Radiant vs. Asscher Cut

[akameme]

I''ve spent a ton of time searching for diamonds at Blue Nile and really like the look of the Asscher online. However, I haven''t been able to see it in person. When I called Blue Nile for some advice, they recommended the radiant cut, as being more ''sparkly."

Any advice on which cut looks better?

In terms of setting, we are leaning toward sidestones, either baguettes (1/6 ct tw) or pear shaped diamond accents (1/4 ct tw). Both of these have slightly thinner platinum bands which look better on my finger (2.3mm vs. 2.5mm)

Here is the best radiant I could find with a good carat size:


Carat weight: 1.23
Cut: Very Good
Color: G
Clarity: VS1
Depth %: 71.5%
Table %: 70%
Symmetry: Very good
Polish: Excellent
Girdle: Slightly thick to thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 6.81x5.51x3.94 mm
Length/width ratio: 1.24

HEre is the best Asscher I could find:

Carat weight: 1.14
Cut: Very Good
Color: F
Clarity: VVS2
Depth %: 64.4%
Table %: 67%
Symmetry: Very good
Polish: Very good
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 6.08x6.06x3.90 mm
Length/width ratio: 1.00

I''m trying to get as close to 1.25 carats, w/out exceeding our budget (roughly 7500 for the diamond).

Thanks!
akameme

 

[valeria101]

VVS is definitely not budget friendly...

And then... "carat size" is what you pay for, not what shows on hand. IMO, the radiant could be larger for it's weight if it wasn't for the thick girdle and not-so-slim depth.

Are you set for a certain range of color clarity ?

Anyway, staying F/G VS here's one darling LINK

This could well serve as refference, even if it's not meant for you. They can hardly get any more brilliant, it seems... but there are plenty more interesting examples where this one comes from

 

[akameme]

thanks for the reply...a few more questions back to make sure I understand:

VVS isn''t budget friendly...what range would you suggest for clarity? AM i good in the VS range?

Regarding the carat size of the radiant - I''m not sure I fully understand about the thick girdle. Should I look for a thinner girdle? Will that give more bang for the buck? Without seeing the diamond in person, it''s hard to know how it will look set, am I going too high on carat size? I know cut is ultimately more important than size.

Regarding Color, I would rather not go lower than G.

Thanks for the link - very helpful. The Bluenile site is good...but doesn''t provide that type of photo.

 

[dani13]

In terms of what shape looks better, I think its a matter of personal preference. I adore both. The ascher to me is more of a step cut diamond- like an emerald cut. The radiant is more sparkly in general though- I think most would agree. It just comes down to your own taste. Do you prefer a step cut look, or a crushed-ice look (radiant). You can appreciate both cuts for something totally different....
Good luck!

 

[dib]

Another difference between the 2 is how they look in terms of size. The asscher will look smaller than its actual size because of how deep it is. I have an asscher ring and it looks much smaller than it is.