Buying my first diamond :)

LetLoveRule · Jul 14, 2018

My partner recently proposed and I said yes!

I'm looking to design my own engagement ring and would like some advice on buying my first diamond. Budget is below USD 4500 (I'm from Australia). I think that James Allen and Blue Nile are trustworthy sites?
This is what I think I'm looking for:
Radiant
Carat 1.2
Colour H+
Clarity SI2+
Excellent to Very Good
Fluorescence None
Certificate GIA

I don't know much about Table, Girdle, Depth or Culet though.

This ring is similar to what I have in mind:

.

Thanks so much for helping

Bron357 · Jul 14, 2018

Congratulations and welcome. Fellow Aussie here.
Is that $4,500 US - all up or just for the diamond?
Don’t forget you’ll be paying 10% GST import tax.
What shape or shapes were you after?
The other pros will chime in later, diamonds aren’t my area!

LetLoveRule · Jul 14, 2018

Hi Bron! Thanks

and nice to see another Aussie on here.

That's 4500 USD for just the diamond. Friend of mine will travel to US soon, hopefully that will save me import tax.

I really like a rectangle radiant cut, seems a little different than the more popular cushion or princess cut.

Have you bought a diamond? Yeah look forward to receiving some feedback from the pros here.

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

Without knowing your FACET preferences, I did a general search for Radiants at JA.
With fancy cut diamonds, it is important to have as much visual aid assistance as possible to eliminate those that do not perform to your liking.
ASET, and Videos are key to helping you in your purchase, esp since you are out of country, and will not be able to have in person examination opportunity.
BN typically does not provide ASETs. JA will provide 3 ASET reports PER EMAIL.

There are several (at least 4, perhaps 5) contenders, below:

Act with haste, and reach out to JA to place any of these that interest you ON HOLD, IMMEDIATELY.

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...metry=VG,EX&Lab=GIA,AGS&DepthTo=67&TableTo=70

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

This is my top favorite choice at JA:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5304392

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

#2:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3641300

#3:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3849165

I find this facet pattern intriguing:
#4:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3017954

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

Not much at 1.2ct+ range in the rectangular Radiant category, but this may be OK:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.20-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-3698923

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

sledge · Jul 14, 2018

Matthews1127 said:
JA will provide 3 ASET reports PER EMAIL.

Is this a radiant cut thing? With rounds, JA will typically provide idealscope images which is different than ASET images.

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

sledge said:
Is this a radiant cut thing? With rounds, JA will typically provide idealscope images which is different than ASET images.

ASET images show play of light in a fancy cut stone.
All Diamonds can be evaluated using ASET imaging.
Example images for Radiant Cut Diamonds:

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

Some interesting literature:

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/education/how-to-read-an-idealscope-image

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

sledge said:
Is this a radiant cut thing? With rounds, JA will typically provide idealscope images which is different than ASET images.

So, to directly answer your question: ASET is an “every cut” thing. IS, H & A are a MRB thing. ASET is best for Fancy Cuts; IS is not as accurate.

Bron357 · Jul 14, 2018

See Matthews1127 is a LEGEND!

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

Bron357 said:
See Matthews1127 is a LEGEND!

lol!! Hardly!

sledge · Jul 14, 2018

Thank you for the additional info @Matthews1127. Although I'm not as well educated in fancy cuts I did understand ASETs were valuable across the board.

I was more surprised JA offered them. In rounds they only offer IS images despite most people preferring an ASET. You can see light leakage in ASET so if they do that service for the other cuts I don't understand why they choose to limit MRB customers to less useful IS images.

Just as I don't understand their policy on 3 images only. Seems they would want to sell stones and give data freely that helps that cause.

Just pet peeves I have with them is all. Trying to be open minded and understand their reasoning is all.

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

sledge said:
Thank you for the additional info @Matthews1127. Although I'm not as well educated in fancy cuts I did understand ASETs were valuable across the board.

I was more surprised JA offered them. In rounds they only offer IS images despite most people preferring an ASET. You can see light leakage in ASET so if they do that service for the other cuts I don't understand why they choose to limit MRB customers to less useful IS images.

Just as I don't understand their policy on 3 images only. Seems they would want to sell stones and give data freely that helps that cause.

Just pet peeves I have with them is all. Trying to be open minded and understand their reasoning is all.

I understand, and I agree. Perhaps the reasoning behind it, or explanation for the discrepancy is that perhaps, and I’m speculating, here, the Diamonds they are unable to provide ASET images for are not in-house, and the virtual vendors do not have images to oblige the request?
I have often wondered why those images are just not readily available, without question.
All the more reason why any consumer of precious stones should have their own ASET/IS kit. It can make life more difficult for those over seas (@Bron357 & so many others), who do not have the benefit of personal examination, in store, but who also have taxes to pay just to get the diamond in their own zip code. Without really good return policies, that’s a huge risk.
I won’t deal with a vendor that cannot allow me to personally view the diamonds under magnification, or provide visual aids for cut & performance analysis. DH & I were not as knowledgeable as we are, now, when he purchased my center EC, and he still did not purchase blindly. He was able to examine the stone with naked eye, and under magnification, in person, with comparison stones as reference. He got super lucky with my EC, and I cherish her because of the journey he (and I) walked to find her.
There should be no reason why a diamond vendor can not provide ASET/IS images on any diamond they have in stock, or any diamond they have listed in virtual inventory. It takes a few minutes to get that information, and send it via email.

rockysalamander · Jul 14, 2018

Just popping in to say that radiants, like many fancies, don't hide body color well (though better than step-cuts!). In long stones, you can have some color concentration. So, I generally suggest you stick to G/H or above. The exception is if you work with a vendor is is very good with fancies.

I don't see much right now, but you might reach out to DiamondsbyLauren. They are great with radiant and could make the setting you like easily.

Also, don't forgot to compare radiant by size in mm not weight. Cutting patterns vary and they are not consistent like rounds. Sometimes the smaller weight will be larger spread.

If you liked crushed ice (lots of small twikles), the stones posted above are along those lines. Not eyeclean but it shows the effect well. Can be very pretty.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

This has more of the crisper facets. Its not eyeclean, so just showing the type.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.03-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-5099151
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

This is great. Under your weight goal, but nice facets and spread. Needs an ASET, but has nice light play.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.02-carat-h-color-if-clarity-sku-4672271
6.85*5.26*3.50
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11620177/Radiant-Diamond-G-Color-IF-Clarity
6.79x5.19x53

This looks great. If the ASET looks decent, these are nice.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true
6.79x5.24x3.59
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true
6.84*5.35*3.59 {strong blue)
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true
6.79*5.30*3.57,

I would put the ones you like on hold right away. Then, request ASET images (all these vendors should provide).

rockysalamander · Jul 14, 2018

Great educational video about the 'types' of radiants. Both crushed ice and crisp can be quite pretty. We are looking to avoid slush.

LetLoveRule · Jul 14, 2018

The experts have arrived!

thanks everyone, much appreciated. I will look at at the links provided.

I have seen a diamond before your posts that I thought I might like but after contacting JA, they don't have ASET images as the diamond is overseas. The ASET images can only be provided after shipping to me. This is the link: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-4709549, thoughts?

I'm not familiar with other US sites than Blue Nile and James Allen. As I'm not able to inspect the diamonds from Australia, I will need all the information before purchasing.

By rectangle I don't mean as rectangle as an emerald cut, more like in between emerald and square. Maybe ratio 1.20?

@Matthews1127, Without knowing your FACET preferences: I don't have enough knowledge to tell you my preferences unfortunately.

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

LetLoveRule said:
The experts have arrived! thanks everyone, much appreciated. I will look at at the links provided.

I have seen a diamond before your posts that I thought I might like but after contacting JA, they don't have ASET images as the diamond is overseas. The ASET images can only be provided after shipping to me. This is the link: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-4709549, thoughts?

I'm not familiar with other US sites than Blue Nile and James Allen. As I'm not able to inspect the diamonds from Australia, I will need all the information before purchasing.

By rectangle I don't mean as rectangle as an emerald cut, more like in between emerald and square. Maybe ratio 1.20?

@Matthews1127, Without knowing your FACET preferences: I don't have enough knowledge to tell you my preferences unfortunately.

That just makes this more fun!! You get to look, objectively, at stones & decide what speaks to you!!
Don’t worry!! We’ll find you the perfect Radiant!!

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

Your choice is lovely!! I see what you mean: elongated square radiant!
Hopefully, JA will get you the ASET, ASAP!!

LetLoveRule · Jul 14, 2018

Matthews1127 said:
This is my top favorite choice at JA:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5304392

Yes that's absolutely amazing but sold already

have to act fast huh

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

You’d have to check with the gemologist about the inclusion against the table:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4767771

rockysalamander · Jul 14, 2018

LetLoveRule said:
The experts have arrived! thanks everyone, much appreciated. I will look at at the links provided.

I have seen a diamond before your posts that I thought I might like but after contacting JA, they don't have ASET images as the diamond is overseas. The ASET images can only be provided after shipping to me. This is the link: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-4709549, thoughts?

I'm not familiar with other US sites than Blue Nile and James Allen. As I'm not able to inspect the diamonds from Australia, I will need all the information before purchasing.

By rectangle I don't mean as rectangle as an emerald cut, more like in between emerald and square. Maybe ratio 1.20?

@Matthews1127, Without knowing your FACET preferences: I don't have enough knowledge to tell you my preferences unfortunately.

I think your choice will be pretty slushy. Can you see a bowtie of slush/grey facets between the center and e w sides?. I can't draw on my phone but will try to later. Watch the videos above.

rockysalamander · Jul 14, 2018

Matthews1127 said:
You’d have to check with the gemologist about the inclusion against the table:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4767771

Better! Wish it were positioned better.

Matthews1127 · Jul 14, 2018

rockysalamander said:
Better! Wish it were positioned better.

Same....and that flipping INCLUSION!! GAH!!!

rockysalamander · Jul 14, 2018

I think the ones I posted have great potential....please have a look @LetLoveRule before they are scooped.

LetLoveRule · Jul 14, 2018

Matthews1127 said:
#2:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3641300

#3:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3849165

I find this facet pattern intriguing:
#4:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3017954

I like #4 - it shows that carat doesn't always says everything. The measurements make it seem like a 1.2 carat while it's a 1 carat, didn't realise that before

LetLoveRule · Jul 14, 2018

Matthews1127 said:
That just makes this more fun!! You get to look, objectively, at stones & decide what speaks to you!!
Don’t worry!! We’ll find you the perfect Radiant!!

Thank you!!

I have a bit of time too as my friend won't go to US until August

LetLoveRule · Jul 14, 2018

Matthews1127 said:
Your choice is lovely!! I see what you mean: elongated square radiant!
Hopefully, JA will get you the ASET, ASAP!!

I might have to keep looking as they won't have the ASET until they ship it to me, that's a big risk for me as I can't see it before it gets to Australia

Buying my first diamond :)

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