Yet another newbie seeks affirmation

[plink]

Good morning, price-scopers!

I''m sorry to be yet-another "me too" post looking for validation on my first-time diamond purchase. I''ve gained so much knowledge from the helpful references and personal insights given on this board. I know in my head that I''ve probably narrowed out all the "known problem" diamonds (especially since neither my GF nor I are all that picky). But something deep down inside still says "what if?" and wants the affirmation from you "experts" I respect so much.

So, enough with the disclaimer. Diamond is for an engagement ring. Size isn''t critical to us; just looking for a visibly clean diamond that''s as "stunning" as possible. Was thinking of going with the smaller/cheaper diamond to save more for the setting, but I''m currently leaning towards the larger. Also concerned that the AGS cert for the smaller diamond says "additional clouds not shown". These shouldn''t be eye-visible for a VS2, right?

Diamond 1:
Price: $4239
Cut: AGS Ideal 0
Carat: 0.897
Color: G
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 60.9%
Table: 57.0%
Crown/Pav Angle: 34.3% / 40.8%
Girdle: 1.3% to 2.2% (faceted)
Polish / Symm: ID / ID
Measurements: 6.22 - 6.28 x 3.81 mm
HCA: 1.2

Diamond 2:
Price: $3267
Cut: AGS Ideal 0
Carat: 0.751
Color: G
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 61.0%
Table: 56.0%
Crown/Pav Angle: 34.4% / 40.6%
Girdle: 1.2% to 2.0% (faceted)
Polish / Symm: ID / ID
Measurements: 5.88 - 5.90 x 3.59 mm
HCA: 0.6

Thanks in advance for any feedback!
- Plink

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Both look good.
Can you get ideal-scope images?

 

[fire&ice]

How comfortable are you with the extra 1k spent on the larger stone? I''m always for the bigger stones.

 

[plink]

Date: 3/22/2005 3:25:49 AM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)
Both look good.
Can you get ideal-scope images?

Unfortunately, no...the vendor (online) does not offer this service. I am planning to have the diamond fully checked out after delivery, though, and will certainly return it if the idealscope image looks less-than-desirable at that point. I figured the combination of a good HCA score and ID symmetry would be a pretty good cut confirmation, without the actual idealScope image in hand.

 

[plink]

Date: 3/22/2005 10

9:35 AM
Author: fire&ice
How comfortable are you with the extra 1k spent on the larger stone? I'm always for the bigger stones.

That definitely is part of the consideration. I know bigger is always better with you girls. To *me*, a 1 carat looks pretty large on my GF's hand (even though she's a size 6), but I'm definitely in the minority here.

I'm working in a $4k-5k budget, so while the larger diamond is certainly doable, the smaller diamond gives us more "headroom" in picking out a setting (her job, after the surprise-presentation of the diamond in a "temporary" setting).