4.36 ct. RB diamond......HELP, should I get it?

[sna77]

I called an made an appointment with someone I feel better about because they are one of the few within my area that is listed on this website as an appraiser. I did not ask about what tools he would be using, but hopefully, I am okay because he was listed on this website??? My appointment is in an hour. I should know something to post very soon!

Definitely ask for an Ideal Scope and ASET. Have him take pictures and post them here for us.

 

[Dreamer_D]

The appraisaer does not *need* an idealscope, I think he/she will be able to tell you what you will need to know without that tool.

 

[decodelighted]

I, for one, would really like to see this rock! Good luck! I hope it turns out to be the genuine steal of your dreams!

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

This is quite an exciting thread. I, also, hope it is the deal of the century. I will return to see the outcome. Good Luck.

Annette

 

[sna77]

The appraisaer does not *need* an idealscope, I think he/she will be able to tell you what you will need to know without that tool.

Agreed--We can assume that the appraiser knows what they are doing... But if it's me, and I'm paying money for an appraisal, I want pictures, an IS etc.

I've used 2 appraisers on PS and both have included both pictures and IS images as part of the price, so it's something I would just expect to receive as part of my fee...

Either way, anxiously awaiting the results.

 

[andrea1216]

So, I am back from the appraiser. I had a feeling it might turn out like it did. The feeling started when I picked up the diamond from the jeweler this morning and when he gave me the stone he said "well we know it's not a "G" and probably more like a J/K." Up until today, he was always calling it an I or really good J! The appraiser was super nice and very knowledgeable! He said that it the SI1 isn't too far off because it is more like ans SI2. It is "eye clean" and the inclusions are not the problem. He even said that it is cut really well and would be considered an AGS or GIA very good. Unfortunately, the problem is with the color. EGL Israel graded it a G, but according to the appraiser, it is an L! He said that it faces up pretty white for an L because of its cut. He obviously did not tell me whether to buy it, but he did say that $28,700 was a good price for this stone. He looked at the RAP and said that wholesale was somewhere around $25,000.

I left his office feeling like the diamond wasn't for me and I planned on sending it back. I then stopped at two very large jewelry stores with a lot of inventory. I compared this diamond with other EGLs and GIAs. I still feel like there isn't much difference between this diamond and a GIA I color. I also saw a setting that I love that has a halo set in yellow gold around it. So, maybe the tad bit of warmth to this diamond is okay for me??? I do have blonde hair, blue eyes and naturally tan skin with a bronze tone to it. I only wear yellow gold jewelry. In fact, my favorite watch is a big, chunky, gold Michael Kors watch. Yellow gold just seems to compliment my skin, whereas, white gold clashes with it. If I did set it in white gold it would be a setting with very little gold and mostly pave diamonds all around the band. Ideally, I would like to do a halo, but a halo with white gold would probably make this particular diamond look too yellow.

I can't believe that after all of this, I am still at a loss. I still love the diamond, but now I am not sure I can live with a diamond that I know is an L in color! Help me!!!!

 

[andrea1216]

I forgot to mention that the two large jewelry stores I stopped at both had various large stones (3, 4 and 5 carats). Even their similar large EGL stones were priced around $70,000! Almost all of their stones didn't even look as good as the one I brought in! They must be baking on the fact that many shoppers are not educated, and will think that an EGL G is a true G. Some people probably don't even know the differences between different certifications, and that there is actually a company that gets away with flat out lying about the characteristics of the diamonds they are grading!

 

[LibbyLA]

Andrea,

You loved it when you thought it was an I or maybe a J, but now you don't like it because you know it's an L?

Those of us who like old cut diamonds are often quite happy with a warmer stone. There's nothing wrong with an L if you are okay with it. Maybe you can embrace the color and set it to enhance it.

Eye clean and well cut, but with a lower color grades sounds like a good thing to me, as long as you can live with the color. Maybe do a halo with yellow gold.

liz

 

[decodelighted]

1. Under no condition would I halo a 4.36 carat round stone -- no matter WHAT color it is.
2. You need to get real & really specific about your choices. Look at the size stone you can get for your budget in the color you want. This or that. This or that.

If you're looking at a 2.2 ct GIA "G" (or whatever it would be, I haven't done the research)... next to a 4.36 ct "L" -- the choice should become obvious. Color either matters or it doesn't.

 

[Laila619]

If you love it and it's still a great price, then eh, who cares about the color. It looks white to you, right? It compliments your skin tone. Do you think you would be happy wearing it? Would you be sad if you found out someone else bought it? Ask yourself these questions and trust your gut. You are the only one who needs to love it and enjoy wearing it!

 

[OCgirl]

1. Under no condition would I halo a 4.36 carat round stone -- no matter WHAT color it is.
2. You need to get real & really specific about your choices. Look at the size stone you can get for your budget in the color you want. This or that. This or that.

If you're looking at a 2.2 ct GIA "G" (or whatever it would be, I haven't done the research)... next to a 4.36 ct "L" -- the choice should become obvious. Color either matters or it doesn't.

I agree with this. What is your budget? Is it a "firm budget"? If you want a 4+ ct stone then something else's gotta give.

I am a big sucker for color. I like icy white stones. But not everyone feels the same way. I agree putting it next to a smaller stone in the same price range but higher color will help you determine which is more important, size or color.

 

[sna77]

Yes, I think you need to rank what matters most to you. If you could rank cut, color, clarity and cart 1-4 for us and give us a budget, then we can help you find something... Once you know what YOU want, then we can help make a recommendation...

 

[Dreamer_D]

The appraisaer does not *need* an idealscope, I think he/she will be able to tell you what you will need to know without that tool.

Agreed--We can assume that the appraiser knows what they are doing... But if it's me, and I'm paying money for an appraisal, I want pictures, an IS etc.

I've used 2 appraisers on PS and both have included both pictures and IS images as part of the price, so it's something I would just expect to receive as part of my fee...

Either way, anxiously awaiting the results.

I feel like you. I just think in this case where the OP clearly has different priorities than you or I, seeing a reliable appraiser, whether they have an IS or not, is a big step in the right direction!

I think everyone needs to keep in mind, though, that there are really no "deals" in primary market retail when it comes to diamonds. Unfortunately for us all. I think that sort of thinking about this diamond will not help the OP to realistically take stock and assess the stone.

ETA: and now I caught up Well at least now you know! I think the "deal" factor was wooing you. That is why I dont think the "heart" should lead these decisions. THe diamond is priced fairly for what it is. That is usually the case. Now you need to decide if you want to spend your money on this rock, or rank the Cs differently and get a different one. That is personal preference.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Just a little confused as to why you loved it when you thought it was an I or J but now aren't sure because it is L? You need to judge by whether you love the diamond when you look at it or not. You know you are getting what you pay for. No such thing as a very good cut G-I color SI1 at 4 carats for under $30k.

And I have to agree with deco...no halo on a 4 ct. round. That would just look like a fake ring to most people.

 

[OCgirl]

The closest comparable I can find is a 4.32 ct L SI1 GIA Ex/Ex/Ex @ $35,000 with pricescope discount
Given this stone is an SI2 and very good cut (also without an actual GIA cert), I think it's priced pretty fairly/competitively. But it's definitely not a "steal".

http://www.idjewelryonline.com/diamond_details1.php?id=36837417&shape=&pricefrom=1&priceto=500000&ca

I would go up in color and go down in size and see if you feel better about that combo, like a 3.0+ ct J SI1/SI2. You can still do a halo and achieve the 4 ct look if halo is something you love. I think it'll look equally beautiful and in a color range that probably won't bother you as much.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Just a little confused as to why you loved it when you thought it was an I or J but now aren't sure because it is L?

I think it is because like most of us, the idea of finding a "deal" or a "steal" colored her thoughts about the diamond. Motivated perception and cognition is a strong beastie.

 

[ariel144]

[quote="ariel144|1330747082|I've seen some really badly cut stones graded by GIA and cut is king. They just grade what is sent to them, it does not make the stone better or worse. It is simply a grading report...not a recommendation of a "good" or "better" diamond. My jeweler stated that he has seen SI2 GIA graded stones that the clarity was worse than my SI2 EGL graded stone.

.

then ask him to send it to GIA lab ... [/quote]

It wasn't HIS stone....he called it in from another jeweler. The stone was cut exceptionally well for a radiant, in fact I have searched recently for such a well cut radiant in the 2 carat range and they don't exist. They are cut a lot deeper these days for some reason. I didn't care which grading report came with the diamond, silly, it was still the same stone...geesh. A GIA grading report does not change the stone....LOL!

Here are is the same stone graded by AGS and EGL and with the AGS stone it is $600 more for the exact same stone. The point is the same jeweler that holds the stone has both reports and I am sure they will sell you the stone with the AGS report for "EGL" price. One color diff. but the clarity was graded the same.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-84-ct-Old-European-Cut-I-Color-VS1-Clarity-AGS-Certified-Genuine-Loose-Diamond-/170632785106?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item27ba81acd2US $84,634.00

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-84-ct-Old-European-Cut-H-Color-VS1-Clarity-EGL-Certified-Genuine-Loose-Diamond-/170477651498?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item27b142862a US $84,055.00

 

[canuk-gal]

Just a little confused as to why you loved it when you thought it was an I or J but now aren't sure because it is L?

I think it is because like most of us, the idea of finding a "deal" or a "steal" colored her thoughts about the diamond. Motivated perception and cognition is a strong beastie.

This.

(no pun intended... )

cheers--Sharon

 

[ariel144]

So, I am back from the appraiser. I had a feeling it might turn out like it did. The feeling started when I picked up the diamond from the jeweler this morning and when he gave me the stone he said "well we know it's not a "G" and probably more like a J/K." Up until today, he was always calling it an I or really good J! The appraiser was super nice and very knowledgeable! He said that it the SI1 isn't too far off because it is more like ans SI2. It is "eye clean" and the inclusions are not the problem. He even said that it is cut really well and would be considered an AGS or GIA very good. Unfortunately, the problem is with the color. EGL Israel graded it a G, but according to the appraiser, it is an L! He said that it faces up pretty white for an L because of its cut. He obviously did not tell me whether to buy it, but he did say that $28,700 was a good price for this stone. He looked at the RAP and said that wholesale was somewhere around $25,000.

I left his office feeling like the diamond wasn't for me and I planned on sending it back. I then stopped at two very large jewelry stores with a lot of inventory. I compared this diamond with other EGLs and GIAs. I still feel like there isn't much difference between this diamond and a GIA I color. I also saw a setting that I love that has a halo set in yellow gold around it. So, maybe the tad bit of warmth to this diamond is okay for me??? I do have blonde hair, blue eyes and naturally tan skin with a bronze tone to it. I only wear yellow gold jewelry. In fact, my favorite watch is a big, chunky, gold Michael Kors watch. Yellow gold just seems to compliment my skin, whereas, white gold clashes with it. If I did set it in white gold it would be a setting with very little gold and mostly pave diamonds all around the band. Ideally, I would like to do a halo, but a halo with white gold would probably make this particular diamond look too yellow.

I can't believe that after all of this, I am still at a loss. I still love the diamond, but now I am not sure I can live with a diamond that I know is an L in color! Help me!!!!

Andrea, Andrea.....buy the diamond....an L that faces up white and is a great cut can be a better looking diamond than an I/J that is not cut as well. GO TO GOOD OLD GOLD AND LOOK AT HIS COLOR and CUT VIDEOS. You will then understand that cut in a warmer diamond can be a better and more beautiful stone than a higher color. Why pay more for an I color that is a duller stone than this L.

I also did an HCA test on 2 of GOG's AVR's (August Vintage Rounds) that are cut and proven for their light performance and the 1.81c I vvS1 scored a Grade of 3 and the 2.02 J vs1 scored a 4.6! YIKES ...unbelievable...there goes my confidence in that HCA system. Oh brother. If you watch Jonathan's videos on color and cut you will be thrilled with your L color high performing stone. Keep it and know that you have a beautiful diamond that you will enjoy for years to come. I hope this helps your confidence level and you can enjoy your diamond.

People who are uneducated on cut and color might buy a smaller stone with a higher color but it might not be as high performing as your L. Color does NOTHING for the light and fire performance of the stone...that is a common misnomer in diamonds. Educate, educate, educate.

 

[ariel144]

Would all of you feel differently if this diamond was $27,000?

most of us on PS would not spend even $2700 let alone $27000 on a non-excellent cut diamond

I don't agree. AT ALL. If you compare something IN PERSON to a "super ideal" etc -- and decide that you
a) love the less ideal stone
and
b) can't fathom the difference in $$ between the two for the amount of visual difference in cut quality only
and
c) don't buy into "mind clean"-ness

GO FOR IT. I get so weary of people seemingly trying to brainwash newbies into their very specific quirks. Inform, great. Opine, fabulous. But sweeping statements about how none of "us" would do this or that --- A BRIDGE TOO FAR.

Not to mention - entirely inaccurate. Just look at all the antique stones people are buying these days. CLAMORING OVER. And other shapes that don't have "ideal" specs.

Buy what you love. If it makes you swoon to have a bigger rock & the subtle difference in cut & GEEZ lab pedigree don't bother YOU. Y.O.U. .... you know what to do.

Andrea,...this is the best post in this thread...listen to her, she is so correct. These other people who think the grading report determines the beauty of the stone are simply ignorant. it is the same message I have been trying to convey and that is why I keep encouraging you to educate yourself at GOG. Best sight on the web for that by far for that purpose and I hope these other posters on here do the same.

And for the record, there was a story on PS of someone who had K/L large great performing diamond and they were at a ball game and the lady sitting next to her had just bought a very high color D/E diamond and commented on how beautiful the girl's K/L diamond was...she was shocked to learn the color and called her husband over to see the K/L diamond. Wish I had saved that post cause it was a great example of warmer colors being great stones.

Also when your friends see your gorgeous diamond they will not have a clue that it is an L color...the size and performance will WOW most people.

 

[OCgirl]

So, I am back from the appraiser. I had a feeling it might turn out like it did. The feeling started when I picked up the diamond from the jeweler this morning and when he gave me the stone he said "well we know it's not a "G" and probably more like a J/K." Up until today, he was always calling it an I or really good J! The appraiser was super nice and very knowledgeable! He said that it the SI1 isn't too far off because it is more like ans SI2. It is "eye clean" and the inclusions are not the problem. He even said that it is cut really well and would be considered an AGS or GIA very good. Unfortunately, the problem is with the color. EGL Israel graded it a G, but according to the appraiser, it is an L! He said that it faces up pretty white for an L because of its cut. He obviously did not tell me whether to buy it, but he did say that $28,700 was a good price for this stone. He looked at the RAP and said that wholesale was somewhere around $25,000.

I left his office feeling like the diamond wasn't for me and I planned on sending it back. I then stopped at two very large jewelry stores with a lot of inventory. I compared this diamond with other EGLs and GIAs. I still feel like there isn't much difference between this diamond and a GIA I color. I also saw a setting that I love that has a halo set in yellow gold around it. So, maybe the tad bit of warmth to this diamond is okay for me??? I do have blonde hair, blue eyes and naturally tan skin with a bronze tone to it. I only wear yellow gold jewelry. In fact, my favorite watch is a big, chunky, gold Michael Kors watch. Yellow gold just seems to compliment my skin, whereas, white gold clashes with it. If I did set it in white gold it would be a setting with very little gold and mostly pave diamonds all around the band. Ideally, I would like to do a halo, but a halo with white gold would probably make this particular diamond look too yellow.

I can't believe that after all of this, I am still at a loss. I still love the diamond, but now I am not sure I can live with a diamond that I know is an L in color! Help me!!!!

Andrea, Andrea.....buy the diamond....an L that faces up white and is a great cut can be a better looking diamond than an I/J that is not cut as well. GO TO GOOD OLD GOLD AND LOOK AT HIS COLOR and CUT VIDEOS. You will then understand that cut in a warmer diamond can be a better and more beautiful stone than a higher color. Why pay more for an I color that is a duller stone than this L.

I also did an HCA test on 2 of GOG's AVR's (August Vintage Rounds) that are cut and proven for their light performance and the 1.81c I vvS1 scored a Grade of 3 and the 2.02 J vs1 scored a 4.6! YIKES ...unbelievable...there goes my confidence in that HCA system. Oh brother. If you watch Jonathan's videos on color and cut you will be thrilled with your L color high performing stone. Keep it and know that you have a beautiful diamond that you will enjoy for years to come. I hope this helps your confidence level and you can enjoy your diamond.

People who are uneducated on cut and color might buy a smaller stone with a higher color but it might not be as high performing as your L. Color does NOTHING for the light and fire performance of the stone...that is a common misnomer in diamonds. Educate, educate, educate.

I don't think the HCA was designed for other type of rounds... It's only for modern round brilliants...

 

[ariel144]

You might want to check out the round brilliants on this site. Note the EGLUSA Ideal cuts are all hearts and arrows. Usually the color is off only one grade or the same as GIA. EGLUSA is pretty accurate in their grading compared to EGL Israel or INternational. The smaller tables with higher crowns are very nice. They have several others that are even cheaper but this one seemed really nice. Are all hearts and arrows great performers? I don't know the answer to that but most believe they are the creme de la creme. You could have your jeweler call a couple of these stones in and choose which Ideal cut you like the best. Most at this price are SI2's

Just one more thing to consider before you find the best diamond for your budget. The prices on this site are some of the best i've seen on the web. See if they will give you a sarin report on a couple of these Ideal cuts. I'm sure this company will help you find the best of these Ideal cut hearts and arrows.

Here are two EGLUSA "Ideal Plus" hearts and arrows:

http://www.usacerteddiamonds.com/usagia/polygon_live_feed.html

Round 4.03 I SI2 Ideal EGLUSA 32,817.10

And a G SI2...I like this one even better:

http://www.usacerteddiamonds.com/usagia/polygon_live_feed.html

Round 4.19 G SI2 Ideal EGLUSA 38,826.22

Good luck!

 

[Gypsy]

IF you want the stone:

I'd go to the jeweler and tell him it's an L SI2, and that you are very disappointed that he seemed to be aware that it was much lower than the "I" he was claiming it was and that he didn't disclose it until you were going to an appraiser. That going to an appraiser shouldn't have been necessary if he had been upfront with you. And in light of his failure to give you the truth and help you make a knowledgeable choice, you aren't sure you want to give him your business.

When he tries to win your business, see if discounts the stone further. If gets down to 26K--then I think you should buy it (on a good credit card you can pay off later this month) and have it set someplace else.

I wouldn't ever use the jeweler again. They are shady.

 

[Dreamer_D]

The HCA is only a tool for modern RBs and it not useful for other types of cuts, including old style cuts like the AVR.

Color cannot be judged from videos, it needs to be judged in person, so watching videos will not help the OP.

Ariel, there is a lot of misinformation in your posts, but stated with a lot of confidence. Above are but two corrections to incorrect information you have written. I think you should do some more reading yourself before you so vociferously argue that others posting in this thread are wrong.

 

[Gypsy]

Ariel, there is a lot of misinformation in your posts, but stated with a lot of confidence. Above are but two corrections to incorrect information you have written. I think you should do some more reading yourself before you so vociferously argue that others posting in this thread are wrong.

Very nicely stated.

Ariel, this isn't the first time you've blessed a thread with your very firm opinions, which are wrong. Please stop and spend some time to learn more. It creates friction and looks very poor to the genuine newbies and shoppers when we have to spend our time correcting you. Especially since you argue back, confident despite your ignorance.

 

[periwinklegirl]

I still feel like there isn't much difference between this diamond and a GIA I color. I also saw a setting that I love that has a halo set in yellow gold around it. So, maybe the tad bit of warmth to this diamond is okay for me??? I do have blonde hair, blue eyes and naturally tan skin with a bronze tone to it. I only wear yellow gold jewelry. In fact, my favorite watch is a big, chunky, gold Michael Kors watch. Yellow gold just seems to compliment my skin, whereas, white gold clashes with it.

Hi Andrea,
I can totally sympathize how agonizing it is to decide whether or not to buy a stone. Hang in there!

From the above post, it sounds to me as if you liked the idea of the stone (at least at the time that you wrote the post), and that it should possibly be set in yellow gold.
I recently read a description of the lower colours, explaining that L - M would only look white set in yellow gold. This partially explains to me why I didn't realize my first diamond was an M - it was set in 22 carat yellow gold (this was not only pre-PS, but almost 15 years ago, and clearly, I hadn't looked at as many diamonds then as I have now!).

If you like yellow gold, and you feel that this diamond would look white enough for you set in yellow gold, then perhaps the colour is not going to be a problem for you. And if you like the idea of a halo, you should definitely consider some halo settings.
I'm a little surprised to hear that a halo on a 4+ carat stone is unthinkable, given that the top thread on SMTB for the past month was exactly that (4.09 with a double halo).

Several other posters have said that when a diamond is priced lower (than others of comparable size) there is always a trade-off. In the case of your diamond, we now know the trade-off is colour (and, to some extent, clarity). But if you're satisfied with the colour trade-off, then that's a fabulous size at that price point.

We all make our personal decisions about our stones. My trade-off was SI3, which many PSer's wouldn't agree with, but I was willing to overlook in order to get a stone of a larger size for half the price of the higher clarity stones.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[sna77]

IF you want the stone:

I'd go to the jeweler and tell him it's an L SI2, and that you are very disappointed that he seemed to be aware that it was much lower than the "I" he was claiming it was and that he didn't disclose it until you were going to an appraiser. That going to an appraiser shouldn't have been necessary if he had been upfront with you. And in light of his failure to give you the truth and help you make a knowledgeable choice, you aren't sure you want to give him your business.

When he tries to win your business, see if discounts the stone further. If gets down to 26K--then I think you should buy it (on a good credit card you can pay off later this month) and have it set someplace else.

I wouldn't ever use the jeweler again. They are shady.

Agreed. He deliberately misrepresented the stone, and was overcharging for it by $7,000 based on the misrepresentation... Certainly not someone I would do business with.

 

[Amys Bling]

IF you want the stone:

I'd go to the jeweler and tell him it's an L SI2, and that you are very disappointed that he seemed to be aware that it was much lower than the "I" he was claiming it was and that he didn't disclose it until you were going to an appraiser. That going to an appraiser shouldn't have been necessary if he had been upfront with you. And in light of his failure to give you the truth and help you make a knowledgeable choice, you aren't sure you want to give him your business.

When he tries to win your business, see if discounts the stone further. If gets down to 26K--then I think you should buy it (on a good credit card you can pay off later this month) and have it set someplace else.

I wouldn't ever use the jeweler again. They are shady.

excellent advice!!

 

[ariel144]

I have been shopping for diamonds for a while and when an EGL diamond is regraded by GIA with different color the price usually stays the SAME. So when people say that EGL is cheaper they are mistaken.

Actually, it is worse than that. Usually, a diamond will cost LESS with a GIA report than it will with an EGL report. That is why the diamond was sent to EGL to begin with -- because the vendor can sell it for more money.

It is not only cut and color that are issues, but cut grading too is very lax by EGL. Consumers don't focus on that enough when they try to "equate" an EGL stone with GIA comps.

I have not studied the grading of round brilliant cut diamonds like have the other cuts, but I was told that The vendors send their stones to GIA because they can get a higher price for them with a GIA report. If they don't think they can get at least a SI2 grade from GIA then they send it to EGL. Of course this thread is on a brilliant cut diamond.

I've seen some really badly cut stones graded by GIA and cut is king. They just grade what is sent to them, it does not make the stone better or worse. It is simply a grading report...not a recommendation of a "good" or "better" diamond. My jeweler stated that he has seen SI2 GIA graded stones that the clarity was worse than my SI2 EGL graded stone.

I suggest you read the studies done in the articles I posted above. Very interesting.

But AGS is the best grading lab by far. Some professional just posted an article on PS on AGS about how superior they are in many ways. GIA and AGS grade stricter on color and clarity usually but cut is king and cut is not matter of opinion but technical facts. measurements of depth, table, angles are not subjective although they can vary just slightly. There are many well cut EGL stones and many badly cut GIA stones out there especially when you are looking for a chunky cut cushion or OMC...I've seen some really shallow GIA stones in those cuts that cannot possibly be good looking diamonds IMO.

Contrary to your position, all EGL graded stones are not ugly badly performing diamonds....that is my main point.

Are you in the trade? You are very confident in your assertions for a new member of the community.

And you completely missed my point. My comment had little or nothing at all to do with "all GIA stones are good or all EGL stones are bad". The report does not make the diamond anything. It is what it is. My comment strictly concerned the pricing of diamonds.

The economics of the diamond market work in a very specific way. Diamond cutters and wholesalers target their uncerted goods to the lab that will allow them to get the most money *for that diamond*. Some diamonds will trade for less with a GIA report than they would with an EGL report, because GIA would grade them below certain important cut points for value on one or more dimentions, either clarity, color, or cut -- it is not only SI2 versus I1, but J versus K, Very Good cut verus Fair Cut. When diamond would fall below one of those important points by GIA, then it will likely to targeted to EGL, and will sell for more money with that EGL report than the SAME diamond would have sold for with a GIA report.

Are there lovely stones with EGL reports? Of course. But they are not good value for the dollar as a general rule.

I did not miss your point that the EGL gets a higher price for their graded diamonds than if the same stone were graded and priced with a GIA report. In searching hundreds of diamonds on the web many times I have run into the same stone graded by EGL and GIA...the reports are different but the price is the same FOR THE SAME EXACT STONE but different grades. That was my point...EGL graded stones do not get a higher price than if the same stone was graded by GIA....just like the guy stated on Abaiaz the price is what the stone is worth no matter who graded it. It is what it is. I posted these two stones before as an example of the EGL stone costing $600 less for the exact same stone graded by AGS. So the EGLUSA stone is commanding the lesser price in this instance.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-84-ct-Old-European-Cut-I-Color-VS1-Clarity-AGS-Certified-Genuine-Loose-Diamond-/170632785106?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item27ba81acd2

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-84-ct-Old-European-Cut-H-Color-VS1-Clarity-EGL-Certified-Genuine-Loose-Diamond-/170477651498?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item27b142862a

You will have to give me an example of one stone that is higher priced with an EGL grade than the same stone graded by GIA to prove your point....here is my proof. You can leave your condescending attitude behind as well...show me the proof of what you are stating please. I am just being accurate from what I have seen with my own two eyes. Did you even read the reports I posted earlier comparing grading labs? Probably not.

"As a general rule an EGL stone is not as good a value"...??? It is a rock, and the grading by one lab over another adds no "value" to a stone. The only thing added to the rock is the difference in the price of the report. Like I stated, please show me an example of the same stone with two diff. lab reports and the one with the EGL report getting a higher price. Please show me the proof of your assertions, and then I might take you seriously. The diamond traders do play games with their reports but the stone is what it is and as the jeweler stated the price will reflect what it is. The low price is because it is an L color and there are many beautiful L colored diamonds out there that face up nice and white and are a "good value" for the person on a low budget who wants a larger stone.

I am simply trying to help this girl to make an educated decision on the stone she has found that she likes and the price is right for her budget. If she sent it to get a GIA cert..I guess you GIA groupies would tell her to buy it if she likes it. LOL! The only advantage to a GIA report is that you will probably have a more accurate report, but not necessarily the best diamond for the best price. JMO

 

[Christina...]

Ariel, there is a lot of misinformation in your posts, but stated with a lot of confidence. Above are but two corrections to incorrect information you have written. I think you should do some more reading yourself before you so vociferously argue that others posting in this thread are wrong.

Very nicely stated.

Ariel, this isn't the first time you've blessed a thread with your very firm opinions, which are wrong. Please stop and spend some time to learn more. It creates friction and looks very poor to the genuine newbies and shoppers when we have to spend our time correcting you. Especially since you argue back, confident despite your ignorance.

Agreed! Ariel, opinions are always welcomed here, and they tend to lead to some very educational and worthy discussions, but by stating your OPINIONS as FACT only mucks up the board and confuses newcommers who are trying to make an educated and informed decision.

I also read the articles that you linked and failed to see that they proved your point.