shape
carat
color
clarity

Advice for Emerald Cut Diamond (ASET included)

tessellations

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 11, 2019
Messages
6
I'm looking to buy an Emerald Cut diamond ring and need from the experts. I have looked at James Allen long and hard and am just having trouble picking out the winners. It may be getting picked over from V-day season.

Here is what I have been looking for:
Shape: Emerald Cut
Carat: 1.3 - 1.5
Color: G-H
Clarity: VS1-VVS2 (or a clean VS2)
Price: Would like to stay <6,500 but would go up to 8,500 if i find the right one.

I have looked at 3 diamonds but I have some concerns with them and could use help from the prosumers! @tyty333 I've seen a few of your threads and love your style. I like the diamond "dancing" around the table and to have good contrast/brightness with not getting washed out in the center.

What I have seen so far:

#1 - $6,510 - I thought this was going to be the one as I really liked the way it was dancing, but the darkness has me worried.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6078778
6078778aset.jpg

#2 - $5,960 - Nervous about washed out center
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3734416
3734416aset.jpg

#3 - $8,290 - Nervous about washed out center
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.32-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5629356
5629356aset.jpg

#4 - $8,290
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6507818
6507818.png

Thank you!
 

Matthews1127

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 7, 2017
Messages
5,207
Just curious: have you considered Brian Gavin’s Ideal Cut EC’s?
 

Matthews1127

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 7, 2017
Messages
5,207
Last edited:

OoohShiny

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 25, 2014
Messages
8,228
Haven't got time to look properly right now but quick observations are that #2 and #3 look very dull under the table when head-on - not much contrast/brightness IMO.

I like the contrast pattern head-on in #1 personally, but the ASET shows leakage between the facets showing blue/contrast, rather than any strong light return.

To me, #4 looks like it is pretty good in terms of ASET and performance in the video, even with the leakage on the windmills head-on, but the crown seems very low. It's not necessarily a problem, as Karl has mentioned before, but it is a certain 'look' - IIRC a low crown means slower, larger flashes of light return and less fire.
 

OoohShiny

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 25, 2014
Messages
8,228
Beautiful example of an ideal cut EC, within your carat, color & clarity range:

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/....258-g-vs2-emerald-diamond-ags-c-104102553005
I feel like a heretic saying this, but personally speaking I'm not a fan of the BGD ECs - I don't know why, I think it's just that to my eyes the central band of longer facets dominates too much in the videos, and they don't seem to have much 'character', if that makes any sense?? :???:

It might well just be the lighting/video setup, of course, and I'm sure they look great in real life, but I'm sadly not in the position to do a real life assessment myself!

On that basis, you should probably disregard my ramblings ;-) lol :lol:

Slim pickings at JA. I like this one best, out of those I found within my search:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6446043

Worth requesting an ASET, and video of diamond at N-S position, not sitting on P3 facet.
I like it :))

ASET would be useful to determine if the lighter facets under the table when head-on are showing red/green or are a smidge leaky!
 

Karl_K

Super_Ideal_Rock
Trade
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
14,627
I like the contrast pattern head-on in #1 personally, but the ASET shows leakage between the facets showing blue/contrast, rather than any strong light return.

To me, #4 looks like it is pretty good in terms of ASET and performance in the video, even with the leakage on the windmills head-on, but the crown seems very low. It's not necessarily a problem, as Karl has mentioned before, but it is a certain 'look' - IIRC a low crown means slower, larger flashes of light return and less fire.
1 could be nice in a pendant where the blue is not a problem.
4: has an extremely flat top. Less than 10% which is very very low.
 

OoohShiny

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 25, 2014
Messages
8,228
1 could be nice in a pendant where the blue is not a problem.
4: has an extremely flat top. Less than 10% which is very very low.
Thanks, Karl - you always bring something to the table to learn from, which I am very appreciative of :))
 

OoohShiny

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 25, 2014
Messages
8,228
Few that caught my eye <£6500 (which as I'm typing this has made me realise I should have switched my settings to USD...)

Search criteria:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...FL&PriceTo=6500&CaratFrom=1.2&Sort=Carat+desc

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.26-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5977519
Maybe a bit too dark/contrast-y head-on?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.25-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6453906
Maybe a bit too dark/contrast-y head-on?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6077849
Crystal in the table might not be eye-clean? but seems to perform well at all angles. (IMO)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6555801
Seems to perform well at all angles? (IMO)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6441365
Different ratio to the rest but seems to look good from all angles (IMO)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-5937505
I quite like the way the different facets switch on and off in different areas in this one - seems quite visually interesting (to my eyes).

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6473942
Chunky faceting and very bright, and the crown seems to be doing the sort of 3D effect thing, where it pulls the facets/reflections up from the pavilion? Might have some windowing on the P2(?) facet that's touching the surface at certain angles, though?
 

tessellations

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 11, 2019
Messages
6
Thank you all for commenting on the current selection and giving some suggestions! I am going to look at suggestions in more detail tonight. I decided to not go with the ASET's I have shown as I am not rushed into buying it right away and am hopeful that there are better ones out there.

I have been attached to James Allen because it does offer the ASET picture and I do like the 40x rotating view to see an inclusions and how the light interacts with the diamond. I'm not opposed to other vendors, but don't have as much experience with them.
 

Matthews1127

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 7, 2017
Messages
5,207
Thank you all for commenting on the current selection and giving some suggestions! I am going to look at suggestions in more detail tonight. I decided to not go with the ASET's I have shown as I am not rushed into buying it right away and am hopeful that there are better ones out there.

I have been attached to James Allen because it does offer the ASET picture and I do like the 40x rotating view to see an inclusions and how the light interacts with the diamond. I'm not opposed to other vendors, but don't have as much experience with them.

My only reasons for suggesting BGD is due to a few factors.
1. BGD is the ONLY vendor who sells AGS Lab Graded IDEAL CUT EC’s on the market, presently. There is no higher quality CUT grade pertaining to EC’s ANYWHERE else on Earth.
2. The majority of reviews from PSers pertaining to BGD are stellar, and BGD is reputable, and respectable. Not to say JA is not. Just explaining why I suggested BGD as an ALTERNATIVE.
3. BGD can provide ASET’s on their Black EC line. Every diamond graded by AGS has a certificate and an ASET/IS image.

I hope you find a winner in the few options we have posted for you. Looking forward to what you choose!!! Please come back with updates!!
:appl:
 

tessellations

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 11, 2019
Messages
6
ok i looked at all the suggestions more and i came up with a few more. I think I am increasing my base price to accomodate a better quality ring and keep within that 1.3-1.5 range.

OoohShiny, I really like the way 6441365 contrast moves on the top facet from top to bottom.
6473942 was really cool too, to see the corners have so much movement.

I'm still cutting away at my list, but this is what i have so far.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6400278
I love the way this one shines. I may have to overlook the cloud in the center

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5905975
This one looked promising to me

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6446043
Your original suggestion Matthews1127

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6275556
This one looks like it will be BRIGHT

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-4632394
 
Last edited:

Matthews1127

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 7, 2017
Messages
5,207
ok i looked at all the suggestions more and i came up with a few more. I think I am increasing my base price to accomodate a better quality ring and keep within that 1.3-1.5 range.

OoohShiny, I really like the way 6441365 contrast moves on the top facet from top to bottom.
6473942 was really cool too, to see the corners have so much movement.

I'm still cutting away at my list, but this is what i have so far.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6400278
I love the way this one shines. I may have to overlook the cloud in the center

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5905975
This one looked promising to me

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6446043
Your original suggestion Matthews1127

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6275556
This one looks like it will be BRIGHT

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-4632394

Great!! Please come back with ASETs & evaluations of those that make your heart skip a beat!!
This is very exciting!!! :mrgreen2:
 

tessellations

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 11, 2019
Messages
6
Sorry I was thinking that 6400278 was the clear loser. I was disappointed because I had high hopes for that one. I'm glad I got the ASET though.

The decision is really between the other ones. I feel though that 6275556 comes out a little better since it has a higher carat for 1k more. I also like the center performance in lighting better than 6446043.

What do you think?
 

Matthews1127

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 7, 2017
Messages
5,207
Sorry I was thinking that 6400278 was the clear loser. I was disappointed because I had high hopes for that one. I'm glad I got the ASET though.

The decision is really between the other ones. I feel though that 6275556 comes out a little better since it has a higher carat for 1k more. I also like the center performance in lighting better than 6446043.

What do you think?
6446043 is tilted, IMO.

I like both, but I believe 6446043 will give off more fire.

It’s really what appeals to you more & what you prioritize. Either one will be lovely, I THINK.

Listen to your heart or your gut....
 

Karl_K

Super_Ideal_Rock
Trade
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
14,627
ones brighter but a flatish top other is less bright but potentially more life.
Someone sure is cutting a lot of flat tops.
 

tessellations

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 11, 2019
Messages
6
Yeah it was a tough decision. It's not an easy job trying to find the diamond online. You all are very helpful.

To help someone in the future I'm going to put a few resources that I thought were interesting instead of making some of the same mistakes I did. I am a data person by trade so I thought I could find a deal by checking the inventory of James Allen EC's by the numbers. I was able to find some good deal for diamonds, but I underestimated that it was more about lighting and shape. One thing was interesting was that James Allen did sell a lot of Diamonds in the past month, but also added a lot too. About 400 EC's in 3 weeks.

There were a few threads that i thought were the most interesting for EC's
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ng-an-emerald-cut-center-stone-please.245190/

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...t-test-for-2-24-carat-emerald-diamond.235687/

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...me-choose-an-emerald-cut.236000/#post-4258156

Good Old Gold had a great EC
 

Matthews1127

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 7, 2017
Messages
5,207
Congratulations on your purchase!!! Fancy cuts are tricky, and there are many factors to be considered OUTSIDE the numbers!
I’m so glad you were able to find some great contenders, and narrow your choices.
I hope you are pleased with it, once you receive it!
Please return with photos, after it arrives, once it’s set, and on her finger!!
We love proposal stories & photos...photos....and more photos!!!
Good luck, and congratulations, again!!!!
:mrgreen2:
 
Be a part of the community Get 3 HCA Results
Top