Choosing between 2 stones

[vikask]

I''m choosing between two vendors right now and I think both will provide comparable customer service:

Princess cut loose diamonds:
The first option:
1.52 GIA G SI1
6.47 x 6.46 x 4.41
Depth: 68.3%
Table: 72%
Med to Very thick girdle
Polish: Very good
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: None
Price: $9,450

The second option:
1.50 GIA G SI1
6.4 x 6.26 x 4.49
Depth: 71.7%
Table: 77%
Girdle: Extremely thin to very thick
Polish: Good
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: None
Price: $9,025

Since I can''t compare them next to each other, I have to work off of dimensions. They both look like really nice stones, but I''m not sure if the extra $425 is worth it. My concern on the less expensive stone is the girdle, but that''s about it. Please let me know how you would think about this and what decision you would make.

Thanks!

 

[Rank Amateur]

I would be curious about the variation of the girdle thicknesses on BOTH stones. Try to get some pics and some more dimensional info (at least the crown height). Maybe you need to go to a vendor whose eyes you can trust.

 

[oldminer]

Without being able to see them, I would choose the first one. It is a better cut stone. Now, that may not make it much prettier than the other. It might not look as nice as the second, for that matter. The first does have better cut characteristics in terms of depth, table size and girdle thickness. Also, if the corner chips in setting, you'll still have a 1.50ct diamond. If a 1.50ct diamond chips you have lost a lot more value because it drops under an important size price change place.

 

[vikask]

You would still pick the first stone even if it's $425 more than the 2nd stone? Is the 2nd stone just poor in terms of brilliance? The big issue is me being unable to compare them side by side. And the other issue is if it's worth the additional cost.

Also, I know the height of the stones, but the crown % is not listed on the GIA certificate. How do I calculate the crown % given the info on the GIA cert.?

Thanks

 

[valeria101]

On a 10k stone, it would be impractical to judge why the last $500 is charged - the same stone could be quoted by two different sellers at such a difference - for better or worse.

There is no way to tell wether one or another would be more brilliant by the numbers alone.

The Ex-thin girdle on the second is just begging for a slight hit, in just the right place

No - you can't get crown height on a GIA cert. And... where are these from - the price is darn high !

 

[valeria101]

The specs sound more appropriate for 7k ( EXAMPLE) than 9...

And there are plenty of GIA certed stones in that range, included some already selected for brilliance (EXAMPLE).

The 'signature collection' at BN, lists princesses with 'crown height over 8%' - and no test of brilliance.

What's wrong with the GOG stone ?

 

[oldminer]

"You would still pick the first stone even if it's $425 more than the 2nd stone?"
YES.

"Is the 2nd stone just poor in terms of brilliance?"
I can't predict the brilliancy any more than you.

"The additional cost?"
A nominal difference for what may be a better stone. I gave you my reasoning.


"Also, I know the height of the stones, but the crown % is not listed on the GIA certificate. How do I calculate the crown % given the info on the GIA cert.?"

You and I can't calculate this from a GIA cert. Yet somehow, the GIA paper is "THE ONE" when people choose the top diamond report. I think the lack of full disclosure makes it popular with the lab's best customers.

 

[Rank Amateur]

----------------
On 5/3/2004 12:06:35 PM oldminer wrote:

Without being able to see them, I would choose the first one. It is a better cut stone. Now, that may not make it much prettier than the other. It might not look as nice as the second, for that matter. The first does have better cut characteristics in terms of depth, table size and girdle thickness. Also, if the corner chips in setting, you'll still have a 1.50ct diamond. If a 1.50ct diamond chips you have lost a lot more value because it drops under an important size price change place.----------------

Dave

I really like the way you will give an educated opinion rather than just telling the consumer to send it to you for a look. You make your judgement and then concisely explain why you feel that way and which variables remain. Much more helpful than "more numbers, more numbers!" or "one must see the stone to evaluate it!". You know better than I that many consumers have just one or two questions and don't want to be laden with the minutae of diamond cutting and grading! We PS people are the freaks!

 

[vikask]

I have already seen the two stones (I'm not buying online). I don't mind paying a premium if I can look at the stones prior to purchasing. If, for some reason, I'm not satisfied, then the whole return process is just a big pain.

What I would like to know is if my reasoning makes sense. I'm going to look at both stones on Tuesday, May 4th and try and compare the brilliance. If the less expensive stone is just as brilliant as the other stone, then I think I will purchase it. From what both stores have told me, the extremely thin girdle won't be an issue if it's set by a qualified gemologist. Both stores have certified GIA gemologists that have been working for 20+ years.

Am I going about this the right way assuming I want to buy from a brick and mortar and I've narrowed it down to these two stones?

Thanks for the help...

 

[hoorray]

Be sure to evaluate the two stones in a variety of natural light -- especially out of the bright halogen lights of the store. They are typically so bright that they will mask any differences.




Also compare the "squareness". The first one is better, but I don't know if it will be visually aparent.