Size Vs Quality... How Do You Take Your Rocks?

[la miss]

My first diamonds were almost flawless and colorless and I guess I got spoiled. It makes me happy to know that my diamonds are close to perfect. But the prices can be dazzling too which makes me not so happy.

I didn't have anything to do with choosing my e-ring; hubby picked a beautiful diamond. He went for a nice balance of quality and size. I get a lot of compliments and most people think the diamond is much bigger than it actually is.

 

[toiletduck]

Somewhere in the middle for me. I originally wanted 2 carats or over but after looking around with my SO I decided that I'd rather go for an 'excellent' quality (D,E,F color, VVS2 or above, ideal-excellent cut etc.) 1.5-1.9 over a 'decent' quality (F,G,color, SI2 or SI1, v.good cut) 2 carats. Besides, as my SO said, I have small hands and they all look huge on me anyway! It really depends on your taste and of course, budget.

We have yet to get it but I guess looking around is the first step, right?? *fingers crossed*

 

[girlsgottoshop]

I want a balance, too. I could've had a 2.5 carat heart, but I went with a 2 carat due to quality issues. Mine is not perfect, but you can't see with the naked eye.

 

[bag happy]

I agree with Venus. IMHO when it comes to jewelry, quality trumps every time.

My 3 stone ering and 16 stone eternity wedding band are all near perfect (d color, vvs, ideal cut) except for the center stone (my mil chose it). I can't wait to upgrade that diamond and when I do, it'll be the quality over size.

 

[bag happy]

^^ I should have said that I think it depends on which jewelry. Some are ok to sacrifice on the ering. I sacrificed on my earrings. I bought diamond studs last year but think I paid too much for F color, vs, ideal cut. I regret not buying larger and maybe g/h color.

 

[pursemember]

only quality ! i mean ideally both but given the choice between a 1 carat d fl/if and a larger lower quality one always the first. it is also a better investment

 

[Accessorize*me]

I'd like to be a purist and say that it's all about the quality, but frankly, when people look at your diamond, the first thing they tend to ask is: "How big is that?"
And NOT "WOW! What is the clarity of that?" Or "WAH! What colour is that?" (unless the diamond is very yellow....ush

With that being said, I think it all boils down to personal preferences although I'd say I do tend to look for a balance after settling on the Carat weight.

I myself would go for an Excellent/Ideal Cut (it's frankly the only way to differentiate your Diamond from a CZ, so no compromise here), ''Colourless" diamond (D,E,F), in the VVS/VS Clarity range, because I prefer my Diamonds "Icy White", with flaws that are difficult to locate even if my friends do carry a Loupe around!

 

[J Star]

Of all the things do not sacrifice cut.

 

[madamestuff]

This is really fun to read - I'm incredibly interested in everyone's standpoint!

My fiance chose my engagement ring all on his own. It's 1ct, VVS2, D. The cut is also near perfect. He was adamant that it was a case of quality over size and I can't say I'm complaining - I think it's the most exquisite thing I've ever seen!

 

[LV Rawks]

I am not saying that I would want a "chip", but I am not into big honkin' diamonds either. I would chose quality over quantity...it doesn't have to be D IF, but definitely ideal cut.

 

[ame]

I'm very happy with my sparkly, although I do have to admit, being on here and Pricescope, I do have a little bit of DSS (diamond shrinkage syndrome) .

Duuude, no kidding. It's killer! The girl I work with has a R O C K (VVS and D color and HUGE) and it's got me thinkin I need a bigger one.

 

[sinniebunnie]

Seems like size matters lol.. 2+ cts for everyone.. I guess i am still living in the past so that 1ct is huge! or maybe i am just young and poor atm =)

 

[bags07]

I would choose quality over quantity...I have 1 carat "F" color, VVS1, Ideal cut ring.

I love to upgrade to "D", but seems to me it will be very expensive.

 

[Taralindsey]

My Dh went with quality over size with my replacement E ring. (I lost my first one.. it was only a 1/2 carat) I have a tiny ring compared to most of you but we can not afford a bigger one:shame:

I have a .50 carat brilliant cut center stone that is I VS1. The other 2 rounds on the sides are F VS1. All the little round diamonds on the sides are F/G VS1. I wear it with my wedding band that matches and all together it is 1.23 carats. I only know all of this because I just had it appraised for insurance

I love my ring and while I think larger diamonds are beautiful and I hope to own some one day I wouldn't trade my ring for anything! I love how much it sparkles!

here is a pic..

 

[Jenglory]

Taralindsey, good for you for sharing! I've been browsing this forum SO often because I just adore diamonds, but unfortunately large stones aren't in the budget right now, and I was afraid to share.

My fiance also went with quality over quantity - my stone is .52 carats, G in color, but it's an ideal cut RB and sparkles beautifully. He bought the best he could afford and he already promises that I can upgrade someday!

I always thought that I'd compromise some quality for a larger size, but after having this tiny diamond, I know that I'll never sacrifice the cut of a diamond. Ideal hearts and arrows it is, even if I have to get a smaller stone!