Diamond question

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Louish

Member
Dec 28, 2014
2,281
3,765
Hi everyone. For many different reasons DH and I need to re-build my engagement ring. It will look exactly the same but with 6 claws instead of 4.

We are also considering upgrading my centre diamond. My diamond is .33ct (I know it looks a bit larger - I have very skinny fingers - size 2.5).

In your opinion - which size would be ideal for my finger / set?

Thank you

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I would determine the size of your center stone based upon your budget and what C factors are import to you. I would use Ame's secret sauce guide if you want to get the best diamond. I learned so much from her and whenever I look at diamonds, I look at my criteria and that dictates the price.
 
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I would determine the size of your center stone based upon your budget and what C factors are import to you. I would use Ame's secret sauce guide if you want to get the best diamond. I learned so much from her and whenever I look at diamonds, I look at my criteria and that dictates the price.

From my extremely limited knowledge I know I want a great cut (my current stone lacks sparkle) & I want it to look sizeably bigger, but not overwhelming
 
The current size of your center stone looks nice on your finger/set. If you wanted to, you could also go a little bigger. Maybe try on some solitaires to see what size is pleasing to you?

I found this article that I thought was interesting. There was also an app that you were able to input your ring size and diamond carat size that would give you an idea of what it might look like on your hand, but I couldn't currently find it.
 
Depends on the look you are going for? I like balance... I'm a size 4 & knew from trying on rings my absolute max would be 1.5 which is what we got.
50% finger coverage... 25,50,25... balance lol.
So have fun trying on different sizes! Here's a coverage chart for anyone else who's balance minded:)

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Considering diamond shrinkage...a 1 carat sounds nice. You are right...cut is the most important thing and hides a multitude of sins.
Hopefully @ame will chime in.......................
 
Diamdb has a utility that allows you to see various size stones on a finger your size.
If you really want a noticeable change, go for 1 ct. The most important factor.is GIA excellent cut at minimum, AGS ideal cut is the best. You dont want to compromise on cut. To save $, compromise on clarity and color. Don't be afraid of inclusions, plenty of SI1 stones are eye clean, but stay away from any stone that has clouds. You pay a premium for a colorless stone, so unless it is important to you, near colorless stones are fine.(i will say that I love the "crispness" of a D color stone but it's far from a necessity.

I have more thoughts lol, but I'll leave you with this for now.
 
Have you just gone into a store and tried on different sizes? Looks can be deceiving in photos (especially high-set stones, which tend to look a lot bigger in photos due to the perspective), so it's really best to try different sizes on in real life until you hit the sweet spot. For me, personally, that's 0.5ct. I really enjoy the daintier look. I have both 0.5 and 1ct diamond rings; while I appreciate the 1ct rings I much prefer the 0.5ct for daily wear. That's just me though.
 
Have you just gone into a store and tried on different sizes? Looks can be deceiving in photos (especially high-set stones, which tend to look a lot bigger in photos due to the perspective), so it's really best to try different sizes on in real life until you hit the sweet spot. For me, personally, that's 0.5ct. I really enjoy the daintier look. I have both 0.5 and 1ct diamond rings; while I appreciate the 1ct rings I much prefer the 0.5ct for daily wear. That's just me though.

I'm now considering a new style which has side stones so I could go with a smaller stone if need be.
I'm liking this one but with milgrain:

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If you're spending the money to upgrade for size/spread increase, I would aim for above .75, maybe closer to the .9ct mark bec it keeps you under the full carat price but gives you the look.

A .33ct stone is ~4.3-4.4mm.
A .75ct stone is ~5.8ish
A .90ct stone is ~6.2mmish
A 1ct stone is ~6.5mmish

Pay attention to cut quality first and foremost, and figure out what you can afford size and quality wise from there.
 
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