Q&A: Looking to Upgrade from 0.5 Ct. to 1.2 Ct.

Just to say your honest opinions below are really useful. It’s amazing how easily you can be ripped off by jewellers.

I am about to purchase a 1.2 carat stone. From my reserach so far I think I understand that the kind of characteristics that I should look for in a good 1.2 carat diamond are:

Cut – princess cut
Colour – E
Clarity – VS2
Depth – 72%
Table – 67%
Polish – Excellent
Symmetry – Very good
Flourescence – None
Ratio – 1.002
GIA certified – yes

My question is the following:
I am upgrading my old 0.5 carat diamond because I would like a bigger more ‘wow’ diamond. I have read in some articles that a 1 carat and a 1.2 carat diamond can look the same in size. I would like my diamond to look as big as possible. Which of the key quality measurements mentioned above are the most important to guarantee the largest looking diamond for a 1.2 carat stone?

Thanks very much

Thanks for the response.

I currently have a platinum ring with a centre princess cut 0.56 ct diamond (GIA certified) and 14 smaller ‘bead set’ brilliant cut diamonds on the shoulders.

I have a budget of approx $6,500 or £4000 to change the centre diamond. I was hoping this would buy me approx a 1.2ct stone…

I am looking for a diamond that will look at big as possible (both in ct weight and setting) without ending up with a poor quality.

Thanks that looks like quite a good price.

2 further questions:
If I were to find a diamond slightly bigger, what is the lowest colour that would be acceptable to the eye?
Also if you have two 1 carat diamonds next to each other, what characteristics makes one appear bigger than the other?

One more question

Have you seen any diamonds avail for 1.2ct with a color of H+ with high dimensions that you mentioned. The reason being, I live in the UK but my sister will be in America next week so i could buy the diamond over there. I am just nervous of buying from a supplier that I don’t know…

The benefit is that I would be able to claim the VAT back too.

She will be in Connecticut.

……

to add, would you recommend the jeweller in the link you sent as being reputable and not overpriced

it looks great to me!!! Im going to ask them to hold it for me. Do you think the dimensions maximise the size of it?

also are the 73.3%/73% table dimensions within acceptable range??

thanks for your help

Love that one!

Is there a reason it doesn’t have a laser inscription on the GIA certificate

I have shown this diamond to my jeweller friend who says it is an amazing price and that he could never beat it! I wont be able to view it before I purchase as Im in the UK so my only concern is will it be eye clean. Do you think it is a safe bet/safe to buy it?

Very last question…will it be white to the eye (no risk of ot being yellow in colour…)

Do I need to worry about any inclusions in the diamond? is it worth me asking JA to get it in and inspect it first?

Just to let you know that I have purchased the diamond! Quite scary but hopefully will be all ok.

Thanks for your help!!!