Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up...

[hathalove]

Because that is what it would cost me if I do it now within my 30 days including return shipping.

Let me start off my saying that I love my diamond and setting. It is beautiful. Some moments it looks big to me and other moments it looks fine for size. Like a nice fit on my hand. BUT I am a Leo. They are releasing stones every few days and I saw this one which would give a bit more size. My current stone is very bright and lively in ALL lighting and has zero tint from the side. Or zero shift in color from top to side view if that makes sense. I do worry about if the new stone would show more color or be less of a performer in anyway.

So my question is... Is it worth the risk in performance but increase in size of .20 mm. Will I see a difference and will it look bigger? Could it be possible that I have a really bright I and this new stone be lower on the I scale that is noticeable? I'm comparing ACA w/ ACA.

What I see for myself...

1. It would cost me approx $3500 more to hit the 1 carat mark same stats. This would be in a year or so. That gives me a 6.5mm stone right?
That would be it for a while a long long while according to my dh.

2. Squeeze out .20 for $650 now making it a 6.20mm stone. In a year or so get a halo 2100-3500. High quality ERD or VC no pave shank already asked for quotes.

3. Keep my 6mm beauty (5.95x5.9. Use the $2000-3500 to upgrade in a year or so to either bigger stone OR beautiful high quality halo. Even if I kept this stone the halo would bring me to 7mm min right? I would not be able to do both.

Again I love everything about this ring but have become a bit obsessed with seeing what's out there...

Seasoned PSers what's your opinion.

 

[Patty]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

What color is your current stone and what color is the larger one?

Clarities?

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

To get to 6.2 for only another $650 and then need to spend almost another $3000 just to get another .3 in addition to me is not worth it. I would rather settle on the 6.2 and spend the rest (or more) on a great setting. So I voted option 1.

 

[marymm]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

If you were intent on keeping a solitaire, I might say do the mini-upgrade in size now... but from your post it sounds like you are definitely either doing a halo or a one-carat upgrade next year - if that is the case, keep your present stone and either halo it next year or do the one-carat upgrade - save the $650 for whichever upgrade you end up going for. If you do the halo, the slight uptick this small upgrade would give I think would be negligible once in a halo - and if you are upgrading to a one-carat, well you are currently happy in all regards (except possibly size) with your current stone; you can't say that about the slightly larger diamond you are presently considering and the shipping/re-setting costs involved with this small upgrade will eat into your upgrade budget for next year.

All that said, I definitely noticed a difference in size between a 5.9mm E-SI1 Expert Selection and a 6.1mm G-SI1 ACA - I had the 6.1mm ACA and went for the color upgrade of the 5.9mm stone thinking the face-up would not be that much different - but when the new stone came to my eyes it was visibly smaller than my ACA and not more colorless in appearance - in my case, the E-color 5.9mm was more expensive than the 6.1mm ACA so it was a no-brainer to return to my G-color ACA (and luckily WF still had my original stone!). [I also much preferred the look and performance of my ACA, and I believe even if size had been reversed (if my ACA had been the 5.9mm), I would have returned to it.]

 

[thecat]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

Whether you reset in a year or not, I'm for going for additional 0.2 mm for $650. 0.2 mm increase is visible and for only $650.

 

[braga123]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I think $650 is a good value for an upgrade, provided all other stats are equal.
I do think the size difference will be noticeable. IOW, if my jeweler told me that for 650 dollars I could add .20 mm, it would be a no-brainer!

You mention that a 1 carat halo is your end mark. Having gone through your situation a few years ago, I upgraded from a
.91 to a 1.00 to a 1.43 to a 2.24, I really regret the second upgrade. I wish I had stuck with my .91 until I upgraded to a 1.43.
For some reason, I don't think you will want to stop a 1 carat halo. You seemed entirely happy when you first got this ring, which fell into a certain budget. Did the circumstances for the budget change?

I guess that what I am advising is that you should do the upgrade now, enjoy it for a long while and don't upgrade until you exceed the 1 carat mark bc the money required to jump to the 1 carat mark will be a lot more, and may not be a good value anymore (not as noticeable for the price you will be paying).

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

Are they the same color?

 

[hathalove]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

First off. Glad I am "talking it out" with you all. It's helping a bit even though we have some different responses. I only got to skim them (sneaking before conference) lol

Same color and same clarity! Both ACAs

I will post actual measurements table depth etc. later. I didn't have time before and I also haven't heard back to reserve so....

Do you see a difference in the images on what you prefer? Or do they look about the same. (Not size obviously)

 

[hathalove]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

Somebody brought up the point about budget. It's true I started with a lower budget and expanded it for color. It's beautiful and on my hand. BUT this second diamond was not released when I bought and I am questioning if I would have expanded a bit more for this size (.20mm) increase.

 

[m-2-b]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

Will they be able to reuse your old setting w/ the slight increase in size? Is there a resetting fee involved?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I agree that I'd spend the $650 now to get the larger stone while you can. I think they should be able to use the same setting, but even if not, I am thinking you are okay because you are still within the return period.

This way, if you decide not to spend the money to go to 1 ct, you have a stone that is close to it. Or if you do upgrade to 1 ct later, you are $650 closer to the price of the 1 ct. I see nothing to lose and an immediate gain by trading up now!!!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I agree that I'd spend the $650 now to get the larger stone while you can. I think they should be able to use the same setting, but even if not, I am thinking you are okay because you are still within the return period.

This way, if you decide not to spend the money to go to 1 ct, you have a stone that is close to it. Or if you do upgrade to 1 ct later, you are $650 closer to the price of the 1 ct. I see nothing to lose and an immediate gain by trading up now!!!!

Ditto. This new one is the biggest you can get under 1ct, and when you do upgrade (if you do), you can aim for 1.2ct and get into a nice different size range. There will be no point in hitting 1ct from the 6.2 size. It would not be worth it.

 

[teobdl]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

For about 2 weeks, I was comparing the almost exact same diameter difference with diamonds I physically had before me (avg 6.03mm vs avg 6.18mm). The diamonds were practically twins. I ended up going for the bigger one only because it also had higher color. The difference in size could only be appreciated (and barely) when they were literally right next to each other and sitting at the exact same angle to my eye. Otherwise, they were so similar (both BGS).

I don't think it's worth it--put the money into getting the exact right setting for the diamond. Even with solitaires, you look at the setting+diamond, not just diamond alone. Put it into making the setting perfect.

Thinking about it w/ #'s:
$650 (approx 20% price increase) for 3% diameter increase... not worth it to me on a limited budget, esp when the money can be used now to getting you a setting you will be dreaming about until you get it. And especially not worth it when spending that $650 is barely noticeable and will restrict you from getting the setting that you actually want for this diamond.

Bonus of the smaller diamond you have: I like that the arrows are slightly fatter (LGF are a bit shorter).

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I voted for the save and upgrade the center stone a year later. (only one)

If you are going to spend $2-$3K in a year, either to upgrade the stone or put a halo around it, I would just upgrade the stone. If you stay on PS, chances are you will want a bigger stone at some point in the future. So don't box yourself in by putting a halo around it too soon (says the person who was two seconds away from sending her stone to VC for an Emilya). But since you are under 1 carat, I sure it won't be long before you jump that hurdle. If it were me, i would focus on that.

 

[PattyCo]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I agree that I'd spend the $650 now to get the larger stone while you can. I think they should be able to use the same setting, but even if not, I am thinking you are okay because you are still within the return period.

This way, if you decide not to spend the money to go to 1 ct, you have a stone that is close to it. Or if you do upgrade to 1 ct later, you are $650 closer to the price of the 1 ct. I see nothing to lose and an immediate gain by trading up now!!!!

Ditto. This new one is the biggest you can get under 1ct, and when you do upgrade (if you do), you can aim for 1.2ct and get into a nice different size range. There will be no point in hitting 1ct from the 6.2 size. It would not be worth it.

Ditto #3

 

[hathalove]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I am so on the fence! Thank you all for the input.

I understand those who are saying just do the mini upgrade. .20mm for $650. It's actually $559.95 but I added $30 for second wire fee and $60 for shipping. I haven't found out the exact amount of shipping yet but I know it shouldn't be more than that. Also I understand what some of you are saying about getting as close to the 1 carat and either not upgrading or making a bigger jump over the 1 carat.

I also understand the people who say that it's such a small jump. Wait for a big one or really nice setting. That is not as big of an impact that you might be hoping for.

I did run the stone through the HCA tool and I was surprised that it scored on 1.8 EX VG VG VG vs my current stone that was EX EX EX VG. With a score of 1.1 if I'm remembering correctly. I know that lower doesn't mean better and I have seen higher numbers but with the EX marks accross. Now I have seen Gypsy state many times do not run an AGS 000 stone through the calculator but I did. Because they are the MIT and already ran many tests for light return etc. Lol.

I am still really happy with my ring and so pleased with the quality and bright stone that I wouldn't want to be exchanging for anything less than. So is this less than? I am constantly hearing that you can't go wrong with an ACA. I am sure there are differences though and not all stones being created equal OR are they?

 

[Laila619]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

So your stone is 5.95 mm now and you'd be upgrading to a 6.14 mm stone? I just don't think you'll see any real size difference. For the money I don't know if it's worth it.

 

[teobdl]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

The differences will be very, very subtle if they're even perceptible.

The "bigger" one will have a bit more fire to it (due to the higher crown angle).

HCA does not tell you anything additional here.

I'm being 100% frank with you: the difference in size is so incredibly slight... If you "upgrade" for this size difference, you're going to look down at your finger and ask where the money went, because you won't be able to see a difference unless you stare and compare the two stones side by side. Even then, the difference is not worth it. You already have a diamond you love.If you halo it, the difference will be even less perceptible. Save your $650 for something else. The return is impossibly low, and I wouldn't recommend anyone who sounds like they're saving money to make that "upgrade."

I recommend that you ask WF to photograph the stone you want next to a stone the exact same size as yours (like this http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3056392.htm).

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I am going to change my vote. You clearly want a much larger diamond. I get it. I did too when I had a .80ct. And when you want much larger, .2mm is nothing at all! I think you will spend the money, get the new diamond, and think -- "I just flushed $650 down the toilet!". I'd rather see you return your ring and use that money plus the refund on your current setting to get a halo NOW!! Keep your diamond and return your solitaire and get this one!!! It is so amazing, a bunch of PSers have it. I love it. And it will look HUGE.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm

ETA: The more I think about it the more I think this is SUCH a great idea for you! I wish I had haloed my own .80 when I had it. Halos are amazing for hand presence. And with the plain shank it will look like am illion bucks. And THIS way of spending the extra $650 may actually allow you to enjoy this ring for longer because you will have the hand presence you craze. Then if you do upgrade, you can set a colored gem in the mount or sell it and recoup some of the cost.

 

[braga123]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I am going to change my vote. You clearly want a much larger diamond. I get it. I did too when I had a .80ct. And when you want much larger, .2mm is nothing at all! I think you will spend the money, get the new diamond, and think -- "I just flushed $650 down the toilet!". I'd rather see you return your ring and use that money plus the refund on your current setting to get a halo NOW!! Keep your diamond and return your solitaire and get this one!!! It is so amazing, a bunch of PSers have it. I love it. And it will look HUGE.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm

ETA: The more I think about it the more I think this is SUCH a great idea for you! I wish I had haloed my own .80 when I had it. Halos are amazing for hand presence. And with the plain shank it will look like am illion bucks. And THIS way of spending the extra $650 may actually allow you to enjoy this ring for longer because you will have the hand presence you craze. Then if you do upgrade, you can set a colored gem in the mount or sell it and recoup some of the cost.

This is a great suggestion!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I am going to change my vote. You clearly want a much larger diamond. I get it. I did too when I had a .80ct. And when you want much larger, .2mm is nothing at all! I think you will spend the money, get the new diamond, and think -- "I just flushed $650 down the toilet!". I'd rather see you return your ring and use that money plus the refund on your current setting to get a halo NOW!! Keep your diamond and return your solitaire and get this one!!! It is so amazing, a bunch of PSers have it. I love it. And it will look HUGE.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm


ETA: The more I think about it the more I think this is SUCH a great idea for you! I wish I had haloed my own .80 when I had it. Halos are amazing for hand presence. And with the plain shank it will look like am illion bucks. And THIS way of spending the extra $650 may actually allow you to enjoy this ring for longer because you will have the hand presence you craze. Then if you do upgrade, you can set a colored gem in the mount or sell it and recoup some of the cost.

I'd upgrade to the .88 first AND then get this!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

The HCA is not relevant. The stone made AGS Ideal cut. However, if the current stone is more mind-clean for you, there's not a thing wrong with keeping it!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I am going to change my vote. You clearly want a much larger diamond. I get it. I did too when I had a .80ct. And when you want much larger, .2mm is nothing at all! I think you will spend the money, get the new diamond, and think -- "I just flushed $650 down the toilet!". I'd rather see you return your ring and use that money plus the refund on your current setting to get a halo NOW!! Keep your diamond and return your solitaire and get this one!!! It is so amazing, a bunch of PSers have it. I love it. And it will look HUGE.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm


ETA: The more I think about it the more I think this is SUCH a great idea for you! I wish I had haloed my own .80 when I had it. Halos are amazing for hand presence. And with the plain shank it will look like am illion bucks. And THIS way of spending the extra $650 may actually allow you to enjoy this ring for longer because you will have the hand presence you craze. Then if you do upgrade, you can set a colored gem in the mount or sell it and recoup some of the cost.

I'd upgrade to the .88 first AND then get this!

Would you? Because I bet the halo mount is the same for either stone -- same size outline I mean! I don't think it would be noticeable at all!

 

[hathalove]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I know I have been a bit quiet with my own thread!

I was trying to figure out how I was feeling about the whole darn thing by giving it some time today and by observing my current stone.

Weird observances/things... I have grown a bit attached to my current stone. I LOVE the fat arrows. The carat is .797 two of my very favorite numbers sevens and nines. I know its weird. It is amazingly beautiful in this current legato setting and I love its simplicity. The only thing I noticed on its certificate was the center was green... That worried me for a second.

1. Based on the kind of work we do, I am not sure I will make it very far over the 1 carat mark any time soon (reality check). So if a 1.25 or a 1.5 carat stone is the kind of presence I am looking for I will be dreaming for a while. Thats the truth. Blessings happen and that may be the case but dreaming it will be until then.

2. I do enjoy halos and see many beautiful ones. I am a bit OCD so I would want a PERFECT one. I really like the Guinevere setting but not sure if it is perfect enough? I think I love my legato more than that particular halo??? I have time to figure that out though not even 1/2 way through my 30 days, and may do a quick search on ps for members with that ring. I need to see real life images.

3. I was taught a long time ago that most of us know the answer before we realize we do. That if we get quiet enough we can feel the sway if we are listening... When I am thinking of switching diamonds it causes a bit of stress and when I look over at DH I just don't want to hassle with him about switching diamonds again. Not because of the money but because he has been doing everything to make sure I am happy with my new ring. Including complimenting how beautiful he thinks it is. In addition, practicing containment, moderation, and appreciation is huge for me. I am usually an extreme type.. life is wonderful or the world is ending. The middle path is something I crave to help me create some more balance in my life! It gets exhaustion always wanting more more more...

4. Lets put this in perspective again (we are on PS and I think we need perspective sometime). Don't worry this is me reminding myself. I am coming from a good cut elongated .43 princess! Not even a square. This is a huge upgrade for me and I am so grateful. I started with a $2000-3500 budget and I ended up pushing budget to jump 2 colors for approx $850ish more already. Very happy that I did. But for the people mentioning it Dreamer, Laila, Teobdl (frank is always welcomed in my camp), Braga, LLJsmom and DS(I get what you are saying about the .8..I may be more disappointed looking (wishing, hoping) for more than .20mm can give.

So actually after spilling my heart...
A. I think I keep the ring exactly as is and enjoy it. Switch to PERFECT halo when I have the funds and my diamond really shrinks VC, ERD or other PS suggestions. Have the presence of a much bigger ring all together then even a 1.5 stone. What mm is a 1.5 stone lol?

B. Return the setting and have it reset in above suggested halo to enjoy for a much longer while. Who knows what the future brings?

C. Return the setting and have diamond shipped for a closer to perfect halo by someone else around the same budget as WF halo? Does that exist?

 

[bunnycat]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I'm going to pst my .02 because I have been in exactly this situation.

I think the first thing you should ask yourself is will it bother you if you do it and then change your mind later about the direction you want to go?

IMO, part of the "upgrade" at this size range is on a mental level. It certainly was for me, and yes, I did upgrade a 6mm stone for a 6.3mm one. If my original setting choice had been better thought out, that might have held me awhile. But, long story short, I really wanted something larger than 1ct-ish but I couldn't decide on old or new. So now I have a 1.57 old cut in a setting with HUGE amounts of finger coverage and I haven't even thought about jewelry in months (well, that also because I'm obsessing about purses right now...)

I would say, if you think you will want a bigger stone later and will probably be upgrading through the same company, then what does it hurt to do a small upgrade now? You'll be $650 closer to that larger upgrade and have a bit bigger stone in the mean time to tide you over. Mentally, it can make a big difference as well. Maybe it sounds silly, but I think it's true.

Also, I'd spend some time getting a real eyeball on the kind of setting you eventually want. For me, a simple halo wasn't quite enough, so now my new one has side stones too. I just got really tired of continually trying to add more stackers to the basic halo and it just kept coming up "short" for me so I'd really really try on different halos. Not all halos are going to give the same presence.

Good luck in your journey. I know it'll come out alright in the end. Mine did!

 

[bunnycat]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

Some halos will have better presence than others, the bad news is you can only fit so much diamond in to one without having to scrap it and start again. So if you stick with your stone and they build a halo to fit the current stone, the max you could increase your diamond size would maybe be .25mm if you change your mind about upgrading your stone. I would look at Gabriel and Co settings. I think their halos give pretty good presence and they are fairly budget friendly.

I know I have been a bit quiet with my own thread!

I was trying to figure out how I was feeling about the whole darn thing by giving it some time today and by observing my current stone.

Weird observances/things... I have grown a bit attached to my current stone. I LOVE the fat arrows. The carat is .797 two of my very favorite numbers sevens and nines. I know its weird. It is amazingly beautiful in this current legato setting and I love its simplicity. The only thing I noticed on its certificate was the center was green... That worried me for a second.

1. Based on the kind of work we do, I am not sure I will make it very far over the 1 carat mark any time soon (reality check). So if a 1.25 or a 1.5 carat stone is the kind of presence I am looking for I will be dreaming for a while. Thats the truth. Blessings happen and that may be the case but dreaming it will be until then.

2. I do enjoy halos and see many beautiful ones. I am a bit OCD so I would want a PERFECT one. I really like the Guinevere setting but not sure if it is perfect enough? I think I love my legato more than that particular halo??? I have time to figure that out though not even 1/2 way through my 30 days, and may do a quick search on ps for members with that ring. I need to see real life images.

3. I was taught a long time ago that most of us know the answer before we realize we do. That if we get quiet enough we can feel the sway if we are listening... When I am thinking of switching diamonds it causes a bit of stress and when I look over at DH I just don't want to hassle with him about switching diamonds again. Not because of the money but because he has been doing everything to make sure I am happy with my new ring. Including complimenting how beautiful he thinks it is. In addition, practicing containment, moderation, and appreciation is huge for me. I am usually an extreme type.. life is wonderful or the world is ending. The middle path is something I crave to help me create some more balance in my life! It gets exhaustion always wanting more more more...

4. Lets put this in perspective again (we are on PS and I think we need perspective sometime). Don't worry this is me reminding myself. I am coming from a good cut elongated .43 princess! Not even a square. This is a huge upgrade for me and I am so grateful. I started with a $2000-3500 budget and I ended up pushing budget to jump 2 colors for approx $850ish more already. Very happy that I did. But for the people mentioning it Dreamer, Laila, Teobdl (frank is always welcomed in my camp), Braga, LLJsmom and DS(I get what you are saying about the .8..I may be more disappointed looking (wishing, hoping) for more than .20mm can give.

So actually after spilling my heart...
A. I think I keep the ring exactly as is and enjoy it. Switch to PERFECT halo when I have the funds and my diamond really shrinks VC, ERD or other PS suggestions. Have the presence of a much bigger ring all together then even a 1.5 stone. What mm is a 1.5 stone lol?

B. Return the setting and have it reset in above suggested halo to enjoy for a much longer while. Who knows what the future brings?

C. Return the setting and have diamond shipped for a closer to perfect halo by someone else around the same budget as WF halo? Does that exist?

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I vote for keeping the stone and either saving up for a larger stone some time down the track where visually you will notice a size increase and a new halo setting for it, or alternatively get a nice looking halo now for your existing stone as a way of making it look larger now and as another clever member pointed out keep it and put a colour stone into it or list it on loupetroop or Bistro when you are ready to upgrade.

I think that long term waiting is the best thing to do because the amount of size difference visually is not going to be that dramatic.

 

[MarionC]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

[/quote]I'd upgrade to the .88 first AND then get this! [/quote]

This is so pretty, but I would be afraid it would catch on things.

 

[Laila619]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

I have a 0.77 carat in a double halo, and even with my size 7 fingers, my stone looks huge! I've never wished for a larger stone. So I think a halo is a much better upgrade than going up 0.20mm bigger but still having a solitaire. The finger coverage will be MUCH more noticeable with a halo. A 0.20mm increase will hardly be noticeable unfortunately. I think you will be annoyed that you spent the money and didn't get a noticeable difference.

 

[Merefrank]

Re: Is $650 worth .20mm in size? Keep my current or move up.

Hatha, I was really torn on your question, especially when I learned you were still within the return period. I sensed that you "loved" your diamond, beyond it's commodity factor, and since we all have learned they can are not really an "investment" as such, I think halo-ing your current love diamond and putting this issue on a shelf for awhile and practicing contentment ( Good for you girl, we all need to do that in so many areas of life !) is the best move for now. Good luck and enjoy your beauty !