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Emerald Cut 1.2 ct... Good value?

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ThunderJAR

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 25, 2017
Messages
10
First off, I like to thank you in advance for any help you or assistance you can provide. As we all know, these decisions are very important to us and we don't want to screw it up! I've been looking for weeks and I think I've finally found the right engagement diamond. I was just hoping someone could verify that I'm getting good value. I've been searching for an emerald cut right around 1.2 ct with a $5,000 budget on the diamond alone.

Here is the one I finally found and thinking about pulling the trigger. I like all the specs and was looking for something closer to 1.5 ratio, but the 1.4 is the closest I can get for under $5k.

https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/emerald-diamond-1-20-Carat-H-color-GIA-certified/D-QFR0Q6

Do these spec's look like a good value?

I have actually found this diamond for $404 cheaper(4.8k range) from a different vendor(B2C). However, I'm thinking about getting it price matched with Ritani as I can see it in person and I also like their settings better than B2C. B2C does offer a $200 promo code plus 3% bank wire compared to Ritani's 1.5% and no promo. I'd think I'd rather spend a little more to possibly be able to upgrade at no cost later on and also their settings have better ratings than B2C. Just looking for thoughts and seeing if I'm on the right path!

Here is the setting I'm think about as well.

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-r...diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-platinum/6464


Thank you!
 
I'd probably go with Ritani if they price match, you can see it in person, they have the setting you like AND they have an upgrade policy you feel comfortable with. Keep in mind though you would be paying sales tax at a brick and mortar store (depending on your state), which I don't think you'd pay via B2C.

if you do go with B2C, make sure you go through ebates and get 3.5% cash back on top of everything else (I'm not affiliated, I just like $): https://www.ebates.com/b2cjewels.com. B2C's upgrade policy info is listed here: http://www.b2cjewels.com/lifetime-upgrade-policy. I haven't purchased from them, but had a good experience working with them once (I ended up using a different vendor in the end).

But regarding the diamond, make sure you request an ASET and post it here so that the knowledgeable peeps here can advise you on the quality of the cut.
 
Thank you for your input! It is much appreciated. I did just contact Ritani and they aren't able to provide a ASET, but said they can send a video within 48 hours. Not sure if that helps, but I did request it.
 
I've had B2C send me an ASET before. You could ask?
 
I wasnt able to locate specs in the link to the diamond. :confused: Definitely get an aset.

As for the setting, are you the wearer? I ask because EC lovers tend to be of 2 camps, either they hate them haloed,:kiss2: or they like as much bling as possible and want a halo.:rolleyes2: Unless you know the wearer wants the EC to be haloed, I'd stick with a pave setting witbout a halo (middle ground), or a simple solitaire (simplicity) depending on the wearer's liking.

Can you guess which camp I'm in?:mrgreen2:
 
Thank you for your reply. I did start to look at some different settings since your post. Now I'm not sure exactly what to do. I think the specs are down because I asked for an ASET and they put the diamond on hold. Here they are. Do these look like a good value for $4,800.. Looking to spend between $2,000 to $3,000 on setting.

Diamond Information
Carat Weight: 1.2
Cut: Excellent
Color: H
Clarity: VVS2
Depth: 67.8
Table: 63
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Girdle: STK-TK
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Ratio : 1.4
Measurements: 7.09x5.07x3.43
 
The stats look fine, table is less than depth, which is good. The girdle is a sl thick to thick, which isnt my personal preference, but that doesnt mean it won't be a nice one.

If you arent the wearer, but want to surprise her, ask her for the setting if she is an all-bling gal, some-bling gal, or likes her setting simple (likes the stone to speak for itself).

Are you going with a plat setting or gold? If gold, you should be able to spend less. If there is less bling in a plat setting, you sgould be able to spend less also.
 
Awesome. Thank you LawmaLlama. Definitely looking at a platinum setting, but I could always spend less on the setting and focus on something a little bigger for the center stone. I'm trying to keep it around $7,500 all in give or take.
 
If you have $7500, I would really encourage you to put more of our budget into the diamond and less into a setting. A setting can more easily be upgraded for an anniversery.

Ritani exampls (widely available or can buy directly). Whiteflash as a bunch of Ritani settings you can look for ideas.
https://www.ritani.com/engagement-r...ith-surprise-diamonds-in-14kt-white-gold/5385
https://www.ritani.com/engagement-r...band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/10598
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ni-1rz7231-solitaire-engagement-ring-3976.htm
 
I like the ritani french set or that whiteflash setting that rockysalamander posted. With an EC it will still allow the wedding band to sit flush.
The surprise diamond setting may not look right or sit flush with a band when an EC is set in it.
 
I really really appreciate your guys help, you have no idea. Since you guys know a lot more than I do, I like the direction you're leading me. I'm thinking of jumping up to a 1.5 ct and dropping slightly in color(H to I). Here is what I'm thinking.

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/9763352/Emerald-diamond-I-color-IF-clarity


Carat Weight: 1.51
Cut: Excellent
Color: I
Clarity: IF
Depth: 67.5
Table: 64
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: STK
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Ratio : 1.39
Measurements: 7.70x5.55x3.75

I really wanted a platinum setting, but you're correct, I can always upgrade later. What do you think of this setting? I think it's pretty simple and would bring the total carat to about 2. Do you think it will sit well? This would bring me to a total of $7,568 after bank wire discount. Do you think it's worth it to pay $200 more for 18k white gold or should I stick with the 14k? Does this setting look too cheap?

https://www.b2cjewels.com/emerald/1...incess-cut-accents-in-14k-white-gold-1-2-cttw
 
For B2C, I don't like that we can't see an actual video. It could be good or terrible. I think a good video is worth far more than just the numbers.

I'll let other chime in on these, but they all have good light movement throughout. @Matthews1127 @valeria101 @Karl_K @LawmaLlama and other step-cut lovers might have some thoughts.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.53-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3528689 (tiny spec on the table that may read as dust to the highly perfect vision}

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3055276

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3256329
 
Nb. The H comes with IGI not GIA paper ... The price is in line with the fact. I'll call it JK.

I am finding JA videos distracting - they seem to exagerate the dark / reflective facets of EC ... If course you could reproduce that look, but in unreasonable conditions, IHMO.

The IGI H is the most attractive cut for me.

Searching
 
ThunderJAR said:
I really really appreciate your guys help, you have no idea. Since you guys know a lot more than I do, I like the direction you're leading me. I'm thinking of jumping up to a 1.5 ct and dropping slightly in color(H to I). Here is what I'm thinking.

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/9763352/Emerald-diamond-I-color-IF-clarity


Carat Weight: 1.51
Cut: Excellent
Color: I
Clarity: IF
Depth: 67.5
Table: 64
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: STK
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Ratio : 1.39
Measurements: 7.70x5.55x3.75

I really wanted a platinum setting, but you're correct, I can always upgrade later. What do you think of this setting? I think it's pretty simple and would bring the total carat to about 2. Do you think it will sit well? This would bring me to a total of $7,568 after bank wire discount. Do you think it's worth it to pay $200 more for 18k white gold or should I stick with the 14k? Does this setting look too cheap?

https://www.b2cjewels.com/emerald/1...incess-cut-accents-in-14k-white-gold-1-2-cttw
Click to expand...

I personally think that setting is too antique looking/feminine for an emerald cut. It just doesn't have the same 'vibe'. Just my two cents.
 
Argh...EGL...sorry OP. Ignore #2 on my list...
 
ctd.

From a search for: >= SI1, >= 1.4cts, Table < 65%, < $7200 I remain with two ECs that do not seem to either black out, nor die sans light reflection in whatever video lighting there is:

1.43cts 7.2 X 5.7mm (L/W 1.3)

1.51cts 7.8 X 5.5mm (L/W 1.4)

There is a smudge in the middle of the 1.51 that seems to correspond to some grime lodged on its bottom ... rather cleanly shown in the video ...
 
ThunderJAR said:
I really really appreciate your guys help, you have no idea. Since you guys know a lot more than I do, I like the direction you're leading me. I'm thinking of jumping up to a 1.5 ct and dropping slightly in color(H to I). Here is what I'm thinking.

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/9763352/Emerald-diamond-I-color-IF-clarity


Carat Weight: 1.51
Cut: Excellent
Color: I
Clarity: IF
Depth: 67.5
Table: 64
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: STK
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Ratio : 1.39
Measurements: 7.70x5.55x3.75

I really wanted a platinum setting, but you're correct, I can always upgrade later. What do you think of this setting? I think it's pretty simple and would bring the total carat to about 2. Do you think it will sit well? This would bring me to a total of $7,568 after bank wire discount. Do you think it's worth it to pay $200 more for 18k white gold or should I stick with the 14k? Does this setting look too cheap?

https://www.b2cjewels.com/emerald/1...incess-cut-accents-in-14k-white-gold-1-2-cttw
Click to expand...

I love the IF clarity. I'm worried about the symmetry, and overall cut of this EC. I took stills from the video that raise red flags for me. You MUST have an ASET image of this stone to know for certain that these areas of concern do not cause light leakage & turn dark. If you notice, in the center, the steps seem to turn dark near the center, and don't light up, when tilted on the left side (right side, looking straight down in the video). There is an outside step, on the right (left side of video view) that stays dark, as well. I am not a fan of the lighting nor the background in the photos or the video; the stone looks gray, instead of clear or white. You cannot see the light performance in the videos due to the background & lighting. I'd prefer a black background to demonstrate the rainbow flash this stone should produce at every tilt.
I am a fan of B2C; I have helped others select their diamonds, and one of my favorites was a B2C stone.
I want more visual aid on this stone. I believe it COULD be a good stone, but I fear it's not a GREAT stone...


IMG_8423.PNG


IMG_8417.PNG IMG_8422.PNG IMG_8418.PNG IMG_8419.PNG IMG_8420.PNG IMG_8421.PNG
 
This is somethign else:

1.51cts H/SI1 7.8X6mm (L/W 1.3)

Not difficult to see why SI1 - if you look from behind ... sideways ... any way but top-down.

Obviously, this is the LARGEST, BRGHTEST thing on the list so far.

The cut is quite unusual ... that is to say, it makes my day .-) KWIM ? (other examples WWW - same stones as WWW ... I think @diagem)
 
valeria101 said:
This is somethign else:

1.51cts H/SI1 7.8X6mm (L/W 1.3)

Not difficult to see why SI1 - if you look from behind ... sideways ... any way but top-down.

Obviously, this is the LARGEST, BRGHTEST thing on the list so far.

The cut is quite unusual ... that is to say, it makes my day .-) KWIM ? (other examples WWW - same stones as WWW ... I think @diagem)
Click to expand...

Agreed!!! EXTREMELY eye clean SI1! Great performance!! Would LOVE to see an ASET on this EC!!! :eek2:
 
From JA, I like this setting. Add a bit of bling.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ite-pave-cathedral-engagement-ring-item-49519

Plain Solitaire, should allow a flush wedding band
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...mfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7086

Edited to add, these are both lovely affordable settings and I love the lines. The Elan won't allow a flush wedding band, but it has a certain something that I love. I worked with Elle at TGP and it was easy as can be.
https://thegemstoneproject.com/the-elan/
https://thegemstoneproject.com/the-provocant/
 
Last edited:
Thx ! .-)

This is the first EC of this species I see at JA or anywhere except Deco accent step cuts & GemConcepts. I don't think it is possible to get more FLASH out of a diamond !

The other two are more conventional looking & would also vote the 1.43 between them.
 
LawmaLlama said:
I wasnt able to locate specs in the link to the diamond. :confused: Definitely get an aset.

As for the setting, are you the wearer? I ask because EC lovers tend to be of 2 camps, either they hate them haloed,:kiss2: or they like as much bling as possible and want a halo.:roll2: Unless you know the wearer wants the EC to be haloed, I'd stick with a pave setting witbout a halo (middle ground), or a simple solitaire (simplicity) depending on the wearer's liking.

Can you guess which camp I'm in?:mrgreen2:
Click to expand...

I'm a no halo on a step cut lady. The more light exposure, the better! :mrgreen2:
I'd prefer more bling around the collar of the head, and along the shank, even along the prongs, but let my step cut stand on its own, without any help!! Give them LIGHT!! :lol-2:
 
I didnt check out all that everyone posted, but will in a sec. I'd recommend sticking with H or higher unless she's not color sensitive. Ecs tend to show body color more, esp in larger ct.
As for clarity, id aim for VS2 or higher. Be very careful to view an SI1. ECs will show more clarity issues than rounds and other ahapes.
 
I didnt check out all that everyone posted, but will in a sec. I'd recommend sticking with H or higher unless she's not color sensitive. Ecs tend to show body color more, esp in larger ct.
As for clarity, id aim for VS2 or higher. Be very careful to view an SI1. ECs will show more clarity issues than rounds and other ahapes.
 
Second the warning re. SI1.
 
rockysalamander said:
I'll let other chime in on these, but they all have good light movement throughout. @Matthews1127 @valeria101 @Karl_K @LawmaLlama and other step-cut lovers might have some thoughts.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.53-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3528689 (tiny spec on the table that may read as dust to the highly perfect vision}

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3055276

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3256329
Click to expand...

Of these, I like #1 and 3.
The symmetry of 1 might be an issue.
#3 is nice and elongated, but may have a dead middle.
#2 has 2 strikes against it. IGI cert and too deep. It is too square for my taste, but does have some nice flashes.
Let me see what I can find.
 
This is an amazing find. It doesnt have much of a crown so the table is more flat, but man . . . those flashes are great. To me, this is what I think of as an old school EC. It is a rare find.
valeria101 said:
This is somethign else:

1.51cts H/SI1 7.8X6mm (L/W 1.3)

Not difficult to see why SI1 - if you look from behind ... sideways ... any way but top-down.

Obviously, this is the LARGEST, BRGHTEST thing on the list so far.

[/USER])
Click to expand...
 
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