Diamond mark up - is what I'm being told a good deal?

[Dreamer_D]

I really appreciate all of the advise and now am re-thinking this entire endeavor. But one last question, what if I were to pick a stone and then tell the jeweler that i won't pay for it unless GIA comes back with the report that verifies all the specs? Or is it still not something I should be doing? Thanks

You can try that! Your jeweler is unlikely to agree because if the diamond came back from GIA as he was describing it, it would be worth $10k more Seems fishy eh? It is. But see what he says, would be a good experiment.

 

[Clairitek]

You have received some great advice and I'm happy to see that you appear to be taking it to heart! Great first step in getting an awesome upgrade.

I took a quick look on BN with your criteria of budget, spread (8 mm, right?), and color/clarity and came up with this stone.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-i-color-si1-clarity_LD02738046

Slightly under your budget of $13,500, a hair under 8 mm (I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference in size of this one next to a true 8 mm stone).

Scores a 1.1 on the HCA tool with depth of 62, table of 58.6, pav angle of 41, crown angle of 33.

But after all that I'll definitely echo what others have said about second hand. That really is the only place you can score a deal.

 

[malish985]

You have received some great advice and I'm happy to see that you appear to be taking it to heart! Great first step in getting an awesome upgrade.

I took a quick look on BN with your criteria of budget, spread (8 mm, right?), and color/clarity and came up with this stone.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-i-color-si1-clarity_LD02738046

Slightly under your budget of $13,500, a hair under 8 mm (I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference in size of this one next to a true 8 mm stone).

Scores a 1.1 on the HCA tool with depth of 62, table of 58.6, pav angle of 41, crown angle of 33.

But after all that I'll definitely echo what others have said about second hand. That really is the only place you can score a deal.

Just curious - where is a good place to look for second hand stones?

My current stone is 1.4ct, so to upgrade to 1.75 probably wouldn't make any difference. I'll keep looking!

Thank you!

 

[Gypsy]

Sorry but No.

LOOK at this stone Claire found for you: http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-i-color-si1-clarity_LD02738046?click_id=75177133 Don't look at the carat weight. Look at the SIZE. It's an 8mm stone. 7.93 x 7.88 is going to be the same as a 2.0 carat, over deep, stone at 8mm.

It WILL look MUCH bigger than what you have. Especially since what you have is probably poorly cut as well (sorry, but... chances are).

[/img]https://www.pricescope.com/files/tutorial/using_IS_Reference_Chart_72.jpg

Look at the above (you still haven't read the links I posted for you, have you?) See that last stone on the right? That's what you will get it you keep wanting to hit the 2 carat mark at your budget.

The stone Claire posted above. If you want to be SMART about this. ORDER IT. Seriously. Get it in check it out, and send it back (no loss of any money with BN's amazing return policy). I GUARANTEE YOU it will blow your current stone OR ANY uncertified diamond OUT OF THE WATER.

 

[malish985]

Sorry but No.

LOOK at this stone Claire found for you: http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-i-color-si1-clarity_LD02738046?click_id=75177133 Don't look at the carat weight. Look at the SIZE. It's an 8mm stone. 7.93 x 7.88 is going to be the same as a 2.0 carat, over deep, stone at 8mm.

It WILL look MUCH bigger than what you have. Especially since what you have is probably poorly cut as well (sorry, but... chances are).

[/img]https://www.pricescope.com/files/tutorial/using_IS_Reference_Chart_72.jpg

Look at the above (you still haven't read the links I posted for you, have you?) See that last stone on the right? That's what you will get it you keep wanting to hit the 2 carat mark at your budget.

The stone Claire posted above. If you want to be SMART about this. ORDER IT. Seriously. Get it in check it out, and send it back (no loss of any money with BN's amazing return policy). I GUARANTEE YOU it will blow your current stone OR ANY uncertified diamond OUT OF THE WATER.[/quote]


I obviously don't want anything even close to the right this is a lot of information all in one day :confused: I've looked / still reading over everything you've sent me. I'll try to do more searches for stones and will carefully look at the stone Claire had so kindly found for me.

I thought i had a decent budget, but after today its not looking that way. maybe I'll keep negotiating with my hubbe :naughty:

 

[TitanCi]

Gypsy just owned this thread!


Good job, Gyps!

 

[Gypsy]

I obviously don't want anything even close to the right this is a lot of information all in one day I've looked / still reading over everything you've sent me. I'll try to do more searches for stones and will carefully look at the stone Claire had so kindly found for me.

I thought i had a decent budget, but after today its not looking that way. maybe I'll keep negotiating with my hubbe

Best thing you can do, absolutely is take your time, study up and in the meantime save up. HONESTLY for a GIA Ex 2 carat at I color and SI1 clarity you are looking at 22K. With some serious hunting we can find you something for 20k. But... 12.5 is really not going to happen if you want something WORTH spending money on if you have to hit 2 carats.

You really would be best off with increasing the budget to about 16k and shooting for a great cut 1.85+ ct. (but that's just for the stone, doesn't include the setting).

Titan, you crack me up. It's not a competition.

 

[malish985]

I obviously don't want anything even close to the right this is a lot of information all in one day I've looked / still reading over everything you've sent me. I'll try to do more searches for stones and will carefully look at the stone Claire had so kindly found for me.

I thought i had a decent budget, but after today its not looking that way. maybe I'll keep negotiating with my hubbe

Best thing you can do, absolutely is take your time, study up and in the meantime save up. HONESTLY for a GIA Ex 2 carat at I color and SI1 clarity you are looking at 22K. With some serious hunting we can find you something for 20k. But... 12.5 is really not going to happen if you want something WORTH spending money on if you have to hit 2 carats.

You really would be best off with increasing the budget to about 16k and shooting for a great cut 1.85+ ct. (but that's just for the stone, doesn't include the setting).

Titan, you crack me up. It's not a competition.

Gypsy, thank you again. i went to see the jeweler and i was surprised that he didn't show me any stones without a GIA. He didn't have anything that fit my criteria and said he'll keep looking. I've been looking on line for under 2 ct for maybe $15. I saw a couple of stones and I wanted to see what you thought about it in general and if I'm heading in a better direction. Also what about the "clouds" as inclusion - would you say they are a big no-no?
If you happen come across a nice stone that measures close to 8mm will you please let me know? Thank you again for your help
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=btn#diamonds_pid=LD02659779 (Hca under 2)

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=btn#diamonds_pid=LD02627429 ( HCA under 2)

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=btn#diamonds_pid=LD02028594 (HCA 2.2)

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=btn#diamonds_pid=LD02709661 (HCA 3 - I know you said not to look at these, put per the report the stone looks like it has limited inclusions)

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=btn#diamonds_pid=LD02659979 (HCA 3)
Thank you again.

 

[malish985]

Gypsy or any other expert!

I have pretty stone on hold at james allen - 2.01, I SI2, has 1.7 HCA and the picture of 10x magnified looks clean. its $14.2K for periscope member wire price. Can someone please take a look and let me know if this is a worthy stone. Thank you
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1512656.asp

 

[LJL]

Im by no means a professional but I will tell you that it faces up big for its carat weight so has a possibility of being shallow (aka not good) - but you can request an ASET from JA. If Im not mistaken they will only do this once for you and will do it for up to 4 stones. Ask them for an ASET (and an idealscope image if they do those) and also to please find you two or three comparable stones so you can let your eyes decide.

The magnified pic looks like it has some leakage or obstruction or something on the left side - but please wait for someone else to comment and ask JA for 1. ASET, 2. Idealscope, 3. Comps, 4. Their opinion on eyecleanliness/ light performance...


Good Luck!

 

[ariel144]

I would check out these too. That 2.3c J (N) SI1 for around $12 just may be the honker you are looking for. A Hearts and arrows and given a "Premium" designation by GOG...interesting since this 2.3c J is graded by EGL and is REALLY an N color on the colorameter, which shows their grading is 4 levels off from what the stone truly is but the Megascope on this stone is nice and in the very good to excellent range:

Here is a video showing the different personalities of the best cut rounds that you might find interesting:
Ideal Cut vs Hearts & Arrows vs August Vintage OEC vs Solasfera

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwiM3COzjFM&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA&index=88&feature=plcp

For the price this August Vintage Round is my favorite and will probably amaze you at how white it will face up.
1.76 K SI2 $11k AVR
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9273/

2.3 c J SI1 $12k Premium H & A
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9399/

1.7c E SI2 Premium H & A $14000
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9771/

1.7 I SI1 Premium (around $14k)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9394/

The best thing about GOG is that you can see that these stones are PROVEN performers and not duds. Also they will do a video for you comparing several stones so you can make a more educated decision. Good luck.

Shape: Round
Carat Weight: 2.30ct
Color: J (Really an N color)
Clarity: SI1
Optical Symmetry: Premium
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None
Lab Report: EGL
In House: No
Width: 8.42mm
Length: 8.42mm
Depth: 5.27mm
Table Percentage: 58.42%
Depth Percentage: 62.60%
Crown ∠: 35.60°
Crown Depth: 14.93%
Pavilion ∠: 41.01°
Pavilion Depth: 43.25%
Policy: Limited Guarantee

 

[Stari]

Very good: Not good enough
Good: Poor
Fair: Foul
Poor: Execrable

This forum is great. I don't just learn about diamonds I learn new words too!

ex·e·cra·ble   [ek-si-kruh-buhl]
adjective

1. utterly detestable; abominable; abhorrent.
2. very bad: an execrable stage performance.

I had to look it up on dictionary.com


Stari

 

[Gypsy]

The magnified pic looks like it has some leakage or obstruction or something on the left side - but please wait for someone else to comment and ask JA for 1. ASET, 2. Idealscope, 3. Comps, 4. Their opinion on eyecleanliness/ light performance...


Good Luck!

I agree with this.

 

[Gypsy]

Also what about the "clouds" as inclusion - would you say they are a big no-no? Not a no no, but in SI clarities if they are the grade setting inclusion the stone will have to be examined individually for negative effects to brilliance
If you happen come across a nice stone that measures close to 8mm will you please let me know? Thank you again for your help
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=btn#diamonds_pid=LD02659779 (Hca under 2) Ask if eyeclean

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=btn#diamonds_pid=LD02627429 ( HCA under 2) Ask if eyeclean


Thank you again.

The rest are aren't worth considering from a vendor that does not provide IS images.

 

[Gypsy]

Very good: Not good enough
Good: Poor
Fair: Foul
Poor: Execrable

This forum is great. I don't just learn about diamonds I learn new words too!

ex·e·cra·ble   [ek-si-kruh-buhl]
adjective

1. utterly detestable; abominable; abhorrent.
2. very bad: an execrable stage performance.

I had to look it up on dictionary.com


Stari

 

[Polished]

Titan, you crack me up. It's not a competition.

Sometimes you just feel like cheering on from the sidelines - I know I do.

 

[malish985]

The magnified pic looks like it has some leakage or obstruction or something on the left side - but please wait for someone else to comment and ask JA for 1. ASET, 2. Idealscope, 3. Comps, 4. Their opinion on eyecleanliness/ light performance...


Good Luck!

I agree with this.

Thank you for the additional information - i've asked JA to provide these items. they are going to consul with the gemologist regarding eyecleanliness/light performance, will provide idealscope image. They said they don't provide ASET for round stones. I will ask them to specifically address an obstruction/leakage you had mentioned. according to HCA its a 1.7, so i think that's a pretty decent score, correct?

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN SO KIND AS TO HELP ME WITH THIS SEARCH.

 

[malish985]

How about this stone?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Very-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1520543.asp
Or am I compromising too much with the color.

 

[ariel144]

Very good: Not good enough
Good: Poor
Fair: Foul
Poor: Execrable

This forum is great. I don't just learn about diamonds I learn new words too!

ex·e·cra·ble   [ek-si-kruh-buhl]
adjective

1. utterly detestable; abominable; abhorrent.
2. very bad: an execrable stage performance.

I had to look it up on dictionary.com


Stari

LOL, thanks for looking it up...learned something new today too! Is that from the same root as excrement? Must be!