Advice/opinions for a first time diamond buyer

[IrishinVA]

I have learned alot about diamonds on this website so far, and I am still in the process of looking at diamonds. I am considering a couple of round diamonds and wanted to know some thoughts on the diamonds and the prices. I know they are quite different sizes and I am looking to get a larger AGS0 in to see, but we'll see how it turns out. I have only had the chance to see one of the stones. Is there anything else I should be asking about or concerned about? Are there reasons some would prefer the GIA over the AGS0 or vice versa (other than size)? Thanks in advance and for all that I have learned so far!

GIA
2.06
8.21-8.25 x 5.01 mm
signature ideal cut
color: G
clarity: SI-1
Polish/Symmety: Excellent/Excellent
table: 57%
depth: 60.9%
crown angle: 34.5
pavilion angle: 40.8
cutlet: none
fluorescence: none
HCA: 1.3 (excellent for all, spread very good)
$20,000

AGS0
1.55
7.42-7.47 x 4.56mm
color: G
clarity: SI-1
polish/symmetry: ideal/ideal
table 56.5%
depth 61.2%
crown angle 34.6
pavilion angle 40.7
girdle: faceted 1.3% to 3.6%
cutlet: pointed
fluorescence: negligble
HCA: 1 (excellent for all, spread very good)
$13,000

 

[JulieN]

both sound pretty good. GIA vs AGS is not a big deal.

 

[Ellen]

I agree, both look like very nice diamonds!

The labs are tops, and both carry stones where some are nicer than others. You have to consider each stone individually.

 

[wishinpink]

Since you''re looking at SI1 diamonds, I would ask the seller (if the diamonds are in house) whether the diamonds are eye clean (meaning whether or not you can see the inclusions with your eyes easily)

 

[IrishinVA]

The one I have seen, the AGS, is mostly eyeclean, you can see a tiny little bit from the side view, but nothing from the top (I am guessing the prong would cover this). Thejeweler said the GIA stone was eyeclean from the top as well and he mentioned you may be able to see some from the side but he wasn''t quite sure from the side view. I am going to see it tomorrow, so hopefully it will be eyeclean as well. Is it typical with SI-1s that you can usually see the inclusions from the side or is it possible to get a totally eyeclean diamond (from all views)? I know eyeclean has different meanings for different people. I just felt in most cases you can get a beautiful SI-1 diamond and would rather spend the premium on cut or color. Thanks for your help!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/17/2008 9:37:40 PM
Author: IrishinVA
The one I have seen, the AGS, is mostly eyeclean, you can see a tiny little bit from the side view, but nothing from the top (I am guessing the prong would cover this). Thejeweler said the GIA stone was eyeclean from the top as well and he mentioned you may be able to see some from the side but he wasn''t quite sure from the side view. I am going to see it tomorrow, so hopefully it will be eyeclean as well. Is it typical with SI-1s that you can usually see the inclusions from the side or is it possible to get a totally eyeclean diamond (from all views)? I know eyeclean has different meanings for different people. I just felt in most cases you can get a beautiful SI-1 diamond and would rather spend the premium on cut or color. Thanks for your help!

Yes it is possible, but you need to be extremely honest with the vendor as to what your expectations are concerning this, and to work with a vendor who has the diamond in hand who can inspect it for you.