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J

[email protected]

Rough_Rock
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I am in the market for a 4+ carat radiant cut light yellow diamond.
Could anyone make suggestions about what would be the most important aspects to consider?
I am fairly well versed on cut, color and clarity...however, I don''t know a lot about table percentages, depth etc...
I''m just trying to educate myself before I look at stones next week.
 
Date: 4/24/2009 4:18:23 PM
Author:[email protected]
I am in the market for a 4+ carat radiant cut light yellow diamond.
Could anyone make suggestions about what would be the most important aspects to consider?
I am fairly well versed on cut, color and clarity...however, I don't know a lot about table percentages, depth etc...
I'm just trying to educate myself before I look at stones next week.
Click to expand...
Welcome!

Well colour is everything when buying a fancy colour diamond, often these diamonds are cut into radiant shapes as these show colour well. Really cut is not as important when buying a fancy colour as the colour is what matters most, so really use your eyes to find a radiant which appeals to you visually for both colour and cut appearance. Also look for diamonds which have the GIA grading report for fancy colours.

http://www.gia.edu/lab-reports-services/diamonds/diamond-reports/colored-diamond-grading-report.pdf
 
Hi J,
Great post Lorelei!

J- it''s actually been a big debate here on PS.
Personally, I feel that U-V, W-X, and Y-Z colored diamonds, including radiant cuts- are seen as "Fancy Colors''" by many people.
We find that many people acutally prefer the lighter yellow colors.
In terms of cut, it''s really not possible to "standardize" or say what table, depth, etc is best.
Of course the depth comes into play, affecting the face up size.

I love the way many light colored yellows are cut- but they are certainoly different than what you''d look for in a colorless one!
 
Thanks David!
35.gif
 
Back Atya Lorelei!

It is an interesting conversation.
Some things that look pretty bad on colorless stones can look amazing on stones which show color.
J- do you know any specifics about the stones you''re going to see?

Even though it''s impossible to really judge these stones based on reports, a GIA report still contains a tremendous amount of essential info.
 
I hope you find a beauty.

I know when I was looking at radiants, I continually found stones with what I call
"the dreaded coke bottle look", which is a swirly circle pattern you see deep in the stone.
And what caused that, I still don''t understand. I know it has been discussed here in the past.
I''m guessing depth and cut. Maybe David can chime in on that.
Anyway, don''t know if in a yellow stone this would be as apparent. But it was something I kept
encoutering in colorless stones. I do know there are some gorgeous radiants out there. A yellow 4ct. will
be spectacular. Please keep us posted and come back with pictures.
 
J- you may want to change your screen name? just a thought... probably not a good idea with your email address out there.
 
Thanks everyone... before I send a reply I''d like to change my screen name so my email doesn''t show (thanks for the suggestion!)...but I can''t get it to work...he cursor won''t work in the box. Help!
J
 
Date: 4/24/2009 7:35:58 PM
Author: [email protected]
Thanks everyone... before I send a reply I'd like to change my screen name so my email doesn't show (thanks for the suggestion!)...but I can't get it to work...he cursor won't work in the box. Help!
J
Click to expand...
J, just use the "Msg Admin" link on the top of the forum page (on the right side just below the search box). They can change your name for you.

I love radiants, I'm excited to see what you end up with!
 
Thanks for all the input everyone. I changed my screen name...that was a good suggestion.
As you can tell, I''m pretty new at this.

I live in a small town and am looking at stones from several places.

One is Solomon Brothers in Atlanta. They are offering to send several stones for me to view:
1. 3.69ct. Light Yellow VS2 Faint Fl. Ex Polish VG Symmetry, 9.01x7.75x5.5mm. Table = 71%, Depth = 70%
2. 3.79ct. Faint Yellow VS2 No Fl. VG Polish VG Symmetry, 9.00x8.95x5.27mm. T = 74%, D = 59% (too square)
3. 3.89ct. Fancy LY VS2 No Fl. VG Polish G Symmetry, 9.75x8.20x5.35mm. T= 63%. D = 65%
4. 3.98ct. Light Yellow VS2 No Fl. VG Polish G Symmetry, 9.85x7.90x5.43mm. T = 68% D = 68.8% (you saw this one already)
However, I have asked them to look for 4 - 4.5Ct
Does anyone know why the above diamonds that are GIA certified would not have color grade...only color descriptions?
Also, ABC in Portland Oregon:
>4.06 GIA, S, VS2, 71%D, 64%T, 9.49mm x 8.1mm
>
>4.33 GIA, U, VS2, 65%D, 78%T, 9.8mm x 8.8mm
>
>4.48 Z, VS2, measures 9.7mm x 8.47mm, 68% Depth, 66% Table,
ABC only wants to get in one to show me so I need to choose from the 3 above or see if they can get another.

From most of your posts I am getting the feeling that with a yellow diamond it is about finding the right color... But, I don''t want to overlook something that is important.

Any feedback is most welcome.


>
 
Once diamonds are graded past the Z colour on the usual GIA grading scale, they are described as fancy light yellow etc. Also colour is everything when buying a true fancy colour diamond, the rest is down to your eyes. They are usually cut with showing that colour to its best advantage in mind.
 
Thanks Lorelei!
Anyone else out there have any input?
Just wanting to gather as much knowledge as I can before I start the process...
 
One thing to bear in mind is that although there are relatively few "rules" that work with fancy shapes and fancy colours, cut is still important and it will influence colour noticeably. Also - while the "white" scale is (in my view) far too fine, fancy colour grading only comprises 6 grades, and there may be significant differences in colour and liveliness for two stones that have the same description. It is absolutely vital that you see (and compare) the diamonds, preferably with the help of a trusted expert.

While I wouldn't expect vendors to have dozens of stones in the FLY - FIY 4-4.5 ct range, it seems to me that if you are relying on someone that has to call the stones in and they limit you to one stone at a time, you aren't really using the right vendor. JMHO.

ETA: I noticed one thing in the descriptions of the diamonds you are considering. To be called "fancy colour", a (yellow, brown or grey) coloured diamond must show more saturation than a Y-Z stone - it is then graded Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, Fancy Deep or Fancy Dark. Faint (yellow), Very light (yellow) and Light (yellow) can be lovely diamonds, but if a vendor is describing them only as such, something is missing: either they don't have a GIA or AGS report (which in a 4 ct stone is a must, no matter the colour), or they aren't telling you the colour grade - which should be there!
 
Date: 4/25/2009 5:17:01 AM
Author: Lorelei
Once diamonds are graded past the Z colour on the usual GIA grading scale, they are described as fancy light yellow etc. Also colour is everything when buying a true fancy colour diamond, the rest is down to your eyes. They are usually cut with showing that colour to its best advantage in mind.
Click to expand...
So true, I took me a very long time to decide on the stone on my avi, I'd suggest doing the same, in my case, my eyes went from light to deep then to light yellow , every stone is so unique, and sometmes, the RIGHT stone TO YOU will 'sing' to you. I'd alsocompare side to side against my skin or jewelry in dif metals.
Best of Luck.
35.gif
 
Thank you Oldmancoyote...
That is very good information. I will double check with the vendor and make sure that all of the stones are GIA certified. I had certainly requested that when I started looking. I saw the stone in person that is labeled Fancy Light Yellow (#4 on the list)...and I have a copy of the GIA certificate. The others I haven''t seen yet. So, you are saying that the word "Fancy" should be in the description of any GIA certified stone that doesn''t have a letter grade, correct?

Does anyone out there know the cost range for a fancy light yellow 4 - 4.5 stone? Just want to make sure I''m in the ballpark.
Anyone have an opinion about the table size (percentage) for best (and biggest) look?
Does anyone have suggestions of a reputable vendor that would be good for this sort of purchase?
Does anone know if Solomon Brothers is a good choice? They have been very nice and helpful.
Maybe these are not the kind of questions I should be asking on this forum... I''m new.
Seems like there are many knowledgeable people replying to questions... Figured I''d try to get all my questions answered.
 
Thank you Lorelei,
Your stone is, indeed, spectacular. Good suggestion to look for the one that "sings" to me...
 
Oops... sorry. I misread the post...
I meant to compliment Camile on that GORGEOUS stone!!
Told you... I''m new at this!
 
By the way, Camille, what color is your stone graded? It''s really a stunning color.
Did you look at a lot of different vendors?
 
Date: 4/25/2009 10:32:33 PM
Author: Radiant Search
Thank you Oldmancoyote...

You are very welcome!

That is very good information. I will double check with the vendor and make sure that all of the stones are GIA certified. I had certainly requested that when I started looking. I saw the stone in person that is labeled Fancy Light Yellow (#4 on the list)...and I have a copy of the GIA certificate. The others I haven't seen yet. So, you are saying that the word 'Fancy' should be in the description of any GIA certified stone that doesn't have a letter grade, correct?

Correct.

Does anyone out there know the cost range for a fancy light yellow 4 - 4.5 stone? Just want to make sure I'm in the ballpark.

Not the easiest thing to find on the net. My guesstimate is that for a decently cut, eye-clean (VS2-SI1) radiant you are looking between $7 and $11k per carat. Broad range, but not all FLY are equal: some are cut better than others, and some have more yellow than others.

Anyone have an opinion about the table size (percentage) for best (and biggest) look?

There are no hard-and-fast rules with radiants, particularly fancy coloured ones. You really need to look at them rather than rely on "information" that at best is inadequate, at worst is outright misleading.

Does anyone have suggestions of a reputable vendor that would be good for this sort of purchase?

Try Diamonds by Lauren. They specialise in fancy colours.

Does anone know if Solomon Brothers is a good choice? They have been very nice and helpful.
Maybe these are not the kind of questions I should be asking on this forum... I'm new.

And why not? People are here to help and to get help precisely on this sort of thing. Don't worry, and ask away. I'm sorry I can't help on Solomon Brothers; have you tried doing a search here on PS looking for feedback?

Seems like there are many knowledgeable people replying to questions... Figured I'd try to get all my questions answered.
Click to expand...
 
Date: 4/25/2009 10:34:27 PM
Author: Radiant Search
Thank you Lorelei,
Your stone is, indeed, spectacular. Good suggestion to look for the one that ''sings'' to me...
Click to expand...
HI:

Have you seen this website? I always persue this when I need a yellow colored stone fix:

http://www.icestore.com/

cheers--Sharon
 
Hi Radiant Search,
Our company is extremely familiar with the prices of 4ct Light Yellow diamonds- if you''d like to post a price, I''ll be happy to comment.

Date: 4/24/2009 11:51:50 PM
Author: Radiant Search
Thanks for all the input everyone. I changed my screen name...that was a good suggestion.
As you can tell, I''m pretty new at this.

I live in a small town and am looking at stones from several places.

One is Solomon Brothers in Atlanta. They are offering to send several stones for me to view:
1. 3.69ct. Light Yellow VS2 Faint Fl. Ex Polish VG Symmetry, 9.01x7.75x5.5mm. Table = 71%, Depth = 70%
2. 3.79ct. Faint Yellow VS2 No Fl. VG Polish VG Symmetry, 9.00x8.95x5.27mm. T = 74%, D = 59% (too square)
3. 3.89ct. Fancy LY VS2 No Fl. VG Polish G Symmetry, 9.75x8.20x5.35mm. T= 63%. D = 65%
4. 3.98ct. Light Yellow VS2 No Fl. VG Polish G Symmetry, 9.85x7.90x5.43mm. T = 68% D = 68.8% (you saw this one already)
However, I have asked them to look for 4 - 4.5Ct
Does anyone know why the above diamonds that are GIA certified would not have color grade...only color descriptions?
Also, ABC in Portland Oregon:
>4.06 GIA, S, VS2, 71%D, 64%T, 9.49mm x 8.1mm
>
>4.33 GIA, U, VS2, 65%D, 78%T, 9.8mm x 8.8mm
>
>4.48 Z, VS2, measures 9.7mm x 8.47mm, 68% Depth, 66% Table,
ABC only wants to get in one to show me so I need to choose from the 3 above or see if they can get another.

From most of your posts I am getting the feeling that with a yellow diamond it is about finding the right color... But, I don''t want to overlook something that is important.

Any feedback is most welcome.


>
Click to expand...

Without commenting on the specific vendors, here''s some general thoughts: It''s extremely important for sellers to disclose the actual grade of what they are offering IMO. Although "faint yellow" sounds descriptive, it''s not.
The specific grade might be U-V, or it could be M- there''s no way of telling. Both could be considered "faint yellow"
ON the same subject, how would you feel if you wanted to buy a car, and someone said they could show you a Fod. I think the company is called "Ford" but they are showing you a "Fod"
There is no GIA color grade called "Z", "U", or "S" ( the correct grades would be ''Y-Z", "U-V", or "S-T"
Make no mistake, these are not diamonds that are well known as even less informed diamond dealers sometimes call them "X-Y-Z''s".
Of course, dealers who don''t even know what the grades are probably not the best ones to shop for such stones....
 
Date: 4/24/2009 5:16:59 PM
Author: bebe
I hope you find a beauty.

I know when I was looking at radiants, I continually found stones with what I call
'the dreaded coke bottle look', which is a swirly circle pattern you see deep in the stone.
And what caused that, I still don't understand. I know it has been discussed here in the past.
I'm guessing depth and cut. Maybe David can chime in on that.
Anyway, don't know if in a yellow stone this would be as apparent. But it was something I kept
encoutering in colorless stones. I do know there are some gorgeous radiants out there. A yellow 4ct. will
be spectacular. Please keep us posted and come back with pictures.
Click to expand...
HI bebe,
It sounds that you saw what I call a "Roundiant"
The nicest radiants have their own type of facet pattern- particualrly on the bottom of the stone.
I have seen cutters that basically put a round diamond's facet pattern on the bottom of a radiant.
Not my favorite either!

edited to add: I just saw OMC's post- he's given you some very sound advice- and thanks for the shoutout!
35.gif
 
Thanks everyone for the good advice...
Keep it coming!!
Any other suggestions or comments are welcome!!
 
Hi David,
Thanks for all the responses... and the good advice!
 
I can also provide a shoutout for DBL! I have met David many times at his office and I have viewed and tried on many of his gorgeous diamonds including some very large light yellows, I have also purchased from him on several occasions and do suggest that you let him see what he can find for you!

Good luck with your search!
 
Date: 4/25/2009 10:39:18 PM
Author: Radiant Search
By the way, Camille, what color is your stone graded? It''s really a stunning color.
Did you look at a lot of different vendors?
Click to expand...
Thanks for your kind coments RSearch
21.gif

Yes, it has a GIA report and that played a big part on it''s purchase. Now, it wasn''t easy....I''ve looked for over a year for the ''perfect'' stone and that didn''t happen a] my mind was set in the best cut, GIA, clarity, best price, well.....reality set in after a month or two, lol.

Soon I realized that it wasn''t for an e-ring and it''s color could ''hide'' imperfections and my stone is def imperfect, as a cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant there are few specs that would kill me in a clear diamond, they''ll be hidden by a prong, setting it will take another year
6.gif
yep, went over my budget. So please take your time
16.gif

Got it from my local jeweler who knew what I wanted, he introduced me to a long time customer forced to sell bigger stones/willing to negotiate. After 2 weeks debating I brought home this 12.17x9.53x6.57mm monster. As a light yellow, in my office I notice tiny hint of green but again my eyes are brutally sensitive.
Against 18k at 7pm:
 
WOW!! That is a stunner. Congratulations!!
How many carats is that, by the way??
Will you have it set?
 
Thanks again RSearch, it''s 7.01 still undecided
emotion-5.gif

Camille
 
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