Diamond Photos: What should I request?

[brandonman22]

I''m a rookie at picking out and buying diamonds, so is there anymore photos like x-rays or anything else that I should request of the following two diamonds? I can''t quite tell if these are eye clean or have any bowtie effect to them. I was looking for a cushion that was at least 1.25 carats and was in between the crushed ice and antique look.

 

[niceice]

First off, great pictures! Whoever took them did a great job! It can be pretty difficult to locate inclusions within a picture without knowing what you''re looking for and where the inclusions are located in reference to the diamond. Ask the seller to provide you with some pictures of the inclusions as seen through the Gem Scope with reference to the inclusions, that will let you know what the inclusions look like and where they are. The seller should be able to help you ascertain whether the diamonds are "eye clean" but keep in mind that the degree of "eye clean" pretty much depends on the eye sight of the viewer, thus if the grader has 20/20 and you have 17/20 you might have a different opinion as to the visibility of the inclusions. Rely on the seller to help you decide between the two, the odds are that they''ve been doing this long enough to have a preference between the two diamonds.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The square cushion will look better for a Novo replica. What does the vendor say about how the stones look in person?

 

[brandonman22]

I totally agree, the one on the left would work better for a Novo replica. Just so you know, it was Mark T at EngagementRingDirect who sent me this information. He said that the diamond was "eye clean" but it would still be nice to see some photos of the inclusions. Anything else I should be concerned about?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

What is the clarity of the one on the left? I would want to see the inclusion plot of the cert.

 

[kcoursolle]

The stone on the left looks really nice! I would request an asset image from the vendor because they are helpful in evaluating fancy cut stones.

 

[pixley]

I agree, the stone on the left is pretty (even in this funky photo) and may give you a similar feel to the Novo. A square Hearts & Arrows would probably cost quite a bit more and face up smaller due to the depth required for that cut. If Mark says it's eyeclean, I would trust him, but it couldn't hurt to ask for a magnified image of the inclusions to ensure that you're ok with them.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 2/27/2008 5:33:56 PM
Author: pixley
I agree, the stone on the left is pretty (even in this funky photo) and may give you a similar feel to the Novo. A square Hearts & Arrows would probably cost quite a bit more and face up smaller due to the depth required for that cut. If Mark says it's eyeclean, I would trust him, but it couldn't hurt to ask for a magnified image of the inclusions so ensure that you're ok with them.

Agreed. Mark is known as the cushion king around here for good reason. I'd trust him to be my eyes personally (and we did for my engagement ring!)...he's great!

 

[brandonman22]

The diamond is 1.31ct. F VS2.

Still a good buy?

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 2/27/2008 5:55:12 PM
Author: brandonman22
The diamond is 1.31ct. F VS2.


Still a good buy?

It''s hard to say if it''s a good buy without knowing the price. But Mark has very fair, and usually very competitive prices, so I''m sure it''s fair. Luckily with a VS2 and Mark''s stamp of approval you don''t really need to worry about the inclusion plot IMO.

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 2/27/2008 6:01:49 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 2/27/2008 5:55:12 PM
Author: brandonman22
The diamond is 1.31ct. F VS2.


Still a good buy?

It''s hard to say if it''s a good buy without knowing the price. But Mark has very fair, and usually very competitive prices, so I''m sure it''s fair. Luckily with a VS2 and Mark''s stamp of approval you don''t really need to worry about the inclusion plot IMO.

Ditto, you can also do a search by cut price comparison to compare prices. Go to the prices tab, then search by cut, plug in cushions of similar carat weight/color/clarity to get an idea.

 

[brandonman22]

Date: 2/27/2008 6:01:49 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 2/27/2008 5:55:12 PM
Author: brandonman22
The diamond is 1.31ct. F VS2.


Still a good buy?

It''s hard to say if it''s a good buy without knowing the price. But Mark has very fair, and usually very competitive prices, so I''m sure it''s fair. Luckily with a VS2 and Mark''s stamp of approval you don''t really need to worry about the inclusion plot IMO.

Are you saying that normally you should worry about a cushion with a VS2 clarity? The price tag on it is roughly $7,700.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 2/27/2008 6:34:21 PM
Author: brandonman22

Date: 2/27/2008 6:01:49 PM

Author: neatfreak

Date: 2/27/2008 5:55:12 PM

Author: brandonman22

The diamond is 1.31ct. F VS2.



Still a good buy?

It''s hard to say if it''s a good buy without knowing the price. But Mark has very fair, and usually very competitive prices, so I''m sure it''s fair. Luckily with a VS2 and Mark''s stamp of approval you don''t really need to worry about the inclusion plot IMO.

Are you saying that normally you should worry about a cushion with a VS2 clarity? The price tag on it is roughly $7,700.

No I''m not. Don''t read too much into it! I''m just saying that with Mark''s stamp you are extra special good to go.