Please help me choose between two loose stones

[Xec5cith]

Hey guys,

I'm currently shopping for an engagement ring and this will be my first diamond purchase. I think I've narrowed it down to two stones, but some opinions from others in the know would be very helpful. I figure it's easier if I just link directly to the stones than attach a bunch of pictures to this post so the two stones can be viewed with reports, pictures, videos at:

http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/diamonditem.php?code=SS1441
http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/diamonditem.php?code=CXF3006

As you can see the prices are pretty similar with one being a higher grade colour but smaller and vice versa. The second one also scores higher on the Firetrace report (I'm guessing because of the hearts and diamonds cut?), however I don't know how much I should pay attention to that.

So basically my first concern is the colour difference, however from what I've read the difference between D-F is small. My other concern is the clarity: the smaller stone has inclusions on the outside but the larger stone has most over the table. I'm not sure whether SI2 inclusions would ever be visible with this size diamond, but I'll have to take the dealer's word for it as I am in another state so won't get to see the diamond before buying.

Thank you in advance.

 

[vysemenitip]

I didn't see pics of it .. only information i got .

 

[yennyfire]

Well, both stones are AGS 000 and the IS's look good. Have you gone out and looked at stones in person, just to see your preferences in terms of color/clarity? I would prefer a lower color (maybe G, which is still in the colorless range) and go up to an SI1 or VS2 clarity. You might also be able to get a larger stone for the same $$ or else get the same size stone and save $$. You're paying for that really high color and unless you are very sensitive, you won't see much difference from a D to an F.

 

[stone-cold11]

Ditto, both look good. Do not put much weight on the firetrace, it is known to be inconsistent even with the same stone.

SI2 might or might not be eye-clean, case by case, Inclusion map only tells you the location and type of inclusion but not the visibility of the inclusion, so no easy way to go by.

Jogia has a viewing policy with some appraisers in Sydney and Melbourne that you can take advantage of if you are in that area?
http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/information/viewing.php

 

[Xec5cith]

vysemenitip, a picture and videos of each diamond can be viewed at:

SS1441 - 0.53ct D SI2
http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/analysis.php?code=SS1441.jpg
http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/analysis.php?code=SS1441.mov
http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/analysis.php?code=SS1441-2.mov

CXF3006 - 0.63ct F SI2
http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/analysis.php?code=CXF3006.jpg
http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/analysis.php?code=CXF3006.mov
http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/diamonds/analysis.php?code=CXF3006-2.mov


yennyfire, I haven't actually done any colour comparisons in person. I don't currently know of any reputable places in my area that won't try and sell me an overpriced low quality ring so I think I'll have to look into this further.

Stone-cold11, I think the viewing policy can only be taken up once I've actually made a purchase. Based on the AGS report, I think I was able to see some of the inclusions in the pictures I posted above, however I could not see them in the videos. Maybe someone who knows what to look for can?

Given that the 0.63ct diamond has many different inclusions, as well as clouds and surface graining, maybe the 0.53ct diamond would be a cleaner SI2? I've heard Jogia are pretty honest so hopefully they can help me out here.