Please help me choose

[belletravelle]

Hi,

I'm new here so here's hoping I do everything right.

I'm looking for a 0.5 carat diamond for an engagement ring. Even though I've been reading a lot about the 4Cs and diamond flaws and all that, I cannot decide what to do:

Option 1:
"branded" diamond, hearts and arrows:
Shape and Cutting Style : Round Brilliant
Measurements : 5.27 - 5.29 x 3.24 mm
Carat Weight : 0.55 carat
Color Grade : D
Clarity Grade : SI1
Cut Grade : Excellent
Polish : Excellent
Symmetry : Excellent
Fluorescence : Faint
Clarity Characteristics : Cloud, Feather

Option 2:
another "branded" diamond but of a lesser brand category (no hearts, no arrows):

Shape and Style: Round Brilliant
Measurements: 5.20 - 5.23 x 3.20 mm
Cut Grade AGS Ideal 0
Polish AGS Ideal 0
Symmetry AGS Ideal 0
Clarity grade (SI1) AGS 5
Carat Weight 0.525 cts
Colour grade: (D) AGS 0
Fluorescence: Negligible

The image shows small feathers near the edge of the diamond.

Because these two come with different reports it's hard for me to figure out which is better. I originally wanted a VS2 or above, but they don't have one in my price range. Is it worth dropping to from VS2 to SI1 or should I just wait until a 0.48-er comes along that is VS2? The ring will be a tension style but in fact half-bezel set one so some of the stone would be covered by the metal regardless.

Thanks so much!

Idealscope images below:

 

[tyty333]

Both the asets look good. I think the first one looks ever so slightly better but I dont think it will probably make a difference in
real life. I like the first stone. Plus it's a little larger so that's a plus. Do you have to have a D stone? F/G will still be bright
white and you could go for a little more size (although that may not be a priority...just tossing it out there).

What are the angles on the first one? Depth and table?

 

[belletravelle]

Thanks for the reply!

I'm attaching pictures of both because that's the best way to get it all in there and make sure I don't make a mistake.
The GIA report is for 1, the AGS is for 2 as I'm sure you've noticed.

I was originally looking in the G-H range and I would gladly give that D up for a VS1 or 2, even if not necessarily a bigger stone. I kinda like the small stone, plus it will be accompanied by two tiny blue sapphires so there isn't too much room anyway.




PS. First stone is cheaper, AUD2600 vs AUD2900, which is surprising as it's bigger and it has the hearts&arrows cut + comes with slightly better conditions... The only downside I've noticed is that it has faint fluorescence but could that really make that much of a difference?

 

[belletravelle]

A bit of background:
I don't wear jewellery at all... used to wear thin/delicate silver rings but I lost the last one that still fit and haven't bothered replacing it.

My fiance is happy letting me pick my engagement ring because he knows how important it is for me to have a comfortable, delicate, small ring... nothing with prongs, nothing high-set because I'll end up injuring myself and him too and snagging all my clothes. I also set under 5k AUD as my budget because anything more expensive would drive me nuts with worry and result in me not wearing it as much as I should. I will also be keeping it on the hand opposite to where the wedding band goes as I'm not crazy about the stacked look and I prefer thicker, no-rocky plain bands for wedding rings.

After 1.5 weeks of research I landed on a design that looks low enough and rounded enough... has to be custom made but I got a decent price for that as well. But now, the stone. Since this will be my first diamond (and likely the last unless I end up trading it up on our 10th anniversary) I'm very nervous about the whole process. Fiance told me to just wait until the VS2 comes along and not go down to SI1, so not really sure what to do. I want that ring ASAP (don't we all) but I really don't want to regret the decision and miss my one-time chance to pick something truly gorgeous.

 

[belletravelle]

Thank you!