Confused on Diamond Selection

[ProPest]

I have been looking for a diamond for my girlfriends engagement ring. I linked the GIA Report but the one inclusion scares me as I cannot see the diamond in person. Seems flawless other than the decent size knot in it.

Price is $5516.00
Carat: 1.01
Cut: Very Good
Color: F
Clarity: VS1
L/W: 2.02
Depth: 58%
Table: 57%
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Faint

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?rep...ename=GIA/Dispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547
Please let me know what you think. I appreciate the help.

 

[telephone89]

GIA doesnt grade this cut (marquise) on cut, so not sure where you got Very good from - does show as polish.
These are some comps, but lower colour.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-327358
This one is similar size, but plumper. $4980

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.16-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-376994
Larger, but only a few bucks more $5,640

I wouldnt buy a marquise w/o seeing it, as you cannot tell what the bow tie will look like.

 

[ProPest]

GIA doesnt grade this cut (marquise) on cut, so not sure where you got Very good from - does show as polish.
These are some comps, but lower colour.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-327358
This one is similar size, but plumper. $4980

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.16-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-376994
Larger, but only a few bucks more $5,640

I wouldnt buy a marquise w/o seeing it, as you cannot tell what the bow tie will look like.

The cut grade was listed by the retailer, if I remember correctly, you want a less prominent bow tie effect correct? My setting design (custom) is designed around the center stone and needs to be decided on before I can proceed. I have a whole list of diamonds to pick from but only reports to see.

Would the knot be visual? Would it affect the integrity of the store?

 

[telephone89]

less prominent black bowtie, or a bowtie that faces up white is also nice. But you also want to look at the rest of the stone, is it lively/lifeless, does it sparkle,etc. Can the retailer at least send you pictures of the stone?

I doubt the knot would be highly visible or distuptive to the stone. At vs1 you're *pretty* safe on both of those. Tbh I'd more worried about the particular faceting of the stone vs the knot.

Is $5500 your max budget? Are you sold on working with this one retailer? Maybe some of the other posters can find some nice alternatives for you from other retailers where you can actually see the stone?

 

[ProPest]

less prominent black bowtie, or a bowtie that faces up white is also nice. But you also want to look at the rest of the stone, is it lively/lifeless, does it sparkle,etc. Can the retailer at least send you pictures of the stone?

I doubt the knot would be highly visible or distuptive to the stone. At vs1 you're *pretty* safe on both of those. Tbh I'd more worried about the particular faceting of the stone vs the knot.

Is $5500 your max budget? Are you sold on working with this one retailer? Maybe some of the other posters can find some nice alternatives for you from other retailers where you can actually see the stone?

Thank you for the help I do appreciate the responses. Why would you be worried about the faceting? I just asked them for pictures, and they said no but gave me a number for a diamond "expert" to look over the diamond for me.

I am kind of stuck working with this retailer because of my custom setting design. It requires quite a bit of "out of the norm" requirements. $5500 is not the max budget but I do have to keep in mind the setting is going to cost between 4-6K and I am trying to hover around the 10K mark.

 

[drruby]

Search the database on this site and you will find big dealers here that have it low 4K to mid 4K same thing with no big knot

So save a G whiz

 

[ProPest]

Someone already requested information regarding the knot, so they had a photo available. Let me know what you think. It looks like it is on the edge of the upper right side of the table.

 

[drk14]

Thank you for the help I do appreciate the responses. Why would you be worried about the faceting?

Them's fighting words on PS...

OP, what would you like from this diamond (and what do you think will be important to your SO)? Do you just want a transparent rock that hits some key numbers and specs (e.g., 1 carat, 1:2 ratio, colorless)? Or do you want an attractive diamond that sparkles and is capable of giving off a show of dancing lightrays that is mesmerizing to look at? If the former, then purchasing a marquise based on GIA report specs shouldn't give you too much trouble. If the latter, then you are highly unlikely to find a well-performing, attractive marquise unless you either view diamonds in person, or work with an internet vendor who is able to provide high-resolution videos at a minimum (and preferably ASET images as well), and has a risk-free return policy.

I am kind of stuck working with this retailer because of my custom setting design. It requires quite a bit of "out of the norm" requirements. $5500 is not the max budget but I do have to keep in mind the setting is going to cost between 4-6K and I am trying to hover around the 10K mark.

This doesn't seem right. At that price (for the setting), you should be able to get a completely customized, made-to-order, one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted setting from any one of highly respected jewelers known by PS to put out top-of-the-line heirloom-quality work. And almost all of these jewelers will accept a loose diamond from any diamond vendor (and many will also be able to procure your diamond themselves, while supplying the videos and images required to ensure you are selecting the best diamond).

Care to share the name of your vendor, as well as some details about your design? Have you already put down a deposit and signed a contract or work-order with this vendor?

There are many of us here who have experience with marquise diamonds, and will be happy to guide you to a successful purchase.

 

[drruby]

I bought a 2 CT Marq ONCE for my wife

WORST diamond I ever bought

My advice

Give her a nice simple 2 carat round

Search the database here

2 ct
G
VS2

It doesn't need a setting of lesser stones

It's POW

Simple solitare setting and your 10K looks like 20K

IMO

Marqs just never table right IMO

A quality 2 Ct is 10K

Then you can get her a nice 1Ct wedding band to go with it

What do 5 .20 cts go for now in a simple 5 stone bridge mount

That would be a BLING piece

Nice 2 Ct round simple setting and then when you do the deed you put 1 ct of equal color ice on a nice class wedding band to complinet the solitare, CLASSY imo

If it's all G VS it will be way nicer than any 1 ct marq in a big ice mount could ever be

10K is a nice budget for a E ring so use it wisely

my 2 cents

looks like .23 stones in that grade run 400 or so each

so you mount them in a nice 5 stone bridge and she wears it with the solitare

2K loose stones 300 mount

so 10K E ring

2500 or so wedding band

all high grade rounds

looks great

my wife now has a nice 5 carat with a 5 ct bridge all the same grade and it pops eyes everywhere

 

[drk14]

Someone already requested information regarding the knot, so they had a photo available. Let me know what you think. It looks like it is on the edge of the upper right side of the table.

Can't really tell much from a photo, other than ruling out major clarity issues and/or unattractive shoulder outlines. Can't confirm without video and ASET, but in my opinion, it looks like the bowtie in this diamond is of the undesirable "static" variety, that the stone seems to have a lot of transparency at the expense of reflectivity, and that most of the virtual facets have long pathlengths (making them blurry in the photo). The bowtie problem can be confirmed or ruled out by video (or by inspecting in person). However, the last two issues have to be inspected in person to know whether the diamond appears attractive to you. Thus (again in my opinion), this stone would be a risky buy, unless you don't care so much about light performance in a diamond.

 

[ProPest]

Thank you for the help I do appreciate the responses. Why would you be worried about the faceting?

Them's fighting words on PS...

OP, what would you like from this diamond (and what do you think will be important to your SO)? Do you just want a transparent rock that hits some key numbers and specs (e.g., 1 carat, 1:2 ratio, colorless)? Or do you want an attractive diamond that sparkles and is capable of giving off a show of dancing lightrays that is mesmerizing to look at? If the former, then purchasing a marquise based on GIA report specs shouldn't give you too much trouble. If the latter, then you are highly unlikely to find a well-performing, attractive marquise unless you either view diamonds in person, or work with an internet vendor who is able to provide high-resolution videos at a minimum (and preferably ASET images as well), and has a risk-free return policy.

I am kind of stuck working with this retailer because of my custom setting design. It requires quite a bit of "out of the norm" requirements. $5500 is not the max budget but I do have to keep in mind the setting is going to cost between 4-6K and I am trying to hover around the 10K mark.

This doesn't seem right. At that price (for the setting), you should be able to get a completely customized, made-to-order, one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted setting from any one of highly respected jewelers known by PS to put out top-of-the-line heirloom-quality work. And almost all of these jewelers will accept a loose diamond from any diamond vendor (and many will also be able to procure your diamond themselves, while supplying the videos and images required to ensure you are selecting the best diamond).

Care to share the name of your vendor, as well as some details about your design? Have you already put down a deposit and signed a contract or work-order with this vendor?

There are many of us here who have experience with marquise diamonds, and will be happy to guide you to a successful purchase.

Or do you want an attractive diamond that sparkles and is capable of giving off a show of dancing lightrays that is mesmerizing to look at?

^^ That

My significant other at this point would accept a ring out of a crackerjack box I already gave up a $500 deposit, they are willing to ship the stone and if i don't like it I can buy another using the credit from the other stone and they will refund any balance. I just have to pay for the shipping and insurance cost. I would like to do this a minimal amount of times.

The design, if I can explain this thoroughly. Is a rose gold shank, with infinity twists laced with graduated ( i think that is the term for small to big) baby pink diamonds with milling. A marquise center stone encased in a halo that has baby pink diamonds pave set into it on the tops and sides of the halo. with 3 larger white diamonds on each side of the marquise halo.

Here is where I got my inspiration, has a lot of the character I explained just obviously replace the above details.

http://www.kay.com/en/kaystore/enga...ttw-diamonds-14k-two-tone-gold-94027551699--1

 

[ProPest]

Drruby:

It does sound nice but I want something different that is why it has taken me so long to do this (8 years, she hates me ) It sounds like a nice ring but seems "standard." Unless I misunderstood your description.

 

[drk14]

Or do you want an attractive diamond that sparkles and is capable of giving off a show of dancing lightrays that is mesmerizing to look at?

^^ That

As others have found out before you, it is easy to end up with a dud marquise if you don't shop carefully.

I already gave up a $500 deposit, they are willing to ship the stone and if i don't like it I can buy another using the credit from the other stone and they will refund any balance. I just have to pay for the shipping and insurance cost. I would like to do this a minimal amount of times.

I already have concerns about your chosen vendor based on their inflexible return/refund policies and their inability to routinely supply video for prospective diamonds.

The design, if I can explain this thoroughly. Is a rose gold shank, with infinity twists laced with graduated ( i think that is the term for small to big) baby pink diamonds with milling. A marquise center stone encased in a halo that has baby pink diamonds pave set into it on the tops and sides of the halo. with 3 larger white diamonds on each side of the marquise halo.

Here is where I got my inspiration, has a lot of the character I explained just obviously replace the above details.

http://www.kay.com/en/kaystore/enga...ttw-diamonds-14k-two-tone-gold-94027551699--1

Is your girlfriend on board with this design concept? I only ask because when I started my journey to getting an engagement ring for my SO, there was a huge learning curve for me in understanding the difference between what guys tend to think is appealing in a ring, and what women actually find attractive in a design... My original ideas for a ring, were, in retrospect, on the garish side. I'm still not enough of an expert on jewelry design to offer any opinion about whether your vision is on the right track or not, and of course it depends totally on the kind of jewelry style that your gf is into.

In any case, you could definitely benefit from working with a jeweler who has a refined design aesthetic, artistic vision, and reputation for high-quality workmanship. Have you seen any examples of custom designs previously produced by your vendor? Would you be able to post some pictures or links, so that we can evaluate the quality of their work?

 

[drk14]

I want something different that is why it has taken me so long to do this (8 years, she hates me )

Hey, it took me almost 18 years, don't feel bad!

 

[ProPest]

In any case, you could definitely benefit from working with a jeweler who has a refined design aesthetic, artistic vision, and reputation for high-quality workmanship. Have you seen any examples of custom designs previously produced by your vendor? Would you be able to post some pictures or links, so that we can evaluate the quality of their work?

I cannot do any of those =P The vendor I have is an online vendor, no jeweler around me that I can find deals with colored diamonds or doesn't want to. And quite frankly it has been hard to get callbacks from some ( I think they think I am crazy.) The only other one I could find is Kay Jewelers but they have proven to be a nightmare to work with thus far.

She likes vintage looking rings, and really wants a pink stone but I can't afford a decent size one of those. I have shown her rose gold with pink diamonds in it on the sly and she loved it. That is all the information I have on that

What do you think of it? I love your avatar pic BTW.

So what would you suggest?

 

[ProPest]

I want something different that is why it has taken me so long to do this (8 years, she hates me )

Hey, it took me almost 18 years, don't feel bad!

Lol too bad I can't show her that!

 

[drk14]

I cannot do any of those =P The vendor I have is an online vendor, no jeweler around me that I can find deals with colored diamonds or doesn't want to.

What do you mean, you cannot do any of those? Also, when I said you need to work with a high-quality jeweler, I should clarify that you can absolutley do that via the internet -- very few are lucky to live close to local jewelers that can produce high-quality custom pieces.

The only other one I could find is Kay Jewelers but they have proven to be a nightmare to work with thus far.

So Kay is who you are working with? And you plan to commission them to do a custom design (let alone source you a well-performing marquise)???

She likes vintage looking rings, and really wants a pink stone but I can't afford a decent size one of those. I have shown her rose gold with pink diamonds in it on the sly and she loved it. That is all the information I have on that

And the marquise shape -- is that something she has indicated she likes? It definitely can fit a vintage style ring, but it is one of those more uncommon diamond shapes that some people love and others not so much.

I love your avatar pic BTW.

Thanks! Unfortunately/fortunately, my original RockyTalky thread (which showcased all of my early mistakes) no longer exists, but my journey is summarized in this testimonial thread, and more information and pictures of the ring can be found in this SMTB thread.

So what would you suggest?

You're not going to like to hear this, but given your $10k+ budget and the importance of getting this purchase right, I would recommend that you eat the $500 deposit with Kay and start over. Perhaps you can negotiate to keep the $500 as store credit for a future, less monumental purchase (e.g., a bracelet or something for a birthday etc.).

 

[ProPest]

The only other one I could find is Kay Jewelers but they have proven to be a nightmare to work with thus far.
So Kay is who you are working with? And you plan to commission them to do a custom design (let alone source you a well-performing marquise)???

No I started it through Bluenile. Kay's is just one of the local jewelers around here.

She likes vintage looking rings, and really wants a pink stone but I can't afford a decent size one of those. I have shown her rose gold with pink diamonds in it on the sly and she loved it. That is all the information I have on that
And the marquise shape -- is that something she has indicated she likes? It definitely can fit a vintage style ring, but it is one of those more uncommon diamond shapes that some people love and others not so much.

She hasn't said she doesn't like it. She loves cushion cuts. I am more fond of the marquise though as it seems to add more she to the ring instead of a round blending right in.

I love your avatar pic BTW.
Thanks! Unfortunately/fortunately, my original RockyTalky thread (which showcased all of my early mistakes) no longer exists, but my journey is summarized in this testimonial thread, and more information and pictures of the ring can be found in this SMTB thread.

I will look at it. Thanks.

So what would you suggest?

You're not going to like to hear this, but given your $10k+ budget and the importance of getting this purchase right, I would recommend that you eat the $500 deposit with Kay and start over. Perhaps you can negotiate to keep the $500 as store credit for a future, less monumental purchase (e.g., a bracelet or something for a birthday etc.).

Non-refundable (.)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Are you saying you are having Blue Nile make a custom ring??? I want to be sure I understand.

Please just lose the $500 (or buy some earrings or something with it) and start over. This could be a disaster. You MUST use a ringmaker that is known to make quality settings. I promise you, there are terrible ringmakers and great ones. And the great ones are FEW!

I am going to tell you something right now that is very important. Never give a marquise unless the recipient has asked for it. That is one of the worst diamond shapes to choose as a surprise. Some people love them and some hate them. You said she wants a cushion, so let us help you find a cushion!!! Good cushions are hard to find, too, and you absolutely have to have photos of those, too.

 

[ProPest]

Are you saying you are having Blue Nile make a custom ring??? I want to be sure I understand.

Please just lose the $500 (or buy some earrings or something with it) and start over. This could be a disaster. You MUST use a ringmaker that is known to make quality settings. I promise you, there are terrible ringmakers and great ones. And the great ones are FEW!

I am going to tell you something right now that is very important. Never give a marquise unless the recipient has asked for it. That is one of the worst diamond shapes to choose as a surprise. Some people love them and some hate them. You said she wants a cushion, so let us help you find a cushion!!! Good cushions are hard to find, too, and you absolutely have to have photos of those, too.

Could you elaborate more.

 

[Dancing Fire]

my wife now has a nice 5 carat with a 5 ct bridge all the same grade and it pops eyes everywhere

Pics please!...

 

[drk14]

Are you saying you are having Blue Nile make a custom ring??? I want to be sure I understand.

Please just lose the $500 (or buy some earrings or something with it) and start over. This could be a disaster. You MUST use a ringmaker that is known to make quality settings. I promise you, there are terrible ringmakers and great ones. And the great ones are FEW!

I am going to tell you something right now that is very important. Never give a marquise unless the recipient has asked for it. That is one of the worst diamond shapes to choose as a surprise. Some people love them and some hate them. You said she wants a cushion, so let us help you find a cushion!!! Good cushions are hard to find, too, and you absolutely have to have photos of those, too.

Could you elaborate more.

Propest: Are you asking diamondseeker to elaborate on the bolded text? She (and I, and probably others who are waiting before jumping into this thread) is trying to find out what vendor you had planned to commission to create your custom setting. This is a very improtant question, because as she (and I) have noted, you can end up with a very poor result if you do not carefully select a vendor for a custom project -- not all vendors are equal when it comes to designing and fabricating custom settings! You've mentioned Kay and BN -- if one of those two is the vendor you had selected for this project, I urge you to very carefully listen to the advice you have received so far. By the way, I agree with everything she has said to you in her post above.

DancingFire: This is an OP who needs guidance, so I think we should try to avoid making (or responding to) off-topic comments that can result in the thread becoming derailed... Entertainment is readily available in other threads, though!

 

[chrono]

She likes vintage looking rings, and really wants a pink stone but I can't afford a decent size one of those. I have shown her rose gold with pink diamonds in it on the sly and she loved it. That is all the information I have on that
Many have been pleased with their purchase from either Leibish or Diamonds by Lauren.

She hasn't said she doesn't like it. She loves cushion cuts. I am more fond of the marquise though as it seems to add more she to the ring instead of a round blending right in.
If she loves cushions, I would buy her a cushion. Just because she hasn't said she doesn't dislike a marquise doesn't mean she likes it either. She could just be trying not to hurt your feelings.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

If she likes pink stones, why not a pink sapphire or spinel? Durable, gorgeous and you can get a nice stone without breaking the bank.

 

[telephone89]

I second looking into leibish or DBL. Maybe you could get a faint/light brownish diamond that you can play up the pink in.

 

[ProPest]

Yes Bluenile is the one I chose. I asked her pretty blatantly what stone she liked most last night and she said cushion/marquise. I prodded a little more and she said the only reason she doesn't want a cushion is because everyone else has them ( everyone we know has a cushion) and she wants something different. Although cushion was the first thing out of her mouth followed by a slight pause and marquise.

I thought about a sapphire center but decided against it and rather incorporate the pink around the stone and keep the center stone a diamond.

I second looking into leibish or DBL. Maybe you could get a faint/light brownish diamond that you can play up the pink in.

That does seem interesting. However I know nothing about color stones to make an informed decision on that lol.

 

[chrono]

That does seem interesting. However I know nothing about color stones to make an informed decision on that lol.

You've come to the right place - you can ask about coloured diamonds here too!

 

[drk14]

Yes Bluenile is the one I chose. I asked her pretty blatantly what stone she liked most last night and she said cushion/marquise. I prodded a little more and she said the only reason she doesn't want a cushion is because everyone else has them ( everyone we know has a cushion) and she wants something different. Although cushion was the first thing out of her mouth followed by a slight pause and marquise.

Well that does make a huge difference if she has explicitly expressed a preference for marquise. Many women (and men) love them, but those that don't... well, they would not be happy to receive a marquise as a surprise.

The bad news is that BN rarely supplies pictures, and generally does not provide videos or ASET of diamonds, and unfortunately, you will not be able to tell the good marquise apart from the duds without those tools. BN also saddles you with shipping/insurance costs for returned stones, so buying diamonds to check them out in person will become costly (in my estimation, if purchasing blindly -- without video and ASET -- you would have to buy about 10 marquise diamonds before finding one that has decent light performance).

I'm a bit mystified about the non-refundable $500 that you have mentioned. From the BN website:

30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE:
Our 30-day money back guarantee gives you time to make sure your purchase is perfect. If you need to return it for any reason, we'll happily provide you with an exchange or full refund.

The only caveat seems to be that the customer is resposnibel for return shipping and insurance fees. Could there be misunderstanding? Or is there some other middle-man involved?

Whether or not you end up losing the $500, I will again strongly recommend that you go with a different vendor if purchasing a marquise diamond.

 

[ProPest]

Custom orders carry a 500$ non refundable deposit to commence work which I opted for. All in all I guess I could lose it. Have an experience with their actually ring making abilities?

 

[chrono]

Why are you starting custom work on a diamond you have yet to purchase?