Complete novice - need a bit of help!

[Lottie]

Hi everyone hope you are all well,

I am looking to make my first online diamond purchase and want to buy an oval (around .70ct). Can anyone give me some things to look out for - I am happy with the four c''s but things like the girdle really confuse me. I''d be gratefull if someone can let me know what to be aware of when purchasing.

Many Thanks

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/2/2008 10:56:31 AM
Author:Lottie UK
Hi everyone hope you are all well,

I am looking to make my first online diamond purchase and want to buy an oval (around .70ct). Can anyone give me some things to look out for - I am happy with the four c's but things like the girdle really confuse me. I'd be gratefull if someone can let me know what to be aware of when purchasing.

Many Thanks

Hi Lottie,

The best thing would be to buy from a vendor who can show you at least detailed photos of the diamond and preferably cut analysis tools such as ASET. Otherwise you can't judge these shapes by the numbers so much, so you would be ' buying blind' if trying to go by depth and table etc.

Girdle - avoid extremes such as thin to extremely thick, but the girdle is only part of the story, consider the diamond as a whole. If you encounter an oval with a very thin / ex thin rating on the girdle, it may not necessarily be a problem, get an expert to evaluate it for you, in case of potential durability issues. Polish and symmetry preferably very good and above, but it is more usual to see good for both in fancy shapes so if a diamond appeals to you with this rating, it needn't be a deal breaker.

Here is a chart you can use as a point of reference for proportions, but please use it as a guide only, if you get hung up on the numbers you could miss out on some lovely diamonds, and above all use your eyes!

http://diamonds.pricescope.com/fnc3.asp

As you are in the UK, how do you propose to find your diamond Lottie? A suggestion, you could contact Dr Indira Marchant who posts here, she is lovely and passionate about the all important cut quality, also she is very good with fancy shapes. Here is her website...

http://www.bestdiamonds.co.uk/