I am comparing these stone from a local jeweler (column1) to an internet exchange(column2):
Weight .76 .82
Depth 63.8% 59.3%
Table 59% 58%
Gird M-Tk Tn-STk,faceted
Polish G G
Symm VG G
Clarity VVS1 VS2
Color F G
Fluor Med Blue None
They are both around the same price, but the local jeweler offers a warranty. I am going to scope them side by side. How does the fluorescence effect the value? The cut and weight are better on the internet stone. What are the chances I will need a warranty?
Choices
Started by
christymathewson
, Sep 06 2000 03:23 AM
5 replies to this topic
#2
adodge
-
- Member
-
- 44 posts
Opal
Posted 06 September 2000 - 01:46 PM
Christy,
To answer your specific questions, fluorescence of medium blue should not affect the price much. You should look at the stone in bright sunlight to ensure it doesn't have a "milky appearance". I doubt it will. Usually it doesn't happen unless the stone has very strong fluorescence.
As far as the warranty, I think the first question is what is the warranty. Also, doesn't the internet jeweler offer any type of warranty or return policy? Many offer at least a period of 10-30 days to evaluate the stone.
As to questions you didn't ask, what are the detailed dimensions of the stones? (ie. Pavilion depth, crown angle and crown height). Its difficult to tell how well cut a stone is based on the total depth alone. Try and get the details from the jewelers. You can also compare prices on pricescope to see if they appear reasonable. You can perform a detailed search based on the values you are looking for.
As a final question, do both of these stones come with lab reports from reputable labs? (ie. GIA/AGS) If not, its hard to ensure you are comparing apples to apples. What is represented by a jeweler as a certain color and clarity might not necessarily be accurate. In addition, some labs are not known for consistent grading.
Just some thoughts!! Good luck and post some more details when you get them!
To answer your specific questions, fluorescence of medium blue should not affect the price much. You should look at the stone in bright sunlight to ensure it doesn't have a "milky appearance". I doubt it will. Usually it doesn't happen unless the stone has very strong fluorescence.
As far as the warranty, I think the first question is what is the warranty. Also, doesn't the internet jeweler offer any type of warranty or return policy? Many offer at least a period of 10-30 days to evaluate the stone.
As to questions you didn't ask, what are the detailed dimensions of the stones? (ie. Pavilion depth, crown angle and crown height). Its difficult to tell how well cut a stone is based on the total depth alone. Try and get the details from the jewelers. You can also compare prices on pricescope to see if they appear reasonable. You can perform a detailed search based on the values you are looking for.
As a final question, do both of these stones come with lab reports from reputable labs? (ie. GIA/AGS) If not, its hard to ensure you are comparing apples to apples. What is represented by a jeweler as a certain color and clarity might not necessarily be accurate. In addition, some labs are not known for consistent grading.
Just some thoughts!! Good luck and post some more details when you get them!
#3
christymathewson
-
- Member
-
- 3 posts
Newbie
Posted 07 September 2000 - 03:29 AM
Both stones are GIA certified. The local stone has a small feather, cloud and a indented natural facet (none of which i could detect under the scope with my untrained eye). It definitely didn't have a milky appearance. The warranty covers any damage to the stone or mounting for life.
The internet stone is offered by a broker, so there is no warranty, but I can return it within 7 days. Its dimensions are 6.10x6.14x3.83 with 59.3%depth and 58%table. I dont have any more detailed measurements for it. The prices were both slightly below average when I checked on this site.
The internet stone is offered by a broker, so there is no warranty, but I can return it within 7 days. Its dimensions are 6.10x6.14x3.83 with 59.3%depth and 58%table. I dont have any more detailed measurements for it. The prices were both slightly below average when I checked on this site.
#4
adodge
-
- Member
-
- 44 posts
Opal
Posted 07 September 2000 - 08:09 AM
Christy,
What I meant regarding detail of the cut was how the depth percentage is broken down. If the jeweler has a Sarin machine, they can give you the pavilion depth, crown height and crown angle. These are important to know to get an accurate picture of how well-cut the stone is. The "total" depth percentage from the GIA report is a start, but you really need the rest to determine how well-cut it is.
As far as the warranty, it surprises me that they cover any damage. Does this include accidental damage? (ie. diamonds can be scratched by other diamonds or even chipped if hit just right).
Have you checked pricescope to see if the prices you are being quoted are in range of similar stones?
What I meant regarding detail of the cut was how the depth percentage is broken down. If the jeweler has a Sarin machine, they can give you the pavilion depth, crown height and crown angle. These are important to know to get an accurate picture of how well-cut the stone is. The "total" depth percentage from the GIA report is a start, but you really need the rest to determine how well-cut it is.
As far as the warranty, it surprises me that they cover any damage. Does this include accidental damage? (ie. diamonds can be scratched by other diamonds or even chipped if hit just right).
Have you checked pricescope to see if the prices you are being quoted are in range of similar stones?
#5
christymathewson
-
- Member
-
- 3 posts
Newbie
Posted 11 September 2000 - 02:11 AM
I looked at both stones on saturday. I dont yet have the detailed measurements for the cuts, but the internet stone seemed to be darker, while the local stone was more transparent. The internet stone has two very apparent feathers close to the where the culet would be. They reflect all over the stone. The internet stone seemed to sparkle a bit more, but as I said, was darker where it wasnt sparkling. Both prices check out as slightly below average.
#6
adodge
-
- Member
-
- 44 posts
Opal
Posted 11 September 2000 - 02:32 AM
Christy,
Doesn't sound like you're really happy with either stone. I'd encourage you to keep looking if you have time. As far as pricing, I still recommend looking at pricescope if you haven't already. I like diamondreview.com's pricing info, but remember that their prices include brick and mortar prices as well. Therefore, their "average" prices may probably be on the high-end for stones purchased over the internet. Pricescope gives you a listing of prices from a number of internet sellers that are offering specific stones for sale. Good luck!
Doesn't sound like you're really happy with either stone. I'd encourage you to keep looking if you have time. As far as pricing, I still recommend looking at pricescope if you haven't already. I like diamondreview.com's pricing info, but remember that their prices include brick and mortar prices as well. Therefore, their "average" prices may probably be on the high-end for stones purchased over the internet. Pricescope gives you a listing of prices from a number of internet sellers that are offering specific stones for sale. Good luck!
