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Comparing two Diamonds - "worse" on paper more expensive?

O

oloap

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 13, 2014
Messages
14
Can somebody explain to me why these two diamonds (from same "vendor") are priced so differently and the opposite way I'd think :)?
Both are 2.05c, G, VS2, Triple X

#1)
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=59H574Y8&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope

This has Faint Fluorescence and scores 4.5 at HCA, but it's priced at $28K (higher)

#2)
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=745Y5YF7&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope

No fluorescence, HCA score of 1.3 (so both things should make it technically better), and it's $26.3k

:confused:
 
Re: Comparing two Diamonds - "worse" on paper more expensive

They're probably from an online listing from different vendors, so one could simply be charging less than the other. Looks like a pretty clear cut decision to me :)
 
Re: Comparing two Diamonds - "worse" on paper more expensive

Cutters and suppliers charge different amounts for stones. That is common. The rough may have been bought at different times for different prices, for one example.

I never recommend spending this kind of money without seeing pictures of the stone and an idealscope image. Not sure whether Solomon will provide those or not. I'd recommend looking at Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash if they won't.

The second stone has a lot of potential. Eliminate the first one...too deep, faces up smaller than the other, angles aren't good together and it likely would have leakage.
 
Re: Comparing two Diamonds - "worse" on paper more expensive

thanks, diamondseeker2006. Out of curiosity, is it possible that by looking at it you would still prefer the 1st one, despite the HCA results and the proportions? Meaning, would you trust more the tool or your eyes?
 
Re: Comparing two Diamonds - "worse" on paper more expensive

The tool just eliminates stones that are likely to have problems and narrows down the best of the excellent cut stones. Sure, eyes that have not seen a lot of diamonds buy less well cut stones every day and love them. But when spending $20k plus, I know I want the best for my money! The problem is, jewelry store lighting is deceptive because everything looks good in that lighting. If you are comparing two average cut stones, your eye may be drawn to one more than the other. I think the distinction is more blurred between two excellent cut stones, but I know I want one that does not have leakage, so I will always either have to have numbers within a certain range and preferably an idealscope image. To be honest, your second stone has great numbers, but because of the rounding that GIA does, you really have to see the idealscope images to be sure. However, if I could not access idealscope images, I will tell you that these numbers are as safe as you can get within the excellent range.

I will say that now that I have seen many ideal cut diamonds, it is pretty easy for me to pick well cut stones if shown several. But most newcomers to buying diamonds just see sparkle and really don't know what to look for. That is why the tools are helpful in narrowing things down. But the proof is in seeing the stone and making sure from things like an idealscope image that there is minimal leakage or no visible inclusions, etc.
 
Re: Comparing two Diamonds - "worse" on paper more expensive

This is why seeing photos is so helpful. I strongly prefer one of these over the other. It is more symmetrically cut. Even though both would fall in their excellent/ideal category, it is pretty easy for me to see which one is the better cut when you look at the stones head on. (Ignore inclusions in this example, that is another factor which requires seeing photos or having a vendor who knows your expectations and can assure you a stone is really eyeclean.)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-299955

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-29015
 
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