Which one would be the better diamond to pick?

[mcosme]

Hi everyone, I've been a long time lurker and have learnt so much on this forum. I've just been deciding on a diamond for a birthday present, and these two fit my budget and was wondering which one would be better and why. The second stone only costs $20 more but I was hoping to not go lower than an I color, though the VVS2 in the second stone makes it seem better value. The first stone has a HCA score of 1.6 whilst the second one has a score of 2.0. Any advice is appreciated, Thanks in advance!

Diamond 1

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 4.99 - 5.02 x 3.11 mm
Carat Weight: 0.48 carat
Color Grade: I
Clarity Grade: VS2
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions
Depth: 62.2%
Table: 55%
Crown Angle: 35.0°
Crown Height: 16.0%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star Length: 55%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Medium, Faceted (3.5%)
Culet: None
Finish
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: Strong Blue
Clarity Characteristics
Crystal, Cloud

Diamond 2

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 5.08 - 5.12 x 3.13 mm
Carat Weight: 0.50 carat
Color Grade: J
Clarity Grade: VVS2
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions
Depth: 61.5%
Table: 58%
Crown Angle: 34.5°
Crown Height: 14.5%
Pavilion Angle: 41.0°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star Length: 50%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted (4.0%)
Culet: None
Finish
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: Strong Blue
Clarity Characteristics
Feather, Pinpoint

 

[sonnyjane]

Both GIA stones? Have you seen pictures or seen them in person? Those are good HCA scores.

VVS2 isn't really necessary... You're kind of paying a premium for a stone that will look just as good as a VS2. Basically if it's eye clean, it's eye clean, so if you want to go up in size a tick or if you want to find one with a better color than J, you could easily go to a VS1 or VS2 clarity instead of VVS2.

I'll let the numbers experts chime in further on these two stones in particular.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd probably go for the first stone. I'd rather have I color and triple excellent over a J color with higher clarity and very good for polish. But the main reason is the higher color.

 

[mcosme]

thanks guys.
Yes they are both GIA, I've ordered the first one but its a virtual stone so I'll have to wait and see!