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About to buy this - please advise

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It is better to not buy a clarity enhanced diamond. Period. And the second diamond has an EGL cert which is not reliable. So, neither of these diamonds could be recommended.

Look at diamonds with GIA or AGS certs, so you can rely on the grading. And it would be better to get a diamond that is smaller but of higher quality.
 
Take a look at this thread before you buy a clarity enhanced diamond - [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pics-what-happened-to-my-clarity-enhanced-diamond.168193/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pics-what-happened-to-my-clarity-enhanced-diamond.168193/[/URL]
A pricescoper wonderfully took the time to show what happened to her clarity enhanced diamond and how it basically became "un-enhanced" over time.

If I had the choice without ANY option, I would take the EGL but beware that J SI2 probably means K-L and I2 in GIA/AGS terms - there is no real way of knowing without pictures what the stone will look like as far as color and clarity since EGL is so unreliable. Good luck in your search. I'm sure if you post a budget and some specs, the people on here will help you find something much better that you can be proud of despite the fact that it wont be 6 carats.
 
Wow this was great advice on CE - Based on that alone I am saying NO WAY!


So farI think this link below is my best choice.

I have no problem with EGL USA rated stones (not to be confused with the awful EGL ISREAL rated)
I realize that an EGL USA rated stone is about 1 grade different than a GIA certified after literally viewing 100's of different colors and clairity - I am comfortable buying EGL and in fact I must to get the size I want in my budget.

So if anyone wants to help me out to see if you can find better -here are my specs
Radiant Cut
Carat: 5 (or dimensions that are similar to: 11.79 X 9.33 this size appears large and is rectangle shape)
Cut: Very Good
Color: H or higher (my diamond above if a J BUT it has medium blue floresence which helps)
Clairity: VS2-Si2

Price range $32,000.
My top Choice:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-1939700-5.04-carat-Radiant-diamond-J-color-SI2-clarity.aspx
 
Seems like the proportions are really hard to come by. Maybe someone will come by with better ideas than mine - I suspect there are some great antique/secondhand deals to be found that might get you to those dimensions and be a better value.
I will keep looking but you seem happy with that J/SI2 - have you inquired as to whether its eyeclean? (Not sure if they will check that for you?)
 
Honestly, I dont see how you can buy a radiant cut stone (especially an SI2) without seeing pics of it first. There is no
telling what the cut/faceting pattern looks like, how well it returns light or how bad the inclusions look. If you are going
to shop in this manner I suggest that you only work with someone who takes returns no quetions asked. You may spend
a lot of money on shipping back/forth until you find a nice stone.

You might talk to someone like DBL. He has some large radiants but they are mostly yellow.
www.diamondsbylauren.com
 
CCB|1322937487|3073547 said:
Wow this was great advice on CE - Based on that alone I am saying NO WAY!


So farI think this link below is my best choice.

I have no problem with EGL USA rated stones (not to be confused with the awful EGL ISREAL rated)
I realize that an EGL USA rated stone is about 1 grade different than a GIA certified after literally viewing 100's of different colors and clairity - I am comfortable buying EGL and in fact I must to get the size I want in my budget.

So if anyone wants to help me out to see if you can find better -here are my specs
Radiant Cut
Carat: 5 (or dimensions that are similar to: 11.79 X 9.33 this size appears large and is rectangle shape)
Cut: Very Good
Color: H or higher (my diamond above if a J BUT it has medium blue floresence which helps)
Clairity: VS2-Si2

Price range $32,000.
My top Choice:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-1939700-5.04-carat-Radiant-diamond-J-color-SI2-clarity.aspx
EGL lies. That's the simplest way to put it. They say it's a J but it might be a GIA L or M or N. You're better off just getting the GIA M and paying an M price and knowing what you're getting.
 
CCB|1322937487|3073547 said:
Wow this was great advice on CE - Based on that alone I am saying NO WAY!


So farI think this link below is my best choice.

I have no problem with EGL USA rated stones (not to be confused with the awful EGL ISREAL rated)
I realize that an EGL USA rated stone is about 1 grade different than a GIA certified after literally viewing 100's of different colors and clairity - I am comfortable buying EGL and in fact I must to get the size I want in my budget.

So if anyone wants to help me out to see if you can find better -here are my specs
Radiant Cut
Carat: 5 (or dimensions that are similar to: 11.79 X 9.33 this size appears large and is rectangle shape)
Cut: Very Good
Color: H or higher (my diamond above if a J BUT it has medium blue floresence which helps)
Clairity: VS2-Si2

Price range $32,000.
My top Choice:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-1939700-5.04-carat-Radiant-diamond-J-color-SI2-clarity.aspx
For your $32K don't you even want to see a photo of the stone?
 
swingirl|1322954815|3073654 said:
For your $32K don't you even want to see a photo of the stone?

Gosh I agree. I can understand you not really caring about some of the aspects because your goal is to get a large stone, but I would need to at least see more than a SAMPLE image of a stone the same SHAPE as the one I was ordering before I plunked down enough to buy a respectable CAR!

Are you open to warmer stones, as a PP suggested, like an M or N?
 
sonnyjane|1322957142|3073667 said:
swingirl|1322954815|3073654 said:
For your $32K don't you even want to see a photo of the stone?

Gosh I agree. I can understand you not really caring about some of the aspects because your goal is to get a large stone, but I would need to at least see more than a SAMPLE image of a stone the same SHAPE as the one I was ordering before I plunked down enough to buy a respectable CAR!

Are you open to warmer stones, as a PP suggested, like an M or N?
An N in a radiant? I think that's going to look REALLY tinted. I am all for maximizing face-up size at the sacrifice of other things, WAY more than most PS regulars, but even I think this guy's carat appetite is not in line with his appetite budget.

Here are some nice stones in "big freaking rock" territory:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VVS1-Premium-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1331438.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1345219.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1433894.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1372318.asp
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/31FSI2/
 
MissStepcut|1322960238|3073692 said:
sonnyjane|1322957142|3073667 said:
swingirl|1322954815|3073654 said:
For your $32K don't you even want to see a photo of the stone?

Gosh I agree. I can understand you not really caring about some of the aspects because your goal is to get a large stone, but I would need to at least see more than a SAMPLE image of a stone the same SHAPE as the one I was ordering before I plunked down enough to buy a respectable CAR!

Are you open to warmer stones, as a PP suggested, like an M or N?
An N in a radiant? I think that's going to look REALLY tinted. I am all for maximizing face-up size at the sacrifice of other things, WAY more than most PS regulars, but even I think this guy's carat appetite is not in line with his appetite budget.

Here are some nice stones in "big freaking rock" territory:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VVS1-Premium-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1331438.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1345219.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1433894.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1372318.asp
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/31FSI2/

Ahh. I'll admit I don't know much about radiants. I was just kind of going along with what a PP said about an EGL J and how it could very well be a GIA M.

OP, the links that MissStepCut provided are a great way to go. They are still substantial rocks, not as large as the ones you posted, but at least you know exactly what you're getting and it's from a really trusted source.
 
sonnyjane, no worries, for the right buyer, an N radiant could be great. I just would hate to steer someone in that direction if this is a gift, because it's going to look... not white.
 
I never say this, but I am going to make an exception this one time. Are you really for real??? I mean, you can't really get a good 5 ct. stone for $32,000. We could show you good radiants within your budget, but they wouldn't be 5 cts. I can't believe you would even think of buying that ebay ring. Medium blue fluorescence is the least thing to worry about!

And, who in the world would say a stone is a top contender when they are looking at an EGL certificate but they have no photos of the stone??? I just don't believe anyone with $32,000 to spend would consider buying a diamond that they have zero idea what it looks like! I have to think you're just on here having a little fun!

But in case you are really looking, this is an example of why you have to see pictures. Here is a decent looking 4 ct. stone for $39,000:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1329664.asp

And here is one that is supposed to have a nice cut, but it has inclusions right in the center of the stone:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1372760.asp

A J radiant is likely to be noticeably tinted. And an EGL J color may be very tinted since (as others have said) it may really be L or M.

Buy her the best quality within your budget, not something that could be worthless once the clarity enhancement messes up!
 
Didn't see this link posted earlier. Good Old Gold is very reputable and honest and will tell your how eye clean this stone is. I highly recommend buying something like this:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/31FSI2/
 
Thank you all for your replies let me clear up a few things

Of course I am having to compromise something if I want a large stone in this price range. That is obvious! The stone is from B2C Jewlers which is one of the recommended vendors on this site. They will send me photos but they are not open until Monday. No, I am not "having a little fun" I will be purchasing a stone in the next few weeks in this price range and getting as large a stone as I can while still not getting too yellow - this is my goal. Obviously if I am buying an SI1 stone I am willing to compromise some quality for some carats. They have a 10 day return policy and I have negotiated a free return shipping label if I am not pleased with the stone. I have shopped the LA Jewlelry Mart and found several acceptable 5 carat stones in the $ 35,000. range however with the tax it is a better deal to buy online. I don't expect everyone to agree with my choice I just wanted help finding a stone.
And lastly I am a woman not a man - this is not an engagement ring but rather a 25 year anniversary ring that my dh offered for me to pick out.

Again thank you guys for giving me more great options to consider
 
Congratulations on your anniversary!

I don't know much about radiant cuts; however, I'm pretty sure that to get 5 carats for $30,000, you won't be buying quality.

When my husband and I purchased our first diamond for my ring eleven years ago, I worried about color and size, since we didn't know anything about cut. Turned out, after wearing it for about a year, I realized that my diamond didn't sparkle much at all and really lacked in cut quality. I wasn't happy with it for many, many years. :(sad And due to the store's lack of upgrade policies, I was stuck with it.

When I recently got a new diamond for my anniversary, I made sure to purchase quality - and to purchase from a company with a nice trade in and/or buy back policy (since you never know when you might want to change it up!)

I just wanted to let you know my personal experience. Good luck...I hope you find what makes you happiest.
 
I am very sorry, I did not look back to see if you were buying this for yourself or someone else. I was just surprised that someone would be about to buy a diamond without seeing pictures. Radiants vary greatly from beautiful to ugly! No way to even consider one without pictures! Garry, who is an expert diamond dealer here, says that it will be hard to find an eye clean stone over 2 cts., and I would say especially so at 4-5 cts. Is having 5 carats worth it to you for people to be able to see inclusions and think your stone is a little yellow? Well, really it won't matter what anyone else thinks, just you! And it is certainly your money to spend as you wish. But understand that people will think that it is a low quality diamond if the color, clarity, and less than great cut are apparent.

The best example I can think of is a local jeweler whose wife worked in the store. He had given her a 2 ct. round for an anniversary, and that is a large stone for my area. It was the cloudiest, least sparkly diamond I have ever seen anyone wear. I thought it really reflected poorly on their business that he would choose such a poor stone for his own wife! She should be wearing diamonds that were superior and would make people want to buy similar ones!
 
CCB|1322979667|3073805 said:
http://www.markbroumand.com/product/572ct-Pear-Shape-Diamond-Engagement-Anniversary-Ring__2594-1D34208830.aspx

Here is a perfect example for all the non believers!
The center stone here is 3.52 carats; if you want a ring that is 5 carats TOTAL then that does give us more room to work with!
 

The link quoted here is for (a 3.52ct Pear Shape Diamond set in the center, GIA Certified at H-SI2) and all the diamonds in the setting makes up the difference to bring you up to 5.72 ct ring.

for instance, here's a 3.51 pear GIA H SI for 31+k http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Diam...4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE &utm_source=PriceScope That leaves a couple of thousand for a really nice setting similar to the one you have linked to above.

I would really trust the posters here who have already tried to find you a larger radiant diamond but stay in a reasonable cut, colour, clarity range plus their recommendations of online vendors who can provide pictures, aset, etc. They have hours, days, years...of experience and have helped hundreds of men and women get the diamond of their dreams...(me included!)
 
MissStepcut|1323032844|3074059 said:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-I1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1389159.asp

Another big-freaking-rock with scattered inclusions (so none are going to be highly obvious on their own) and budget left over for a blingy setting... making up a carat in side stones should be easy enough.

Big and :eek:
 
MissStepcut|1323032844|3074059 said:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-I1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1389159.asp

Another big-freaking-rock with scattered inclusions (so none are going to be highly obvious on their own) and budget left over for a blingy setting... making up a carat in side stones should be easy enough.


I've been PS'd.... that stone is awful.... :errrr: :nono: :nono: :nono:
 
Strongly disagree. IRL scattered inclusions like that often are quite unobtrusive in person. No I1 is going to look pretty at x100.
 
I1 almost always means eye visible inclusions and it certainly will in that stone, I believe.
 
diamondseeker2006|1323035363|3074075 said:
I1 almost always means eye visible inclusions and it certainly will in that stone, I believe.
Well I don't agree that I1 "always" means eye visible inclusions, but that said, being able to pick out the bigger inclusions when you stop and look for them at 12 inches wouldn't make a diamond ugly or not worth having for many people... and maybe even most people.
 
I have seen the Radiant that is at Good Old Gold-it is really pretty!-very white!!! and the Jeff Cooper setting looks even better in real life it is very shiny and the diamonds are good quality. That ring is a great value. The 3ct pear that is also at GOG is stunning as well-another great value and its HUGE!!! and very white I would have never guessed I color. Either would be perfect for an anniversary upgrade.

link to pear: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3724/

I have seen some low colored radiants and I think that they show the warmth more that any other cut-just my opinion-you should really have some fun and go shopping-try some rings on and see what you like. It is such a wonderful and generous-and of course well deserved gift so take your time and be choosey so there will be no regrets.
 
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