Buying my first diamond - About to pull the trigger

[CTFAN05]

Hello,

I am looking for some advice on a diamond that I have found and am seriously considering purchasing for and engagment ring. I am wondering if what I have found sounds like a good deal to the experts. First I will say, that my total budget is $10,000 and my girlfriend has made it very clear over the last year that she would absolutely love a 2 carat diamond. Well considering that I have been looking for a while to find the best diamond in that size, but not compromising too, too much on the quality (its been difficult to say the least). Well today I found what I think might be the one. Below are the specs:

EGL certified:
2.05 Carrats
Round Brilliant
Ideal Cut
62% Depth
57% width
15% crown heigh
43%Pvilion depth
Thin girdle
Excellent polish
Excellent symmetry
NO cutlet
VS2 Clarity
J color
No flouresence

Under comments it says "Tolkowsky Ideal Cut" and " " 8 hearts and 8arrows"

Additionally it mentions "hairline features in girdle, minor bearing"

The price is just over $9000 and there is a 30 full return guarentee no questions asked.

Any thing that I should be concerned about?

 

[mercoledi]

It does appear to be an ideal cut diamond according to the HCA. Is there a sub-heading for the EGL cert, ie is it EGL-USA or EGL-Israel or something? Generally EGL certs are less precise than GIA which are generally less precise than AGS. This does not change the value of your diamond per se, but makes it a little harder to judge. For instance an EGL J may be an AGS K/L and pavilion and crown % are rounded and less precise than the associated angles.

How does it look to your eyes? Do you like the color and sparkle? A 2 ct VS2 for 9k does sound like a great deal! Would you consider purchasing an idealscope? Then you can evaluate it more closely on your own.

 

[CTFAN05]

Since I am buying this diamond online, I have not actually seen the actual diamond. I am not worried since they ahve a 30 day return policy. Is it realistic to ask them to send a good picture of the diamond? What other questions should I ask in regards to getting details about the inclusions? Eye clean?

I have tried to post a copy of the report, but the site won''t let me. I do not see any mention of EGL-USE or Isreal on it.

 

[CTFAN05]

Got it to work

 

[mercoledi]

I think it''s certainly reasonable to request a picture. An IdeaScope or ASET image would be nice too if your vendor has that capability.

Generally a VS2 will be eye-clean but since this stone was graded on a looser metric it''s probably wise to ask. Be sure to specify what you consider to be eye-clean, ie no visible inclusions at 8 inches with 20/20 vision from any angle (or whatever). Stones are graded for clarity face-up so if you don''t want to be able to see an inclusion from the pavilion or side, be sure to specify that.

With a purchase this large you may wish to consider having the stone independently appraised after you receive it. If you''re in the US there are appraisers listed at the top of the PS tool bar under resources. The appraiser will assess the stone and let you know how close it is to the cert and what it is worth/should be insured for.

Good luck!

 

[CTFAN05]

Date: 7/30/2008 6:22:48 PM
Author: mercoledi
I think it''s certainly reasonable to request a picture. An IdeaScope or ASET image would be nice too if your vendor has that capability.

Generally a VS2 will be eye-clean but since this stone was graded on a looser metric it''s probably wise to ask. Be sure to specify what you consider to be eye-clean, ie no visible inclusions at 8 inches with 20/20 vision from any angle (or whatever). Stones are graded for clarity face-up so if you don''t want to be able to see an inclusion from the pavilion or side, be sure to specify that.

With a purchase this large you may wish to consider having the stone independently appraised after you receive it. If you''re in the US there are appraisers listed at the top of the PS tool bar under resources. The appraiser will assess the stone and let you know how close it is to the cert and what it is worth/should be insured for.

Good luck!

Wow! Lots of excellent info. I will certiantly use it. Thanks!!

 

[rcrosier]

Date: 7/30/2008 6:14:27 PM
Author: CTFAN05
Since I am buying this diamond online, I have not actually seen the actual diamond. I am not worried since they ahve a 30 day return policy. Is it realistic to ask them to send a good picture of the diamond? What other questions should I ask in regards to getting details about the inclusions? Eye clean?

I have tried to post a copy of the report, but the site won''t let me. I do not see any mention of EGL-USE or Isreal on it.

Is it realistic to ask to see what you $10K is buying? Yes, it definitely is. Considering you haven''t seen the stone, I would ask about return shipping costs. If they send it, you should take it to be appraised. I personally suggest that you talk to your girlfriend and ask her how low she is willing to go in clarity/color before purchasing the stone. Ask her if she would rather have a large diamond, or a nicer diamond of equal value. Remember, there are no DEALS in the industry. You pay for what you get, and sometimes you pay a little more than what you get, depending on where you buy. You absolutely never get more than your money is worth. To me, a 2 ct J/VS2 is unrealistic for $10K. My guess is that the color is actually darker and the diamond is closer to an SI1... However, that doesn''t mean that you wont be happy with a K/SI1 2 ct stone, because, after all, it is 2 carats

.

 

[CTFAN05]

Date: 7/30/2008 6:30:11 PM
Author: rcrosier

Is it realistic to ask to see what you $10K is buying? Yes, it definitely is. Considering you haven''t seen the stone, I would ask about return shipping costs. If they send it, you should take it to be appraised. I personally suggest that you talk to your girlfriend and ask her how low she is willing to go in clarity/color before purchasing the stone. Ask her if she would rather have a large diamond, or a nicer diamond of equal value. Remember, there are no DEALS in the industry. You pay for what you get, and sometimes you pay a little more than what you get, depending on where you buy. You absolutely never get more than your money is worth. To me, a 2 ct J/VS2 is unrealistic for $10K. My guess is that the color is actually darker and the diamond is closer to an SI1... However, that doesn''t mean that you wont be happy with a K/SI1 2 ct stone, because, after all, it is 2 carats

.

We have had that discussion before. I have been looking for a while I have made it clear that what I can afford sould not get a perfect 2ct diamond. Her cousin was recently married and her stone was I believe a I/SI1 and my girlfiend loved it. Shes basically happy as long as it''s big and shines. This one seems to fit the bill but we will see.

I felt the same wasy in regards to this sounding "too good to be true". I live only about an hour from NYC where there are a lot of shops. I have a setting picked (most likly going to get it) and going to see if they can have it appraised. I will also look into the site listings as well. Im sure there are some in the CT/NY area. If the appraisal doesn''t match what I paid... well I have 30 days to return. I will check on the shipping cost for return. Shipping to me is free.

 

[purrfectpear]

Since it''s EGL Europe instead of EGL USA you can pretty well be assured you are not getting a J. Be sure and have an independent appraisal since there is quite a difference in price between J and L.

Did you check out THIS WHITEFLASH 2.05 also an EGL (ask if USA or Europe or Isreal) J VS2 for $8452.

 

[mercoledi]

Dollars to doughnuts that's the same stone, only priced with the PS discount. The listing is exactly the same. Nice one PurrfectPear.

 

[CTFAN05]

Date: 7/30/2008 6:46:05 PM
Author: purrfectpear
Since it''s EGL Europe instead of EGL USA you can pretty well be assured you are not getting a J. Be sure and have an independent appraisal since there is quite a difference in price between J and L.

Did you check out THIS WHITEFLASH 2.05 also an EGL (ask if USA or Europe or Isreal) J VS2 for $8452.

THis sounds like the SAME EXACT diamond. EVery dimenion is exact

Except its a little bit cheaper!!! Hmmmm. What gives? Could this be the same diamond being sold by 2 different sites?

 

[CTFAN05]

How good is this whiteflash site? They give it 4 starts? Does that actually mean anything?

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/30/2008 7:01:21 PM
Author: CTFAN05
How good is this whiteflash site? They give it 4 starts? Does that actually mean anything?

Whiteflash is great as are the other vendors like Good Old Gold, James Allen, Engagement Rings Direct, Pearlman''s, Winfield''s just to name a few. The Cut above line is their best diamonds at WF.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/30/2008 6:58:44 PM
Author: CTFAN05

Date: 7/30/2008 6:46:05 PM
Author: purrfectpear
Since it's EGL Europe instead of EGL USA you can pretty well be assured you are not getting a J. Be sure and have an independent appraisal since there is quite a difference in price between J and L.

Did you check out THIS WHITEFLASH 2.05 also an EGL (ask if USA or Europe or Isreal) J VS2 for $8452.

THis sounds like the SAME EXACT diamond. EVery dimenion is exact

Except its a little bit cheaper!!! Hmmmm. What gives? Could this be the same diamond being sold by 2 different sites?

Yes, it isn't a stone in house so usually any of the vendors can bring it in.

 

[mercoledi]

Yup. Often stones are listed virtually through multiple sellers. If you're interested in it it's either drop-shipped to you or it's brought in house and then sent out to you. The WF price is probably better due to the PS and bankwire discounts. If you wanted to buy through WF they can bring it in for a small fee (under $100 I think) and evaluate it and you can buy it or not. If you buy it, they waive the fee. If you don't you're out the cash.

One thing to consider, WF only has a 10 day return policy. There's also this 2.04 from JA though I have doubts about it being eye-clean.

ETA: WF stars

. It used to be that 4/5 stars meant someone in-house had evaluated the stone and like it. 1/2/3 stars meant that the stone was virtual and as such they didn't pass judgment on it except in some cases 3 meant promising. It seems that they're re-vamping that system (it was really confusing for fancy stones; why have so many ranked so low?) as I've seen several virtual stones tonight with 4 stars. It probably means that it's promising and scores well on the HCA and other virtual tests. I would call and find out.

 

[purrfectpear]

Whiteflash is the BEST. Seriously. I purchased my 2.06 from them. They will send you all sorts of reports, SARIN, ASET, EGL cert, GOOD clear photos, you name it. They are totally to be trusted. If a diamond is a dog they won''t sell it. I would venture to say that hundreds, if not a few thousand of us here on Pricescope have purchased from Whiteflash.

My sales rep was Bob Hoskins, but honestly you can''t go wrong with ANY of the folks at WF

 

[Lorelei]

Whiteflash Star Rating Info

 

[CTFAN05]

A little update. I mananged to get a picture of the EGL 2.05 and compared it with a similarly speced GIA, and have to say, the color, clarity and cut difference was amazing. The GIA blew it out of the water, and I decided to go with a smaller but much nicer diamond from Whiteflash. The customer service was excellent and I couldnt be happier with my purchase even though I went a bit over of budget. I finally got the ring yesterday and now I''m on to engagment planning

Here are the psecs on the new one btw:

Report: GIA
. Shape: Round Ideal Cut
. Carat: 1.79
. Depth %: 62.1
. Table %: 57
. Crown Angle: 35.5
. Crown %: 15.5
. Star : 55
. Pavilion Angle: 40.8
. Pavilion %: 43
. Lower Girdle %: 75
. Girdle: Medium
. Measurements: 7.75-7.78X4.82
. Polish: Excellent
. Symmetry: Excellent
. Culet: None
. Fluorescence: None

 

[Lorelei]

Congrats - it sounds great!!!