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Asscher or Square Emerald Help Please!

brut

brut

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 1, 2012
Messages
21
Ok, so after extensive looking around, and a TON of learning thanks to all you wonderful Rockytalky peeps, we have finally decided on a more specific cut, size and budget. Last post was vague as we were looking to figure out what we like. Now I think we've figured it out, and I was hoping for some feedback/education on these three stones that I, based on my 3 weeks of in depth experience :rolleyes: think are nice.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1423375.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1334693.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI1-Very Good-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1303480.asp

My main concerns are getting the best perceived quality for the best price. I am interested in light performance, how big a stone "faces up", and, after looking at an "I" (GIA) emerald cut in the jewelry store that looked yellow, am now possibly a bit sensitive to color. I'm not stuck on anything, however, if you have input on any of my variables I would love to hear it.

I have to say I learned a lot from Gypsy's wonderful "Asscher Test" https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1st-time-buyer-looking-at-asscher.174506/. Hoping to learn more and maybe find the right one to buy this time. I'm getting itchy to pop the question!!!
 
Isn't Gypsy amazing?! I follow her around and take in everything she says. I guess you could say I'm her little cyber stalker here. :lol: I'm hesitant to tell you which I would choose because sometimes I think I've picked a winner to hear Karl K or Gypsy let me know why it isn't. But, here it goes, I like the first one you posted best, I think the second is going to have performance issues. I know that you said that you think you may be color sensitive and that they I may be a bit too low for you. My asscher was an I and I was warned against going that low in an asscher cut, but I can say that my particular I was really quite colorless. I could see a very faint tint when I looked through the pavilion in some lighting conditions but for the most part it never looked anything but white and bright to me. Based on that experience I purchased a J RB and was very surprised at how much more body color it has than my I did and I was under the impression that an asscher would show more tint than a RB, so perhaps my I was leaning toward an H and my J toward a K, I'm not sure, but in my asscher an I was quite white and I would make that purchase again.

Looking forward to hearing what Gypsy has to say. It seems that many PSers are reluctant to chime in with these cuts because they are so difficult to assess. So it's always fun and interesting to see what someone like her has to say. =)

I'm assuming that you've asked for ASET images of these stones?
 
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1260282.asp Here you go. It's available again, it was too expensive for the last potential buyer (, not emmy, another woman, 4000 was the top of her budget range). At 5.6 it faces up the same as the last link you posted (D asscher). Totally eyeclean. Put it on hold.

You can see it here in this thread in real life pics: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/dilemma-between-the-two-asschers.172652/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/dilemma-between-the-two-asschers.172652/[/URL] and here you can see the ASET for it in this thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-asscher-from-james-allen-to-evaluate.172436/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-asscher-from-james-allen-to-evaluate.172436/[/URL] . Emmy chose the H stone but she loved both.

Of the ones you posted I like the last one the best, but it faces up (measurements) the same as the F SI. I'd still just save the money and get that F SI though. Gorgeous, great spread and 4k. The first one and the second one are hard to judge because of the pic taking. If you want, ask the gemologist (BEFORE and ASET) to pick among them.
 
Gypsy|1337211974|3196898 said:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1260282.asp Here you go. It's available again, it was too expensive for the other buyer (4000 was the top of her budget range). At 5.6 it faces up the same as the last link you posted (D asscher).

You can see it here in this thread in real life pics: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/dilemma-between-the-two-asschers.172652/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/dilemma-between-the-two-asschers.172652/[/URL] and here you can see the ASET for it in this thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-asscher-from-james-allen-to-evaluate.172436/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-asscher-from-james-allen-to-evaluate.172436/[/URL] Studying these links will help you understand how a well performing asscher will look in person and in ASETs.

Of the ones you posted I like the last one the best, but it faces up the same as the F SI. I'd still just save the money and get that F SI though. Gorgeous, great spread and 4k. The first one and the second one are hard to judge because of the pic taking. If you want, ask the gemologist (BEFORE and ASET) to pick among them.
Click to expand...


:lol: I told you I was reluctant to say which I would have chosen! I don't want to thread jack and this will probably be helpful to the OP but Gypsy can you tell me what you didn't like about the first one? I thought that second looked like it might be dark directly under the table. he third would have been my second choice.


EDIT: And...Oh My Goodness that 1.05 needs to find a home! :lickout:
 
Sure. The first one might be tilted OR it could be uneven symetrically. See the third step on each side there is a dark strip. On one side it is bigger than the other. That could be the facets on one side are bigger than the other. OR it could be that the stone is tilted. I THINK it is tilted. But I can't be sure. Which is why I said the photography was kinda making it hard to judge. Beyond that step is a lot of non-distinct gray. I'm not sure if that's going to be dead/dark or it's just the picture taking.


The second one there is one large step (3rd or forth). On one side it looks like it is divided into two steps on the other it looks like one large step. Again, it could be tilt or it could be uneven faceting. This one also could also could be dark under the table. But I don't know if it's going to be green or blue on the ASET dark. So... that's why.
 
Christina...|1337212405|3196905 said:
EDIT: And...Oh My Goodness that 1.05 needs to find a home! :lickout:
Click to expand...


Yes. Brut needs to give it a home. It's gorgeous, eyeclean, great performing and SO affordable. It will allow him to get her a beautiful setting too.
 
Christina...|1337212957|3196915 said:
I think this on is beautiful as well, but it's an I
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9401/
Click to expand...

YES! Gorgeous and great spread! Totally agree. I doesn't bother me. But since the F is the same relative price... I'd go for the F as well. Still and all that GOG I is wow, stunning.

Note to Brut. Seeing the color tint of an I just means your eyes work. Being color sensitive means you see it AND it bothers you. Bothering you is a mental thing, not objective, subjective.

What color is your asscher Christina?
 
Gypsy|1337212702|3196910 said:
Sure. The first one might be tilted OR it could be uneven symetrically. See the third step on each side there is a dark strip. On one side it is bigger than the other. That could be the facets on one side are bigger than the other. OR it could be that the stone is tilted. I THINK it is tilted. But I can't be sure. Which is why I said the photography was kinda making it hard to judge. Beyond that step is a lot of non-distinct gray. I'm not sure if that's going to be dead/dark or it's just the picture taking.


The second one there is one large step (3rd or forth). On one side it looks like it is divided into two steps on the other it looks like one large step. Again, it could be tilt or it could be uneven faceting. This one also could also could be dark under the table. But I don't know if it's going to be green or blue on the ASET dark. So... that's why.
Click to expand...

Thanks Gypsy, I could see what you're referring to as a possible divided step when I went back and looked but totally missed it the first time. I still love the 1.04 and agree that Brut needs to adopt her and find her a beautiful home! What do you think Brut? :naughty:
 
Gypsy|1337213216|3196921 said:
Christina...|1337212957|3196915 said:
I think this on is beautiful as well, but it's an I
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9401/
Click to expand...

YES! Gorgeous and great spread! Totally agree. I doesn't bother me. But since the F is the same relative price... I'd go for the F as well. Still and all that GOG I is wow, stunning.

Note to Brut. Seeing the color tint of an I just means your eyes work. Being color sensitive means you see it AND it bothers you. Bothering you is a mental thing, not objective, subjective.

What color is your asscher Christina?
Click to expand...

Mine is an I and I was just telling Brut that it never ever bothered me. My DH is quite sensitive and even he was shocked at how little body color he could see. Viewed through the pavilion you can see a teeny bit of tint in some lighting situations, but face up in most environments ...incredibly white! :sun: She is gone now, so I'm not sure why I keep referring to her as mine, but she will always be fondly remembered. We decided to go with a RB and based on how well we received the color of the asscher we purchased a J, sadly I'm not so sure that the J is going to work, I see A LOT of body color in it.

EDIT for horrible grammar
 
Really? Isn't that weird. Personally, my favorite cut in the J range is OECs. They are really amazing in that range. I'm sorry your J isn't working for you. ((HUGS))
 
Thanks Gypsy! I haven't started a SMTB because we just can't seem to commit yet. I have some time to decide what to do and we are keeping an eye out. I'm wondering if it's possible that my I bordered on an H and my J borders a K? I totally agree about lower color OECs and antique cushions. :love:

sorry for taking over your thread Brut! :lol: I think that I would choose the F over the I too. There is so much information available about the stone too, so you already know that it has wonderful perfomance. It's truly gorgeous, and if I was on the market for an asscher, this would be my choice even if I had to go down a bit in size. Icy white, eye clean SI1, wonderful value, whats not to love?? :Up_to_something: I think we should start talking settings! You did say that your getting itchy for the proposal! ;)
 
Oooooooooh. Settings. I know your lady has a preference for Deco style settings. With an ASSCHER in the center. Okay... I'm off to check my inspiration folder and post some pics for you.

Christina, honey, can you do me a favor? There was recently a stacking band thread and I can't find it. If you remember what the title was or who started it can you bump it for me? I have an update for it. I'd really appreciate that.
 
Gypsy|1337215164|3196953 said:
Oooooooooh. Settings. I know your lady has a preference for Deco style settings. With an ASSCHER in the center. Okay... I'm off to check my inspiration folder and post some pics for you.

Christina, honey, can you do me a favor? There was recently a stacking band thread and I can't find it. If you remember what the title was or who started it can you bump it for me? I have an update for it. I'd really appreciate that.
Click to expand...


If it's the one I'm thinking of I just bumped it for you. ;)

gorgeous settings, I love the third one! :love:
 
Here are some links:

https://www.artdecodiamonds.com/images/products/2096_01.jpg I know we can have someone make you a much nicer version of this one.

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=43315712 Can also have someone make you a gorgeous version of this one as well.

http://mibrillante.com/images/ProductImages/AsscherRD.jpg Beverly K has a gorgeous split shank to give you this look for about 3K

http://www.orospot.com/product/R1044VEN/platinum-unique-art-deco-style-engagement-ring-asscher-cut-hand-engraved-mounting.aspx Beautiful setting. Never heard of this place but that ring is gorgeous. Price is good.I might risk it (I'd call BBB and check their credentials, but that setting is beautiful). Or you can have it made by someone else.

http://www.nelsonrarities.com/dir01-12/gallery3.html Can find you someone to make you this too.

Thank you Christina! I really appreciate it. My brain is fried today.
 
Oh my gosh - someone needs to give that F asscher a good home! I seriously debated it even though it was out of my budget! It would look FANTASTIC in my setting! :appl: The setting is up high enough (but not too high), that the asscher should stay cleaner. It also lets a ton of light flood the diamond, which would be FANTASTIC for an asscher! SOMEONE must do this combo so webdiva doesn't cash in her savings for an asscher RHR. Hubby would be :angryfire: :cheeky: I like the GOG one, too - I'm really surprised at that spread. Is that new? I'm pretty glad I didn't see that guy before I finalized my stone choice, too! ;)

Brut - Gypsy gave you some fantastic suggestions! It'll save you weeks of research time! She has great taste! As does Christina! Plus, both own/have owned asschers and are great resources. Brut, if you're worried about size - take a look at my Show Me the Bling thread. Both diamonds are larger than mine, and my size is a 5.5. My ring makes the diamond look HUGE! The ones you chose are deep, and are only .2 mm larger than the ones suggested.
 
I spoke with James Allen today, and they will not send the diamond to any local jeweler to be inspected unless I purchase it first. I could understand this if it were policy, but many people on here have said they were sent a stone (this one, in fact) to be appraised without purchasing it. Anybody have thoughts on this? Maybe too many people have sent that stone back? If so, maybe that is a sign??
 
brut|1337633918|3200424 said:
I spoke with James Allen today, and they will not send the diamond to any local jeweler to be inspected unless I purchase it first. I could understand this if it were policy, but many people on here have said they were sent a stone (this one, in fact) to be appraised without purchasing it. Anybody have thoughts on this? Maybe too many people have sent that stone back? If so, maybe that is a sign??
Click to expand...

No sign. There are no signs. An independant appraiser, and sending the diamond to one is very different than sending it to a jeweler. The Jeweler can steal it out from them, and the sale. The appraiser can't. Also, you shouldn't have another jeweler evaluate this stone. You didn't buy from them so they will be negative about it and tell you they could get you something better. That's why the most important part of an appraiser in the independent part. They have NOTHING to gain by telling it is gorgeous and everything to gain by talking you out of it. It is a very rare jeweler that will look on another's good with favor, especially in this economy, if there is a chance to make a sale.

Buy the stone. They have a great return policy. I think all the previous people looking at the stone bought it. Emmy certainly did. The universe isn't telling you anything wonky. Just trust me and buy the stone. It's gorgeous. There is no risk as JA has a great return policy. Find an independent appraiser near you, and once you get the stone take it in to them. They will tell you it is a gorgeous stone and they won't have anything to gain by lying.
 
Ditto what Gypsy said. I purchased and returned a diamond to James Allen and it was soooo easy!

My homeowners insurance covered the low amount while i had it here. I got Jeweler's Mutual for the 2nd higher priced diamond, they will insure a loose stone if you set it within a month.
 
Why would you expect a jeweler to send a diamond to a competing jeweler for an opinion?
 
@gypsy, I asked them to recommend anyone in Texas they could send it to, and they said there was no one.
@kenny, see above. It's not like I called and demanded they send it to a jeweler. I called and asked if they could send it to someone, and they asked who, and I looked up a Jeweler and gave them a name (I'm a newbie and didn't know better). They said no, so I asked who they could send it to in Texas, and they said no one. That's surprising, Texas is a pretty big state :?

Anywhoo, this isn't really that big a deal, I simply read that others had asked for and gotten to see a diamond without purchase (or so I inferred), and I asked the same. Not a deal breaker, just wondered why the policy was different for me.

I went ahead and bought it, so thanks for your suggestion, Gypsy! And thanks for the reassurance on the ease of return, webdiva, that makes me feel better.

My girlfriend has decided on a mount by PeJay Creations, or something similar

I'll follow up after I get the diamond and take it to an independent appraiser.

Thanks again everyone!!!!

210SEMI_6=0_09t1.jpeg
 
Good job. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR DIAMOND PURCHASE!

I'd like to suggest this Beverly K for the setting. It has a much prettier head. See if your lady likes it.

http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wrtj004-a-d-d-m.html

There are also these.

http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/mgc165-c-d-d-m.html

http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wr1235-a-8-0rd-d-d-m.html I'd order this one with pave on the top of the shank and on the petals only (you can do that).


I recommend these settings because they are the style she wants, but also because I know the quality is great and I want to make sure you get something with great quality. I'm sure there are Beverly K vendors in your area. And if there aren't Pearlmans Jewelers has great prices on them and they will send your stone to Beverly K and have Beverly K make your setting for you.

If you can afford it, I suggest platinum.
 
Gypsy|1337737152|3201343 said:
Good job. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR DIAMOND PURCHASE!

I'd like to suggest this Beverly K for the setting. It has a much prettier head. See if your lady likes it.

http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wrtj004-a-d-d-m.html

There are also these.

http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/mgc165-c-d-d-m.html

http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wr1235-a-8-0rd-d-d-m.html I'd order this one with pave on the top of the shank and on the petals only (you can do that).


I recommend these settings because they are the style she wants, but also because I know the quality is great and I want to make sure you get something with great quality. I'm sure there are Beverly K vendors in your area. And if there aren't Pearlmans Jewelers has great prices on them and they will send your stone to Beverly K and have Beverly K make your setting for you.

If you can afford it, I suggest platinum.
Click to expand...

They just give Bev K your stone dimensions, no need to send it in! :) That's what they did with mine, I thought they were going to send it in, too.
 
That works too. ;))
 
It arrived today, and looks great, just like you said it would Gypsy.

I took it to two local jewelers. I know, I know, I'm not supposed to do that :nono: but it turned out to be interesting. One was to compare it to an asscher he had in stock, and one was to look at settings with. Both looked at it and said it was beautiful. One even told me "you did good"! :D The one who had an asscher in stock didn't even push me towards his, just said they were about equal and I should choose the one I liked the look of better. Mine faced up larger and had better color, so it was an easy choice. Not sure if I can post their store names in here, but let me know...they were very helpful, spent time with me and were fair about the diamond I purchased online. I told one about the forum and he wanted the url so he could join. Maybe you have a new member now!

Will post photos after it's mounted. Went with the PeJay Creations 216 semi mount channel set with .86 ctw and milgrain edges. It's the one she wanted.

Thanks again, everyone, it's been a fun journey learning about diamonds and rings with you!
 
YAY PHOTOS!!! Don't forget us!

I'm so happy you love the stone, and that it finally has a great home with people who appreciate it. And yes, please post the name of the jeweler here. We love to hear about good local jewelers because they are hard to find. So please post your metro area and the jeweler.

Getting her the setting she wanted is of course, the best thing to do. I can't wait to see pictures of the finished product.

YOU DID GOOD!!! And thanks for spreading the word about PS!
 
Yay! congrats! Can't wait to see pics!
 
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