Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I judge?

[hoynnij]

Hi all,

I'm in talks with Leibish about potentially getting a ring made, but they don't use idealscope/aset for their diamonds. How do I judge a diamond without this info?

They're offering me 100% refund if I'm not happy w the diamond, but would really like to avoid this because of the hassle of it...

Should I just trust the pictures, video and predicted performance based on pavilion/crown specs etc using the hca and Aga grades?

Any advice would be much appreciated

Thanks

 

[AN0NYM0US]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

Can you buy the diamond somewhere else, then send it to leibish to make the ring?

 

[tyty333]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

Is it an AGA000 stone? Is it round?

Can you put the stone on hold and post a link so we can have a look. A little more information would be helpful.

 

[hoynnij]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

Here are the specs:
Gia cert
1.18ct 6.92-6.94x4.09
J si1 eye clean (I asked for at least a h...)
Cut vg
Polish x
Symm g
Med blue fluorescence

Table 59%
Crown 33.5 deg
Pav 40.4 deg
Depth 59%

AGA 1b

In-house gemmologist commented that the stone faced up like an e, and was "full with life".

I haven't worked with them before so I don't really know how much I should trust their opinion on the stone. They sent me a video as well but I didn't find it too useful (only one lighting condition ie jewellery store lights). I guess the only reassuring part is that they're willing to give me a 100% refund, and she said it was not part of their inventory (ie they would have to buy it for
me to have) so they would normally not offer a refund, but leibish himself was happy with the stone so agreed to make this exception.

I'm a bit worried that because they are specialists in colored stones, this inherently means they don't really focus much on colorless...

 

[hoynnij]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

Can you buy the diamond somewhere else, then send it to leibish to make the ring?

I'm trying to source everything from the one place for the sake of simplicity... And since I am not a us resident, JM will not insure me

 

[Christina...]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

Typically we only recommend considering GIA EX cuts or AGS ideal cuts, especially when you can't obtain more information about the stone or don't have the ability to evaluate the diamond in person. It's important to remember that HCA only predicts a stones likely light performance, it does not garuntee it. Is it possible for you to have them ship you the stone before they set it?

I'd also question whether or not a J colored stone will face up like an E. You mentioned that they are offering you a 100% refund if you decide to return the stone, does that include the setting as well, or would they only accept the stone for return? Custom setting are usually non refunadable so if this is the case for you, you should ask, and be sure to get the return policy in writting especially since this isn't something that they typically do for their clients.

You may find this article interesting..

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/gia_excellent_cut_grade_case_study

 

[AN0NYM0US]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

Can you buy the diamond somewhere else, then send it to leibish to make the ring?

I'm trying to source everything from the one place for the sake of simplicity... And since I am not a us resident, JM will not insure me

Have you asked if any recommended PS vendors will ship their diamond direct to Leibish?

 

[JulieN]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

no, that diamond is not going to cut it. it is shallow and will probably look a bit dark.

 

[hoynnij]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

Thanks for the comments.

Yeah I did think the stone was quite shallow. And the comment about it facing up white, I put it down to the blue fluor, but it does seem a bit exaggerated. I was really hoping that I could trust their eye, since they seem to b good for color diamonds...

I know the setting would be non refundable, which I'm ok with - I would try and find a diamond that would fit the setting (which I guess will make it even harder).

Ok I guess I'll go back to plan a = gog. Its just taking them forever to get back to me about settings! (3-4weeks with none of the info I requested! Just an interim email saying that shes waiting for vatche to get back to her). Bit frustrating.

 

[Christina...]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

Thanks for the comments.

Yeah I did think the stone was quite shallow. And the comment about it facing up white, I put it down to the blue fluor, but it does seem a bit exaggerated. I was really hoping that I could trust their eye, since they seem to b good for color diamonds...

I know the setting would be non refundable, which I'm ok with - I would try and find a diamond that would fit the setting (which I guess will make it even harder).

Ok I guess I'll go back to plan a = gog. Its just taking them forever to get back to me about settings! (3-4weeks with none of the info I requested! Just an interim email saying that shes waiting for vatche to get back to her). Bit frustrating.

White Flash also offers Vatche setting as does IDJ I believe, just a couple other options for you. Have you found a diamond at GOG that you're happy with? We could help make suggestions from any of these vendors if you'd like.

 

[hoynnij]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

Thanks for the comments.

Yeah I did think the stone was quite shallow. And the comment about it facing up white, I put it down to the blue fluor, but it does seem a bit exaggerated. I was really hoping that I could trust their eye, since they seem to b good for color diamonds...

I know the setting would be non refundable, which I'm ok with - I would try and find a diamond that would fit the setting (which I guess will make it even harder).

Ok I guess I'll go back to plan a = gog. Its just taking them forever to get back to me about settings! (3-4weeks with none of the info I requested! Just an interim email saying that shes waiting for vatche to get back to her). Bit frustrating.

White Flash also offers Vatche setting as does IDJ I believe, just a couple other options for you. Have you found a diamond at GOG that you're happy with? We could help make suggestions from any of these vendors if you'd like.

No havent seen anything in particular at GOG yet that I am set on. I'm not particularly after a Vatche setting, but they were the only ones that I saw on the GOG website that matched what I wanted. To be honest, my experience dealing with the settings department at GOG hasnt been very good, enough for me to not really want to purchase from there. I dont know how I can be expected to select a setting when I dont even know the thickness of the shank, nor the price. After 6+ weeks of communication, I still havent received a price on any settings. The only reason why I kept persisting was because I trust their expertise and judgement on diamonds (the diamond department has been excellent, on the other hand).

I will definitely be open to other retailers and any suggestions you might have. I will probably want to go for a 1.3ct+ SI1 H RBC in a tiffany style setting.

thanks so much for your help. And listening to my mini vent...

 

[frankiextah]

Re: Buying a colour less diamond from Leibish - how do I jud

i have a friend who brought in her diamond to IDJ and received her Vatche U113 solitaire setting within one weekend (approx. 3-4 days). i would highly suggest you inquire about this with them !