4 Diamond Comparison @ $10,000

[Tukanguha]

Hi there,

First of all thanks for all of the useful information contained within these pages - it has been invaluable in my browsing. I 'think' I've narrowed down to 4 diamonds and I would be interested in comments / opinions on any/all of them from those in the know

The first three are GIA certified, the last EGL. All score within 0.8-1.2 on the HCA. All are around $10,000 ish which is my budget.

The first and last are within BIC range, the second and third are within TIC range.

DIAMOND 1:
Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.89 - 6.90 x 4.12 mm
Carat Weight: 1.17 carat
Color Grade: F
Clarity Grade: VVS2
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions
Depth: 59.7%
Table: 57%
Crown Angle: 33.0°
Crown Height: 13.5%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star Length: 50%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Thin to Medium, Faceted (3.0%)
Culet: None
Finish
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

DIAMOND 2:
Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.76 - 6.81 x 4.16 mm
Carat Weight: 1.18 carat
Color Grade: F
Clarity Grade: VVS2
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions
Depth: 61.3%
Table: 58%
Crown Angle: 34.0°
Crown Height: 14.5%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star Length: 55%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted (4.0%)
Culet: None
Finish
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

DIAMOND 3:
Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.70 - 6.74 x 4.17 mm
Carat Weight: 1.16 carat
Color Grade: F
Clarity Grade: VVS2
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions
Depth: 62.0%
Table: 57%
Crown Angle: 34.0°
Crown Height: 14.5%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star Length: 50%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Thin to Slightly Thick, Faceted (4.0%)
Culet: None
Finish
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

DIAMOND 4:
Shape: Round
Carat Weight: 1.2 ct.
Cut: Excellent
Color: F
Clarity: VVS2
Depth: 62.6%
Table: 56%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Girdle: Slightly Thick-Thick
Measurements: 6.73-6.79x4.23
Crown Height: 14%
Pavilion Depth: 43%

Thanks in advance to those who respond!

 

[yssie]

No to the EGL. Thick girdle + the fact that it's EGL.

First three are fine by the numbers...they'll have different "flavours" in-person, but there are no red flags in the numbers. Since GIA averages around eight sections of stone, then rounds, it is unwise to try to nitpick the numbers on the report too much

When were the reports issued? Do you have any more info, or can you get more info/pics? What does the vendor(s) think? Can you see them in-person before buying?

I assume you have chosen very high clarity for some reason beyond simply wanting an "eyeclean" stone, so I won't go into that.

 

[Tukanguha]

Thanks for the prompt response!

The reports were issued:

1: July 16 2012

2: June 13 2012

3: June 13 2012

4: November 1 2011

I wasn't sure about the EGL girdle as there wasn't a percentage specified...shame, because otherwise it measures up nicely...

Unfortunately I am in Australia and I assume all of the diamonds are held in the US. I've seen them on local and international sites, so as to where exactly, I'm not sure.

All I have to go on right now are the certs, but I have asked about an ideal-scope image for each - although I'm naturally not holding any hope there...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I also eliminated the EGL stone.

I choose #2 because it has measurements which are usually safely in the ideal cut zone and it is just a slight bit larger than #3 which has similar angles.

 

[yssie]

I don't know how EGL measures girdle thickness but AGSL and GIA notate it differently so it's not always so easy to directly compare. But if you're buying blind you absolutely do not want to risk EGL anyway.

Can you post the GIA report numbers, or pics of the reports with reportno blanked out? Are there any comments on clarity or proportions..?

If you could even get just a plain ol' photo - doesn't have to be an IS, just a clear face-up - that'd really help.

All very recent reports so no concerns there.

 

[Tukanguha]

Hi Yssie

Is there some way I can PM you the links to the reports? I'm happy to send them to you, but slighly hesitant to publish the full links publicly...

The only comments on the GIA certs are "Additional pinpoints are not shown"

The EGL cert is the most descriptive and states:

- 8 HEARTS & 8 ARROWS - This diamond was polished utilizing superior precision and craftmanship, its exquisite proportions generate the appearance of 8 Hearts & 8 Arrows, when viewed at the correct angle & under the proper lighting conditions.
- "Excellent Ideal Cut"

Here is another nice example I found, slightly smaller, but 0.8 within TIC range:

DIAMOND 5:
Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.52 - 6.54 x 3.97 mm
Carat Weight: 1.03 carat
Color Grade: F
Clarity Grade: VVS2
Cut Grade: Excellent

Proportions
Depth: 60.8%
Table: 57%
Crown Angle: 34.0°
Crown Height: 14.5%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star Length: 50%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Medium, Faceted (3.5%)
Culet: None

Finish
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

Comments
Pinpoints are not shown.

Once again, thank you for the time and responses.

 

[yssie]

Hi Yssie

Is there some way I can PM you the links to the reports? I'm happy to send them to you, but slighly hesitant to publish the full links publicly...

The only comments on the GIA certs are "Additional pinpoints are not shown"

The EGL cert is the most descriptive and states:

- 8 HEARTS & 8 ARROWS - This diamond was polished utilizing superior precision and craftmanship, its exquisite proportions generate the appearance of 8 Hearts & 8 Arrows, when viewed at the correct angle & under the proper lighting conditions.
- "Excellent Ideal Cut"

Here is another nice example I found, slightly smaller, but 0.8 within TIC range:

DIAMOND 5:
Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.52 - 6.54 x 3.97 mm
Carat Weight: 1.03 carat
Color Grade: F
Clarity Grade: VVS2
Cut Grade: Excellent

Proportions
Depth: 60.8%
Table: 57%
Crown Angle: 34.0°
Crown Height: 14.5%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star Length: 50%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Medium, Faceted (3.5%)
Culet: None

Finish
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

Comments
Pinpoints are not shown.

Once again, thank you for the time and responses.

PS doesn't have PMs but that's alright, you've given us everything on the report. As long as *you* have proof that there is in fact a GIA report - either a scan or the number, you can check it here http://www.gia.edu/reportcheck/ - that takes care of that.

The trouble with EGL is that
A) They are remarkably inconsistent wrt colour and clarity grading - you can't say an EGL is probably a grade lower, because it might well be two - or three. You just don't know.
B) They do not define how they arrive at the conclusion of 8 perfect hearts and arrows - there is no documentation wrt requirements, standards, and specifications for defining H&A. Without those standards it's a meaningless title. The HRD H&A report is its counterpoint, HRD clearly describes exactly how optical symmetry is evaluated...

I would strongly advise dropping the EGL, especially if you can't see and compare in-person before buying!!


With the info that we have all those four GIA stones are promising. If you want to be ultra conservative (which in your situation is probably wise) I'd toss #1 as well and contact vendor(s) about 2, 3, and 4 - the 1.18, 1.16, and 1.03. The vendors will need to check availability, etc., they may be able to get some photos...


Long story short - next step: contact vendor about stones 2/3/4.