Purchased a diamond online - was graded SI1 but....hmmm

[pumba]

I researched the heck out of this ring- learned about the 4Cs and all of that good stuff - was actually kind of fun once I narrowed the ring down to an Edwardian type engagement ring. I found a legit seller with multiple selections within my price range. Well I just received the ring today and although it was rated SI1 from EGL I can see an inclusion with the naked eye. I paid $11,000 for this platinum ring and I have to say - I LOVE IT! Love the Old Miners Brilliant cut and everything about the ring itself... except the inclusion.... Here are the specs from EGL USA:

1.59 Ct
G-H (and I would say it is close to this)
SI1
Good cut (Good and Good)
Strong Blue fluorescent.


Thanks for any insight into this. I have 5 days to return it or hopefully - get something that is worth $11,000 from this company. They are nice guys - really helpful - but man... this diamond I'm not sure about... and I'll be seeing it every day on my wife's hand for decades to come!!

 

[mandasand]

The setting is lovely. But, EGL grading is soft. However, they are the standard for grading old stones. I would call the vendor and have them find you an EYE CLEAN stone that is in your size and color range. Is it possible to change out the center stone or are they selling the ring as a complete set? Sometimes antique dealers do this. I would focus on the stone first and then setting second.

Old cut experts can help you more than me in terms of the diamonds, but here are some of my suggestions...
You can get a lovely old mine cut or old mine cushion (genuine antique or a new one from Good Old Gold) and get a replica setting at Leigh Jay Nacht.

Here are some diamond options:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9247/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9282/
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=2624&SHAPE=OM

Setting options:
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=358
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=117

If you want a true antique ring with the diamond and setting that come together, here are some suggestions (of course, always check to see if they are eye clean):
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3580
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3269
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3524

 

[pumba]

^ mandasand - thanks for your help! Never knew those sites existed.

 

[UberClaire]

As mandasand said, EGL grading is often off from how GIA would grade a diamond. Your SI1 is likely more like a GIA-graded SI2 or I1. However, a grade of SI1 doesn't guarantee that you won't be able to see inclusions with the naked eye. My ring is a VS1, and in the right light I can see the inclusion in my ring. Every diamond has its own personality.

 

[VRBeauty]

That's a nice budget! Have you checked Jewels by Erica Grace? They have a number of antique and antique reproductions, and offer lots of photos of each of their pieces. I'm told they're also more than willing to answer questions and help you with your selection.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproduction_rings_page_3

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, EGL is not accurate grading. Color is hard to judge in a setting. That stone is likely J-K in GIA standards and SI2 or lower in clarity. Good thing you came here before your return period was over! I would not accept a visible inclusion. With old cut EGL graded stones, it would have to say VS1 for me to even consider it!

 

[UberClaire]

With all that said, I think that ring is gorgeous, and if you love it that's all that matters. Some people think of their inclusions as "birthmarks."

 

[mandasand]

Pumba - did you get a chance to discuss the stone with your jeweler? I hope you can either get them to set a new stone for you. That setting is so pretty it just needs an eye clean stone!!

Also, do you have more pictures of the ring?

 

[DiamondBrokersofFlorida]

It is probably a I1 or lower in clarity grade. Ask for a GIA or AGS graded diamond.

 

[ericad]

My suggestion is that you make any purchase contingent upon a 3rd party appraisal. EGL is the standard among true old cuts (versus newly cut old-style stones), so you'll be limiting yourself greatly if you're only looking at GIA or AGS stones. That omits most of the inventory of the major old cut sellers. It also eliminates uncerted stones, which can be great finds.

My recommendation is to find a few old cut vendors you like, who have a good reputation here on PS. Then allow the vendors to make some recommendations based on your specific criteria, including eye cleanliness (and please define for your vendor what YOU consider to be eye clean, as this is subjective and can vary from seller to seller. Is eyeclean at 6-8 inches? Or is it at nose length with both eyes squinted? We all have different tolerances.)

Once you find somethiung, see the piece in person and, if you love it, have it independently appraised so that you're comfortable with the specs and know what you're getting. EGL USA can be all over the place - sometimes equivalent to GIA (rare) but most often softer by 1-2 grades in color, and 1 grade in clarity - and sometimes by more than that. They're also softer on fluorescence, so your strong blue stone might very well be very strong per GIA, and you'd want to screen for any possible negative effects of fluorescence.

Good luck, and welcome to the old cut club!

 

[pumba]

All - thanks so much for your help. I run a big forum (350,000 members) and we love to help educate newbies like me here...!

mandasand - here is one more photo... not a good one - I'll post nicer ones when I get back from Peru. Just looked at the post - no idea what it is upside-down ! Wasn't on the computer before I uploaded...

 

[Christina...]

It's a beautiful ring, I can appreciate why you love it! But it would be important to me as well that the stone be eye clean. I agree that you should consider finding a stone separate from the setting and then either purchasing an antique setting for the stone or having a replica made.

 

[pumba]

The story continues. They are willing to give me a different ring and discount it an additional $1,500. It would cost me $9k more than the $11k that I paid. It is close to the same setting - which I soooo love!!

The diamond in the other ring is 2.33c with an I color / SI2. It is GIA certified in 2007.

Or I can get my money back or trade it in for another ring. I am able to still propose to my girlfriend (will do it at Machu Piccu if all works out...!) which we are leaving tonight and the 4th we will be in Machu Piccu. I am going to ask her with the ring that I have and will probably both fly to NYC and either get a similar ring or change out the stone in this ring.

Such great advice by everyone. Everyone has given such great advice and I appreciate everyone's time!