When is it worth it to pay extra for bigger diamond

[Allen james]

I didn’t want buyers remorse.
I did find a 2.71 carat $~28k got a deal on the setting the actual price of diamond was ~29.5 k approved by PS members ( you guys are super great) but I came across this 2.54 carat ~ $ 25 k
Both looks like a great cut and H VS2 and still with in my budget but am I wasting $ 3000 away for a insignificant visual size difference?
And is B2C vs James Allen. Is B2C still a good company?
Which diamond would you get?

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/115063...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
Vs
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...rat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-4455452

 

[Rpb]

I like the numbers on both of them. Frankly I would be confused too. Can you order both and compare them and see which one sings more to you and then return the one that doesn't? Sweet delimma.

 

[Matthews1127]

I didn’t want buyers remorse.
I did find a 2.71 carat $~28k got a deal on the setting the actual price of diamond was ~29.5 k approved by PS members ( you guys are super great) but I came across this 2.54 carat ~ $ 25 k
Both looks like a great cut and H VS2 and still with in my budget but am I wasting $ 3000 away for a insignificant visual size difference?
And is B2C vs James Allen. Is B2C still a good company?
Which diamond would you get?

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/115063...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
Vs
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...rat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-4455452

Allow me to chime in with what limited information I can provide Re: MRB’s (I’m a step cut fan). @rockysalamander, @mrs-b, and SO many others can provide you with a fountain of information and advice, but this is what I can contribute, from what I have learned from so many knowledgeable members & experts here.

B2C Diamond is GIA certified. As reputable GIA is, you still need to do some closer examination re: cut. Using the Halloway Tool (HCA), this is where this diamond sits on the spectrum:

While 1.3 is great, and within range to confirm it’s worth consideration, JA’s diamond is AGS certified, which is the best for grading cut; no HCA tool required for further evaluation.

Here is where your preferences come into play:
GIA is more strict on color grading, whereas, AGS is more strict on cut.
Depending on the color grade, GIA is likely going to be more accurate on color, where AGS color grade may be more varied (high vs low color within the same grade). However, because AGS diamonds are certified so strictly on cut, the better the cut, the more bright & white it will face up, even at lower color grades.

As for clarity, I believe both GIA & AGS are nearly equal in grading clarity; both stones are VS2. As long as both are eye clean (which they appear to be), sand are free of any dark, obstructive inclusions, confirmed by their Gemologist (not the jeweler), you’re safe on VS2.

Here is what most people around here have discovered, after comparing diamonds side b side, online & in person:

Diamond SPREAD (not carat wt) is noticeable, in comparison, around the 0.20mm range.
You will notice a size difference on the finger between these two diamonds; enough that your wallet can justify the jump in price (at least my wallet would).

This is what these two diamonds will look like on a size 6 finger:
https://www.diamdb.com/compare/2.54ct-round-vs-2.71ct-round/

If this were me*, I’d choose the JA diamond because of it’s cut (AGS certified). The diamonds are very close in their specs, but AGS wins, for me*.

You also must consider each vendor’s upgrade/return policies. I’m not familiar with B2C’s policies, but JA has great return/Upgrade policies.

Just be informed. Reach out to both about their policies, if you’re not clear, and weigh your options.

I’m certain many others will have more info to provide; I believe most will confirm what I have already posted.

Great finds!! Best of luck! Please let us know what you choose!!!

 

[rockysalamander]

I agree with @Matthews1127. I like the JA stone better and I prefer AGS over GIA -- all else being equal.

If you are game, I'd ask for a IS for this diamond. It is just outside of PS recommendations -- it is in my personal range of "worth pursuing." If this has a good IS, you get a beautifully clean SI1. So, this would have you pay a bit more for a cleaner stone compared to the JA one you selected. To *me* if this had a good IS, I'd snag it.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4679012

I have the same caution as others on B2C. They seem to have a lower refresh rate on their stock.

 

[Matthews1127]

I agree with @Matthews1127. I like the JA stone better and I prefer AGS over GIA -- all else being equal.

If you are game, I'd ask for a IS for this diamond. It is just outside of PS recommendations -- it is in my personal range of "worth pursuing." If this has a good IS, you get a beautifully clean SI1. So, this would have you pay a bit more for a cleaner stone compared to the JA one you selected. To *me* if this had a good IS, I'd snag it.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4679012

I have the same caution as others on B2C. They seem to have a lower refresh rate on their stock.

@rockysalamander, I can’t open this link; it takes me to JA’s home page. I even copied/pasted into another browser & it goes to the home page.
Can you link, again?

 

[rockysalamander]

I just spoke with the JA rep and they said it was just removed from their site. She said it was probably sold by another vendor and their site just was updated. Bummer. It was super-pretty.

OP - if you like, I can look again after work.

 

[sledge]

I would go for the 2.71. Not because of size but for reasons already mentioned (JA, AGS, cut, etc). There is *only* a 10% price difference but because your budget is bigger, the dollars seem more real and significant to many. We would all root for a guy with a $5k budget to spend $5.5k it it was the right stone as it’s “so close”. Same 10% but seems less because overall dollars is less.

In regards to size, a 2.54 will impress as much as a 2.71 as most folks are 1 carat or less anyhow. However, your circle may not be as common and only you know that.

I do hope you jumped on the JA stone as it now says “sold”.

 

[BlingDreams]

I just spoke with the JA rep and they said it was just removed from their site. She said it was probably sold by another vendor and their site just was updated. Bummer. It was super-pretty.

OP - if you like, I can look again after work.

It’s back on there

 

[GolfingGreen]

Hi! I would suggest you be careful on color if you are color sensitive. I have a GIA H stone and was out last week looking at AGS H stones. The two AGS stones I saw were a bit more yellow than my GIA. I asked the SA and she said the range is wide so there can be a difference. Add to that AGS is more lenient, you may want to compare a couple of stones if any yellow matters to you.

Also, for that size stone, if you decide to have a wedding band with diamond, the H yellow will show up so just FYI as you consider that. I tried an eternity band and definitely the yellow came out more in my ring.

So if color matters, for sure look at several to compare. Not all Hs are equal in color.

Congrats to you!

 

[blueMA]

I would never have a buyer's remorse over a diamond without comparing the actual photos. I have seen too many diamonds with ideal proportions but with bad actual image.

 

[blueMA]

Add to that AGS is more lenient, you may want to compare a couple of stones if any yellow matters to you.
Congrats to you!

I've seen differences in color within the GIA G, and the stones within any color category can be high/low within the specified grade, and the range will increase further as you go further down in the color grade. The AGS stones I've seen are pretty much spot on with the GIA stones I've seen in color and both can have margin of errors depending on labs, so comparing stones is a good advise.

 

[rockysalamander]

It’s back on there

I hope that @Allen james sees that update and puts it on hold!!!

 

[Allen james]

I just spoke with the JA rep and they said it was just removed from their site. She said it was probably sold by another vendor and their site just was updated. Bummer. It was super-pretty.

OP - if you like, I can look again after work.

I really appreciate how you always suggest alternatives!! Big thank you for your time! Just for my learning purpose - the stone you recommended has flaws on the edges which why I am guessing is a great SI1 find. However I noticed a lot of people say cut is king. This has a HCA score of 3.7? What are your thoughts?

 

[HappyNewLife]

If all things were equal, I'd go bigger. But since one is GIA and smaller and the other is AGS and bigger, I'd go BIG AGS all the way.

 

[sledge]

I really appreciate how you always suggest alternatives!! Big thank you for your time! Just for my learning purpose - the stone you recommended has flaws on the edges which why I am guessing is a great SI1 find. However I noticed a lot of people say cut is king. This has a HCA score of 3.7? What are your thoughts?

Did you see the cert on the 2.71 VS2? To me, the cert looks pretty dirty for a VS2. At the end of of the day, all that really matters is whatever stone you buy is eye clean to your standards.

What concerns me more about the 2.5ct SI1 stone is the cert says not all pinpoints are shown, nor is a cloud. The cloud could be an issue, and needs inspected further to make a final determination.

I'd suggest placing on hold while you get IS and ASET images to confirm.

 

[Allen james]

Allow me to chime in with what limited information I can provide Re: MRB’s (I’m a step cut fan). @rockysalamander, @mrs-b, and SO many others can provide you with a fountain of information and advice, but this is what I can contribute, from what I have learned from so many knowledgeable members & experts here.

B2C Diamond is GIA certified. As reputable GIA is, you still need to do some closer examination re: cut. Using the Halloway Tool (HCA), this is where this diamond sits on the spectrum:

While 1.3 is great, and within range to confirm it’s worth consideration, JA’s diamond is AGS certified, which is the best for grading cut; no HCA tool required for further evaluation.

Here is where your preferences come into play:
GIA is more strict on color grading, whereas, AGS is more strict on cut.
Depending on the color grade, GIA is likely going to be more accurate on color, where AGS color grade may be more varied (high vs low color within the same grade). However, because AGS diamonds are certified so strictly on cut, the better the cut, the more bright & white it will face up, even at lower color grades.

As for clarity, I believe both GIA & AGS are nearly equal in grading clarity; both stones are VS2. As long as both are eye clean (which they appear to be), sand are free of any dark, obstructive inclusions, confirmed by their Gemologist (not the jeweler), you’re safe on VS2.

Here is what most people around here have discovered, after comparing diamonds side b side, online & in person:

Diamond SPREAD (not carat wt) is noticeable, in comparison, around the 0.20mm range.
You will notice a size difference on the finger between these two diamonds; enough that your wallet can justify the jump in price (at least my wallet would).

This is what these two diamonds will look like on a size 6 finger:
https://www.diamdb.com/compare/2.54ct-round-vs-2.71ct-round/

If this were me*, I’d choose the JA diamond because of it’s cut (AGS certified). The diamonds are very close in their specs, but AGS wins, for me*.

You also must consider each vendor’s upgrade/return policies. I’m not familiar with B2C’s policies, but JA has great return/Upgrade policies.

Just be informed. Reach out to both about their policies, if you’re not clear, and weigh your options.

I’m certain many others will have more info to provide; I believe most will confirm what I have already posted.

Great finds!! Best of luck! Please let us know what you choose!!!

You are awesome thank you so much for your input

 

[Allen james]

If all things were equal, I'd go bigger. But since one is GIA and smaller and the other is AGS and bigger, I'd go BIG AGS all the way.

I guess I am wondering all things equal but ~$3000 price difference . In your case does the big size stone really get in the way? A lot of people say bigger stones are impractical because when I have a baby and snags etc etc etc

 

[HappyNewLife]

I guess I am wondering all things equal but ~$3000 price difference . In your case does the big size stone really get in the way? A lot of people say bigger stones are impractical because when I have a baby and snags etc etc etc

I'm guessing it would depend on the setting. I have a simple 6-prong solitaire with the diamond set at medium height, and I've never been snagged. My diamond is a 2.937ct, so, it's pretty big! I never take it off because it gets in the way. The only time I take it off is for rock climbing and if I'm cleaning or smooshing ground beef with my hands

 

[Allen james]

I'm guessing it would depend on the setting. I have a simple 6-prong solitaire with the diamond set at medium height, and I've never been snagged. My diamond is a 2.937ct, so, it's pretty big! I never take it off because it gets in the way. The only time I take it off is for rock climbing and if I'm cleaning or smooshing ground beef with my hands

I saw your ring pictures!!!!!!! Pretty awesome!!!!! You are a lucky woman!

 

[sledge]

My diamond is a 2.937ct, so, it's pretty big! I never take it off because it gets in the way. The only time I take it off is for rock climbing and if I'm cleaning or smooshing ground beef with my hands

Lies! I'm certain she frequently takes it off during the day so her arm muscles aren't bigger than the guy that gave it to her.

 

[blueMA]

Lol, I always take off my ring through any chores including washing my face or putting on lotion, because I'd have to clean it right away and add to my chores. If I'm not going out in public, it doesn't get worn because the big stone gets in the way.

 

[Allen james]

Not only are you guys VERY knowledgeable.. you guys have a great sense of humor as well!! Just to clarify after reading the posts - 2.71 is already in my possession so color and clarity wise it is ok in my eyes.... but what does a novice like me know? Color - don’t know how white it should face up since I never bought a diamond before but it looks good to me. Clarity wise the little crystals are hard to see even with a 40 x loupe. My question was more of was $3000 difference worth the extra “.2 carat “ difference since I stumbled upon this nice alternative and other friends telling me it won’t be a visible size difference but overall it sounds like it was worth it???

 

[rockysalamander]

I really appreciate how you always suggest alternatives!! Big thank you for your time! Just for my learning purpose - the stone you recommended has flaws on the edges which why I am guessing is a great SI1 find. However I noticed a lot of people say cut is king. This has a HCA score of 3.7? What are your thoughts?

You may have moved on by now, but I was stuck in a work meeting.

I know it is surprising when we recommend things that are outside of the PS recommendations and blow the HCA. The stone has a nice table depth. The higher HCA is being driven by the PA. If that PA was 40.6, it scores a 1.9. With GIA averaging of the angles, that puts that stone well within a range that is worth pursuing when it otherwise meets your criteria AND the video looks good. Viewing this from AGSL, you can see that the 36/40.8 lands this as excellent. But, if you look at the boxes around that, you'll see it could be ideal, excellent or even *ack* VG. Thus, get an IS to see if the cutting is tighter and drives toward the high end or low end. But, if you are happy with your choice -- drive on my man.

 

[Allen james]

Wow.... do you work in the diamond industry ?? Thanks so much for the explanation that is really eye opening. I wasn’t doubting your recommendation but as a novice, I was just puzzled by the hca. Thanks so much !!

 

[HappyNewLife]

Lies! I'm certain she frequently takes it off during the day so her arm muscles aren't bigger than the guy that gave it to her.

LOL. Funny that you're calling me out on this when I haven't even put it on today yet....

 

[Allen james]

You may have moved on by now, but I was stuck in a work meeting.

I know it is surprising when we recommend things that are outside of the PS recommendations and blow the HCA. The stone has a nice table depth. The higher HCA is being driven by the PA. If that PA was 40.6, it scores a 1.9. With GIA averaging of the angles, that puts that stone well within a range that is worth pursuing when it otherwise meets your criteria AND the video looks good. Viewing this from AGSL, you can see that the 36/40.8 lands this as excellent. But, if you look at the boxes around that, you'll see it could be ideal, excellent or even *ack* VG. Thus, get an IS to see if the cutting is tighter and drives toward the high end or low end. But, if you are happy with your choice -- drive on my man.

Sorry for another learning purpose when you mention to see if cutting is “tighter” on IS, what does that mean?

 

[sledge]

You may have moved on by now, but I was stuck in a work meeting.

I know it is surprising when we recommend things that are outside of the PS recommendations and blow the HCA. The stone has a nice table depth. The higher HCA is being driven by the PA. If that PA was 40.6, it scores a 1.9. With GIA averaging of the angles, that puts that stone well within a range that is worth pursuing when it otherwise meets your criteria AND the video looks good. Viewing this from AGSL, you can see that the 36/40.8 lands this as excellent. But, if you look at the boxes around that, you'll see it could be ideal, excellent or even *ack* VG. Thus, get an IS to see if the cutting is tighter and drives toward the high end or low end. But, if you are happy with your choice -- drive on my man.

Hey @rockysalamander, where did you find that chart? Would like to snag me a copy. I've essentially been using the one on the H&A DNA site but I like how this has the grades of cut according to the angles.

 

[Matthews1127]

Not only are you guys VERY knowledgeable.. you guys have a great sense of humor as well!! Just to clarify after reading the posts - 2.71 is already in my possession so color and clarity wise it is ok in my eyes.... but what does a novice like me know? Color - don’t know how white it should face up since I never bought a diamond before but it looks good to me. Clarity wise the little crystals are hard to see even with a 40 x loupe. My question was more of was $3000 difference worth the extra “.2 carat “ difference since I stumbled upon this nice alternative and other friends telling me it won’t be a visible size difference but overall it sounds like it was worth it???

I believe you are the only one who can answer that question. It seems, to me, you already have.
Even as a novice, your eyes can see a beautiful diamond or a dull diamond. If it’s pleasing to your eye, I’m certain it will be just the same to her’s!
Confirmation of clarity obstruction (or lack there of) is vital, especially when purchasing, online. I’m glad you louped the stone to determine clarity doesn’t present a problem, and the inclusions are not visible. 2.71 is sounding more & more like a winner!

 

[blueMA]

Hey @rockysalamander, where did you find that chart?

https://agslab.com/docs/pbcg/AGSLProportionCharts.pdf

 

[Octo2005]

Not only are you guys VERY knowledgeable.. you guys have a great sense of humor as well!! Just to clarify after reading the posts - 2.71 is already in my possession so color and clarity wise it is ok in my eyes.... but what does a novice like me know? Color - don’t know how white it should face up since I never bought a diamond before but it looks good to me. Clarity wise the little crystals are hard to see even with a 40 x loupe. My question was more of was $3000 difference worth the extra “.2 carat “ difference since I stumbled upon this nice alternative and other friends telling me it won’t be a visible size difference but overall it sounds like it was worth it???

Only you can really answer if it is worth the $3000 , all else being equal for a .2ct size difference. You know your girlfriend and know if she values size in a diamond. I think you find that for most here, size is important - if you follow the forum you will see many posters coming back to upgrade size. Now that being said, it may not be a priority to her now or ever, only you can answer that question.

You did mention in one of your other posts that you were concerned that it might be "too" big. I don't think it is a substantial enough difference to make the stone too big. Even if a bigger stone is not condusive to mothering a newborn/toddler, they don't stay that way and she could always just wear her band if the diamond is in the way. My children are well beyond the diaper stage and I still wear just a band most of the time. That doesn't mean I'm ready to give up my diamonds though!