[mjrincon]

Hey guys,

I am new to the forum and looking for some advice. I am looking to pay around $2000 for a diamond and place it in a setting I see fit. She likes princess cut and from the research I have done I am guessing I want an ideal cut diamond with color from E-F and be SI1-SI2. I also am looking for something in the .5c range. These are just estimated I have put together from what I have been reading. Apparently those standards will make the diamond flawless to the naked eye, no scope being used. Also, from what I have been reading on the forum the while HOF, ACA, Leo fad isn't really necessary in bying a diamond as long as the previous 4 c's are met. Is this correct? Any input would be great. Also would you members recommend buying online or in person? From the jewlery stores I have been in I feel that their prices are a little high. Thanks!

[Britani17]

Hey Mjrincon!

Were you thinking of spending $2000 total on the ring and stone? Also, is there a reason you chose a high color grade range? The reason I asked on the color is it usually is hard to tell between F and G, and even H. If you stay in the near colorless the price will drop a little as well as it will still face up white. On the clarity range you were thinking SI1-SI2 those should be seen in person by you or at least who you purchase from so they can give an opinion on how apparent, if at all, the clarity characteristics are. We have a couple of princesses in that range that are nice makes and have light performance analysis and GIA or AGS lab reports. What kind of setting were you interested in? Solitaire or maybe something with side diamonds?

Here are the links to the stones I was mentioning.

http://www.dbof.com/jewelry/princess-0-60-ct-h-vs1/
http://www.gemex.com/ livereport/partnerlin...id=db60vs1h2489


http://www.dbof.com/jewelry/princess-55-ct-vs1-e/

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[davidelevi]

Couple of semi-random thoughts:

* Look at diamonds before you start setting yourself goals and constraints. Many people think that anything below D will look yellow; not only this is not true, but many actually prefer a slightly warmer white. Same goes for the other 3 Cs, really.

* Beware people using the word "ideal" loosely. An AGS grade of "ideal" on cut is a clear, repeatable standard which has some demonstrable link to the ability of the diamond to reflect light in interesting patterns. A vendor using the term "ideal cut" often means "a stone I have here and want to flog to you"

* Online vs. brick & mortar is not quite as clear cut as it seems. Many excellent dealers using the internet have "real" stores as well, and use the internet as a good channel to reach a broader audience. The large "pure play" online diamond retailers are usually "cheaper" but supply a very different type of service, starting from the fact that they never actually get to see the diamond and therefore cannot advise you on comparisons or even more simply whether it is eye-clean or not.

* Same is true for branded vs. unbranded cut. Some retailers have built their reputation on the ability to select consistently "nice looking" diamonds. And for that ability they rightly claim a premium. Do they have a monopoly on nice diamonds? Not at all, but they can save a lot of time and effort. Slightly different is the issue of patented/custom cuts (e.g. Leo) - here your personal taste enters the equation, because they do look different from the traditionally cut stones (less true for princesses, but that's another post). Some people like the look, others hate it.

* Final though on size. Try to stay below the magic thresholds of 0.50 (and 0.70, 0.90, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00) by 5-10% - these stones trade at a "discount" relative to those that hit the size target, but look very much the same size.

[mjrincon]

Hey Mjrincon!

Were you thinking of spending $2000 total on the ring and stone? Also, is there a reason you chose a high color grade range? The reason I asked on the color is it usually is hard to tell between F and G, and even H. If you stay in the near colorless the price will drop a little as well as it will still face up white. On the clarity range you were thinking SI1-SI2 those should be seen in person by you or at least who you purchase from so they can give an opinion on how apparent, if at all, the clarity characteristics are. We have a couple of princesses in that range that are nice makes and have light performance analysis and GIA or AGS lab reports. What kind of setting were you interested in? Solitaire or maybe something with side diamonds?

Here are the links to the stones I was mentioning.

http://www.dbof.com/jewelry/princess-0-60-ct-h-vs1/
http://www.gemex.com/ livereport/partnerlin...id=db60vs1h2489


http://www.dbof.com/jewelry/princess-55-ct-vs1-e/

Yes my price range is about 2000. Only reason behind any of my decisions is from what I have read online so far so I am glad to hear that I can still save some money. She likes the solitaire in white gold. I appreciate the input as well as the links!

[mjrincon]

Couple of semi-random thoughts:

* Look at diamonds before you start setting yourself goals and constraints. Many people think that anything below D will look yellow; not only this is not true, but many actually prefer a slightly warmer white. Same goes for the other 3 Cs, really.

* Beware people using the word "ideal" loosely. An AGS grade of "ideal" on cut is a clear, repeatable standard which has some demonstrable link to the ability of the diamond to reflect light in interesting patterns. A vendor using the term "ideal cut" often means "a stone I have here and want to flog to you"

* Online vs. brick & mortar is not quite as clear cut as it seems. Many excellent dealers using the internet have "real" stores as well, and use the internet as a good channel to reach a broader audience. The large "pure play" online diamond retailers are usually "cheaper" but supply a very different type of service, starting from the fact that they never actually get to see the diamond and therefore cannot advise you on comparisons or even more simply whether it is eye-clean or not.

* Same is true for branded vs. unbranded cut. Some retailers have built their reputation on the ability to select consistently "nice looking" diamonds. And for that ability they rightly claim a premium. Do they have a monopoly on nice diamonds? Not at all, but they can save a lot of time and effort. Slightly different is the issue of patented/custom cuts (e.g. Leo) - here your personal taste enters the equation, because they do look different from the traditionally cut stones (less true for princesses, but that's another post). Some people like the look, others hate it.

* Final though on size. Try to stay below the magic thresholds of 0.50 (and 0.70, 0.90, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00) by 5-10% - these stones trade at a "discount" relative to those that hit the size target, but look very much the same size.

Thanks for ALL the info! I am glad to know all of this specially where it is going to be saving me money. Honestly I think the general public knows little about this industry and every little bit helps. I will most likely go for the .48 range as well as visit a B&M store. Thanks again this is good stuff!

[davidelevi]

You are most welcome. Let us know how you get on, and come back with any questions!