Hi all,
I am in the market for an engagement ring for my girlfriend, and was initially in the market for a princess cut diamond, roughly around 1.25c. After looking at quite a few stones, I became more interested in the round cut. All of the rounds I looked at were priced slightly higher than the princess cuts of the same quality, which from what I understand is normal. I really wanted something G or above in color, and VS1 or higher on clarity. Most stones with these characteristics would put me in the $7K range at wholesale pricing.
I then went to a local jeweler who had a rather interesting stone which I was attracted to. It is a 1.01 "Cut Cornered Square Modified Brilliant" - which after a bit of research seems to be considered more informally a Radiant cut. It is GIA certified with a G color and is IF in clarity. It is also a Canada Mark diamond. It received a Good polish and Good symmetry grading as well.
I tried finding comparable stones on JamesAllen, but was not too successful. It seems that most radiant cut diamonds are rectangular instead of square. I also was not able to find too much information on this type of stone in my research on this forum. I am just looking for some advice or opinions on this stone. In person, the diamond shines brilliantly to my untrained eye, but I'm not sure if this is considered a good or desirable cut.
Here is more information from the GIA certification. It is certified from year 2005, which did initially raise a flag for me. I asked the jeweler why this had such an old certification and was told this diamond had been in their vault for a very long time, but they guaranteed me that it had never been mounted or used in any way. This is a very reputable jeweler in the area that has been around since the late 1800's, so I do believe them.
Weight: 1.01
Measurements: 5.71 x 5.70 x 4.06
Depth: 71.2
Table: 68.0
Girdle: Thick
Cutlet: None
Polish/Symmetry: Good
Clarity: IF
Color: G
Comments: Inscribed with serial number (leading with CM for Canada Mark), Extra Facet
My questions:
1) How does a square cut radiant cut compare to a round or princess cut in terms of value, brilliance, etc?
2) Is there a reason most radiant cut diamonds are rectangular and not square? Other radiant cuts I have looked at had more of the "crushed glass" look that I read about. This particular diamond has a very symmetrical look in the center, almost resembling a round cut.
3) Should I be concerned with the GIA cert from 2005 despite knowing the diamond has never been "used"? Would a diamond graded back in 2005 receive a different score today (did they get more strict)?
4) Should I be concerned with the Extra Facet? It is included in the comments, but I cannot find it on the diamond plot for the life of me. Everything on the plot looks symmetrical to me. I can post a picture of it if desired.
5) What should I pay for this diamond?
Sorry for the very long post - all feedback is much appreciated. Thanks!
I am in the market for an engagement ring for my girlfriend, and was initially in the market for a princess cut diamond, roughly around 1.25c. After looking at quite a few stones, I became more interested in the round cut. All of the rounds I looked at were priced slightly higher than the princess cuts of the same quality, which from what I understand is normal. I really wanted something G or above in color, and VS1 or higher on clarity. Most stones with these characteristics would put me in the $7K range at wholesale pricing.
I then went to a local jeweler who had a rather interesting stone which I was attracted to. It is a 1.01 "Cut Cornered Square Modified Brilliant" - which after a bit of research seems to be considered more informally a Radiant cut. It is GIA certified with a G color and is IF in clarity. It is also a Canada Mark diamond. It received a Good polish and Good symmetry grading as well.
I tried finding comparable stones on JamesAllen, but was not too successful. It seems that most radiant cut diamonds are rectangular instead of square. I also was not able to find too much information on this type of stone in my research on this forum. I am just looking for some advice or opinions on this stone. In person, the diamond shines brilliantly to my untrained eye, but I'm not sure if this is considered a good or desirable cut.
Here is more information from the GIA certification. It is certified from year 2005, which did initially raise a flag for me. I asked the jeweler why this had such an old certification and was told this diamond had been in their vault for a very long time, but they guaranteed me that it had never been mounted or used in any way. This is a very reputable jeweler in the area that has been around since the late 1800's, so I do believe them.
Weight: 1.01
Measurements: 5.71 x 5.70 x 4.06
Depth: 71.2
Table: 68.0
Girdle: Thick
Cutlet: None
Polish/Symmetry: Good
Clarity: IF
Color: G
Comments: Inscribed with serial number (leading with CM for Canada Mark), Extra Facet
My questions:
1) How does a square cut radiant cut compare to a round or princess cut in terms of value, brilliance, etc?
2) Is there a reason most radiant cut diamonds are rectangular and not square? Other radiant cuts I have looked at had more of the "crushed glass" look that I read about. This particular diamond has a very symmetrical look in the center, almost resembling a round cut.
3) Should I be concerned with the GIA cert from 2005 despite knowing the diamond has never been "used"? Would a diamond graded back in 2005 receive a different score today (did they get more strict)?
4) Should I be concerned with the Extra Facet? It is included in the comments, but I cannot find it on the diamond plot for the life of me. Everything on the plot looks symmetrical to me. I can post a picture of it if desired.
5) What should I pay for this diamond?
Sorry for the very long post - all feedback is much appreciated. Thanks!