Worth upgrading from .75 to 1 carat?

[CalRon]

Hello, I am trying to decide whether or not it is worth upgrading from a .75 carat solitaire engagement ring to a 1 carat?

I proposed to my fiance with a 3/4 ACA E VS1 round brilliant from Whiteflash:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2175871.htm#

I am considering upgrading her diamond to a 1.1 carat ACA G VS1:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3143295.htm#

I also like this one, but the idealscope looks like it may have some light leakage?
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3186645.htm#

Will there be a signficant difference in size? She wears a size 6. The diamond is set in a six prong Tiffany Classic replica.
We love her current diamond, so it's difficult to give up. I want to make sure that we won't sacrifice any light performance by upgrading the size of her stone. Also, will there be a noticeable difference in color going from an E to a G?

There is a huge price difference between a .75 carat and 1 carat diamond with the same qualities, so I want to make sure it's worth paying the premium.

Thank you.

 

[kenny]

The size difference will be noticeable.
The color difference will probably be noticeable to many people when viewed from the side in some types of lighting.

Whether the difference is worth the cost ... only you can make that call.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I love the #s on your current stone, small table with a high crown.. but if she wanted a bigger stone what can I say?...

 

[marymm]

For sure there will be an easily visible and marked difference between the current stone (5.8mm) and either of the prospective new stones (6.5mm (the F stone) or 6.7mm (the G stone)).

Not sure if you/SO really prize the high color of the current E stone - if so, I'd ask WF if they'd take side-by-side pics of the two prospective stones and if the F looks brighter/higher-colored, go with that stone (if WF is able to alleviate your light-leakage concern re: that stone).

If you/SO are okay with going from E to G, then go with the G stone, as it's bigger and less expensive than the F, and a G-color ACA will present as white.

[My personal experience - I went from a 0.62ct E-SI1 ACA to a 0.85ct G-SI1 ACA, and the size difference was noticeable, but though the G was plenty white and I never detected any tint whatsoever, I always did miss the high E color. But, high colors are my preference especially in MRBs - your mileage may vary. In terms of performance, both ACAs were exceptional performers so no worries there.]

eta: if you both love the current stone, I mean really love it, remember that "bigger isn't always better" - each diamond, even ideal-cut ACAs, has its own personality - if you're unsure about the upgrade in size/change in color, I'd encourage you/SO to go to your nicer jewelry stores and try on diamond rings with similar specs to the prospective stones, especially while you still have the current ring.

 

[msop04]

The size difference will be noticeable.
The color difference will probably be noticeable to many people when viewed from the side in some types of lighting.
Whether the difference is worth the cost ... only you can make that call.

I disagree with the color statement... the only way anyone would be able to tell any difference at all is if both stones were held side by side and upside down, unmounted on a white sheet of paper (which will not be the case). For that size stone, going down two color grades will be virtually undetectable. You'd be going from E to G... both are colorless and really white.

 

[marymm]

The size difference will be noticeable.
The color difference will probably be noticeable to many people when viewed from the side in some types of lighting.
Whether the difference is worth the cost ... only you can make that call.

I disagree with the color statement... the only way anyone would be able to tell any difference at all is if both stones were held side by side and upside down, unmounted on a white sheet of paper (which will not be the case). For that size stone, going down two color grades will be virtually undetectable. You'd be going from E to G... both are colorless and really white.

Not to be argumentative, but in fact, technically, G is near-colorless, not colorless; and there are people who detect color difference between colorless and near-colorless diamonds even when mounted.

 

[msop04]

The size difference will be noticeable.
The color difference will probably be noticeable to many people when viewed from the side in some types of lighting.
Whether the difference is worth the cost ... only you can make that call.

I disagree with the color statement... the only way anyone would be able to tell any difference at all is if both stones were held side by side and upside down, unmounted on a white sheet of paper (which will not be the case). For that size stone, going down two color grades will be virtually undetectable. You'd be going from E to G... both are colorless and really white.

Not to be argumentative, but in fact, technically, G is near-colorless, not colorless; and there are people who detect color difference between colorless and near-colorless diamonds even when mounted.

I understand that they're different... I'm just saying that it would be extremely difficult to tell a difference in color for that size stone, esp. since they won't be viewed side by side for comparison. Both will look white, one will look larger.

 

[CalRon]

Thanks for everyone's help.

Personally, I love how white her current diamond looks, but I've never compared it to anything else in person. I will have to call Whiteflash to see if I can buy the other stone and compare them side by side, and trade in her current stone for credit if I decide to keep the larger one.

I agree that "bigger isn't always better" so that's why I'm trying to get as much advice as possible. It is definitely an expensive purchase. I have some sentimental value towards her current ring since it's the ring I proposed to her with, so it's hard to give up. I had her try on a 1 carat when looking for a wedding band and it put a big fat smile on her face, so that's the main reason I'd like to upgrade.

How do the specs of the diamonds I chose look? I'm not in a rush, so I can wait for better options. The G diamond scores a 1.0 on the HCA and the F diamond scores a 1.4. Also the lower girdle on the 'G' is 79% which is longer than most of Whiteflash's ACA lineup.

Am I reading too much into the specs?
It's very difficult picking out a diamond without seeing it in person.

 

[msop04]

Thanks for everyone's help.

Personally, I love how white her current diamond looks, but I've never compared it to anything else in person. I will have to call Whiteflash to see if I can buy the other stone and compare them side by side, and trade in her current stone for credit if I decide to keep the larger one.

I agree that "bigger isn't always better" so that's why I'm trying to get as much advice as possible. It is definitely an expensive purchase. I have some sentimental value towards her current ring since it's the ring I proposed to her with, so it's hard to give up. I had her try on a 1 carat when looking for a wedding band and it put a big fat smile on her face, so that's the main reason I'd like to upgrade.

How do the specs of the diamonds I chose look? I'm not in a rush, so I can wait for better options. The G diamond scores a 1.0 on the HCA and the F diamond scores a 1.4. Also the lower girdle on the 'G' is 79% which is longer than most of Whiteflash's ACA lineup.

Am I reading too much into the specs?
It's very difficult picking out a diamond without seeing it in person.

You can't go wrong with the ACAs, so try not to read so much into the minute differences. I would have her look at some other colors from white flash and see if she can tell a difference. That said, even if she can tell a difference, that doesn't mean she wouldn't be just as happy or happier with it to have a larger stone. There's telling a difference, and then there's caring about it and/or being bothered by it...

 

[TC1987]

I used to own a 1.2ct GIA graded G color stone that was one of Good Old Gold's Signature Ideals. Face-up, it was just as white as can be. The diameter of it was about 6.9mm, and I had 2 colorless 7mm H&A CZs at the time. I accidentally mixed the real diamond with the two D-color czs, and I had to look at the stones in bright daylight and from the side to distinguish which was the G color. If that 1.11 G stone has enough fire for you, I say seriously consider that G because it's probably white enough unless someone really wants only D or E. Getting close to a 7mm diameter is a hefty upgrade that will definitely be noticed.

 

[CalRon]

If that 1.11 G stone has enough fire for you, I say seriously consider that G because it's probably white enough unless someone really wants only D or E.

Is there any way of telling how much fire this stone will have without seeing it?

 

[msop04]

If that 1.11 G stone has enough fire for you, I say seriously consider that G because it's probably white enough unless someone really wants only D or E.

Is there any way of telling how much fire this stone will have without seeing it?

Just inspect it for yourself. If you love it, then keep/trade up. If you see it and think you should keep looking, simply return it.

 

[CalRon]

It would be nice to have several of them in front of me to see which looks the best in person.

I am strongly considering the G colored diamond. Anything I should be cautious about before purchasing this one? The Idealscope and ASET look great to me. I don't know too much when it comes to table % and lower girdle length and how they effect the performance of a diamond.

 

[msop04]

It would be nice to have several of them in front of me to see which looks the best in person.

I am strongly considering the G colored diamond. Anything I should be cautious about before purchasing this one? The Idealscope and ASET look great to me. I don't know too much when it comes to table % and lower girdle length and how they effect the performance of a diamond.

Would it be possible to purchase several on a card, with the understanding you'd return all except possibly one for a refund? I know it's a lot of money, but if you could swing it, you'd get it right back, KWIM?

 

[CalRon]

Yeah, I wish I could do that but I would have to double or triple the credit limit on my card. Might not be a bad idea for such an expensive purchase?

 

[msop04]

Yeah, I wish I could do that but I would have to double or triple the credit limit on my card. Might not be a bad idea for such an expensive purchase?

You could just do one at a time to compare to the original. At least you'd know how you liked them when directly beside the one you have.

 

[CalRon]

I noticed several people voted for me to keep the 3/4 carat diamond. Would any of you mind ellaborating? I know it's a very personal decision. I would really like to convince myself that the diamond she has is perfectly fine. Does the diamond cover enough of her finger? I think it looks pretty good in the pictures.

Neither of us are looking for anything too large. I was just thinking that a 1 carat diamond would catch your attention much easier due to more surface area scintilating.

 

[arkieb1]

A 1.10 carat diamond is going to be noticeably larger than a .75 stone both to you and to everyone else.

 

[susanrachel28]

My vote is to upgrade. If the setting is sentimental, can you reset the new stone into the old setting? I used to be a size 6, (once upon a time before having babies) and while it was beautiful, eventually it was just too small for me. I am sentimental about my wedding band and continue to make sure that any new ering I get matches my wedding band, because that is non-negotiable. I think I've finally found my (for now) forever ring and it's a 1.09 set in a halo. I wear a 6.5 (tight) and I think it's perfect. The color difference you stated probably won't make a difference to her. Good luck with your choice!

 

[nala]

I voted to keep the original and I voted for that because you would have to spend more than double to upgrade.I have to wonder why you didn't start out by getting a 1 carat in the first place, and if budget was a concern, then have things changed to justify the hike in price? I think that with diamonds, it never ends. I started with a .91 but felt that I needed to reach the 1 carat mark. Anyhow, after a few mistakes, I upgraded to a 1.43 and now to a 2.24. My hubby will tell you that it will never end. There will always be a bigger and better diamond out there. I think you and your SO have to decide what's important. Will anyone look at her gorgeous .75 and think it's too small? I doubt it. My sister has a .75 and it looks gorgeous! I thought it was a 1 carat at first! Hope that helps.

 

[teobdl]

PLEASE go to a store and see the difference for yourself. Preferably Tiffany or a Hearts on Fire dealer, where the diamonds are nice. Tell them you're looking for a ring, spending up to $15,000, and you want to see 0.75 and 1.00 ct side by side. If at Tiffany, just go to the 6 prong solitaire case.

My strong opinion is it's not worth 150% increase above what you have currently. Seriously... $10,000 vs $4,000. Again, go to the store and see the size difference. It's noticeable, but not commensurate with that difference in price.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

For an additional 6k I would forget the solitaire upgrade and get a fab eternity or 5 stone band. That money is just not worth the jump to me.

 

[Travelgal]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3236289.htm

Are you against SI1s? This one is $1k less expensive than the VS1 and has an HCA 1.1 score. I would agree with the other posters that it is a huge jump in price. If you can afford it and want a larger stone, then I would say absolutely go for it. I doubt that you will see very much color in the G stone- it won't be as white as a D-F, but without actually seeing them side by side I would be very surprised if you saw color in a well cut stone.

 

[CalRon]

Hey, I appreciate everyone helping me out here.

I purchased the diamond before my last pay raise. I spent a lot of time learning about diamonds and searching for the perfect one within my budget. I wanted to purchase a full carat back then, but there was no way I could afford it. The 3/4 carat range seemed to be the sweet spot for cost per carat.

I was promoted recently and can afford a larger diamond, but I just find it hard to justify the premium. Plus, the cash would be better left in a savings account for us to start our future with.

The reason I am second guessing my choice is because she had a big fat smile on her face when she slipped on a full carat ring while shopping for a wedding band. I noticed a bit of a difference, but I didn't want to sit there examining the two right in front of her. I like Teobdl's suggestion for me to go to a Tiffany's and see the two in person.

I'm basically here to see what you guys and gals recommend. Neither of us wear much jewelry and neither do our family members, so I really don't know who else to ask.

Also, I already have sentimental value towards this little stone beuase I proposed to her with it, but I'd rather get her a full carat before the wedding date (Feb 2015) if I decide to go that route. I just want her to have the perfect ring that she will want to keep forever.

I'm not against an S1 calrity as long as there's no question that it's eye clean. Just seems I'd have better luck in the VS2-VS1 range.

 

[Travelgal]

You are very sweet. I like that you are thinking about her. Can you ask one of her friends to pose the question of her hypothetically? If you had $5k would you prefer to spend it on a bigger diamond or have for the future? I can tell you if I out on a bigger ring I would be smiling ear to ear too. But if my significant other told me it was going to cost double my original ring, I am not sure I would go for it if it was going to delay buying a house/car/feeling stable for kids/etc. If she is super practical and/or sentimental, then maybe not. If it was a surprise that you incorporated into the rehearsal dinner/wedding gift and she is very into jewelry (can't tell if she is from your post), then it could be an incredible surprise (you will have to work with whiteflash or your jeweler on a reason to have her ring gone for an extended period of time or an agreement to send the original one back after you receive the new one).

I would say you know her best. Trust your gut in what you think she will want and/or do some reconnaissance work with one of her good friends that wouldn't blow your cover.

 

[Polished]

Neither of us wear much jewelry and neither do our family members,

Something tells me that over the course of your lives together jewelery isn't going to be one of your biggest expenses. In this situation, if you can afford it, I think it's rather a lovely idea to focus the jewelery attention on the engagement ring.

 

[junebug17]

I think it's really sweet to notice your fiancee's reaction and to want to make her happy - I say go for the bigger rock! She's going to be wearing this ring for many years and I think it's worth it - the size difference will be noticeable and it will look great on her!

 

[Lenapie]

I'm curious, are you hoping to do the upgrade as a surprise for her? Because if the "surprise" part isn't the intention, then I think it's best to actually discuss it with her. She is the one who will be wearing the ring for the rest of her life. And like you, she probably has strong sentimental feelings for the specific diamond you proposed to her with. There's no harm in chatting it out with her and see how she thinks. To me, the engagement ring is a symbol of a joint future together and therefore I believe anything to do with changing the engagement ring should be a joint decision. I think just knowing that you're so attentive to her happiness and willing to do this is going to make her super happy!

That probably wasn't very helpful, but just my 2 cents!

 

[CalRon]

Just when I convince myself to keep the 3/4 carat, you all mention some good points that change my mind again. Lol
I wish I wasn't so indecisive on this matter.

A few weeks ago when I first mentioned the idea, she didnt seemed bothered about trading in her current diamond. When I gave her a rough idea of how much an upgrade would cost, she told me that it was too expensive and not worth it. Instead she told me to pay off her car. Ha

She definitely loves her current ring and doesn't have any complaints at all. She loves the way it sparkles. but, i also know that she wouldn't be upset if I surprised her with a larger diamond.

I would want this to be a surprise, and I wouldn't want to tell her the price because I want this to be a gift from me to her.

Common sense tells me to keep the ring she has. I am comfortable with the amount I spent, if something happened to it I wouldnt be devastated, the money would be better off in a savings account, and I think it looks great on her. But...I keep looking at it and thinking that the ring in general would look better proportioned if it had a larger diamond. If money wasn't an issue, I would upgrade it and move on.

The only other piece of jewelry that I know she would love to have one day is a set of diamond earrings. Other than that, she doesn't wear jewelry at all. I think if I was to upgrade the diamond now, I wouldn't ever have to think about this again. I guess I am doing this for my own piece of mind as well.

This is definitely not as issue she is pushing.

 

[teobdl]

If you can pay off the car, do that now. Never know what the future holds. You're also saving money by not paying interest.

The good thing is that your upgrade with WF is good for a lifetime. I see no reason to put your money to this now, especially as she seems so content with her current ring and didn't think it was worth it when you discussed this.