Quality vs. Quantity?

[loriken214]

This is for a project, way down the road, and I'm debating size vs. quality. I'm thinking about an EC or Asscher diamond for a center stone in a new wedding ring. Part of me wants size, but another part wants a smaller stone that is almost perfect. Thoughts?

This is the mounting that I'd like to use.

Lori

 

[msop04]

This is for a project, way down the road, and I'm debating size vs. quality. I'm thinking about an EC or Asscher diamond for a center stone in a new wedding ring. Part of me wants size, but another part wants a smaller stone that is almost perfect. Thoughts?

This is the mounting that I'd like to use.

Lori

Hi Lori!

I think this is 100% personal preference. I'm a size gal, but not willing to sacrifice cut (I will go down in color and clarity, if eye clean).

Ask yourself what it is that you'd be more excited over (size vs. perfection). Is there a way you can sort of have a middle road decision? I've found that most ppl can't afford both!

 

[msop04]

P.S. With that bezel setting, I think an asscher would look fab! Love how it accentuates the shape!

 

[Gypsy]

I'm not sure what you are asking.
When you say quality what do you mean?
Are you saying you are trying to chose between a D IF or an H VS2? (Color/Clarity)?
Or are something else (cut, etc.) like an Octavia versus generic step cuts?

I have an F VS1. I'd happily go down to an H VS2 (eyeclean) if it meant more size.
It's not just the size with step cuts. You really need to be above 1/2 carat to appreciate the pattern. And also the steps draw you in, so they appear smaller than they are.

I'd get something over a 1/2 carat and try to eek out as much as possible. I would go down to K for the right stone for that matter.

As for cut quality. I think Octavia's are special. But I also really like a lot of the generic step cuts we've fielded and picked out with nice performance.

Ultimately though, it's a personal preference. You need to spend time with step cuts in real life and discover what your own preferences are.

 

[msop04]

I'm not sure what you are asking.
When you say quality what do you mean?
Are you saying you are trying to chose between a D IF or an H VS2? (Color/Clarity)?
Or are something else (cut, etc.) like an Octavia versus generic step cuts?

I have an F VS1. I'd happily go down to an H VS2 (eyeclean) if it meant more size.
It's not just the size with step cuts. You really need to be above 1/2 carat to appreciate the pattern. And also the steps draw you in, so they appear smaller than they are.

I'd get something over a 1/2 carat and try to eek out as much as possible. I would go down to K for the right stone for that matter.

As for cut quality. I think Octavia's are special. But I also really like a lot of the generic step cuts we've fielded and picked out with nice performance.

Ultimately though, it's a personal preference. You need to spend time with step cuts in real life and discover what your own preferences are.

Good question, Gypsy...

 

[loriken214]

The mounting I posted has a one carat asscher in it, according to Sholdt, and I know that asschers tend to face up small for the most part. That is why I was wondering how small would be too small for a setting like that. LTP's asscher is .77 and I love how it looks in her bezel setting. Wonder if that size would work in this setting in rose gold?

This is what I'm wondering about. I could go really big and have inclusions or smaller with better clarity. Sholdt will make the setting for whatever size is chosen.

I once had a 3.03 ct. EC diamond ring and it looked way too big on my finger....I know....crazy! I've since sold it and will be looking for a simple wedding ring once my massive medical bills are paid off. I want something simple and easy to wear.

Lori

 

[Gypsy]

Lori,
With asscher's it's more helpful to talk mm's than cts. I said 1/2 carat above. I meant 5 mm or larger.

I have a 1.09 stone. Mine is only 65ish in depth so it faces up nicely at 5.8 square. But many one carat stones don't even hit 5.5 mm. Many of them can be 68-79 in depth, and that's considered reasonable with asschers.

Kaleigh's asscher is 90 something points and faces up the same as mine. Her depth is right at 60%ish.

You don't shop for spread with asschers-- there are too many dogs out there. I mean, spread is a consideration. But you shop for performance, eliminating anything too deep if it is not priced correctly to reflect the spread reduction. But that's about it.

I really think you should go and have a look in person at some. Step cuts especially, in my opinion, need to be seen and experienced in person to get an idea of color/size and performance.

 

[marcy]

I would find the largest eye clean near colorless diamond I could. I would go see some in person and see what color range I like. I think the ring will be spectacular.

 

[Rosebloom]

I love that setting!

I recently saw Woofmama's "K" EC. It was unbelievably gorgeous. One of my best friends has a "F" EC (2.5 cts!) which is obviously quite nice too. But honestly, I prefer the K. It gives the step cuts a wonderful warm antiqued look. Woofmama's isn't yellow at all - just not stark white. The F is so white it looks very modern, like harsh steel almost to my eye. This is all totally personal preference of course but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I love warmer colors in (beautifully cut) step cuts!