9 replies to this topic

[paulyfitz7]

Hi,

I have recently started looking for a Princess cut diamond. I had done quite a bit of research and came up with getting a 1.1-1.3ct. Princess Cut diamond, VG-EX cut, VS1-VS2, G-H specs. My budget is around 6-7k. So I went to look and see them in person at a highly respected store in the Northeast. To my surprise the person that helped me out picked two Princess Cut diamonds, one was right within my specs, 1.25ct, H, VS1, VG Cut, for about 6300, beautiful diamond. The second was 1.52ct, I, SI2, VG cut, for the same price (6300). I looked at both with the loupe, etc. I had not thought to go that route, nor did I think that I could I could get a diamond that large with my budget ( I realize that it is not as good quality). I have to admit I really liked it, it was very nice. i couldn't see any inclusions really with the loupe, it seemed like a really good buy.

Here is the question, is this a good idea? I would really appreciate some advice/opinions on this matter. Should I be going to I color, or SI2 clarity? The clarity didn't bother me as much as the color. It looked great to me, but I do not know that much. What is the better purchase in your opinion? I thing my girlfriend would be thrilled with either. It is a tough call!

Thanks!

[LaurieH]

The questions I have are 1--are they certified diamonds? If not, pretty as they may be, you don't *really* know what you're getting or if you're being told a fair price for what it really is. 2--The second diamond--if it IS certed, is the plot filled in so that you know the type and location of the inclusions? Depending on that and what/where the inclusions are, that's a make-it-or-break-it question. If it's pinpoints or a cloud that is white or clear, who cares...if it's a feather at the girdle or at one of the corners, then it's a DEFINITE *NO*. You have to know those things first before we can give too much more of an answer.

Good luck though and let us know if you know more on the two stones.

[paulyfitz7]

LaurieH, on 10 February 2011 - 12:24 PM, said:

The questions I have are 1--are they certified diamonds? If not, pretty as they may be, you don't *really* know what you're getting or if you're being told a fair price for what it really is. 2--The second diamond--if it IS certed, is the plot filled in so that you know the type and location of the inclusions? Depending on that and what/where the inclusions are, that's a make-it-or-break-it question. If it's pinpoints or a cloud that is white or clear, who cares...if it's a feather at the girdle or at one of the corners, then it's a DEFINITE *NO*. You have to know those things first before we can give too much more of an answer.

Good luck though and let us know if you know more on the two stones.

They were both GIA certified diamonds. The second diamond's inclusions were pinpoints. There was no real red flags that I saw with the larger diamond. I had a guy with me who is pretty knowledgeable as well/the employee makes no commission on the diamond. It is SI2, but the inclusions were not bad and not noticeable with the naked eye.

Thanks for your input

[denverappraiser]

Who is calling them VG-EX cut? That's not something GIA does and it raises the question of whether you're certain that these are GIA graded stones or were they graded by a GIA graduate. The difference is important. A similar but related question is what scale are they using and how do they apply it? There is no GIA cut grading scale for princess cuts and the usefulness of the other scales varies dramatically.

In answer to your question, I have no great problem with most SI2's but it will depend on what the reason for the grade is. Each stone needs to be graded on it's own merits. I is very popular because they still face up white but they don't cost as much as, say, G's.

Edited by denverappraiser, 10 February 2011 - 01:04 PM.

[paulyfitz7]

denverappraiser, on 10 February 2011 - 01:01 PM, said:

Who is calling them VG-EX cut? That's not something GIA does and it raises the question of whether you're certain that these are GIA graded stones or were they graded by a GIA graduate. The difference is important. A similar but related question is what scale are they using and how do they apply it? There is no GIA cut grading scale for princess cuts and the usefulness of the other scales varies dramatically.

VG-EX was the range I was looking in. The diamonds they showed me were both VG cut. They were Square modified brilliant. They are from Barmakian Jewelers in the NorthEast, it is a very legit Jeweler in the area. I found the same spec'd diamond on Bluenile for within 200$ the following day. So the price is nothing alarming. Was just seeing what you guys thought about going up to I color and SI2 cut to get an extra .25ct weight.

Thanks Again

[denverappraiser]

GIA does NOT assign a cut grade to princess cuts, VG or any other, so if you've got a GIA grading report that contains this information than it's not from GIA.

[paulyfitz7]

denverappraiser, on 10 February 2011 - 01:16 PM, said:

GIA does NOT assign a cut grade to princess cuts, VG or any other, so if you've got a GIA grading report that contains this information than it's not from GIA.

The woman said that the cut was very good, they do not deal with poorly cut diamonds from the looks of it. It was the polish/symmetry that was vg/ex. I apologize, I am new to this. The diamond seemed very nice. It was nicer looking then I expected based on the specs that it was. Again I had not gone and looked this seriously until this day though, had only window shopped.


This is great stuff to know though, thank you. I am a total rookie at this. Any guidance is much appreciated. Any advantage to either diamond? What would you recommend based on what I have given.

Thanks

[LaurieH]

I'd, personally, always go quality over size, all other things being relatively equal, and if I were picking, would go with the first stone. But that's just out of those two. If you're just starting to look, I'd say use the Diamond Finder tool at the top of the page, and get yourself a little more educated as to what prices are (ball park idea, anyway), and use that information and maybe some of the articles to aid you in the rest of your search.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[Madryn]

What's up Paul,

I'm some what in the same boat. Just curious where in the northeast are you? I'm in boston and just wondering if the place you went to is close to me. All I've heard of are the expensive stores out here and I'm looking to see if I can find some reasonable place.

[davidelevi]

I agree with Laurie - with one proviso: I would expect cut, rather than colour, clarity or size, to be the dominant issue in how the diamond looks, and there is not enough information to differentiate the two diamonds on cut (based on what does the merchant decide it's "VG" or "EX" or "Ideal" or supercalifragilistiexpialidocious?).

You have seen them both - what do you think? Was one brighter or more lively than the other? Did they both look white, or was a tint visible? Did you see them both in a variety of lighting environments - including not-so-flattering ones like diffused fluorescent lighting?

BTW - there's nothing to be worried about I or SI2. Colour is truly a matter of taste, and clarity is "visible or not" - once you have sorted out that, you are OK aesthetically(durability is another concern, and particularly with princess cuts, very thin girdles can be bad news, as can be the presence or location of some inclusions).