Stone #1 vs. Stone #2

[dww777]

Hi diamond experts!

After weeks of research and learning about how to choose a diamond, I narrowed my selection to two. Both of these are from online vendors, so I don''t have the luxury of seeing them in person... So here they are:

An ACA (Above the Cut) ($11 k)
. Report: AGS
. Carat: 1.065
. Color: F
. Cut: Ideal
. Clarity: VS1
. Depth %: 61.6
. Table %: 56
. Crown Angle: 34.7
. Pavilion Angle: 40.7
. Girdle: Thin to Medium Faceted
. Measurements: 6.54-6.55X4.04
. Light Performance: 0
. Polish: Ideal
. Symmetry: Ideal
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible

Non-Branded ($12 k) (unknown if H&A)
. Report: AGS
. Carat: 1.3
. Color: F
. Cut: Ideal
. Clarity: VS1
. Depth %: 61.8
. Table %: 56.3
. Crown Angle: 34.5
. Pavilion Angle: 40.8
. Girdle: Thin to SL thick
. Measurements: 6.97-7.00 x 4.31mm
. Light Performance: 0
. Polish: Ideal
. Symmetry: Ideal
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible

I guess one of my key debates is whether to pay the premium for an ACA H&A... From my studies, it seems like H&A optical symmetry won''t add to the visual appearance of the diamond, unless it is viewed under a H&A scope. (Is this an accurate statement?). It would certainly be nice to know that the diamond is cut to have such a pretty symmetry, but I''m not sure if it is worth the extra $. Any comments?

I also realize that in addition to having an H&A pattern, an ACA diamond also guarantees a very well cut diamond (super ideal). I think the parameters for my #2 stone also fall into the stricter standards for a stone, yeah?

With these in mind, what is your opinion?

Thank you so much!

 

[honey22]

Do you have an IS image for the second stone? A link to it or something so we can check out the images?

 

[dww777]

sadly no... it is one of those virtual stones that has very little info aside from the AGS report...

 

[kcoursolle]

Both have lovely proportions. Personally, I would drop a little in color and clarity to save some major cash or go larger. Many SI stones are eye clean and it''s almost impossible to tell the difference between an F and a G yet the price difference is quite large!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 9/13/2008 11:38:10 PM
Author: kcoursolle
Both have lovely proportions. Personally, I would drop a little in color and clarity to save some major cash or go larger. Many SI stones are eye clean and it''s almost impossible to tell the difference between an F and a G yet the price difference is quite large!

Ditto

 

[:)]

Both look very nice and are both ags 0 for light performance. The second one will definitely be visibly larger (yes while technically closer to tolk, you also need to know that tolk proportions were with a girdle too thin to actually really wear). You are right that h&a is a debated topic. You do have great symmetry on both. My personal preference if you can swing the budget would be for #2.

 

[edl]

I''d pick the larger stone.