Elara

[gameday]

Elara (flanders) deal or bust??

Hello, I value opinions in this forums and would like to see if this would be a good buy. It could be a chance for me to get an Elara at a great price. 13-14K. I do understand that this stone is lacking in clarity but it is exactly what I am looking for in my price range. However, I need a second (or third, fourth, fifth etc..) opinion. Thanks

AGS report states:

Shape and Style: CC Square Brilliant, 7.92mmx6.92mmx4.94mm, 1.773 cts.

Proportions: depth 66.6%, table 60%, girdle thick to extremely thick, culet pointed.

Finish: polish very good, symmetry very good.

Clarity: SI1

Color Grade: G

 

[valeria101]

You are paying for that shape - I would say even more than for a top cut rund with the same specs.

The stone should not "lack clarity" being an SI (this should be eye clean, and this is as much as one would see anyway, right ?)... but it surely does ot lack a premium either. It is a "good buy" if you cannot live with any "traditional" square cut (radiant and princess). Otherwise, branded cuts (Regent, Queen of Harts, Lucere, Harts on Fire, Flanders and whatever dozens of branded square cuts are out there) would likely dwell in the same range.

The price for all these are usualy not listed, so my info comes from ocasional postings here and there. A seller of these brands (such as Jonathan at GoodOldGold, and Pricescope poster, "Rhino") would be of much more help. He does cary some of these... You can drop a PM, I guess...

 

[wallace]

Hi - having just bought an Elara (returned) and looking for a FB -I thought I'd give you my 2 cents - but first, did you buy it?! Beucase this post is from January. I hope you are happy with whatever you did...

I have just started looking at FB so I am studying up on the specs I need to know to determine the cut myself.

Buying the brand Elara made me feel that I did not have to worry about the specs so much as they have their own standards to meet before they sell the stone (like Asscher - except Elara does not publish their specs). However, I have seen not a few appraisers mention that some Elara that have come their way were sloppy looking. Others excellent. So, there is some discrepancy about exactly what their "ideal" standard is and how strict they are about it. You will have to buy Elara from a jeweler (only 48 "approved" stores carry it in the US). THey should be able to allay your concerns about the cut of the stone. Make them - that's what the premium price tag allows you, the consumer, to exact from them. Remember, they want something from YOU!

The Flanders B, which is essentially the same as the Elara (rather, the original Elara) is available at stores and online. There are some very good vendors at Pricescope carrying these cuts. They are hard to get your hands on but a reputable vendor will make you feel comfortable about your purhcase - make sure you have the knowledge to understand the specs, etc. Help them help you. THen you can get more!

Essentially, it seems to me, that the price of the stones will not be too different if you find an exceptional FB. The less well-cut ones (do not read badly cut) will cost less - but, you get what you pay for. How does it look to you? THat said...

Is the premium worth it? Depends on several non-rock realated issues: Premium price at a good store comes with other perks like cleaning and maintenance, sizing, upgrades, trade-ins, etc. If that is something you want, then it makes the price more worth it to you. On-line has the advantage of more competitive pricing and an enormous selection - it just takes a little committment. But you could establish great relationship with a good vendor - like some of the ones here - and be happy knowing you will always be able to get good rocks at great prices.

In the end - after you cut through all the tech. and your head is swimming with figures... you have to choose what pleases you most.

Sorry that's so long - I'm just glad you asked becuase that's exactly the question I have been going over and over myself! I hope this helps, if not you, someone else then.

PS - $$$ In my experience, that sounds on the low side for an Elara of that size but it will depend on the store mark-up, too. Check the details of the stone, like flourescence, where and what type of inclusions, etc. Is this a solitaire? Call some other stores selling Elara and compare prices/quality. THis will help you determine if you are getting your premium value.