Am I in dreamland ...

[Spesh2011]

to think I can get a 1.4-1.5 RB or a 1.5 cushion for $9k or under??? I'm beginning to think so.

Does anyone here own an EGL graded stone that they are happy with? I understand the differences between EGL and GIA/AGS, but if I'm being honest ....

If I were to get an EGL stone that was graded to be an G/VS1, but it was really an I/SI1 in terms of GIA grading, I don't know that I would really care as long as it was white, bright, eye clean and sparkly/firey as heck. The certificate name is not what matters to me -- what matters to me is how the diamond looks on my finger.

I've just read so many less than fabulous things on here about EGL stones that I wonder if I'm missing something?? Is it hard to find a trustworthy vendor that sells EGL stones? My purchase will be solely online so it's important to deal with someone that has a good reputation, but I worry that the stones are just garbage all around?

I can say with a bit of certainty this this will be my one and only ring. An upgrade will likely never be an option for me and I'm ok with that so I'm just trying to get the most bang for my buck.

Would love your thoughts!

 

[stone-cold11]

This post might help.

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-international-which-is-the-best-deal.162154/

The pros are trying very hard to make a profit, you have to be very very lucky for them to miss a stone they can squeeze more profit from.

 

[Amys Bling]

Problem with EGL is how do you assess the cut?? You don't have enough information on their certs to enter into the HCA to determine cut quality--- and since they are "soft" graders you can't take the cut grade seriously on the lab grading. For me- an excellent/ideal cut is really important and I would want to ensure the best cut-- hard to do sight unseen by the numbers with an EGL.

 

[Amys Bling]

This post might help.

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-international-which-is-the-best-deal.162154/

The pros are trying very hard to make a profit, you have to be very very lucky for them to miss a stone they can squeeze more profit from.

Very true. If you are buying EGL price compare eith GIA and AGS by a good 2 grades lower across the board. Don't want to overpay!!

 

[slg47]

the issue is that it 'seems' like a deal but often is not a deal. I would stick with GIA or AGS so you know what you are getting.

 

[Amys Bling]

the issue is that it 'seems' like a deal but often is not a deal. I would stick with GIA or AGS so you know what you are getting.

Very true. Even if you estimate the color and clarity about two grades lower--- the cut is a ?? And that can really set the pricing apart.

 

[CedarRapids]

Not an easy task for a RB, but here are some scraps (I haven't checked the HCAs and AGA/NAJA cut grade on these). Basically, color and clarity are sacrificed:

Clarity is not great, but
1.50 F I1 GIA 8450 (PS price):
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1391440.asp


K is not quite white, but:
1.50 K SI1 8550 (PS Price):
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1396139.asp

another one:
1.50 K SI1 8830 (PS Price):
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1402795.asp

The average 1.5 carat diamond will be 7.4 mm in diameter.
Look for diamonds in the 1.35 carat range that are in the 59-60.5% depth range; their diameters will be in the 7.2-7.25 range and look big for their weight. Good spread, that is.

 

[Amys Bling]

Not an easy task for a RB, but here are some scraps (I haven't checked the HCAs and AGA/NAJA cut grade on these). Basically, color and clarity are sacrificed:

Clarity is not great, but
1.50 F I1 GIA 8450 (PS price):
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1391440.asp


K is not quite white, but:
1.50 K SI1 8550 (PS Price):
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1396139.asp

another one:
1.50 K SI1 8830 (PS Price):
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1402795.asp

The average 1.5 carat diamond will be 7.4 mm in diameter.
Look for diamonds in the 1.35 carat range that are in the 59-60.5% depth range; their diameters will be in the 7.2-7.25 range and look big for their weight. Good spread, that is.

If stone #1 is eyeclean I would consider it. As for the other two-- you have to see your comfort with color...K will definitely show a tint- and if you were considering sidestones or a halo the tint will be more pronounced.

 

[slg47]

I thought the OP wanted a cushion?

what type of cushion do you want (vintage vs. modern, square, rectangular...)? this video might help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O7H8E_MYRM

 

[CedarRapids]

I thought the OP wanted a cushion?

what type of cushion do you want (vintage vs. modern, square, rectangular...)? this video might help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O7H8E_MYRM

I assumed 1.4 - 1.5 RB or a 1.5 cushion.

 

[slg47]

I thought the OP wanted a cushion?

what type of cushion do you want (vintage vs. modern, square, rectangular...)? this video might help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O7H8E_MYRM

I assumed 1.4 - 1.5 RB or a 1.5 cushion.

oops didn't see RB or cushion...

OP you should decide first! it will make shopping a lot easier

 

[MissStepcut]

I got a 1.5X carat GIA H VS1 emerald last month for WELL under your budget... on the secondary market. If you are willing to take your time and find ways to guard against risks, you can get into your carat and quality preferences.

 

[centralsquare]

While it is hard to know what you're getting with EGL, you may consider purchasing it and taking it to an appraise if there is a return policy.

 

[happybear]

If I were to get an EGL stone that was graded to be an G/VS1, but it was really an I/SI1 in terms of GIA grading, I don't know that I would really care as long as it was white, bright, eye clean and sparkly/firey as heck. The certificate name is not what matters to me -- what matters to me is how the diamond looks on my finger.

Then why don't you consciously go for an AGS/GIA I color or lower and try to get an eye-clean SI2 (difficult but not impossible)?

People here stress on either these two reports because they are consistent. You want to get what you pay for, so why risk paying for something that is possibly off by 2 grades or more?

 

[CharmyPoo]

I believe that once you level set the true grades of the stone - the prices are compareable for an EGL or GIA stone. At the end of the day, you just need to know where your money is going and what you are paying for.

 

[Mrs W]

Have you thought about an antique engagement ring or second hand pieces? Also, a three stone or halo engagement ring would help things look bigger. Better yet, how about a three stone with a halo around the center stone Another thing, fancy cut diamonds, while still expensive, are cheaper then round cut diamonds. It's a shame diamonds are soooo expensive now but if you have a huge want, and a smaller diamond just won't do, then try other avenues.

Anyway, these places seem to have a large selection of nice antique/second-hand rings:
http://www.newyorkestatejewelry.com/?gclid=CNy-jpbxjKsCFShgTAodcGAhvA

http://www.doverjewelry.com/

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/

http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/home

 

[Spesh2011]

Wow, I go offline for a day and come back to all these awesome responses - thank you!

I still need to go through them all, but I so appreciate everyone's thoughts.

Off to read!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I believe that once you level set the true grades of the stone - the prices are compareable for an EGL or GIA stone. At the end of the day, you just need to know where your money is going and what you are paying for.

But EGL is also not consistent in their grading so a consumer cannot know if they have a "GIA K" or a "GIA M" when they buy an EGL J. And that means they could be paying about par or drastically more than they would for a truly comparable GIA graded stone.

I don't like EGL because I think the lab and the sellers who offer them prey on buyers like the OP who want the biggest stone they can get and think they see a "deal" to be had. Of course, it is never a deal, and more often than not, the consumer is the loser in the equation.

 

[OCgirl]

I did a search too and got a few more stones. You can probably request scope images from James Allen after you decide which three to pick then we can get a better idea of the cut. I didn't run the numbers through HCA but they are tagged by JA as "ideal" (can decide for ourselves after getting the images).

1.53 ct J SI2 (seems really clean on the report; can get an eye clean assessment) $8,290 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1407791.asp
1.51 ct J SI2 (need eye clean assessment) $8,380 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1406521.asp

 

[anitabee]

i own an egl usa princess cut. i very happy with it. got it at a pawn shop in detroit for a great price!

never looked back

i know that others wouldn't buy egl or egl usa (they are separate organizations). my attitude is that nobody has EVER asked about the grading lab (except here). a diamond is a diamond is a diamond. i think sometimes we forget this fact.

i could easily send my stone off to get it graded by gia or agl if i really wanted to. not sure if i ever will, however, since i don't care enough to find out the "true gia grading". my egl stone is si1 with an i color. it could come back as a gia j. i just know that i love my stone!

oh well.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I believe that once you level set the true grades of the stone - the prices are compareable for an EGL or GIA stone. At the end of the day, you just need to know where your money is going and what you are paying for.

But EGL is also not consistent in their grading so a consumer cannot know if they have a "GIA K" or a "GIA M" when they buy an EGL J. And that means they could be paying about par or drastically more than they would for a truly comparable GIA graded stone.

I don't like EGL because I think the lab and the sellers who offer them prey on buyers like the OP who want the biggest stone they can get and think they see a "deal" to be had. Of course, it is never a deal, and more often than not, the consumer is the loser in the equation.

What you are saying is actually the point I am making. The buyer needs to understand the true grade when they are buying EGL - ie. get it appraised by an expert.

 

[Spesh2011]

This has been a very helpful thread -- thank you very, very much.

I have mad love for RB's and chunky cushions , but I've found that I'll likely be able to find a stone closer to my wants in the form of a RB. I have decided to make my purchase through either ERD or GOG. I've spoken to both over the last few months and really love their customer service. Plus, their reps on here don't hurt either.