Please help me choose between these 2 Cartier rings!

[curious_tim]

I have spent the last few weeks checking out the Solitaire 1895 round brilliant from Cartier. I have learnt a great deal of info in a short space of time, thanks to the resources here on PS and of course the helpful replies from fellow members.

Based on my budget of $25k, I have found the below 2 rings to have the best cut (HCA rating of 2 or below):

Out of the two diamonds, which has the better cut? Are there other factors you would look into in making a decision? Would really appreciate any thoughts or feedback on the rings, as it will definitely help me a lot in making an informed decision.

I noticed the G color VVS2 ring has a pinpoint right in the centre on the top facing side of the diamond, whereas the feather on the H VVS1 ring is on the corner/edge.

GIA number: 1132612707
HCA score 1.0
1.26ct, G, VVS2
3Ex on GIA for $25,000
61.2 Depth
56.0 Table
34.0 Crown Angle
40.8 Pavilion Angle
Girdle: Medium, Faceted (3.5%)
Cutlet: None
Cut Grade: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Flourescence: None


GIA number: 1137050131
HCA score 2.0
1.33ct, H, VVS1
3Ex on GIA for $23,000
60.8 Depth
59.0 Table
35.0 Crown Angle
40.8 Pavilion Angle
Girdle: Medium, Faceted (3.5%)
Cutlet: None
Cut Grade: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Flourescence: None

The first ring is currently in the boutique, whereas the second one is a loose diamond that needs to me made to order (set for you) service, which means I wont get to see it until they mount it.

Thanks in advance

 

[JulieN]

For that kind of money, I would definitely see both first. That is what you are paying big bucks for, I would push them on this.

Or just have them mount it and then pick.

 

[Christina...]

Yikes, I'd want to see both too, but based on the info you've posted I would choose the first option over the second simply because I prefer the proportions, but YOU may not. We're they unable to locate any VS stones for you? ...or did you decide that you are more comfortable staying in the VVs range?

 

[kehssdu]

I prefer the first one, because I love white diamond, and they are both VVS, that nearly has impact on glint.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Why are you posting the same thread again? Or is one of the diamonds different? You need to provide the diameter measurements because that helps to compare the size of the stones.

Inclusions are irrelevant in VVS stones. They are irrelevant in VS1, too, because you generally can't even see inclusions with a 10x loupe in a VS1. So I wish you'd consider expanding your search to VS1 because it might give you more options and a larger size.

Part of me would say to go for the larger one considering the cost of the ring. But I really do not care for tables over 57-58%. I really think 55-57 is optimal and I do not consider stones with over 58, personally. I like more of the crown to show.

I'd really encourage you to add VS1 to your options because they are totally clean unless you plan to use a microscope with it!

 

[curious_tim]

For that kind of money, I would definitely see both first. That is what you are paying big bucks for, I would push them on this.

Or just have them mount it and then pick.

Yikes, I'd want to see both too, but based on the info you've posted I would choose the first option over the second simply because I prefer the proportions, but YOU may not. We're they unable to locate any VS stones for you? ...or did you decide that you are more comfortable staying in the VVs range?

I agree completely with you both JulieN and Christina, but due to the process Cartier has, the loose diamond is mounted in France, so I wont be able to view it until it is done and arrives in the local boutique. I have pushed them on this, but they wont offer it.

Having said that, I have seen an identical VVS1, H, 1.32ct, 3Ex with different crown and pavilion angles, yet it still looked great in the store.

Christina, why do you prefer the proportions of the first ring over the second?

They were unable to locate any VS1/VS2 stones for me that were under my $25k budget, I would have to go close to $29k to get VS stones which were larger carats.

Given that I won't be able to see the inclusions on VS1 or VS2, I am happy to go for that range, but it doesn't seem like they have any stones in that category in G/H colour that is above 1.30 carats.

 

[JulieN]

Are you obligated to buy if you have them mount it? I mean, Cartier can certain eat the cost of a simple solitaire setting to make a happy customer.

 

[curious_tim]

Why are you posting the same thread again? Or is one of the diamonds different? You need to provide the diameter measurements because that helps to compare the size of the stones.

Inclusions are irrelevant in VVS stones. They are irrelevant in VS1, too, because you generally can't even see inclusions with a 10x loupe in a VS1. So I wish you'd consider expanding your search to VS1 because it might give you more options and a larger size.

Part of me would say to go for the larger one considering the cost of the ring. But I really do not care for tables over 57-58%. I really think 55-57 is optimal and I do not consider stones with over 58, personally. I like more of the crown to show.

I'd really encourage you to add VS1 to your options because they are totally clean unless you plan to use a microscope with it!

Yes, the second diamond in this post is different to my previous thread, it is a loose stone Cartier found for me in France that they can help to mount for me if I choose that stone. Sorry for the confusion.

Are diameter measurements located on the GIA certificate? I will check and come back with the details if it is there.

Does that mean you prefer the second (larger) one given the carat size, but prefer the dimensions on the first one (G color) more? Is 0.7 carat size noticeable to the naked eye?

I actually have expanded my search to VS2 and VS1 at the boutique yesterday, and they could only find the below 3 stones, with the first one already on hold for another customer. Rings 2 and 3 below are above my budget, so not sure if I can afford those.

1) 1.25 cts, G, VS1, 3Ex
$22k, HCA score of 3.6

2) 1.34 cts, G, VVS2, 3Ex, $28k

3) 1.42 cts, G, VS1, 3Ex, $28.5k

Ideally, I was hoping they would be able to find me a G, VS1 at around 1.30 cts or thereabouts, or alternatively a H, VS1 but larger carat size. I'm not sure whether I should wait a little while longer until Cartier gets more stones in or try a different Cartier boutique (even though the SA said she had search the entire inventory including loose stones), it's just hard to believe Cartier wouldn't have more options

 

[fige]

I would wait, or depending on the HCA scores, ask for a discount on the last two. I have actually heard of people receiving discounts of around 10-15%, but not sure if that was on diamonds. I'm sure it depends on how keen they are to make the sale.

 

[hearts-arrows_girl]

Ideally, I was hoping they would be able to find me a G, VS1 at around 1.30 cts or thereabouts, or alternatively a H, VS1 but larger carat size. I'm not sure whether I should wait a little while longer until Cartier gets more stones in or try a different Cartier boutique (even though the SA said she had search the entire inventory including loose stones), it's just hard to believe Cartier wouldn't have more options

I would wait. Have you called other Cartier stores? I would definitely call other stores, and have them fax you the certs. Maybe that store just wants to sell you what they have on hand. Call Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, just to see what's out there. I think G/H VS1 or VS2 would get you more bang for your buck. I would never commit to a stone I hadn't seen yet. What if the one from Paris doesn't look good to you once you get it, then you're stuck with it. Do the leg work, find the perfect stone for you! (When I browsed Cartier shops, the SA's were super surprised that I wanted to know the stats of the stones. They kinda frowned on it, and thought I should just trusts that ALL Cartier stones were fantastic.) Good luck, and don't give up till you find the stone that suits you best.

 

[curious_tim]

I would wait. Have you called other Cartier stores? I would definitely call other stores, and have them fax you the certs. Maybe that store just wants to sell you what they have on hand. Call Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, just to see what's out there. I think G/H VS1 or VS2 would get you more bang for your buck. I would never commit to a stone I hadn't seen yet. What if the one from Paris doesn't look good to you once you get it, then you're stuck with it. Do the leg work, find the perfect stone for you! (When I browsed Cartier shops, the SA's were super surprised that I wanted to know the stats of the stones. They kinda frowned on it, and thought I should just trusts that ALL Cartier stones were fantastic.) Good luck, and don't give up till you find the stone that suits you best.

Thanks hearts-arrow_girl, frustration is definitely starting to set in since it's so hard to find the right stone with the right balance between carat, color and clarity, and most importantly, the cut (which is hardest to find, for a HCA < 2.0). I can now see why so many prefer to choose their own stone and getting it mounted, since there are so many more options to choose from and the cut is usually super ideal.

Back to the topic, I have called and been in to a few other boutiques, and any other stones that fit my criteria (color/clarity) does not have the ideal dimensions for a good HCA rating, even the loose stones in France. So really, I am kind of left with the two options above.

I am getting the same experience as you, ie the SA's are surprised when I am asking for the specific details on the cut to determine the HCA rating. I have seen two similar stones, both with 3Ex on GIA, but one scored HCA 2.0, while the other 4.5.

I'm just choosing between the 2 above, and not sure whether the better cut and color on the 1.26 ct, G stone is better, or the bigger stone and higher clarity in the 1.33 ct, H stone is better....

 

[curious_tim]

Here are the measurements of the 2 stones I am choosing between now:

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.91 - 7.00 x 4.26mm
1.26ct, G, VVS2
61.2 Depth
56.0 Table
34.0 Crown Angle
40.8 Pavilion Angle
Girdle: Medium, Faceted (3.5%)
Cutlet: None
Cut Grade: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Flourescence: None


Round Brilliant
Measurements: 7.08 - 7.10 x 4.31mm
1.33ct, H, VVS1
60.8 Depth
59.0 Table
35.0 Crown Angle
40.8 Pavilion Angle
Girdle: Medium, Faceted (3.5%)
Cutlet: None
Cut Grade: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Flourescence: None

 

[Christina...]

For that kind of money, I would definitely see both first. That is what you are paying big bucks for, I would push them on this.

Or just have them mount it and then pick.

Yikes, I'd want to see both too, but based on the info you've posted I would choose the first option over the second simply because I prefer the proportions, but YOU may not. We're they unable to locate any VS stones for you? ...or did you decide that you are more comfortable staying in the VVs range?

I agree completely with you both JulieN and Christina, but due to the process Cartier has, the loose diamond is mounted in France, so I wont be able to view it until it is done and arrives in the local boutique. I have pushed them on this, but they wont offer it.

Having said that, I have seen an identical VVS1, H, 1.32ct, 3Ex with different crown and pavilion angles, yet it still looked great in the store.

Christina, why do you prefer the proportions of the first ring over the second?

They were unable to locate any VS1/VS2 stones for me that were under my $25k budget, I would have to go close to $29k to get VS stones which were larger carats.

Given that I won't be able to see the inclusions on VS1 or VS2, I am happy to go for that range, but it doesn't seem like they have any stones in that category in G/H colour that is above 1.30 carats.

I prefer the portions of the first for the same reasons that DS mentioned...I like a smaller table. Your second option is more a 60/60 type stone, which many people find beautiful, but they have a different visual appearance to them than a more Tolk ideal cut does and that the majority of posters here are looking for. The second option is still likely to be a very bright stone and 60/60 tend to face up large so if optimizing size is important to you than this is a good choice. You can read more about 60/60s here. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond

I'm disappointed that Cartier wasn't able to find you better VS options than the ones that you posted. It would have been nice to see a 1.25 G VS1 with a significant savings. So, it's impossible to ask them to set both stones so that you can see them side by side? I think that would be more next request, doesn't hurt to ask....

I know how frustrating the process is, but hang in there. It's sort of like labor, extremely slow and painful, but once you have your beautiful baby in your arms, you forget about all you went through to get there. You'll feel the same every time you catch her smiling and staring at her ring! And she will appreciate all you did to ensure that you found her the perfect one!

 

[Niel]

i still think this preloved one is worth considering, nice color and clarity, under 19k, and larger than your current selection. Might not be a HCA score of under 2 but worth an email to the seller for the GIA report #

http://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/solitaire-rings/cartier-solitaire-diamond-ring-152ct-round-g-vvs2/id-j_92536/

 

[curious_tim]

I prefer the portions of the first for the same reasons that DS mentioned...I like a smaller table. Your second option is more a 60/60 type stone, which many people find beautiful, but they have a different visual appearance to them than a more Tolk ideal cut does and that the majority of posters here are looking for. The second option is still likely to be a very bright stone and 60/60 tend to face up large so if optimizing size is important to you than this is a good choice. You can read more about 60/60s here. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond

I'm disappointed that Cartier wasn't able to find you better VS options than the ones that you posted. It would have been nice to see a 1.25 G VS1 with a significant savings. So, it's impossible to ask them to set both stones so that you can see them side by side? I think that would be more next request, doesn't hurt to ask....

I know how frustrating the process is, but hang in there. It's sort of like labor, extremely slow and painful, but once you have your beautiful baby in your arms, you forget about all you went through to get there. You'll feel the same every time you catch her smiling and staring at her ring! And she will appreciate all you did to ensure that you found her the perfect one!

Thanks for the information on the 60/60 type stone, I am now reading about this to find out more. Does the Tolk ideal cut (assuming you are referring to the first stone) look better or is a better cut than the 60/60 stone?

I am very disappointed myself, not so much on the inventory in the boutiques here, but on the global list of loose stones, I would've thought they would have a few stones in within my search criteria.

I still would want to find a G color, VS1/2 in a larger stone, but even if they located such a stone within my budget, there is still a chance the cut wont be good (ie 3Ex, but HCA>2)

I will ask them if they can set the stone first before choosing the ring (the G color is already in the boutique, the H color needs to be mounted). Thanks for the motivating words I'm sure my gf will appreciate the ring once I get it!

 

[curious_tim]

i still think this preloved one is worth considering, nice color and clarity, under 19k, and larger than your current selection. Might not be a HCA score of under 2 but worth an email to the seller for the GIA report #

http://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/solitaire-rings/cartier-solitaire-diamond-ring-152ct-round-g-vvs2/id-j_92536/

Thanks nielseel for the link and suggestion, but I have decided I will be getting the Ering new, but I must admit this one is very tempting.
Appreciate it.

 

[curious_tim]

Is there any tips or things I should do when making the purchase of the Ering from the boutique? Or any questions to ask? This is the first time I have bought anything like this, so I don't want to miss out on anything that is important!

I am leaning towards the G, VVS2 and will see if my gf is happy with this cut/clarity/color/carat, or if she wants to go with the H, VVS1 due to the larger stone (0.07 cts) and lower price, since Cartier does have a 30 day return policy.

 

[curious_tim]

Sorry for all the questions, I just thought of some more before making the purchase.

Based on the dimensions/measurements, does the first ring (G, VVS2) definitely have a better cut than the second ring (H, VVS1)?

If compared side by side, would the size difference between a 1.33 ct vs 1.26 ct RB on the Solitaire 1895 be obvious to the naked eye? In this case, would you go for the better cut and sacrifice 0.07 carat? Carat size might be an important factor for my gf.

To summarise:

Ring 1 (G, VVS2) pros:
- Better cut (HCA 1.0 over 2.0)
- Better color (G over H)
- Ring already in boutique to view

Ring 2 (H, VVS1) pros:
- Larger stone (1.33 vs 1.26 cts)
- Better clarity (VVS1 over VVS2)
- Cheaper by $1,500

I'm leaning towards the G ring, only because I wont get to see the H stone until it has been mounted, there is the risk it may not look as nice (cut) as the G ring.

I thought I'd just do a recap to help myself with making the decision. I really hope the gf likes the ring!

 

[curious_tim]

I found the following loose stones on the 'Set for You' by Cartier website where you can input your price range and preference of the 4 C's (except Cut), and search for what's available.

1.41 cts, H, VVS2
1.42 cts, H, VS2
1.32 cts, G, VS2
1.33 cts, G, VS1

Unfortunately it does not tell you the cut grading from GIA, nor does it provide the dimensions of the stone.

If I enquired with the SA, and the dimensions were not in the 'ideal range', resulting in a HCA rating of > 3.0, should I just stick with the G VVS2 ring (HCA 1.0)? I cannot figure why both rings can have 3Ex, yet have a large difference in HCA rating.

I understand that a HCA rating of 3.5 may still be an excellent cut diamond, but as I'm buying from Cartier, the HCA rating will be my best tool to check the cut quality, I wont have access to the idealscope images.

Is it worth going for a larger stone, but sacrifice on the cut quality? (HCA 4.0 instead of 1.0)
I know the cut impacts the sparkliness of the stone, but would you choose a 1.26 ct with HCA 1.0, or a 1.33 ct with HCA 3.0 (both 3Ex) and say same color/clarity?

I haven't checked with the SA yet, but thought I'd get some thoughts/suggestions first....the tradeoff seems to be cut vs carat.

 

[SMC]

I'd rather choose one with a HCA score < 2.0 but it will be purely a mind issue for me. I don't think my eyes are sophisticated enough to tell the difference between one GIA XXX vs another.

 

[curious_tim]

Part of me would say to go for the larger one considering the cost of the ring. But I really do not care for tables over 57-58%. I really think 55-57 is optimal and I do not consider stones with over 58, personally. I like more of the crown to show.

I'd really encourage you to add VS1 to your options because they are totally clean unless you plan to use a microscope with it!

Thanks DS, there are no other options in the VS1 or VS2 category, so I'm essentially left to decide between these two above.

Will the cut in the larger stone (2nd one) potentially be bad, since the proportions are close to 60/60? Or can it still be an excellent cut with strong: light return, fire and scintillation? This stone scored a HCA rating of 2.0

Is it still considered a 60/60 stone even if the proportions are not that close to 60/60? In this case it is 60.8 depth, 59.0 table. I know you don't consider stones with over 58 table, but can it still be a nice stone with 59? I want to know as I will need to order it if I decide to go with this stone (I wont see the stone until its mounted).

When you mentioned you wanted more of the crown to show, will the crown show more in the first stone (G VVS2)?

After I read the below thread, it seems like 60/60 vs ideal cut is a trade between fire and scintillation:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/60-60-please-tell-me-more.172256/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/60-60-please-tell-me-more.172256/[/URL]

 

[curious_tim]

I prefer the portions of the first for the same reasons that DS mentioned...I like a smaller table. Your second option is more a 60/60 type stone, which many people find beautiful, but they have a different visual appearance to them than a more Tolk ideal cut does and that the majority of posters here are looking for. The second option is still likely to be a very bright stone and 60/60 tend to face up large so if optimizing size is important to you than this is a good choice. You can read more about 60/60s here. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond...

I'm disappointed that Cartier wasn't able to find you better VS options than the ones that you posted. It would have been nice to see a 1.25 G VS1 with a significant savings. So, it's impossible to ask them to set both stones so that you can see them side by side? I think that would be more next request, doesn't hurt to ask....

I know how frustrating the process is, but hang in there. It's sort of like labor, extremely slow and painful, but once you have your beautiful baby in your arms, you forget about all you went through to get there. You'll feel the same every time you catch her smiling and staring at her ring! And she will appreciate all you did to ensure that you found her the perfect one!

I was wondering what you meant when you said the 60/60 type stone has a "different visual appearance to them than a more Tolk ideal cut"? Is it a bad thing or just different type of cut, to show the light, fire and scintillation?

Since I need to decide on the diamond (ring in boutique vs the loose diamond to be mounted in France), I really want to know a bit more on the proportions on the second ring (H, VVS2), and whether it has a high probability of looking bad once mounted, ie can the diamond (60.8 depth, 59.0 table) still potentially look good, since there is no way of seeing it myself?

 

[CharmyPoo]

Short answer - personal preference. With that said, it appears the ps community favors an ideal tolk more and would shy away from a 60/60 diamond.

 

[bunnycat]

I prefer the portions of the first for the same reasons that DS mentioned...I like a smaller table. Your second option is more a 60/60 type stone, which many people find beautiful, but they have a different visual appearance to them than a more Tolk ideal cut does and that the majority of posters here are looking for. The second option is still likely to be a very bright stone and 60/60 tend to face up large so if optimizing size is important to you than this is a good choice. You can read more about 60/60s here. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond.....

I'm disappointed that Cartier wasn't able to find you better VS options than the ones that you posted. It would have been nice to see a 1.25 G VS1 with a significant savings. So, it's impossible to ask them to set both stones so that you can see them side by side? I think that would be more next request, doesn't hurt to ask....

I know how frustrating the process is, but hang in there. It's sort of like labor, extremely slow and painful, but once you have your beautiful baby in your arms, you forget about all you went through to get there. You'll feel the same every time you catch her smiling and staring at her ring! And she will appreciate all you did to ensure that you found her the perfect one!

I was wondering what you meant when you said the 60/60 type stone has a "different visual appearance to them than a more Tolk ideal cut"? Is it a bad thing or just different type of cut, to show the light, fire and scintillation?

Since I need to decide on the diamond (ring in boutique vs the loose diamond to be mounted in France), I really want to know a bit more on the proportions on the second ring (H, VVS2), and whether it has a high probability of looking bad once mounted, ie can the diamond (60.8 depth, 59.0 table) still potentially look good, since there is no way of seeing it myself?

The link didn't work for me when I clicked on it. If you are interested in learning more about 60/60 stones you can do a search. Charmy's short answer sums it up. Personal preference. A 60/60 will probably tend a little towards white light return (brightness) as opposed to fire (spectral light). It was the preferred method of cutting some decades ago and gives a little different look, but I think ideas have shifted in the last couple of decades back towards Tolk and the preference here on PS leans towards Tolk.

 

[tonyjlopez]

I am a newbie here so maybe I am violating protocol by pointing out the 900 pound gorilla in the room. And I apologize if I am missing something.

Why Cartier? The quality is no better and they are shortchanging you on price, service and selection. Cartier may be the only choice if you want new and buy a watch or proprietary jewelry design, but on a solitaire you are dishing out a lot of extra money and getting less in return.

I went with my wife to Cartier, Tiffany, and Harry Winston in South Coast Galleria to get her a new larger stone engagement ring for our 20th anniversary. For my $20-30,000 budget she would have gotten a ring half the size of what we ended up with and of lower quality. I went over the options with her and on her finger, she would rather have a bigger more beautiful stone than a name.

In the end, the ring I bought her at James Allen for less than $25,000 would probably cost $60-75,000 at Cartier which we could not afford. The service and selection was incredible. Cartier or whatever designer retailer I used would have shortchanged her on the overall long term enjoyment of the final product, and after a lot of consideration it became clear that status of the name was not worth getting her something less. Much less.

Again sorry to be brutally honest but I think it the right thing to do while I am still an ignorant newbie and can get away with it.

 

[Niel]

I am a newbie here so maybe I am violating protocol by pointing out the 900 pound gorilla in the room here. And I apologize if I am missing something.

Why Cartier? The quality is no better and they are shortchanging you on price, service and selection. Cartier may be the only choice if you want new and buy a watch or proprietary jewelry design, but on a solitaire you are dishing out a lot of extra money and getting less in return.

I went with my wife to Cartier, Tiffany, and Harry Winston in South Coast Galleria to get her a new larger stone engagement ring for our 20th anniversary. For my $20-30,000 budget she would have gotten a ring half the size of what we ended up with and of lower quality. I went over the options with her and on her finger, she would rather have a bigger more beautiful stone than a name.

In the end, the ring I bought her at James Allen for less than $25,000 would probably cost $60-75,000 at Cartier which we could not afford. The service and selection was incredible. Cartier or whatever designer retailer I used would have shortchanged her on the overall long term enjoyment of the final product, and after a lot of consideration it became clear that status of the name was not worth getting her something less. Much less.

Again sorry to be brutally honest but I think it the right thing to do while I am still an ignorant newbie and can get away with it.

Valid points, but this poster is aware of this and is trying to honor his future FIs wishes. If she knows she can get a larger better performing stone for the same price and chooses not to, that's his right to honer her choice.

Plus, like a fine wine, there are levels that an untrained eye may not see. Well performing and super ideal she may not be able to distinguish. And if what's important to her is name than that's an important factor to consider. Personally it does bother me that for such a premium they still can't guarantee its an ideal cut, and it would personally bother me that I was spending a lot of money on something I know isn't the best I could get for my money. But if he is OK with that fact and willing to soend the money for the name then we should help him find the best one he can under the Cartier umbrella.

 

[tonyjlopez]

Valid points, but this poster is aware of this and is trying to honor his future FIs wishes. If she knows she can get a larger better performing stone for the same price and chooses not to, that's his right to honer her choice.

Plus, like a fine wine, there are levels that an untrained eye may not see. Well performing and super ideal she may not be able to distinguish. And if what's important to her is name than that's an important factor to consider. Personally it does bother me that for such a premium they still can't guarantee its an ideal cut, and it would personally bother me that I was spending a lot of money on something I know isn't the best I could get for my money. But if he is OK with that fact and willing to soend the money for the name then we should help him find the best one he can under the Cartier umbrella.

Absolutely - it boils down to getting her what she wants!

Actually, at the outset I wanted to get a "name" setting, but my wife convinced me otherwise, and the members and posts here at PS convinced me as well. But he definately must defer to the FI (does that mean Fianceé?)

And 20 years later I know one thing - happy wife, happy life!

 

[curious_tim]

Short answer - personal preference. With that said, it appears the ps community favors an ideal tolk more and would shy away from a 60/60 diamond.

Thanks CharmyPoo, its reassuring to know that both the 60/60 and Tolk stones have its different advantages.

But is this stone (60.8 depth, 59.0 table) technically a 60/60? Or does the depth and table need to be closer to 60.0? This one is more a 61 depth, 59 table...I'm not sure if that makes any difference?

The link didn't work for me when I clicked on it. If you are interested in learning more about 60/60 stones you can do a search. Charmy's short answer sums it up. Personal preference. A 60/60 will probably tend a little towards white light return (brightness) as opposed to fire (spectral light). It was the preferred method of cutting some decades ago and gives a little different look, but I think ideas have shifted in the last couple of decades back towards Tolk and the preference here on PS leans towards Tolk.

Thanks for clarifying bastetcat, I did search and read up on many older threads on the 60/60 cut, its pros and cons and the difference when compared to a tolk cut (60/60 more white brigtness, less fire and scintillation), but what I'm trying to figure out is if the stone I'm about to pick out (60.8 depth, 59.0 table) falls under the 60/60 category?

 

[JulieN]

You chose the 61/59 in your visual over the other one, right? that's all that matters.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Sorry, I was out of town for a couple of days and did not forget you! I was unclear, did your ask for the GIA reports on all the VS1-2 stones above? Have you made a decision? Either of the original two stones is okay. Most of us here would choose the cut of the first one, but for the average person who isn't a diamond OCD person, I am sure they wouldn't really care!