Would you upgrade a stone from F to E, same mm?

[LaraOnline]

Hi there,

I've always had an appreciation of high colour ( in MRB, not in antique cuts).
I have an opp to change up my 1.6ct / F /SI2 stone to a 1.78 ct/ E / VS2.
There will be a barely perceptible difference of .3 mm diametre. The stones are very similar personality wise.
Both GIA triple ex, the F scores 1.8 on hca ; the E scores 2.1.

Is this an upgrade that would make no sense??
I now have 2 SI2 stones, I'm thinking that's a mark against me as a diamond fanatic lol and I should get 'mindclean'.
My diamond merchant thinks i'm mad to even consider the change.
I'm kind of flip flopping on this.

 

[dk168]

Personally, I would not consider such an upgrade as the differences are too subtle to be appreciated by others except for myself.

It's like someone spending a lot more opting for a D IF rather than a E VS2 (all else being equal), knowing he/she has bought the best he/she could afford, even though it may not be obvious to other people.

Therefore, if the upgrade is for personal satisfaction alone, knowing you have bettered your last purchase, then go for it.

If I were to upgrade, my priority would be size, then cut, then colour, then clarity.

My 2p.

DK

 

[missy]

I wouldn't do that upgrade. You have a beautiful stone and if you are going to upgrade I would go for size since your current stone has an excellent color and cut already so no need to upgrade those qualities IMO. Color and cut are already top of the line so next area that I would consider (if you were desiring an upgrade) would be size and perhaps clarity if that is bothering you. But definitely a no for changing solely due to color...unless the SI2 is really bothering you enough and then and only then would I consider it. And ofc only you know how much of an issue the SI2 really is. I wouldn't even consider what other people think about this issue as mind clean is such a personal decision. Only your opinion matters here.

 

[ice empress]

How much would this upgrade cost?...

 

[LLJsmom]

I also love higher colors in MRBs. If placed side by side, I notice the difference between an E and an F. I have major mind clean issues, thus I have never purchased anything lower than a VS1, and would not consider anything less than VS2, even after all I have learned on this website. Do you actually have mind clean issues or only think you should?

But I do now realize the characteristics that are more immediately apparent to people who see the stone, which are cut and size. However, it is what you care about the most that matters. I think most people would say it's not worth it. I would not dismiss it if it was a good deal. My question is how much more are you paying for this improvement and would that be worth it to YOU? If so, do what you wanna do.

I would hold out a littler longer and wait to get a bigger stone that gets you closer to or over 2 and a higher clarity. That is just my preference. . Maybe you can post pics. Please tell us what you end up choosing.

 

[UrsTx]

I imagined myself standing in the jewelry store looking at my current stone compared to one that's one color and two clarity grades better. Would I put the money into that change...?

I think, if your current SI2 is eye clean, I wouldn't change for that little of a color and size difference. I think no one but me would notice the change and that would bother me too. Now, if your SI2 is not eye clean or if you were moving to a different shape stone (like round to cushion or vice versa), that's a different story.

I'd rather save up the funds and move to a noticeably larger F color but improve the clarity at that point. If you're at 1.6 ct now, maybe a 2+ ct, VS2 later?

 

[Acinom]

If I were in your shoes I would save up a while longer until I could upgrade to a stone with a noticable difference... Unless there are noticeable inclusions in your stone, but I understand this is not the case.

Sounds like you have a wonderful stone so I would hold on to it just a little while longer.

 

[dk168]

Stupid here, however, what is meant by mind clean please?

I have an idea, however, I thought I should better check to make sure.

Thanks in advance.

DK

 

[UrsTx]

This is my laymens interpretation: you know the imperfections of your stone even though no one else does and/or can't see them. Mind clean is your personal tolerance level for inclusions.

Example: I have an SI1 which has a 1mm feather at the outside of the table and it blends in with the faceting - technically eye clean because I have to get about three inches close to see it. A regular person looking at my ring at a regular distance won't see it. Since I know it's there and where it's located, I always see it so it's not mind clean for me.

PSers - please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[dk168]

That's what I thought, thanks!

It is like me in my thread about side stones colour. I can see the difference in colour, even though it may not be significantly different for most people to notice, however, it would bug me had I gone ahead with using lesser coloured sides to the main stone.

DK

 

[marymm]

OP - have you seen the new E-VS2 stone in person? next to your current F-SI2 diamond?

My story, in case it helps you - I had a 0.615ct E-SI1 ACA (5.4mm) which I upgraded to a 0.858ct G-SI1 ACA (6.1mm) - tremendous size difference and I really loved the new G-SI1 ACA, but after some months I sort of hungered for the whiteness I remembered of my old E-color diamond - so I changed out to a 0.825ct E-VS2 Expert Selection, AGL Triple O, (6mm) - on paper, both had similar stats - well, I had the new E-color diamond sent out in my old setting and as soon as I opened the box, I was sorry I had changed my stone! The E-color did not seem any whiter than my G, and it definitely looked smaller (to me, and it was the first thing my husband noticed when he looked at it), and honestly I thought for the extra money I paid, I should love it. I kept it and wore it for several days to make sure my initial impression was correct, and luckily was able to return it and get back my G-SI1 ACA I had traded in... when I received my ring again, with my G-color ACA, as soon as I opened the box I was so relieved to see that my beautiful G-color diamond was all that I remembered.

In retrospect, I realize that I probably had to go through this process, because I had really loved my first 5.4mm E-color diamond, and as much as I loved my G-color diamond, for a long time I still yearned for my old E-color diamond but just a little larger... now, I understand that each diamond truly is unique, even ideal-cut RBs with similar stats.

If you really love your F-SI2, I would make sure the E-VS2 is a "better" stone in your eyes before you give up your F-SI2... if you've seen the E-VS2 in person and it really appeals to you, only you can decide if the cost differential is worth it for the upgrade.

 

[Gypsy]

Nope.

 

[simurgh]

I'm super color sensitive, but wouldn't trade - I love icy whiteness, but f and e are pretty narrow color grades, and f to me has that icy whiteness unless it's next to higher color grades (eg you had an d/e eternity next to it). What do you wear the ring with/are there higher coloured or melee diamonds around to affect your perception of the color?

 

[distracts]

I wouldn't... if I was going bigger, or making more of a jump in color/clarity (like from your F Si2 to D VVS) then it might be worth it, but for such a small jump? I don't think you'll be able to see a difference and I think that will make it not mind clean in the end because of the amount you'll have paid to make the jump.

 

[AprilBaby]

Yes, but not for color. For size and clarity.

 

[LaraOnline]

Thank you so much for answering me, ladies! I really appreciate it, very much.

I agree that the change would only be for myself.
And yes, my lovely F/SI2 is eyeclean, and was expertly selected by my diamond merchant as an an upgradeable stone.
However, if I go to this next stone, it will not be upgradeable in the future.
(My diamond guy was very quick to remind me of this lol, no doubt he has sensed a pattern in my behaviour!!)

Currently I am very happy with the size - but I know that emotions towards rocks can change quite a bit, when I got my larger second stone I got DSS pretty bad with this 1.6ct... that's settled down now and I once more I'm feeling it as a lovely elegant size that's "not too heavy, not too light, just right'. It seems the perfect balance for an engagement ring to me. In my culture (Australia) it's not common to wear a massive engagement ring. This size I am able to pass off as my original stone, if I chose to do that.

Reading your replies makes me feel I should bide my time and perhaps in a few years, older and greyer I'll be all 'hey I want that 2ct+ rock now". Arthritic fingers make diamonds look smaller, you know!

dk and missy, thank you for your comments...I agree that a diamond purchase is essentially personal and that it is very rare that anyone actually asks for stats. But, having said that, I am wondering if two SI2 stones does reflect on me lol!!
(and, may I add, both of my SI2 stones are just stunning stones and yes both totally eyeclean). But.... am I slumming it with 'just' SI2 stones...? LOL

ice empress and LLJsmom, the upgrade would cost 6 grand. In my view, that's a doable amount whereas factoring in a size increase would make the effort much more exhausting! It seems a relatively lowkey change. A big part of the appeal is that it's a low level upgrade, rather than this massive download of money from my bank account to my dealer's. do I even want to go bigger? I'm not sure about that.

UrsTx and Acinom, thank you for your input. Yes the stone is lovely. My jeweller is recommending a straight reset. Of course, he is also probably not thrilled out having to shell out for my upgrade, especially as I am considering a move to a non-upgradeable stone, so no premium built in. Although the stone would sell quickly, surely, but it is a hassle for him. I did look at ovals earlier, but he talked me out of that also lol!

I could consider a three-stone...?

Another aspect to this is that I have two daughters, and in an ideal world I would want each of them to inherit a ring that is somewhat approaching a similar value or at least appeal.

Marymm, your story is exactly the scenario I could see myself getting into! I would have to order the diamond in. Yes, it would be doable for me to compare the two, costing me a couple of hundred dollars to call in the stone. But I don't want to make my jeweller go to the trouble unless I'm fairly sure.

simurgh, the stone looks a good colour to me, I'm an 'ideas' girl and this desire is not really related to my day-to-day experience of the diamond! Maybe reset it is.

April, Gypsy and distracts, thank you for your comments. Yes, at first I thought seriously about D at 1.6ct size exactly, but was worried that the colour might eventually turn me off all my other jewellery!!

 

[ice empress]

Yes, but not for color. For size and clarity.

My thoughts exactly

 

[LaraOnline]

Yes, but not for color. For size and clarity.

My thoughts exactly

So... would you do this one girls?
Or would you wait a bit, and go for size.
I really don't want to go to D, for fear of showing up my other diamond jewellery in a bad light!!

 

[decodelighted]

SIX GRAND?????? Um .. No!!!!!! For such a subtle change I wouldn't even risk the physical aspects of a RESET. (Risk of chipping, bad prong work etc.)

Just. No.

 

[LaraOnline]

LOL

 

[stargurl78]

SIX GRAND?????? Um .. No!!!!!! For such a subtle change I wouldn't even risk the physical aspects of a RESET. (Risk of chipping, bad prong work etc.)

Just. No.

Agreed! $6k for that upgrade does not seem worth it. AT ALL. And this is coming from a very color-sensitive person who has an E-colored e-ring. I would definitely wait.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I would do it. You are satisfied with the size. Your only real issue is si2 and frankly I agree, and the prices also agree that a vs2 is better. Its considered a a higher grade than an si2, no matter what anyone says. If the $6,000 is something that you can afford without taking away from other responsibilities I think its just fine you do it. I, personally would not at this time in my life buy anything less than a vs2 diamond. Diamondseeker, who I so respect on her knowledge of diamonds also says the sweet spot is G, vs2.
Even better for you E vs2. Look at the stone though.

Good Luck

Annette

 

[msop04]

And yes, my lovely F/SI2 is eyeclean, and was expertly selected by my diamond merchant as an an upgradeable stone.
However, if I go to this next stone, it will not be upgradeable in the future.

dk and missy, thank you for your comments...I agree that a diamond purchase is essentially personal and that it is very rare that anyone actually asks for stats. But, having said that, I am wondering if two SI2 stones does reflect on me lol!!
(and, may I add, both of my SI2 stones are just stunning stones and yes both totally eyeclean). But.... am I slumming it with 'just' SI2 stones...? LOL

There is no way I'd shell out $6K for the same size stone if the original is completely colorless and eyeclean. To me, that's just a waste of money. If you're itching to spend money, why not reset or add a band?

Also, I'm a little confused about the comment about SI stones being a reflection of oneself. I'm gonna take it as a very positive thing. A clean SI stone shows the buyer was able to save a lot of money, while still getting an eye clean stone in the cut/size/color stone she wanted. Slumming?? Not. At. All. I think I'm the opposite of most here in that if I found a great deal on a stone that happened to be a VS clarity, my mind would immediately go to the thought, "...I wonder how much bigger I could get with a clean SI with the same specs?? Hmmmm...."

 

[chrono]

I would not spend $6K on a stone that essentially looks the same as the original. The colour difference from E to F is almost imperceptible face up and the size difference is also very small. Add to the fact that the diamond is no long upgradable after this makes this decision very clear to me.

 

[Dreamer_D]

How about this. Mail me the ring and your check. I will send you back the ring and we can just SAY it was upgraded in color and clarity and you can just choose to believe it. Sounds silly? So does this upgrade

 

[Dreamer_D]

I wonder... you clearly want something new or a change in jewelery. Why not spend the $6k on another piece?

 

[leyhuong]

No

 

[ice empress]

oops, i should have been more specific.... no, I would definitely not do it for this particular stone upgrade, especially for 6K!

 

[bliss_cathy]

Hi Laraonline

I'm from Australia as well and I think I totally understand where you are coming from!

Funnily enough, if I were to ever consider upgrading, I too, would increase colour and probably only increase the size by about 0.15 of a carat.

It sounds absolutely crazy I know, but in Australia I totally understand how nobody upgrades, people wear the same engagement ring they were proposed to and size wise, I too know the feeling of having one of the largest engagement rings amongst my friends and family. I have a smaller diamond than you but still get comments from strangers about what a big rock I have and they ask what my husband does! I do have small fingers, and when I try on bigger rings for fun in stores, shop keepers will say 'that's way too big for you!'

So I think I understand you wanting to up grade the quality of your diamond over size.

Maybe in the US, an upgrade is mostly about size, but as you mentioned you already have a size you are very happy with, a size already considered larger than average and a size that probably already suits your hand perfectly.

However you still itch for something better, an upgrade, you have x amount set aside for. For you, maybe that upgrade is colour and clarity. For your own personal satisfaction.

 

[LaraOnline]

How about this. Mail me the ring and your check. I will send you back the ring and we can just SAY it was upgraded in color and clarity and you can just choose to believe it. Sounds silly? So does this upgrade

Heheh well I could try that.... praps that would have the same effect lol

You have all made me smile. And I am all over the paddock with this, because as we all know the SIX GRAND you are talking about is peanuts when we're talking diamonds of any size and yet tbh it's all I would really want to cough up for this ring and then I'm done. bliss-cathy, you are right on the money.

dreamer, I think I should look at another project! Earrings, or a line bracelet. but I can't quite go there, because I know that will cost me more than six thou, and the sheer effort of having to save a larger amount is kind of a drag!

If I don't have some kind of *project* upcoming though, I'll be lost!

OMC??

I have a feeling I'm going to let this opportunity drift past. Praps I should hold out for a ring with similar stats *cough*, but with a higher hca. But if I decide as a grand old dame that I want to upgrade for the sake of my daughter, praps I'll be priced out.

(I have two rings, and this is worth less than the other. As I mentioned earlier, in an ideal world I would like the rings to be at least approaching equal terms of value or more importantly appeal. I wouldn't want the two girls to gouge each others' eyes out!!)

thanks for your comments everyone, I'm having fun on this thread!