Checking Before I Make The Plunge

[sha4000]

First of all let me say hello to all the PS'ers and say that I think this site has helped me greatly in learning more about diamonds in the last 4-5 months than any other resource out there. I've been reading heavily and looking around both online and in the diamond district in NY and about ready to pull the trigger. I have chosen to build the ring online bcuz I'm tired of all the bs in the DD. There are some decent guy/gals out there but for the most part Too much work weeding thru the brush to get to them. Especially more so when you any knowledge of what you want and what should be paid. I've narrowed it down to two reputable online shops and did my due diligence on checking the reviews, policies of each one. Currently Im looking at these two diamonds ( which could change in the next week or two If I happen acrooss a better deal ) and would just like to know which one you guys/gals think is the better diamond just looking at the specks. Even if it's just by a slight margin. Not looking to be convinced one way or the other but would just like opinions from the experts .

Both are GIA certified

1)
Shape and Cutting Style:
Princess
Measurements:
5.21 x 5.15 x 4.09
Total Carat Weight:

1.02
Color:

I
Clarity:

IF
Cut:

Good
Polish:

Excellent
Symmetry:

Very Good
Fluorescence:

Medium
Depth:
79.4%
Length / Width Ratio:
1.01

2)
Shape and Cutting Style:
Princess
Measurements:
5.53 x 5.02 x 3.93
Total Carat Weight:

1.00
Color:

H
Clarity:

VVS2
Cut:

Good
Polish:

Very Good
Symmetry:

Good
Fluorescence:

Faint
Depth:
78.3%
Length / Width Ratio:
1.1

 

[JulieN]

They are both deep and small for their weight.

Would you like some suggestions? What is your budget for the stone?

 

[sha4000]

My Budget is 4k and I'm looking for a carat. Your suggestions are welcome.

 

[JulieN]

Here is a pic of #2, it is pretty bad http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-181887

4000 for 1 ct princess has always been tough. this one has the same face up size as #1 http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/10174/

 

[chel180]

I agree with Julie, they are small for their size. With any of them you may get over a 1carat of diamond but it will look like a 0.8ct ish diamond.

These fit your requirements but you'd need to ask JA for ASET images to check if they perform well>
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-185211
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-198651
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-114628

This one is $120 over budget but faces up larger than the average 1ct, at 5.5mm square and looks quite attractive. >
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10174/

What do you think? All of these are larger than the ones you posted.

 

[sha4000]

I agree with Julie, they are small for their size. With any of them you may get over a 1carat of diamond but it will look like a 0.8ct ish diamond.

These fit your requirements but you'd need to ask JA for ASET images to check if they perform well>
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-185211
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-198651
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-114628

This one is $120 over budget but faces up larger than the average 1ct, at 5.5mm square and looks quite attractive. >
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10174/

What do you think? All of these are larger than the ones you posted.

I actually looked at JA and saw alot of IGI certs which turned me off since I've been programmed to look for GIA or AGS lol. Plus they did not have any settings that my GF liked, she has mentioned that she would like a channel setting in platinum with at least a 3.5mm band which is driving the cost up some. Those first three are something to consider but the last link for GOG goes to .90ct and that is out. Also I have read alot about staying away from the very thick girdles.

 

[JulieN]

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.03-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-195994
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-113089

 

[sakari_8]

This stone seems ideal to me per your requirement

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3577938-1.01-carat-Princess-diamond-J-color-VVS2-clarity.aspx?cid=DiamPS&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

 

[chel180]

Sorry I linked the wrong GOG diamond, it was this one http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10185/

B2c dont offer photos of the actual diamond or ASETs so its a complete gamble. I'm not saying you can't find occasional stunners but most will be lemons.

GIA and AGS are the most common certs thats are well respected here.

There is nothing structurally wrong with a thick girdle. Its very thin girdles that you need to worry about. Thick girdles just means a waste of diamond weight which is why we always say focus on the dimensions and not the carat weight.

I'm going to be direct and say that your search for a GIA cert 1ct diamond for less than $4k that doesn't look like a square of spit is challenging. I'm not saying you won't find one, but you aren't going to have the luxury of being able to chose from a large selection. When I hunt for diamonds I usually find loads of options but, of stones with photos (I wouldn't recommend buying a stone without this and you dont know what you're getting) I could only find those 4. And Julie only found 2. Thats a total of 6 contenders. All from JA. They aren't my favorite vendor but they are well priced. You would have a lot more options if you considered going just under 1carat. There is a price premium once you go over the 1ct mark and really ,whats the difference between a 0.99ct and a 1ct?

You will save money buying a setting from the same place as the diamond, how about this one 3.7mm channel setting>
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engage...set-princess-shaped-engagement-ring-item-1121
this is 3.8 at the bottom and 4mm at the top
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engage...round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-936

 

[sha4000]

Here is a pic of #2, it is pretty bad http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-181887

4000 for 1 ct princess has always been tough. this one has the same face up size as #1 http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/10174/

Sorry Julie Your post did'nt show up until this morning. Last night Chels was the only only one there after my first response to you.

 

[sha4000]

Sorry I linked the wrong GOG diamond, it was this one http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10185/

B2c dont offer photos of the actual diamond or ASETs so its a complete gamble. I'm not saying you can't find occasional stunners but most will be lemons.

GIA and AGS are the most common certs thats are well respected here.

There is nothing structurally wrong with a thick girdle. Its very thin girdles that you need to worry about. Thick girdles just means a waste of diamond weight which is why we always say focus on the dimensions and not the carat weight.

I'm going to be direct and say that your search for a GIA cert 1ct diamond for less than $4k that doesn't look like a square of spit is challenging. I'm not saying you won't find one, but you aren't going to have the luxury of being able to chose from a large selection. When I hunt for diamonds I usually find loads of options but, of stones with photos (I wouldn't recommend buying a stone without this and you dont know what you're getting) I could only find those 4. And Julie only found 2. Thats a total of 6 contenders. All from JA. They aren't my favorite vendor but they are well priced. You would have a lot more options if you considered going just under 1carat. There is a price premium once you go over the 1ct mark and really ,whats the difference between a 0.99ct and a 1ct?

You will save money buying a setting from the same place as the diamond, how about this one 3.7mm channel setting>
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engage...set-princess-shaped-engagement-ring-item-1121
this is 3.8 at the bottom and 4mm at the top
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engage...round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-936

Well if nothing else I'm glad that I checked in here with you guys before making a purchase. I was missing an important part of the equation totally. So from what you guys are telling me the width and length of a 1ct princess cut should at least be about 5.5x4.8 to truly take advantage of being and looking like a true carat. I also did some googling after Julies "deep and small" comment which I didn't quite understand at first. I thought the 1ct IF diamond was inexpensive but I thought that having to do with the stigma of fluorescence. I don't mind going down to .99 either since you basically wont be able to tell the difference. I'll just have to reset my parameters.

 

[tyty333]

You cant really go by size of the stone (since princess cuts are not always square), you go by the depth. (if its square you can
go by the size to determine if it faces up small).

Here is a princess cut chart that might help you.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-grading-chart-princess

Its best to work with a vendor that has real pictures and can provide ASETs to check on light return (JA, GOG, Whiteflash, BGD).
(You cant pick a fancy cut stone without a picture. The faceting patterns can be very different and lots of them are not
attractive.)

 

[SMC]

B2c dont offer photos of the actual diamond or ASETs so its a complete gamble. I'm not saying you can't find occasional stunners but most will be lemons.

I think B2C does offer pictures and ASETs of diamonds. You just have to ask them for it. Sometime they won't be able to provide it because the diamond's located overseas or something, but they do try to get them for you if they can.

It's harder to know whether or not to even bother with getting the ASET because there's no initial image and you're just going on numbers alone. However, B2C prices are very competitive, so it's up to you if you want to put in more work. I think JA provides a good amount of info at a decent price point. GOG provides more info at a higher price point.

 

[sha4000]

You cant really go by size of the stone (since princess cuts are not always square), you go by the depth. (if its square you can
go by the size to determine if it faces up small).

Here is a princess cut chart that might help you.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-grading-chart-princess

Its best to work with a vendor that has real pictures and can provide ASETs to check on light return (JA, GOG, Whiteflash, BGD).
(You cant pick a fancy cut stone without a picture. The faceting patterns can be very different and lots of them are not
attractive.)

Thx for all the responses so far but I'm still a little confused and believe me I've been reading EVERYTHING online from this site and tons of others. I was sure that I was going in the right direction with the two stones I mentioned in my first post. Just shows how much I thought I knew. It looks like I have to rethink my whole strategy which I have no problem with but man this is tiring and exhausting to say the least. There is a limit though, those two stones I found are from a site called Adiamor which I read good things about. I don't see much talk about them on here though. I've looked on JA, the stones on GOG and whiteflash are definitely pricier so I'll just keep searching. Maybe I'll go back to the DD one more time. Where I'm a bit confused at is with these two posts.

From Julie

They are both deep and small for their weight.

And from Chel

I agree with Julie, they are small for their size. With any of them you may get over a 1carat of diamond but it will look like a 0.8ct ish diamond.

 

[JulieN]

You can choose a few by the pictures on JA's site, and then go look at them in person in the DD by appointment. Since you didn't see any settings you liked on JA, you might want to make an appointment with IDJewelry.

a 1 ct princess is about 5.5x5.5 mm, and I usually skip anything less than 5.4x5.4, unless it has some special redeeming qualities.

 

[sha4000]

You can choose a few by the pictures on JA's site, and then go look at them in person in the DD by appointment. Since you didn't see any settings you liked on JA, you might want to make an appointment with IDJewelry.

a 1 ct princess is about 5.5x5.5 mm, and I usually skip anything less than 5.4x5.4, unless it has some special redeeming qualities.

That does clear things up and kind of what I was thinking after I looked at the ideal dimensions for a princess cut on the charts. I didn't realize that JA had a store in the DD so I will check that out.

 

[sha4000]

Didn't get a chance to go to the DD today so I've been on the net paying more attention to the l/w and the respective ratio as well as table and depth %. It has already been explained to me that I would have to see a princess cut stone or any other stone for that matter as well as taking an ASET image to really know if it performs well. I have emailed a couple of ering vendors i.e. B2C, JA, Excel, Adiamor, Union Direct and The Diamond Factory to request appointments and to see if they provide the ASET. TDF, Excel and JA have offices in the DD so hopefully I can get appointments to check out some stones. With B2C, UD and Adiamor I have to rely on the charts ( I can also save on the Tax ) and if the Independant Appraisal is not favorable I can return or exchange the stone. If I have to return I'm out the appraisal fee which can add up and neutralize ANY savings from buying on the web. So with that in mind what do you think of the proportions on these? And if you don't like them tell me why. thanks for all the advice and I hope I'm not annoying anyone.

GIA Report: 2146652164 L
Carat Weight: 1.00 carat
MM: 5.68X5.58X3.78
Color: J
Clarity: VS2
Cut Select Ideal™
Depth: 67.8%
Table: 73%
Girdle:MED-THK
Culet: None
Polish: EX
Symmetry:VG
Fluorescence: None



Shape Princess
Carat 1.03
Cut Good
Lab GIA
Clarity VVS2
Color J
Polish Very Good
Symmetry Good
Fluorescence None
Table 81
Depth 73.3
Length 5.72
Width 5.51
Height 4.04
Culet None
Girdle Very Thin to Extra Thick
L/W Ratio 1.038
L/W Ratio Shape Square


Carat Weight : 1.00
Cut : Excellent
Color : J
Clarity : SI1
Depth : 74.80
Table : 71.00
Polish : Very Good
Symmetry : Very Good
Girdle : TK
Culet : None
Fluorescence : Medium
Ratio : 1.00
Measurements : 5.40x5.39x4.03

 

[sha4000]

No replies??? Just trying to get some thought on what might look good on paper.

 

[chel180]

I would expect the second diamond to be quite in attractive with a such large table. Also where possible I wouldnt choose a very thin girdle.

 

[04diamond<3]

I'd say the third one. Rule of thumb with square cuts, you want the depth to be bigger than the table size. You also want the depth to stay around 70% or less...I would still say, that it's up to you, but those would be my suggestions.

 

[sha4000]

I would expect the second diamond to be quite in attractive with a such large table. Also where possible I wouldnt choose a very thin girdle.

Thanks Chel I must not have realized that 81 in the table I'm trying to keep that that table under 78/77 to stay in my price range. 4k for the stone and 2k for the setting.

 

[sha4000]

I'd say the third one. Rule of thumb with square cuts, you want the depth to be bigger than the table size. You also want the depth to stay around 70% or less...I would still say, that it's up to you, but those would be my suggestions.

Thanks for your suggestions I know I'm not going to get the top of the line stone with the budget being 4k but I figured I could stay a little above the middle based on the chart for princess cuts. I have been looking at the stone you suggested all day and it actually comes in under budget on several sights and Zoara actually has a real pic and say's it's eye clean. I attached a pic.

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-grading-chart-princess

 

[04diamond<3]

Two I'd request aset images on:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.25-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-209580 (it's a K, but STUNNING! and faces up lighter)

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-210291

If you don't know already, JA offers PS members an additional discount...

 

[sha4000]

Two I'd request aset images on:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.25-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-209580 (it's a K, but STUNNING! and faces up lighter)

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-210291

If you don't know already, JA offers PS members an additional discount...

I'm really tempted by the first one, But would you take a look at the pic I posted? And what kind of discount do we get and how do we get it?

 

[04diamond<3]

Two I'd request aset images on:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.25-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-209580 (it's a K, but STUNNING! and faces up lighter)

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-210291

If you don't know already, JA offers PS members an additional discount...

I'm really tempted by the first one, But would you take a look at the pic I posted? And what kind of discount do we get and how do we get it?

I agree, for the size, the cut and the dimensions, I think it's a great deal! The discount is between 1-5% and you have to ask them when you put it on hold what kind of discount they're offering and mention that you are from pricescope.

and don't forget to request an aset image.

 

[sha4000]

Two I'd request aset images on:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.25-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-209580 (it's a K, but STUNNING! and faces up lighter)

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-210291

If you don't know already, JA offers PS members an additional discount...

I'm really tempted by the first one, But would you take a look at the pic I posted? And what kind of discount do we get and how do we get it?

I agree, for the size, the cut and the dimensions, I think it's a great deal! The discount is between 1-5% and you have to ask them when you put it on hold what kind of discount they're offering and mention that you are from pricescope.

and don't forget to request an aset image.

What are your impressions on the diamond in the pic above if you can make any at all based off the photo? And thanks again for your input.

 

[04diamond<3]

Two I'd request aset images on:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.25-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-209580 (it's a K, but STUNNING! and faces up lighter)

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-210291

If you don't know already, JA offers PS members an additional discount...

I'm really tempted by the first one, But would you take a look at the pic I posted? And what kind of discount do we get and how do we get it?

I agree, for the size, the cut and the dimensions, I think it's a great deal! The discount is between 1-5% and you have to ask them when you put it on hold what kind of discount they're offering and mention that you are from pricescope.

and don't forget to request an aset image.

What are your impressions on the diamond in the pic above if you can make any at all based off the photo? And thanks again for your input.

It looks nice. It also looks like there could be some leakage in the center and on the sides...it also looks a bit dark in the center. Only way to really tell is to get an aset image so we can see how it performs. I wouldn't ever buy a princess online without seeing an aset image of it.

 

[chel180]

It looks nice. It also looks like there could be some leakage in the center and on the sides...it also looks a bit dark in the center. Only way to really tell is to get an aset image so we can see how it performs. I wouldn't ever buy a princess online without seeing an aset image of it.

+1

Also you mentioned the setting for $2k. What kind of setting do you want? If you want a simple solitaire you could save some $$$ and put those towards the centre diamond.

 

[JulieN]

The Zoara one looks pretty good. Ask for crown height.

 

[sha4000]

Two I'd request aset images on:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.25-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-sku-209580 (it's a K, but STUNNING! and faces up lighter)

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-210291

If you don't know already, JA offers PS members an additional discount...

I'm really tempted by the first one, But would you take a look at the pic I posted? And what kind of discount do we get and how do we get it?

I agree, for the size, the cut and the dimensions, I think it's a great deal! The discount is between 1-5% and you have to ask them when you put it on hold what kind of discount they're offering and mention that you are from pricescope.

and don't forget to request an aset image.

What are your impressions on the diamond in the pic above if you can make any at all based off the photo? And thanks again for your input.

It looks nice. It also looks like there could be some leakage in the center and on the sides...it also looks a bit dark in the center. Only way to really tell is to get an aset image so we can see how it performs. I wouldn't ever buy a princess online without seeing an aset image of it.

Sorry but I don't know if there is a multi-quote option and can't seem to figure out how to do it yet. I was concerned about the dark spot in the center also but All the stones on the site have a black background and show darkness so I thin that MIGHT explain it. I have rquested the ASET and crown angle per Julies suggestion.