3 replies to this topic

[Hawkeye23]

Today I went into a local store and found a 1.03 carat, H, SI1, with both Excellent ratings. The ring is going to be solitaire. Price with mounting before Tax is $5,500. Is this a good deal, or should I keep looking? Thank you for your response in advance.

[davidelevi]

The price - taking away $500-700 for an 18k gold solitaire setting - is not unreasonable, but it's only reasonable if what you are getting is a well cut, eye clean H-SI1. What you are getting with an EGL report is almost definitely not an H-SI1; the issue is that it is impossible to know whether it's an I-SI1 (not a big deal) or an L-SI2 (REALLY big deal). Their cut grading is also shall we say open to question; in addition, since you mention "two excellent", I suspect it's a relatively old report, with only polish and symmetry grades, not a cut grade.

Unless you have strong reasons to prefer this jeweller, I'd keep looking and focus on getting a stone with a GIA or AGS report.

Edited by davidelevi, 15 July 2010 - 04:43 AM.

[HeartAndStone]

At 1.03 carats, the price is quite right because at one point it's always good to be positive, that for a solitaire this is a good deal most especially if you really know this jeweler. Lesser stress and right on.
But I still suggest that you try to see other jewelers. You can click the "Find a Local Jeweler' send your inquiries beforehand, and by then decide when to visit, so you can take a look at other solitaires around your area.

[davidelevi]

Um, HeartAndStone, on what basis do you say the price is right?

Comparable stones (EGL-graded H-SI1 1.00 - 1.10 ct) are listed for sale here between $2400 and $6500. That's a very broad range, and is no doubt motivated by their eye-cleanness (or otherwise), cut quality and general unreliability of EGL reports. Without seeing the stone that Hawkeye23 is asking about, we have no idea about any of those aspects, and I think all we can say is that it is "within the bounds of reasonableness" - i.e. bang in the middle of the range. "Right" is quite a different thing.