Radiant Cut - which one would you choose

[SFNervousGuy]

Hi - First thank you to all of the people who post on this board. I have learned alot. I am in the process of buying the diamond for my girlfriend''s engagement ring. I am looking for a square(ish) radiant cut diamond about 1.5 carats. I have looked at a few in stores and many online.

I am looking at two stones. Here is the first:

GIA appraise 11/18/03
6.66x6.22x4.24
1.51 carats
Depth 68.2
Table 69
Girdle - slightly thick to very thick
Clarity - SI1
Color - E
price $8400
I have looked at this diamond and like it. But at the center of the stone is a round area where the facets seem larger. I have noticed this effect on other Radiants. Is this common for radiants? I don''t think it is fish-eye.


the other is
GIA appraise 5/16/2003
6.93x6.42x4.2
1.58 carats
Depth 65.4
Table 61
Girdle - med to slightly thick
Clarity - SI1
Color - E
price $9300

Does the second one (1.5 sound signifcantly better? Would the difference be noticable?

Thanks for your help.

Nervous.

 

[valeria101]

These stones should be rather close in size but have quite different 'looks' due to their different cut proportions. I would bet the second is nicer - at least to me, 'cause I like them with smaller tables (and 61% is already on the lower side of "small table").

And yes... I suppose one should see some variation of facet size (reflections really) throughout a radiant. Some say this is the whole point of the cut (the "crushed ice" look).

There are two standards in force for the proportions of a radiant; the AGA's (LINK) and the ones of the branded randiant (at radiantcut.com). The AGA 1A-1B overlap with the other source - as far as one can tell from their (incomplete) explanation.