What about this engagement diamond/ring?

[changky02]

Long time lurker - first time poster. I've been following the community for months, but haven't had the guts to pull the trigger. I think that I'm finally ready to take the next step, and want a diamond/ring that can match my future fiancee.

I've been looking at:
- Round
- Ideal/Super ideal cut
- 1.2 carat and above
- H and above color
- SI1 (as long as it's eyeclean) and above clarity

Right now, I'm looking at this diamond:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2231246.htm

and this ring:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/hand-over-hand-diamond-solitaire-902.htm

Is there another rock that's a better bang for my buck? Or a gorgeous piece that I just have to have? Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[antelope1]

Love the stone. Love it.

The setting -- this one is similar, but more delicate, IMO. The setting above, the prongs kind of overwhelm the diamond, but this may be related to the size of the center stone in the setting.

ETA: If you want a cathedral, this Legato sleek line is my fave.

 

[tyty333]

Should be a lovely ring. I do like the setting that antelope pointed out better if you were planning on going with plat.

 

[Stephan]

Hi,
The cut of this diamond is magnificent.
I don't like surface graining, especially not when it is on the table, but not a big deal on another facet.

 

[changky02]

Thanks for the quick response. I agree, that new ring looks amazing, and I'd definitely favor smaller prongs that won't cover up the diamond. Thank you for the advice.

What is surface graining? I didn't see it mentioned in any of the reports, so I was curious about it.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[changky02]

Is surface graining the faint lines that I see towards the bottom left of the ideal scope pictures?

 

[Stephan]

Just ask Whiteflash where the graining is located if it might disturb you.
Most people on the forum here don't seem to be concerned.
But I really don't like surface graining on the table of a diamond.
Graining can sometimes affect transparency of a stone, and when it's on the table, it makes the diamond look like poorly polished.
Most of the people will need a loupe to see it in a SI clarity, but not always!

If the graining is not an issue, this diamond is really well cut and gorgeous.

 

[stone-cold11]

The surface graining is not noted as a grade setting inclusion, so not at SI1 level.

 

[Stephan]

I've once had a GIA EX polish and symmetry, VS2 clarity, surface graining not shown in comment, and I could see it with the naked eye.