5 replies to this topic

[my_savior_loves]

Hi yall,

I'm new here. I actually took a couple of days to review over different topics and learn a little.
I decided to join because I was wanting more of an educated opinion on a particular question.

What is your thoughts on Zales Celebration Diamond? I am terribly sorry if I'm not allowed to mention commercial names.
My boyfriend and I have been looking at rings. He just wanted to know what my tastes were like, I completely want him to make the final decision. My ring size is a 3.5 (petite I know) and I lean more towards simple elegant solitaires.

Thank you for your time.

[davidelevi]

Welcome to DR. As a consumer, you can mention commercial names without any restrictions; this is a free forum!

On the Celebration - the usual caveats for non-standard cut diamonds apply:

1. Difficulty in comparing like for like on cut - custom cut diamonds each have their characteristic look, which generally is more "fragmented" and "busy" than traditional diamonds, because of the larger number of facets. This creates two issues: first of all, major labs (GIA and AGS) do not issue cut grades on these diamonds because of the lack of comparability; they don't behave exactly like traditional cut diamonds which is what GIA and AGS have modelled and researched. Secondly, not all custom cut stones are equal: there are well cut Celebrations, and there are poorly cut ones. Which one you get to see or buy is up to the dealer and yourself, because the extent of help you get from third parties (lab, experts, etc.) is limited.

2. Difficulty in comparing like for like on clarity and colour. The Celebration is not graded by GIA or AGS, but by a far less reliable lab (GSL).

3. Difficulty in trading in or otherwise reselling the diamond. Many jewellers will be unwilling to purchase the diamond, and pretty much none except some dealers in the brand will recognise the premium that you are paying when purchasing. Consumers looking for a specific custom cut are rare (none of these custom cuts has really gained significant market share, which by itself should tell you that they aren't quite so much better than traditionally cut stones) and they may also be wary of the uncertainty surrounding points 1) and 2) above.

Other than that, my strong recommendation is to go and see some really well cut traditional diamonds. Jared's "Peerless" collection is definitely well cut, and so are any of the diamonds at Tiffany. You don't need to buy there, just to compare and contrast. If after you have done that you are in love with the appearance of the Celebration, by any means go ahead and buy one (or point your Fiancé in that direction). If at this point you have doubts, I respectfully suggest you are in love with the marketing rather than the looks of the stone...

Edited by davidelevi, 23 May 2011 - 09:54 AM.

[my_savior_loves]

Thank you for your reply.

That makes complete sense. We haven't been shopping for long, and know little to nothing about diamonds. Well, I say that but he (my boyfriend) was given about an hour lesson by a Zales rep. about diamonds in general not just their collections. He absorbed a lot of the information and was quick to ask questions and put what he learned to use when he took me to look at engagement rings.

Granted, the Celebration diamond does look very sharp but if it holds no real reliable grade then it seems redundant. Although, It seems easier to lean more towards such commercial stores but honestly it holds no significant value in the long run. This is what I have gathered from these forums.

I seem to be a little confused....Now as for your recommendation on checking out Jared's "Peerless" collection, is that a "custom-cut" diamond as well or more traditional?

[davidelevi]

The "Peerless" collection comprises traditional cut AGS-ideal graded stones only, as far as I know. Let me repeat - I am not advocating it as anything other than a reference point for well cut stones.

[denverappraiser]

The 'celebration' line is aimed at competing with the 'Leo' line available at Jareds and a few other places as well as 'Solisfera' and a few others that are a bit more widely distributed. If there's not a Jared's in your town, I'm pretty sure Helzburg has a line of AGS-ideal stones as well although I don't remember the name. Given the competitive environment, I would sort of expect Zales to have one too. Ask 'em (AGSL graded).

[my_savior_loves]

Thank you both for your opinions and advice. I know you are both highly educated people in your fields. I will defiantly make comparisons.