Which of these diamonds is of higher quality?

[imagran]

I am trying to buy an engagement ring. I tried reading about diamonds but still, I can not figure out the answer to my question.

Most of the diamond rings I found are similar to the top one. However, one shop has some that look like the bottom one. Both the diamonds in the pictures have the same parameters except carat size and both are presented on the same type of ring.

The top one is color H, clarity SI, Symmetry GD, Polish GD, weight 0,43 ct
The bottom one is color H, clarity SI, Symmetry GD, Polish GD, weight 0,40 ct

Why the bottom one looks significantly darker with a dim light?
They also seem to sparkle in a different way.

Is this because it has more carbon inclusions or there is something wrong with the first one? Is this a more desirable feature? Is this how a good diamond should look like?

 

[lovedogs]

Unfortinately neither of these look like good options. Both seem to have dark inclusions and do not seem well cut at all. Do they have any certification? I would only buy stones with certificates from GIA or AGS because you'll know what you are getting that way.

Are you open to buying from a different vendor? If so, what is your budget for the diamond? We can help you find something significantly better that will sparkle much more

 

[Dancing Fire]

Is this because it has more carbon inclusions or there is something wrong with the first one? Is this a more desirable feature? Is this how a good diamond should look like?

No, Are you shopping at Kay's or Zale? ...

 

[Tourmaline]

These are not good diamonds.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Neither are well cut diamonds. Tell us what you are looking for; many here would be willing to help!

 

[Double E]

Welcome to PS Looking for a MRB (modern round brilliant cut) diamond with sparkle for your own engagement ring? You are at the right place here~
While I am sure more experienced forum members will be chiming in, I think I can at least assist kick off with some basic understanding on how many folks here hunt their rock and engagement ring. And you can consider if it will be your desired path.

1) Buy stones with reputable grading report
lovedogs actually mentioned this, we usually only buy MRB with either AGS or GIA as it is widely agreed that the grading accuracy of these two labs are higher than other labs. This prevents us from overpaying for possibly inaccurately stated color and clarity for stones with other lab reports.

2) Look for stones with excellent/ ideal CUT which results in good light performance
You will hear a lot “cut is king” in this forum, because this determines how brilliant and sparkling a diamond is, and especially true for white diamonds. “Triple excellent / 3 ex” (for GIA) and AGS 000 are the top grading in terms of cut, polish and symmetry for the two mentioned lab. And among these two, AGS is said to be tighter on cut grading due to more rounding on diamond proportions from GIA and the use of computer aided ray tracing by AGS as well as a more easily understood and interpreted “ASET” image to evaluate light performance. It doesn’t mean GIA 3 ex is always worse, you may just need more effort to search.

3) search your diamond from those reputable vendors recommended in Pricescope (PS) who’s known for ideal cut stones being the easiest way if you plan to keep your stone hunt as simple as possible
This is not a must, but could well be the simplest way really. If this engagement ring is your first diamond purchase or even your first touch on all these diamond things. This is not only because many people here had good experiences with these vendors which earned their reputation, but also the fact that their provision of detailed diamond info such as the lab report and light performance images as mentioned above, their customer service and diamond upgrade policy for an informed purchase with future benefits. No right or wrong, as some folks enjoy having deeper understanding on this big topic during their journey while somebody just want to own their “the one”. Whether you have a hard deadline to meet is also another important consideration. Anyway, either way, folks here can help^^

4) buy loose diamond instead of mounted stone
I particularly want to mention this as it looks like you are (only?) shopping at the moment in brick and mortar stores for your ring where many of their diamonds are already set or mounted. This could limit your choice for both stone and settings while the spot light in the store tends to make everything sparkle including the worst diamonds. Instead, and further to point 3 above, the suggested vendors allow us stones and settings of different price ranges and designs. These would worth consideration also if you envision a particular setting design. These vendors normally have a number of their own standard designs or designer settings available which we can choose from or we may also go for custom with them as they have their own bench if you want and have more budget.

To name some of the normally recommended vendors here:
whiteflash
Brian Gavin Diamonds
Wolf CBI / High Performance Diamonds
Victor Canera
Distinctive Gem

 

[kenny]

Thank you for coming to Pricescope BEFORE you bought anything.

Please stop going to jewelry stores and learn about diamonds here.
Jewelers who sell diamonds, like the ones you posted above, will eat you alive.

Spend several days learning about diamonds here.
You'll end up with a diamond that puts on an amazing light show and you'll probably pay much less than you would have at that "jeweler" for those sad diamonds.

Please don't overpay for junk like the masses!!!
How?
Get educated!!! Diamond educated!

See my screen capture below ...
At the top of this screen click on the word EDUCATION.
Read everything.
There's so much to learn ... but it will be so worth your time!

Another suggestion: if you don't have the time or inclination to do the learning, post a budget here for the diamond and the ring.
Post your preferred diamond shape, such as round, oval, emerald, cushion etc.
Folks here will find you the best diamond for your budget and help pick out a setting for it.

The beautiful light show that only diamond can produce comes from how well it is cut, not from its color or clarity - within reason.
Those two in your pic were very poorly cut.

 

[Double E]

Since we don’t know your budget, I can only try to make a shortlist with wider options based on what you showed us you are looking at in the store. Below is the options from Whiteflash as an example ranging from F to J colour, VVS1 to SI1, 0.4 to 0.5 ct, priced from $1200 to 1400.
Whiteflash