Researching

[takingtheplung]

Hello - This site has been very informative for me so far. So thank you everyone.

1. Before I get to the diamonds let me ask a couple of questions. My gf is small with small hands and she tried on 1 CT diamonds last weekend which seemed ample in size. With my budget I can afford a lot more than 1 CT and am looking at 1.25. Should I go higher? I understand I should concentrate on quality and all that stuff but I don''t want to purchase this ring and realize its small and I could have afforded more and am in the fortunate position to be able to afford more. To complicate things, she is on the conservative side and doesn''t want to be too flashy.

2. I am also interested in understanding peoples opinions on AGS and GIA? Is it worth a paying a premium for an AGS 0?

Here are some diamonds a jeweler was trying to sell me today. I am not making a final decision but wanted to get thoughts.

AGS 0
1.10 CT
I Color
S1
55% table
6.62X6.68X4.13
$8,400
GIA Excellent/Excellent
1.23 CT
J Color
VS2
57% table
6.98X6.90X4.19
$8,100
After looking at the two diamonds under the light both were amazing but for the weight the GIA seemed like the better deal.

 

[lyra]

Well, it depends most on what she prefers. A 1.25ct is a very nice size really. Maybe it''s the setting she would prefer to be plainer? Make sure the stones you''re looking at are eye clean. Someone else can give you more info on that aspect.

 

[takingtheplung]

what do you think of those diamonds and what is your preference on AGS 0 or GIA Excellent/Excellent?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/26/2007 5:06:47 PM
Author: takingtheplung
what do you think of those diamonds and what is your preference on AGS 0 or GIA Excellent/Excellent?

My preference is, both, which I am lucky enough to own. They are both gorgeous, and I don''t know that I could choose one over the other.

However, I bought mine online, and saw all sorts of pics and reports. With a GIA Ex, it helps to have a bit more info than just the grading report...

Do you have the crown and pavillion angles for the GIA stone? (should be listed on the grading report)


As for the size to get your girl, let me ask you this. Where does she live? and what is the typical size her friends wear? You have stated she''s conservative, and that helps. If the average size is say, 1 ct. rounds or less, I might go with a 1-1.25, but not bigger. You don''t want her to feel apprehensive about wearing it (because of conservatism+friends).