Newbie needs help with Diamond Studs for X-mas

[lcwctc]

I am trying to build a pair of stud earrings for my wife for Christmas. I have read through several notes on this Forum, and the recommendation for earrings is excellent cut (HCA<2), H-I in color, VS2-SI2 in clarity, and a martini setting. I would like for the size to be around 1 ctw or above with a total price of $2500 or less. Based on the recommendations, I found the following pairs from Whiteflash.com

AGS-6640402 (0.613 carat, I-SI2, HCA = 1.1, Price = $1224)
AGS-6640406 (0.596 carat, I-SI2, HCA = 1.4, Price = $1189)
First Diamond
Second Diamond

or

AGS-6640403 (0.556 carat, I-SI1, HCA = 1, Price = $1221)
AGS-6640407 (0.557 carat, I-SI1, HCA = 1, Price = $1223)

First Diamond
Second Diamond

I sent Whiteflash a note about the two pairs and they recommended a pair of J/VS2 diamonds around 0.50 carats each ($1097 each). The recommendation by Whiteflash is around $200 cheaper, but the color is a J and the diamonds are much smaller (0.5 vs. 0.56). The J/VS2 diamonds are eye clean, but according to Whiteflash the two pairs that i was looking at are not.

1st J/VS2 Diamond
Second J/VS2 Diamond

Which pair do you prefer? Do you have any other recommendations? Thanks in advance!

 

[valeria101]

Date: 12/4/2005 11:25:42 AM
Author:lcwctc


The J/VS2 diamonds are eye clean, but according to Whiteflash the two pairs that i was looking at are not.

I wouldn't worry much about the J part for half carat stones - even less so for earrings.

The clarity thing is a tad puzzling because WF folk are the only ones who can see the stones at this point. In their pictures your choices look pretty darn clean, especially the SI1 pair doesn't give me any hint that those inclusions might be visible in person.

From 5.4 to 5.1,, there should be a slight difference, but not a ton.

VS2 would be a safe bet - even without further recommendation.


Not much help here.... I know

 

[belle]

there isn''t a lot of difference in any of these stones and they all look great. you really can''t go wrong with any of them, so pick what you like best.

 

[lcwctc]

Thanks for the help.

I might check with Diamond.com to see what they offer. Will they be able to supply the crown angle and the pavilion angle to determine an HCA score? I would prefer the larger stones (0.6 ct.) if I can fit them into the budget (<2500).

 

[valeria101]

Date: 12/4/2005 7:55:56 PM
Author: lcwctc
Thanks for the help.

I might check with Diamond.com to see what they offer. Will they be able to supply the crown angle and the pavilion angle to determine an HCA score? I would prefer the larger stones (0.6 ct.) if I can fit them into the budget (<2500).

No idea. If not, I would think both of you (seller and you) could use Ideal Scopes to read cut quality.