Need help picking between two diamonds

[moflare]

I am trying to choose between two similar diamonds and would love a second opinion.

1) 1.06 F VS 2 XXX Cut

Depth: 62.5%
Table: 56%
Crown angle: 36 deg
Crown height: 16%
Pavilian angle: 40.8 deg
Pavilion depth: 43.0%
Star: 50%
Lower half: 80%
Girdle: Medium polished, 3,5%
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Faint

HCA: 3.6

Inclusions: http://www.gia.edu/otmm_wcs_int/vie...160B5A2F4F36F6EE0878CCED0FA82&s=1450010084358

2) 1.00 F VS 2 excellent cut, polish but very good symmetry

Depth: 61.6%
Table: 58%
Crown angle: 36 deg
Crown height: 15.5%
Pavilian angle: 40.6 deg
Pavilion depth: 42.5%
Star: 50%
Lower half: 75%
Girdle: Medium to slightly thick, faceted, 3,5%
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None

HCA: 1.9

Inclusions: http://www.gia.edu/otmm_wcs_int/vie...8C971D857C97645A2584E0EC62902&s=1450008470684

1) What are your thoughts on each of the diamonds?
2) Is the HCA of the first one an issue (it is the pricier one of the two)?

 

[RLS250293]

The second picture isn't loading for me, but based on everything else, excluding the HCA scores, I would go for the second one mainly because of the more favourable depth and table percentages, The diamond is going to appear larger. But other than that, they would look very similar.

Maybe try finding another diamond to compare with the second one, say one with a carat weight of just shy of 1.00, look for between 0.95-0.98, as you may get a better clarity, say VVS2/VVS1 as opposed to VS1/2 and also the price will be ever so slightly lower without impacting on the appearance when compared to a 1.00 carat.

You will probably find more diamonds with the magical 1.00 carat with more inclusions as companies can still charge more for this rather than one just under a carat which is of better quality, because its hit that 1.00 carat mark.
This is the difference between a more caring company...they might say, 'actually lets just polish off that 0.03 of a carat and get rid of that chip/feather line on the surface, and make a more sparkly, eye clean diamond', which you can practically say is a 1ct anyway!! Yes it will sell for slightly less and isn't a whole carat strictly speaking, but they've made a happier customer and a better value for money diamond.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I wouldn't even consider the first one. The HCA score is an indicator that it is not going to be one of the better GIA Ex cut stones, plus it is too deep. I would be hesitant to buy the second one without ASET images. Even though the HCA score is okay, that crown angle is still a little out of the safe zone.

I try to stay in these parameters because it will usually keep you in ideal cut range:

table: 54-58

depth: 60-62.3

crown angle: 34-35.0

pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9

Just one more note. When you list specs, always include the diameter measurements. Two stones of the same weight may be different in diameter due to depth, girdle thickness, etc.

 

[moflare]

Thank you.

Diameter is 6.35-6.41x 3.93

Thinking its a little small for a 1.

 

[everstone]

Thank you.

Diameter is 6.35-6.41x 3.93

Thinking its a little small for a 1.

That's cause your girdle is slightly thick (3.5%). 3% and below is better. But it's not a complete deal breaker. Nobody will be able to see .1mm of a difference, and you'll still be able to comfortably say "it's a one carat."

The 36 degree crown angle isn't a big problem. Those "ideal" parameters have wiggle room. For example, a 33 degree crown angle with a larger table (60-61%) will look just fine. A higher crown angle will need a smaller table. I'd say 58% is still ok.

If you're tired of searching for diamonds I'd say it's ok to go for it.

 

[moflare]

Thanks everstone!