0.91ct E VS2 - views from members gratefully received

[proto]

Hello forum

I have recently purchased a diamond from James Allen and thought I would ask the community what they thought.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-290153

GIA Certificate

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=2105194729&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

HCA value came out okay, but the slightly long depth ratio concerns me ever so slightly.

Idealscope image coming next week, but as I can make out a relatively strong silhouette of the 8 arrows, although I appreciate this is not a proper HA diamond, I thought it must be alright.

Did I do okay or did I fall into any newbie pitfalls here?

Looks like it would be eye clean to me, including at closer than 8 inches away, and any inclusions would only be visible under a loupe, but please let me know if this assumption is likely to be incorrect.

Many thanks!

 

[tyty333]

Re: 0.91ct E VS1 - views from members gratefully received

Should be eye-clean and should be nice. It is a little deep but I dont think you lost much mm. Post the idealscope when you
get it!

How are you planning on setting it?

 

[Gypsy]

Re: 0.91ct E VS1 - views from members gratefully received

It's a gorgeous stone if the idealscope works out. You aren't losing spread with that depth though as it is still facing up at 6.2mm so someone did something right. And that tiny table is gorgeous. VERY clean stone should be perfectly eyeclean (gemologist will confirm for you).

Overall, it's a lovely choice. What's the price on it?

 

[proto]

Re: 0.91ct E VS1 - views from members gratefully received

Getting a custom setting based on http://www.cartier.co.uk/collections/bridal/engagement-rings/solitaire-1895/n4163600-solitaire-1895 from a local jeweller - with the necessary slight modifications. 90% going for platinum as my jeweller says that it is a slightly whiter metal than palladium, and as I have gone for E colour, figure its probably worth it although it would seem nicer to have a slightly harder wearing metal, and palladium wedding bands seem like a good choice these days.

Ended up doing a crash course in diamonds when I started looking at rings for the missus, so I hope I didnt go far wrong.

The local jeweller quoted me a few prices from his supplier in Belgium which were astonishingly high compared to what I was finding online, so decided to take the plunge into online diamonds.

As for price, what would be a good price to have paid for it?

This way, I dont have to get too embarrassed if I made a minor blunder.

glad the responses seem positive so far!

this is a really friendly forum.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: 0.91ct E VS1 - views from members gratefully received

JA's pricing is competitive. If you want to see what similar stones are going for use this: https://www.pricescope.com/diamond-search-results Make sure you get all the values correct (including the HCA being under 2-- so you would put Excellent for that) and the GIA certificate. And that the ones you look at for pricing have Ex for CUT, since yours does and that affects pricing. Looks from a search that you should have paid around 5.5-6k.

I just wanted to know what your exact price. I know a lot of pricing by heart, but E stones aren't on my radar so I wanted to know what the stone cost. Just curiousity.

And your stone is a VS2 (your title said VS1) --which is good, you aren't wasting money on clarity you can't see.


As for setting. ABSOLUTELY get platinum. Also ask the jeweler what alloy of platinum they are using, some are better than others.

That said, if you paying more than this price (1475 plus 100 outside stone setting fee) -- don't go with your local jeweler, just send your stone to BGD for setting because this setting is exactly what you want: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/elegance-platinum-5415p

 

[proto]

fixed subject line - thanks for spotting that

I now feel like I should have gone and asked the forum before purchasing and saved myself an awful lot of headache.

Pricewise, I fit bang in that range so this tool seems to work pretty well!

The setting is good to know. Is a bit more expensive than my jeweller, and as I am based in the UK, would be a pain to pay 20% VAT when it arrives in the country.

Is Brian Gavins a good site to buy from? Every local jeweller I have spoken to is really against fluorescence although all my internet research says it can be good or bad or neutral, but there is always savings to be made.

 

[Gypsy]

Agree 100% on VAT.

Fluorescence:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/calling-all-florescence-experts.198989/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/calling-all-florescence-experts.198989/[/URL]
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-flourescence

Bottom line, in my opinion:
IMO Medium and under. Go for it as long as stone is not over blue (VERY rare). You'll never see it.
Strong, be aware of it as you will see it in direct sunlight, and check it's not overblue, if it's not, it's a cool effect and many like it. But some don't, so if you are buying for someone else... keep that in mind.
Very Strong Blue. Again check if it is over blue. If it's not... risky to buy for someone else, but if you like it for yourself (I'd love it, personally for example), go for it. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/do-not-fear-very-strong-fluorescence-because-its-beautiful.141942/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/do-not-fear-very-strong-fluorescence-because-its-beautiful.141942/[/URL]

Brian Gavin, only has Fluorescence in his Blue Line. Each is individually checked for being overblue and is not. And they are great values and gorgeous. And yes, extremely popular on this forum.

And BGD is great. I've bought from them multiple times myself. Happily.

 

[OoohShiny]

Re: 0.91ct E VS1 - views from members gratefully received

Also ask the jeweler what alloy of platinum they are using, some are better than others.

Thanks for mentioning this, Gypsy, I had read something about this earlier and forgot to post up to ask about it!

Is there a link to a wiki or FAQ to explain the options, differences between them and which is better? You already do enough typing on here so I don't want to put you out unnecessarily! lol

 

[Gypsy]

Also just as an FYI since you did mention the hearts and arrows is issue: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/likelihood-of-finding-a-signature-super-ideal-diamond.174235/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/likelihood-of-finding-a-signature-super-ideal-diamond.174235/[/URL]

Your diamond is gorgeous. I hope the ASET shows great light performance! Please post when you get it.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: 0.91ct E VS1 - views from members gratefully received

Also ask the jeweler what alloy of platinum they are using, some are better than others.

Thanks for mentioning this, Gypsy, I had read something about this earlier and forgot to post up to ask about it!

Is there a link to a wiki or FAQ to explain the options, differences between them and which is better? You already do enough typing on here so I don't want to put you out unnecessarily! lol

You can do a search in the right box at the type of screen for "Platinum alloys" and see what comes up. Also this is an archive of helpful threads: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/helpful-threads-archive.72078/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/helpful-threads-archive.72078/[/URL] Might have something about alloys.

 

[teobdl]

That diamonds looks very, very nice. I love everything about it.

Cartier 1895 is my favorite solitaire from the big luxury jewelers. The head is often imitated, but no one gets it quite like Cartier--high set diamond, but sloping and tapered prongs, the cross bar hugging low on the diamond's pavilion. It's stupidly simple and understated, and deceivingly perfect.

 

[JulieN]

wowza! looks gorgeous

 

[OoohShiny]

Re: 0.91ct E VS1 - views from members gratefully received

Also ask the jeweler what alloy of platinum they are using, some are better than others.

Thanks for mentioning this, Gypsy, I had read something about this earlier and forgot to post up to ask about it!

Is there a link to a wiki or FAQ to explain the options, differences between them and which is better? You already do enough typing on here so I don't want to put you out unnecessarily! lol

You can do a search in the right box at the type of screen for "Platinum alloys" and see what comes up. Also this is an archive of helpful threads: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/helpful-threads-archive.72078/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/helpful-threads-archive.72078/[/URL] Might have something about alloys.

D'oh, of course, I should have thought of that... thank you!

 

[OoohShiny]

Re: 0.91ct E VS1 - views from members gratefully received

Also ask the jeweler what alloy of platinum they are using, some are better than others.

Thanks for mentioning this, Gypsy, I had read something about this earlier and forgot to post up to ask about it!

Is there a link to a wiki or FAQ to explain the options, differences between them and which is better? You already do enough typing on here so I don't want to put you out unnecessarily! lol

You can do a search in the right box at the type of screen for "Platinum alloys" and see what comes up. Also this is an archive of helpful threads: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/helpful-threads-archive.72078/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/helpful-threads-archive.72078/[/URL] Might have something about alloys.

D'oh, of course, I should have thought of that... thank you!

I found the platinum alloys info!
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/overview_common_alloys_used_jewelry

 

[Gypsy]

Here is my favorite discussion on the alloys:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/different-platinum-alloys.115930/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/different-platinum-alloys.115930/[/URL]

 

[OoohShiny]

Here is my favorite discussion on the alloys:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/different-platinum-alloys.115930/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/different-platinum-alloys.115930/[/URL]

Ooh, great thread, thank you!

I might look into 90/10 Platinum/Iridium, going from that!

 

[proto]

same here - was a very helpful thread.

going for the 90/10 iridium alloy.

any idea if this should be the same price as 950 platinum?

 

[Gypsy]

No idea on cost, sorry!

 

[teobdl]

I think I remember reading that vendors like Vatche have swapped 95/5 for 90/10 at no cost.

As long as the jeweler can source that platinum alloy and has worked with it, it seems like it'd be cheaper for them because you're using less precious metal.

 

[proto]

UPDATE

idealdcope image below



This looks about as good as I could have hoped for in a non HA diamond, so I think I lucked into a really nice rock for my fiance!

Happy days and many many thanks for all the help and advice from Pricescope forum

 

[Andelain]

A little fireball!

 

[AprilBaby]

Gorgeous!

 

[Gypsy]

JUST LOVELY!

You REALLY have a GORGEOUS stone there! I love it.

I hope you'll post some hand shots for us once she has it. We'd love to see them!

 

[proto]

Getting 90/10 platinum where I am is turning out to be a huge pain. HUGE pain. People look at me like I am crazy. Dont even get me started on when I mention ruthenium alloys.

Very much looking into importing a setting and taking the 20% VAT hit to get the 90/10 alloy, as well as being sure that the setting I will be getting looks like the setting in the picture. While I was sure my local jeweller would do a great job, after reading some horror stories re bespoke ring creation, I think it may be worth just getting something I know and like, rather than hoping to get what I would prefer.

Choices I am currently looking at are:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/settings/Vatche%20Files%20w%203%20view%20large%20file/U-100%20TRADITIONAL%20ROUND%20SOLITARE/u%20100%20traditional%203%20view%20large.jpg

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/Vatche/Vatche%20Serenity%20Collection/1531/collage.jpg

http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/VAT-1530/

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-729.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/bliss-solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1648.htm

the ones above are expected to be available in 90/10.

The ones below are only available in standard 95/5 Pt





Do people have good experience with Vatche and are cast rings significantly worse than going for hand crafted?

Thanks in advance.

PS - Gypsy, since you asked, I managed to get the loose diamond for $5,468 with PS discount.

 

[Gypsy]

The Elegance solitaire I posted for you earlier from BGD is really a lovely ring. One of the nicest in that style I've seen. Did you not care for it?

 

[proto]

Hey Gypsy

I may need to ask BGD for some more pictures of that one.

The basket is slightly higher on the diamond than I would like as I would like it to sit a little lower on the diamond rather than just under the girdle.

 

[Gypsy]

They are all nice, the choices you've picked. But if you want one like the Cartier then I like the first two from GOG best and the BGD ring.


http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/settings/Vatche%20Files%20w%203%20view%20large%20file/U-100%20TRADITIONAL%20ROUND%20SOLITARE/u%20100%20traditional%203%20view%20large.jpg

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/Vatche/Vatche%20Serenity%20Collection/1531/collage.jpg

 

[OoohShiny]

Getting 90/10 platinum where I am is turning out to be a huge pain. HUGE pain. People look at me like I am crazy. Dont even get me started on when I mention ruthenium alloys.

Very much looking into importing a setting and taking the 20% VAT hit to get the 90/10 alloy, as well as being sure that the setting I will be getting looks like the setting in the picture. While I was sure my local jeweller would do a great job, after reading some horror stories re bespoke ring creation, I think it may be worth just getting something I know and like, rather than hoping to get what I would prefer.

Thanks for the headsup on this. I've not even looked into it yet but I fear that as I am also in the UK, 90/10 will be equally as difficult to find for me. I'm actually tempted to buy a stone and ring from the US and just have them sent as a complete ring (even if I have to buy a ring from one vendor and the stone from another and have one send one to the other... :laugh. It will be additional 2.5% import tax as well as the 20% VAT, as I understand it, but for that small extra price it'd be good to know that the setting was correctly sized and proper 90/10.

 

[proto]

Hey Shiny

I will get answers by Tuesday afternoon whether they can do 90/10 platinum for me. It will depend on whether Hockley Mint (which seem to be the supplier for a lot of the big jewellery vendors here (including Fraser Hart) run 90/10 - I am not holding my breath).

90/10 is recognised in the UK http://www.theassayoffice.co.uk/meet_the_experts/platinum_alloys.html but it just seems almost unknown by the local jewellers.

May have better luck in London, and in particular Hatton Garden. Find a wholesale jewellery who sells to hatton garden, rather than the shops themselves. Markups there are pure murder.

Vatsche seem willing to do 90/10, although I am getting confirmation in writing re prices on Tuesday.

I am likely going to get a setting shipped, have the stone reviewed by a valuer against the certificate and get a diagram drawn out of the inclusions, and then get it set. Not sure what setting prices in the UK are, but from comparing to the US, it looks like something around £70. Death by a hundred cuts it feels like.

On the plus side, when Fedex tried to charge me a 2.5% surcharge for paying my VAT on my behalf, James Allen were kind enough to refund me this element once I pointed out to them that their terms and conditions are for the customer to pay taxes levied by my country, and they pay all shipping charges. I think they are going to review their terms and conditions soon, or so they say.

Good luck on your hunt and please be sure to let me know if you find somewhere in the UK who can do 90/10!

 

[Lorelei]

UPDATE

idealdcope image below



This looks about as good as I could have hoped for in a non HA diamond, so I think I lucked into a really nice rock for my fiance!

Happy days and many many thanks for all the help and advice from Pricescope forum

Stunning! You did superbly well and your fiancé is going to be blown away!