1.32 Asscher on hold with No ASET - Worth a chance?

[illinoischristopher]

Hi all,

I've been stalking this forum for some time for advice and had thought I found what a great deal on a 1.32 carat, G colored, IF diamond, EX/VS with 60 table, 66 depth, 14.9 crown height for $6,200.

Unfortunately, I was not able to obtain an ASET image or anything but the attached picture. The company, excel diamonds, appears to have strong reviews and a great return policy. I was wondering if the gray in the picture would cause a red flag that should make me continue looking.

My budget is anywhere from $6-11k for a greater than 1.3 carat, G or better diamond, with decent sized windmills so I'd definitely be willing to spend more for the right asscher (my girlfriend is set on asscher and I like them too). I don't care that it's IF. Think it's worth a shot or would you keep looking? I'd spend more, just having a hard time finding the right rock!

Thank you

 

[Gypsy]

Well.

There aren't any band flags on the picture.
There's no way from that picture to tell if the performance of the stone under the table is worth your time or not.
The price is good.
The depth means it should be spready. Do you have the measurements?

Where are you located? If you have a good appraiser near you with an ASET you can get the stone and take it in to the appraiser. If you don't live near one you can always have the stone sent to Neil Beaty first, for evaluation, then to you.


I think it's definitely worth a shot.

How long is the return policy?

 

[RockyRacoon]

I rarely vote for going to a lower color, but in this situation, I wouldn't hesitate going for this option:

1.22ct, J, VVS2 - OCTAVIA
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11684/


That one is in your budget, a perfect square, and has unbelievable performance!

 

[illinoischristopher]

Well.

There aren't any band flags on the picture.
There's no way from that picture to tell if the performance of the stone under the table is worth your time or not.
The price is good.
The depth means it should be spready. Do you have the measurements?

Where are you located? If you have a good appraiser near you with an ASET you can get the stone and take it in to the appraiser. If you don't live near one you can always have the stone sent to Neil Beaty first, for evaluation, then to you.


I think it's definitely worth a shot.

How long is the return policy?

Thank you for your time, I really appreciate your input. The return policy is 30 days and I've read nothing but good reviews about excel diamonds on this forum. Unfortunately, the images don't appear to tell me much.

The measurements are 6.08 X 6.05 X 3.99. Faint fluoro, and 47.9 pavilion depth are the only other measurables I have that I left out.

Sounds like this one may or may not be good but will have to be viewed in person. I live in Chicago so I can't imagine it being too hard to find an appraiser but am open to recommendations so thank you. Was just asking this well educated forum if they thought I should rule it out based on the picture alone.

 

[Gypsy]

It doesn't face up as big as I'd hoped with the depth and carat weight. I had hoped for 6.2mm. But it's still a respectable size.

Can Excel run a SARIN? I'd like to know the crown height.

 

[Gypsy]

I rarely vote for going to a lower color, but in this situation, I wouldn't hesitate going for this option:

1.22ct, J, VVS2 - OCTAVIA
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11684/


That one is in your budget, a perfect square, and has unbelievable performance!

Despite the lower carat weight it face up the same as the 1.3 G you have on hold at Excel, and it is an Octavia. It's a strong option Rocky, good choice.

WITH FANCIES LIKE ASSCHERS WEIGHT is largely IRRELEVANT. COMPARE SPREAD (MEASUREMENTS).

If I had your budget I would DEFINITELY want a 6.2-6.5 stone. Asschers face up VERY SMALL and the way they are cut draws your eye inward, which enhances the effect. So the bigger the better .

 

[illinoischristopher]

I rarely vote for going to a lower color, but in this situation, I wouldn't hesitate going for this option:

1.22ct, J, VVS2 - OCTAVIA
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11684/


That one is in your budget, a perfect square, and has unbelievable performance!

Despite the lower carat weight it face up the same as the 1.3 G you have on hold at Excel, and it is an Octavia. It's a strong option Rocky, good choice.

WITH FANCIES LIKE ASSCHERS WEIGHT is largely IRRELEVANT. COMPARE SPREAD (MEASUREMENTS).

If I had your budget I would DEFINITELY want a 6.2-6.5 stone. Asschers face up VERY SMALL and the way they are cut draws your eye inward, which enhances the effect. So the bigger the better .

Thanks for the advice, the crown height on the one I showed you was 14.9%. Perhaps I'll keep looking for something bigger. Also, thank you RockyRacoon for the suggestion. I think the one you sent is absolutely beautiful. I do want to keep it at H or above, just because I've been sensitive to color in many of the I/J stones I've seen in person. If I found one that good looking, I may even be willing to compromise on budget.

 

[Gypsy]

PERSONALLY, I would see what you can get elsewhere before ordering this stone. Size REALLY matters with asscher. A one carat round faces up at 6.5 mm. Your 1.32 faces up only at 6mm.

And IF clarity is frankly overkill. Fortunately the stone is well priced for the clarity. But you don't need more than eyeclean VS2.

JA will give you 3 ASETs per purchase.

So I PERSONALLY would see what I can get elsewhere for my budget first.

Here's a LOVELY stone with potential. And it's a FANTASTIC size: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.77-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-292964 Nice faceting. Beautiful tall crown.

Put that one on hold (no obligation, no cost) and get an ASET. They will try to get you to use your other two. But there aren't three worth getting an ASET on that I see in that size range (6.2 and up). SO for now, just tell them you want to save the other two and just get the ASET of this one.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Love the Octavia and love the high crown and 58 table on the asscher Gypsy just posted! Mine has a 58 table and I love smaller tables, personally! I agree that you need to maximize size with asschers. They are so beautiful to look at, but they do face up small. So I'd definitely go as large as your budget will allow and stay at H-I color.

 

[illinoischristopher]

PERSONALLY, I would see what you can get elsewhere before ordering this stone. Size REALLY matters with asscher. A one carat round faces up at 6.5 mm. Your 1.32 faces up only at 6mm.

And IF clarity is frankly overkill. Fortunately the stone is well priced for the clarity. But you don't need more than eyeclean VS2.

JA will give you 3 ASETs per purchase.

So I PERSONALLY would see what I can get elsewhere for my budget first.

Here's a LOVELY stone with potential. And it's a FANTASTIC size: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.77-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-292964 Nice faceting. Beautiful tall crown.

Put that one on hold (no obligation, no cost) and get an ASET. They will try to get you to use your other two. But there aren't three worth getting an ASET on that I see in that size range (6.2 and up). SO for now, just tell them you want to save the other two and just get the ASET of this one.

Thank you. I took a look at the James Allen diamond you posted, followed your instructions exactly, and requested an ASET. I too, took a look at the other choices and James Allen to see if any other options jumped out at me in the meantime but I thought the one you posted was a great find. I'll follow up on this thread when I get the image in.

 

[illinoischristopher]

Love the Octavia and love the high crown and 58 table on the asscher Gypsy just posted! Mine has a 58 table and I love smaller tables, personally! I agree that you need to maximize size with asschers. They are so beautiful to look at, but they do face up small. So I'd definitely go as large as your budget will allow and stay at H-I color.

Thank you. Really happy with all of the helpful responses I got given my newness to the forum. I was originally searching for soemthing more colorless than an I but I too have been drawn to the smaller tables in the options I've seen, table size definitely seems to make a difference.

 

[Gypsy]

If the I color stone I posted for you has a good ASET, JA has a 60 day return policy and shipping both ways is paid for. That's no risk IMO.

See if you like the I color ON THAT STONE. I find that I-J stones are stone specific for me.

 

[JulieN]

It is ok, not great imo.

 

[illinoischristopher]

It is ok, not great imo.

Thank you for your input. I assume you're referring to the original stone posted and not the stones that others have posted?

 

[illinoischristopher]

I added the below diamond to my ASET image request as I'm somewhat nervous about going to an I.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-216287

Thanks again everyone for the recommendations. Using the pricescope search, I do see some diamonds a couple thousand cheaper with similar specs. I imagine that's because there's no way to get great images? For example, would the below diamond be a risky choice?

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5142797-1.55-carat-Asscher-diamond-E-color-VVS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=5142797&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

If anyone else has any recommendations while I wait for the James Allen ASETs, I'm certainly listening!

 

[Gypsy]

I added the below diamond to my ASET image request as I'm somewhat nervous about going to an I.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-216287

Thanks again everyone for the recommendations. Using the pricescope search, I do see some diamonds a couple thousand cheaper with similar specs. I imagine that's because there's no way to get great images? For example, would the below diamond be a risky choice?

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5142797-1.55-carat-Asscher-diamond-E-color-VVS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=5142797&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

If anyone else has any recommendations while I wait for the James Allen ASETs, I'm certainly listening!

yes. no picture. GOG is great with asschers. they xan source whatever you want.

 

[Gypsy]

IF they can get you an ASET of these (some stones they can, some stones they can't) these are the only stones at B2C I've found that MAY have some potential:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4714818-1.55-carat-Asscher-diamond-G-color-VVS2-clarity.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3644933-1.54-carat-Asscher-diamond-G-color-VVS2-clarity.aspx

You can call and ask if an ASET is possible for these. If it's not... pass.

 

[illinoischristopher]

IF they can get you an ASET of these (some stones they can, some stones they can't) these are the only stones at B2C I've found that MAY have some potential:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4714818-1.55-carat-Asscher-diamond-G-color-VVS2-clarity.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3644933-1.54-carat-Asscher-diamond-G-color-VVS2-clarity.aspx

You can call and ask if an ASET is possible for these. If it's not... pass.

Thank you! No luck on the ASET images unfortunately.

 

[illinoischristopher]

ASET images are in. Would love to hear opinions! Looks like 3 good options...

First is the 1.77 I that was recommended.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.77-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-292964

Gemologist comments: 3rd in performance, True "I" color (not better or worse), nice faceting, eyeclean, a few tiny dark areas under the table. Faint flouro is blue.



Second is 1.51 F I chose when I was worried about the I color. Close in price to the 1.77 I. Doesn't face up as big as the I but won't have the tinge of color.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-216287

Gemologist comments: Bright, lively, 2nd in performance. Eye clean, icy white.



Third is a 1.74 F VS1 I chose. It's $6k more than the other two options. While I can afford it, I was only going to consider if it absolutely blew the other two away. I probably should have left it out of my search but I was just too fascinated with it when I saw it.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.74-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-252777

Gemologist comments: The gemologist favorite unfortunately (darnit), Brilliance balances nicely, icy white, eye clean, faces the largest, faceting and outline attractive.

 

[woofmama]

OMG-You picked the 1.74 F! I have been dying for someone to get an ASET on that one. I recommended it a couple times but it was out of budget for the shoppers. When I saw it months ago I plotted selling everything I own to buy it Or maybe holding up a bank

Great ASET, just like I thought! If you can get it, go for it!!!

 

[JulieN]

I agree with their rankings.

 

[Gypsy]

OMG. That F I.7 is just DREAMY.

If you can afford it go for it. It's almost 7mm as well. It DOES blow the others away both in size, color and performance!

HANDS DOWN get that stone. Even if it means going for a really budget setting.

What kind of setting do you want?

 

[illinoischristopher]

OMG. That F I.7 is just DREAMY.

If you can afford it go for it. It's almost 7mm as well. It DOES blow the others away both in size, color and performance!

HANDS DOWN get that stone. Even if it means going for a really budget setting.

What kind of setting do you want?

Come on everyone, you're supposed to say the F 1.5 is almost as good and worth the $5k or so savings!!!

I prefer a thin solitaire platinum setting myself, not completely conservative, maybe something unique with the prongs or the design itself but still need to think about what I want in a setting.

 

[Gypsy]

OK so the REASON I'm asking is... if you wanted a complicated setting like a halo, I'd say... not worth it. But if you just want a classic and elegant solitaire... then, I really think the 1.7 F is just the best choice.

Look here:
https://www.pricescope.com/blog/jewel-week-classic-asscher-cut-diamond-solitaire

Your 1.7 has great spread. It's only a SMIDGE smlaller than that one: L/W/D (mm): 7.10*7.04*4.86 is that stones measurements.

See what I mean?

 

[illinoischristopher]

Thanks Gypsy, that's definitely a model for how I'd like the ring to look.

Are the ASET images much different in quality between the 2nd and 3rd diamonds? (Obviously an ASET image won't tell you everything but I'm curious what makes the 3rd one better, though I do agree it was my clear favorite in the 3D pictures). I am a novice at this but doing my best to learn.

I'm debating between those two and more likely than not will purchase one barring any great finds in the next couple of days. If the consensus is that it's probably worth the extra $5k, I can see myself getting it because it is my favorite too and I can afford it. Only hesitance is that it's higher than what I was expecting to pay originally.

 

[illinoischristopher]

OMG-You picked the 1.74 F! I have been dying for someone to get an ASET on that one. I recommended it a couple times but it was out of budget for the shoppers. When I saw it months ago I plotted selling everything I own to buy it Or maybe holding up a bank

Great ASET, just like I thought! If you can get it, go for it!!!

I did just go back and see all of your posts on this, they make me want it even more! I hope to decide tomorrow between the two Fs.

 

[Gypsy]

The biggest difference is going to be the size.

Do I think it's worth 5-6K to go up to 6.8 from a 6.2. That's .6 difference is spread. Which with asscher solitaires is HUGE. And yes, IMO worth it.

I own an asscher. Mine is 5.8. If I could spend 6k and upgrade it to 6.4 I would in a heartbeat.

I don't know your finances though. It's VERY easy for me to spend YOUR MONEY but I'm not you. You've said you can afford it. I am hoping that means you aren't going in debt for it, or anything. If you mean to buy this on credit, then please, save the 6k and get her the 6.2.

Tell me this.
Where do you live?
How old are you both?
What does she do?
What do you do?
HOW are you planning on paying for it? Discretionary savings? Credit? ...

 

[Gypsy]

Settings:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/abby-cathedral-solitaire-diamond-engagement-ring-bpid-38-16.html You can call for a quote.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Listen, there are a lot of asschers in the world aside from these at James Allen. I would not personally be willing to pay for the F stone when I know I could go to G or H color and be perfectly happy and be closer to my budget! I wouldn't buy that one without exploring other options. Good Old Gold sourced a small asscher for me for a right hand ring. Here is the video they made me, and you can see that a couple of the 4 diamonds have outstanding cut...at least as good if not better than that F stone actually.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7SBfNGxTFE&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA&index=2

I would certainly contact Jonathan and ask if his good asscher cutters have anything worth bringing in for you to look at.

(But if you don't, I don't like the 1.5 F enough to consider it. The 1.74 is a great stone if you want to pay that much for it.)

 

[illinoischristopher]

The biggest difference is going to be the size.

Do I think it's worth 5-6K to go up to 6.8 from a 6.2. That's .6 difference is spread. Which with asscher solitaires is HUGE. And yes, IMO worth it.

I own an asscher. Mine is 5.8. If I could spend 6k and upgrade it to 6.4 I would in a heartbeat.

I don't know your finances though. It's VERY easy for me to spend YOUR MONEY but I'm not you. You've said you can afford it. I am hoping that means you aren't going in debt for it, or anything. If you mean to buy this on credit, then please, save the 6k and get her the 6.2.

Tell me this.
Where do you live?
How old are you both?
What does she do?
What do you do?
HOW are you planning on paying for it? Discretionary savings? Credit? ...

No, not going into debt or anything. I just want to think about whether that .6 will represent an appreciable difference that she'll notice. That I'd actually be getting something noticeably better for that $5k. $17k is more than I originally planned on spending but it won't be altering my lifestyle or anything. Could that money be used for something else? Sure, a vacation, a very slightly higher down payment on our first house, but I think that's the case for everyone. I'm 30 and we both work for consulting firms in downtown Chicago.

The diamond definitely did stand out to me in the 3D images James Allen provides. My internal debate has more to do whether we'll both appreciate the difference in quality. Obviously that's only a decision we can make, but I sure love hearing from people like yourself who know more about this stuff than we do.