Opinion needed on EC

[nokaoi1]

Hi guys, first time ring buyer here and picking out EC stone...GF cares nothing about quality and is all about the size. But i don't think she wants to be looking at a big ole black carbon in the middle. She wears a size 8, and I'm on a budget. Found this 1.60CT from a reputable seller and he swears it will be eye clean and white. It is IGI certified SI1 K color. Here is the picture they sent me and the setting its going in. And then I found a 1.23 F color SI 1 with EGL grading this looks super clean. Whats your guys thoughts?

1.60CT
8.17 x 5.82



1.23CT
7.77 x 5.06



The setting

 

[woofmama]

You didn't mention your budget, I'm going to link 4 diamonds in the $9k-$10k range that are much better clarity than what you've linked.
Personally I wouldn't be happy with an SI1-SI2 in an EC. If none of these are in your price range let us know what it is and we'll look for others.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.70-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-814380

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.36-carat-k-color-if-clarity-sku-726492

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.40-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-884755

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-588645

 

[therainbowradish]

I do think that first one is not going to be eye clean and looks like a fair amount of obstruction. It is possible to find eye clean SI1 step cuts....I have one. But they are few and far between.

What is your budget? Woofmama linked some nice options. I considered buying the 2.36 K IF... if you look through my threads I linked the cert. It is IGI which means it is most likely not a K color, probably warmer. Looks nice though!