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Choosing an Emerald Cut - advice needed!

M

m_joh_nor

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 16, 2014
Messages
24
Hi,

So I am searching for an engagement ring for my hopefully soon-to-be fiance. I have found the design, and have started browsing around for quotes on the design. There are quite a few that can match the design, but i have to say that I am a little lost when it comes to which center diamond to chose. I have listed the specs from three different center stones, and would really appreciate if anyone could indicate which ones of these would be the best buy, assuming they are more or less the same price. Considering all Cs except Cut, number 1 is the best choice. But I am a little worried about the Table %. Does anyone have some advice here? Let me know if I should also include the measurements.

1.

Carat: 0,76
Color: E
Clarity: IF
Polish and symmetry: Excellent
Table: 78%
Depth: 65,4 %
Characteristics: Minor details of polish finish

2.

Carat: 0,77
Color: F
Clarity: VVS1
Polish and symmetry: Very good
Table: 68%
Depth: 67,5 %
Characteristics: pinpoint, feather, surface graining.

3.

Carat: 0,8
Color: F
Clarity: VVS2
Polish and symmetry: Excellent and very good respectively
Table: 64%
Depth: 68 %
Characteristics: Cloud

Thanks a lot!
 
With Ec, you should see photos, also if you can get ASET's that would be ideal, it is different than looking for other shapes. I would recommend a PS vendor that can help you with your search (I recently worked with GOG, they were amazing and searched for my specs and worked with my budget-then sent a video/asets of all the stones). Good luck, it is exciting!
 
Thanks for your reply!

The company I have received quotes from so far, have videos of the diamonds. And they look good on the video (they only make videos once the stone is finished I think), but I still would like to know which Cs, finish etc I should put emphasis on when making my decision. And to be honest, I am not sure I would be able to make a good judgement based on a photo. Which is why I try and understand which characteristics to look for.
 
You can look at the cut class tool but honestly, as the more exp ps members explained to me several times- you cannot go by numbers with the fancies. Aset's are very helpful- so definitely ask for those! Otherwise it's really difficult to tell from just photos/video with emerald cuts -
 
I am sure once you receive the aset's and post here- you will get some great feedback from the prosumers on ps- good luck and enjoy the search! Very exciting-
 
Table on 1 is far too big.
 
The vendor could not send ASET or SURIN, but sent this picture which is from stone number 1.

What do you think?

076emeif.jpg
 
Hi,

Now I have received info on another diamond.

Specifications:

Carats: 0.75
Clarity: VVS1
Color: F
Measurements: 6.07 x 4.37 x 2.96 mm
Table: 63
Depth: 67.7

I have also attached the SURIN.

What do you guys think about this one?

sarin_emerald.png
 
JulieN|1402934262|3694217 said:
Table on 1 is far too big.
Click to expand...

Yes I agree. What do you think about the new one I just posted?

Thanks,
 
Personally as a non diamond expert, I would recommend going with a vendor who can provide you with a video, sarin and aset for each stone. It is the best way to get the best information for an emerald cut.
 
Yup. Video and ASET needed. That picture only tells me it has potential. Not enough information to hit "buy" on it.
 
Here is a quote I found for proportions of emerald cuts:
The AGS cut graded emerald cut diamonds we have seen thus far tend to have depth percentages in the 65% to 71% range and table percentages in the 58% to 66% range.
Click to expand...
from: http://www.diamondsourceva.com/Education/Cut/diamonds-AGS-cut-grade.asp
I wouldn't stand by it too firmly, but it gives some guidelines to start eliminating (not choosing) stones.

Other things you should watch out for:
  • Length to width ratio. The industry "ideal" is 1.3-1.5 but I wouldn't let what other people like guide your eyes. Personally I'm a huge fan of almost an elongated asscher cut (1.1-1.3). Useful pic:
    item_ratio_ec_330x125.gif
    You should also consider the ratio that would look best for that setting

  • Corner Length. Look at these pictures of inspiration vs. attempt at reproduction that someone else posted: http://imgur.com/a/9vRSo One is more similar to an octagon and the other a traditional asscher.

The reason that everyone is attempting to convince you to go to a vendor with ASETs or video is because you want a pleasing pattern to the eye. Emerald cuts are enticing because the different "lines" flash at different times. If you don't have good enough of an on/off pattern , there isn't as much differentiation to the eye.

Here is a video from GOG about emerald cuts which makes it clearer what to look for in person: http://vimeo.com/album/44932/video/2289599
More: http://vimeo.com/album/44932
 
I'd recommend contacting Good Old Gold. They can call you in some stones, take ASET images, and make you a video comparing the stones. That is where I would always go for a fancy shape diamond.
 
starrylight|1403317614|3697716 said:
Here is a quote I found for proportions of emerald cuts:
The AGS cut graded emerald cut diamonds we have seen thus far tend to have depth percentages in the 65% to 71% range and table percentages in the 58% to 66% range.
Click to expand...
from: http://www.diamondsourceva.com/Education/Cut/diamonds-AGS-cut-grade.asp
I wouldn't stand by it too firmly, but it gives some guidelines to start eliminating (not choosing) stones.

Other things you should watch out for:
  • Length to width ratio. The industry "ideal" is 1.3-1.5 but I wouldn't let what other people like guide your eyes. Personally I'm a huge fan of almost an elongated asscher cut (1.1-1.3). Useful pic:
    item_ratio_ec_330x125.gif
    You should also consider the ratio that would look best for that setting

  • Corner Length. Look at these pictures of inspiration vs. attempt at reproduction that someone else posted: http://imgur.com/a/9vRSo One is more similar to an octagon and the other a traditional asscher.

The reason that everyone is attempting to convince you to go to a vendor with ASETs or video is because you want a pleasing pattern to the eye. Emerald cuts are enticing because the different "lines" flash at different times. If you don't have good enough of an on/off pattern , there isn't as much differentiation to the eye.

Here is a video from GOG about emerald cuts which makes it clearer what to look for in person: http://vimeo.com/album/44932/video/2289599
More: http://vimeo.com/album/44932
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for your feedback. Im searching around now for some vendors who can provide an ASET and also a video. I have already contacted GOG, and hoping they will have something that will fit with what Im looking for.

Thanks
 
diamondseeker2006|1403317895|3697720 said:
I'd recommend contacting Good Old Gold. They can call you in some stones, take ASET images, and make you a video comparing the stones. That is where I would always go for a fancy shape diamond.
Click to expand...


Thanks for your reply! I just contacted GOG, and will post what they send over as soon as I have it.
 
So glad (as was my earlier advice as well lol). They are wonderful to work with!! Can't wait to see what you pick.
 
Hi,

I have received feedback from GOG, and they ask me to pay for the shipping of the diamonds they have to call in for me. Is this normal? Also, they do not want to show the GIA numbers on the diamonds they will present.

Let me know your thoughts on this.
 
It gets credited towards the sale- totally worth it ! Aset's, videos, input that's invaluable!
 
Hi,

Despite recommendation for GOG, I felt that they were a little difficult to work with. They wanted me to pay for the shipping of the diamonds, even though I don't know if they will even find what I am looking for. They also won't refund the setting in case it doesn't meet my expectation. Therefore, I am now left with Adiamor and James Allen which both have been great in responding and helping me chose what I am after. Any recommendations on these two? Both seems to be both professional and easy to work with. In the end I guess it comes down to which one will have the best design on the setting, as they both have beautiful diamonds.

Thanks for your help so far!
 
Are you wed to your specs? Would you consider an H color, VS stone so long as it reads white with no visible inclusions? Would you consider a stone/ring that is pre-loved? In your budget you would be able to get more for your money, perhaps over a carat, if you opened the net up a little wider. You may even be able to secure a vintage Tiffany ring in your price range. Nothing better than the original and Tiffany only uses the finest cut stones. A good polishing and the ring would look as good as new. Many of the better secondary market resellers will also provide all the original Tiffany paperwork too.

Also, I would try to work with a vendor who owns their own inventory. No need to pay for a vendor to bring a stone in-house-- that's the cost of doing business. You may want to look at Blue Nile who has in-house stones and does a version of the Tiffany ring you're looking for.

Pre-loved options (I'm loving that step cut stone...):

http://www.oakgem.com/Products/Tiffany_(and)_Co_Platinum_0.84ctw_F_VS1_Diamond_Engagement_Ring_10322.aspx

http://www.oakgem.com/Products/Tiffany_(and)_Co_Platinum_1.03ct_Square_Step_Cut_Diamond_Engagement_Ring_9285.aspx

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-Tiffanys-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Solitaire-Emerald-Cut-/331251568084?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item4d2021cdd4


Good luck!
 
Hi,

Here is the ASET. What do you think?

326810aset.jpg
 
Bright, but low contrast. Above average. But not a dazzler.
 
Could anyone help me search for a diamond that would be within my below requirements. Would be greatly appreciated.

Carat: 0.75-1
Colour: F-D
Clarity: VVS2-IF
L/W ratio: 1.35-1.5
Table: 58-70%
Depth: 60-70%
Florescence: None/Faint
Girlde: Slightly thick-Thick
Certification: GIA

Price 3k - 4.5k.

Thanks!
 
You are really limiting your options with your color and clarity. Can you expand down to G and the clarity down to eyeclean Vs2? If you want such high color and clarity the stone you already posted the ASET of will likely be the best choice.
 
Hi,

Yes I can go down on the color to G, but would like to keep the clarity at an eye clean VS1 at least, preferably VVS2 or higher.

Thanks
 
Ok. I have a VS1 step cut and can't find my inclusions with a standard 10x loupe. So honestly eyeclean VS2 should be fine as well. But I will try to keep it at VS1 and above.
 
OK Will look later. Today is a busy day.
 
My current favorites (I'd let someone else comment on them first before requesting as you can only request ASET images of 3 diamonds from james allen) are:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.97-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-301819
Nice high crown, but it's a step lower than you'd like on the color scale and it's fatter than you'd like.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-305881
Flat as a pancake, H color, but your preferred ratio and under budget.

Alternatively, you could get a signature ideal diamond from Blue Nile, which fit your guidelines, but I'm not sure how the cut is regarded.
 
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