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Still Nervous

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pittsadam

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So I've got my .81 ct WF ACA diamond and my Ritani band. All that's left is to put them together for the finished product.

I'm still nervous about the size of my stone though. I think part of that is from being on here where seemingly EVERYONE has a bigger stone. I've spent close to $5,000 which is a decent chunk of change for me. I really wanted to hit the carat mark but I didn't want to sacrifice a noticeable difference in sparkle and brilliance for a non extremely noticeable jump in size.

So, final thoughts before I proceed and get it mounted.

1. Is there truly a noticeable difference in sparkle from a WF ACA and a "normal" stone that scores well on the HCA. If there is not, I'd probably consider doing some legwork and purchasing a <2 scoring HCA that is not "namebrand."

If I were decided to get a 1ct I guesstimate it would cost about $2500-$3000 more than the $2800 I paid for my WF ACA.

Thoughts, if you were me what would you do? I've paid cash for anything and refuse to finance anything whatsoever. I should also add, I think the GF is getting a little antsy waiting on me to propose!
 
Hi Adam,

You wouldn't notice much difference between .81 and a full carat face up, it would look a little bigger but not a huge amount. Typically a .80 ct measures around 6mm, 1 ct 6.5mm to give you an idea.

Yes you could shoot for larger with a non branded cut which scores below 2 on the HCA, AGS0 cut grade non branded h&a or GIA Excellent cut grade could be a way to do this. To me there isn't any visual difference between a branded top cut h&a or a top cut non h&a for sparkle and beauty, depending on the optical symmetry of the diamonds some might even show a strong arrow pattern without being sold as a h&a cut. If the proportions and finish of the diamonds are excellent then both types will be beautiful.

I can't recall what the colour and clarity are of your ACA so it is possible there might be room to manouever there without visual sacrifice.

However if you decide to stick to what you have, a .81 ACA is nothing to sneeze at!
 
My stone was...

.81 ct WF ACA
Eyeclean SI1
H Color
 
A .81 is the perfect size, IMO, and I would NOT pay the additional $2500-$3000 to move up to a 1 ct.

If I were you, I''d get the .81 mounted and enjoy it!
 
Date: 6/1/2009 3:19:55 PM
Author: pittsadam
My stone was...

.81 ct WF ACA
Eyeclean SI1
H Color
Thanks Adam, in that case you could look at SI1 or SI2 clarity if verified eyeclean as you are aware, maybe I or J colour in an excellent cut could be an option for you. If you aren't sure, see if you can look at some Hearts on Fire if there is a dealer near you, or AGS0 Peerless from Jareds in I or J colour of similar size.

Also you could contact WF and see if they have a diamond closer to a carat in the Expert Selection range, doesn't hurt to ask.

Here is one in ES, it is around 2k more than your ACA though...

http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-2106436.htm#
 
Date: 6/1/2009 3:19:55 PM
Author: pittsadam
My stone was...


.81 ct WF ACA

Eyeclean SI1

H Color


i think you need to think hard about are you worried about the size or do you think she will be unhappy. you could always go to an I color si1 to try to save some money and go larger. personally i would get a non branded stone and just get a well cut round--
 
Well, I don''t think she''s gonna care about the size. My setting has .20 carats in it so I surpass the 1ct mark with the setting anyway. If that counts...

It''d be nice to have a bigger stone, but man, this ACA sparkles like a disco ball when I bring it in the sun. if I point it towards my hand it puts little "light spots" all over my hand just like a disco ball does.

I have always been terrible at decisions like this.
 
then i think you have your answer!
 
Date: 6/1/2009 3:49:09 PM
Author: pittsadam
Well, I don''t think she''s gonna care about the size. My setting has .20 carats in it so I surpass the 1ct mark with the setting anyway. If that counts...

It''d be nice to have a bigger stone, but man, this ACA sparkles like a disco ball when I bring it in the sun. if I point it towards my hand it puts little ''light spots'' all over my hand just like a disco ball does.

I have always been terrible at decisions like this.
You just made an expensive purchase. . .your nervousness is to be expected. I would suggest taking a short break from PS because as long as you''re reading here, you''re going to obsess about what other stones you could instead be purchasing.

After I bought my pendant, I started looking at other stones mentioned here and began questioning my color choice. Finally, after taking a LONG break from Rocky Talk (and just posting on the "hangout" forums), I felt more confident with my decision.
 
I''d give her the ring as is. A .81 ACA is nothing to sneeze at and I''m sure she will be thrilled. Then if you really want to go larger, you could take advantage of WF''s great upgrade policy on an anniversary.
 
I think your stone is a great size and nice price. There is a big jump to hit the 1ct mark. ACA's are upgradeable so it's possible in the future you'll want to take the leap to 1 ct and beyond. But I'd rather have a beautiful .081 ACA than a bigger and less sparkly stone, besides the ring comes to 1ct so you certainly can say "one carat" and not be wrong.
 
Date: 6/1/2009 3:59:49 PM
Author: MC

Date: 6/1/2009 3:49:09 PM
Author: pittsadam
Well, I don''t think she''s gonna care about the size. My setting has .20 carats in it so I surpass the 1ct mark with the setting anyway. If that counts...

It''d be nice to have a bigger stone, but man, this ACA sparkles like a disco ball when I bring it in the sun. if I point it towards my hand it puts little ''light spots'' all over my hand just like a disco ball does.

I have always been terrible at decisions like this.
You just made an expensive purchase. . .your nervousness is to be expected. I would suggest taking a short break from PS because as long as you''re reading here, you''re going to obsess about what other stones you could instead be purchasing.

After I bought my pendant, I started looking at other stones mentioned here and began questioning my color choice. Finally, after taking a LONG break from Rocky Talk (and just posting on the ''hangout'' forums), I felt more confident with my decision.
Yeah, PS has been a greeat help but right now it''s probably part of the problem. Thanks everyone!
 
Date: 6/1/2009 4:00:01 PM
Author: jet2ks
I''d give her the ring as is. A .81 ACA is nothing to sneeze at and I''m sure she will be thrilled. Then if you really want to go larger, you could take advantage of WF''s great upgrade policy on an anniversary.
Exactly, you always have that to fall back on.
 
Not everyone has a bigger stone.... Mine is .70 ct and I think it''s perfect!!
 
I think it sounds like you got a lovely stone. You have nice size, a really nice color/clarity combination, and an incomparable cut. WhiteFlash allows upgrades, so if it turns out that later in life she wants the one carat, you can upgrade for an anniversary (keep the romance alive!).

0.81 is really a sizeable stone in most circles, maybe NYC, LA, and a website where the diamond-obsessed gather excluded. Don''t let the whoppers here make you think a one carat stone is the "norm."

I vote keep it!
 
Lots of people have a smaller stone, look at the thread on .50 lovely rings! Yours sounds GORGEOUS! Get it set and get that proposal done and bring us handshots!
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It''s going to look great!!! Don''t worry =)
 
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