Which one?

[WannaRockHerWorld]

Last week on this forum I posed the question, “how important is color, really?” While I got plenty of helpful feedback, I’m still at a bit of a standstill on my decision. I’m trying to choose between the two diamonds below. While I understand that personal preference and actually, seeing the diamond in person is the most important thing, just for the sake of it, I’d love to hear what people think between these two, based, simply on the info provided.

In addition to the details below, I’ve been told by the customer rep that both diamonds are “eye-clean” (as I was concerned with the SI1 and SI2 grading). I understand that what one considers to be “eye-clean” can differ from another’s, but for the purposes of comparing these 2 diamonds, let’s assume that they are both, indeed, eye-clean.

Please let me know your personal preference and critique away….

(also, these are both Blue Nile diamonds, so any helpful feedback on everything from their diamonds, customer service, or overall experience, good or bad, would be much appreciated)

Price: $14,263
Carat weight: 2.04
Cut: Ideal
Color: I
Clarity: SI2
Price per carat: $6,992
Depth %: 60.80%
Table %: 58%
Symmetry: Very good
Polish: Excellent
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 8.15 x 8.23 x 4.98 mm
crown angle 35
Pavillion angle 40.5


Price: $13,208
Carat weight: 2.03
Cut: Ideal
Color: J
Clarity: SI1
Price per carat: $6,506
Depth %: 59.60%
Table %: 58%
Symmetry: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 8.24 x 8.29 x 4.93 mm
crown angle 33
Pavillion angle 41

 

[Cleo]

Hello!

First thing with Blue Nile would be to be *very* specificic about your personal definition of eyeclean. Often vendors' idea of eyeclean isn't the same as the consumers'. If you want the diamond to be eyeclean from a distance of 6 inches, in strong lighting and from all sides as well as table-up (for example) then you need to explain this clearly to your rep.

As BN don't provide images of the actual diamonds it's hard to guess whether these diamonds might be eye clean or not. (Guessing is not an exact science, but some stones are pretty obviously not going to be eye clean).

Here's my thoughts on your two stones..

Both stones have quite large tables at 58%. PSers often look for diamonds with tables between 54-57%. Smaller tables can make for a diamond with more fire... and many people prefer the look of a smaller table.

Both diamonds score well on the HCA.

The first diamond has a pavilion angle which is very slightly outside of the preferred range (40.6 - 41 degrees).

The second diamond has a shallow crown angle though (prefered range 34 - 35 degrees), and is not as deep as you would normally look for. This does mean it faces up a bit larger, but could mean that it leaks light.

Ideally I would like to see an Idealscope image for each stone - but I don't believe BN will provide these.

Out of the two I would be inclined to choose the first personally, if the stone is eyeclean but this is JMHO.

I'll have a scout around and see if I can find any alternatives for you to consider as well.

x x x

 

[Cleo]

This is a touch more money than your two, but I read your previous posts and figure you might be able to stretch to this one...

It''s a gorgeous Whiteflash Expert Selection stone. 2.02cts I SI2 for $15,199 (I think you might get a PS discount off this).

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-1181418.htm

I''d take this one if it''ll fit in your budget.

x x x