13 replies to this topic

[lookin2011]

Just recentley went into a local jeweller, I asked if they had a certin quality of diamond in stock D-F VS1 - IF EX Symm and Polish. The owner said no, but to give him a week and he would have options a few stones for me to look at. Sure enough about a week later he had 4 options for me.


Out of the four I found one I really liked,

GIA # 6117391402

Princess

0.64 Carat

F Color

IF Clarity

Excellent Polish & Symmetry


for $2800 + 13% tax and Mount


Now I was hoping for something a little larger maybe 0.75 Carat and D or E in Color. I think that Color is more important to me and would rather have D or E and a VVS Clarity grade. But maybe I should just buy this one, I really liked it. Do you think its good value? I have a budget of $5500 taxes in

Let me know what you think

thanks,

John

[LaurieH]

I think you're totally ok on the stone--it's definitely a winner--and if you like the way it looks in person, you're good. Its top notch on Color and Clarity, you've got the Polish and Symmetry you want, it's almost perfectly square--just no problems with it whatsoever.

HOWEVER (you knew a "but' was coming, right? At least I gave you a fancy "but" ) since you have a decent budget left to spare (presuming that you don't have an super expensive mounting picked out for the ring), and you can't tell IF from VS2, I would say trade up that size and drop down the clarity. Even going to VS1, you not only open up a HUGE number of options in the same price range, but you'll be able to get a bigger stone that will be just as beautiful. You could maybe even trade down a few in Clarity and trade UP in Color, if you really want, although it won't be really noticeable once the stone is set. Esp since you're getting a square cut stone like a Princess, I would rather see you go up in size if you can--a bit of the weight is tied up in the corners and a square stone is always going to appear smaller than its same weight counterpart in a round. .64 Princess is nothing to sneeze at, but just think--if you could go up to maybe an F VS1 .80 --all other stats equal--how great would that be?

BUT--(yeah, again with the buts! lol)--the proof is always in the pudding, so if you want the bragging rights of a diamond you can tell her is "perfect", and you were really happy with the appearance of the stone that your jeweler showed you, then I'd say, don't give it another second's thought. You're getting a good stone for a very fair price, IMHO.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[davidelevi]

I agree with Laurie. You won't see the difference between D and F (or G - if well cut) once set, and you won't see the difference between IF and VS1.

You will see - but don't expect a huge difference (see attached) - the difference between a 0.65 and a 0.80. And you can definitely find a good 0.80 F (or G) VS1 (or VS2) plus ring setting for your budget.



The question is which one does she care most about.

The price of the stone you have found is OK; although you can find cheaper online, your local vendor adds value in being able to find different stones and bring them to you to compare with your eyes - which is in the end the best way to choose a diamond.

[barry]

Consider maxing your budget and her happiness in getting a larger diamond by going to a .75-.90 G-H, VS-2/ SI-1 combo. You will not see the color/clarity difference.

Keep in mind that people notice a diamonds size, color,and sparkle.

[lookin2011]

He Just Emailed me a couple more options, which i haven't seen yet.

#1
GIA - 2121224301....

0.80 Carat

F

VS1

VG polish

Ex Symmetry

$3900 (In my price range still)

#2

GIA - 13190800

0.81 Carat

E

VVS2

G Polish

G Symmetry

$4200 (Just in Budget)

Now the 2nd one is rectangular modified, does that make a big difference? is it still considered a Princess?

Another thing is there a big difference in Ex, VG and G polish and Symmetry? `

Edited by lookin2011, 06 February 2011 - 08:06 AM.

[LaurieH]

Why is he dropping you down in Polish and Symmetry so much? VG is ok, but stay away from Good--you'll notice a lot less sparkle.

Go up to the top and the "diamond finder" tool, and plug in the basics of what you're looking for and see what you come back with. I was able to look and see that there were some .80 that were better than those and closer to the price of the first stone you were looking at. Not that you need to buy online, but you can always use that as a bargaining chip with your in-person guy if you're good

[davidelevi]

"Modified" only means that some facets are not cut in the fashion that GIA considers standard for a princess, or as it calls them "square/rectangular brilliant". This may make it look different from another stone; whether it looks better, worse or just different is for you to judge, but it is not something to worry about. Pick what you like most.

Polish and symmetry: the differences between G, VG and Ex you cannot usually see without a microscope. The effect of lower symmetry grades may be more perceptible than lower polish grades, though it depends on why the grade was awarded. If you can, stay with VG or higher, but again not a critical element.

Between the two stones you have listed last, you are paying for something you cannot see (E vs F and VVS2 vs VS1); don't. Cut is what matters, and what you can see.

One more thing to remember - princess cut diamonds have points. Very thin girdles + points = danger of breakage. Make sure that a. your chosen stone avoids this issue or b. the setter is aware and the setting suitably protects the stone.

[barry]

Square is defined by GIA as a length/width ratio up to and inclusive of 1.052. Above this number and the stone is listed as "Rectangular". The eye will see a diamond as "square" up to a ratio of 1.07.

To calculate the ratio, take the first two numbers that are listed in the measurements section of the GIA lab report and divide the first number by the second. Whether you prefer square or rectangular depends on two factors:

1. Your preference.

2. The style of ring you're buying for her. Some styles are more conducive to rectangular shapes while others look better with a square look.

I would not automatically reject stones with good polish/symmetry. Examine them and compare to the VG/Excellents and see if you can tell any difference.

[jan]

Is there some reason that you are paying 13% tax? What state or country are you in?
There is definitely a different size appearance from a .80 ct. to a well cut 1.00 ct. princess cut diamond. A well cut princess that is about a 1.00 ct. range will be around 5.5.mm square or there about. Here are a couple to compare. If you are not in Florida there we don't charge sales tax and our shipping is free.

http://www.dbof.com/...-1-03-ct-vs2-g/

http://www.dbof.com/...-1-04-ct-vs1-f/

What is the type of mounting that you are looking for?

[AN0NYM0US]

jan, on 07 February 2011 - 10:05 AM, said:

Is there some reason that you are paying 13% tax? What state or country are you in?

If I had to guess I would say he is from Ontario, Canada

[lookin2011]

Ya Ontario Canada,

Looking for a simple 2mm 4 prong mount in 18k or platinum, Funny thing is that I will be in Florida next month. i think 0.65 -0.85 is the size I want

jan, on 07 February 2011 - 10:05 AM, said:

Is there some reason that you are paying 13% tax? What state or country are you in?
There is definitely a different size appearance from a .80 ct. to a well cut 1.00 ct. princess cut diamond. A well cut princess that is about a 1.00 ct. range will be around 5.5.mm square or there about. Here are a couple to compare. If you are not in Florida there we don't charge sales tax and our shipping is free.

[url="http://www.dbof.com/jewelry/princess-1-03-ct-vs2-g/"][url]http://www.dbof.com/...-1-03-ct-vs2-g/[/url][/url]

[url="http://www.dbof.com/jewelry/princess-1-04-ct-vs1-f/"][url]http://www.dbof.com/...-1-04-ct-vs1-f/[/url][/url]

What is the type of mounting that you are looking for?

[AN0NYM0US]

lookin2011, on 07 February 2011 - 03:40 PM, said:

Ya Ontario Canada,

Looking for a simple 2mm 4 prong mount in 18k or platinum, Funny thing is that I will be in Florida next month. i think 0.65 -0.85 is the size I want

Are you against the idea of purchasing online?

Are you in the GTA? If you want I could recommend a couple great jewellers close by...unless you are happy with your guy.

Also if you are considering buying from Florida look into the tariff laws for Canada. If you do decide to purchase abroad it may be in your best interests to inspect the stone in person next month, but have them ship it to you. From my experience Canadian Customs rarely tax stones (properly labeled and full value declared) coming in through the mail, but you will probably have to pay duty if you physically carry it across and declare it. YMMV.

or just have it set into an earring and wear it home...are your ears pierced?

[lookin2011]

I live about an hour west of the GTA but if you have some jewellers you can recommend that would be cool.


I would rather buy it from a jeweller, i want to see what I am buying.

[jan]

lookin2011, on 07 February 2011 - 03:40 PM, said:

Ya Ontario Canada,

Looking for a simple 2mm 4 prong mount in 18k or platinum, Funny thing is that I will be in Florida next month. i think 0.65 -0.85 is the size I want

jan, on 07 February 2011 - 10:05 AM, said:

Is there some reason that you are paying 13% tax? What state or country are you in?
There is definitely a different size appearance from a .80 ct. to a well cut 1.00 ct. princess cut diamond. A well cut princess that is about a 1.00 ct. range will be around 5.5.mm square or there about. Here are a couple to compare. If you are not in Florida there we don't charge sales tax and our shipping is free.

http://www.dbof.com/...-1-03-ct-vs2-g/

http://www.dbof.com/...-1-04-ct-vs1-f/

What is the type of mounting that you are looking for?

You can stop by and see us. We have this beauty in stock currently.

http://www.dbof.com/...-0-85-ct-f-vs1/

Also lots and lots (9 showcases ) of mountings to choose from.

Hope to meet you soon.