2 Princess Cuts: Help

[mcampbell627]

Hello,

Can anyone please help me decide between these two GIA certified Princess Brilliants?

1. 6.07 x 6.07 x 4.31
1.25 carat
F color
VS1 (looking at the cert, there are no inclusions from the top and slight feathering on the perimeter)
Polish is very good
Symmetry is good
No Fluorescence
Table 74%
Depth 71.0%
Girdle is very thin to thick
$7500

2. 5.77 x 5.67 x 4.34
1.21 carat
E color
VS2 (clouding in the center)
Polish very good
symmetry good
no fluorescence
Table 75%
Depth 76.5%
Girdle thin to very thick
$7200

I just don''t know if the E color outweighs the clarity or size.

The setting I found was a 95% Pt with 0.64 carats princess stones GH color for $2300. I think she also likes baguettes, but am uncertain how they go with a Princess. My girlfriend definitely likes "angles" which I interpret as non-round. She likes shiny things, no joke, that''s a quote. Does the princess-baguettes look work? Is it more modern than the three princess stones? Am i thinking too much about all this.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[stone-cold11]

We will need an ASET image to judge princess cut. Sorry.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/29/2009 6:42:32 PM
Author:mcampbell627
Hello,

Can anyone please help me decide between these two GIA certified Princess Brilliants?

1. 6.07 x 6.07 x 4.31
1.25 carat
F color
VS1 (looking at the cert, there are no inclusions from the top and slight feathering on the perimeter)
Polish is very good
Symmetry is good
No Fluorescence
Table 74%
Depth 71.0%
Girdle is very thin to thick
$7500

2. 5.77 x 5.67 x 4.34
1.21 carat
E color
VS2 (clouding in the center)
Polish very good
symmetry good
no fluorescence
Table 75%
Depth 76.5%
Girdle thin to very thick
$7200

I just don't know if the E color outweighs the clarity or size.

The setting I found was a 95% Pt with 0.64 carats princess stones GH color for $2300. I think she also likes baguettes, but am uncertain how they go with a Princess. My girlfriend definitely likes 'angles' which I interpret as non-round. She likes shiny things, no joke, that's a quote. Does the princess-baguettes look work? Is it more modern than the three princess stones? Am i thinking too much about all this.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

First, are you looking onliine or locally? If online, an ASET and real stone photo would help. Fancies can't be judged by numbers like rounds can. Of these two, just by numbers/specs, my guess would be the second one would look better. Most of the time, though not always, a smaller table than depth will help the stones performance.

To be honest, you could easily go to G, and if the stone is very well cut, even lower, and still have it face up quite white.


As for the setting, baguettes add a very classic look! I prefer that to 3 Princess, but that's just personal, they both would be nice!

Here's an example of bags. Love it..

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/29/2009 8:07:41 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 1/29/2009 6:42:32 PM

First, are you looking onliine or locally? If online, an ASET and real stone photo would help. Fancies can''t be judged by numbers like rounds can. Of these two, just by numbers/specs, my guess would be the second one would look better. Most of the time, though not always, a smaller table than depth will help the stones performance.

To be honest, you could easily go to G, and if the stone is very well cut, even lower, and still have it face up quite white.

Ditto Ellen. Also the second diamond notes very thick on the girdle, check that this isn''t a huge part of the girdle and with the first with the very thin part, that this also doesn''t encompass a large portion of the girdle and or a vulnerable area, and isn''t a potential durability issue. It isn''t always the case but best to check, and if you are not sure of the seller''s verdict get a independant expert to check it for you.

 

[mcampbell627]

Hello,

Thanks for the info. In the case of Princess Cuts, is the E-F difference more important than the VS2-VS1? Am i just splitting hairs with the table:depth ratio? Looking at both stones, they are beautiful, I just don''t want to pick the wrong one and have the sparkle and flash be less than it could be. I am assessing these stones at a reputable retail establishment, recomended by a couple of friends who bought their rings there. The experience was pleasent and comfortable, I was able to view the GIA certs for both.

The picture of the baguettes/princess combo cinched it for me. I think I''m going to go that route.

Just gotta pick the stone. Any more advice to push me over the edge?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/30/2009 8:35:41 AM
Author: mcampbell627
Hello,

Thanks for the info. In the case of Princess Cuts, is the E-F difference more important than the VS2-VS1? Am i just splitting hairs with the table:depth ratio? Looking at both stones, they are beautiful, I just don't want to pick the wrong one and have the sparkle and flash be less than it could be. I am assessing these stones at a reputable retail establishment, recomended by a couple of friends who bought their rings there. The experience was pleasent and comfortable, I was able to view the GIA certs for both.

The picture of the baguettes/princess combo cinched it for me. I think I'm going to go that route.

Just gotta pick the stone. Any more advice to push me over the edge?

Ok, it is cut which makes a diamond beautiful and this is what will give you the sparkle and beauty. From what I can tell, these Princess aren't cut to the highest standards - but not everyone is looking for a top cut diamond. What I would recommend you do, if you have a Jareds nearby, go there and ask them to show you some of their AGS0 cut grade Princess. These diamonds are pretty much of known cut quality ( GIA don't grade Princess for cut at this time), that way you have a baseline comparison to measure these against.

Alternatively or as another method, you could order an ASET scope and check the diamonds out in person that way. Here is a link to show you ASET -

http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_zoom_item.asp?Id=23&ShowAdd=Y

Interpretation chart - http://www.ideal-scope.com/using_reference_chart_ASET.asp

As to the colour and clarity, both are good so unless you have a distinct preference there, I would concentrate on seeing which one is the best looking gem. Compare with others at least as above if you can, and if you are set on either of these, ask if you can check them out away from the store lights in plain daylight, this should give you a better idea of how they will look in everyday wear.

As to the setting, totally classic in my opinion with the bags!

I hope this helps a bit, it is very difficult especially with non round diamonds to advise if we only have a little info and no images to go by, but I hope it helps in some way

 

[rpanno]

Personally, I would pass on those two stones. As mentioned above you could easily step down to a G color unless the colorless range is of absolute importance. Witht the cost savings there you could try to find one with a little less depth. My stone turned out to be beautiful with a table of 75% and Depth of 71%. However, it also had excellent polish and symmetry which I believe play a big role in the overall visual effect of the stone. The range of the girdles could also be a factor but it just depends on where the variations are.

I would also give Bill Pearlman a call, I was in the pretty much trhe same category as you and my stone was considerably less than that. It is a GIA diamond which is not necessarily a guaranteed ideal stone such as AGS 000 but with a helpful jeweler you can generally save a little by not having the AGS 000 premium.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/30/2009 11:21:14 AM
Author: rpanno
Personally, I would pass on those two stones. As mentioned above you could easily step down to a G color unless the colorless range is of absolute importance. Witht the cost savings there you could try to find one with a little less depth. My stone turned out to be beautiful with a table of 75% and Depth of 71%. However, it also had excellent polish and symmetry which I believe play a big role in the overall visual effect of the stone. The range of the girdles could also be a factor but it just depends on where the variations are.

I would also give Bill Pearlman a call, I was in the pretty much trhe same category as you and my stone was considerably less than that. It is a GIA diamond which is not necessarily a guaranteed ideal stone such as AGS 000 but with a helpful jeweler you can generally save a little by not having the AGS 000 premium.

Just a quick point here rpanno, depth doesn't always correlate to spread or face up size in Princess if that is what you mean.

See more below in case you haven't read this excellent article. If I am misunderstanding then feel free to ignore!

http://journal.pricescope.com/Articles/21/1/The-matter-of-depth-in-a-princess-cut.aspx

 

[Ellen]

I echo Lorelei on looking at some AGS0 stones if you can, see what you think! As far as color/clarity, as long as it's eyeclean, and showing up white, you're good to go. So I would also suggest again looking at some G SI1's, that may allow you more size, which is never a bad thing.

I think the setting choice is great, she'll love it

 

[rpanno]

Not exactly what I meant but I could have been clearer. Stone #1 likely has a decent ratio of Depth/Width. Whereas from my shopping experience, the closeness of the depth and width of Stone #2 made for a less appealing diamond. Again, the AGS 000 will be a nice diamond but if the OP is willing to shop he will find a GIA that competes for considerably less.

Again, the color could definitely step down to G. I am color blind but very good with tones ( as it is how I tend to figure out what a color is) and the difference to between F and G is rarely discernible. And for those prices I owuld look for better polish and symmetry.

Lorelei, thanks for the article link though, it was good read!

 

[mcampbell627]

Thanks, people. The search continues, I guess. I really appreciate the advice. This forum is a truly informative and helpful site.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/30/2009 1:09:54 PM
Author: mcampbell627
Thanks, people. The search continues, I guess. I really appreciate the advice. This forum is a truly informative and helpful site.

Most welcome rpanno!

And we are very glad to help you mcampbell and thanks so much for the positive feedback, it is much appreciated!

Please let us know if we can do anything else to help you.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/30/2009 1:09:54 PM
Author: mcampbell627
Thanks, people. The search continues, I guess. I really appreciate the advice. This forum is a truly informative and helpful site.

You''re welcome.

If you don''t mind spending a bit more, sticking with AGS0 stones would make the process simpler since you''re shopping locally. Though they''re not all created equal, you should still end up with a prettier stone than the majority out there.

If you become open to purchasing online, which could save you some money, we''d be glad to help you. Just a suggestion, I understand some want to go locally.

Either way, good luck in your search.