Are these Good Stones? HELP!!! DS and Gypsy!!

[martha23]

Hi Everyone!!!

Relatively new here but have been reading pricescope forums for quite some time now! I was welcomed by DS (hi!!) in a previous post and now need an opinion on these two stones. We have been looking for a stone for such a long time now. DS, Gypsy, and any one else who is kind enough to respond, your advice and opinions are much appreciated!!! Here's the specs:

Stone 1: Round Brilliant, 1.62 carat EGL Certified VVS1 Color F

7.59 x 7.55 x 4.60

Total Depth: 60.8%

Table Width: 59%

Crown Height: 14%

Pavilion Depth: 44%

Girdle slightly thick faceted

Polish and symmetry excellent

culet none

fluorescence NONE


Versus:

Stone 2: Round Brilliant,2.00 carat EGL Certified SI1 Color F

8.11 x 8.06 x 5.05 mm

Total Depth: 62.4%

Table Width: 53%

Crown Height: 16%

Pavilion Depth: 44%

Girdle medium

Polish and symmetry excellent, cut gr excellent

culet none

fluorescence slight blue

8 hearts and 8 arrows

Advice and opinions greatly appreciated!!!! Price is roughly $16-17,000. I am not being told the exact amount

Thanks in advance

m

 

[chrono]

Why EGL? Are they EGL USA or EGL some other?

 

[martha23]

Hi Chrono!

EGL because the jeweler told us that's what we can get in our price range. Meaning size, quality. I know that my boyfriend has a $15-20,000 budget. Meaning he is ok to spend 20,000 if something he is absolutely in love with. I don't think either of us realized the complexity of diamonds, or are we making it too hard???? very frustrating!

The certificate does not say EGL USA or otherwise….so I don't know

let me know your thoughts….

m

 

[chrono]

Reasons to avoid all EGLs except EGL USA.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/polygon-also-bans-egl.206119/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/polygon-also-bans-egl.206119/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/has-anyone-been-following-genesis-diamonds-egl-intl-thing.209732/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/has-anyone-been-following-genesis-diamonds-egl-intl-thing.209732/[/URL]

Are you open to buying online (can see video and with vendors suggested here, you can view it in person due to the generous review/return/refund period) or must this be a local purchase only?

1.66 ct H SI1 Whiteflash Expert Selection for $13K
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3033758.htm?source=pricescope

 

[RockyRacoon]

The EGL stones are not accurately graded.

Here are two examples of what $20k will get you in the world of well-cut, certed stones (which are what you are probably looking for):

1.69ct, G, VS1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-69ct-g-vs1-superior-round-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html

2.01ct, H, SI1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/2-01ct-h-si1-premium-round-ideal-cut-diamond.html


Don't make the EGL mistake.

 

[martha23]

The more I learn about things from here the more I am willing to purchase online!!!! I would definitely be willing to look at some suggestions. How do things work with refund policies and viewing the diamond from an online purchase???


My boyfriend on the other hand will probably want to stay local. How can I tell if the diamond or certificate is EGL USA????

 

[chrono]

You should see "EGL USA" right on the top left of the report.
http://www.eglusa.com/report-anatomy

I much prefer GIA and AGS though. Review policies will vary from vendor to vendor.

 

[Gypsy]

Have you read these links:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/been-wondering-when-this-would-happen-lawsuit-over-grading.204318/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/been-wondering-when-this-would-happen-lawsuit-over-grading.204318/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/rapnet-bans-egl-reports-from-trading-network.205934/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/rapnet-bans-egl-reports-from-trading-network.205934/[/URL]

An EGL F can easily be a GIA I or J. I would not buy one, unless the jeweler will send to GIA for re-grading. And that will cost you about 400 bucks more, which is well worth it.
And... I suggest you start looking at the GIA stones posted for you.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hi, Martha! I will just tell you that I agree with the others. GIA and AGS are the only two reliable labs in the US. There are millions of stones graded by them. I would strongly advise you not to buy an EGL stone since you cannot be sure what you are really getting. You are not getting a good deal with those because the color and clarity are almost always lower than stated.

I understand being hesitant to buy online. We were all new here once and had to adjust to that idea. But for example, Good Old Gold is a family owned jewelry store on Long Island that has been in business for over 35 years, I believe. WhiteFlash started out online but they now have a beautiful showroom in Sugarland, TX in the Houston area. There are other reliable vendors as well that provide images of the diamonds AND have a rock solid return policy. Nothing to lose, in other words. Once I learned that I could get better quality diamonds at a better price than local, I have never looked back and all my jewelry in the last 9 years has come from these vendors (with the exception of a few non-diamond pieces from ebay).

 

[arkieb1]

If it doesn't clearly state EGL USA then it has been graded in places like Israel, India, Hong Kong and so on. They do not remotely have the same standards that GIA and AGS labs have so you have no way of knowing the real colour and clarity of what you are purchasing - which allows the vendor to significantly rip you off..... You might as well buy a GIA graded stone 3 to 5 colours lower than the EGL one you have been offered and around 2 grades lower in clarity - you will more than likely end up with something similar.

 

[heididdl]

i have EGL graded studs and they are EGL certified F and the other G...When I recently bought IDJ Jackets they conquered that my stones at worst are J but definetely not F or G.......so its easier just to start with GIA or AGS.

Yes of course EGL can get with in your price range that's because you'll be paying for the wrong stats.


EGL F
GIA I-J so you pay EgL F but its probably a I-J

VVs1 is really cloer to Si

 

[martha23]

Everyone Thank you!!!

So first step made, EGL scratched off the list, and starting from square one again!!!! I am so glad I turned to the forum for help!

Would love to see some stones….budget is $12,000-$15,000 for stone, want biggest size possible with greatest quality for price range (hope i"m not asking for a lot

and I can't say we've ruled out cushions…..I think my bf may have a soft side for them!

Thanks again everyone!! hope you know how much of a help you all are!

 

[Gypsy]

This is nice as long as it is not over-blue.
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R200-48L73U?cid=pricescope

 

[RockyRacoon]

Everyone Thank you!!!

So first step made, EGL scratched off the list, and starting from square one again!!!! I am so glad I turned to the forum for help!

Would love to see some stones….budget is $12,000-$15,000 for stone, want biggest size possible with greatest quality for price range (hope i"m not asking for a lot

and I can't say we've ruled out cushions…..I think my bf may have a soft side for them!

Thanks again everyone!! hope you know how much of a help you all are!

I went through and tried to find the best options available for you.

These stones are a good compromise of color/size and all have exceptional cuts:
1.813ct, I, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114553.htm

1.715ct, H, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3075972.htm

1.702ct, I, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114547.htm

1.698ct, I, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.698-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104074030043

1.687ct, I, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.687-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104074030045

1.578ct, H, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3227667.htm

1.53ct, H, SI1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-53ct-h-si1-superior-round-hearts-and-arrows-diamond.html


If you want to go for a higher color (check to see if these are eye-clean):
1.507ct, G, SI2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.507-g-si2-round-diamond-ags-104073219001

1.500ct, G, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.500-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104069928025

 

[martha23]

Gypsy and Rocky Thanks for all you efforts!!!

Now ummm how do you narrow down a selection from online????? what would you recommend???

Also, anyway you could recommend 2 cushions? i would want it to be excellent (brilliant) cut and probably around 1.5 carats…just to have a few options

Thank you!!!!!

 

[chrono]

Square cushion or rectangular cushion?
Which cushion flavour do you prefer? (There's crushed ice, arrows, chunky antique, etc).

 

[RockyRacoon]

Gypsy and Rocky Thanks for all you efforts!!!

Now ummm how do you narrow down a selection from online????? what would you recommend???

Also, anyway you could recommend 2 cushions? i would want it to be excellent (brilliant) cut and probably around 1.5 carats…just to have a few options

Thank you!!!!!

A good way to make a decision is who has the setting you like most. It's easier to get the stone + setting in one place, so if you can find a vendor that offers both, you'll make the process smoother.

Here are a few worthwhile cushions -

Maximizing size:
2.0ct, I, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/2ct-i-vs2-signature-modern-cushion.html

August Vintage Cushion:
1.6ct, G, SI1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-60ct-g-si1-august-vintage-cushion-diamond.html

Low end of your budget:
1.7ct, I, VS2
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-7-ct-i-vs2-signature-modern-cut-cushion-cushion-diamond.html

 

[Gypsy]

Please pay attention not to carat weight but measurements when comparing stones of different shapes.
Rounds face up much larger than cushions. Cushions cost less per carat though.

 

[martha23]

Hi again chrono!

I really like more rectangular cushions and so does the bf....my fingers are long and a more rectangular cushion gives nice finger coverage!!! liking more modern cut, definately not crushed ice look though. Ok with vintage cut.

Hi gypsy! Yes I really like vc emilya I definately don't want too much, that's why I think a 1.5 emilya setting with cushion might be perfect!!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I like the modern cushion Rocky posted. As Gypsy said, cushions are deeper and often face up smaller than rounds, so I'd want larger than 1.5 cts in a cushion to set in an Emilya.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-7-ct-i-vs2-signature-modern-cut-cushion-cushion-diamond.html

 

[chrono]

Pick your choice:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/diamonds/cushion/signature-modern-cut.html

Didn't see anything suitable under modern cut cushion and you don't want the other cushion categories. You can look at other vendors' inventory but it will take a while trying to sort out between the well cut and dud cushions.