A Tale of Two EGLs - Need Help!
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by Lorelei » January 21st, 2010, 12:55 am
Hi Khalsa Post the images if you can get them, the first has potential but I would advise making the sale final on the diamond checking out with an independant appraisal to make sure it checks out. With the second, the angles are needed as you know, same as above an appraisal would be prudent. A Sarin or Helium scan would be needed to get the angles if the vendor has access to a scanner. Also images of both hearts and arrows would be needed in order to evaluate the cut precision and resultant optical symmetry necessary to give a crisp pattern. |
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Thanks Lorelei and Richard.
I had another question, after reading many many different sites and threads on the forum and first hand I''ve noticed that EGL is soft with their grading but my question is, is EGL generally soft on colors only? I was reading something on brilliance.com that: "As a general rule, an EGL certified diamond will compare equally in quality to a GIA certified diamond that is graded two color grades and one clarity grade lower. For example, an EGL diamond graded G in color and VS2 in clarity is comparable to a GIA diamond graded I in color and SI1 in clarity. As a result, GIA certified diamonds are considered more valuable and provide the consumer with more confidence in the product they are purchasing." Is this always the case with EGL diamonds? I''ve have seen a very very clear EGL diamond that wouldn''t go down in clarity lower but I do agree that you have to get "lucky" if the color is close to what you bought it at. Do EGL diamonds ever go further than the 2 grades lower rule? EGL is within my budget and the diamond looks amazing. I''m still waiting on the Sarin/Helim report to confirm the angles and should have the specs today but I''m getting a really good deal on the 1.72 FVS1 and at worst case scenario if I was to get it appraised or certified by GIA it should receive an HVS2 I would think...thoughts? |
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You are welcome Khalsa! As to your question, Rich or one of the other appraisers can give you a better answer than I can, but it is my understanding that both colour and clarity can be affected in this way and it also depends on the branch of EGL; some overseas EGL labs can be less strict than EGL USA for example. However I would take from Rich's comments that in his experience EGL Israel can be less accurate for colour grading moreso than clarity, but he will be able to expound on this. |
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Thanks Lorelei!
Clarity is the utmost importance to my girlfriend and I, its being put into a setting which shows much of the pavilion so we don''t want to sacrifice too much on color/clarity and I know a few friends who have dealt with this vendor who are very happy with their stones. I hope a few appraisers can help me with the clarity issue. Does anyone have any experience with EGL Isreal grading a stone F that could be I, J? I don''t think their gemologists would be that lax... Also I''ve included the diagram of the diamond#2 for now, I''m waiting on the other high quality images and reports. Would this be classified VS1, VS2 or SI1? Thanks all for your continued help! :)
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Ditto Jet, also in some cases EGL has been known to be off by more than one or two grades, so an appraisal is essential should you decide to proceed - and make the sale final on the diamond checking out to your satisfaction in all aspects. And you are most welcome, glad to help! |
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This combo I would call above average compared to most diamonds on the market, it could likely get an Excellent cut rating from GIA. Proportions like this are usually a case where the cutter was cutting for weight retention rather than performance. You just need to decide if you want above average or top notch. With having these proportions, it was probably sent to EGL to receive a better color and clarity rating, so I would be very cautious about that. If it was really a F or even G color and VS clarity, it most likely would have been sent to GIA in order to have a higher retail value.
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Understood. I guess I will stay within the GIA/AGS graded stones rather than EGL. I''m not a gemologist so I don''t really know what color the F would become but I would say an H or I because it def was more tinted than a G GIA.
I just found an H SI1 on Mondera which scored a 1.2 on HCA but a 2A on the AGA Grader. How come there is a discrepancy? It''s near my price range which is max $9,700...thanks again everyone. Here are the specs: AGS#: 1040370390008 Report Type: Diamond Quality™ Report Shape and Style: Round Brilliant Measurements: 7.53 - 7.58 x 4.68 mm Carat Weight: 1.655 Total Depth: 61.8% Table: 54.2% Girdle Description: Thin to Slightly Thick, Faceted Culet: Pointed Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Excellent Color Grade: AGS 2.0 (H) Clarity Grade: AGS 5 (SI1) Fluorescence: Negligible Comments: "AGSL 1040370390008" has been inscribed on the girdle of this diamond. Additional twinning wisps and surface graining are not shown. Table: 54.2% Crown Angle: 35.4 Crown Height: 16.3% Girdle: Faceted, 1.5% to 4.2% Pavilion Angle: 40.0 Pavilion Depth: 41.9% Star Length: 52% Lower Girdle Length: 82% Total Depth: 61.8% Culet Verbose: Pointed |
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Yep. It scores well on HCA because it may still be a good performing stone, just one better suited for a pendant or earring where viewing distances and light angles are different. |
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@ EVERYONE. Thanks guys so much for all your help!
I just wanted to update you guys and Lorelei, I finally made my purchase! I wasn''t even looking at anything over 1.7ct and the vendor I went to showed me this 2.08ct and I just couldn''t say no. And I really think I got an amazing deal. Specs are in the GIA Cert and below, I will definitely post pictures when I get the ring! Dream Diamond! GIA 5101436894 4Cs: 2.08, G, SI2, Excellent Measurements: 8.20*8.17*5.05 Depth: 61.7%, Table: 57% Polish/Symmetry: VG/VG Crown Angle/Pavilion Angle: 35.5/40.6 Crown Height/Pavilion Depth: 15.5/43.0 Girdle: Thin to Medium Fluorescence: None Notes: Hearts and Arrows (even though not noted by GIA) HCA: 1.4 within TIC AGA Grader Tool: 1B Price: $10,640 The diamond of course is not perfect, it has a few indented naturals but the best thing about it is that the one that can be seen can be covered by the prong! My girlfriend is going to faint when she sees this! especially in her Tacori HT2311 setting. I can''t thank everyone enough for all the help figuring out angles, etc etc. The lady at the store was like, "are you a gemologist?" haha. ahhhhhhhhhhh just super excited. I''m finally done with ring and diamond shopping! 
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