What makes you say this diamond is "good"? I'm not saying it isn't, but the evaluation has to be relative to what you are trying to get. Forget about grades, at least for the moment.
If what you want is something that looks white, sparkles a fair amount, is (probably) not showing any inclusions without a loupe, is a respectable size "for a diamond", and fits with a budget of $5500/6000, then you are most likely done.
However - there is always a however, isn't there? In no particular order, here are mine:
1. You are paying a premium for an F colour when a well cut G or even an H or an I will look as white when they are set, particularly if there is no whiter stone right next to them for a comparison.
2. I'm a great believer in "low clarity" as a source of value, but we don't know if this diamond is really eye-clean, and this will have a significant impact on its price and possibly its beauty. The only way of knowing for sure is seeing it.
3. Still on clarity - this stone has a number of feathers near the girdle; this may happen when the rough is "bruted" (i.e. the girdle is shaped). They may be absolutely OK, or they may pose some risk of chipping. Again - needs to be seen by an expert.
4. The cut is graded as "Very Good" rather than "Excellent" because the girdle is relatively thick. This also causes the stone to look a smidgen smaller than a truly top-of-the-range diamond. A big deal? No, but something to be aware of.
5. You are also paying a premium because the stone is just above the 1.00 carat threshold. Since this is not bringing you any considerable benefit in terms of visible size (the extra weight is in the girdle), you may as well consider saving yourself a $1000 or so and get a stone with the same size but just below the 1.00 ct mark
6. Proportions at this level are a matter of personal taste. I usually like stones with a smaller table and higher crown than this. Also, we know nothing about the actual look of the stone - the report looks good, but does the stone? And most importantly, does it look good to your FI?
To sum it up: it's not a bad stone by any means. If you have seen it and fallen in love with it, have it checked up for any issues by an independent expert, and go for it if it comes out with the all clear. On the other hand, there's plenty of ways for you to get a "better" (better cut, larger, cheaper, definitely eye clean to the most eagle eyed mother-in-law) diamond if you want to consider options.
Edited by davidelevi, 04 March 2011 - 12:07 AM.
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