Asscher diamond - please help me find the right diamond

[MLBC88]

Firstly I have to say that I know nothing about diamonds! After spending some time on the good old internet, I found this forum and thought I'd ask the lovely people on the internet for some help. I educated myself on the 4 c's but then also found out that table, depth are important?! I'm looking for an Asscher cut for my girlfriend and found two options which fit the 4c criteria. I've read on this forum however, that the ideal specs for an Asscher cut also include the below:

table: 54-58
depth: 60-62.3
crown angle: 34-35.0 (up to 35.5 crown angle can sometimes work with a 40.6 pav angle)
pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

I have no idea what they mean, but looking at GIA reports, I wasn't able to find one that meets the above criteria.
Would you be able to help me out and educate me on these and perhaps also let me know what you think of the two diamonds below (even though they don't meet the table, depth criteria!)?

https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2185626160
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2185959622

Happy for any feedback and tips, education etc. - I can certainly use all of that!

 

[Dancing Fire]

table: 54-58
depth: 60-62.3
crown angle: 34-35.0 (up to 35.5 crown angle can sometimes work with a 40.6 pav angle)
pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

Those are the basic specs for ideal rounds does not work with asschers . Here's a good one from GOG...

https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.20-Signature Asscher-N-AGS-G-VS1-diamond-stock-13076-cert-
Octavia Asscher
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.02-Octavia-I-AGS-I-VS1-diamond-stock-11537-cert-
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search

 

[MLBC88]

Those are the basic specs for ideal rounds does not work with asschers . Here's a good one from GOG...

https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.20-Signature Asscher-N-AGS-G-VS1-diamond-stock-13076-cert-
Octavia Asscher
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.02-Octavia-I-AGS-I-VS1-diamond-stock-11537-cert-
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search

Well that makes absolute sense then why none of the Asschers I looked at fit that spec hey, at least I'm trying very hard!

Thanks for the link, I'm from London so would prefer buying a diamond that I can view in person after purchasing. The girlfriend is also looking for something slightly bigger, I think between the 1.8 and 2.1 mark would be ideal and should fit within my budget comfortably. I'd like to buy her the nicest one though as I know she likes a bit of bling!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Well that makes absolute sense then why none of the Asschers I looked at fit that spec hey, at least I'm trying very hard!

Thanks for the link, I'm from London so would prefer buying a diamond that I can view in person after purchasing. The girlfriend is also looking for something slightly bigger, I think between the 1.8 and 2.1 mark would be ideal and should fit within my budget comfortably. I'd like to buy her the nicest one though as I know she likes a bit of bling!

That is a big rock in UK.. way above avg.

 

[MLBC88]

That is a big rock in UK.. way above avg.

I'm not sure whether that's a good or bad thing?! she's been very patient (been together for 5 years) and she really deserves it! Plus the woman that I'm going to marry is way above average so why not have a diamond that matches that haha

 

[Luce]

Ascher's face up smaller than MRB's. Are you sure that is the cut your girl friend prefers? I have attached a comparison of both, each are two carat.

 

[MLBC88]

Ascher's face up smaller than MRB's. Are you sure that is the cut your girl friend prefers? I have attached a comparison of both, each are two carat.

Thanks so much for your response - much appreciated! It will definitely have to be an Asscher cut as they're her absolute favourite. I've also settled on either I or J in colour as she prefers when it's got a bit of warmth but also we couldn't really tell the difference when they were next to 'whiter' diamonds. She's got tiny fingers (UK size I) so I think the diamond will look bigger on her finger anyway.

 

[Luce]

She is a lucky girl in that you know exactly what she wants! I love asschers. My daughter-in-law has a 1 carat, I color that is just beautiful. I am sure the experts here can help you find a gorgeous stone!

 

[ac117]

Exciting! Asschers are beautiful and you're so thoughtful to be in tune with what she wants and get her exactly that! Sorry if I missed it, but may we ask what the budget is?

 

[MLBC88]

Exciting! Asschers are beautiful and you're so thoughtful to be in tune with what she wants and get her exactly that! Sorry if I missed it, but may we ask what the budget is?

Thanks so much for your response. I've budgeted around 10-12k (GBP, I'm from London) for both the diamond and the setting - the cheaper, the better obviously but I wouldn't want to compromise on the quality. Setting wise I was thinking of something like this but in platinum https://www.markbroumand.com/2.44ct-cushion-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-4938-1d8105908/ which her best friend has assured me she'll love. I'm getting a quote for it from a local jeweller this week.

 

[ac117]

Thanks so much for your response. I've budgeted around 10-12k (GBP, I'm from London) for both the diamond and the setting - the cheaper, the better obviously but I wouldn't want to compromise on the quality. Setting wise I was thinking of something like this but in platinum https://www.markbroumand.com/2.44ct-cushion-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-4938-1d8105908/ which her best friend has assured me she'll love. I'm getting a quote for it from a local jeweller this week.

Does the budget include the import tax that you will need to pay? Just want to make sure all details are correct!

 

[MLBC88]

Does the budget include the import tax that you will need to pay? Just want to make sure all details are correct!

I was hoping to buy my diamond from https://www.77diamonds.com/loose_diamonds.html where there wouldn't be any import tax.
I've picked the below two which I thought met the 4c's pretty well but then I have no idea about the additional things to look out for as in depth, table, etc.
any feedback on those would be much appreciated!

https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2185626160
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2185959622

 

[JmeeMrie]

You cannot judge asschers by a cert. We need photos at the very least, videos and Asets are also very handy.
2 stones with the exact same numbers can have one be beautiful and have one be a dog.

 

[MLBC88]

You cannot judge asschers by a cert. We need photos at the very least, videos and Asets are also very handy.
2 stones with the exact same numbers can have one be beautiful and have one be a dog.

Thank you, it just shows that I'm completely useless!
here's the first diamond:

certificate
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2185626160

video
https://www.77diamonds.com//diamonds/diamondVideo.aspx?id=ACCPZDGKWQJK

photo
https://www.77diamonds.com/diamondpics/2185626160.jpg

Really appreciate everyone's help and input - it's much needed and appreciated!

 

[OoohShiny]

That stone from 77diamonds looks better than I expected lol

Contrast patterning is not super-strong in the picture, but the facets are not 'all-on / all-off', like some are, so it should give good sparkle/fire as it moves around on the finger.


You should check out yoram's website and instagram, though (@diagem on here)
http://gemconcepts.net/

@Dancing Fire has mentioned the Octavia, which he owns a 2.something carat version of and has posted threads and pictures about - search for threads that he's started!

Yoram cuts them - it was designed by @Karl_K on here (and there are perhaps only 50-60 in the world!) and has amazing light return. There are videos on youtube by GoodOldGold - search for 'octavia diamond' - and Yoram has posted his own on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdp3g_Rn-Fu/?taken-by=gemconcepts


Alternatively, check out the 'vintage-y' asschers that Yoram cuts - @Matthews1127 recently had a set of seven sent to her for a half-eternity ring, and she is amazed by how great they are. Someone else got a much bigger one as well, the subject of the video below, but I can't remember who it was!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbPZnMsH4Hm/?taken-by=gemconcepts
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdSy3tbHfIH/?taken-by=gemconcepts
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd3Avjnnqt2/?taken-by=gemconcepts
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeyMM-bnYPo/?taken-by=gemconcepts

 

[MLBC88]

That stone from 77diamonds seems better than I expected lol

Contrast patterning is not super-strong in the picture, but the facets are not 'all-on / all-off', like some are, so it should give good sparkle/fire as it moves around on the finger.

I'm hoping that means it's a nice diamond? I really have no clue what to look out for when looking at diamonds online other than following the 4c's... I clearly need a lot of help!

Thanks for the tips, I'll have a look at the links. The issue is that I'm based in London and am therefore looking for stones in the UK as I would like the option to return it in case I don't like the look of it in person. It's a bit bit tricky when buying a diamond from a US website, import taxes, return policies etc. I don't think the Octavia is available here, it seems to be more of an American thing?

 

[OoohShiny]

Diamonds are listed worldwide on a system called rappaport - it is a Trade-only system that helps give prices that diamonds of the differing 4Cs are selling for, with each stone having its price set using this and demand/supply, beauty, rarity etc.

It's a lot like the trade-only car price bible (I can't think what it's called now, but the trade version of Parker's Price Guide) but, essentially, if a stone is for sale, you can buy it no matter where you are in the world, because AIUI all diamond sellers are on the system and can call the stone in. Some might charge you a fee to do so (because it costs them to ship and insure it) but you shouldn't be forced by a local store to buy the stone in order to look at it. (You will need to buy the stone if looking at one off the internet - strangely enough, vendors aren't too keen to send small, concealable, expensive items to random strangers for free lol)

Being London based is a PITA - Hatton Garden seems very limited in terms of diamonds cut to a high quality, at least that is my impression from the few times I've visited. And Emeralds and Asschers are even harder to shop for, as they are seemingly so difficult to cut really well that even members of the trade, who see hundreds or thousands of stones in a year, have perhaps only seen a handful in their lifetime. I recall @Wink saying he's seen perhaps two ECs or Asschers that he would have bought and kept for himself, and he has been in business for decades!

So, what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't restrict yourself to only what is available in the local shops - do consider what else is out there on the internet, as unless it's a special cut with a limited distribution network (such as the Octavia or Yoram's other stones) the local shops should be able to get it in for you.

Alternatively, and what most people on here do, is buy the stone off one of the PS-recommended vendors, using pictures and videos to assess the stone initially but then assessing it at home with your own eyes in the variety of lighting conditions that it will see day-to-day. The benefits of doing so is that you will have a return period to consider the stone and then send it back if it does not make your heart sing and make you waste hours playing with it in different lights and you will only be out the cost of shipping and any insurance required (which the vendor you buy from may be able to arrange for the return - you should ask the question before purchasing so you know what the arrangements are).


That said, that 77diamonds stone has a nice faceting pattern and seems to perform well - you will need to see it in real life to assess whether it has enough 'life' (such as crazy amounts of quick sparkle and fire or white light return) and appeals to you, or whether it's a bit 'quiet' (slower flashes or any dead spots/angles) and is a bit 'take it or leave it'. If it's the latter, don't be afraid to pass it up - there are always more stones out there to consider.

In fact, I would suggest that it would be a good idea to purchase a 'known performer', such as an Octavia or a vintage-y Yoram asscher or one of the 'vintage asschers' from August Vintage Inc (run by @Rhino on here) and then take it with you when you go to look at the 77diamonds stone. Whichever you prefer, go with that one. Doing it this way means you will know what 'great peformance' looks like and therefore can compare directly to what is available locally!

I recall that @kenny has previously posted that since getting his Octavia to replace his previous 2ct+ asscher, he's stopped wanting to upgrade - because the performance is that good!

 

[JmeeMrie]

So here's my opinion...
I like the 77 stone and I think based off of the given info it will be a nice performing stone.
This is a limited guess as we dont have multiple shots in all diff lighting and no ASET.
Something to understand is that asschers all have a sort of personality that is up to personal taste.
A lot of people are reccomending Octavias and Yorams asschers here. Take a look and see if they appeal to you, but they are not for everyone.
Some people on here really love Octavias the best, and they are breathtaking, but if someone loves those quieter deep contrasting steps an Octavia may be too vivid for their tastes.
That said, I have loved all of Yorams asschers that I have seen.

 

[OoohShiny]

So here's my opinion...
I like the 77 stone and I think based off of the given info it will be a nice performing stone.
This is a limited guess as we dont have multiple shots in all diff lighting and no ASET.
Something to understand is that asschers all have a sort of personality that is up to personal taste.
A lot of people are reccomending Octavias and Yorams asschers here. Take a look and see if they appeal to you, but they are not for everyone.
Some people on here really love Octavias the best, and they are breathtaking, but if someone loves those quieter deep contrasting steps an Octavia may be too vivid for their tastes.
That said, I have loved all of Yorams asschers that I have seen.

Great post and good points


Here's the link to that thread with the Yoram Asscher:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/asscher-from-gemconcepts-code-name-mildred.236249/

@Jimmianne might be able to offer some feedback now she's lived with it for a while!

 

[ac117]

Can 77diamonds provide an ASET by any chance?

BN also has a UK site that includes VAT -
This to me has an old cut crossed with octavia feel with it's small culet and tiny table that I'm finding very attractive! https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

This one also looks pretty: https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab (another video of it here that I like https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...4-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-159Z17319)

I also like this one but top of budget factoring in the setting: https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

 

[MLBC88]

Diamonds are listed worldwide on a system called rappaport - it is a Trade-only system that helps give prices that diamonds of the differing 4Cs are selling for, with each stone having its price set using this and demand/supply, beauty, rarity etc.

It's a lot like the trade-only car price bible (I can't think what it's called now, but the trade version of Parker's Price Guide) but, essentially, if a stone is for sale, you can buy it no matter where you are in the world, because AIUI all diamond sellers are on the system and can call the stone in. Some might charge you a fee to do so (because it costs them to ship and insure it) but you shouldn't be forced by a local store to buy the stone in order to look at it. (You will need to buy the stone if looking at one off the internet - strangely enough, vendors aren't too keen to send small, concealable, expensive items to random strangers for free lol)

Being London based is a PITA - Hatton Garden seems very limited in terms of diamonds cut to a high quality, at least that is my impression from the few times I've visited. And Emeralds and Asschers are even harder to shop for, as they are seemingly so difficult to cut really well that even members of the trade, who see hundreds or thousands of stones in a year, have perhaps only seen a handful in their lifetime. I recall @Wink saying he's seen perhaps two ECs or Asschers that he would have bought and kept for himself, and he has been in business for decades!

So, what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't restrict yourself to only what is available in the local shops - do consider what else is out there on the internet, as unless it's a special cut with a limited distribution network (such as the Octavia or Yoram's other stones) the local shops should be able to get it in for you.

Alternatively, and what most people on here do, is buy the stone off one of the PS-recommended vendors, using pictures and videos to assess the stone initially but then assessing it at home with your own eyes in the variety of lighting conditions that it will see day-to-day. The benefits of doing so is that you will have a return period to consider the stone and then send it back if it does not make your heart sing and make you waste hours playing with it in different lights and you will only be out the cost of shipping and any insurance required (which the vendor you buy from may be able to arrange for the return - you should ask the question before purchasing so you know what the arrangements are).


That said, that 77diamonds stone has a nice faceting pattern and seems to perform well - you will need to see it in real life to assess whether it has enough 'life' (such as crazy amounts of quick sparkle and fire or white light return) and appeals to you, or whether it's a bit 'quiet' (slower flashes or any dead spots/angles) and is a bit 'take it or leave it'. If it's the latter, don't be afraid to pass it up - there are always more stones out there to consider.

In fact, I would suggest that it would be a good idea to purchase a 'known performer', such as an Octavia or a vintage-y Yoram asscher or one of the 'vintage asschers' from August Vintage Inc (run by @Rhino on here) and then take it with you when you go to look at the 77diamonds stone. Whichever you prefer, go with that one. Doing it this way means you will know what 'great peformance' looks like and therefore can compare directly to what is available locally!

I recall that @kenny has previously posted that since getting his Octavia to replace his previous 2ct+ asscher, he's stopped wanting to upgrade - because the performance is that good!

Thank you so much for your response, this is very informative and I've learned a lot from it!
It is a bit of a pain being in London as there are nowhere near as many options as in the States and the prices seem to be quite bit higher here as well.

I've been to quite a few of jewellers, some of them were in Hatton Garden and frankly I found that you just pay for the name when you to go Hatton Garden.
I chose 77 Diamonds as I want to have the option of returning and also looking at it in person and having that face to face contact. I've been to their showroom and had an appointment with a specialist and they were very helpful. Unfortunately, you have to buy the diamond online and then when viewing it in person, you can then request a refund if you don't like it. I think I'm just a bit hesitant buying something online that has to be shipped from the other side of the world and then having to think about returning it, insurance, import taxes etc. - it would definitely be a lot easier if I was in the States!

 

[OoohShiny]

Thank you so much for your response, this is very informative and I've learned a lot from it!
It is a bit of a pain being in London as there are nowhere near as many options as in the States and the prices seem to be quite bit higher here as well.

I've been to quite a few of jewellers, some of them were in Hatton Garden and frankly I found that you just pay for the name when you to go Hatton Garden.
I chose 77 Diamonds as I want to have the option of returning and also looking at it in person and having that face to face contact. I've been to their showroom and had an appointment with a specialist and they were very helpful. Unfortunately, you have to buy the diamond online and then when viewing it in person, you can then request a refund if you don't like it. I think I'm just a bit hesitant buying something online that has to be shipped from the other side of the world and then having to think about returning it, insurance, import taxes etc. - it would definitely be a lot easier if I was in the States!

I hear you... lol

I bought from the US in the end and would do it again - the guaranteed quality of cut far outweighs any worries about needing to return it!

Look around at stones and if you see one you like from an overseas, PS-recommended vendor, do enquire and ask about shippping and insurance arrangements. If the vendor would cover insurance for a return, it's literally zero hassle - all you'd lose is perhaps a couple of hundred USD for the shipping, which is small fry on a stone of this sort of value, and you wouldn't have to stress about sorting out insurance

I think there's an HMRC form you need to reclaim the VAT that would be levied on an import if you do send it back, but, again, I don't think that would be too much hassle!

 

[MLBC88]

So here's my opinion...
I like the 77 stone and I think based off of the given info it will be a nice performing stone.
This is a limited guess as we dont have multiple shots in all diff lighting and no ASET.
Something to understand is that asschers all have a sort of personality that is up to personal taste.
A lot of people are reccomending Octavias and Yorams asschers here. Take a look and see if they appeal to you, but they are not for everyone.
Some people on here really love Octavias the best, and they are breathtaking, but if someone loves those quieter deep contrasting steps an Octavia may be too vivid for their tastes.
That said, I have loved all of Yorams asschers that I have seen.

Thank you so much - it really helps hearing that the stone should be a nice performing stone. I think I'll give it a go and have a look at it in person, it'll be much easier to judge than looking at numbers that don't mean anything to me!

 

[MLBC88]

I hear you... lol

I bought from the US in the end and would do it again - the guaranteed quality of cut far outweighs any worries about needing to return it!

Look around at stones and if you see one you like from an overseas, PS-recommended vendor, do enquire and ask about shippping and insurance arrangements. If the vendor would cover insurance for a return, it's literally zero hassle - all you'd lose is perhaps a couple of hundred USD for the shipping, which is small fry on a stone of this sort of value, and you wouldn't have to stress about sorting out insurance

I think there's an HMRC form you need to reclaim the VAT that would be levied on an import if you do send it back, but, again, I don't think that would be too much hassle!

oh would you mind telling me where you bought yours from and whether you were ever worried about it getting lost, not liking it, etc? Perhaps I should take the risk if the payoff is really worth it?!

 

[MLBC88]

Can 77diamonds provide an ASET by any chance?

BN also has a UK site that includes VAT -
This to me has an old cut crossed with octavia feel with it's small culet and tiny table that I'm finding very attractive! https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

This one also looks pretty: https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab (another video of it here that I like https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...4-Carat-H-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-159Z17319)

I also like this one but top of budget factoring in the setting: https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

77 just came back to me and unfortunately there are no ASET images available of this diamond
Thank you so much for the BlueNile ones, I'll definitely have a look and see if any of yours would be suitable!

 

[OoohShiny]

oh would you mind telling me where you bought yours from and whether you were ever worried about it getting lost, not liking it, etc? Perhaps I should take the risk if the payoff is really worth it?!

I bought a Crafted by Infinity MRB from @Wink at High Performance Diamonds, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again

All PS-recommended vendors ship by insured, tracked Fedex or similar, so you have no worries. I recall one instance of just one (large!) stone lost, but it was covered by the vendor's insurance. As mentioned earlier, do ask about whether they also insure returns.


It's not a surprise that the 77diamonds stone doesn't have an ASET, not many (any?) UK sellers have them - Samara Jones is one, though, I think, but they focus on rounds IIRC. You could buy your own ASET and take it to the store - they will probably look at you like you're crazy but it could be useful. Yoram and @Rockdiamond would probably say that good ASET performance does not always mean a stone is pretty, and that beautiful stones in person can have so-so ASET images, so go and look at it with your own eyes and see what you think. Don't be pressurised into buying it, though - there are always more stones coming. You could perhaps state "I'm not buying today but I would like to view a number of stones so I can compare the performance of the one I am considering and get a feel for how asschers should perform"

 

[JmeeMrie]

Yeah,
David (rockdiamond) would say he doesn't use an ASET on stones he evaluates in person.
MLB search all of the prior pricescope threads on asschers and you will start to notice what to look for in person. It only matters that you and your beloved like the stone. We just like to help make sure people get the best that they can accounting for budget and taste, but ultimately it goes back to what is pleasing to you.. make sure you look at it in all lights. Asschers are particularly beautiful in diffused light (think bright sunny day, but under a tree -- so no direct sunlight is on it)
If they pull this stone and you want to look at it in all types of lighting do you have a return policy for that? can you take it home and make sure this is the one? or is it a take it or leave it in the store kind of deal? -- this is something you probably want to know as well.

 

[Matthews1127]

I'm hoping that means it's a nice diamond? I really have no clue what to look out for when looking at diamonds online other than following the 4c's... I clearly need a lot of help!

Thanks for the tips, I'll have a look at the links. The issue is that I'm based in London and am therefore looking for stones in the UK as I would like the option to return it in case I don't like the look of it in person. It's a bit bit tricky when buying a diamond from a US website, import taxes, return policies etc. I don't think the Octavia is available here, it seems to be more of an American thing?

Yoram of GemConcepts is located in Israel. He ships internationally (only recently started working with independent purchases). He’s amazing to work with & his diamonds are spell-binding. I adore my suite of 7 Vintage Cut Asscher Diamonds by Yoram. I can’t wait to create my band!!!

 

[MLBC88]

I bought a Crafted by Infinity MRB from @Wink at High Performance Diamonds, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again

All PS-recommended vendors ship by insured, tracked Fedex or similar, so you have no worries. I recall one instance of just one (large!) stone lost, but it was covered by the vendor's insurance. As mentioned earlier, do ask about whether they also insure returns.


It's not a surprise that the 77diamonds stone doesn't have an ASET, not many (any?) UK sellers have them - Samara Jones is one, though, I think, but they focus on rounds IIRC. You could buy your own ASET and take it to the store - they will probably look at you like you're crazy but it could be useful. Yoram and @Rockdiamond would probably say that good ASET performance does not always mean a stone is pretty, and that beautiful stones in person can have so-so ASET images, so go and look at it with your own eyes and see what you think. Don't be pressurised into buying it, though - there are always more stones coming. You could perhaps state "I'm not buying today but I would like to view a number of stones so I can compare the performance of the one I am considering and get a feel for how asschers should perform"

that's lovely that it all worked out for you and you found the perfect diamond for you! I have to admit that this is the first time that I had to look at diamonds and though I still don't know anything about them really, I've learned so much scrolling through posts here and reading people's comments.

I've never even heard of ASET images before, nor has any of the jewellers I visited mentioned them! I was just told to look out for the standard 4c's and make sure that the diamond is GIA certified.
I've just had a look at Samara Jones and perhaps I'm missing something, but I cannot see any loose diamonds available on their website?

Anyway, I bought the 77 Asscher and can view it when they get it in (you have to purchase it in order to view it if it's on their website, this apparently is because the website lists a global inventory of stones, so not all diamonds are available for viewing due to shipment and insurance costs). They are really helpful when you speak to them though and you have 30 days from the day of collecting the diamond to return it for a full refund so I can take it home and look at it in different lighting conditions. I'll also ask for them to have stones with similar specs available when I go there so I can compare.

 

[MLBC88]

Yeah,
David (rockdiamond) would say he doesn't use an ASET on stones he evaluates in person.
MLB search all of the prior pricescope threads on asschers and you will start to notice what to look for in person. It only matters that you and your beloved like the stone. We just like to help make sure people get the best that they can accounting for budget and taste, but ultimately it goes back to what is pleasing to you.. make sure you look at it in all lights. Asschers are particularly beautiful in diffused light (think bright sunny day, but under a tree -- so no direct sunlight is on it)
If they pull this stone and you want to look at it in all types of lighting do you have a return policy for that? can you take it home and make sure this is the one? or is it a take it or leave it in the store kind of deal? -- this is something you probably want to know as well.

Thank you so much, I'm so grateful for all the tips and comments. It's amazing that there's people out there that spend their time helping poor chaps like me out who have no clue what they're doing!
I'll make sure to look at the diamond in different lightings, but bright sunny day might be a tad unrealistic, seeing as we're in London

Yes, they've told me that I have 30 days from the day of collecting the diamond to return it for a full refund or swap it with a similar one and pay or be refunded the difference, with no questions asked.
I've bought it (no idea where it is actually located, but it could be anywhere in the world!) and it should be in the showroom within the next 7 to 12 working days.