Which one of these two diamonds?

[theglaw]

Hi everyone,

First time poster, been lurking for a few weeks and was hoping I could get some feedback on these two diamonds a local wholesale broker found for me to make an engagement ring. The ring will be similar to the Birks ring with 2 pear side stones.

Some quick facts:
- Through discussion with the fiance, we are set on these specs: 1.00ct or more, E colour, VS1, Ex, Ex, Ex. No Fluorescence.
- We've put down a deposit on a ring we like already so we are committed to going with this broker, these are the two options he had for me.
- Price is the same for both at approximately $97XX CAD. I know I might be able to find something cheaper online, but we value the local presence and being able to see the diamond first.
- Broker indicated that he likes Option 1 better. I asked why but haven't received a reply yet.
- To me, it seems like a no brainer that option 2 is better. Could there be a reason why the first one is better despite the unfavourable HCA score? Am I missing something? Is he just trying to offload a cheaper/inferior diamond that he has in inventory?
- I would greatly appreciate any feedback on the two diamonds and whether I should push to see some other ones...

Thanks in advance!

Option 1:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B30VH058VZ5VSWJPX21zMDV5V2s
HCA: Fair, Fair, Fair, Very Good, 5.7


Option 2:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B30VH058VZ5VNnNObm9HRFB4Wk0
HCA: Ex, Ex, Ex, Ex, 0.6

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Good for you for being smart and checking here first!!! And YES, the second stone is definitely better than the first! Plus, it is a little larger (6.49-6.54mm). I wouldn't even consider the first stone. It's pavilion angle is greater than it should be and this stone may have leakage because of that.

 

[stargurl78]

I think everyone here will tell you to go with Option #2!

 

[bagelboy]

Ditto to everything Diamondseeker stated. Option 1 is an example of a cutter maxing out the rough at the expense of light return. At achieving the 1 carat mark he will get a bonus! If he had used a more shallow angle the diamond would be less than one carat. I do not know why your jeweler would chose this diamond, I am very certain that option 2 performs much better. You may be able to see fewer sparkles (one) in low light enviroments. An idealscope would clearly show this, but your jeweler does not use them as perhaps they may not benefit his sales. Glad that you caught this BEFORE you purchased your diamond and completed your e-ring.

 

[theglaw]

Thanks for all the feedback!

I thought I would give him the benefit of the doubt.

In terms of pricing for option 2, is there a huge premium that I"m paying compared to online retailers for that stone?

 

[babyjyo]

No doubt option 2, unless there is really a huge price difference.

 

[Christina...]

Yep #2!! And the price seems to be in line with what you would spend online.

 

[theglaw]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone, and making me feel welcome.

Unfortunately, the broker took offense when I questioned his recommendation of the first diamond and no longer wants to do business with me... perhaps he found me too picky and hard to deal with... O well, his loss... I didn't really get a good gut feeling about him to begin with anyways, neither did my fiance. He kept brushing our questions off with vague answers and was quite arrogant. Fortunately, he will be sending our deposit cheque back (at least that's what he says).

Now that the bad experience is done and over with. We are looking to get a ring with an online retailer, hopefully with a better experience than locally (ironic isn't it?).

We are looking for a retailer that will ship to Canada. I know some have recommended WhiteFlash, James Allen, amongst others. Is there a list of "approved/recommended" vendors somewhere?

My fiance is looking for a 3-stone ring similar to the Birks one here:
http://www.birks.com/en/featured/Engagement/ThreeStone-Diamond-Rings/g64-731/916071

Are there specific retailers that have a ring like that?

Thanks again!