Diamond Purchase Advice

[cardinalx12]

Hi all,
I am looking at buying an engagement ring online but I wanted to get some advice/opinion on what i have been told is a good buy. I am mainly concerned about the Depth and Table percentages of the center diamond. From what I''ve read the table percentage seems to be a little on the high side but ok and the depth percentage seems to be pretty high, maybe too high? The seller describes the diamond as having "....a good cut and great brilliance. The princess has premium table and depth percentages, with good polish and good symmetry." Is the seller''s description accurate?

Here are the specifics:

Center Princess cut Diamond (as described in the GIA report):
RECTANGULAR MODIFIED BRILLIANT

Measurements: 5.65 x 5.31 x 4.29 mm
Carat Weight: 1.01 carat
Color: H
Clarity: VS2

Depth: 80.8%
Table: 75%
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Thick
Cutlet: None

Polish: Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None

Engagement Setting: 950 Platinum with 0.70 carats in diamonds

Price: $4,150

PLEASE ADVISE....THANK YOU!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/15/2010 2:13:33 PM
Author:cardinalx12
Hi all,
I am looking at buying an engagement ring online but I wanted to get some advice/opinion on what i have been told is a good buy. I am mainly concerned about the Depth and Table percentages of the center diamond. From what I've read the table percentage seems to be a little on the high side but ok and the depth percentage seems to be pretty high, maybe too high? The seller describes the diamond as having '....a good cut and great brilliance. The princess has premium table and depth percentages, with good polish and good symmetry.' Is the seller's description accurate?

Here are the specifics:

Center Princess cut Diamond (as described in the GIA report):
RECTANGULAR MODIFIED BRILLIANT

Measurements: 5.65 x 5.31 x 4.29 mm
Carat Weight: 1.01 carat
Color: H
Clarity: VS2

Depth: 80.8%
Table: 75%
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Thick
Cutlet: None

Polish: Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None

Engagement Setting: 950 Platinum with 0.70 carats in diamonds

Price: $4,150

PLEASE ADVISE....THANK YOU!

Hi Cardinal and welcome!

Although the depth percentage doesn't tell the whole story, in this case it is too deep. This diamond is also facing up a bit small for the weight. The length/ width ratio indicates the stone will be slightly rectangular rather than square. Do you have any others in mind?

If you aren't sure what to look for, if you are open to buying online, give us your budget and preferences such as colour and clarity etc, maybe we can suggest some suitable diamonds?

 

[cardinalx12]

Lorelei, thank you for the response. I''ve looked at several but this is by far the best price. So the seller''s description of this diamond having premium table and depth percentages are incorrect? I will call and ask him to provide a diamond that fits his description. With the not so premium depth, is the price for the ring too high?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/15/2010 2:31:38 PM
Author: cardinalx12
Lorelei, thank you for the response. I've looked at several but this is by far the best price. So the seller's description of this diamond having premium table and depth percentages are incorrect? I will call and ask him to provide a diamond that fits his description. With the not so premium depth, is the price for the ring too high?

These descriptions such as Premium, Excellent and so forth aren't any real indication of any level of cut quality....What I would do if you want to lower the price is look for a better cut stone of maybe SI clarity if you don't want to lower the colour. Cut is KEY if you are going to have a beautiful stone.

Are you open to buying online or do you prefer to stick to a brick and mortar store? It would be useful to know as there are various methods we can use to help you according to where you choose to purchase from.

 

[cardinalx12]

I am definitely open to buying online. Do you have any suggestions on good, reputable sites or stores?

What are considered "premium" depth and table percentages?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/15/2010 2:46:34 PM
Author: cardinalx12
I am definitely open to buying online. Do you have any suggestions on good, reputable sites or stores?

What are considered 'premium' depth and table percentages?

I do indeed, here are a list of vendors that sell beautifully cut Princess.

www.highperformancediamonds.com

www.whiteflash.com

www.goodoldgold.com ( the site is down at the moment)

www.exceldiamonds.com

www.jamesallen.com

As for depth and table, there are various proportion configurations that can produce a beautiful Princess,this chart is a good guide but use it as an initial screening tool only.

In order to select a beautiful Princess, it is best to work with a vendor that has in house diamonds that can supply detailed photos and ASET images. Buying a Princess or any other fancy shape without images is really buying blind in my opinion but the vendors listed above can provide all the info you could want to help you make your choice.