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The Finalists - I appreciate your feeback and patience

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mre

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 4, 2006
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39
Hi Everyone,

I realize I''ve posted a bunch of diamonds over the past week or so and everybody has been extremely helpful. If you''ll humor me one more time, I''d appreciate some feedback on the diamonds I''ve selected. Which one would you go with? I think I''ll be happy with any of these, but I''m sitting on the fence.

#1:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-2416651.htm#

#2:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2245/

#3:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2244/
 
It kills me to be an honest person, because I''d really like to have #2 and #3 myself for earrings! However, since I really need H color earrrings to bring down the price, I will tell you that #3 is the easy winner of those 3. It is the largest of the 3 and has the tightest numbers of the two GOG stones. When you are looking at this size range, every fraction of a mm counts, so I''d certainly want this one over a .73, even though that is a lovely stone, too.
 
Having a quick look, I think my choice would be number 2. I like the numbers on this one. They are all great diamonds, the WF one being a VVS would be a little high on the clarity for me, but maybe that is important to you? The third diamond is a tad on the deep side for me, I prefer slightly less depth personally. I am sure you would be happy with any of them, but my vote is for number 2! The diameter measurements are a bit tighter on the third diamond however, so overall I would choose 2, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of them really.
 
Date: 8/7/2006 11:32:50 AM
Author: Lorelei
Having a quick look, I think my choice would be number 2. I like the numbers on this one. They are all great diamonds, the WF one being a VVS would be a little high on the clarity for me, but maybe that is important to you? The third diamond is a tad on the deep side for me, I prefer slightly less depth personally. I am sure you would be happy with any of them, but my vote is for number 2!
Lorelei,

#2 has a depth of 62.24%

#3 has a depth of 62.17%

So #3 actually has the better depth of the two.
 
Date: 8/7/2006 11:37:23 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006



Date: 8/7/2006 11:32:50 AM
Author: Lorelei
Having a quick look, I think my choice would be number 2. I like the numbers on this one. They are all great diamonds, the WF one being a VVS would be a little high on the clarity for me, but maybe that is important to you? The third diamond is a tad on the deep side for me, I prefer slightly less depth personally. I am sure you would be happy with any of them, but my vote is for number 2!
Lorelei,

#2 has a depth of 62.24%

#3 has a depth of 62.17%

So #3 actually has the better depth of the two.
I wondered if I was reading that right....I knew i needed that eye test! Changed me mind then, 3 it is! Two votes for you!

Seriously, I need to get an appt for some specs I think...
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I like the WF stone the best. Yes, the clarity is a bit of overkill, but I just like everything else about it better. I''m not a size girl, so that wasn''t in the decision for me.

Good luck!
 
I guess I''m wondering if the .8 diamonds will look visually larger than the WF .7. Size is nice, but if there isn''t a noticeable difference then I might as well get the WF .7. As for clarity I realize that an eye clean SI would probably be my best value, but my comfort level with going to a higher clarity when making an online purchase makes me feel better about it. Frankly, I like the measurements of the WF diamond better but I wish they had somethin in the VS1-VS2 range.

Do people think that the WF diamond will perform better visually to the point where a a difference is readily perceptible? I assume that all 3 of these diamonds will look outstanding, but if you have comments otherwise please let me know.
 
Date: 8/7/2006 2:25:26 PM
Author: mre
I guess I'm wondering if the .8 diamonds will look visually larger than the WF .7. Size is nice, but if there isn't a noticeable difference then I might as well get the WF .7. As for clarity I realize that an eye clean SI would probably be my best value, but my comfort level with going to a higher clarity when making an online purchase makes me feel better about it. Frankly, I like the measurements of the WF diamond better but I wish they had somethin in the VS1-VS2 range.

Do people think that the WF diamond will perform better visually to the point where a a difference is readily perceptible? I assume that all 3 of these diamonds will look outstanding, but if you have comments otherwise please let me know.
Yes, a .8 will be visually larger than a .7. That is why I am having a dilemma deciding which size I really want for earrings!

These 3 are all ideal cut hearts and arrows stones. I do not in any way feel the WF stone would perform "better" than the other two. It is higher clarity but that will not effect performance over VS2. I also prefer VS2 or above. But for a ring, I would not choose a .7 over a .8 because size does matter in a stone less than a carat. It would matter much less if you were talking about 1.5 versus 1.6.
 
all of the diamonds are beautiful. I''d chose #3 too but I''d want the bigger size..
 
I really like that chart, Ellen! It may help me with the earring decision! But I do want mre to note that the diamond photos are not true to size on the computer screen (at least they aren''t on mine). I held up my 1 ct. stone to the picture of the 1 ct. and the photo was much larger.

So just keep in mind, mre, that the photos are true in relation to each other but may be larger than reality, I guess depending on the size of your monitor!
 
Date: 8/7/2006 3:25:57 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I really like that chart, Ellen! It may help me with the earring decision! But I do want mre to note that the diamond photos are not true to size on the computer screen (at least they aren''t on mine). I held up my 1 ct. stone to the picture of the 1 ct. and the photo was much larger.

So just keep in mind, mre, that the photos are true in relation to each other but may be larger than reality, I guess depending on the size of your monitor!
Thanks ds, probably should have made note of that!
 
Date: 8/7/2006 3:27:59 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/7/2006 3:25:57 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I really like that chart, Ellen! It may help me with the earring decision! But I do want mre to note that the diamond photos are not true to size on the computer screen (at least they aren''t on mine). I held up my 1 ct. stone to the picture of the 1 ct. and the photo was much larger.

So just keep in mind, mre, that the photos are true in relation to each other but may be larger than reality, I guess depending on the size of your monitor!
Thanks ds, probably should have made note of that!
We only WISH
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we could counteract DSS by enlarging diamonds!!!
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I put the 3 diamonds in the running because I would be fine with buying any of them. #3 does look really good. I get a bit bigger in size, Idealscope images look good, HCA scores are good as well. The only other reservation I have is on the thin to slightly thick girdle, but I don''t think it''s that big of deal. I really want the best for my girl, but ultimately, I think all of these diamonds are great performers that she''ll be happy with.
 
Ellen, thanks for the chart on sizes, that was helpful.
 
Date: 8/7/2006 4:12:38 PM
Author: mre
Ellen, thanks for the chart on sizes, that was helpful.
You''re welcome mre. Glad it helped.

And please post pics when you get it!
 
Date: 8/7/2006 3:25:57 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I really like that chart, Ellen! It may help me with the earring decision! But I do want mre to note that the diamond photos are not true to size on the computer screen (at least they aren't on mine). I held up my 1 ct. stone to the picture of the 1 ct. and the photo was much larger.

So just keep in mind, mre, that the photos are true in relation to each other but may be larger than reality, I guess depending on the size of your monitor!


1. Ellen & DiamondSeeker - It looks like that chart may be a partial copy of one in our Knowledge Base / Carat weight tutorial:

1Carat_4.jpg



2. For all, here is a PDF from Amazon that, when you print it out, does have actual sizes. It's pretty cool: http://images.amazon.com/media/i3d/01/actual-diamond-size.pdf


3. A general word to the wise on this subject: When you're shopping, especially outside ideal ranges, be sure you're comparing millimeter diameters for face up appearance, not just carat weights. I've seen 1ct rounds with 6.25 mm spreads and 1ct rounds with 6.60 mm spreads. I wouldn't typically want to own either.
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Best regards,
 
Thanks John!
 
Hey, John,

I have used that Amazon chart a lot! It just doesn''t have all the sizes on it that the other one does. I totally agree that you must always look at diameter. But I never look outside ideal anymore...which is why I am having to replace everything I have already bought!
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Date: 8/7/2006 2:25:26 PM
Author: mre
I guess I'm wondering if the .8 diamonds will look visually larger than the WF .7. Size is nice, but if there isn't a noticeable difference then I might as well get the WF .7. As for clarity I realize that an eye clean SI would probably be my best value, but my comfort level with going to a higher clarity when making an online purchase makes me feel better about it. Frankly, I like the measurements of the WF diamond better but I wish they had somethin in the VS1-VS2 range.

Do people think that the WF diamond will perform better visually to the point where a a difference is readily perceptible? I assume that all 3 of these diamonds will look outstanding, but if you have comments otherwise please let me know.
Not really. The last one might - it measure about .15mm more.

I'm not wild about the depth on #2 and #3 as a matter of personal preference, but I'm not sure how perceptible the difference would be to you.

If it were me, I'd like choose the one with the most diameter in this range.

I'm not a fan of paying for VVS clarity, but in this case, the price seems comparable to the deeper .8 stone and not a lot of difference diameter wise.
 
Date: 8/7/2006 5:46:00 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Hey, John,

I have used that Amazon chart a lot! It just doesn't have all the sizes on it that the other one does. I totally agree that you must always look at diameter. But I never look outside ideal anymore...which is why I am having to replace everything I have already bought!
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Ellen, my pleasure.
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DS - I understand completely! As a matter of fact my best friend's wife feels the same way. Since I introduced her to premium cuts she's replaced several items and is gaining momentum (she just issued a tennis bracelet warning). Fortunately it's a strong friendship!
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We're working on an actual size PDF that will have many more of the interim sizes on it. I'll be sure to let you know when it's ready to go.
 
Just want to say that I vote for # 3...........
 
Thanks for everyone''s opinions, I''m probably going to go with #3 once I speak with GOG tomorrow.
 
The difference in size between #1 and # 3
is only .005 thousands of a inch.

A piece of 24 lb. paper that is used
in every day printers is .0058 or thicker.

The average human hair is .003 thousands of a inch

So I guess you could tell the difference in size
if you are able to count your hairs.

Is this what they call splitting hairs.
 
From what I understand despite the fact that #3 is larger, because it is deeper than #1, it really won''t face up much different. Is this correct? If #1 and #3 face up virtually the same, I might as well get #1.
 
No, you look at the measurements...the diameter...to determine the face up size of the diamond. The #3 .8 stone is larger in diameter than the .73 stone. #1 is about 5.85mm and #3 is 5.97. I'd certainly prefer a stone that is almost 6mm over one that is smaller.
 
dhog, splitting hairs? Lol! maybe to you! But most women would rather have a diamond that is over 3/4 carat than under! The average engagement diamond size has gone up over the years,and every little bit of diameter helps!
 
Date: 8/8/2006 8:37:39 AM
Author: mre
From what I understand despite the fact that #3 is larger, because it is deeper than #1, it really won't face up much different. Is this correct? If #1 and #3 face up virtually the same, I might as well get #1.
I get the feeling you really want #1 because of the specs, but you're leaning towards #3 because of size. If this is true, go with 1. The difference in size is not night and day. Yes, together the stones would show a slight difference, but all on it's own, you are not going to know.

As I sugested before, get what makes you feel MOST comfortable. You are going to be looking at this ring a long time.
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You must be sick of me posting by now. :)

Basically, I like just about everything in #1 compared to the others except the size difference. However, what I was saying is that although #3 or larger, it appears as though the spread isn''t as good. In other words the only thing I''m paying for is the ability to say it''s greater than .8 carats, but visually, face up, it won''t look any larger. For example, in weight, #3 is 9.9% larger than #1, but in terms of face up diameter it''s only 1.8% larger. It literally is a the size of a human hair wider.

Please don''t take this as me arguing against your opinion, I''m still learning, and just trying to get a grasp on the concepts. From the hours and hours of reading I''ve done on this forum, the only benefit I see in getting the 0.8 is that it sounds better when I tell people the size, and it faces up a fraction larger.
 
mre, we are definitely not sick of you posting! This is a big decision, we understand.

Yes, with 3 you are paying for depth, I wouldn''t personally.

If you go with 1 and anyone asks how big it is, tell them 3/4 of a carat. That''s good enough.
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