Asscher Cut Photo - Evaluation, Help Please!

[FrankInOz]

Hi All,

First-time poster, long-time reader.

I am trying to buy an engagement ring and have spent many late nights trying to understand the principles of an asscher cut diamond. I found a diamond with a reputable online dealer and have had the below photo provided. I like the diamond's technical specs: 1ct-G-VVS1-Depth 66.7%, Table 59.1%, Crown 13.9%. Symmetry is VG and Polish Ex. The measurements are 5.71 x 5.69 x 3.82.

Any thoughts on the diamond? The diamond looks great to me. I was told the photo was taken with poor background - certainly not as flattering as the pics you see on James Allen etc. etc.

Many thanks,
Frank

 

[chrono]

No ASET?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think it has potential, but I'd have to see an ASET image to see whether the dark parts in the center indicate leakage or not.

 

[diamondloveaffair]

Not a fan. I think it is a poor excuse for the vendor to state that an "image" is captured in poor background. This isn't so in this particular case.

I would expect you to see the dark patternings with your own eyes if you are looking straight down the diamond. Skip it.

 

[FrankInOz]

Thanks for the replies. I don't have an ASET. The diamond is from Blue Nile and this was all i could get - for some of the other diamonds i inquired about, there were no photos at all. I know there is some negative sentiment toward Blue Nile, but i'd prefer to buy from them, more so being from Australia.

diamondloveaffair, although the diamond was shot with a beige background, that doesn't mean to say the diamond would not look the same under better conditions does it? There could be an explanation for the photo. It was just one they had on file because i inquired about the shaping.

More specifically, I wanted to know if the cut I.e. windmills and shoulders looked reasonable. I am trusting their "very good" cut grading and GIA's assessment on specs.

Price of diamond is approx $5,200. I haven't seen any online with equivalent specs and price... the diamond's on hold for another 12 hours, so i need to pull the trigger!

 

[chrono]

The dark patterning seen is also considered part of the cut, not just the pattern and windmills. What you see is in the picture is also likely to be seen in person. The beige background is of little to no concern but the dark portions are. I'm not sure if that is leakage or obstruction. I am not a fan of such an obvious or large dark area when the rest of the stone is bright. The way Blue Nile assesses their fancy cuts is only based on table and depth measurements that GIA already provides, which actually tells you very little about its performance (sparkliness), hence my strong preference to shop at a vendor who will provide ASETs.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think it is a mistake to buy something that costs thousands of dollars without knowing anything about the cut of the stone. If BN is the only choice, then maybe stick to their excellent cut category only, if that weeds out a few poor performers.