How noticeable is a 0.2 ct difference?

[cakeeatingcat]

My ER is currently in production at WF which is very exciting! However, after reading through all SMTB threads, I'm wondering if I should consider changing my ACA from a 0.933 H VS2 stone to a 1.12 H SI1 stone to reduce the risk of DSS.

I chose the 0.933 H VS2 stone for the following reasons:

• I was worried about how eye-clean it would be especially considering how I'm not able to view the stone in person before purchasing
• It's "the best bang for your buck" at just under a carat
• The only inclusion is a feather on the side, nothing under the table

However, after reading many SMTB threads, it seems that ACA SI1s will not have visible inclusions due to how well cut ACA are. When we went ring shopping in a B&M store, I thought 1.2 was the sweet spot where it was big enough that I would never want to upgrade, but I was willing to go with the 0.93 ct stone because of how people say a well cut stone would look larger. Today I saw a 1 carat at Costco and was disappointed by how small it looked (it might have been a steep/deep though). I'm not sure if it's because I've just seen so many beautiful large diamonds on PS but now I'm wondering if the 0.933 was the right choice... (I know this is a very privileged problem to have, but my anxious mind tends to fixate on such small issues).

Would paying an extra $800 USD ($1050 CAD) be worth the extra ~0.2ct/0.4mm difference? My ring size is 4.75 if that matters. The 1.12 H SI1 I found is the closest in price without exceeding $8000 while also scoring "looks big for its size" on the HCA. I would even go down to an I color as well but the next nicest I SI1 is too big of a price jump.

Here are the two ACAs:

0.933 H VS2 ($6402 - already bought): https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4227298.htm

1.12 H SI1 ($7200): https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4022601.htm

 

[cakeeatingcat]

I should add - I'm aware that WF has an amazing upgrade policy, but because I am in Canada, I would likely need to pay a provincial tax of 12% (again) on the total value if I ever upgrade which would suck

 

[SimoneDi]

That would be a noticeable difference. Only you can tell if the price difference would be worth it to you, but if you would like a larger stone, I say for for it. The great thing about WF is that you can always upgrade in future If the clarity ever bothers you, but the stone appears to be eye-clean.

ETA: OP, I am not sure what your max budget is, but if an upgrade won’t be likely in the future, would you consider going for this stone instead: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4312082.htm really gorgeous diamond and it’s actually priced lower than a similar H VS2 stones. I would go for this one if that’s a possibility. But my advice would be to ask WF to send you comparison pics and videos of all 3.

 

[cakeeatingcat]

That would be a noticeable difference. Only you can tell if the price difference would be worth it to you, but if you would like a larger stone, I say for for it. The great thing about WF is that you can always upgrade in future If the clarity ever bothers you, but the stone appears to be eye-clean.

ETA: OP, I am not sure what your max budget is, but if an upgrade won’t be likely in the future, would you consider going for this stone instead: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4312082.htm really gorgeous diamond and it’s actually priced lower than a similar H VS2 stones. I would go for this one if that’s a possibility. But my advice would be to ask WF to send you comparison pics and videos of all 3.

Thanks for the suggestion! Unfortunately after the exchange rate, the one you posted is a bit out of our budget, but it is indeed a great price and very beautiful!

I'm not sure if the price difference is worth it. I do really like that the 0.933ct one only has an inclusion on the side compared to the 1.12ct one...

 

[maryjane04]

I would say there is a visible difference.

 

[Weecam]

I’m in Canada and I’ve ordered from WF and HPD and you only pay tax on the difference. You’ve already paid taxes on the first diamond, .933. Hope that helps!

 

[cakeeatingcat]

I’m in Canada and I’ve ordered from WF and HPD and you only pay tax on the difference. You’ve already paid taxes on the first diamond, .933. Hope that helps!

That is so good to know!!I tried to find some information on this but couldn't so I just assumed the worst based on my past experiences with CBSA lol.

In your experiences, did you have any problems when you picked your upgrade up? As in, did you have to provide a lot of proof or paperwork to prove that you had paid tax on a portion of the purchase already?

 

[monipod]

Carat weight can be deceptive. For your two stones, one is 6.26x6.29x3.88 mm and the other 6.67x6.68x4.09 mm. It's just enough of a difference that you'll be able to perceive which stone is larger, but by the time you set it, and depending on your setting, you may not be able to tell as readily. For example, I don't think you'll be able to tell the difference if they were set in a halo.

I think you do pay a lot more for the 0.2ct difference when going over that magic 1ct mark. The smaller stone measures nicely as I've seen a lot of 1ct rounds measure less than that. I had the One Carat Syndrome and refused to buy a stone under 1ct, but in retrospect I missed out on some beautiful, well priced .95-.98 stones.

I think you've done well and knowing what I know now, I would choose the .933 and be happy with the saving.

 

[Rosa]

I would say there is a visible difference.

@maryjane04 This is such a neat representation! What tool is this or on what website could I play around with it? Thanks!

 

[monipod]

@maryjane04 This is such a neat representation! What tool is this or on what website could I play around with it? Thanks!

Diamond Database - Compare Diamond Shapes and Sizes

Diamond comparison platform where you can compare and evaluate actual diamond sizes on ring and finger. Explore diamond shapes, get buying advice.

www.diamdb.com

 

[cakeeatingcat]

@maryjane04 This is such a neat representation! What tool is this or on what website could I play around with it? Thanks!

It's www.diamdb.com!

Carat weight can be deceptive. For your two stones, one is 6.26x6.29x3.88 mm and the other 6.67x6.68x4.09 mm. It's just enough of a difference that you'll be able to perceive which stone is larger, but by the time you set it, and depending on your setting, you may not be able to tell as readily. For example, I don't think you'll be able to tell the difference if they were set in a halo.

I think you do pay a lot more for the 0.2ct difference when going over that magic 1ct mark. The smaller stone measures nicely as I've seen a lot of 1ct rounds measure less than that. I had the One Carat Syndrome and refused to buy a stone under 1ct, but in retrospect I missed out on some beautiful, well priced .95-.98 stones.

I think you've done well and knowing what I know now, I would choose the .933 and be happy with the saving.

Thank you! I think you're right. Given the new info from @Weecam about the taxes (which was my big concern!), I think I will keep the beautiful 0.933 ct stone and save up for a more noticeable upgrade (1.25+) if I still care in the future. Gives me a reason to come back to PS in a few years

 

[Rosa]

Thank you, what a neat tool - this will be fun to use!!

 

[Vegasvick]

I had the same dilemma I originally wanted to only buy a 1.3 ct but now I’m looking at 1.5 as they do seem for some reason quite larger in person, I think at the lower sizes .2 makes a big impact.

 

[Weecam]

That is so good to know!!I tried to find some information on this but couldn't so I just assumed the worst based on my past experiences with CBSA lol.

In your experiences, did you have any problems when you picked your upgrade up? As in, did you have to provide a lot of proof or paperwork to prove that you had paid tax on a portion of the purchase already?

High Performance Diamonds filled out the necessary paperwork for me and provided all proof of previous transactions. The FedEx package does get held up at the border while a customs agent gets in touch with you in order to pay the taxes owed. Once that’s paid, the parcel gets released for delivery. On one occasion, a customs agent asked for a copy of my previous receipt for taxes that I paid. I’ve upgraded three times....little by little. Easier on the wallet.

 

[Weecam]

My last upgrade was from a 1.8ct to a 2.02ct CBI and I totally saw the difference.

 

[cakeeatingcat]

High Performance Diamonds filled out the necessary paperwork for me and provided all proof of previous transactions. The FedEx package does get held up at the border while a customs agent gets in touch with you in order to pay the taxes owed. Once that’s paid, the parcel gets released for delivery. On one occasion, a customs agent asked for a copy of my previous receipt for taxes that I paid. I’ve upgraded three times....little by little. Easier on the wallet.

I'll be sure to keep my paperwork then! It's nice to hear the process wasn't very complicated. How many years did your three upgrades span?

Also, did you keep your original setting and, if so, was it easy to alter it to fit your upgrades? I'm super curious about the logistics around upgrading because I don't know anyone in real life who has!