Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.5 ct

[victoras]

Hi, I'm a definite newbie when it comes to diamonds, but after doing some research here I've narrowed down my e-ring diamond choices to 2 brilliant rounds. Except I'm not sure how to completely interpret the Idealscope images I received, so I thought I'd ask for some help from far more knowledgeable people. Any help would be much appreciated as I need to make a decision very soon!

Diamond 1
1.51 carats, G, VS2, excellent cut, excellent polish/symmetry, no fluorescence (GIA)
HCA score 1.0
AGA 1B





Diamond 2
1.50 carats, G, VS2, excellent cut, excellent polish, very good symmetry, no fluorescence (GIA)
HCA score 1.7
AGA 1B





Diamond 1 is about $1000 more expensive than diamond 2 (mainly b/c of the discount for very good symmetry, I imagine). The jeweler stated the crystal seen in the Idealscope of 1 is not visible without any magnification. Both appeared equally brilliant, although perhaps Diamond 1 was a little more intense. Diamond 1 was recommended b/c it has a slightly better overall spread and appears slightly larger (from looking at the GIA dimensions we're talking 7.49 mm across vs 7.33 mm).

Any thoughts, esp on the Idealscope images? I'm not sure if Diamond 2 is worth the premium, as I likely won't be able to tell the difference btwn VG and excellent symmetry. I don't know about the very tiny size/"spread" difference through.

Thanks!!!

 

[victoras]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

I talked a little bit more to the jeweler who felt that Diamond 1 was overall larger and more brilliant-appearing due to the larger table. I've posted the GIA diagrams people in case they are useful to people...

 

[tyty333]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

The asets on both look good. Although I perfer a smaller table, the second one is a little to deep for me. The first stone would
probably be considered a 60/60.

More info here on that type of stone.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond

 

[victoras]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

The asets on both look good. Although I perfer a smaller table, the second one is a little to deep for me. The first stone would
probably be considered a 60/60.

More info here on that type of stone.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond

Thanks for your reply! I actually wasn't aware of the concept of 60/60 stones until you pointed it out. Now I did some quick reading on the forums and have managed to freak myself out. It sounds like the big complaint of the 60/60 stones by some is lack of fire. It's tough b/c I'm buying this stone online so can't actually see it beforehand. The HCA score is good, but I'm not sure if that is adequate for a 60/60. The in-house gemologist who viewed it thought it was more brilliant than the other stone, but difficult to say what their bias is.

 

[Ravinmad]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

what are you setting this into? Ring or another piece of jewelry??

 

[victoras]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

what are you setting this into? Ring or another piece of jewelry??

Setting it into a thin pave ring (engagement ring)...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Well, I'd rule out #2 because it is too deep and faces up too small. I wouldn't buy a 1.5 ct. stone unless it was close to or above 7.4mm. The size difference between 7.33 and 7.49 would be visible (as in, I don't think they are close enough to make a pair of earrings). That said, I am not in love with #1, either. I think you can do better than these. What vendor are you using? There have to be a lot more 1.5's around to choose from!

 

[Amys Bling]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

I'd pass on number 2.

 

[tyty333]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

According to the HCA it is a TIC stone which means it should be a pretty well rounded stone.

 

[victoras]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Well, I'd rule out #2 because it is too deep and faces up too small. I wouldn't buy a 1.5 ct. stone unless it was close to or above 7.4mm. The size difference between 7.33 and 7.49 would be visible (as in, I don't think they are close enough to make a pair of earrings). That said, I am not in love with #1, either. I think you can do better than these. What vendor are you using? There have to be a lot more 1.5's around to choose from!

The vendor is James Allen. I really thought I was on to something with diamond #1, as it seemed to match all the HCA, idealscope, and AGA requirements. So the table of 59 is a problem even with all the other parameters, incl Idealscope, looking good? Or is there something else that makes you not crazy for #1? I narrowed down to these 2 based on price, not having any inclusions I thought might be bothersome on the table (eg black ones even if it's VS2), and the HCA/AGA scores. I'm now more confused than anything...

 

[ChrisES]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

There's nothing "wrong" with either stone. But I will defer to the more experienced posters...it may be that they can make suggestions closer to their tastes and that you will find you agree with them.

Personally, I prefer #1 to #2.

 

[victoras]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

I really want to thank everyone for their posts! Just so I'm sure I understand, is the main problem that some people see with #1 the table size? Or is there something related to the inclusions, Idealscope, or actual diamond picture they see as worrisome? In other words, if someone likes the look of a larger table, is diamond #1 otherwise OK?

 

[victoras]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

I just wanted to post an update to complete the thread that I ended up going with Diamond #1. Everything looked good in terms of the magnified image, HCA score, AGA cut class, Idealscope, and the JA gemologist's opinion so I went for it. Proposed this weekend and couldn't have gone better! It really is a beautiful stone with excellent light performance in all kinds of lighting. I know there was some debate about the table size (59) but we couldn't be happier. I think if it's cut well and passes all the tests, it will likely be a beautiful diamond (at least in my only minimally experienced opinion). Pics below (on-the-spot natural lighting so pardon the not-perfect framing/lighting) . . Thanks to everyone's help!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Such gorgeous pictures!!! I vastly preferred #1 and am so glad you got it! I am sorry I sounded like I was discouraging you because the stone is fine. I knew you could find more ideal proportions, but I know personally that you don't have to have perfect numbers to have a gorgeous stone! (I definitely wouldn't have gotten the other one because it would have looked so much smaller than the one you chose! My diamond is very close to yours, in fact!)

 

[AtomicLush]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Looks beautiful! Glad you went with #1.

 

[yssie]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Gorgeous ring, gorgeous photos - congrats on your engagement!!

I'd have picked #1 too, it looks like a fantastic stone

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Beautiful setting Victoras! I love the cherry blossoms in the background - congratulations on your engagement

 

[slg47]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

I just wanted to post an update to complete the thread that I ended up going with Diamond #1. Everything looked good in terms of the magnified image, HCA score, AGA cut class, Idealscope, and the JA gemologist's opinion so I went for it. Proposed this weekend and couldn't have gone better! It really is a beautiful stone with excellent light performance in all kinds of lighting. I know there was some debate about the table size (59) but we couldn't be happier. I think if it's cut well and passes all the tests, it will likely be a beautiful diamond (at least in my only minimally experienced opinion). Pics below (on-the-spot natural lighting so pardon the not-perfect framing/lighting) . . Thanks to everyone's help!

oh my gosh it's gorgeous!!!

 

[ChrisES]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Congratulations!

 

[alene]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Beautiful ring! Congrats on your engagement!

 

[SweetAsscher]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Beautiful! Love the tree blossom background, and the ring looks gorgeous on her!

 

[victoras]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Thanks everyone! I'm really happy everything turned out so well!!!

 

[tyty333]

Re: Need help with picking between two IdealScope images; 1.

Beautiful!!!