Vote: Two RB Diamonds Side-by-Side...which one?

[austin_mck]

Hey guys,

So, I just ordered a 1.3ct diamond online (had a previous post about it) and am waiting for it to arrive. I'm now trying to choose between that one and an AGS0 1.5ct at a local, reputable vendor (haven't seen it yet, but will later this week). The 1.5ct is $2k more and is SI2 (instead of SI1, which the 1.3 is). Based on the following information (see ASET images with caption below)...which would you go with (#1 or #2 and why? Is the difference worth $2,000? My biggest priority is light performance (and of course size and price play a role). Thank you for your input!!

 

[distracts]

Since you are soon going to have the 1.3 in hand, I'd take it to the vendor with the 1.5 and compare them and see which you like best. That's really the BEST way to do it.

 

[austin_mck]

Since you are soon going to have the 1.3 in hand, I'd take it to the vendor with the 1.5 and compare them and see which you like best. That's really the BEST way to do it.

Good idea. I was thinking that but was slightly concerned about the business "etiquette." I guess it is a big purchase so they should understand. Assuming they both look amazing (in terms of sparkle), any thoughts about the price difference given the details provided? 1.3 GIAxxx/H/SI1 is 8.5k while the 1.5ct AGS000/H/SI2 is 10.5k.

ALSO, for my own diamond "education"…what are your thoughts re: the ASET images 1 and 2 uploaded? They both look excellent to me, while the second one seems to reflect better light in the center. Thanks in advance.

 

[krisjon]

ALSO, for my own diamond "education"…what are your thoughts re: the ASET images 1 and 2 uploaded? They both look excellent to me, while the second one seems to reflect better light in the center. Thanks in advance.

Red vs. green really doesn't matter. When green, it just means that the pavillion angle is less that 40.7

 

[austin_mck]

Thanks, but any input regarding the images uploaded as well as pricing? I could really use an expert perspective at this point. Really would appreciate it.

ALSO, for my own diamond "education"…what are your thoughts re: the ASET images 1 and 2 uploaded? They both look excellent to me, while the second one seems to reflect better light in the center. Thanks in advance.

Red vs. green really doesn't matter. When green, it just means that the pavillion angle is less that 40.7

 

[treasurehunter]

It would be nice to see the SI2 to see how 'eye clean' it is.

 

[tyty333]

Both the asets look good. I think at this point only your eyes are going to tell you what you prefer. For me, I would probably take the
larger stone if it is eye-clean (if they both appealed to me). Being able to see them side-by-side is they best way to be able to make
a decision. Try to figure out what appeals to you more about one stone over the other. Is one brighter? Does
one have more fire (colored flashes of light)? Does the larger size really do it for you? Take your time.

Make sure to look at the SI2 under all different lighting conditions to make sure it is eye-clean to your standards.

 

[doberman]

I don't think that this is a question that can be answered by anyone but you. IMO, the ASETs are roughly equivalent in terms of quality. I will admit to a preference for AGS000 stones, as well as larger carat size, but I would want to make sure that this SI2 was truly eye clean in all lighting situations. Presuming the AGS is eye clean, you then have to see if your eye loves its size and sparkle enough to pay $2000 more for it.

I'll be curious to see which one you prefer when you see them side by side. Good luck!

 

[WinkHPD]

Since you are soon going to have the 1.3 in hand, I'd take it to the vendor with the 1.5 and compare them and see which you like best. That's really the BEST way to do it.

Good idea. I was thinking that but was slightly concerned about the business "etiquette." I guess it is a big purchase so they should understand. Assuming they both look amazing (in terms of sparkle), any thoughts about the price difference given the details provided? 1.3 GIAxxx/H/SI1 is 8.5k while the 1.5ct AGS000/H/SI2 is 10.5k.

ALSO, for my own diamond "education"…what are your thoughts re: the ASET images 1 and 2 uploaded? They both look excellent to me, while the second one seems to reflect better light in the center. Thanks in advance.

You appear to be falling for the myth that the center red is somehow better than the center green. The difference is so subtle between the two that AGS Laboratory Executive Director Peter Yantzer himself says that you can not see the difference. It just tells you that the stone with the green in the center has a pavilion angle that is slightly lower than the diamond with the red center.

From the ASET images only, it looks as if both should be attractive diamonds, but even if they are equal performers, chances the crisper appearing arrows on the left hand diamond are probably going to produce larger flashes of light and thus are more likely to also display dispersion. Add in the slightly larger size and the left hand diamond gains another advantage for both looking bigger and for producing larger flashes of light and dispersion.

Personally, I think you are doing absolutely the right thing by going in to look at both diamonds. One you are giving your local jeweler an opportunity to compete, and in doing so might find that many independent local jewelers are in fact competing quite well. Two, and actually more importantly for you, you will get to see both diamonds, look at them in many lighting scenarios and see which YOUR eyes like best.

Wink

 

[austin_mck]

Thanks for all the help everyone! i received the 1.3ct loose diamond today. I also ordered a mount, but asked for the diamond to be unmounted (they sent both separately). To my noob eyes, it seems to have great sparkle. I'm especially light performance in normal/lower light. What do you guys think (pictures attached -- sorry about the low quality phone pic)? BTW- I'll be taking this to the jeweler tomorrow to compare side-by-side against the 1.51ct SI2. I'll post another update once i make my final decision. Thanks again!

I don't think that this is a question that can be answered by anyone but you. IMO, the ASETs are roughly equivalent in terms of quality. I will admit to a preference for AGS000 stones, as well as larger carat size, but I would want to make sure that this SI2 was truly eye clean in all lighting situations. Presuming the AGS is eye clean, you then have to see if your eye loves its size and sparkle enough to pay $2000 more for it.

I'll be curious to see which one you prefer when you see them side by side. Good luck!