Size or Color: 1.71 H vs 1.42 D

[sluke]

Are both ideal cut? If so, I would go with the 1.71 H. When I got my e-ring, I was looking at a 1.51 E and a 1.65 H, and I choose the 1.51 E. The "mm" size difference was so minor compared to the whiteness of an E, HOWEVER, if it was a choice btwn a 1.51 E & a 1.8 H ( a .29 ct diff like your choices) I would have picked the larger of the two...given both being ideal cut. An ideal cut H, face up is very white.

 

[msdarlinjoy]

Date: 7/31/2006 10:34:38 PM
Author:delonn
All else being equal (cut, clarity, price, etc.), which do you think most women prefer: 1.71 H vs. 1.42 D

My girlfriend has a size 5.5 finger...

Hi Delonn ~

Personally "IF" being a half hazardous statement ...

All characteristics being "Equal" ... including "Fire" "Scintilation" "White light return" etc ...

I would choose the 1.71 H.

Ideal cut means you did do your homework, H color means your sensible knowing it''s going to face up White & not Yellow, and practical buying in just under the 2 ct mark. An ideal cut 1.71 diamond with excellent Fire,Scintilation, and White light return is going to appear to look like closer to a 2ct rock when others glance or stare at it, and your not having to pay the premium of a 2ct rock.

I personally have an ideal cut "E" ... "VVS1" ... Yes, it is a gorgeous diamond ... IMHO ... "It was overkill!"

I personally don''t agree with buying a "D" means you got her the best. Best of what exactly??? Best of color? If you care about "having to have the best" what about best of clarity, etc...

I guess you will have to honestly appraise your future intended. Is she the type that states she will only drive an XYZ ... because it''s only the very best ... and that is socially correct for her? If yes ... then you better get the D, and you better make sure the clarity is nothing less than IF ... and don''t settle for 1.42.

Or, is she the type that can see "beauty" in anything, and appreciate the "beauty" in the moment and the thought? If so, definately get what you can afford.

If you can afford the 1.71 H ... and you think it''s pretty ... Most woman are going to be floored being presented an ideal cut, face up white,eye clean diamond ... regardless of how big it is ... or what color it is, becuase the man they love is bestowing it upon them with the intention of loving them unconditionally, respectfully, truthfully for the remainder of your lives.

Lucky girl!

Best wishes to you and have a wonderful day!

(Just my .03)

 

[delonn]

I appreciate all of the responses. You guy/gals are great! You have made great points and I didn''t want sway respondants by most more details. Below are the specs:

Stone 1
AGS000 H VS2
1.71 AGS H VS2
7.63-7.68x4.76
Table: 54.9%
Depth: 62.3% - I don''t think I need to be concerned here as girdle is slightly thick?
Crown Angle: 34.7 (sarin shows 34.8 ranging from 34.6-35.1)
Pav. Angle: 40.8 (sarin shows 40.9 ranging from 40.6-41.3)
Cutlet: .1%
Girdle 1.7%-4.0%
HCA: 1.5 (Ex, Ex, Ex, VG)
$12,900
I have not seen photos of this stone. It is not a Signature Ideal so and it has a higher pav/crown angle variences so I doubt it will have perfect H&A. However, each of this stone''s specs falls within AGA 1A cut so it should be well cut. It''s not engraved, which is something I value although not a deal-breaker.
Stone 2
AGS000 D VS2
7.16-7.19x4.44 mm
PA: 40.7 (42.6%)
CA: 35.0 (15.7)
D: 61.9
T: 55.2
G: 1.4-4.1%
(Ex, Ex, Ex, VG)
$13,500
The photomicrograph on the GCAL shows near perfect H&A

Having been to quite a many jewelers, I''ve heard D is always easier to sell. Regarding the trade up policy, one B&M vendor was claiming about having to buy back various EGLs, etc. etc., but he never has problems reselling the D color stones. Unfortunately BN doesn''t have the lifetime buyback but they are roughly 10% cheaper than comparable stones (e.g., GOG vs. WF ACA vs. BN Signature) with 3% cash back through Fatwallet.

I like the fact that it doesn''t really get much better quality than AGS000 D (unless it were FL) but then again, it''s not what matters to me...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hi, delonn,

Well, if you look back at those pictures I posted, you are almost seeing the diamonds in relation to size. The 1.63 is 7.6mm and the 1.37 is 7.2mm. So both your diamonds really are almost the same size!

I''m not sure why jewelers tell people what they do, but there are few people on here ever shopping for a D diamond. Some of the pros on here have told us that the more in-demand colors are easier to sell. But you''ll lose your shirt selling. This diamond needs to last a lifetime or else you need to buy from a vendor with lifetime trade-up. Or the other option is to use this diamond in another ring or pendant and then buy her another one. Just don''t count on selling it, and take that factor out of the decision.

If you could go up in budget a little, there is a great 1.76 H diamond at WF. Yes, it is more expensive, but it is probably better cut and has the lifetime trade-up as well. Plus they have nice settings to make things easier. It would be about $15,350 with the PS/wire discount.

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2408708.htm

I really wouldn''t be attacted to buying a D. If I were you and wanted a stone that size, I''d buy the very fine Isee2 stone in the pictures I posted beside the one we bought! Here it is:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2239/

And here is a good compromise stone 1.56 H VS2!!!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/1849/

 

[aljdewey]

Between these two stones, I''d select the H.

 

[lumpkin]

I don''t mind a little color and in fact mine is quite tinted. My first impulse was go for size, but after seeing the specs, I''d choose the second stone. In a round stone I prefer something around 1.5 carats and that stone sounds fantastic. The size will make it very versitile in finding the perfect setting. A VS2 is an excellent clarity, so no worries there, and the cut on the second stone seems better.

 

[Groovy Chick]

Wow! Thanks for clarifying all that, "DARLING JOY".

I did actually say "there is no right answer"

But I did not actually say anything about a ring needing to be "socially acceptable". I was simply referring to the fact that I appreciate the whiteness of my own stone and that colour to me is important. I used the word "best" because D is considered the highest colour grade and I can appreciate it''s beauty and she most likely will too. (If it isn''t "better" then why do they cost more?)

And to suggest that there''s no point getting a D unless it is also IF is just getting silly.

I don''t really see the need to so *obviously* demean someone else''s opinion. There''s a way of saying things without making others feel stink and twisting the meaning of their words. But who cares if you hurt someone''s feelings aye? So long as it makes you feel good or smart or important or whatever...

Cheers.

 

[ephemery1]

Date: 8/3/2006 5:54:13 PM
Author: Groovy Chick

I don't really see the need to so *obviously* demean someone else's opinion. There's a way of saying things without making others feel stink and twisting the meaning of their words. But who cares if you hurt someone's feelings aye? So long as it makes you feel good or smart or important or whatever..

Oh my goodness... I REALLY did not see Mrs. Darling Joy's post as obviously demeaning to anyone. I thought she actually did a nice job of presenting her opinion and giving another perspective on the whole debate... she even made sure to point out it was just her ".03 cents", and used the phrase "I personally don't agree" so as not to suggest that she could speak for anyone else.

So please don't feel attacked, Groovychick... I can't imagine that was her intention at all. Maybe just another example of where online communication can break down sometimes... I just wanted to share the way it came across to me, in hopes of tempering things a bit.

 

[Ellen]

I normally stay out of things, but I have to say, I''ve never seen MDJ say an unkind word to anyone....And I didn''t take this post as such.

 

[MichaelLC]

My preference would be for the D.

As the majority have said, if it''s a good cut, you probably won''t see a difference, but I''m an self-described brand-whore, so would go with the "mind-clean" (I think that''s the term) D. If it was a larger size (1 or more) or clarity (VVS to SI) difference, then maybe the H.

Again, I''m sure both are beautiful.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 8/3/2006 6:05:03 PM
Author: ephemery1

Date: 8/3/2006 5:54:13 PM
Author: Groovy Chick

I don''t really see the need to so *obviously* demean someone else''s opinion. There''s a way of saying things without making others feel stink and twisting the meaning of their words. But who cares if you hurt someone''s feelings aye? So long as it makes you feel good or smart or important or whatever..

Oh my goodness... I REALLY did not see Mrs. Darling Joy''s post as obviously demeaning to anyone. I thought she actually did a nice job of presenting her opinion and giving another perspective on the whole debate... she even made sure to point out it was just her ''.03 cents'', and used the phrase ''I personally don''t agree'' so as not to suggest that she could speak for anyone else.

So please don''t feel attacked, Groovychick... I can''t imagine that was her intention at all. Maybe just another example of where online communication can break down sometimes... I just wanted to share the way it came across to me, in hopes of tempering things a bit.

Ditto!!! I totally agree! Mrs DJ would be heartsick to know her post was taken this way!

 

[codex57]

I''d pick the 1.42 D color. It''s the mind clean thing. 1.42 is gonna look huge on her finger anyways so it''s not like she''s gonna be disappointed by the size.

In the end, just gotta figure if the girl thinks size is more important or if mind clean stuff is gonna bother her.

 

[delonn]

1.71 H

 

[delonn]

Another...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The pictures are dark, but it looks great! What do you think?

 

[delonn]

and the IS...

I think this is the one...

 

[butterfly 17]

Wow, the arrows look great.
If I had to chose between these two, I would go with the 1.71 H, not necessary for the color or even size as a G is my sweet spot, but I love the number 17 and it is a 1.71, so there you have it!

I can certainly understand wanting to get a D color as I am all about that whole eye clean, mind clean thing, though.

BTW, it seems that you have the stone in your possession so have you made up your mind? If so, on to the next challenge, SETTINGS!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, I already told you I am biased because my stone is almost just like that! So I think it is a great choice!

Any idea of what kind of setting?

 

[butterfly 17]

I just found this quote and thought it just seemed right to post it here since some people picked the D and others picked the H:


The world is full of choices - the same thing is not right for all of us but something is right for each one of us!

MISSGOTROCKS

 

[delonn]

Basically, BN decided for me. I had a 1.71 H VS2 on hold as I was returning the initial 1.71 H VS1. They told me it was going to take a couple weeks to turn around the new diamond when I ran into the 1.42 D. Two days into the ''couple weeks,'' I got an e-mail that said the new 1.71 H was on its way. I picked up the stone today and I could tell the difference as soon as I opened the box. The darn thing doesn''t stop sparkling! Although the last stone scored a 1.9 (Ex, Vg, Vg, Vg), there is a noticeable scintilation and fire difference (Ex, Ex, Ex, Vg). The HCA really works!

I was leaning towards the 1.71 H as the 30 points is a huge downgrade especially when the D had just an average spread. Although I''ve trained my eye to notice the difference between a D and an H, the H faces up colorless and I don''t think my girlfriend would care even if she could tell the difference. This stone is 3x the size her mother''s ring so that''s why I was initially concerned w/ it being too big. However, I''m banking on the fact that she''ll get over its size. Purerly out of circumstance, we do happen to be among a ''wealthier'' social crowd (although we are far from wealthy) and the only folks that no anything about anything about diamonds are the folks on PS. In fact, I know more than some of the jewelers they''ve purchased from (except GOG, of course). None of my colleagues can remember what they purchased and women don''t carry around microscopes to discuss VS vs. VVS at Starbucks.

At the end of the day, I believe most women care about two things: 1) size and 2) sparkle. MDJ''s post above was spot on w/ my thoughts. Groovychick, I can see how you might have been offended by her post but I''m sure she was just making a reference to a specfic profile - obviously not you. The fact of the matter is that there are a few females out there that are materialistic. However, there is a subtle difference between materialism and appreciating beauty - I think you and most of the people on PS fall into the latter.

I''m going to let it sink in for a day but I think I''ve found the one...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You have excellent reasoning! I think you are absolutely right that most people outside of PS will only see that she has a big sparkly stone! I''m glad you found the H to face up white. I can''t wait to hear about the proposal and what her reaction is to the ring. Don''t forget to come back and tell us!

 

[delonn]

Diamond Seeker,

I''ve been meaning to tell you that you and I think alike. The WF stone was the first stone I was considering, your stone was the second, and the one(s) from BN was third. Btw, I love your stone...I''m attaching more pics of mine.

Although I really like the D, I think it would be a selfish selection.

 

[delonn]

last one...

 

[msdarlinjoy]

Hi Groovy Chick ~

Just saw this post ... and I''ll respond in the text of your post.

Date: 8/3/2006 5:54:13 PM
Author: Groovy Chick

Wow! Thanks for clarifying all that, ''DARLING JOY''. I''ll share something about myself with you. I try my best to "walk my talk", and to make it a habit to "make clear" my personal opinion.

I did actually say ''there is no right answer'' Yes, in your statement to Delonn, you stated that "there is no right answer" ... you can state anything you would like to ... it''s ok. If that''s how you feel, and that is what you believe ... It''s all ok.

But I did not actually say anything about a ring needing to be ''socially acceptable''. Yes, you are correct, you did not say anything about a ring needing to be "socially acceptable" ... I didn''t state that you said that. I believe I stated that statement in my thread in a specific statement to Delonn re: He should appraise his future intended wife to see what "she" would like or need to have.

I was simply referring to the fact that I appreciate the whiteness of my own stone and that colour to me is important.Thank you for restating this. I can appreciate the fact that you, and others can and do appreciate the whiteness of your "D" colored stones, and that color to you and or others is important to yourselves.

I used the word ''best'' because D is considered the highest colour grade and I can appreciate it''s beauty and she most likely will too.Yes, "D" is the highest grade of color on the scale. Again, I can and do appreciate the fact that you, and others can and do appreciate a "D" color graded diamonds beauty for what it is. I however, can not speak for "her" as I do not know her. I have no idea if "She" will or can most likely appreciate a "D" color diamond. I can appreciate a "D" colored diamond, I have an "E" ... I personally think for myself "It''s overkill". Delonn will have to consider this as he figures out the love of his life''s likes & dislikes.

(If it isn''t ''better'' then why do they cost more?) I am not debating that a "D" color graded diamond is the highest color graded catagory. I also am not debating with you about cost and or analysis of why a "D" colored diamond costs more. I am simply stating my personal opinion as you did in your original post to Delonn. I personally think that everyone on this forum has a right to share their opinions, as we both did. We can and should be able to "Agree to Disagree" and let this subside & go.

And to suggest that there''s no point getting a D unless it is also IF is just getting silly. I happen to work with "silly" people. I can admit that there are women out there, and I do happen to know some of them, that are very specific about what, why, how & when about their life. These women believe that they should have a "D" colored diamond, not for the sake of beauty ... but because it would be beneath them to fall-out of their social class ... and heaven forbid that it be anything less than IF ... and of course ... while they are there preaching ... their poor future hubby''s better not settle for anything less than a 3 ct stone!There are women out their like that, and there are women who are not ... difference in eachother is what makes the world go round. Please don''t assume that I am refering to you, if I was, I would have specifically said so, however, I didn''t ... so know that this statement of my personal opinion is no where directed or implied to being you.

I don''t really see the need to so *obviously* demean someone else''s opinion.There is no "Need" to demean anyone''s opinion. Groovy Chick, If I have conducted or behaved myself in an ill proper manner and threatened or reduced your personal opinion far below ordinary standards of civilized life, then please accept my appology for stating my personal opionion to Delonn just as you have.


There''s a way of saying things without making others feel stink and twisting the meaning of their words. But who cares if you hurt someone''s feelings aye? So long as it makes you feel good or smart or important or whatever... GC, Please don''t take things so personally. It''s ok that you like the Reassurance knowing that you have a "D" and can also appreciate the beauty of it. If that is what is perfect for you ... then that is so terrific! In the end if you are happy with your diamond, and I am happy with mine, and Delonn is happy with his ... This is the most important. We should all try to be happy for what we have, and enjoy what we have while we are graciously blessed to have it. I really hope you understand, that my personal opinion & statement to Delonn was not a viscious, stinky, hurt your feelings make you upset post directed towards you.

Cheers.
Have a wonderful day!

 

[Groovy Chick]

No worries, Darlin Joy. You have a lovely day too. Here in NZ it is 10pm right now and I''m about to go to beddy byes...

 

[Groovy Chick]

I guess I am a bit of a sensitive type lol! I''m also not that good with words! I think what I''m trying to say regarding these two diamonds is this:

Some ladies care about colour, others aren''t so fussed. The problem is that we don''t know what type your lady is. If she''s not fussed then of course the H will be just dandy BUT if she is a bit of a colour fanatic (or becomes one after getting her diamond) then there is the possibility that she will *wish* her stone was whiter. There seems to be a select group of "colour-sensitive" women who fall into the category whereby they like the Ds Es and Fs maybe Gs.

So, of course while H could be a little too warm if she is a colour fanatic, D could be "overkill" if she isn''t fussed. I guess the best bet would be a compromise like and F/G as someone else suggested earlier.

Anyway, sorry if I''ve only confused you more lol! To tell you the truth, like Darlin Joy said, whatever diamond you ultimately choose will have been given with love and she will treasure it I''m sure.

Happy engagement

 

[diamondseeker2006]

delonn,

I think the key was for you to see the H to know it wasn''t some yellow color. I''m glad you took the chance and saw a couple. Same with me. I have an F now and originally was looking for a G. But I am glad I took a chance and looked at an H! I think we both got great stones! I''ll be interested to see what kind of setting you choose. I''m still looking for that!