27 replies to this topic

[diamondsbylauren]

edman, on Friday, Jun 20 2008, 03:17 PM, said:

Yosef,

Can you give me a range of Top Cut (depth/table) I should stay within?

I believe once I have that down, my choice can be truly educated.

Thank you!

[

I apologize if you don't like my manner edman.
You're correct, I have been in the jewelry trade for over 30 years. I'm quite proud of what I do- and passionate about it as well.
Maybe that's why I find it offensive on a personal level when sellers try to convince buyers that "Bozo's Gem Lab" is the same as GIA, or AGS.

I'll also admit that I was a bit miffed when you totally ignored my first post- which was given with the sole intention of educating those readers who are not in the trade- like you.

Your statement above is yet another reason for my passion. You're totally off base.
Knowing a set of numbers will get you....more likely to get ripped off- IF you believe you can buy a diamond based solely on those numbers.


Here's something very positive!

Neil, thank yo so much for your comment- it really means a lot to me!

[edman]

Now because you actually sell diamonds, I'm going to have to take anything you
say with a grain of salt. I'm sure that you won't be 100% unbiased.

All I keep running into are these EGL diamond searches that are generated off
of this actual site. Abazias is showing all EGL's.

In your educated opinion, what can I get on the market for 8-10k?

diamondsbylauren, on Friday, Jun 20 2008, 03:59 PM, said:

edman, on Friday, Jun 20 2008, 03:17 PM, said:

Yosef,

Can you give me a range of Top Cut (depth/table) I should stay within?

I believe once I have that down, my choice can be truly educated.

Thank you!

[

I apologize if you don't like my manner edman.
You're correct, I have been in the jewelry trade for over 30 years. I'm quite proud of what I do- and passionate about it as well.
Maybe that's why I find it offensive on a personal level when sellers try to convince buyers that "Bozo's Gem Lab" is the same as GIA, or AGS.

I'll also admit that I was a bit miffed when you totally ignored my first post- which was given with the sole intention of educating those readers who are not in the trade- like you.

Your statement above is yet another reason for my passion. You're totally off base.
Knowing a set of numbers will get you....more likely to get ripped off- IF you believe you can buy a diamond based solely on those numbers.


Here's something very positive!

Neil, thank yo so much for your comment- it really means a lot to me!

[diamondsbylauren]

edman, on Friday, Jun 20 2008, 04:36 PM, said:

Now because you actually sell diamonds, I'm going to have to take anything you
say with a grain of salt.
[

Of course! We all know anyone selling diamonds can't be trusted...heheh

[Adylon]

edman, on Friday, Jun 20 2008, 03:36 PM, said:

All I keep running into are these EGL diamond searches that are generated off
of this actual site. Abazias is showing all EGL's.

In your educated opinion, what can I get on the market for 8-10k?

If you stick with GIA or AGS, EX or ID cut, H+ color, SI1+ clarity, you can get a great stone in the 1.5 carat range. If you want lower color in the I-K range and want to push your luck with SI2 you might be able to find a nice stone that appears 100% eye clean and a nice white, close to or at 2 carats in weight. If you go in that range you'll want them carefully examined howerver. Even GIA and AGS grade SI2 clarity stones that are not totally eye clean sometimes. Some J/K color stones face up better then others as well.

Work with someone you trust to evaluate the stones on your behalf if you shop in that range.

Edited by Adylon, 20 June 2008 - 01:30 PM.

[Adylon]

edman, on Friday, Jun 20 2008, 03:36 PM, said:

All I keep running into are these EGL diamond searches that are generated off
of this actual site. Abazias is showing all EGL's.

Oh, and regarding EGL, There's EGL-USA and EGL-International. The International one, forget about it. USA is fine for stones that are not of high value.

For something in your price range I would not advise you look at any EGL stones.

When someone can see a list of 1000 diamonds and sort by cheapest price, you guessed it, the worst looking ones show up first, and unfortunately EGL-International is not known for it's consistency in the highy valued diamonds. EGL-USA is better but still not advised in high priced stones.

Again there's nothing wrong with any lab per se... every lab has the benefit of the doubt and the potential to grade fairly.... even EGL-Intl EGL-USA, IGI and others... But when the stone is cheaper by a significant margin and the lab is suspect, chances are 99% that the lab report is invalid.

There is no bargain hunting when it comes to diamonds online, prices are very competitive and margins razor thin. If the price of 1 stone is $10,000 and the other $15,000 there's a very good reason for it.

Edited by Adylon, 20 June 2008 - 01:39 PM.

[diamondsbylauren]

Adylon, on Friday, Jun 20 2008, 05:38 PM, said:

Oh, and regarding EGL, There's EGL-USA and EGL-International. The International one, forget about it. USA is fine for stones that are not of high value.

Hi Yosef,
I'm sure you probably expected this...but I disagree with the above part of your statement.

As a dealer, I would never reject a stone simply because it has an EGL report.
In fact, few of the cutters we deal with ever use any lab but GIA....buy there are some that use EGL.
I've actually gotten some great bargains on stones that carried EGL reports.
I even mention the fact a report exists when I sell them- but I always grade the stone myself.
There have been cases of Natural Light Yellow ( I'd say U-V color range) stones having reports calling them "L"

But consumers are not dealers- and are not aware of the finer points on how to buy diamonds. Things that can easily make one stone worth considerably more than an ostensible similar stone.

Even if the value is low, I think it is essential that the buyer is made aware of the ramifications of a non GIA report.

Edited by diamondsbylauren, 20 June 2008 - 02:22 PM.

[Adylon]

David, I agree with you. I was just simplifying for Ed.

For his situation I don't recommend he consider either one.

[edman]

I truly do appreciate the honest advice.

I now feel that I'm properly armed to make an informed decision.

Thank you so very much!

Adylon, on Friday, Jun 20 2008, 06:14 PM, said:

David, I agree with you. I was just simplifying for Ed.

For his situation I don't recommend he consider either one.