Which diamond to buy?

[duckwebber]

Hi I am choosing between 2 diamonds, can anyone offer some trusted advice?

1. 1.58 D/VS1 Triple Excellent GIA 15617069 HCA score 1.8 Cost= US$22,180 OR
2. 1.50 D/VS1 Triple Excellent GIA 16778825 HCA score 2.6 Cost = US$22,800

The second one has a ''slightly thick'' faceted girdle which I am worried about as I have read that could mean ''paying for size that you may not see''.... also I am thinking of a Harry Winston type claw setting and was wondering if the slightly thicker girdle would affect that. As I will not be able to see either stones before commiting to a purchase, any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks very much!

 

[Cleo]

Hello!

My personal preference would be for the first stone (although others may disagree).

The first is a slightly bigger stone and not *exactly* 1.5cts - might be helpful if you ever get a small chip. Secondly the HCA result of the first stone gives ''Ex'' for Light Return, so it has a bit of an edge there... as well as a smaller table (which can give more fire).

With regard to the girdle, I believe the difference in thickness should be so slight as to make no difference when setting it. I understand the main thing to beware of can be a very thin girdle, which can be vulnerable to damage.

As you will be buying without seeing the stone, make sure that you have a sensible appraisal period so that you can return the stone for any reason if you are unhappy with it. All the top online vendors offer this - so make sure you''re covered if you need to return it.

If you think you might like to upgrade the stone at any point in the future, check the upgrade policy of your vendor too.

x x x

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I''d certainly pick that first one (1.58 D VS1)! I have looked at that stone and would snap it up if I had an unexpected windfall! It will be gorgeous!!! Someone will be very lucky! (The slightly thick girdle wouldn''t be a problem, either. But the 1.58 seems to be the better buy.)

 

[oldminer]

The 1.58 reads better from just the info you posted. I did not go to look at the certs online. The difference in the HCA may be a good indication of how to choose blindly.

 

[duckwebber]

Thanks! I had my inclinations towards the first stone as well! Does it generally make a stone less attractive if the inclusions are more varied (like it shows cloud, needle, feather, pinpoint, etc) rather than it just have one or two of those?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You have zero worries with inclusions in a VS1. It is very difficult for a non-gemologist to see inclusions in a VS1 with a 10x loupe!

 

[duckwebber]

How do I know if the second one is a Hearts & Arrows if the above posted information is all I''ve got? The first one I know is a Hearts & Arrows. Thanks! Almost decided already!

 

[duckwebber]

I also made a calculation error on the prices as there are related taxes/duties, etc.
1. US$23,800
2. US$22,000

Does that change anyone''s mind? Oh, pls help me with the above Hearts n Arrows question too!

Thanks!