1st timer needs help!

[amateurhour]

Hello everyone. I am trying to pick a diamond and realized how little I know. After reading countless posts I thought it was time I asked for some help. My goal is to find a RB, eye clean, 1ct+ with strong brilliance, fire and scintillation for my soon to be fiance - all for under $5000 (tall order, I know

). I didn''t plan on purchasing a diamond online but after a little research it is the obvious choice. I found one from Soloman Brothers that I believe is what i am looking for - please tell me your thoughts!

Price: $4500
Shape: Round Brilliant
Carat Weight: 1.11
Color: G
Clarity: Vs1
Cut Grade:
Table %: 61.4
Depth %: 57.0
Crown Height %: 15
Pavillion Depth%: 43
Girdle: Thin to Thin, Faceted
Culet: N
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 6.67-6.65x4.09
Length/Width ratio: 1.00
Graining: Nil

Here is the EGL link
Here is the Solomon Bros link

Thanks for all the help!

 

[JulieN]

Ask SB what they think the color and clarity grades are, regardless of the EGL report.

An H&A G VS1 at online prices is easily twice the price of that.

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5510/ It's a little deep, but it get's a 1.5 on the HCA, it's got a GIA cert. It is a carat. And it comes with trade in and buy back guarantees. It's under budget.

I'd trust this over that in a heartbeat. A G vs1 ideal cut is around 8-9K from any reputable vendor.

 

[JulieN]

Date: 2/11/2009 10:00:24 PM
Author: Gypsy
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5510/ It''s a little deep, but it get''s a 1.5 on the HCA, it''s got a GIA cert. It is a carat. And it comes with trade in and buy back guarantees. It''s under budget.


I''d trust this over that in a heartbeat. A G vs1 ideal cut is around 8-9K from any reputable vendor.

Nice find!

 

[Gypsy]

Bound to happen sometime.

 

[amateurhour]

Date: 2/11/2009 10:00:24 PM
Author: Gypsy
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5510/ It''s a little deep, but it get''s a 1.5 on the HCA, it''s got a GIA cert. It is a carat. And it comes with trade in and buy back guarantees. It''s under budget.

I''d trust this over that in a heartbeat. A G vs1 ideal cut is around 8-9K from any reputable vendor.

That one looks great! So do you think that the diamond from Solomon Bros is too good to be true!?! Or are you questioning the vendor?

 

[Gypsy]

I haven't dealt with Solomon Brothers, but I'm sure other's have and you can do a search on them to find out what they have had to say.

I think that in my experience things that are too good to be true usually are, and I would go for a diamond in actual inventory, with pics, with a GIA or AGS cert over an EGL stone that might be in virtual inventory.

If you've seen the diamond in person and liked it... that's a different story. You are then buying what you are seeing, not a certificate. But when you are buying online... the more information the better and that GOG stone is a nice one, and a safer bet to be exactly what it looks like.

 

[AmberGretchen]

I really agree with Gypsy here - much better to go with a trusted vendor for something so important - the Solomon Brother''s diamond just doesn''t look as nice to me, and I really like the idea of having the lifetime trade-up too.

 

[amateurhour]

Date: 2/11/2009 10:25:41 PM
Author: Gypsy
I haven''t dealt with Solomon Brothers, but I''m sure other''s have and you can do a search on them to find out what they have had to say.

I think that in my experience things that are too good to be true usually are, and I would go for a diamond in actual inventory, with pics, with a GIA or AGS cert over an EGL stone that might be in virtual inventory.

If you''ve seen the diamond in person and liked it... that''s a different story. You are then buying what you are seeing, not a certificate. But when you are buying online... the more information the better and that GOG stone is a nice one, and a safer bet to be exactly what it looks like.

I am skeptical as well, thats partly the reason for the posting. Although, I did find that diamond on this site under the "in house" inventory, which I thought would be more accurate. I just sent Solomon Bros a message asking if they had any other info on the stone - including having it in their inventory. So we will see what happens. Thanks for all the advice, I need all I can get.

 

[Gypsy]

Here's some more advice. Place the GOG diamond on hold. It's refundable. And you can do it via their website. We have lurkers and that's a very popular size/color combo at a good price-- just before Valentine's Day.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/11/2009 10:00:24 PM
Author: Gypsy
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5510/ It''s a little deep, but it get''s a 1.5 on the HCA, it''s got a GIA cert. It is a carat. And it comes with trade in and buy back guarantees. It''s under budget.

I''d trust this over that in a heartbeat. A G vs1 ideal cut is around 8-9K from any reputable vendor.

Looks good, yes it is a bit deep and is facing up a little small for the weight but still a well cut diamond.