size or quality??

[virgin ring guy]

I was torn between getting a larger ring that isnt as high quality compared to a lower quality that is a little smaller. the diamond im leaning toward is a 1.01 carat, I, SI1, with a cut grade of 1,polish and symm both 1 and proportions ideal (56% acros the top, 62.3% with 15.5% for the top and 43.5 for the bottom part) not quite sure what it all means but wanted to put all info i have on the post, the cert is from the ags labs...the price is $4930, including a basic white gold setting and taxes...Is that a good deal, it seems like i could find better on the net but im a little nervous getting one on the net..The other is a 1.25 carat, J, I1, no specs for the cut but there is a feather on the diamond that isnt visable from the top..the price is $5370, with same setting etc. They are at diff places and im not going to say the names of the places and or if they are a chain or small shop because i want a good open minded opinion for someone new looking for a ring that will knock the love of his lifes socks off..

Thank you

 

[eks6426]

Welcome virgin ring guy!

First lesson in diamond shopping is that for the most sparkle the cut is the most important variable. A well cut J SI1 is better looking than an average cut E VVS2. As for the other variables, it''s a balancing act. Many people here on PS like the J SI1 stones because they face up white and offer good value. Just make sure to get an eye clean SI1.

On your 2 specific diamonds..I used the HCA cut advisor (under the tools menu on Pricescope) for your first diamond. Assuming 56 table, 62.3 depth, 15.5 crown angle & 43.5 pavillion--it scored a 3 which is "very good if the price is right" I also did a price look up by quality for stones I SI1. The stones score higher on the HCA cut advisor, but are also priced higher...mostly $5000-$5300.

Your other stone does not have enough information to offer analysis of the cut.

But really diamond buying, comes down to buying what you like best. So, if you love the stones & the price is in the right range, then you are ok.

I highly suggest taking some time to read up on pricescope and checking some of the online vendors for stones.

Good luck in your search!

 

[SeaOats]

Cut is king.

 

[allycat0303]

I don''t think I would want an I1 for the difference of 0.25 carats. What are the measurements of the stones? Sometimes the visual size of a 1.01 and 1.25 might not be all that different, worth checking those measurements instead of just the weight of the stone.

 

[Kaleigh]

Read the tutorials on here and learn all you can on cut, etc... Then check out the PS vendors. Good luck and welcome to PS

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I wouldn't want an I1 clarity either! If the other diamond doesn't dazzle you like it should, possibly shop around more.

 

[cutes814]

Like many others have said, I would first check up on the tutorials here and learn a little more about diamonds, then start hunting for stones through some of the vendors here. And yes, Cut is THE MOST IMPORTANT!

I just reread your post again and your last sentence was "knock the love of his life''s socks off". Definitely go with one of the PS vendors. Their diamonds will knock your socks off.

What about some of these stones?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/1_012ct_i_si2_h&a.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-5285404

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-4259306

And there is a lot more where that came from. Take some more time to research.