$60,000 /Original Radiant Cut specs

[Ann]

I had a local jeweler bring in an Origianl Radiant Cut stone so I could see if there was a difference between it and some other radiants I have seen around. It was a beautiful cut, but I am still torn between a radiant and an emerald cut.

Here goes:

$60,000.

3.80ct.
E
SI1
10.75 x 7.65 x 5.32

Depth 69.5%
Table 66 %
Girdle very thin to slightly thick
culet none
Polish good
Sym good
Fluor. none
L to W 1.41
Crown 9.9%
Pavilion Depth 45.1
Visible Surface Area 76.69
Adjusted Depth 58.4

Ok, this was the nastiest SI1 I have ever seen. The gentleman showing me this stone agreed it was more like an I1. And this is from a GIA cert. And the "cert"" from The Original Radiant Cut company. It really was a pretty stone, but not the specs I want.

So, my question is (and I think I know the answer!) does this stone demand 60K ? The stone was set in a platinum setting with smaller radiants on each side. Price for the entire ring was $69,000. I thought that was pushing it - alot. He is looking for other stones, but I am very leary. Are there any vendors that carry The Original Radiant cut?

Also, one other little thing that was bugging me as I louped this stone was the "cross hairs" in the center.

 

[reena]

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On 10/23/2004 7:03:10 PM Ann wrote:



Ok, this was the nastiest SI1 I have ever seen. The gentleman showing me this stone agreed it was more like an I1. And this is from a GIA cert. And the 'cert'' from The Original Radiant Cut company. It really was a pretty stone, but not the specs I want.
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the question of whether you should spend $60k (!!!!) for a stone that you described as such is a no-brainer.

good luck finding something fabulous that you love.

 

[hey joey]

it's too much money!!!!!!!!!! it should be $38,000 specially with that type of inclusion.

 

[valeria101]

Ass soon as you put the GIA cert in the drawer, the diamond will for ever look included fullstop - no pedigree. Why pay for something no one ever sees?

There must be other, more desirable SI stones out there. And hopefully it would not take as long as THIS (story) to find one.

 

[Ann]

I would never buy the stone he brought in for me. I was flabergasted (!) that he was asking that much $ for the stone. I guess one of the things I need to know is, was the price so high because it is a "branded" Original Cut? The stone was set and maybe whomever he called it from wanted to get a certain amount of $ out of it because it was set. Who knows.

I am going to be in New York soon, and really want to look around for setting ideas. Any suggestions where to look?

 

[fire&ice]

Or, maybe your jeweler wanted too much profit.

 

[alexah]

On the Original Radiant site, there's a section where you can put in your zip code & get stores that sell Orig Rads - here's the link

Edited to add: These are the two places in NYC that sell them so you can check out pricing when you're in NY...

Albert's Fine Jewelry
One West 47th Street
New York, NY   10036
212- 302-9630

Philmar Jewelers
578 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY   10036
212- 719-1410

 

[Nicrez]

Original Radiants tend to have a higher price tag, but from what I noticed, their proportions tend to be better than the generic stones I have seen, and cut to a better standard.

As you know all diamonds are different, no two alike, so can you find an awesome generic stone, sure! Can you find a terrible Original Radiant, likely... but my bet is on finding a nice stone is much liklier when it is from a company that created the cut, and has actual standards for the cut, unlike the other generics that even include a cut-cornered princess as a "radiant"...

So regardless of WHERE you get it, the stone should speak to you.

I got my radiant (a VVS1) at Philmar Jeweler's in NYC, co-owned by Phil, who helped us. He's great, I loved him! Albert's Jewelers have a larger store who were fairly helpful but youwill notice that Philmar has so much traffic that you ma have to wait a bit to get to see stones. To me, he's worth it.

As for price, see if there are any discounts or any way of getting the prices lower. Ask, it never hurts. Cash often discounts over credit cards. Either way, I suggest you call BOTH places and get them to bring stones in within your specs, so you can see them while you are there. ALWAYS try to call ahead to have them be preapred for your search. Give them time to find the stone, and then make your choice....

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!!

 

[Ann]

Would I be breaking any rules by having another jeweler bring in stones for me? Even if it is across the country almost? If I ask the jeweler in NYC to acquire stones that are the same specs I gave here in Houston, isn't that a little bit of a no -no? I don't feel completely comfortable with the jeweler here. If I don't contact a jewler in NYC, I am thinking about contacting Jonathon at GoodOldGold for a stone,see what he can get, then sending it to Leon Mege for setting.

 

[Nicrez]

Well, both jewelers operate in a free market. I have used various jewelers to see the same stone. As I see it, the stone is just like anything else. The vendor with the better price or the better service will get my business, not just because one showed me the stone first. That to me, is what keeps things competitive, and makes them WANT to be nice, helpful and deal with you on a competitively priced level.

Unless you feel a trust or have a relationship with someone for years, then only do I think there should be that loyalty. As I see it, he who gives me what I want, when I want it wins.

Jonathan can also order you some Radiants, although I am not sure if they are Original Branded Radiants. The benefit with GOG is that they perform analysis on all their stones, so you can see that, but he also offers those services if you bring a stone in, for an extra cost.

Call in the specs to Philmar, call in the specs to Alberts, call in the specs to Jonathan. See what they all have to offer and make your decision based on the most stones you can see. Compare them by look, adherence to your requests, service, and price. If you want a relationship with your jeweler in the future, then you may also want to base your decision on how the jeweler treats you and their upgrade policy...

But guilt has no place in the business world. It's your money, make sure you get the most choices for your slection, then select according to the best fit for your needs. In the end price is depend on a few things, including service and the item.

Good luck and rest assured, if they want your business, they will find a way to meet your needs, and THAT is the kind of person I want to establish a relationship with!