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5 EGL diamond comparisons - which one should I choose?

CarrieSpin

CarrieSpin

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 25, 2014
Messages
12
Hey everyone, :shifty:
I have narrowed down my diamond search to the following 5 diamonds.
Any suggestions or advise of which to choose would be greatly appreciated!

#1. #2. #3. #4. #5.
Shape Round Round Round Round Round

Carat Weight 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.78 1.79

Color F G E D G

Clarity SI2 SI2 SI2 SI2 SI

Cut Ideal Ideal Ideal Ideal Ideal

Report EGL EGL EGL EGL EGL

Depth % 64.5 63.6 63.7 63.1 63.6
Table % 59 59 56 60 58
Polish Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Symmetry Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Cut Grade Excellent Excellent Excellent Ideal Ideal
Measurements 7.43 x 7.39
x 4.78 mm 7.52 x 7.47
x 4.77 mm 7.50 x 7.46
x 4.79 mm 7.72 x 7.65
x 4.84 mm 7.59 x 7.56
x 4.81 mm
Length to Width 1.01 to 1 1.01 to 1 1.01 to 1 1.01 to 1 1.00 to 1
Girdle Medium Medium -- -- --
Culet -- None None -- --
Fluorescence Faint None None None None
 
Easy answer!

None.

Reason: EGL (have no clue the actual color/clarity) and bad depth % (definitely stay below 62.5%)

Try to stick to stones with AGS or GIA certification, if you want to get what you're paying for.

Unless you know A LOT about diamonds, don't buy an EGL stone.

Your best bet is to post your budget here, and some general constraints, and some folks will assist with selecting a well-suited stone.

Best of luck!
 
This is EGL report for stone #4.
aa_4.gif

This is EGL report for stone #5.
aa_5.gif
 
I have tried to educate myself thru this site and it's been extremely knowledgeable, but I'm no expert.
I am planning on having my diamond appraised before return policy expires (30 days) does that help benefit with me going to EGL route?
 
 
No. The appraisal doesn't help. DO. NOT. BUY. AN. EGL. STONE.

Okay?

Also since it's obvious that your research to date hasn't really educated you very well, here's what you need to know.

The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F. And GIA Ex is not enough. And you must stick to GIA and AGS only. EGL is a bad option: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/[/URL]
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want?
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut
Well one method is to start with a GIA Ex, and then apply the HCA to it. YOU DO NOT USE HCA for AGS0 stones.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/holloway-cut-advisor
The HCA is a rejection tool. Not a selection tool. It uses 4 data points to make a rudimentary call on how the diamond may perform.
If the diamond passes then you know that you are in the right zone in terms of angles for light performance. Under 2 is a pass. Under 2.5-2.1 is a maybe. 2.6 and over is a no. No score 2 and under is better than any other.
Is that enough? Not really.
So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an idealscope image does. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/firescope-idealscope
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile, as they do not provide idealscope images for their diamonds. BGD, James Allen, GOG, HPD, ERD and WF do.

The Idealscope is the 'selection tool'. Not the HCA.
So yes, with a GIA stone you need the idealscope images. Or you can buy an idealscope yourself and take it in to the jeweler you are working with to check the stones yourself. Or if you have a good return policy (full refund minimum 7 days) then you can buy the idealscope, buy the stone, and do it at home.


Now if you want to skip all that... stick to AGS0 stones and then all you have to do is pick color and clarity and you know you have a great performing diamond. Because AGS has already done the checking for you. That's why they trade at a premium.
 
None.

EGL lies about grades.
EGL stones SEEM like a good deal ... till you find out that what EGL calls F VS1 is really a G VS2, an H SI1 or worse. ;(
If they could get away with calling weight an "opinion" EGL would sell 1 carat stones as 1.25 carat stones.
Same thing.

GIA and AGS stones SEEM like a rip off in comparison ... till you find out that the GIA F VS1 really IS an F VS1.

It's a big fraud.
Please don't become the next victim.
 
Thanks everyone now back to scratch with the diamond. My diamond budget is $6,500. I am trying to get the most for my money, but nothing yellow as I will have it set into white gold. Any suggested retailers I've heard of good ol' gold checking their site now.
 
WF and BGD
 
On color:
It is important to remember is that color is graded FACE DOWN. Where there is NO light return. Not face up where there is light return and refraction. You wear diamonds set. FACE UP.

Within one color grade, even the labs can't agree on the color grades of stones and something could be a "high" H or a "low" E. So... no. Not really. Within 2 color grades it is hard. Not impossible. But very hard. And it gets harder once set. If you are talking ideal rounds, or any stone with ideal light return and no sharp corners it gets harder still because the ideal light return masks body color.

Generally we say to be conservative stay above H.

If you are talking fancy shapes without ideal light return (because there is no 'ideal' for EC's Radiant, etc) it's a bit different.

This is how I think of it.

Ever gotten one of those HUGE paint fan decks? Where there are literally 100s of colors of whites? And when they are RIGHT next to each other you can TOTALLY tell that one is bluer/colder and one is a bit warmer and which one is one is TOTALLY warmer. One there's one that's slightly greener. One that's slightly pinker? But really. They are all white?

Then you pick one after agonizing over this white or that white and when it's on the walls and people are like: Oh. You painted again. And it's STILL white. Great.

And you're all... BUT it's BLUE white. Or it's a WARM white now. It used to be ____ white. It's TOTALLY different.

It's like that. You are talking about shades of white. D is colder... J is warmer. But it's all white.

YES. If you have an accurately graded F and an H THAT HAVE THE SAME PERFORMANCE you are going to be able to tell them apart when you compare them side by side. Just like you would be able to tell if you painted your walls a warm white, but painted the crown molding a cold/straight white. But both are STILL white, you only see the contrast because of the proximity. But it's very slight, you could set an F center with G sides and never tell the difference. And even H sides depending on the setting and the size of the sidestones... especially with round brilliants.


I want you notice all the qualifiers thought. I'm talking about stones with the SAME performance. An ideal H will out white an F that has compromised light performance from a poor cut.

NOTHING impacts the appearance of a diamond as much as cut. CUT is king.

You want the shinest whitest and brightest diamond out there: Cut is King. No other factor, not color or clarity or anything else impacts how white bright an shiny a stone is.
 
You aren't going to get much more than a carat with your budget in an accurately graded stone. I'm sorry to tell you.

But that's the truth. A 1 cart G Si1 is going to run 8-10k. At least in the quality you want so that it is something other than a hunk of carbon sitting on your finger.

You can prioritize size over cut. You don't need H&A. And we can find you a nice stone with Fluorescence. J won't be yellow. I have lots of friends, who know diamonds, who have well cut J's in platinum or white gold settings. I would suggest that you should be looking for a nice I or J if you want good value.

Again, you just don't really know much about diamonds. Where are you located? Maybe there is a good local vendor we can have you go to so you can see some nice stones in person.
 
EGL will not get me I truly appreciate all the advise I have received from PC! This is a picture of diamond #5 scary!! The whole-seller told me when dealing w EGL Int to expect 3-4 grades lower and EGL USA 1-2 grades lower, but EGL USA is rare, bc if it is what they say it would be sent to GIA. unnamed_24.jpg
 
EGL is not consistently any number of predictable grades off GIA. And it also depends on which EGL lab. EGL USA is not 'rare'. We've had stones come back 6-7 color grades off from various EGL labs (not USA lab though). Average means that there are highs and lows. You won't know if you are getting the high or low. Don't buy EGL.
 
RockyRacoon|1410547098|3749820 said:
Easy answer! DITTO sorry

None.

Reason: EGL (have no clue the actual color/clarity) and bad depth % (definitely stay below 62.5%)

Try to stick to stones with AGS or GIA certification, if you want to get what you're paying for.

Unless you know A LOT about diamonds, don't buy an EGL stone.

Your best bet is to post your budget here, and some general constraints, and some folks will assist with selecting a well-suited stone.

Best of luck!
Click to expand...
 
Something like this is going to give you the most bang for your buck:
1.2 J Si 60/60 stone with great spread and a 41 degree pavilion angle. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-361102 You can put on hold and ask for an idealscope.

This one might work too: http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6221029-1.26-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=6221029&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com Ask for images and idealscope.
 
I am glad to see you going back to scratch as NONE of those diamonds would qualify for an Ideal cut under AGSL grading standards, and GIA's top grade is Excellent, so not only does EGL make up the color and clarity grades, they also play pretty loose with the cut grades too.

Good luck with your search, you will get some excellent help here!

Wink
 
Thanks Everyone!!
What about these 2 which would you choose?

Details
#1
Round
1.50
I
SI2
Ideal
GIA
62.7 depth
58 table
Very Good - polish
Excellent- symm
Very Good - cut grade
7.24 x 7.20
x 4.53 mm
1.01 to 1- length to width
--
--
Strong- flor

#2
Round
1.50
I
SI2
Ideal
GIA
63.2- depth
57- table
Excellent - polish
Excellent- symm
Very Good- cut grade
7.26 x 7.23
x 4.58 mm
1.00 to 1 l to width
Medium - girdle
None- cutlet
Medium- flor
 
Are you committed to buying a round diamond? If you are looking for size, something like an oval or pear might give you more size for your money.
 
You just really aren't reading what we post for you are you?

A) Crown and pavillion angles are missing.
B) SI2 is not likely to be eyeclean, need images.
C) You need an idealscope.
D) Very good cut is not good enough.
E) As has already been pointed out to you, no depths over 62.5
F) Your budget isn't going to get you a 1.5 carat diamond.

Please go back and read what we posted for you. And this time, pay attention please.

Both those diamonds are poorly cut. Over deep. And face up small for their carat weight. A 1.5 carat diamond that is properly cut faces up at 7.4-7.5.
 
Lookinagain|1410567245|3750069 said:
Are you committed to buying a round diamond? If you are looking for size, something like an oval or pear might give you more size for your money.
Click to expand...

Ovals and pears cost less per carat. And face up large for their carat weight. It is a good suggestion, but it still won't get her a 1.5 carat stone for 6500. Also, they are harder to shop for than rounds, and this poster is finding that challenging.
 
Gypsy|1410567511|3750073 said:
Lookinagain|1410567245|3750069 said:
Are you committed to buying a round diamond? If you are looking for size, something like an oval or pear might give you more size for your money.
Click to expand...

Ovals and pears cost less per carat. And face up large for their carat weight. It is a good suggestion, but it still won't get her a 1.5 carat stone for 6500. Also, they are harder to shop for than rounds, and this poster is finding that challenging.
Click to expand...


But... marquise maybe?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.55-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-288222
 
The problem you have with purchasing any EGL graded stone is they are graded in places like India, Israel and Asia and they have much more lax standards then GIA and AGS. People think they are getting this fantastic bargain buying an EGL stone, or in many cases, like yours they are tempted by this much large diamond for their money when in fact they are NOT getting anything better than a GIA graded stone.

Now the reason I say that is simple. Your EGL graded H SI2 with an excellent cut is probably the equivalent of a M/N coloured I1 more likely I2 as graded by GIA with a very average cut - cut btw gives a diamond the fire and sparkle that you notice. So really, if you went out and looked for a GIA graded M with a bad cut and bad clarity you would be getting the same apples for apples stone.

This is why we are trying to get you to instead purchase a GIA or AGS graded diamond because that way you will know for SURE what you are actually buying rather than some wildcard that you have no real idea about but find out in 1 or 2 or 5 or 10 years time when you go and get it appraised how little it was really worth.

People are suggesting well cut stones for you - the better the cut the more pleasing the diamond will be to the eye.

I also agree with the others if you are after a large diamond or a better deal consider things like different shapes with larger spreads like pears or ovals or Antique (old cut) diamonds which will probably be in the same colour range as the EGL stones you are looking at but will face up (look much) nicer in lower colours.
 
Niel|1410567803|3750075 said:
Gypsy|1410567511|3750073 said:
Lookinagain|1410567245|3750069 said:
Are you committed to buying a round diamond? If you are looking for size, something like an oval or pear might give you more size for your money.
Click to expand...

Ovals and pears cost less per carat. And face up large for their carat weight. It is a good suggestion, but it still won't get her a 1.5 carat stone for 6500. Also, they are harder to shop for than rounds, and this poster is finding that challenging.
Click to expand...


But... marquise maybe?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.55-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-288222
Click to expand...
I'd go for a J round in a heartbeat. A J marquise though... no. The tint would be too pronounced especially at the tips.

What the poster needs is a reality check. She has a certain budget. She can get a nice 1.0 to 1.25 carat stone in the I/J color range. She can get a stone that has a nice upgrade policy. And later on down the line she can upgrade the stone until it reaches her dream size.
 
Gypsy|1410569098|3750090 said:
Niel|1410567803|3750075 said:
Gypsy|1410567511|3750073 said:
Lookinagain|1410567245|3750069 said:
Are you committed to buying a round diamond? If you are looking for size, something like an oval or pear might give you more size for your money.
Click to expand...

Ovals and pears cost less per carat. And face up large for their carat weight. It is a good suggestion, but it still won't get her a 1.5 carat stone for 6500. Also, they are harder to shop for than rounds, and this poster is finding that challenging.
Click to expand...


But... marquise maybe?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.55-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-288222
Click to expand...
I'd go for a J round in a heartbeat. A J marquise though... no. The tint would be too pronounced especially at the tips.

What the poster needs is a reality check. She has a certain budget. She can get a nice 1.0 to 1.25 carat stone in the I/J color range. She can get a stone that has a nice upgrade policy. And later on down the line she can upgrade the stone until it reaches her dream size.
Click to expand...
That's was an example, she could considering the price and clarity of that stone,find a I si2 with a little effort.

And to be honest the color of a J isn't instantly a no go for me. I had a K marquise (at best) and the color was even thought. With some time, a well cut marquise with an even spread and uniform cut could go to a j, from my personal experience.
 
Gypsy|1410583910|3750194 said:
Niel|1410572394|3750116 said:
heres a princess thats very close

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.42-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-364034
Click to expand...

If the only reason she wants a larger stone is to brag it's a 1.4 carat stone then yes, it's a great solution.

But the 1.2 carat round I linked her to above is 7mm. Because princesses face up so small, this one is only 6mm. So if ACTUAL size is her goal, then a princess isn't the right choice.
Click to expand...


Well, lets say a 1.3 ct round, which would, from the looks of it for her price range, be a K, is 7mm. This stone is 6.12x6.03

The difference is minute. 3% difference in size between the two. And Theres the color grade difference, plus the mind clean aspect of a 1.4 vs a 1.3.

prince_round.jpg
 
Old post requote

"1.4 crt round (7.2mm in dia): 40.71 sq. mm
1.5 crt princess (6.4x6.4): 40.96 sq. mm"

This may help put sizing into perspective and the above assumes proper cuts and depths for both shapes
 
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