Need help picking b/n two diamonds

[gustoqb5]

Hello all,
I just found out about this site 2 weeks ago and it has been most helpful in these last few weeks as I have been searching for an engagement ring for my future fiance.
This is my first post to this site so please bear with me. I was hoping that some people could help me out. I have read a couple of books on diamonds and feel like i have done some due dilligence, but now that it is coming down to crunch time I wonder if I am making a good decision, and not just going for the lower price.
Here is what I am choosing between:
Two Round Diamonds at two different jewelers.

1) 1.22 F SI2 TotDepth: 61.9 Table: 57.1 Cr>: 35.3 Pav>:41.5
Girdle: .7-1.5 Diam: 6.88 (6.84 -6.91) Pol: VG Sym: VG
COST: $6,039 They say they can give it to me for $5800
CLarity: Eye Clean. There are 3 small feathers near the edge of the diamond one at 12:00 one at 4:00 and one inbetween. All of them stay above the girdle (don''t run from the crown to the pavillion)

2) 1.21 G SI1 TotDepth: 61.6 Table 57% Sym: EX Pol: VG
COST: $7,100 No discount
No Sarin report at this jeweler. Eye Clean.

I wonder about going above 61% on the total depth (both diamonds) cause I read not too, and secondly, I am leaning to go with the cheaper diamond (1.22 F SI2) but I am thinking that way soley based on the cheaper price. I am kind a worried that I am getting a subpar diamond b/c of the price (sounds oftly low). WHich one looks better to you all?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated between the two.

PS. This stone will be set on a Michael B Flat Pave'' ring (I know all the posts with the cost being so high, I just feel better about knowing what I am getting, instead of trying to replicate it and not being happy with the way it turns out.)

Thanks Gus

 

[Rank Amateur]

Hello and welcome to PS!

Why these two stones? There are so many on the net I'm surprised that these two have jumped out a you. Have you seen them? Are they "eye clean" to you? What color do you prefer? What type of inclusions are you OK with?


#1 gets a 5.3 on the HCA - it was cut for weight retention. This is one of the reasons it is so cheap. If you've looked at many stones and price outweighs the various visual differences it may be the stone for you. #2 may be cut the same way but you don't have enough info to go on.

Have you looked at the vendors who contribute here? They may have what you are looking for.

Good Luck!

 

[gustoqb5]

So now I feel like my research has not paid off at all. But I'm not going to lose hope. I picked these two stones basically b/c they were close to what I was looking for AND they were both being sold at jewelers that said they can get me the michael B ring she wants. They were around 1.2 ct, SIs, good color and not that expensive. The one with the sarin got a AGS O on all categories, but after reading about the HCA (hadn't found that yet on the site until you mentioned it) I realize that doesn't mean its a good stone.
Unfortunately, there are so many variables I feel overwhelmed about picking a good stone. Even if I go to many more jewelers I am comparing only the stones that they are showing me. It looks like just numbers to me and all the possible combinations make up for a headache.

Both were eye clean.

As far as buying on the net, I'm not sure how that will be having to buy the ring from a local jeweler. And then I'll be paying full price for the michael b. piece. Not sure if I can bring in a ring and get a jeweler to give me a good price on the michael B piece.


I did a search based on the HCA on PS and found a bunch of stones that came back with scores under 2, but even then how do you know they are better than the next, or even quality stones?

I prefer color in the range from f-h b/c the Michael B piece is flashy White and inclusions I'm okay with as long as they are eye clean.

How did you determine that #1 was cut for weight retention from the HCA score?
Thanks again for helping a man amidst the numbers.

 

[MelanieC]

I say run from both these stones. Both have very large tables and a 5.3 on the HCA is really bad. You will be loosing lots of light return on this stone more than likely. I'm no expert, but the numbers don't sound to good. #2 - you can't tell, but I wouldn't buy without that info.

Have you checked with any of the pricescope vendors to see if they can get you the design? Honestly, I would go with a great diamond and a setting second. You can easily and for a lot less money change a setting later, but the diamond is way more permanent when your paying 7 grand. I think a G & an H are great colors for a ring. I also like a totally eye clean diamond, so make sure it's definately eye clean.

Good luck. Honestly think about online buying. Do some reading here on the boards. I didn't listen to everyone when I bought my first stone. I wish I would have. I bought a 1.085 H VS2 and I could have saved a few bucks, got a slightly better HCA score (mine was 2.1) and got hearts and arrows (mine is pretty darn close). Make a good cut your number one priority. An awesome well cut diamond will knock the socks off any of her friends diamonds.

 

[gustoqb5]

Thanks Melanie,
I am going to take your advice and not go with either. Come to think of it, since I started at looking at smaller stones these are really 2 out of 8 that I saw (not enough for a comparative shopper like me).

I am also going to give what you said a try and really consider buying online. I will call some vendors on PS and see if they can get that Michael B ring. That is a great idea.

Do you know which ones are the best to deal with? I have seen GOG, whiteflass, niceice on some other postings. Recommend any others to contact?

Thanks again for your help.
(also how do I make sure this reply goes to you so you know I responded)
Gus