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2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PICS) !

Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

cool... where do I get the ASET?

Also, I was going to have an additional EGL USA appraisal (instead of Israel) done in downtown LA for $150...

you think that is a good idea? what confidence do you have in EGL USA (supposedly better/closer to GIA)?
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

rb23lb|1329437756|3127703 said:
cool... where do I get the ASET?

Also, I was going to have an additional EGL USA appraisal (instead of Israel) done in downtown LA for $150...

you think that is a good idea? what confidence do you have in EGL USA (supposedly better/closer to GIA)?
Click to expand...

if your jeweler doesnt have one, you can buy one from www.ideal-scope.com..

if your going to have it recertified, why not have it done by AGS? you know it'll be done right then....
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

why AGS over GIA?

advantages disadvantages?
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

rb23lb|1329439949|3127742 said:
why AGS over GIA?

advantages disadvantages?
Click to expand...

both will give you an accurate appraisal. I believe that AGS is less backlogged than GIA--i.e. faster turn around time... You can call both though...
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

I read that the only way to get an AGS appraisal is have an AGS jewler send it in for you...

Is that correct?

And do you know how much they charge in comparison to GIA?

There was no info I could find on their website... :confused: :confused:

rb
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

I wouldn't spend the money to send it to EGL USA, you are far better off sending it to GIA or AGS. Ask the store you are buying from to do it for you and if it comes back with the same grade offer to pay for it, if not, then they pay and adjust the price accordingly.
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

sna77|1329513364|3128308 said:
rb23lb|1329512725|3128300 said:
sna77|1329441573|3127785 said:
I've never been to the GIA website in my life... and found this link in 30 seconds. I suggest you call a local office tomorrow:
http://www.gia.edu/nav/toolbar/find-locations/index.html
Click to expand...

I was asking how much AGS charges??
Click to expand...

Why don't you call them and ask?
Click to expand...

I turned to this forum because I thought this is where the experts were...

I also asked how much they charged because you were the one that recommended AGS so I figured you would know....

Are you aware that AGS only certifies stones that are sent to them through their network of approved jewlers? You cannot send a stone in yourself...

I called a few different AGS jewelers in los angeles who gave quotes in the 200-300 dollar range with shipping.

weird how there is no standard price on the AGS website for a 2.00 ct loose stone appraisal...
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

Oops sorry! I replied before I read the second page!
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

rb23lb|1329527174|3128490 said:
sna77|1329513364|3128308 said:
rb23lb|1329512725|3128300 said:
sna77|1329441573|3127785 said:
I've never been to the GIA website in my life... and found this link in 30 seconds. I suggest you call a local office tomorrow:
http://www.gia.edu/nav/toolbar/find-locations/index.html
Click to expand...

I was asking how much AGS charges??
Click to expand...

Why don't you call them and ask?
Click to expand...

I turned to this forum because I thought this is where the experts were...

I also asked how much they charged because you were the one that recommended AGS so I figured you would know....

Are you aware that AGS only certifies stones that are sent to them through their network of approved jewlers? You cannot send a stone in yourself...

I called a few different AGS jewelers in los angeles who gave quotes in the 200-300 dollar range with shipping.

weird how there is no standard price on the AGS website for a 2.00 ct loose stone appraisal...
Click to expand...

there are different reports that AGS issues...I am not sure of the pricing for each type of report. If you start a new thread asking how to send stones to GIA or AGS I think you will get more responses :)
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

rb23lb|1329527174|3128490 said:
sna77|1329513364|3128308 said:
rb23lb|1329512725|3128300 said:
sna77|1329441573|3127785 said:
I've never been to the GIA website in my life... and found this link in 30 seconds. I suggest you call a local office tomorrow:
http://www.gia.edu/nav/toolbar/find-locations/index.html
Click to expand...

I was asking how much AGS charges??
Click to expand...

Why don't you call them and ask?
Click to expand...

I turned to this forum because I thought this is where the experts were...

I also asked how much they charged because you were the one that recommended AGS so I figured you would know....

Are you aware that AGS only certifies stones that are sent to them through their network of approved jewlers? You cannot send a stone in yourself...

I called a few different AGS jewelers in los angeles who gave quotes in the 200-300 dollar range with shipping.

weird how there is no standard price on the AGS website for a 2.00 ct loose stone appraisal...
Click to expand...

200-300 sounds about right. Here are GIA's fees.
http://www.gia.edu/lab-reports-services/fees_payment/lab_fees/index.html

But with AGSL, you get more information.

Very good advice has been given to you since reply #1. I feel as if you have been ignoring 90% of what is said.

From your vendor,
1. Get an ASET image
2. Get an Idealscope image
3. Get a magnified image
4. If they vendor will not provide it, it seems shady.

On your part,
1. Verify the color and clarity, or assume it is 2 grades lower by GIA standards.
2. Get an appraisal to see if it is a fair price.

If the diamond is an underperformer, $11,500 is not a deal.
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

thanks for the continual info... appreciate it...

the vendor just sells EGS stones with their certificate as is....

if you go to any jewelery store downtown los angeles in the jewelery district... u will not see any "ASET" images... just certificated, just EGL or GIA...

you are saying that any vendor would have an ASET too? doesnt this mean that they would need to pay AGS for an ASET separately? ASETs do not come standard with EGL or GIA reports...

why have i not seen any ASETs on any of the scores of stones I have seen both GIA and EGL?

seems like ASETs are only popular online where you cannot see in person?

also, how much on average does shipping cost?

I know they all ship via registered us mail as the safest option, but I cannot find any insurance information on the USPS website for registered mail...

can you tell me the insurance rate for registered mail? this is what I need to figure out if sending the stone to AGS is fair for the 200-300 price...

thanks again as always
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

rb23lb|1329702992|3129692 said:
thanks for the continual info... appreciate it...

the vendor just sells EGS stones with their certificate as is....

if you go to any jewelery store downtown los angeles in the jewelery district... u will not see any "ASET" images... just certificated, just EGL or GIA...

you are saying that any vendor would have an ASET too?
Click to expand...

I don't think that you need the stone graded again. Just get the color, clarity, and cut quality verified by independent appraiser. This way, you can estimate the fair price.

An ASET and Idealscope comes from this handy tools that every vendor should have.
http://www.datlas.com/tools.htm

You can buy the tools yourself ($25-$50) and take pictures. Then, the light performance can be evaluated. There are many cushion cut enthusiasts on this forum who would be excited to help you.
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

here are 4 more pics... the bigger one is the aforementoned F/SI1 cushion....

the smaller one is the F SI2 GIA 1.52

what do u think?

i think the EGL has a better cut hence the EX/EX symmetry polish...???

photo (2) (765x1024).jpg

photo (3) (765x1024).jpg

photo (4) (765x1024).jpg

photo (5) (765x1024).jpg
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

here are 2 more pics... does this help? any other opinions based off this?

thanks again

rb

photo (6) (765x1024).jpg

photo (765x1024).jpg
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

Pick the stone that is most pleasing to your eye and take it to an independent appraiser so you know you are paying a fair price. If you are then buy the diamond you like. It seems you are wanting us to tell you that one of those stones is a great stone/great deal and we just can't based on the info you provided and most of us are just educated consumers who spent time learning here on this site. Many of us would not buy and EGL stone or at least one that is missing the info and tools like your jeweler.

You have an incredible budget. My advice would be to contact GOG or Engagementringsdirect and get a GIA stone. Jon has every bell and whistle under the sun and is a brick and mortar store in Long Island. Mark T at ERD is located in the NY diamond district. Both have great reputations on this forum for finding amazing cushions and know how to do an aset. This is what I would do.
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

mrssalvo|1329707156|3129748 said:
Pick the stone that is most pleasing to your eye and take it to an independent appraiser so you know you are paying a fair price. If you are then buy the diamond you like. It seems you are wanting us to tell you that one of those stones is a great stone/great deal and we just can't based on the info you provided and most of us are just educated consumers who spent time learning here on this site. Many of us would not buy and EGL stone or at least one that is missing the info and tools like your jeweler.

You have an incredible budget. My advice would be to contact GOG or Engagementringsdirect and get a GIA stone. Jon has every bell and whistle under the sun and is a brick and mortar store in Long Island. Mark T at ERD is located in the NY diamond district. Both have great reputations on this forum for finding amazing cushions and know how to do an aset. This is what I would do.
Click to expand...

I agree with MrsSalvo. There are bad cushions, okay cushions, and great cushions. I really can't tell a thing from those pictures, unfortunately. You need more close up pictures. I would also contact Good Old Gold. They know how to pick great cushions.
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

so if that is a GIA F on the right, then I am thinking that the EGL is prob a G or H....

you guys cant even give a visual opinion like aka, it looks pretty good?

my girl didnt like the smaller one cus it was "crushed ice" looking... do you agree on the crushed ice?

i dont trust independent appraiser joe smoes... there opinion is good as yours or mine...

i am going to send it to AGS today...

how much is shipping with insurance to las vegas from Los angeles?

thanks
rb
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

mrssalvo|1329707156|3129748 said:
Pick the stone that is most pleasing to your eye and take it to an independent appraiser so you know you are paying a fair price. If you are then buy the diamond you like. It seems you are wanting us to tell you that one of those stones is a great stone/great deal and we just can't based on the info you provided and most of us are just educated consumers who spent time learning here on this site. Many of us would not buy and EGL stone or at least one that is missing the info and tools like your jeweler.

You have an incredible budget. My advice would be to contact GOG or Engagementringsdirect and get a GIA stone. Jon has every bell and whistle under the sun and is a brick and mortar store in Long Island. Mark T at ERD is located in the NY diamond district. Both have great reputations on this forum for finding amazing cushions and know how to do an aset. This is what I would do.
Click to expand...

incredible budget? have you seen how much 2 ct cushions cost that are ridiculous shaped rectangles that are GIA G/H or above with table that are 70% and depths 68% or below? EXPENSIVE....

if i want 2 ct ... my budget is actually pretty low

ive done all the searches on here... the only ones that are cheaper have crappy dimensions and dont face up nice or have some other major flaw i cant get over...
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

well, my 1.67 cushion faced up larger than both the cushions you are looking at ;)) Cut is the most important thing. I do agree with your GF that one stone does appear to have a more crushed iced appearance. But, no, we can't tell you anything from the pictures. They are too far away. We ask for aset's on this forum all the time for any shaped diamond. You have seen them in person, we haven't. You want our opinion we need to see an aset. An independent appraiser is well worth the money when you are getting ready to drop almost 12K. A much more valuable opinion than ours. They are trained professionally, we are not, they have nothing to gain financially at all if they are truly independent. There are a couple highly recommended one's in the LA area. I really think you'd be better off spending the money on an appraiser than AGS but that is my .02. It certainly won't hurt having AGS give you the more accurate assessment so you know what you are really getting.

The post office is the best place to find out shipping info, but my ball park guess would be $40 one way.

Just to throw this out there....I'd chose this over the 2 you are considering in a heartbeat..also qualifies for GOG's lifetime guarantee..

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond.php?d=19286&shape=16&ctMin=1.5&ctMax=2&clarity=32&color=48&resultsColumns=268435471&singleResult=1
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

mrssalvo|1329771988|3130298 said:
well, my 1.67 cushion faced up larger than both the cushions you are looking at ;)) Cut is the most important thing. I do agree with your GF that one stone does appear to have a more crushed iced appearance. But, no, we can't tell you anything from the pictures. They are too far away. We ask for aset's on this forum all the time for any shaped diamond. You have seen them in person, we haven't. You want our opinion we need to see an aset. An independent appraiser is well worth the money when you are getting ready to drop almost 12K. A much more valuable opinion than ours. They are trained professionally, we are not, they have nothing to gain financially at all if they are truly independent. There are a couple highly recommended one's in the LA area. I really think you'd be better off spending the money on an appraiser than AGS but that is my .02. It certainly won't hurt having AGS give you the more accurate assessment so you know what you are really getting.

The post office is the best place to find out shipping info, but my ball park guess would be $40 one way.

Just to throw this out there....I'd chose this over the 2 you are considering in a heartbeat..also qualifies for GOG's lifetime guarantee..

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond.php?d=19286&shape=16&ctMin=1.5&ctMax=2&clarity=32&color=48&resultsColumns=268435471&singleResult=1
Click to expand...

Wow, is that good? For a 1.67 to face up larger than 7.66x6.91, what depth does it have to be and if it is that shallow, does it lose brilliance?

I would be interested in big face smaller carat but am worried that it will not be brilliant or valuable because shallowness?
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

Wow, is that good? For a 1.67 to face up larger than 7.66x6.91, what depth does it have to be and if it is that shallow, does it lose brilliance?
Click to expand...

It's definitely good if a 1.67ct stone faces up larger than a 2.0ct stone because you are getting a larger looking stone and paying less for the carat weight. As for the specific numbers that a stone needs for that to happen...I can't answer that. The cut of stone will definitely affect the light return of the stone and will likely affect how small or large the stone faces up in comparison to others.

If I were you, I would review the threads and videos that have been posted previously about cushions, get all the knowledge you can, and then go back to your jeweler armed with that information. That way you'll be able to make your own informed decision about your purchase. Like mrssalvo said, you are planning to drop $12K on a diamond, and as such it's probably a good idea to really do your research before making such a big decision, especially given the fact that there are no hard and fast numbers (as with RBs) that can help you weed out a good cushion from a bad one. If you are able to get ASET images, even better because then folks here can better help you make a decision.

Hope everything works out!
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

rb23lb|1329785947|3130461 said:
mrssalvo|1329771988|3130298 said:
well, my 1.67 cushion faced up larger than both the cushions you are looking at ;)) Cut is the most important thing. I do agree with your GF that one stone does appear to have a more crushed iced appearance. But, no, we can't tell you anything from the pictures. They are too far away. We ask for aset's on this forum all the time for any shaped diamond. You have seen them in person, we haven't. You want our opinion we need to see an aset. An independent appraiser is well worth the money when you are getting ready to drop almost 12K. A much more valuable opinion than ours. They are trained professionally, we are not, they have nothing to gain financially at all if they are truly independent. There are a couple highly recommended one's in the LA area. I really think you'd be better off spending the money on an appraiser than AGS but that is my .02. It certainly won't hurt having AGS give you the more accurate assessment so you know what you are really getting.

The post office is the best place to find out shipping info, but my ball park guess would be $40 one way.

Just to throw this out there....I'd chose this over the 2 you are considering in a heartbeat..also qualifies for GOG's lifetime guarantee..

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond.php?d=19286&shape=16&ctMin=1.5&ctMax=2&clarity=32&color=48&resultsColumns=268435471&singleResult=1
Click to expand...

Wow, is that good? For a 1.67 to face up larger than 7.66x6.91, what depth does it have to be and if it is that shallow, does it lose brilliance?

I would be interested in big face smaller carat but am worried that it will not be brilliant or valuable because shallowness?
Click to expand...

Considering Jonathan is such a stickler for performance, I can't fathom him selling a dud in the department of brilliance.
Why don't you call him and ask for details and video of the stone?
As for value, it comes with GOG's lifetime guarantee. "Value" is a relative term in regards to diamonds. Valuable in what sense? Resale? Inherent worth? The trade up policy that comes with GOG's lifetime guarantee means that if you want to upgrade the diamond they will give you the full price you paid (less S&H) towards another diamond of equal or higher value. IMO that's as close as you are likely going to get with a diamond holding it's original $ value.
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

mrssalvo|1329771988|3130298 said:
well, my 1.67 cushion faced up larger than both the cushions you are looking at ;)) Cut is the most important thing. I do agree with your GF that one stone does appear to have a more crushed iced appearance. But, no, we can't tell you anything from the pictures. They are too far away. We ask for aset's on this forum all the time for any shaped diamond. You have seen them in person, we haven't. You want our opinion we need to see an aset. An independent appraiser is well worth the money when you are getting ready to drop almost 12K. A much more valuable opinion than ours. They are trained professionally, we are not, they have nothing to gain financially at all if they are truly independent. There are a couple highly recommended one's in the LA area. I really think you'd be better off spending the money on an appraiser than AGS but that is my .02. It certainly won't hurt having AGS give you the more accurate assessment so you know what you are really getting.

The post office is the best place to find out shipping info, but my ball park guess would be $40 one way.

Just to throw this out there....I'd chose this over the 2 you are considering in a heartbeat..also qualifies for GOG's lifetime guarantee..

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond.php?d=19286&shape=16&ctMin=1.5&ctMax=2&clarity=32&color=48&resultsColumns=268435471&singleResult=1
Click to expand...

hmmmm.... i am open to other stones obviously... there is just a shortage of cushions in Los Angeles with at least 52 square millimeters of "face" in acceptable cut/color (F-H GIA/AGS)/ clarity SI1-SI1 GIA/AGS) for around 11,500... havent found any better yet... especially the one above isnt any better...

the stone u post above is A. $1250 more expensive B. much smaller face and less carats C. worse depth and table numbers (based off standard "ideal" ranges) and has probably the same equivalent color/clarity as the EGL equivalent....

you would still take that in a "heartbeat"?

please elaborate....

PS- you guys in this forum are driving me nuts with all all this info I am learning (thanks I guess), so I buckled down today decided to send the stone to AGS.... just for kicks to see what it gets.... and yes, I can return it if I change my mind... but I have decided to shell out 200 bucks for the "platinum" (best most detailed AGS report) report that comes with ASET and laser inscription....

question.... if the stone weighs 2.005 carats currently... is it risky getting a laser inscription??? i.e., is it possible the laser inscription could take the weight under 2 carats?!?!??!?!?

thanks again for all your help, I really do appreciate it and am not trying to be combative... just trying to get as much insight as possible...
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

No worries about the laser inscription decreasing the weight...
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

ok, you simply cannot judge a cushion by the numbers, there are ranges out there but they are ranges only, there have been wonky cushions that have "ideal" ranges so you just can't make a decision on numbers alone. The GOG stone is smaller, and more expensive but "I" would choose it b/c it has all the info, pictures, images "I" would need to make a decision making this type of purchase. Plus, it's more square which "I" prefer as well as GOG's trade up policy and Jon's backing which gives "me" added confidence. :))

Adding a laser inscription won't affect the weight and I think it's great you had the stone sent to AGS and will be looking forward to hearing the results and how they compare to the EGL report :read:

re: your budget. I stand by my opinion that 11.5K is a wonderful budget. When it becomes a problem is when you make sacrifices to get a certain size/color/clarity etc. and can end up with what seems like a deal, but you really are just getting what you pay for. Yes, 11.5 is too low for a high quality 2 carat stone but you could end up with a gorgeous 1.5 + carat than can blow a poorly cut 2 carat out of the water. Anyway, you are obviously doing your due diligence and I have no doubt you are going to end up with a lovely stone :appl:
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

thanks for the latest responses....

I too am interested to see how much lower the AGS super report grades this stone and if it ends up being "worth it"...

I will post results here in a few days when it comes back... they only have 3-5 day turnaround time....

ALSO- someone please provide a link to a "1.6 ct that faces up bigger than a 2.0"

I know its possible, but just searching numerous top diamond suppliers online, I could not find one that was close to 7.66x6.91 at all...

also, 1.1:1 is the highest ratio I will go... I do not mind slight rectangular, but no higher....

thanks
rb
 
Re: 2.00 ct F/SI1 Cushion - Is this a good stone?!? (SEE PIC

I need to clarify because my 1.67 does not face up bigger, but is about the same size as the 2 carat you are looking at.
The numbers on my stone 7.80x6.82x4.52, so a 1:1.4 ratio, a little more rectangular than your stone. You probably couldn't tell a size difference side by side. You are searching for a needle in the haystack though trying to balance out your desired numbers with your budget. I don't have a picture of the stone loose but here's a picture of the ring..



file.jpg
 
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