Which stone to pick between these two?

[jurislee]

So these two are the finale for my engagement ring. The prices are almost the same:

Stone 1: 1.64 Carat I VS2 3 EX - 7.60-7.65*4.60mm
Table:59%
Depth: 60.3%
Crown:34%
Pavillion: 40.6%
Griddle: Medium 3.5%
HSA: 1.0 with 4EX

Stone 2: 1.62 Carat I VS2 3EX - 7.52 - 7.54*4.63mm
Table: 57%
Depth:61.5%
Crown:34.5%
Pavillion: 40.8%
Griddle: Medium to slighly thick 4.0%
HCA: 1.4 with 3EX

My thoughts for the 1st stone: the stone will look big with the depth and table (confirmed by HCA spread); but the angle is a bit shallow;
My thoughts for the 2nd stone: the angle falls into the strict perfect range but i m paying the medium to thick griddle. Also, there is a few indented natural on the stone (but "eye clean" is all i care about).

Both stones are virtual selection. I have to pay a fee ($85) to see the ideal scope of the second one. I am not sure if the ideal scope of the first one will be available. The website of the 2nd stone is more resputable so the craftsman of ring might be better.

My questions are:

1. Which stone to pick, or i really need to buy them together and compare them side by side to tell the difference? I do not think paying 85 bucks to see pics of the second stone alone will make the decision easier (as it is still hard to compare).

2. If i buy the first stone, can i buy the loose stone and bring it to a local store for craftsman setting? I am in NYC but i hear the craftsman in jewel district is terrible (or the good ones are very expensive). Is it worthwhile to pay a good craftsman? I only need very simple setting. If you have any stores to recommend, that would be great.

Thanks a lot for your advice.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You determine the face up size (spread) by looking at diameter measurements. Can you list them?

I will tell you that without pictures and only going by the numbers, #2 would absolutely be my choice. I don't care for larger tables and the second stone has almost perfect numbers. It should have a normal diameter based on the numbers. I prefer it even if the other has a tiny edge on diameter.

Making sure both stones were eyeclean from the top and sides would also be a factor I would consider.

 

[jurislee]

Thank you so much for your advice!!

I just posted the measurement for your information. I agree with you, the angles for the second one are better. I will definitely make sure both stones are eye clean.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I will tell you that without pictures and only going by the numbers, #2 would absolutely be my choice. I don't care for larger tables and the second stone has almost perfect numbers. It should have a normal diameter based on the numbers. I prefer it even if the other has a tiny edge on diameter.

Making sure both stones were eyeclean from the top and sides would also be a factor I would consider.

Ditto. I prefer the patterning in more classic cuts like #2. Of course, without pictures and images we can't tell for sure... but for me the second is a safer bet.

 

[jurislee]

Thanks a lot, dimondseeker and dreamer D!!! I think stone 2 is better. At the last minute, i find a stone 3, which has exactly the same price as stone 2:

Stone #3: 1.62 Carat; 7.53*7.54*4.67; I color; VS2
Table: 55%
Depth: 62%
Crown: 34.5%
Pavilion: 40.8%
Girdle: M to slightly thick 3.5%

The supplier tell me that if you put the stone 2 and 3 side by side, you cannot tell which one is better in performance. He prefers stone 3 as it has less inclusion (although both are eye clean from top and side). I think stone #3 is better coz it has a smaller table? However, if you add up the crown percentage (15%) + girdle (3.5%) + pavilion percentage 43%, it gives you a depth of 61.5% instead of 62%. Some price scopers do not like it and call it " warped stone"?

Also, i find if I m willing to give with a J color instead of I, i can have much options, say the following two:


I watched the vedio online, i think i cannot tell the difference between a H&A and a ideal cut (with nice portion); as for color, i think i can tell a J from a I from the tilt (a very close up video from goodoldgold).

1.http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2909282.htm

2. http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-j-color-vs2-clarity_LD03351308?keyword_search_value=LD03351308

I know it may end up as a personal preference, but if you have any thoughts, please share. So far, I am still leaning towards Stone #3.