Asscher help please - aussie seeks your advice

[brightpupils]

Hi Folks,

Very helpful forums so far, have read up extensively on the mysterious asscher cuts and now seek some professional advice...

I''m looking for a asscher cut and looking to spend about $3000-$4000 on the stone ish... probably a pretty simple half round 4prong setting in platinum or white gold..

It looks like I''ll buy it from the states and get it shipped as I''m having a hard time getting a decent look at stones here.

Some that have come up on jamesallen are:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1140679.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1111473.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1088485.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1122497.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1174095.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-862977.asp

I think I''m going with the first one at the moment...

Are they any other recommended sites for quality asschers... I wasn''t super impressed cuts on BN and WF so far... Is it far to say that JA has a more reliably well-cut "ideal" cut?

Any advice on these above or general help most appreciated

Cheers

 

[CaptainCarat]

Hi brightpupils and welcome! I am sure someone with more experience and knowledge will chime in, but here''s what I know (just bought an Asscher myself).

Most vendors get their diamonds from a shared "pool". These are virtual listings, so the vendor has a copy of the certificate and bases their knowledge off of that, having never seen the stone. It''s still possible to get a decent stone from these pools but it''s best to have trusted, expert eyes take a look for you, especially if you''re having it shipped overseas. Blue Nile''s "signature ideal" cuts are in stock and I believe they are excellent quality, but have no experience with them myself. I do believe they tend to be higher priced than other vendors, however.

Around here, Good Old Gold has a fantastic reputation for Asschers (goodoldgold.com). They are pretty particular about the stones that they get, but the stones that they have on their web site are actually in their hands so they can give you detailed information about them and can even create a video review that discusses several stones in detail. They have plenty of reports so you can get a good feel for each of their stones before making a commitment, plus there are some very knowledgeable people on this forum (strm especially) that know so much about this cut and can tell immediately if it''s good or not.

I can''t say too much about James Allen but I understand that most of their diamonds are in stock, or at least that''s what I''m assuming because they all have actual stone images so it''s a very good way to judge the quality of the stone. Someone that has dealt with James Allen more extensively can share their thoughts but I have heard nothing but good things about them as well.

Whiteflash also has an excellent reputation for calling in great stones. They have some stones in stock I believe, and do call some in. I understand that Brian (at least I hope I''m talking about the right person

) can speak to you on the phone and give you an expert opinion on a stone. There are lots and lots of people on this forum that have had great experiences with Whiteflash and Brian, so they are also a good choice.

Finally, I purchased my Asscher from Quest Jewelers and they were very helpful. Pete was able to find a stellar stone for a great price, although they might not be a good choice for you because you are overseas. They do not provide Sarin or ASET images so you will have to rely on their thoughts on the quality of the stones, or have it shipped somewhere else to get a detailed report and appraisal. I was extremely satisfied with them, however, and did have a stone shipped without having seen any reports so I would trust them.

Between these vendors (and whatever other suggestions people have) I''m sure you can get a great stone. Hope this was at least a little helpful!

 

[CaptainCarat]

Let me throw in my opinion on the stones too, but wait until you hear from someone that knows what they''re talking about

I like the magnification of the first stone...seems to have good windmills and contrast and the windmills are alternating light and dark bands which is a good sign, I think. However, looking at the specs this one has a pretty big table (68%) and I can''t really make out the depth but I think it''s 60%. That would mean this stone is somewhat shallow and will be more of a "modern" Asscher look, with less of the "hall of mirrors" look and more of the serene pool of water type look. If that is what you are looking for, then I think that stone would be a good one, but if you are looking for something that is more of a classic Asscher you will want something with more depth and a smaller table.

At least...I think

 

[strmrdr]

I don''t have time to sort through them right now but a smaller tale than 68 is better.
Have you looked at an I graded emerald or asscher cut to see if your ok with the color?
If not you may want to stick to H or better.

 

[brightpupils]

Here''s a pic

Cheers

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 6/14/2008 12:23:47 PM
Author: brightpupils
Here''s a pic


Cheers

large table and p3 angle issues.
Here is a graphic from my upcoming article.
While that one isn''t as bad it is showing signs of leakage on 1/2 of the p3 facets.

 

[brightpupils]

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.

Here''s another pic

Item Number: 1174095
Shape: Asscher
Carat weight: 1.03
Cut: Ideal
Color: H
Clarity: VS1
Certificate: GIA

Depth: 69.2%
Table: 58.0%
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Slightly thick to thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Strong
Measurements: 5.62*5.59*3.87
Ratio: 1.01

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 6/14/2008 12:36:31 PM
Author: brightpupils
Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.


Here''s another pic


Item Number: 1174095

Shape: Asscher

Carat weight: 1.03

Cut: Ideal

Color: H

Clarity: VS1

Certificate: GIA



Depth: 69.2%

Table: 58.0%

Polish: Very Good

Symmetry: Excellent

Girdle: Slightly thick to thick

Culet: None

Fluorescence: Strong

Measurements: 5.62*5.59*3.87

Ratio: 1.01

If you like tiny windmills that one is a good one but the windmills are to small to meet my criteria for a well cut asscher.

 

[brightpupils]

I think you''re right about the I colour... I''m gonna stick to H and up..

I''ve requested some more pics for a few diamonds that didn''t have pictures which I''ll post when I get ''em.

This a lot smaller.. Any thoughts

Ta

Item Number: 1153106
Shape: Asscher
Carat weight: 0.71
Cut: Ideal
Color: G
Clarity: VS1
Certificate: GIA

Depth: 67.1%
Table: 57.0%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Girdle: Slightly thick to thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 4.96*4.90*3.29
Ratio: 1.01

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 6/14/2008 1:12:39 PM
Author: brightpupils
I think you''re right about the I colour... I''m gonna stick to H and up..


I''ve requested some more pics for a few diamonds that didn''t have pictures which I''ll post when I get ''em.


This a lot smaller.. Any thoughts


Ta


Item Number: 1153106

Shape: Asscher

Carat weight: 0.71

Cut: Ideal

Color: G

Clarity: VS1

Certificate: GIA



Depth: 67.1%

Table: 57.0%

Polish: Excellent

Symmetry: Very Good

Girdle: Slightly thick to thick

Culet: None

Fluorescence: None

Measurements: 4.96*4.90*3.29

Ratio: 1.01

That is more like it.
That one is kicken

 

[brightpupils]

4am in the morning here in oz... but I just got sent another one which looks alright.. 1ct too

Thanks again for your opinions strmrdr


Diamond Details
Stock #: 25744A54
Carat: 1.02
Color: I
Clarity: VS2
Cut:
IDEAL
Shape: Asscher
Depth %: 69.3
Table %: 63
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Measurements: 5.42*5.41*3.75
Length To Width Ratio: 1.00
Lab: GIA

 

[brightpupils]

dimendi scaasi asking Price: $3,253.00
Bank Wire: $3,188.00 for the last one

 

[CaptainCarat]

Date: 6/14/2008 2:17:03 PM
Author: brightpupils
4am in the morning here in oz... but I just got sent another one which looks alright.. 1ct too


Thanks again for your opinions strmrdr



Diamond Details

Stock #: 25744A54

Carat: 1.02

Color: I

Clarity: VS2

Cut:

IDEAL

Shape: Asscher

Depth %: 69.3

Table %: 63

Polish: Excellent

Symmetry: Very Good

Fluorescence: Medium Blue

Measurements: 5.42*5.41*3.75

Length To Width Ratio: 1.00

Lab: GIA

I''d say avoid this one, looks dark under the table. The other looks very nice. Wait for strm though!

 

[brightpupils]

Thanks again capt... I might have to turn in for the night... I''m sure I''ll be back on with more queries tomorrow.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 6/14/2008 2:17:03 PM
Author: brightpupils
4am in the morning here in oz... but I just got sent another one which looks alright.. 1ct too


Thanks again for your opinions strmrdr



Diamond Details

Stock #: 25744A54

Carat: 1.02

Color: I

Clarity: VS2

Cut:

IDEAL

Shape: Asscher

Depth %: 69.3

Table %: 63

Polish: Excellent

Symmetry: Very Good

Fluorescence: Medium Blue

Measurements: 5.42*5.41*3.75

Length To Width Ratio: 1.00

Lab: GIA

That one has issues, not as good as the one above.

 

[brightpupils]

Any comments welcome on this one...

Asscher cut Diamond DC22577 $2,428.67(AUD)
Carat 0.78
Colour F
Clarity VS1
Total Depth 67.70
Pavilion Depth 51.80
Table 65.00
Dimensions 5.13*5.08*3.44
Crown Angle 0.00
Pavilion Angle 0.00
Girdle 4.1 %
Culet n
Fluorescence None
Lustre
Polish VG
Symmetry VG
Cut VG
Report MGR

Ch-cheers...

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 6/16/2008 1:30:33 AM
Author: brightpupils
Any comments welcome on this one...


Asscher cut Diamond DC22577 $2,428.67(AUD)

Carat 0.78

Colour F

Clarity VS1

Total Depth 67.70

Pavilion Depth 51.80

Table 65.00

Dimensions 5.13*5.08*3.44

Crown Angle 0.00

Pavilion Angle 0.00

Girdle 4.1 %

Culet n

Fluorescence None

Lustre

Polish VG

Symmetry VG

Cut VG

Report MGR



Ch-cheers...

bad p3 angles similar to the one above in the graphic I posted.
Stay away from it.

 

[CaptainCarat]

brightpupils, generally the "windmill" pattern should be straight from the outside of the stone to the center of the stone. If you look at the last pic you posted you will see that it''s a straight line until the center facets (the p3) and then these lines angle inward. Try to find a stone with straight, wide windmills.

Just trying to help a bit

 

[brightpupils]

Thanks so much for the help folks.... the last post/photo was sort of a test (me and y''all)... I thought it looked it a bit munted. I have made the choice and gone with the storm and capt recommended one... could go the I colours in the end and "kicken" right? Jamesallens got the job... after extensive searches here in oz and in the states, I kinda wished for a while that I was looking for a round brilliant... but then I found this place and i can''t say how grateful I am. Cheers.

Let you know when I get the little puppy..

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Date: 6/16/2008 7:15:00 AM
Author: brightpupils
Thanks so much for the help folks.... the last post/photo was sort of a test (me and y'all)... I thought it looked it a bit munted. I have made the choice and gone with the storm and capt recommended one... could go the I colours in the end and 'kicken' right? Jamesallens got the job... after extensive searches here in oz and in the states, I kinda wished for a while that I was looking for a round brilliant... but then I found this place and i can't say how grateful I am. Cheers.

Let you know when I get the little puppy..

Congrats! I loved the pic of the .71 (67.5/57)- and the numbers looked good to me.

Very similar to my .71 Asscher.

 

[CaptainCarat]

If it were up to me I''d definitely take a lower color and better cut over a higher color and inferior cut. If you have the chance maybe stop at a brick and mortar jeweler in your area and ask to see a lineup of diamonds by color. You''ll be surprised at how small the difference really is between the colors. Of course it comes down to personal sensitivity.

On Asschers I''d try not to go below an I color. Since the table is large and good stones tend to be a little deeper, it''s easier to see a lesser color.

Good luck!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I''m just going to chime in quickly--thanks for posting all of the pics!! I love looking at these types of pictures, you can certainly learn a lot!

The first pick you posted seems to have a dark center, but it sounds like you''re not considering that one anymore, which is good.

The second (the H, VS1 with the small windmills) I actually like. The patterning is great and I don''t always consider small windmills a bad thing. It can make the stone appear larger and on smaller stones where it can be hard to see the pattern, it does sort of accent the vertical and horizontal steps. I don''t think I''d rule that one out.

The .71 is probably my favorite. I love the G color, the patterns, the windmills, etc. Really great stone!

I''d eliminate that 1.02, I-colored stone from the lineup. The windmills don''t taper and it drives me bonkers.

 

[Sarahinwonderland]

I bought my 2 asscher diamond on www.diamondsonweb.com They have a great selection and wonderful prices!

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Date: 6/16/2008 10:57:56 AM
Author: LaurenThePartier

Date: 6/16/2008 7:15:00 AM
Author: brightpupils
Thanks so much for the help folks.... the last post/photo was sort of a test (me and y''all)... I thought it looked it a bit munted. I have made the choice and gone with the storm and capt recommended one... could go the I colours in the end and ''kicken'' right? Jamesallens got the job... after extensive searches here in oz and in the states, I kinda wished for a while that I was looking for a round brilliant... but then I found this place and i can''t say how grateful I am. Cheers.

Let you know when I get the little puppy..

Congrats! I loved the pic of the .71 (67.5/57)- and the numbers looked good to me.

Very similar to my .71 Asscher.

I just realized I mistyped in my post.

With this, I meant that my .71 ct. is a 67.5/57 - not the G VS1 you''re looking at. Oops!