Would you upgrade to this stone?

[tmot14]

I really love my current diamond, which is this 1.354 ct Expert Selection F VS1 from Whiteflash (http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3186649.htm). At the time of purchase, I really wanted >1.5 but they didn't have anything in stock in my price range that matched my preferences (>1.5ct, eye clean, G or above).

Now they have this 1.537ct A Cut Above F SI1 in stock (http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3337349.htm). Thanks to their upgrade policy, it's only $165 more than my current stone for the same color, 0.24mm bigger, an ACA vs. ES, and an eye clean SI1. It sounds too good to be true. Here's a link to the comparison images: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3337349,3186649

A few concerns:
1. The AGS report says the diamond has additional twining wisps and surface graining not shown. But it's an ACA, so I am guessing those aren't a big deal? The sales rep said it's clean and bright white, and it performs very well but still a little unsure about this.
2. It's not 100% eyeclean. She said there is a white inclusion visible on the edge of the table, almost to the crown. It is only visible from about 5-6 inches away and it looks like a very tiny bit of dust. I think I would be okay with this, since I don't usually look that closely at my diamond for it to bother me.
3. My setting head was designed for a smaller diamond. I don't think the size difference is so huge that this will be a problem, but I don't know for sure.

I've requested they hold it for me until I make up my mind. I'd love to hear thoughts from those with more experience! Thanks in advance

 

[Diamondbug]

YES I would!! If yo are ok with the one speck of dust I say absolutely. I would not even think twice about it!! I am not sure about your current setting. Are you ok with changing it if you have to? It would mean extra $$.

 

[tmot14]

Thanks for your response! It depends how much it would cost to change the head of my setting, but I'd definitely consider it.

Any voices of dissent? I just worry it's too good to be true!

 

[tyty333]

I would! But my main concern is your setting. Is it a halo? You need to talk to WF about it and see if they can do it.

Keeping fingers crossed for ya!

 

[Missy]

Yes I would! I would also speak with WF and make sure there are no negatives about the stone that are not immediately obvious. They should be honest with you as they want happy customers so I would speak to them about any possible concerns.

Only issue now is the setting but if you are OK with that go for it. And good luck!

 

[marymm]

I wouldn't - I prefer the images of your ES, and you say you really love it - if you want to get to 1.5 carats, I'd wait until WF has more in stock to choose among; for sure, personally I wouldn't upgrade to an ACA that isn't eye-clean - but of course it's your call.

 

[MollyMalone]

Before you "pull the trigger", please confer with Whiteflash re the feasibility of replacing your current stone with this one, which is not only larger in area but is also deeper. Plus, I think the stems and/or the prongs are set with diamonds; if so, removing the current center stone and replacing it with another could be dicey.

 

[chrono]

Just curious but I would think going from 7.17-7.21x4.33 mm to 7.43-7.45X4.55 mm is minimal and shouldn't be an issue for a halo setting? The diameter difference is only 0.26 to 0.24 mm and 0.20 mm in depth. Size-wise, I think there will be no appreciable difference but there will be a mind clean difference (VS1 to SI1, and getting above the 1.5 ct mark).

 

[MollyMalone]

I doubt the size discrepancy is a deal breaker, but given the intricacy of what I think is her Tacori

I don't seen any reason not to ask if making the swap is easily doable & at what additional cost.

 

[tmot14]

I would! But my main concern is your setting. Is it a halo? You need to talk to WF about it and see if they can do it.

Keeping fingers crossed for ya!

Thanks! I've asked them if the setting will be an issue, so fingers crossed. The setting was originally made for a 1.5 I colored diamond, but I was color sensitive so I went higher in color/lower in ct weight with the current stone. For some reason, they didn't remake the head so there's a small part where the metal is showing in the halo but it can only be seen from VERY close. They offered to remake the head at the time, but I was worried about upgrade possibilities so left it as is. So in terms of mindclean, it's going to come down to the speck of dust inclusion vs the small metal gap.

Yes I would! I would also speak with WF and make sure there are no negatives about the stone that are not immediately obvious. They should be honest with you as they want happy customers so I would speak to them about any possible concerns.

Only issue now is the setting but if you are OK with that go for it. And good luck!

The lady I'm working with said there wouldn't be any performance issues, and that there are no other negatives. But I'll ask again for the extra peace of mind!

I wouldn't - I prefer the images of your ES, and you say you really love it - if you want to get to 1.5 carats, I'd wait until WF has more in stock to choose among; for sure, personally I wouldn't upgrade to an ACA that isn't eye-clean - but of course it's your call.

Thanks for your insight . I also prefer the images of my ES, but only by a tiny margin so I don't know how much I'll see these in real life. To clarify, the ACA has their eye clean designation (which is eye clean from 10 inches). It is not 100% eyeclean from 5-6 inches, though.

Before you "pull the trigger", please confer with Whiteflash re the feasibility of replacing your current stone with this one, which is not only larger in area but is also deeper. Plus, I think the stems and/or the prongs are set with diamonds; if so, removing the current center stone and replacing it with another could be dicey.

Good points that I hadn't considered. I'll be sure to ask them. They've already changed the diamond once from this setting and back then, they said they can always have Tacori remake the prongs if durability becomes an issue.

Just curious but I would think going from 7.17-7.21x4.33 mm to 7.43-7.45X4.55 mm is minimal and shouldn't be an issue for a halo setting? The diameter difference is only 0.26 to 0.24 mm and 0.20 mm in depth. Size-wise, I think there will be no appreciable difference but there will be a mind clean difference (VS1 to SI1, and getting above the 1.5 ct mark).

That's true...I don't know that I'll be able to see the size difference in the halo setting. A bigger diamond would get rid of the metal gap that I see from my original swap from a 1.5 I VS2 to my 1.354 F VS1 (and the gap, which is only really noticeable very close up, is more visible to me than a speck of dust sized inclusion on the table from 5 inches would be). But yeah, there's the mindclean issue of SI1 to consider.

 

[tmot14]

Update: So the new stone can be put in my current setting--no issues there. They also confirmed that the stone performs wonderfully.

The bad news: It turns out I calculated the cost difference incorrectly . I didn't take off the wire discount from my original purchase, so it's actually $765 difference. Not sure if it's ~$800 worth of difference.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I certainly think going above 1.5 cts and getting an ACA is worth $800....especially since your setting was made for a 1.5 ct stone anyway! I think the ACA looks absolutely perfect. The lighting may be a little different, but the stone is certainly as good or better than the 1.35 from the images. It actually has a better crown angle above 34, too. The F SI1 does have the eyeclean symbol, so you know it is eyeclean from normal viewing distance, at least, up to 10 inches.

 

[cherrymcdowell]

I wouldn't - I prefer the images of your ES, and you say you really love it - if you want to get to 1.5 carats, I'd wait until WF has more in stock to choose among; for sure, personally I wouldn't upgrade to an ACA that isn't eye-clean - but of course it's your call.

I agree with this. If I'm going to do an upgrade might as well choose something that's 100% "upgraded" and not opt for an upgrade with a negative twist.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, the issue is, does she really want to spend another couple thousand to get VS2 over this apparently clean SI1? Because it might be $2800+ more rather than $800 more. Not to mention prices may go up by the time they happen to get a 1.5 F VS2 in.

I think the solution to this, if you are having doubts, is if you can somehow put the new diamond on a credit card long enough to have them send it to you to look at to be sure you are okay with the clarity. The ACA wins on cut and size, obviously. Maybe them making a video of the stone would help.

 

[tmot14]

Well, the issue is, does she really want to spend another couple thousand to get VS2 over this apparently clean SI1? Because it might be $2800+ more rather than $800 more. Not to mention prices may go up by the time they happen to get a 1.5 F VS2 in.

I think the solution to this, if you are having doubts, is if you can somehow put the new diamond on a credit card long enough to have them send it to you to look at to be sure you are okay with the clarity. The ACA wins on cut and size, obviously. Maybe them making a video of the stone would help.

Good idea. I emailed them to see what options I have for inspecting it before committing.

 

[JDDN]

Hi tmot14!

Just to chime in, I'd definitely try having them send it to you so you can see it and decide. Having been wooed by diamond specs on paper and then been very underwhelmed when the diamond was sent to me, I'd say seeing it is the only way to truly know. And….if it looks great to you, I would say it's worth it! Especially if it quells your inner desire to get to that 1.5 mark .

By the way, when you were shopping for your setting upgrade, did you happen across any other floral halos? I LOVE your setting which isn't a setting I'd normally gravitate to, but I can't stop thinking about it! I'm in the market for resetting my 1.76 carat round brilliant. Also, I'm curious how a 1.76 set in your setting would look…too big?? Finger size is 5.25.

Oh and apparently we're neighbors too…I'm on the Peninsula!

 

[tmot14]

Hi JDDN! I had to put the upgrade on hold for the time being due to some family issues, but hopefully I can revisit the idea soon.

As for shopping around for other floral halos, I didn't have much luck. Personally, I am not comfortable buying a non-refundable setting sight unseen and needed to see what the setting would look like on my hand. I had no real desire for a "designer" setting, but after trying on dozens at local shops and trying on antique ones at Lang's in SF, I kept coming back to my Tacori one. If you're interested in seeing it in person, Toppers in Burlingame have a display (or at least, they did in November). This was the closest I found, but I am not a fan of the prongs and there's not as much detail in the basket. http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-scallop-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-40991

Also, this thread might have some inspiration: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/flowers-for-spring-show-your-floral-halo-ring.211509/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/flowers-for-spring-show-your-floral-halo-ring.211509/..[/URL]. Let me know if there are any other questions I can answer .

 

[JDDN]

Thanks so much for the threads and the link Tmot! I totally agree in that I couldn't buy a non-refundable setting unseen on my hand either. I will definitely check out Toppers and see for myself. I keep going back and forth on a halo setting and a simple solitaire.

Well, hopefully the time will come to upgrade to the 1.5carat as I know how these things tend to linger in one's subconscious for a long, long time!

Thanks again!