1ct heart shaped diamond

[Danger DANJ]

I visited a jewelry store today to see if they could match or custom make the ring in the picture above. They told me they had a store in NYC in the diamond district and would check for similar rings through other businesses they deal with. They also said to custom make the ring with a 1 carat heart shape diamond would cost me around $8,000. That doesn''t even include the matching band. They said the price includes a heart shaped diamond that would be about $6,000. I told them about the diamonds I found searching here for $3,000 - $3,500 and they are trying to convince me that for that price it won''t sparkle. They are going to bring some heart shape diamonds in for me that are in my budget and in the higher range to compare. I''m looking to spend about $5,000 total.

Correct me if I''m wrong, but if the diamonds I''m looking at for $3,000 - $3,500 have a very good cut and the depth and table are in a good range, shouldn''t they sparkle? Settling for H or I Color and SI1 Clarity shouldn''t affect the sparkle very much should it?

 

[tyty333]

For fancy cuts you really need an ideal scope image to see how well the stone is reflecting light. There are just to many variations in the
cut to be able to base it on the depth and table.

Edit - oh, and you need regular pictures also. As you probably already know that fancys are usually cheaper than rounds I dont think
they run that much cheaper. To be honest (IMO) I think it would be hard to find a 1 carat stone that is nice for $3k-$3.5k.
Edit 2- see below

If you can give us links to these stones you are talking about we may be able to help you...but these stones need to be with a vendor
that provides images. Also should be AGS/GIA certified.

EDIT 2 - I actually did find some nice looking hearts in your price range but unfortunatly no images...here are the links (you've probably
already seen them)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Premium-Cut-Heart-Diamond-1158831.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Premium-Cut-Heart-Diamond-1195300.asp
whiteflash has some too but no pictures

(I dont really know what "look" hearts are supose to have. I should go do some research!)

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/5/2009 4:15:27 PM
Author:Danger DANJ

I visited a jewelry store today to see if they could match or custom make the ring in the picture above. They told me they had a store in NYC in the diamond district and would check for similar rings through other businesses they deal with. They also said to custom make the ring with a 1 carat heart shape diamond would cost me around $8,000. That doesn't even include the matching band. They said the price includes a heart shaped diamond that would be about $6,000. I told them about the diamonds I found searching here for $3,000 - $3,500 and they are trying to convince me that for that price it won't sparkle. They are going to bring some heart shape diamonds in for me that are in my budget and in the higher range to compare. I'm looking to spend about $5,000 total.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the diamonds I'm looking at for $3,000 - $3,500 have a very good cut and the depth and table are in a good range, shouldn't they sparkle? Settling for H or I Color and SI1 Clarity shouldn't affect the sparkle very much should it?

Hi Dan

Hearts are a tricky shape and images of these diamonds is essential when buying to make sure they are of a good and definite heart shape which is to your liking and also that they have good light return. Also that is not true that the diamonds won't sparkle for that price if bought online, there is rather more too it than depth and table but a well cut heart will definitely sparkle!

Best thing to do if you have some diamonds in mind online, see if the vendor can offer photographs and an ASET image. This will be very helpful so you can ensure the heart you buy is what you want and offers the beauty you desire. If an online vendor doesn't have a heart as an inventory stone, they can call some in from the virtual listing which is probably the same method and source your jewellery store will use to bring some diamonds in for you!

Although these shapes can't be judged by numbers, here are some guidelines you can use as an initial screening tool.

 

[AprilBaby]

The JA H-VS2 looks really pretty!

 

[tyty333]

Date: 12/5/2009 5:14:26 PM
Author: AprilBaby
The JA H-VS2 looks really pretty!

I think the J is pretty too but I dont know how much color it shows. Looks good on my computer

!

 

[Danger DANJ]

The first link that tyty333 posted is exactly the kind of diamond I'm looking at. The second link is good too, but not too sure about the J color.

I've looked at the guide that Lorelei posted and that is what I've been basing my searches on.

As far as pictures of the actual diamond, that doesn't seem to help much. Looking at a picture of a 1ct heart that costs $3,200 and a 1ct heart that costs over $5,000, I don't see a difference since there is no sparkling going on in any of the pictures. Clearly I'm going to have to see them in person before making a purchase. However, the pictures definitely help in determining if the shape is good or if it's too long or too wide.

I noticed on jamesallen.com the cut is listed as good, premium or ideal. Most places I've seen list cut as fair, good, very good or ideal. Am I to assume that premium is the same as very good?

By the way, thanks for all the insight and help so far everyone. I really appreciate it.

 

[BAM54321]

I recently purchased a 1.04 E VS2 heart shaped from Excel and had it set in a modified Simon G TR 160 in Platinum, and when it was all said and done I was in into it for pretty close to what you were quoted. Got the ring two days ago and trust me, it "sparkles." Are you trying to get the ring made in platinum? If you are, it will cost a bit. I have little doubt that you will be able to find a stone that meets your parameters for about the price you have in mind. I question if you can pull off the stone and a ring of that caliber- particularly if you are talking in platinum- for under 5. I saw an H Si1 that looked pretty good when I was searching so there are some out there. Keep in mind that most will advise you that color and clarity are even more important when it comes to fancy shapes because they have a tendency to show their color and flaws more so than ideal cut rounds (which is what much of the conversation here centers around). As mentioned, the ASET and Idealscope images will help you pick a winner. I would advise that you contact James Allen and/or Excel (or any other reputable vendor here), tell them what you have in mind, and see what they can do.

 

[Danger DANJ]

I''m looking for white gold. I already know platinum is out of my price range. I see Excel is in NYC, so I''m only about an hour away from them.

 

[BAM54321]

Good to know your close to Excel. I did it all the way from California so you are in a better position than I was. I can be hard to please and they did a good job of finding me exactly what I was looking for. Just be very direct in letting them know what you have in mind i.e. over a carat, eye clean, best color and cut and Idealscope/Aset that I can get for approx. ---. Give some thought to the type of shape you like best (fat, skinny, tall, equal length/width etc...). Really ask what you want to know..." Can I get away with an I-Si2 in a heart shape ?" They won''t make up your mind, but they will further educate you and give you the pros and cons. Keep in mind that most don''t keep many heart shapes in house so they will most likely have to call it in to look it over. You could also take a look at their rings to see if they have any that come close to what you have in mind. Buying the stone and setting from the same place can save some hassle. I would advise that you look through their virtual inventory, pick about four or five stones that fit your parameters, and call them to discuss those.

 

[Danger DANJ]

How does the ASET image look for this diamond?
Click here for the listing. It''s $3,830.

This is what JA said about it in the email: "Based on this criteria, you have a very nice diamond. This is a beautiful image and one of the better ASET images I have seen of a Heart cut diamond. The diamond contains a strong concentration of red throughout the top and center and along the sides. It has just the right amount of green and blue to add contrast. This diamond will exude brilliance, and definitely give off flashes of fire and light".

 

[AprilBaby]

Pretty and NICE shape!

 

[BAM54321]

I think it looks good. My heart shaped ASET had a tad bit less red and green and a bit more blue and I am very pleased with the stone. I am somewhat amazed that the image does not appear to show any or very little leakage at the cleft or the tip.

 

[Danger DANJ]

AprilBaby, I agree about the shape. That''s what I really love about it. It has an almost perfect length to width ratio.

BAM, thanks for your comments. If you like yours and you are saying this particular diamond has more red and green, I''d have to think it''s an eye pleaser.

I think I may have found my diamond. It''s on hold until around 4pm tomorrow.

I wonder how do jewelers feel if you bring in a diamond of your own and ask them to make a ring for it? Do they feel less willing to help because you didn''t buy the diamond from them?

 

[Circe]

I *really* like that heart - and with strong blue fluorescence to boot! I think that''s a *really* special stone.

As for jewelers and stones bought elsewhere ... it depends. Custom jewelers are accustomed to this, and generally very happy to work with custom orders, knowing that''s their livelihood. Jewelers who also sell diamonds ... well, it depends. Highly regarded, respectable ones are philosophical about it, figuring that they''re gaining a life-long customer, building trust, guaranteeing return visits, etc., but we''ve seen some cases of people coming back to seek reassurance after unscrupulous jewelers have told them they bought trash online, but their jeweler says s/he can get them a deal ... ugh. You said you''re by NY, right? ID Jewelers seems to be gaining a great reputation, from what I''ve been reading recently ....

 

[outatouch0]

Date: 12/5/2009 4:15:27 PM
Author:Danger DANJ

They are going to bring some heart shape diamonds in for me that are in my budget and in the higher range to compare. I''m looking to spend about $5,000 total.

If I was going to bring two sets of stones for you to decide what to spend i would be sure the lower cost ones looked less appealing even if i had to put a layer of grease on them.

 

[BAM54321]

Above I used the term leakage in reference to the ASET. I was thinking Idealscope. What I was trying to convey is that my ASET showed more clolor variation in the cleft and the tip than yours. I really like the length to width- and the other measurements- as well. Knowing what I paid for a 1.04 E VS2, the price- if eyeclean- appears to be very fair. I don't have enough personal experience to speak to the setting issue. Two things I would do that I didn't see you mention: Ask them if it's eye clean and ask them if the strong blue is detrimental (oily/hazy).

 

[Danger DANJ]

outatouch0, That''s a scary thought that anyone would grease up a diamond. The guy I was talking to was saying he would bring in stones of about the same price, just in different carat sizes. He did seem to want to sell me under a carat for my price range instead of a carat. He seemed to be telling me what I wanted to hear about custom making the engagement ring for about $1,000 though.

Date: 12/16/2009 12:08:41 AM
Author: BAM54321
Ask them if it''s eye clean and ask them if the strong blue is detrimental (oily/hazy).

I''ll will definitely ask. As far as the blue, isn''t that just obstruction of light... from your head for example? Why would blue mean oily/hazy?

 

[BAM54321]

I have read that a very small percentage of strong blue/very strong blue stones can have an oily or hazy appearance. The consensus seems to be that it only applies to a very small percentage, and that the vast majority are fine. Do a search here. The topic has been well covered.

 

[Lorelei]

I think it looks like a good heart and worth seeing in person to see if you like it.

 

[Circe]

Date: 12/16/2009 1:41:24 AM
Author: Danger DANJ
outatouch0, That''s a scary thought that anyone would grease up a diamond. The guy I was talking to was saying he would bring in stones of about the same price, just in different carat sizes. He did seem to want to sell me under a carat for my price range instead of a carat. He seemed to be telling me what I wanted to hear about custom making the engagement ring for about $1,000 though.

Date: 12/16/2009 12:08:41 AM

Author: BAM54321

Ask them if it''s eye clean and ask them if the strong blue is detrimental (oily/hazy).

I''ll will definitely ask. As far as the blue, isn''t that just obstruction of light... from your head for example? Why would blue mean oily/hazy?

I think he means the fluorescence, not the blue in the ASET image: it has a reputation for affecting the appearance of the stone that appears to be far out of proportion to the actuality (GIA released a study about flour about ... what, 3 years ago? if you''re nervous, it''ll be worth looking up). In reality, eye-visible fluorescence is really rare - I just bought a strong blue pear *hoping* for some of those effects and, nada! Don''t worry, you should be fine.

 

[Circe]

Date: 12/16/2009 1:41:24 AM
Author: Danger DANJ
outatouch0, That''s a scary thought that anyone would grease up a diamond. The guy I was talking to was saying he would bring in stones of about the same price, just in different carat sizes. He did seem to want to sell me under a carat for my price range instead of a carat. He seemed to be telling me what I wanted to hear about custom making the engagement ring for about $1,000 though.

Date: 12/16/2009 12:08:41 AM

Author: BAM54321

Ask them if it''s eye clean and ask them if the strong blue is detrimental (oily/hazy).

I''ll will definitely ask. As far as the blue, isn''t that just obstruction of light... from your head for example? Why would blue mean oily/hazy?

I think he means the fluorescence, not the blue in the ASET image: it has a reputation for affecting the appearance of the stone that appears to be far out of proportion to the actuality (GIA released a study about flour about ... what, 3 years ago? if you''re nervous, it''ll be worth looking up). In reality, eye-visible fluorescence is really rare - I just bought a strong blue pear *hoping* for some of those effects and, nada! Don''t worry, you should be fine.