no fluorescence. Here are my current contenders:
1) 2.07 carat, H, VS2. 58% table; 36 degree crown angle, 15% crown height; 40.8% pavilion angle, 43% pavilion height; 62.2% depth; 80% lower girdle. 8.11-8.13x5.05mm
2) 2.07 carat, I, VS2. 56% table; 36.5 degree crown angle, 16.5% crown height; 40.6% pavilion angle, 43% pavilion height; 62.5% depth; 75% lower girdle. 8.11-8.14x5.08mm
3) 2.03 carat, I, VS2. 59% table; 33.5 degree crown angle, 13.5% crown height; 40.8% pavilion angle, 43% pavilion height; 59.3% depth; 80% lower girdle. 8.26-8.28x4.91mm
Here's where my analysis paralysis has taken over. Looking at the AGS charts, #1 is an EX (bordering ideal), but scores 3.6 on the HCA. In person though, it has great fire and sparkle and appears bright white. The hearts and arrows also appear very symmetrical and straight. #2 is an AGS EX (bordering ideal), but scores much better at 2.3 on the HCA. In person it doesn't appear quite as bright as #1 (I'm guessing I vs H?), but it does still have great fire. #3 charts as Ideal on the AGS charts and scores a 1 on the HCA, but in person it probably has the least bright sparkle. I do like that it shows the biggest though.
I do like the H color of #1 the best, and the difference is noticeable to me, but I'm having trouble moving past the relatively poorer scores. #3 is the only one that scores AGS ideal, and I like its size, but for whatever reason it doesn't appear to have as much "life" to it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.