Which Diamond to pick?

[msskibo]

I have 2 diamonds that are from an internet site. I am having trouble deciding which one to get.

Diamond #1:
Round 1.73 D SI1 for $8400
7.82x7.89x4.64
Depth 59.1
Table 59
Crown 14
Pavillion 43
girdle - thin
fluor - slight blue
polish - excellent
symmetry - exc
cutlet - none

HCA - 1.2 TIC

Diamond #2:

Round 2.03 H SI1 for $9400
8.16x8.13x4.94
Depth - 60.6
Table - 58
Crown - 14
Pavilion - 43
girdle - med
fluor - none
polish - exc
symm - exc
cutlet none

HCA 0.9 TIC


My main question is, is it better to get a smaller D diamond or a larger H diamond?

 

[Dreamer_D]

What lab graded these diamonds? Have you seen these diamonds in person?

For us to really know which diamond has the better cut we will need to see an idealscope image of each diamond. Can you get that?

Also, the D color diamond appears to be a 60/60 type of cut, based on the table and depth. This creates a distinct look to the diamond that some people like and some do not, so do a search for 60/60 and read some threads to learn more about this.

That is a large difference in mm diameter, the H will be noticably larger when help next to the D. But it woud also appear more tinted next to the D. But on its own, the H color will be adequately colorless for most people. Is there not a middle ground?? Those are very divergent specs.

 

[jet2ks]

Date: 12/29/2009 11:48:14 AM
Author: dreamer_dachsie
What lab graded these diamonds? Have you seen these diamonds in person?

For us to really know which diamond has the better cut we will need to see an idealscope image of each diamond. Can you get that?

Also, the D color diamond appears to be a 60/60 type of cut, based on the table and depth. This creates a distinct look to the diamond that some people like and some do not, so do a search for 60/60 and read some threads to learn more about this.

That is a large difference in mm diameter, the H will be noticably larger when help next to the D. But it woud also appear more tinted next to the D. But on its own, the H color will be adequately colorless for most people. Is there not a middle ground?? Those are very divergent specs.

That is my first question, as well. From the numbers you posted, it appears they may be EGL graded stones, which opens a different can of worms.

 

[msskibo]

Yes, they are EGL graded. No I haven't seen these diamonds in person.

I also have another diamond

1.7 H SI1
7.72x7.78x4.64
D - 59.9
T - 58
C - 13
crown angle 33.1
P - 43
Girdle - med
pol - vg
sym - exc
cut - none
Fluo - slightly blue
Very slight graining

HCA 0.8 TIC

My concern is the very slight graining?

 

[oldminer]

#1, decide if the visual size matters between the stones. Obviously, if want a bigger look, the larger diameter may prove best for you.

#2, seeing as they are EGL graded means that you can''t believe the grades are equivalent to GIA/AGS lab grades. They may not be equivalent to one another from one EGL lab to another, especially with some of the overseas EGL reports in circulation.

It is no wonder you have a dilemma, but you can mitigate it by using GIA or AGS graded diamonds. The problem then becomes far more simple.

 

[jet2ks]

Totally agree with oldminer. If you are looking online, I would stick to GIA or AGS graded stones. The prices on these EGL stones are that low for a reason--most likely because they are very leniently graded and you are not getting a top quality diamond.

 

[msskibo]

I am new to all this diamond grading so bear with me but don''t all the labs measure the same? So if I got the depth, table, crown, and pavilion from EGL wouldn''t it be the same with GIA or AGS? I am also comparing the measurements with the Holloway cut advisor. And these 2 diamonds scored Excellent on the measurements.

Thanks for all your input!

 

[yssie]

Date: 12/29/2009 4:28:13 PM
Author: msskibo
I am new to all this diamond grading so bear with me but don't all the labs measure the same?Nope, EGL-USA is generally more lenient on colour and clarity -and EGL-israel (or other EGL labs) even more so. So if I got the depth, table, crown, and pavilion from EGL wouldn't it be the same with GIA or AGS? Depth and table, yes, but EGL reports crown and pavilion in percentages - less precise than angles. I am also comparing the measurements with the Holloway cut advisor. And these 2 diamonds scored Excellent on the measurements. HCA takes the percentages and computes angles, introducing another source of error.
Thanks for all your input!

ETA:

An IS/ASET can definitively prove or disprove performance. There are beautiful EGL stones out there - there are beautiful uncerted stones out there, it's just that you have to wade through a much bigger pile to find a winner than if you stick to GIA/AGS-graded well cut stones. If you've found one you love, for whatever reason, it's worth investigating - don't toss it aside just because it has an EGL grading