Re-Decison Time!! Suggestions welcome from all!

[surfnrg]

I''ve had tremendous input from several experts....apparently very random time zones. I''ve learned a lot, and decided to re-evaluate my diamond purchase. I''ve preselected 2 other stones, and would like your input: mostly to HCA factor vs clarity.

I''ve got to decide how much clarity to compromise to improve projected light performance. The next couple posts include the plotting/dimension layout.

This is what I currently own: GIA 1.65 E SI2, HCA score 5.9

 

[surfnrg]

Next, a GIA 1.71 F SI2, HCA=1.1

 

[surfnrg]

And finally, a ASGL 1.66 E color SI2(ASG6), HCA=1.0

Suggestions???????????

 

[Ellen]

I''d pick the second one, if eyeclean.

 

[jstarfireb]

I''d probably go with the AGS diamond if it''s an AGS000, since that pretty much guarantees the best light performance.

However, if I were you, I''d seriously consider dropping the color to get a bigger stone or a less expensive stone of comparable size. I think E/F is color overkill; you can safely go down to H or so in a well-cut round and it will still face up white. You can keep the clarity at SI2, but I wouldn''t go any lower. I''d actually think about increasing the clarity to SI1 so you have a greater chance of getting an eye-clean stone...but if the SI2s you find are eye-clean or prongable, more power to you!

 

[iheartscience]

I''d pick the bigger one as long as it''s eye clean! But I''m with jstar-I''d drop the color to get an even bigger diamond, or just to save money. I think you could safely go to G or H and still have a very white diamond.

 

[surfnrg]

I''ve searched for G/H stones using the same criteria. Budget gets way overmaxed when I hit the SI1 range.

In the tension clasp with the 1st stone, I can notice the tiny inclusions with a 5 second stare. Are the incl less obvious when set, or the same?

In a round, how obvious would the inclusions in the latter 2 stones be? Garry gave some insight for the AGS E. earlier. I interpreted it as "you can see it, but some lights you won''t"

I know they won''t be as obvious in a round as in a step-cut. How distracting would the round brilliance be to be ignorant of a inclusion?

 

[surfnrg]

I guess a better question: Which is a more acceptable type of inclusion of the later 2 stones? Both have inclusions on the table. The AGS stone seems to have feathers or a wisp near the edge??

Unfortunately, gotta stick with a SI2, regardless of color. Sacrificing weight is the only option, so not an option. There's at least a 1.5-2k price jump from SI2 to SI1.

I guess I'm hoping the light performance will outweigh a slightly visible eye inclusion (10" out table view)????

 

[whatmeworry]

what is the inclusion on the 2nd stone? Is it a colorless crystal?

 

[surfnrg]

Date: 8/6/2007 3:17:33 AM
Author: whatmeworry
what is the inclusion on the 2nd stone? Is it a colorless crystal?

The GIA-F? not sure yet. vague plotting leaves a lot of room to interpretation.

 

[whatmeworry]

Well if it''s a colorless crystal, I would go with the F SI2. If it''s a cloud, then Garry Holloway''s recent posts mention steering away from an SI cloud if it''s the grade maker so in that case my vote for the AGSL SI2.

 

[surfnrg]

Date: 8/6/2007 3:26:35 AM
Author: whatmeworry
Well if it''s a colorless crystal, I would go with the F SI2. If it''s a cloud, then Garry Holloway''s recent posts mention steering away from an SI cloud if it''s the grade maker so in that case my vote for the AGSL SI2.

Over the stone I currently have, right? Do the inclusions near the girdle indicate potential problems? How noticeable would the table inclusions be, going from the AGS plotting?

 

[whatmeworry]

Yes, I would pick either one over your current stone.

SI2s are tricky. I''ve purchased two. One was said to be eye clean with only colorless crystals and it was. The second one was said not to be eye clean but it passes my eye clean test. Both were ideal cut stones (AGSL0/SI2).

You can always pick one and give it a good examination (by yourself or through an appraiser). Just make sure the vendor has a good return policy.

 

[chrono]

I am concerned that you are planning to set an SI2 stone in a tension setting. Most tension setters will only set stones that are VS1 or better. Please check with the tension manufacturer before proceeding too far.

 

[risingsun]

In a tension setting, nothing will be hidden. I would want a smaller stone, with better clarity, for this type of ring. VS2, at least. An ideal cut can mask inclusions in many settings, but a tension setting, IMHO, is a whole different ballgame!

 

[surfnrg]

I'll be using a 6 prong cathedral with princess channel.

Does anyone think that the inclusions near the edge of the AGS stone are an issue? I was told the visible inclusion might be hidden with prongs. Just nervous those feathers might be a structural problem.