Advice on a few Light Yellow Diamonds

[kimikocat]

I''ve found a few possibilities that intrigue. Please help me decide if these are worth considering, or if I should keep looking.

The first is a modern cushion cut, but with high crown angles (>40%, also noted on the GIA certificate). It is fancy light yellow, VS1 and weighs 1.01 carats, with measurements of 5.76 x 5.36 x 3.54 mm. The price is around 3200.00.

 

[kimikocat]

The second is an uncerted light yellow radiant. I did not receive reports from the vendor on the table/depth/angles etc. it weights 1.07 carats. I have asked for more detailed measurement info. It is 3500.00.

 

[kimikocat]

I found this U-colored Old Mine cut at Old World diamonds. The measurements are: 6.00*5.77*4.8 mm, it is VS2 and comes with a certificate from EGL USA. The price is about 2300.00

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 7/30/2008 12:48:32 PM
Author: kimikocat
I found this U-colored Old Mine cut at Old World diamonds. The measurements are: 6.00*5.77*4.8 mm, it is VS2 and comes with a certificate from EGL USA. The price is about 2300.00

Here''s the link to the diamond''s page on OWD
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=187&SHAPE=OM&PAGE=2

 

[kimikocat]

Another from Old World Diamonds, priced at 1819.00. It is an ST colored OEC, SI1, 0.97 carats, with measurements of 6.41*6.34*4.0 mm, and depth/table %''s = 62.6% depth/61% table.

Link to stone: http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=419&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=37&SORT=COLOR

 

[kimikocat]

The last one is a stone that I found by searching ERD''s "premium" cushion collection, and haven''t been able to get in touch w/ Mark T to see photographs. It is a U color, 1.31 carats, VS2, with a ratio of 1.03, and measurements of 6.48x6.27x4.39. It is priced at 1824.00.

Link to ERD: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/loose_detail.php/session/2c37f69bd3dffba89adf641f9be6d199/id/16126246/sz/150/premium/premium

 

[kimikocat]

So...my question to you all: What do you think of these stones? Do they look good to you? Should I keep looking? Do you think the two yellows are worth the premium for the fancy grade? What is the best value for my money?

Thanks for your input!!!

 

[LGK]

Just FYI: I was interested in that .97 "OEC" from old world diamonds initially, but when I called Adam & talked to him about it, he said it was actually a transitional cut and he felt it leaned towards looking most like a round brilliant. Don't know if that matters to you but just wanted to pass it on. He said the cert actually says transitional cut, not OEC. (I wanted an actual OEC, so I got a different stone.)

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 7/30/2008 1:17:53 PM
Author: LittleGreyKitten
Just FYI: I was interested in that .97 ''OEC'' from old world diamonds initially, but when I called Adam & talked to him about it, he said it was actually a transitional cut and he felt it leaned towards looking most like a round brilliant. Don''t know if that matters to you but just wanted to pass it on. He said the cert actually says transitional cut, not OEC. (I wanted an actual OEC, so I got a different stone.)

ooh, thanks for the heads up. Did he say anything about the color?

 

[LD]

I guess it comes down to colour preference? I personally love the colour of the cushion cut and am surprised it''s been graded as a fancy light yellow as it seems to have a more intense colour thant he average light graded fancy colour. The second diamond (can''t remember if it''s a radiant or princess - apologies) is a lovely cut but much lighter in colour. I''m not wildly keen on the colour of the OMC (sorry) but I guess it depends on whether colour or cut is important to you. For me, if colour were the important factor then I''d go with no.1. If it''s cut, then no.2. If cut and colour, well then I''m stumped!

 

[kimikocat]

I have more photographs of Cushion #1! I agree that the OMC seems to tend towards brown and not yellow. I wonder if perhaps Cushion #1 wound up being fancy light yellow and not fancy yellow, because the color saturation "drops off" around the edges (vendor''s words). I see a slight bowtie in the additional photographs. Point of concern?

 

[kimikocat]

Cushion #1, another angle.

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 7/30/2008 2:35:14 PM
Author: kimikocat
Cushion #1, another angle.

Oh no, my photographs aren''t attaching! Let me try again.

 

[kimikocat]

Cushion #1, View 2 (profile, carbon spot inclusions can be seen).

 

[kimikocat]

Cushion #1, View #3 (dark pattern visible)

 

[kimikocat]

Dear PSers,

Should I be concerned about these dark areas?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Tuckins1]

Let me just say that the U color stone is GORGEOUS!!! Yummm... I think that those dark spots you are seeing could e windows, but i''m nnot a cushion expert, so it might be something common. (Other cushion experts can weigh in on that one.) Enjoy your search!

 

[gracioso]

wow, perfect stones, I admire fancy stones

 

[mercoledi]

Love the facets on the U! Cushion #1 isn''t the style cushion I prefer; I like ''em chunky. Is there any chance you can see the fancies in person?

 

[purrfectpear]

I found my M old cushion cut at Old World.

I don''t know if you are only interested in Yellow or your budget? You could check out jewelsbyericagrace.com as they have some lovely old mine and cushion diamonds, but I don''t think they have anything beyond L/M.

I like THIS P at Old World (maybe larger than you were looking for?) and THIS K (which I almost bought).

 

[purrfectpear]

BTW, HERE is my antique cushion (still being crafted at Vatche).

 

[mercoledi]

Date: 7/30/2008 6:22:16 PM
Author: purrfectpear
I found my M old cushion cut at Old World.


I don''t know if you are only interested in Yellow or your budget? You could check out jewelsbyericagrace.com as they have some lovely old mine and cushion diamonds, but I don''t think they have anything beyond L/M.


I like THIS P at Old World (maybe larger than you were looking for?) and THIS K (which I almost bought).

Oh, that P is nice! I love how older cuts are just little sparkly balls! 7.8x7x5 ! crazy. love it.

Also the Erica Grace newsletter is always full of fun eye-candy. She''s got a 2.69 K that just slays me!

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 7/30/2008 6:29:40 PM
Author: purrfectpear
BTW, HERE is my antique cushion (still being crafted at Vatche).

Hello PP,

That is just drop dead gorgeous. I love it.

The top ring in this pair (image is from Nelson Rarities) inspired my search.

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 7/30/2008 6:07:00 PM
Author: mercoledi
Love the facets on the U! Cushion #1 isn''t the style cushion I prefer; I like ''em chunky. Is there any chance you can see the fancies in person?

I am like you, Mercoledi, I love the chunky look. I wanted a yellow (as in the NR ring), but it isn''t proving to be an easy, or fast, search. All of the vendors are out of town (I''m in San Francisco and they are in NYC), so I suspect the only way I can see these stones in person is if I fly to the E. Coast, or if I purchase them first and then send them back if they''re not right.

My vendor sent me some more images of the Radiant (diamond #2), I''m attaching a top view and a profile view.

 

[kimikocat]

What do you guys think? Is this one nice, or a pass?

 

[purrfectpear]

EriceGrace has a 3.06 transitional for around $16K that isn''t on her site yet. 10MM of RB goodness

Too rich for my blood but a girl can dream

 

[mercoledi]

That ring from Nelson Rarities is amazing! It looks good enough to eat!

Have you looked at Diamonds by Lauren? She specializes in fancy yellows.

 

[purrfectpear]

The radiant looks cleaner than the cushion but if you''re after the antique stone look, I don''t think you''ll acheive it. It''s a modern cut IMO.

Is there a max $$ you want to spend?

 

[LGK]

Date: 7/30/2008 1:37:50 PM
Author: kimikocat

Date: 7/30/2008 1:17:53 PM

Author: LittleGreyKitten

Just FYI: I was interested in that .97 'OEC' from old world diamonds initially, but when I called Adam & talked to him about it, he said it was actually a transitional cut and he felt it leaned towards looking most like a round brilliant. Don't know if that matters to you but just wanted to pass it on. He said the cert actually says transitional cut, not OEC. (I wanted an actual OEC, so I got a different stone.)

ooh, thanks for the heads up. Did he say anything about the color?

Honestly, I think we did discuss it but it was some months ago and I can't remember!! If you haven't yet talked to Adam on the phone, he is very easy going and doesn't mind answering questions. He can usually pull diamonds in a matter of moments so it's no major hassle, either.

I'd call him and ask what he thinks of the two you're looking at, and als. He was kind enough to tell me one of the low colored stones I'd asked about was a top brown (which I don't like), and which were too shallow etc. Very helpful. The one he suggested, my 1.22 N color OEC, is gorgeous. He said it was an eyeclean SI1, and it is indeed perfectly eyeclean from every angle, and he said it was the sparkliest of the five or so I'd called about- and I've compared it to several other OECs in person of similar size, and it is a great performer indeed, so in my opinion, he advised me very well, despite having a vested interest in selling something!

Oh, and of the stones you have posted, I love the cushion. The transitional would be my second choice. They're such different choices though; apples & oranges! I think the two stones from OWD are going to look more champagne-y, and less lemony yellow. I actually like the champagne / low color look in antique cuts. The other two are so much more modern looking. Oh- and the transitional cut looks like it has the best spread for the $, yes?

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 7/30/2008 6:49:52 PM
Author: purrfectpear
EriceGrace has a 3.06 transitional for around $16K that isn''t on her site yet. 10MM of RB goodness

Too rich for my blood but a girl can dream

Oh my... Yes, 16K is also too rich for my blood!