Diamond Advice EGL

[Chewieez]

I am about to purchase a setting and diamond at the same B&M store near me. I have been shopping around for a couple months and have found the setting l like the best.

It is a Platinum Saturn ring with a circle of small diamonds around the main stone. It is very dainty and elegant and I think my gf will absolutely love it.

Now comes the fun of picking out the stone. I am trying to stay in a $5k budget.

The closest diamond the shop said they had to keep in my price range is a

EGL .73 F SI2 diamond with excellent symetry and excellent polish for $2600 EGL said it is an Excellent Idea Cut

The numbers are:

Depth 60.2%
Table 56%
Crown 14%
Pav 43%
Cullet point

I am 99% sure on all these numbers. I wrote most of them down in the store and then had to keep 2 in memory and write them down later.

I put these numbers into the HCA thing and it gave the stone a 0.8 rating Excellent within BIC range.

So now the price. I of course picked an expensive setting to try to keep the total ring around $5k. They want to sell this diamond for $2600 and the setting for $2800.

Does $2600 sound right for this ring? I plan to go back and look again before making a final decision. I''ve been reading up on everyone''s opinion of EGL stones and it isn''t comforting! The stone is very brilliant and the color looks good. I really don''t mind if the color is really a G by GIA standards. I am more worried about the SI2 rating given by EGL.

I know poeple say the EGL stones are sold a bit discounted to make up for there somewhat lax standards. Does $2600 seem right? In my studies it seems a bit high, like maybe it should be around $2000-2200?

I do not remember if the stone is truly eye clean. I will have to go back and look. The symetry under 10x doesn''t look great (ie, like no hearts of arrows or starts of them). I''m sure this isn''t very important but I don''t want to be duped.


The salesmen is also telling me the ring is going to be abit more expensive since I have to order it in the correct size. The ring they have in store is made for a 1.1 carrat stone. He said platinum prices have gone up over the last 6 months so they could do a better price on what they have in stock, since these rings were bought when platinum was cheaper. Does all this sound legit or are they just trying to get $400 or so more bucks out of me?

I would really like to stick with the same place for the setting and ring but I may start to look elseware for a better diamond. This EGL .73 was the least expensive he said he had in the size I needed. He showed me a couple others that were $2800 and $3200. One was a bit larger and one was a VVS1. I think one was another EGL and one maybe a GIA.

Can I ask him to have the .73 EGL stone graded by a different company, preferable AGS? How long would this take? over 2 weeks?

There aren''t any good appraisal places near me. I live in Nashville TN.

I am not on a huge time constraint but I''d like to get this taken care of in a month if I can. (all the shopping and anxiety is killing me!)

Also one last question.
He said I needed to pick a diamond before he would order my setting. He said they needed to know the measurements first. I thought if I knew I wanted something around .70-.75 that I could go a head and order the ring and pick a stone later. The ring will take about 2 weeks to come in once ordered.


Thank you guys so much for your help! I really want to love this EGL stone but I am afraid of the SI2 really being a I1 by GIA. I''m also afraid he may be trying to sell the EGL stone for a premium.

I really appreciate you''re guys help!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Is there any way you can locate a similar setting to show us and then maybe we could help you do better on both the stone and the setting? You are paying a real premium for an F but then going very low in clarity. That just doesn''t seem like a great combination to me. I am sure it wouldn''t be worth sending the stone to AGS. I''d look for another stone that is already GIA or AGS certified. I wouldn''t settle for that one just because it happens to be the only one at that store that fits your price range.

 

[Small]

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1948513.htm

Well just for comparison sake this is a RB from whiteflash .72 AGS ACA and it's about the same price. I wouldn't buy an EGL when I could buy an AGS for the same price. If it were me, I'd buy the stone seperately and take it to him to set. If he won't do that then I'd look at other options. Maybe you could start pricing out some things online and show him your pricing to see if he'll come down a bit.
The stones numbers seem to be good for an EGL although we don't know the actual crown/pav angle numbers only % so that may make a little difference. I'd probably want to have an appraiser look at the stone to see if its actually an SI2. I personally own an EGL and have had it looked at by GIA gemologists and without looking at my specs they've usually guessed the color and clarity right on. Sometimes the color is a grade off but my SI2 clarity is what they guess every time. I wouldn't buy an EGL all over again knowing what I know now. But if you've seen the stone and love it then that's what matters in the long run.
Good luck...let us know what you decide

Edited to add...the example I posted is an H but it was for comparison. If I had to choose and EGL F or an ACA AGS H...I'd choose the Whiteflash diamond everytime

 

[RockDoc]

Some EGL certs are problematic when the clarity is stated on the report as SI-2- SI-3.

It also depends on WHICH EGL lab did the report. Israel EGL is notorius for overstating the clarity grading.

This is a "lifetime" purchase so even if you spend a little more to get it, an AGS graded stone will probably be a lot more reliable than and EGL one is.

Guess you have to weigh the cost difference for an AGS report one, and consider if there is an extra cost, if it is justifiable when reconciled with your budget. I suggest being a little more "adjustable" of possibly spending a little more if the amount of cost difference isn''t too significant.

Rockdoc

 

[Chewieez]

I understand what you''re saying about going with an F and a SI2. this is my problem, I like the color but would rather not go below a SI1.

I could link some approx. style settings but I''m pretty set on this Saturn ring. Here is a link to the general idea of the setting. The Saturn one is a little more elegant with mroe carving and a very nice bridge.

http://www.faycullen.com/antique_engagement_rings/800/c420r3d.html

I am thinking I might rather go with a G SI1 than a F SI2. BUT if both stones are eye clean maybe I would prefer the better color F stone.


(some back story is my gf is not a picky person and will prob not notice the dif between a G SI1 and a F SI2. I however am an anal person when it comes to shopping and I will shop around indefinately until I''m forced to make a decision!

I am looking to get the best stone for the money, but the best stone by the naked eye, not through 10X)

 

[Chewieez]

Date: 5/4/2006 12:34:15 PM
Author: RockDoc
Some EGL certs are problematic when the clarity is stated on the report as SI-2- SI-3.


It also depends on WHICH EGL lab did the report. Israel EGL is notorius for overstating the clarity grading.


This is a ''lifetime'' purchase so even if you spend a little more to get it, an AGS graded stone will probably be a lot more reliable than and EGL one is.


Guess you have to weigh the cost difference for an AGS report one, and consider if there is an extra cost, if it is justifiable when reconciled with your budget. I suggest being a little more ''adjustable'' of possibly spending a little more if the amount of cost difference isn''t too significant.


Rockdoc

This is an Israel EGL stone. Which has me a bit worried.

I think I will go to another store and look at more stones.

I am worried that if I walk in to the store to buy the setting and I have a stone wiht me, they will be less willing to make the same $ deal on the setting. Should I expect them to make a better deal if I buy both the diamond and the setting?

I don''t want to settle just because they currently have a low stock of diamonds, and I don''t want to wait for them to get more in (since they couldn''t tell me when this would be).

 

[Chewieez]

Date: 5/4/2006 12:28:44 PM
Author: Small
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1948513.htm


Well just for comparison sake this is a RB from whiteflash .72 AGS ACA and it's about the same price. I wouldn't buy an EGL when I could buy an AGS for the same price. If it were me, I'd buy the stone seperately and take it to him to set. If he won't do that then I'd look at other options. Maybe you could start pricing out some things online and show him your pricing to see if he'll come down a bit.

Thanks for the link. I already have two other diamonds from that site saved to use for price comparisons.

Here they are :

AGS G SI1 .75 $2675
SOLD- http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-5935609#

EGL F SI1 .75 $2261
http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-2389039.htm

This one is an clarity grade higher than the one I've looked at and $350 cheaper

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, that setting is not at all hard to find. Here's a fine quality one in platinum from Dimend Scaasi for $2600.:

http://www.dscaasi.com/build/step1.asp?prodID=1-E1

They have a good many G SI 1's, ideal cut around 7.0-.80 cts. to choose from as well. I chose three diamonds a couple of weeks ago and they had them the next day for me to look at online.

There is no way she or anyone would be able to appreciate the difference between the F and G, but I'd surely go for a G SI1 or even VS2 over a F SI2 if it were me.

 

[lil_jay78]

Date: 5/4/2006 12:49:09 PM
Author: Chewieez

Date: 5/4/2006 12:28:44 PM

Author: Small

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1948513.htm



Well just for comparison sake this is a RB from whiteflash .72 AGS ACA and it''s about the same price. I wouldn''t buy an EGL when I could buy an AGS for the same price. If it were me, I''d buy the stone seperately and take it to him to set. If he won''t do that then I''d look at other options. Maybe you could start pricing out some things online and show him your pricing to see if he''ll come down a bit.

Thanks for the link. I already have two other diamonds from that site saved to use for price comparisons.


Here they are :


AGS G SI1 .75 $2675

SOLD- http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-5935609#


EGL F SI1 .75 $2261

http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-2389039.htm


This one is an clarity grade higher than the one I''ve looked at and $350 cheaper

I have to agree w/ Small. I wouldn''t buy an EGL stone when I could get an AGS for the same price. With these two stones you are looking at, remember that EGL standards are a little less, so that F could easily be a G or maybe even an H, though that might be a stretch. They don''t even have a picture of the actual stone for the EGL cert one. My advice would be to take a look at two eyeclean stones, one G and one F(preferably both AGS certified) and make absolute sure that YOU can see the difference. If not, regardless of how anal you are, then it won''t really make a difference...

As long as the stone is eyeclean, you''ll be fine. As far as your setting is concerned, jsut note that Dimend Scaasi does not sell their settings separately from their stones, so you would need to purchase a stone from them if you wanted to go with their setting.

Best of luck w/ the search!

 

[Chewieez]

Date: 5/4/2006 2:04:49 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Okay, that setting is not at all hard to find. Here''s a fine quality one in platinum from Dimend Scaasi for $2600.:


http://www.dscaasi.com/build/step1.asp?prodID=1-E1


They have a good many G SI 1''s, ideal cut around 7.0-.80 cts. to choose from as well. I chose three diamonds a couple of weeks ago and they had them the next day for me to look at online.


There is no way she or anyone would be able to appreciate the difference between the F and G, but I''d surely go for a G SI1 or even VS2 over a F SI2 if it were me.

Thank you for the link and the advice!

The price for that Dimend Scaasi setting isn''t much lower than the Saturn setting that I love. ($2600 vs $2800) I also think the Saturn setting is more art deco/antique looking and has a nice bridge work under the crown that almost looks like the Effle Tower (well, in my mind!

)

I appreciate the time you sent looking! I am pretty set on that Saturn setting though.

 

[Chewieez]

Date: 5/4/2006 3:36:43 PM
Author: lil_jay78

I have to agree w/ Small. I wouldn't buy an EGL stone when I could get an AGS for the same price. With these two stones you are looking at, remember that EGL standards are a little less, so that F could easily be a G or maybe even an H, though that might be a stretch. They don't even have a picture of the actual stone for the EGL cert one. My advice would be to take a look at two eyeclean stones, one G and one F(preferably both AGS certified) and make absolute sure that YOU can see the difference. If not, regardless of how anal you are, then it won't really make a difference...


As long as the stone is eyeclean, you'll be fine. As far as your setting is concerned, jsut note that Dimend Scaasi does not sell their settings separately from their stones, so you would need to purchase a stone from them if you wanted to go with their setting.


Best of luck w/ the search!

Thanks for the advice!

I am not even considering buying a diamond online at this point. I was going to just use those links as price references. I agree that the EGL stone I linked to is questionable esp. without a picture. I simply bookmarked it b/c it has very similar number/specs to the EGL diamond I was looking at in the jewelry store, except the price was $350 lower. Some of this could be attributed to the lower internet markup compared to a B&M markup I guess.

Either way I think my next move is to go to another shop and browse their diamonds and see if they have something in my size and wants, and also compare prices. Then I will also go back to the original jewelry store and look at their diamonds again. I will need to reevaluate this EGL stone and speak with the salemen about it. I'd like to here his answers to the lax EGL standards and how it is effecting the price on this specific diamond. If I find the appearance of this diamond is exceptable to me AND he is willing to work with me on the price ($2600) I may go that route. If not I will consider purchasing a diamond from another vender and purchase the setting at the first store. This is not my prefered option but if I can get a better diamond for the money this way I will.

Thanks again for all the advice!

 

[lil_jay78]

Date: 5/4/2006 4:15:57 PM
Author: Chewieez

Date: 5/4/2006 3:36:43 PM

Author: lil_jay78


I have to agree w/ Small. I wouldn''t buy an EGL stone when I could get an AGS for the same price. With these two stones you are looking at, remember that EGL standards are a little less, so that F could easily be a G or maybe even an H, though that might be a stretch. They don''t even have a picture of the actual stone for the EGL cert one. My advice would be to take a look at two eyeclean stones, one G and one F(preferably both AGS certified) and make absolute sure that YOU can see the difference. If not, regardless of how anal you are, then it won''t really make a difference...



As long as the stone is eyeclean, you''ll be fine. As far as your setting is concerned, jsut note that Dimend Scaasi does not sell their settings separately from their stones, so you would need to purchase a stone from them if you wanted to go with their setting.



Best of luck w/ the search!

Thanks for the advice!


I am not even considering buying a diamond online at this point. I was going to just use those links as price references. I agree that the EGL stone I linked to is questionable esp. without a picture. I simply bookmarked it b/c it has very similar number/specs to the EGL diamond I was looking at in the jewelry store, except the price was $350 lower. Some of this could be attributed to the lower internet markup compared to a B&M markup I guess.


Either way I think my next move is to go to another shop and browse their diamonds and see if they have something in my size and wants, and also compare prices. Then I will also go back to the original jewelry store and look at their diamonds again. I will need to reevaluate this EGL stone and speak with the salemen about it. I''d like to here his answers to the lax EGL standards and how it is effecting the price on this specific diamond. If I find the appearance of this diamond is exceptable to me AND he is willing to work with me on the price ($2600) I may go that route. If not I will consider purchasing a diamond from another vender and purchase the setting at the first store. This is not my prefered option but if I can get a better diamond for the money this way I will.


Thanks again for all the advice!

Absolutely! Best of luck with your search. If you haven''t already done so, which it seems you have, make sure you walk into those B&M''s armed with as much knowledge as you can. Just FYI, eyeclean, as defined by Whiteflash is 8cm from the eye(a little over 3"), so make sure your stone is eye-clean, regardless of the clarity. And make sure you read up on any B&M''s return/upgrade policy, should you ever wish to do either of the two. Oftentimes, they will require you to upgrade to at least 2x the price of your original piece...so make sure you''re getting what you want. Also, find out about any setting fees, charges range from $50 to as much as $350, and any other costs they might include.

Again, best of luck!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 5/4/2006 4:04:59 PM
Author: Chewieez

Date: 5/4/2006 2:04:49 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Okay, that setting is not at all hard to find. Here''s a fine quality one in platinum from Dimend Scaasi for $2600.:


http://www.dscaasi.com/build/step1.asp?prodID=1-E1


They have a good many G SI 1''s, ideal cut around 7.0-.80 cts. to choose from as well. I chose three diamonds a couple of weeks ago and they had them the next day for me to look at online.


There is no way she or anyone would be able to appreciate the difference between the F and G, but I''d surely go for a G SI1 or even VS2 over a F SI2 if it were me.

Thank you for the link and the advice!

The price for that Dimend Scaasi setting isn''t much lower than the Saturn setting that I love. ($2600 vs $2800) I also think the Saturn setting is more art deco/antique looking and has a nice bridge work under the crown that almost looks like the Effle Tower (well, in my mind!

)

I appreciate the time you sent looking! I am pretty set on that Saturn setting though.

Yes, I think the similarity in price should make you feel good about the price of the setting you want! You should have no trouble finding a nice GIA or AGS certified diamond, though. These vendors get new stones every few weeks, so it pays to watch the sites or have a salesperson know what you''re looking for so they can call you if some come in. WhiteFlash Expert Selection can be a particularly good value.

Good luck and please come back and post a picture when you get your ring finished!

 

[JulieN]

maybe this one? but a little simpler?

Halo designs are best if you know the exact measurements of the stone. 70-75 cts is probably a tight enough variance...but with depth differences, it might not be. usually each ring is more or less custom made to the stone.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Beautiful!!! A setting like that deserves an excellent diamond!

 

[mrssalvo]

I noticed you are in Nashville. any chance you're shopping at Village Jewelers? I ask b/c I know they carry saturn designs. They are also very highend and overpriced IMO. If you want to stay local I'd recommend Randy Barker at Barker Diamond Company, he's on 21st ave near hillsboro village. He is very trustworthy and owns and idealscope, so he's up with looking for hearts and arrow patterns. I have done business with him.

you can also check out Genesis Diamond in Green Hills. I don't know a lot about them but they have 100% lifetime trade-up and their prices on stones and settings are unbeatable.


I personally wouldn't buy and EGL stone. Not worth the time or $$ having it recerted. I know there are needle in the haystacks out there though.

 

[Chewieez]

Date: 5/5/2006 5:11:02 AM
Author: JulieN
maybe this one? but a little simpler?

Halo designs are best if you know the exact measurements of the stone. 70-75 cts is probably a tight enough variance...but with depth differences, it might not be. usually each ring is more or less custom made to the stone.

That is actually the exact setting I want and have been looking at. I am not sure if it has the row of diamonds that circle just under the crown. But it has that bridge work. Wow, that is an awesome picture of that setting. I am definately saving that to my computer.

Where did you find that picture, as the Saturn site has little in it''s Gallery.

 

[Chewieez]

Date: 5/5/2006 9:49:48 AM
Author: mrssalvo
I noticed you are in Nashville. any chance you''re shopping at Village Jewelers? I ask b/c I know they carry saturn designs. They are also very highend and overpriced IMO. If you want to stay local I''d recommend Randy Barker at Barker Diamond Company, he''s on 21st ave near hillsboro village. He is very trustworthy and owns and idealscope, so he''s up with looking for hearts and arrow patterns. I have done business with him.

You are correct, I''ve been shopping at Village Jewelers and many other shops in town. I know they aren''t the best bang for the buck shop in town but they have the best quality I''ve seen.

Thank you for the recommendation of Randy. I have already been to see him and we talked at length about settings and diamonds. I am actually planning on heading over to him to look at some more stones. He has been great to work with. He offered to order me a setting but I don''t think it was as nice as this Saturn one. Does he offer a trade up program?

I am really set on this Saturn ring (even though I know it''s pricey and incompasses a lot of my total ring budget). I am thinking of maybe purchasing a stone through Randy and buying the setting from Village. Hopefully I can make a decision about it all this week and finally get the ball rolling and some things ordered.

I appreciate the help!

 

[JulieN]

Yes, it was in the gallery. I think it''s a beauty, and a decent price at 2800!

 

[jldunn]

If you''ve got a picture of the setting you want I''d send the picture to Whiteflash and ask for a quote for them to duplicate it as a custom setting. They copied a Tiffany''s ring for me and I was quite impressed with how it turned out. The price for the overall ring was under half of what the same ring cost from Tiffany with lesser quality stones. You get the bonus of no sales tax too if you don''t live in Texas.