Round Ideal cut or European/transition cut?

[kybridetobe]

I had my mind set on a round ideal cut diamond for my engagement until I came across a European or transition cut diamond today. Really like the light coming from the European cut - plus we are looking at a difference of 1400 price between the 1.5 carat ideal cut H VS1 and the 2.5 carat K SI1 which isn't much for the size. Both eye clean with minimal inclusions. Comments or thoughts? ( May go with a simpler solitaire but tried the diamonds with those shown.)

Both diamonds shown together:


The ideal cut H VS1 1.5 carat 10k + tax


The European or transition cut K SI1 12k incl tax

 

[yennyfire]

They are really different stones and it depends on what you prefer. I can tell you my preference, but it shouldn't matter what anyone else likes...you're the one who will be wearing it.

 

[kybridetobe]

I'd had my heart set on a round ideal cut but like the older cut because it is just a little different, I like the larger facets and the diamond is just huge. Don't have a cert on the larger one and don't know much about the cut. Guess it just makes me a little nervous to be making such a large purchase when I feel like I'm uneducated as to the value of the European cut diamond.

 

[yennyfire]

OK, now that you've expressed your opinion, I'll give you mine. I love the Old European cut stones for many of the reasons you mentioned. If you're interested in purchasing that stone, I'd either ask the jeweler to send it to GIA for you or have it sent to an independent appraiser of YOUR choice. Based on that, you'll be able to make a decision about the stone. It's gorgeous, btw!

 

[LGK]

The fact taht you can compare them in person is great, IMO. That's how you should start with the process of making the decision- compare them in all sorts of lighting. Especially in overcast daylight if you can, because that will be the least flattering for a lower colored diamond IMO.

Then, see what the return policy is and if you can take the transitional cut to an independant appraiser and then return it if the appraisal isn't to your liking.

(It's tough to tell from the pics, but it looks like a transitional cut to me.)

Honestly, size trumps a *lot* IMO but not all. For example. I had a 2 carat transitional cut, and a 1.2 ct OEC. The TC was heavily weighted towards white light return over fire, and the OEC vice versa. I prefer the fiery look of the OEC, and I found myself almost never wearing the TC even with the size difference. Lower color, I could care less about. Beautiful flashes of fire? Very important! Whether the stone you're looking at performs well enough for your standards is pretty much a personal decision. But, having something (like the ideal cut) to compare it to is really, really helpful for sure.

Old cut stones truly can be beautiful and they can have wonderful light return- I got to compare my smaller OEC with an August Vintage Cushion (which is cut for excellent light return, and that particular one had a great ASET). And to my eye I really could not tell the difference in the performance between the two- and I can be picky, lol.

I find the chunky flashes in old stones to be really, really appealing- more so than the smaller flashes in round brilliants.

In this case I'd say use an independant appraiser if you decide you're really interested in the older cut, but definitely trust your gut over which you like best. Just give yourself enough time to truly decide and evaluate.

 

[Envyme]

This is just my opinion but I like the older antique diamonds. I would def have it sent to GIA or to an appraiser of your choice (as mentioned above). They are both very nice though and it really comes down to you & what you love. IMO, when you see "the one" you will know it! If this one doesn't sweep you off your feet or doesn't give you the feeling like it's the ONE then I would keep looking until you find one that captures your heart. That's just me though & I may be unique with that feeling.

They both look pretty from the pics & both are very appealing to my eye - I just like the uniqueness of old cut stones with their chunky facets & all! They have captured my heart BUT the modern ideal cut diamonds certainly have a place their too! If someone gave me either one I would be very happy! It just comes down to how you feel and what you like. Some people love having a Modern Cut Ideal spec diamond such as the H&A because it fits in & the proportions are ideal where an older cut stone may be a bit "off"...but that's part of it's uniqueness & beauty IMO! Most people I know have the Modern Cut diamonds so if I wear an OEC stone that has warmth & depth I would be "different" among my friends - which doesn't bother me at all but to some it may. A "warmer" OEC may stand out more & many may not like the warmth but I LOVE IT & that's what really matters! So, that's something to consider too.

I also wouldn't base my opinion on size alone...I always feel like the cut is one of the most important aspects for a Modern diamond & in an Antique diamond - the light return & the making sure light returns from all the chunky facets (not just middle or sides as others have said) would be one of the most important thing for me.

I am not an expert in diamonds by any means & I have a lot of learning to do so these are just my thoughts based off of what I have seen.

Good luck with your diamond search & they both are very pretty in their own way!!

 

[Envyme]

Sorry for the DP - I guess I can't Edit my posts but I think it is CRUCIAL to take them both into different lighting conditions-as a matter of fact I would not purchase a diamond that I couldn't take outside on a cloudy day and a sunny day and in various lighting conditions (with what I know now). That is sooo important IMO because almost every diamond (to my eye) looks like a million bucks in jewelery store lighting but in daylight and on a cloudy day it may be verry verry different! For example, I have heard that Home Depot lighting makes diamonds really sparkle like crazy!