Asscher Cut Help

[jacek99]

Hello all. I was recently presented with an opportunity to puchase an engagement ring as I am in the market for one. The ring has the following:

Centre Diamond:

Laser Inscription Registry: GIA 13968977
Square Emerald Cut
Measurements: 5.44 x 5.26 x 3.59 mm
Carat Weight: 0.81
Color Grade: E
Clarity Grade: IF

Proportions:
Depth: 68.3 %
Table: 54 %
Girdle: Medium
Culet: None
Finish:
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: Strong Blue

Clarity Characteristics:
Comments: Minor details of polish are present.

Side Diamonds:

Cut
Two Tapered Baguettes Diamonds

Carats
0.36 Carat

Color, Clarity
F, VS

Setting
950 Platinum

I was wondering if somebody could give me an idea of what they think such a piece would be worth. I know the centre diamond has a strong blue fluorescence, however, too my understanding that is not too tragic. Any opionions/insight is very much appreciated.

Best regards,

Jack

 

[fanboy]

I''m not nearly as expert as the average member of this forum, but I did go through a lot of research in hunting down my own Asscher. The things that pop out at me when I see the specs for that stone are:

(1) E/IF and only .81 carats? That''s a huge hit in size that you''re taking to achieve such an over-the-top clarity grade. Asscher-cut diamonds face-up smaller than round brilliants as it is and it can be harder to appreciate the facet pattern at smaller sizes. I''d consider dropping the clarity grade a bit to up the size. Heck, even a VVS stone would be much less expensive.

(2) As I understand it, fluorescence is often completely subjective in value. Some hate it, some love it. However, there''s the added danger of clouding-up the facet pattern when it comes to Asscher-cuts, and the facet pattern is what makes an Asscher special in the first place. Plus, in your case, you''ve opted for a very high color grade (which I understamd: I went for a D). If you''re going to pay for a colorless diamond, you might as well get to enjoy its colorless-ness.

(3) The table proportion seems very low. Of course, this might mean the stone has a nice mounded top, but I wonder if it''s so low that light performance will be affected.

 

[strmrdr]

Impossible to say.
We dont know the details of the ring and which market you were shopping.
54% table is fine.
I agree drop down to a vs clarity and go bigger.

 

[jacek99]

The ring looks great, with no clouding. With the table, it has a nice looking size and its proportions are nice for the Asscher cut. At least that is what I have researched. It does give a nice sparkle. It does not look small at all. If you were to value such a ring, can you provide a ballpark value. Thank you. I have been offered the ring for $4500 USD. How does that sound?
Jack

 

[jacek99]

I have pretty much left a deposit on this ring. I''m just looking to confirm that the price was at least fair. Based on what I listed, does the price of $4500 sound fair. I do understand it is a tough call, but with the numbers from the centrepiece, can anybody help? Thank you.
Jack

 

[musey]

Date: 8/1/2007 12:40:38 PM
Author: strmrdr
Impossible to say.

We dont know the details of the ring and which market you were shopping.

54% table is fine.

I agree drop down to a vs clarity and go bigger.

I also agree, especially with an asscher cut. Unless you just want bragging rights from hitting the IF mark, extra ct weight is REALLY worth it in an asscher--believe me, I know! The pattern in mine is only visible from about 20cm away, and mine's a 2ct.

A PS search lists a loose stone with similar specs (.82, E, IF, 67.7%d, 58%t, gd/vg) as $3752. Consider the price of platinum these days, and the additional cw of the baguettes on top of that.

 

[chrono]

On an asscher, the numbers can only tell so much. It is the pattern that dictates the beauty of the stone. Are you able to take a picture of it and post it here? That would be far more helpful than just the numbers.

 

[musey]

Very good point, chrono!!

 

[jacek99]

I can try to take a picture, but very tough. I''ll see what the camera can do. I believe I tried once and it was hard to focus on it. Thank you all for your help.

Jack

 

[strmrdr]

new or used?
b&m or private seller?

Doing a pricescope search there isnt one directly comparable but Id put the center stone at around $3400-$3500 or so, $1k for the setting if its a quality setting is very very good.
So yea maybe its a good deal but cant say for sure.

 

[jacek99]

It is new, and it is an internet store. Has anybody heard of MDC Diamonds? Are they reputable?

Jack

 

[musey]

Jacek, you can look around here for tips on taking pics of stones/settings. Use the macro setting (flower icon), NO flash, and indirect/ambient light.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 8/1/2007 1:03:49 PM
Author: jacek99
It is new, and it is an internet store. Has anybody heard of MDC Diamonds? Are they reputable?

Jack

havent heard of them.
Have you seen it in person?

 

[musey]

Date: 8/1/2007 1:03:49 PM
Author: jacek99
It is new, and it is an internet store. Has anybody heard of MDC Diamonds? Are they reputable?


Jack

There are a few threads on this vendor already. Try a search.

Here's one: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/mdc-diamonds-on-ebay-also-in-nyc-are-they-reputable.18555/


ETA: I just looked at their website. They are primarily an eBay seller, correct?

I assume you're bidding on it on eBay, since you said you "offered" $4500 (and on their website they have set prices).

 

[jacek99]

Yes I have seen it in person.
Jack

 

[musey]

If you've already put down a deposit, what further do you need advice on?

Most PSers won't advocate buying ready-made rings (we prefer to buy stones/settings separately so we can be in charge of quality control) so we'll all try to convince you to do the same

It sounds like you are already set on going through with the purchase, so unless you want critiques on the stone/setting/etc. (and doesn't seem like you do) then we can't help you much at this point...

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 8/1/2007 1:06:49 PM
Author: jacek99
Yes I have seen it in person.
Jack

ok, well then im not seeing anything to say run if its what you want.
The price is reasonable as near as I can tell.
An independant appraisal would be a good idea if for nothing else your insurance company if everything checks out.
Here is a list: https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

 

[jacek99]

I just wanted to confirm that the price seemed right. There is a vast range of prices for diamonds. His reputation is pretty good on ebay considering how many items he has sold online. I think I will go ahead with it. Thank you all for your help. Take care.
Jack

 

[oneswede]

I have bought a few pieces from MDC Diamonds and always had great service. David and Rosa were always friendly, knowledgeable and courteous. I read a few of the other threads on here as well. All I can say is that they have always been quick to communicate (even after the 1001 emails I sent them) I know they sell on eBay but I dealt directly with them. Just make sure you are explicit in the design and setting. Ask them to send you photos and they will if you are out of town.

Regarding the grading, if you feel uncomfortable have the stone appraised by your own once you get it. I haven''t had any issues with repairs or returns.

Hope this helps.