2.05c, G color vs. 2.32c, H color

[oloap]

Hello,

I'm looking at 2 options for an engagement ring (so diamond will be mounted):
- 2.05c, triple X GIA, G color
OR
- 2.32c, triple X GIA, H color

Do you think the extra carats are worth "downgrading" to H color? Is any difference really noticeable in terms of color at those sizes, and being triple X? Somebody told me to look from top at the center to notice any potential difference: is that true?
And in general, is G vs. H really a difference, considering they say grades go in couples (e.g. E-F, G-H, etc are very similar)?

thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Are you working with a vendor that provides idealscopes. And do both of the stones pass the HCA test?

 

[oloap]

Not yet, but let's assume so, i.e. we compare equal quality. Would you have any recommendations then?
thanks!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Not yet, but let's assume so, i.e. we compare equal quality. Would you have any recommendations then?
thanks!

Would need more information on the stones. the GIA report # ?

 

[oloap]

Would need more information on the stones. the GIA report # ?

Thanks! Here is the 2.05c, G:
http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/cert_view.php?product_id=1501871
while here is the 2.3c, H

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4504854-2.30-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=4504854

 

[Gypsy]

I'm not sure either of those would pass HCA. So the answer is neither.

 

[Gypsy]

Buy one of these please:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2994225.htm Diamond I would buy.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3033760.htm
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.088-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104069928003
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063787.htm
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.18-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73692
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.03-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-267576

 

[oloap]

Wow Gypsy, thanks a lot! I'll follow your advice!

Out of curiosity and to learn a bit too , what did you see wrong in the two I proposed and how did you pick the ones you sent? Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Here's my customary round brilliant cut speech for newbies, it should answer most of your questions:


The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F. And GIA Ex is not enough.
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want?
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut
Well one method is to start with a GIA Ex, and then apply the HCA to it. YOU DO NOT USE HCA for AGS0 stones.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/holloway-cut-advisor
The HCA is a rejection tool. Not a selection tool. It uses 4 data points to make a rudimentary call on how the diamond may perform.
If the diamond passes then you know that you are in the right zone in terms of angles for light performance. Under 2 is a pass. Under 2.5-2.1 is a maybe. Over 2.5 is a no. No score under 2 is better than any other.
Is that enough? Not really.
So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an idealscope image does. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/firescope-idealscope
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile, as they do not provide idealscope images for their diamonds. James Allen, GOG, BGD, WF, HPD and the other vendors we regularly recommend do.

The Idealscope is the 'selection tool'. Not the HCA.
So yes, with a GIA stone you need the idealscope images. Or you can buy an idealscope yourself and take it in to the jeweler you are working with to check the stones yourself. Or if you have a good return policy (full refund minimum 7 days) then you can buy the idealscope, buy the stone, and do it at home.


Now if you want to skip all that... stick to AGS0 stones and then all you have to do is pick color and clarity and you know you have a great performing diamond. Because AGS has already done the checking for you. That's why they trade at a premium.



What was wrong with your stones: The angle combos.

As for how I found those diamonds I recommended to you:
I saw what your budget was. And knew what you wanted (over 2 carats, H or G and eyeclean and ideal).
WF and BGD's signature and secondary lines are all AGS0's and have idealscope images. So those are easy I just went and looked for something that fit your parameters. James Allen also has a top line called true hearts, which are mostly AGS0s or GIA Ex's with good idealscopes (which are posted) so that was easy too.