Disaster - advice?

[surfgirl]

Well, now knowing that one of the stones is a 1ct. J/I1, I''d have to be honest and say I''d never consider an I1 in a stone of 1ct. size. No way. I cant open the other link but if it''s a better grade, I''d wait and get that one. 1ct. is too big to go down to an I1. At least for me. Good luck with your decision.

 

[hairgirl95]

Hmmm, well, here is my perspective--I don''t know if it will help, but I will try!

Okay, so you posted the two diamonds and I looked at each of them, and if you HAVE to choose between those 2 stones, I would go with the 1.01. The other stone shows crazy inclusions all over the center of the stone. At least the 1.01 is on the outer edge, you could possibly find a way to set it to offset the inclusion. Possibly a bezel setting?? I am by no means a pro at this, just speculating with you!! As I said above, if it is ONLY between these two, definitely go with 1.01. That is just what I would do, with these choices in front of me. Its really what stone YOU want though and what makes YOU happy.

So, heres where the part of me comes out that likes view things from all possible angles.

First, is clarity a big priority for you? I know how in the world of PS we get lost in finding these gorgeous diamonds, and its not always possible budget wise to spend the $$ those stones command. There are MANY people who purchase stones that I am sure most of us would snub and turn our noses up at. Hey, its everyones individual taste and perspective, and what is important to the individual in the diamond buying process. I know for me, I am willing to sacrifice color. I don''t require total whiteness in a stone. Other people do. I have had 2 J stones, an I stone, and an H stone. I can''t say I could tell a huge difference colorwise because its not that important to me. However, eyeclean IS important to me. You see what I mean with all this.

Second, you have to decide WHICH of the C''s are the most important. You could go smaller carat, more eyeclean. You could go larger carat, warmer color, less inclusion, or whiter color, more inclusion. There are SO many possibilities here. You know in your heart what you are willing to do and not to do. Just follow your intuition.

The big picture here is do what is best for YOU. If the J I1 stone makes YOU happy, then go for it! If you have a nagging doubt, then I would keep looking. I know what a process this can be. I really hope you find what you want and what makes you happy. At the end of the day, you will be the one wearing this stone and you have to be satisfied. I wish you the best of luck with all this, and I can''t WAIT to see what you decide to do. Let us know how the process is going!!

 

[arjunajane]

Thanks for your post surfgirl. Sorry about the link not opening, but the second one is I1 aswell, incase ur curious.
Hairgirl, thankyou aswell for your detailed reply - I appreciate it alot. Starting the search, I neva would''ve thought I''d go down to an I1 either - thats just sort of "where the ball landed" so to say.
When I first asked about the 1.01, Jon said he usually isn''t comfortable to discuss I1 stones, but after inspecting it, he said its actually a pretty good one.
He has made videos of both the stones for me, and to be honest I could barely detect the inclusions at 10x magnification. I do have to admit, I have been arguing with myself though about IRL. I had another thread about the 1.01 with the video, and many posters said they couldn''t make out the inclusion either.

With re to what you said about the 1.11 (second stone) seeming to have more/worse inclusions than 1.01, this is exactly what I thought - however Jon has visually inspected both and assured me the 1.11 would be a better choice. I have to admit this info is backed up by the video, in which the 1.11 looks great and again I can barely make out the main inclusion at 10x magnification - the other ones that seem to be over the table aren''t discernible at all. And if you will notice, the 1.11 has been given an SI3 grade, although I don''t know how much weight to give this, due to the controversy of this clarity grade.

So this is where my problem lies - to me, I or J colour is neither here nor there, I like them both equally.
This is why I was hoping someone with some tech knowledge - STRM, are you out there??? - could weigh in and explain the differences between the inclusions

, and if the 1.11 is truely "better" etc?

My initial thoughts would be to keep looking for something slightly smaller in same colour and slightly higher clarity in the SI range. At the moment this doesn''t seem to exist in the PoH.
But than I wonder if I am passing up a great stone in which I will probably hardly ever see the inclusion, just for a grade hang up?
I know what your saying that most PS''s would probably *frown* on both these stones, but where I live, I''m sure no one would ever be able to see the inclusions - no one I speak to even knows the meaning of clarity!

As you can probably tell, I''ve got a lot of thinking going on!

Thankyou again Hairgirl for ur response.

If there is anyone with a lil more technical knowledge who could weigh in, it would be much appreciated.

 

[hairgirl95]

I hear ya arjunajane on the clarity thing among the people that are around you. Out of my 100 or so friends, only 2 are "jewelry junkies" like myself. So that leaves 98 people who wouldn''t know a D IF from a J I1.

The two that ARE jewelry junkies are not too picky. They look for size and sparkle, not color or flaws. Thats why I say to you if YOU are cool with the stone, then go for it. I will be the first to admit that I am not super picky. I don''t have my heart SET on something. I look within my budget. I hope you get some more technical answers. I wish I could help you better there. I can''t wait to hear what you decide to do. Let us know what technical advice you get!!

 

[bem3231]

For what it''s worth, having just purchased a pair of 2.42 ctw I1 H&A studs from Jon, I would absolutely go with an I1 that has ''his blessing'' again in the future. My e-ring is an FVS2 and I am delighted with than combo for an e-ring, but for studs or a rhr I would not hesitate to purchase an I1 or SI3 from Jon - I totally trust his judgment.

 

[arjunajane]

Hello again Hairgirl, you''re probably doing better than I with 2 friends that are "clued in" - I try to talk about my decision with girls from work, and one of them was so cute, she asked what I meant by "carats"

lol. Than again, most of us are still quite young, and I am the type to do as much research as possible before making an important purchase - thats why I like PS so much, very like minded ppl!

And I appreciate your input alot, techy or no, all the opinions I can get are helpful. Thankyou for taking the time to look at both the stones and give ur feedback

Hi Bem - thanku for posting again. I agree with u about trusting Jon''s eyes, he has been very patient and helpful with me.
I''d like to ask, do you have an opinion on the 2 stones that I''ve posted? I think I am leaning toward the 1.01, however Jon says the 1.11 may be a betta choice, which is where I''m getting hung up.

i''m sorry I suck at creating html link, I know its'' a lil bit more effort to ask ppl to look without proper links - If anyone is willing to give me a pointer on what I''m doing wrong

I can make it work in email, just not on PS

I would just like to say thankyou for everyone who has posted on this thread with your support and advice - I appreciate all of you immensely. This includes, but is not limited to: Coatimundi, Sera,and FlyGirl, , who I have not yet had the chance to reply to individually. And for all the others I have thanked in previous posts.

 

[bem3231]

Date: 2/25/2008 1:19:33 AM
Author: arjunajane


Hi Bem - thanku for posting again. I agree with u about trusting Jon''s eyes, he has been very patient and helpful with me.

Hey again!

I had a look at the two stones and, while I''m certainly no expert, I would tend to lean towards Jon''s recommendation. While the second one does have inclusions under the table, I think that they are less significant than the one larger inclusion on the side of the first stone, which would likely be tricky to hide with a prong. My speculation is that Jon''s rationale might be that a few smaller, more dispersed inclusions might be less noticeable than one larger inclusion. At any rate, I would think that if Jon is recommending one over the other then it''s for good reason. That said, he also stood behind that first stone - the I1 - before the second one joined the running!

I don''t imagine that was much help, but is just my two cents! Good luck!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I wouldn''t buy either of those stones...blessing or not!

You can see the inclusions clear as day....ick!

I would drop carat weight for a better stone for sure!

 

[arjunajane]

Hi Italia, thankyou for ur opinion. I am aware that you can see these clearly at 40x magnification - in your opinion, do you think they will be as prominent IRL?
As mentioned earlier, I would prefer to do exactly as you''e suggested and drop in ct weight to gain clarity - however, at the moment there is no such stone in my price range. (limited).

I dunno, maybe I should just wait longer/for a diff stone?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 2/24/2008 10:00:34 PM
Author: arjunajane

So this is where my problem lies - to me, I or J colour is neither here nor there, I like them both equally.
This is why I was hoping someone with some tech knowledge - STRM, are you out there??? - could weigh in and explain the differences between the inclusions

, and if the 1.11 is truely ''better'' etc?

howdy, you rang...
No one but Jon can tell you the whole truth about those inclusions.
I cant even start too without seeing the stones.
Judging inclusions by pictures and vids is not possible.

No one but you can decide what too do with that information.
In a perfect world everyone would have perfect stones of perfect color of the perfect size and the perfect cut.
In the real world you make compromises,
Everyone has too decide for themselves where too draw the line.

 

[hairgirl95]

VERY well said strm!!

 

[arjunajane]

Hi bem, hi storm, thankyou both for ur input.
Food for thought.
Storm, I was worried you were gonna say that!

Ok, I guess this one is just up to me!

Cheers all for u input, I will be sure to update if/when a decision can be reached.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/25/2008 2:38:01 AM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 2/24/2008 10:00:34 PM
Author: arjunajane

So this is where my problem lies - to me, I or J colour is neither here nor there, I like them both equally.
This is why I was hoping someone with some tech knowledge - STRM, are you out there??? - could weigh in and explain the differences between the inclusions

, and if the 1.11 is truely 'better' etc?

howdy, you rang...
No one but Jon can tell you the whole truth about those inclusions.
I cant even start too without seeing the stones.
Judging inclusions by pictures and vids is not possible.

No one but you can decide what too do with that information.
In a perfect world everyone would have perfect stones of perfect color of the perfect size and the perfect cut.
In the real world you make compromises,
Everyone has too decide for themselves where too draw the line.

Ditto every word Storm said!!! Also those diamonds are beautifully cut, a far cry from the usual I1's available - and only Jon can say for sure whether any inclusion is an issue or not!!!

Jane, I hope it all works out for you soon!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Arj...

I would be happy to look for stones for you if you share with me the important info...

Also, I understand that John has given this stone his blessing and said that it was a nice diamond, and I''m sure going for a fair price. But, I am always very cautious taking sales advice from those doing the selling--when its more or less a commission sales. I always try to remind myself that it is a business, and while he''s ethical and all, he wants to sell that diamond to whomever is willing to buy it... Does that make sense?

As far as seeing the inclusions...I dont think that an uneducated eye would locate them...but it''s also important to remember that you''ll be wearing this diamond, and looking at it endlessly...while you might not notice the feathers, clouds and spots immediately...over time you could focus in on them and they will become a distraction.

Keep us updated

 

[arjunajane]

Hi Italia, thankyou for your kind offer.

I will warn you though, I have searched and re searched the inventory on GOG.

I appreciate your POV re vendors in general - this is why I am saking these questions of these two stones - the 1.11, which to my untrained eye, looks like it has more inclusions than the 1.01, is the one Jon says is better (and is slightly more expensive

).
I would love for you to help, however my options are fairly narrow - I have decided I want a square shape, but certainly not a princess. Hence, the PoH. I would be perhaps just as happy with a Square H&A or even Jubilee. If you have any other suggestions on shape, I am open

To give u more info, after wire discount the first stone is about $3500, the second about $4200. To be honest, in light of the recent change in circumstance, I think the $3500 mark is definatly the top range for my budget

As far as the C''s, you can probably tell I am not adverse to the "warmer" colours, and may even prefer them (J being the lowest for my personal tastes). I am not specifically aiming for a 1ct - 0.85 etc with a decent spread would be just as good. AS for the clarity, well I''m sure you''ve got a grasp on that from this thread!

I don''t feel the need to pay the premium for VS, but that said, if thats where the combo lands, so be it.

Thankyou again for ur generous offer, it is very kind, and I look forward to hearing what u may come up with.

Cheers for chiming in Lorelei, always a pleasure

 

[mrssalvo]

i can understand being skepital of any I1 stone but Jon is very well respected for his integrity and honesty and i would trust his opinion 100%. We''re not talking about mall sales staff trying to sell you a misrepresented stone. If the stones in question were not what Jon says they are, he would not have them in his personal inventory IMO.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 2/25/2008 10:04:21 AM
Author: mrssalvo
i can understand being skepital of any I1 stone but Jon is very well respected for his integrity and honesty and i would trust his opinion 100%. We''re not talking about mall sales staff trying to sell you a misrepresented stone. If the stones in question were not what Jon says they are, he would not have them in his personal inventory IMO.

Exactly. His word is as good as gold. (old gold at that)

Seriously, he''s going to be as honest as possible, he doesn''t want to have the stone sent right back.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/25/2008 10:36:55 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 2/25/2008 10:04:21 AM
Author: mrssalvo
i can understand being skepital of any I1 stone but Jon is very well respected for his integrity and honesty and i would trust his opinion 100%. We''re not talking about mall sales staff trying to sell you a misrepresented stone. If the stones in question were not what Jon says they are, he would not have them in his personal inventory IMO.

Exactly. His word is as good as gold. (old gold at that)

Seriously, he''s going to be as honest as possible, he doesn''t want to have the stone sent right back.

Thritto!

 

[surfgirl]

I wasn't going to reply again but after reading your comments about really wanting a smaller, better quality stone I have to say that it feels like you're trying to justify buying this stone no matter what (I'm not saying that to be mean, it's just honestly the vibe I get). Perhaps you might take this as a sign to wait until you can both afford to buy AND find a stone that IS in the quality range you really want. I'm not sure why you'd want to buy a stone like the two mentioned, if you really would prefer a smaller, better quality stone. Why not just wait for it and let Jon be on the look-out and when he sees such a stone, he'll contact you. He might not have any inventory in your desired range right now, but it's not like he'll never get in stones like that. To me, it seems like all signs are pointing to WAIT.

Okay, now I'm done. Again, good luck!

ETA: My not wanting an I1 stone would have nothing to do with Jon's eye. I'm sure he's very scrupulous about what he deems 'eye clean', otherwise, he'd have a lot of unhappy customers on PS and really, I've yet to hear a bad word about GOG so...I too, think he's totally trustworthy. I'd just not want any I1 that was of a 1ct. size because I see every little thing usually...Hawk-like eyesight is my curse!

 

[chickpea]

Date: 2/24/2008 10:00:34 PM
Author: arjunajane


My initial thoughts would be to keep looking for something slightly smaller in same colour and slightly higher clarity in the SI range. At the moment this doesn''t seem to exist in the PoH.

i felt compelled to weigh in, since several times i''ve found myself in a similar situation: facing a purchase that i''m not 100% certain about, but buying because i''m afraid something better may never come along. usually, that something better does come along, after i''ve already made the purchase, and buyer''s remorse sets in.

in this case, it sounds to me like you''re not totally certain about either diamond in question. based on your comment above, i say go with your intuition on this one! if your ideal stone is slightly smaller and better clarity, then wait for it - it''s out there.

i echo surfgirl''s opinion on this one: if, at this moment, the ideal stone you describe doesn''t exist, and the ideal financial situation doesn''t either, wouldn''t it be best to wait? i really hope that the situation with your FI''s employment works itself out soon, but there are no guarantees. if a new job doesn''t turn up immediately, will paying off a stone be a hardship? it would be awful to realize you''d compromised your financial stability for a stone you don''t absolutely love, wouldn''t it?

i hope you don''t take this the wrong way, it just seems to me that you already know the answer to your question. i know that putting your project on hold will be hard (i''m the sort that, once i''ve gotten the ball rolling on a project, i want it in my hot little hand, like yesterday!) but i bet that making the purchase when all the stars are perfectly aligned will be that much more satisfying in the end.

 

[arjunajane]

Mrs, Ellen , Lorelei - don''t worry I agree with all of you about trusting Jon and have from the start

Surfgirl, Chickpea..I know, you''re probably right

I guess the verdict is out on this one for now!
will update when something changes..

 

[gwendolyn]

Sorry to hear about your financial situation, AJ. As someone who was once out of work for quite a lot longer than anticipated (which means I dipped into savings that I didn''t want to touch but had to), I''d vote for waiting. Especially since it sounds like you aren''t totally positive about these stones anyway.

In your position, I think I''d probably be worried that I''d spend all this money (even just in shipping to Aus and back if you return it--I wouldn''t think GOG would cover international shipping rates, do they?), not be completely sold on the stone anyway, and then find out money''s tighter than usual due to it being more difficult to find work. It just seems like you''d be better off in all regards to wait.

Sorry, not the fun answer, but it''s how I think I would handle it.

 

[MP]

Have you thought about buying the stone for now and holding off on the design work for a setting until things settle down for your family. That should save you enough money to make it not so expensive right now. Likewise, you can still admire the diamond in a diamond holder in the mean time.