Can someone help me with what I would expect to pay for...

[typicalguy]

...the following diamond? I need help for this very scary engagment thing! Here I go--a reputable dealer (who is giving me a wholesale price) has this loose diamond for a potential solitaire diamond engagement ring:

Shape: Radiant
Measurements: 6.5mm X 6.2mm X 3.4 mm
Depth: 69
Table: 78
Color: F
Clarity: SI1 (not sure exactly where the inclusion is)
Carat: 1.5

As a second part to the question, if I want to spend ~$9K on a loose Radiant diamond that''s not overly rectangular, what quality/measurements should I generally expect to get?

Thanks so much for any help!!

 

[Giangi]

No matter how good is the price, I'd pass on this one, as the talbe is pretty large at 78%... Also, is it certified??

 

[typicalguy]

It's supposedly certified, but that's what I thought also.

Am I correct in the following:

depth 58-68 = very good cut
table 57-72 = very good cut

depth 56-74 = good cut
table 54-74 = good cut

Also, is there a big difference btwn. very good and good cuts?

One more thing--what are people's thoughts on Blue NIle?

 

[Alexandry]

I would definately pass on this diamond.
I have a radiant diamond with 81% table and it usually means
there is less on the sides to give it sparkle.
If it is too shallow, light escapes and you have less sparkle.
Also, a word of caution, sometimes the friend that offers a "wholesale price" is not offering a wholesale price.
You are doing the best thing you can by learning about it
before you see him and I would make sure the diamond is certified so you have its proportions on paper.
Good luck in finding the right one!

 

[homer_j]

I agree, pass on this. Have you checked out the AGS cut grading chart for radiants @ www.gemappraisers.com? According to this table, I think you should try to keep the depth above 61% and the table you can afford to go smaller but try to stay in the low to mid 60s if you can.

Blue Nile has a large selection but is consistently more expensive than other on-line vendors. Read up on this forum and you'll see this same observation. Have you checked out Mondera and Ashford, they have several radiants in their stock as well. A lot of folks here recommend highly several other on-line vendors, who from what I have seen, have better quality for less. $9k should buy you plenty of ice. Run a search on pricescope to see what some other on-line vendors are offering. You'll probably see good/ideal stones at much cheaper prices. Also, you'll likely see the difference in prices b/n vendors for the same stone.

Good luck.

 

[barry]

First, stick with either GIA or AGS reports.
These two labs are the most reliable,
accurate and consistent
with well-deserved excellent reputations.

Fancy cuts are very difficult to evaluate solely on the numbers. There are a number of Table/Crown/Pavillion
% combinations that will result in a diamond with superior light performance and minimal light leakage.
In general,I would recommend Tables in the range of 55-62,
depth in the range of 66-77 and Crown heights of
at least 10%. Keep in mind these are general guidlines
and that it is very likely that you will
see stones with these numbers that show significant light
leakage.

Barry
www.superbcert.com