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[PlatinumStatus]

I plan on purchasing the H-SI1 diamond below however I noticed that there isn't much of a size difference between a 0.90ct and 1ct so I'm not sure if the extra money is really worth it. Should I opt for the 0.90 Carat I-VVS1? Of the diamonds listed below, please vote on which you would purchase and please post why. The diamond I purchase will be set in a platinum (pt950/ru) solitaire so it may help the color.

Thank you

H's

0.93 Carat H-VS1 Ideal Cut Round Diamond
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1471910.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/DiamPics/BE6235pic.jpg
Measurements: 6.30*6.32*3.88
Fluorescence: None
HCA: 1.7
Cut: 1A
Price: $6260

1.05 Carat H-SI1 Excellent Cut Round Diamond
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1463311.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/DiamPics/IDP639-10pic.jpg
Measurements: 6.54*6.59*4.00
Fluorescence: None
HCA: 1.3
Cut:1A
Price: $6820

I's

0.90 Carat I-VVS1 Excellent Cut Round Diamond
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1445923.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/DiamPics/SK7183200pic.jpg
Measurements: 6.25*6.24*3.80
Fluorescence: None
HCA: 1.4
Cut:1A
Price: $5530

0.92 Carat I-VVS1 Excellent Cut Round Diamond
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1392508.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/DiamPics/EL485-003pic.jpg
Measurements: 6.16*6.22*3.85
Fluorescence: Faint
HCA: 1.6
Cut:1A
Price: $6020

J

1.12 Carat J-SI1 Hearts & Arrows Ideal Cut Round Diamond
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1436438.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/DiamPics/B409456PIC.JPG
Measurements: 6.72*6.76*4.08
Fluorescence: Negligible
HCA: 0.8
Cut:1A
Price: $6930

 

[lapelirroja]

I picked the J myself because it mirrors what I did in my own life: took color down to J to maximize size and stayed at VS2 for clarity.

If not the J I would say the one you have on hold is fantastic.

Are you or your intended color sensitive? Well cut Js face up nice and white but you can see some creaminess from the side. Whether or or that bothers you is key. I think it's beautiful and screams NOT CZ!

 

[tyty333]

I like the H-SI1 or the J.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I voted for the H SI1 stone. As I said before, it seems the best middle ground in terms of color and clarity. You can't really compare these stones dollar for dollar as the clarities range from SI to VVS and that makes a big difference in price.

 

[Amys Bling]

I voted for the H SI1 stone. As I said before, it seems the best middle ground in terms of color and clarity. You can't really compare these stones dollar for dollar as the clarities range from SI to VVS and that makes a big difference in price.

agreed.

 

[0-0-0]

1.05 Carat H-SI1 no question.

The price for the 0.90 Carat I-VVS1 is certainly attractive, and it's a nice choice if you prefer thinner arrows, but IMO the ~0.3mm difference in diameter is both visibly and memorably noticeable.

 

[PlatinumStatus]

I picked the J myself because it mirrors what I did in my own life: took color down to J to maximize size and stayed at VS2 for clarity.

If not the J I would say the one you have on hold is fantastic.

Are you or your intended color sensitive? Well cut Js face up nice and white but you can see some creaminess from the side. Whether or or that bothers you is key. I think it's beautiful and screams NOT CZ!

I don't think she is color sensitive, she just wants the diamond to face up white and be clean. We saw a 1ct I-VS1 Canadian diamond in the store that she liked, it also looked huge on her because she has small hands; it wasn't ags or gia graded either. We also saw an egl graded J-SI1 but it was very yellow; I also believe it was a poor/fair cut and may have truly been a lower color. When we compared a 1ct H-VVS1 to a 1.23ct I-VS1 she couldn't tell a difference in color but liked the I better because of the size. Honestly she would be content even if I bought something under 1ct because she says the .90ct and 1ct size difference is minimal.

 

[bunnycat]

I still vote for the H-SI 1 (or maybe the other H). I also agree you can't compare too much on the $ differences because of the range in clarity you've got chosen. If you can get an IS image on that other H to look at, it'd be good to see then decide from there if you want size or clarity (for mind clean aspects). I truly suck at finding inclusions unless they are really bad (in need of bi-focals but am very stubborn), so for that few hundred extra I'd go for the bigger SI-1 since it will be in a solitaire.

I can't remember ow many stones you've gotten IS images of, and so I think you have one left maybe they'll do for you. In that case, if you're seriously considering the I, then at least get an image of it and see if you can get the gemologist to compare it to the SI 1. It has slightly different numbers when compared to many of the other stones you have chosen (thinner arrows), so you may or may not like that look. I know people say it's subtle, but I had a J in to look at with those kind of numbers and didn't like it.

To thread jack a little (I'll do my own thread on the 3 month long saga soon, when it's vintage alter ego is done)...here's my AGS0 H SI1 .8 in a geranium. (I don't think I'll ever want to go with anything but AGS stones again.) Seriously- the H SI1 seems like a no brainer, if it's not pushing your budget, but only you can make the final choice.