Why can't I find a diamond with the "ideal" specs?

[msop04]

What I got from this thread is that science makes things sparkly.

Yes!! This, I understand!

 

[astar11]

What I got from this thread is that science makes things sparkly.

Yes!! This, I understand!

So, the diamond that OP puts on hold (James Allen: 242826), is it good because:


Table < 60%
Depth < 62%
C.A : 34.5
P.A : 40.8
Star facet: 50
L.G facet: 75 ???

With star facet 50 and lower girdle 75, will it guarantee that the diamond will sparkle so much?

The thing is that diamond has "feather" inclusions. Though, as vs1, it wont matter


I think what matters at the end of the day OP, really what you can see with the naked eye and whether its cloudy......just my 2 cents.

 

[deviate]

What I got from this thread is that science makes things sparkly.

Yes!! This, I understand!

So, the diamond that OP puts on hold (James Allen: 242826), is it good because:


Table < 60%
Depth < 62%
C.A : 34.5
P.A : 40.8
Star facet: 50
L.G facet: 75 ???

With star facet 50 and lower girdle 75, will it guarantee that the diamond will sparkle so much?

The thing is that diamond has "feather" inclusions. Though, as vs1, it wont matter


I think what matters at the end of the day OP, really what you can see with the naked eye and whether its cloudy......just my 2 cents.

Thanks for your input but I don't understand the numbers for the Star facet and L.G facet. What numbers should I aim for and are you saying that even would a good HCA rating, the sparkle won't be that great?

 

[astar11]

What I got from this thread is that science makes things sparkly.

Yes!! This, I understand!

So, the diamond that OP puts on hold (James Allen: 242826), is it good because:


Table < 60%
Depth < 62%
C.A : 34.5
P.A : 40.8
Star facet: 50
L.G facet: 75 ???

With star facet 50 and lower girdle 75, will it guarantee that the diamond will sparkle so much?

The thing is that diamond has "feather" inclusions. Though, as vs1, it wont matter


I think what matters at the end of the day OP, really what you can see with the naked eye and whether its cloudy......just my 2 cents.

Thanks for your input but I don't understand the numbers for the Star facet and L.G facet. What numbers should I aim for and are you saying that even would a good HCA rating, the sparkle won't be that great?

I can't answer what number you should aim for since I also look for that ...

Good hca can't guarantee the sparkle that you want, from my experience. An expert might be able to give better answer

 

[deviate]

So, the diamond that OP puts on hold (James Allen: 242826), is it good because:


Table < 60%
Depth < 62%
C.A : 34.5
P.A : 40.8
Star facet: 50
L.G facet: 75 ???

With star facet 50 and lower girdle 75, will it guarantee that the diamond will sparkle so much?

The thing is that diamond has "feather" inclusions. Though, as vs1, it wont matter


I think what matters at the end of the day OP, really what you can see with the naked eye and whether its cloudy......just my 2 cents.

The diamond I have on hold is:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-242826

Astar raised the concern regarding the feather inclusions and the star facet 50 and lower girdle 75. Does this raise any flags? My hold ends today so please give me your opinions! TIA!

 

[msop04]

I'm gonna be really honest with you, OP... If Yssie or Christina (or any other proven PS experts) had told me to jump on a stone... I'd be jumping as quickly as I could. Just do it. If you don't like it -- which I think will be highly unlikely -- return it to JA.

Listen to the PS veterans. They have proven time and time again that they know exactly what they are talking about, and they have said that this stone is pretty much perfect spec-wise, especially for your budget. I would not second guess them at this point. Don't let your hold time lapse, because I can about guarantee this stone will be gone very quickly if you pass on it.

Take home message: "You are cuckoo-crazy if you don't buy that stone."

 

[msop04]

So, the diamond that OP puts on hold (James Allen: 242826), is it good because:

Table < 60%
Depth < 62%
C.A : 34.5
P.A : 40.8
Star facet: 50
L.G facet: 75 ???

With star facet 50 and lower girdle 75, will it guarantee that the diamond will sparkle so much?
The thing is that diamond has "feather" inclusions. Though, as vs1, it wont matter

I think what matters at the end of the day OP, really what you can see with the naked eye and whether its cloudy......just my 2 cents.

astar11,

The reason the OP should consider the diamond has been stated ad nauseam in this thread (as well as a good portion of threads in Rocky Talky). It's not any one parameter, but the combination of certain specs.

1) JA photo and video showed an impeccably clean and great looking stone
2) Table/depth % and crown/pavilion angles gave it a great HCA score so that it would be worth some further investigation, thus the recommendation to have JA hold the stone.
3) Unless JA reports that there should be cause for concern, I would consider it a wonderful find!

Also, several PS vets have given it their "blessing" and have expressed how great it is, urging the OP to put it on hold. I may be wrong, but I think you may be over-thinking it with all the facet and feather inclusion talk. I'm no expert on this, but if the photo and video show totally eye clean at like 20x - 40x magnification, then it's eye clean... I'm having a little difficulty understanding what would make you think it would be cloudy given the data we have on this stone (not to mention photos and video)?

 

[Christina...]

There will be no clarity or durability issue with a feather in a VS1 stone. The star facets that astar mentioned act as windows to the hotspots. which are the triangular shaped black spots that you see between the arrow heads in an idealscope image. How large the hot spots appear is relative to the length of the lower girdle facets. Depending on how open or closed these windows are will determine what type of light is being returned. Opening them up tends to lead to more white light return, closing the a bit, more colored light return.

You can read more on minor facets here..
http://www.goodoldgold.com/content.php?c=98

and further discussion here...
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/lgf-and-stars.36793/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/lgf-and-stars.36793/[/URL]

I don't see any red flags in the stone that you are considering. The minor facets affect the personality/character of the diamond. As you will read in the discussion link, consideration of the minor facets should be secondary to the whole picture. I assume that you have requested ideal scope images of the stone? JA will provide a Sarin report as well if you are very interested.

I should also mention the minor facet measurements on the GIA report have all been rounded to the nearest 5%. 50% stars could mean anything from 48-52%, lgfs could be anywhere from 73-77.

 

[Christina...]

OP, have, you requested an ideal scope image of this stone? It would be your next logical step. JA will extend the hold for you while you wait for images. HCA is simply a weeding tool, it only predicts likely performance, but it has limitations as it makes assumptions about the stone and doesn't take all of the measurements into consideration. I'm sure that you understand that the diamond MUST be considered as whole and not by 8-16 facet considerations. The next step is for the ideal scope, this will determine if the stone has any leakage. After it has passed that test, the gemologist can act as your eyes and offer his opinion of the stone and it's performance, lastly YOUR eyes get to be the judge.

 

[msop04]

There will be no clarity or durability issue with a feather in a VS1 stone. The star facets that astar mentioned act as windows to the hotspots. which are the triangular shaped black spots that you see between the arrow heads in an idealscope image. How large the hot spots appear is relative to the length of the lower girdle facets. Depending on how open or closed these windows are will determine what type of light is being returned. Opening them up tends to lead to more white light return, closing the a bit, more colored light return.

You can read more on minor facets here..
http://www.goodoldgold.com/content.php?c=98

and further discussion here...
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/lgf-and-stars.36793/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/lgf-and-stars.36793/[/URL]

I don't see any red flags in the stone that you are considering. The minor facets affect the personality/character of the diamond. As you will read in the discussion link, consideration of the minor facets should be secondary to the whole picture. I assume that you have requested ideal scope images of the stone? JA will provide a Sarin report as well if you are very interested.

I should also mention the minor facet measurements on the GIA report have all been rounded to the nearest 5%. 50% stars could mean anything from 48-52%, lgfs could be anywhere from 73-77.

Thanks for posting the links, Christina!

 

[deviate]

OP, have, you requested an ideal scope image of this stone? It would be your next logical step. JA will extend the hold for you while you wait for images. HCA is simply a weeding tool, it only predicts likely performance, but it has limitations as it makes assumptions about the stone and doesn't take all of the measurements into consideration. I'm sure that you understand that the diamond MUST be considered as whole and not by 8-16 facet considerations. The next step is for the ideal scope, this will determine if the stone has any leakage. After it has passed that test, the gemologist can act as your eyes and offer his opinion of the stone and it's performance, lastly YOUR eyes get to be the judge.

Thanks Christina and msop. I will pick 2 more diamond's eod to request the idealscope. I'll also see if they will do a Sarin report for me. Do I have to ask any specific questions to the gemologist or will he/she basically comment if there are any red flags?

 

[Christina...]

OP, have, you requested an ideal scope image of this stone? It would be your next logical step. JA will extend the hold for you while you wait for images. HCA is simply a weeding tool, it only predicts likely performance, but it has limitations as it makes assumptions about the stone and doesn't take all of the measurements into consideration. I'm sure that you understand that the diamond MUST be considered as whole and not by 8-16 facet considerations. The next step is for the ideal scope, this will determine if the stone has any leakage. After it has passed that test, the gemologist can act as your eyes and offer his opinion of the stone and it's performance, lastly YOUR eyes get to be the judge.

Thanks Christina and msop. I will pick 2 more diamond's eod to request the idealscope. I'll also see if they will do a Sarin report for me. Do I have to ask any specific questions to the gemologist or will he/she basically comment if there are any red flags?

If you have strong preferences for one particular type of light return over another, you may want to mention that. The gemologist should be acting as YOUR eyes...like you, s/he will have preferences based on what they consider desirable, so, you want to be sure that when they are comparing two, or three stones that all perform well, that s/he can direct you toward the stone that most resembles your preferences.

Have you chosen two more stones yet? Would you like help doing so? What questions you should ask really are dependent upon which stones you choose, and how much information you need to be comfortable moving ahead with a purchase. The questions I would ask regarding an H/ SI2 would be very different than questions I would have regarding a J/VS1 kwim?

 

[Christina...]

There will be no clarity or durability issue with a feather in a VS1 stone. The star facets that astar mentioned act as windows to the hotspots. which are the triangular shaped black spots that you see between the arrow heads in an idealscope image. How large the hot spots appear is relative to the length of the lower girdle facets. Depending on how open or closed these windows are will determine what type of light is being returned. Opening them up tends to lead to more white light return, closing the a bit, more colored light return.

You can read more on minor facets here..
http://www.goodoldgold.com/content.php?c=98

and further discussion here...
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/lgf-and-stars.36793/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/lgf-and-stars.36793/[/URL]

I don't see any red flags in the stone that you are considering. The minor facets affect the personality/character of the diamond. As you will read in the discussion link, consideration of the minor facets should be secondary to the whole picture. I assume that you have requested ideal scope images of the stone? JA will provide a Sarin report as well if you are very interested.

I should also mention the minor facet measurements on the GIA report have all been rounded to the nearest 5%. 50% stars could mean anything from 48-52%, lgfs could be anywhere from 73-77.

Thanks for posting the links, Christina!

You are most welcome! I wish that more people posted links to prior discussions on the topic at hand. I find them incredibly helpful and informative!

Oh and I wanted to mention that Yssie and I don't even live on the same street! She is amazingly knowledgeable, I swear she has a photographic memory! I'm very flattered though, regardless of how underserving of the compliment I am.

 

[deviate]

OP, have, you requested an ideal scope image of this stone? It would be your next logical step. JA will extend the hold for you while you wait for images. HCA is simply a weeding tool, it only predicts likely performance, but it has limitations as it makes assumptions about the stone and doesn't take all of the measurements into consideration. I'm sure that you understand that the diamond MUST be considered as whole and not by 8-16 facet considerations. The next step is for the ideal scope, this will determine if the stone has any leakage. After it has passed that test, the gemologist can act as your eyes and offer his opinion of the stone and it's performance, lastly YOUR eyes get to be the judge.

Thanks Christina and msop. I will pick 2 more diamond's eod to request the idealscope. I'll also see if they will do a Sarin report for me. Do I have to ask any specific questions to the gemologist or will he/she basically comment if there are any red flags?

If you have strong preferences for one particular type of light return over another, you may want to mention that. The gemologist should be acting as YOUR eyes...like you, s/he will have preferences based on what they consider desirable, so, you want to be sure that when they are comparing two, or three stones that all perform well, that s/he can direct you toward the stone that most resembles your preferences.

Have you chosen two more stones yet? Would you like help doing so? What questions you should ask really are dependent upon which stones you choose, and how much information you need to be comfortable moving ahead with a purchase. The questions I would ask regarding an H/ SI2 would be very different than questions I would have regarding a J/VS1 kwim?

I would love some help choosing 2 more diamonds but I've looked extensively on JA and honestly I couldn't find another one that's comparable to the one msop found for me. I was hoping to find something that's shy of 1.5 and eye clean SI1. I found another one on b2cjewels that is of interest but I'm not sure it'll be eye clean.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3746556-1.59-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=3746556&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Also, I have no idea what the different types of light return. I just want to make sure it has the sparkle factor and not look dead.

EDIT: I was thinking perhaps these 2 as well:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.53-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-244389
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-232164

 

[Christina...]

This one says that it's been reserved, I assume they are waiting on additional images, but if it's released it would be worth a look. It's a bit higher than your initial budget though I think. If you're interested I would contact BGD quickly and ask if you can reserve it immediately should it be released.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.514-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-104066185007

This is another really pretty one... though it's a bit above your budget.
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/10248/

This one is within budget. You could ask Jon if the leakage under the table is apparent IRL viewing. He will also do side by side video comparisons for you. He's very honest and if there is something about this stone that should concern you, he will let you know up front.
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11142/


Have you looked at Ritani? I just went through there virtual list and they had a few nice stones at competitive prices I added a few to my compare list and then my laptop ate it! Ugh! I have to run out for a bit but when I get back I'll find some time to take another look.

 

[deviate]

This one says that it's been reserved, I assume they are waiting on additional images, but if it's released it would be worth a look. It's a bit higher than your initial budget though I think. If you're interested I would contact BGD quickly and ask if you can reserve it immediately should it be released.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.514-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-104066185007

This is another really pretty one... though it's a bit above your budget.
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/10248/

This one is within budget. You could ask Jon if the leakage under the table is apparent IRL viewing. He will also do side by side video comparisons for you. He's very honest and if there is something about this stone that should concern you, he will let you know up front.
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11142/


Have you looked at Ritani? I just went through there virtual list and they had a few nice stones at competitive prices I added a few to my compare list and then my laptop ate it! Ugh! I have to run out for a bit but when I get back I'll find some time to take another look.

Thanks for the search. I think I/SI1 would be the lowest I would go. Wow! I guess I was too slow the other 2 diamonds I wanted to hold are already put on hold by someone. Can anyone recommend 2 more diamonds from JA? I have to submit it by tonight. Thanks

 

[deviate]

Unfortunately the other 2 diamonds I short listed last night are already on hold from someone.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.53-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-244389
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-232164

So these are now on my hold and I've requested an idealscope.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-242826
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.42-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-75428
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.44-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-244377

I will post the results when they come in. Thanks again for all your help from everyone.

 

[msop04]

Unfortunately the other 2 diamonds I short listed last night are already on hold from someone.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.53-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-244389
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-232164

So these are now on my hold and I've requested an idealscope.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-242826
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.42-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-75428
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.44-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-244377

I will post the results when they come in. Thanks again for all your help from everyone.

Sorry about the other two diamonds -- that stinks! I just think that I/VS1 is gonna be a stunner, so try not to worry about "the ones that got away"

Can't wait to see how the Idealscopes turn out!

 

[Christina...]

You have some nice choices. I'm looking forward to hearing what the gemologist has to say.

 

[deviate]

Now that I'm just waiting for the ideal scope. Any suggestion on where to get the band with the following ideas?

Cathedral setting - 4 prong
Knife edge
White gold

Either plain or pave. Thinking of the following:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Traditional-Solitaire-Settings/Cathedral-Knife-Edge-Solitaire-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-18K-White-Gold-(2.4mm)-5716-1.aspx

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/18k-white-gold-pave-knife-edge-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-item-17842

Thanks.

 

[msop04]

Now that I'm just waiting for the ideal scope. Any suggestion on where to get the band with the following ideas?

Cathedral setting - 4 prong
Knife edge
White gold

Either plain or pave. Thinking of the following:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Traditional-Solitaire-Settings/Cathedral-Knife-Edge-Solitaire-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-18K-White-Gold-(2.4mm)-5716-1.aspx

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/18k-white-gold-pave-knife-edge-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-item-17842

Thanks.

I really like the JA ring -- just the right amount of bling! (not to mention, they'll have your stone, so no worries in the setting process)

 

[deviate]

Now that I'm just waiting for the ideal scope. Any suggestion on where to get the band with the following ideas?

Cathedral setting - 4 prong
Knife edge
White gold

Either plain or pave. Thinking of the following:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Traditional-Solitaire-Settings/Cathedral-Knife-Edge-Solitaire-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-18K-White-Gold-(2.4mm)-5716-1.aspx

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/18k-white-gold-pave-knife-edge-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-item-17842

Thanks.

I really like the JA ring -- just the right amount of bling! (not to mention, they'll have your stone, so no worries in the setting process)

I like the JA ring as well but I think she wants the plain band look with a channel wedding band. Like this but with 4 prongs:

http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/198074/rings.jpg

 

[msop04]

I like the JA ring as well but I think she wants the plain band look with a channel wedding band. Like this but with 4 prongs:

http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/198074/rings.jpg

Equally beautiful! Get her what she wants! That style shouldn't be difficult to find! Here's some ering settings on JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2.5mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7214
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-comfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7086

and the band can be purchased from pretty much anywhere!

 

[deviate]

Equally beautiful! Get her what she wants! That style shouldn't be difficult to find! Here's some ering settings on JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2.5mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7214
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-comfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7086

and the band can be purchased from pretty much anywhere!

Thanks msop but she wants the cathedral setting with a knife edge band. I wish JA had that, it would be so much easier since I'm most likely going with the JA stone.

 

[Christina...]

james allen is doing custom now, they could probably make you the setting that you want.

 

[msop04]

Equally beautiful! Get her what she wants! That style shouldn't be difficult to find! Here's some ering settings on JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2.5mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7214
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-comfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7086

and the band can be purchased from pretty much anywhere!

Thanks msop but she wants the cathedral setting with a knife edge band. I wish JA had that, it would be so much easier since I'm most likely going with the JA stone.

Oh, okay!! (the setting you posted wasn't cathedral) I second Christina -- have JA make it for you!

 

[deviate]

Which one do you suggest? Do you think there would be a visual difference?

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/18k-white-gold-0.30ct-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-928

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/18k-white-gold-0.54ct-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9018

 

[arkieb1]

I am going to put the links to more stones you might consider if you are looking for "Ideal" into the mix - 1.497 I SI1 triple ex H & A;

http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/1vxsni

Or this one;

http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/ybtibh

Or this one for a good value;

http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/rmhmrs

 

[deviate]

Ok so the results are in and here are the comments:

I am happy to tell you that the gemologist found all three diamonds to be very lively options! They all possess an excellent amount of brilliance (white light return), with a great amount of fire (dispersion of color) and sparkle that is well balanced and symmetrical. The 1.51 and 1.52 carat are both "eye clean", however, the crystals in the 1.42 carat are reflecting through the diamond and are easily seen. All three diamonds are a very beautiful white color.

So that rules out the 1.42, so here are the idealscope of the other two.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-242826



http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-232164



I'm told both are "eye clean" but from the GIA report, obviously the VS1 looks way cleaner. However to me, it looks like (232164) looks like it has less leakage. Please let me know what you all think.

Also if anyone could help answer the question below, much appreciated:

Which one do you suggest? Do you think there would be a visual difference?

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/18k-white-gold-0.30ct-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-928

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/18k-white-gold-0.54ct-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9018

 

[yssie]

However to me, it looks like (232164) looks like it has less leakage. Please let me know what you all think.

Painting.
So yes, less "leakage" at girdle, but not necessarily a good thing or a bad thing - just depends what you prefer to see.
Explanation: http://www.goodoldgold.com/4Cs/NewCutGrading/Painting/

Whether it's visible? Well, it's THERE, and it will change the character of the stone visibly to someone who knows what to look for and who cares to look. The vast majority won't on both counts.
Of those who do note it, some will like it, some won't, and most won't care. I personally don't so I would choose the other (242826).

Can you have both stones shipped out to look at in-person? That's really the only way to find out how *you* feel. You aren't choosing between "good" and "bad" any more, or even "better" and "best" - it's strictly a matter of two perfectly good choices with different personalities.