EC Diamond Help

[hoff9811]

I'm working with a jeweler that has shown me a few different emerald cut diamonds. For my search, I'm looking for a stone with a higher length-to-width ratio (preferable around 1.5-1.6). We are down to the final two stones, and I wanted to share some pictures to ask this board what you think. The two stones are 5k apart in price, so that plays into the calculus when selecting the final stone.

Stone #1: 2.64ct, E, VS1, 1.4 LW-ratio, 67% depth, 65% table.

Stone #2: 3.04ct, F, VS1, 1.6 LW-ratio, 58% depth, 68% table.

The second stone is not only bigger, but it faces up bigger because of the low depth. The downsides are that its more expensive and has a large table. The first stone is more of a traditional emerald cut in that you can see the layers of the stone very well. Unfortunately, I have to decide somewhat soon because the dealer that owns the second stone is sending it out to a different client later on in the week if we haven't come to a decision by then. (Though you never know if that's true or if the jeweler is artificially putting pressure on me to decide).

Thanks!

 

[whitewave]

Do the facets in the middle go off and on differently when you move them side to side?

It kind of looks like #2 may be all on or off at the same time....

I would love to have a video of both of them.

 

[hoff9811]

Do the facets in the middle go off and on differently when you move them side to side?

It kind of looks like #2 may be all on or off at the same time....

I would love to have a video of both of them.

I don't have video, but you are correct that the facets of the second stone aren't as noticeable as the first.

 

[BlingDreams]

If it HAS to be one of those two, I'd choose the one on the left. I love the size of the right one but the lack of "winking" as the stone moved would really bug me. That's part of what step-cuts are known for after all.

If you're willing to work with a different jeweler, I'd contact Yekutiel at IDJ - [email protected] He was fantastic with my hunt and we got a beautiful stone at an amazing price. Shoot him an email telling him what you're looking for (color/clarity/carat/and l-w ratio) and your budget and he'll take it from there.

Here's one he has in stock right now that falls in line with the specs you listed above (but he has access to many many more) - http://idjewelry.com/emerald-ed31427.html

 

[whitewave]

I mean just going by the pic, the one on the left seems better to me. You want to make sure the facets wink on and off differently so that they aren't all on or all off at the same time.

Let me find a recent thread....
Be right back

 

[whitewave]

Read through this thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/tiffany-emerald-cut-soleste-band-in-middle.228459/

 

[whitewave]

I don't like stone #2. It isn't deep enough. Depth in a step cut gives it the hall of mirrors effect. This stone looks like it could be a dud. Too shallow and as you said not noticeable flashes.

 

[hoff9811]

Thanks for your feedback - I agree that it doesn't show facets like I would want, but having seen both in person, the size difference is very noticeable. My significant other really like the size of the second, which I don't want to discount... I've asked my jeweler for a video to see how the facets look from different angles.

 

[ac117]

I wouldn't limit yourselves to just these two - I also don't prefer the second stone for reasons listed above. You don't want a larger rock that doesn't perform well, do you? If they're rushing you or won't search anymore, then I wouldn't want to give them my business anyway. With the specs you're going for, you're definitely spending a pretty penny and you should get something fabulous.

 

[ringo865]

^id jewelry
#nopressure

 

[LawmaLlama]

Wow! The LW ratios on these are so great. These 2 diamonds are very exemplar of 2 different looks ECs can have based on depth. I don't think a large table is a downside. It is a different look however, and is a matter of personal preference for the wearer.

I'd describe stone 1 as the depth-table proportions that are more common and modern. It looks nice. Stone 2 with the low depth with a large table is just a different look and to me, more unique and rare. My EC and my old EC both had very low depths (old 61, and currently 64) with significantly larger tables. Sometimes this can make a stone look glassy, sometimes not. Mine did not. I like the rarity of that look.

I voted #2 because I like the amazingly rare ratio, and the brightness at the perimeter of the stone. However, I'd want to look at it in person, by video, or get an ASET if I was going to drop a chunk of change on it. Also, you might want to have your significant other view them both for input.

 

[LawmaLlama]

Also, what is the crown height and girdle width on stone 2? I ask because in the photo it almost looks like you can see through the diamond at the corners. (a window effect). This can indicate a poor cut.

Also, with such a low depth you need to be careful as to not get extremely or very thin girdles, which make ECs susceptible to cracks at the corners both in the setting process or maintenance. Trust me, I speak from experience.

 

[marcy]

I voted number 1. It looks like a more lively stone based on your photo.

 

[Karl_K]

I vote not enough info.
I'm not seeing anything that stands out nor anything that screams super dud.
A 68% table is pretty out there but there are some in that range that look good.
For something like this I would be tempted to work with a jeweler in a major diamond hub who can have a bunch brought in for an in person inspection then get you video of the best ones they find.
Finding a well cut one in that ratio range is not that easy.
They are tricky to get right.

I love well cut ec cuts in the 1.6 l/w range.
The difference between a decent one and a well cut one is night and day.

 

[marcy]

I'll chime in here that it's wise to listen to Karl. He and Lorelei's EC advice were who I listened to and learned from. EC are best picked in person and the performance between great ones and not so great ones is night and day.

 

[Sagefemme]

Take your time. This is big money!! I'm doubtful that another client wants to look at this same EC, ECs are a pretty special niche. Don't be pressured. There's always another stone.

 

[LawmaLlama]

Ditto that!