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emerald cut, EGL report

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TrousseauHorse

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 3, 2013
Messages
25
I'm in the process of trying to find an emerald cut diamond for an engagement ring. I did post about this once if you're feeling deja vu, but now I have some different questions.

What we want is to get a stone that's as big as possible, price range up to about $7500 (stretch to $8000), with a GIA report. Within those parameters, I would be willing to take a look at anything. I can see color at H, but I'm not sure how much it bothers me. I previously looked at I's that were already set and thought they looked fine. Visible flaws bother me A LOT though. It would drive me absolutely nuts if I could see a tiny black spot in there.

I've got two B&M stores bringing stones in for me to look at next weekend. They are stones they picked themselves though, so none of them are exactly what I want. I'm not good at being assertive with strangers and my SO is even worse. It's so hard when we go in there with the small amount of education we got off the internet and some lady who sells diamonds for a living talks down to us about what we're saying we want.

Store #1 is bringing in two stones with EGL reports... I understand that that means the stones are graded more loosely, but if I take that into account, and the price takes that into account, could they still be worth looking at? One stone is 1.24 carat, H, VS2 for $5,198 and the other is 1.14 carat, F, VS2 for $5250. The second stone is 1.13 carat F in color and VS2 in clarity, priced at $5,109.48.

On my first trip I saw a GIA stone there that is just CRAZY sparkly and with no flaws my eye could see. That one is 1 carat, F, SI1 for $4500. I know the flaws must be in there, but I swear I couldn't see anything, even with the loupe. The ONLY thing I did not like about that stone was that it looked pretty small on my hand so I asked to see some that were bigger. They also have a setting I love for a very good price.

Store #2 has a 1.15 GIA certified, H, VS2 for $7950. They also have a 1.05 D, VS2 (no other info available) and then the pricing is unclear, but for that first stone they told us it would be $13,500 for setting + matching band + $7950 stone (insanely inflated price on the setting/band!!) For the second stone they gave a flat price of $9950 for setting + ring + stone, which I assume means they came way down on the band.

So let's say I get in there and all four look fine (which is not likely, but just for the sake of argument.) Would you go for any of those five?

And if none of them seem quite right, could someone possibly write me a little script I can memorize so I can confidently tell them to get me what I actually want to see? And especially how to do it without saying how much we want to spend.

I don't think SO or I are enjoying this process now that I picked a setting style. We just want to stick a tiny shiny rock in it and buy it without feeling totally ripped off.

Thanks in advance for the help!
 
It depends on the stones' stats when compared to GIA levels, meaning how close they are to their stated colour and clarity. Also understand that it may be more difficult to trade in the stone should you want to upgrade it in the future.

Store 1
1.24 ct H VS2 EGL
1.14 ct F VS2 EGL

Store 2
1.15 ct H VS2 GIA
1.05 D VS2 GIA?

The deciding factor for me would be the cut. It is useless to have a stone that has obstruction issues or doesn't sparkle as much as it possibly can. Having a small table (under 65%) lessens the risk of a glassy appearance. Having depth under 65% gives you a large face up measurement. Stay away from extreme girdles, preferring an even thin, medium or even thick if unavoidable. A high crown increases your chance of nice dispersion. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula so you have to develop your eye to pick out the nicest cut EC. View them AWAY from the jewellery store lights that make just about any piece of glass sparkle.
 
I apologize if you've already addressed this question but would you consider buying your stone online? I think you may be able to get a better deal online. There are some emerald cut experts here (like Chrono!) who could help you pick out a pretty stone. The reason I ask is because I just looked at comparably sized diamonds on JA and I found a 1.21 GIA H VS1 for $5980 (before PS and wire discount) on JA (http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-175597). That's a bigger and higher clarity stone for cheaper than your one confirmed GIA option above (the H VS2). Please keep in mind that I don't know anything about assessing ECs so I don't know if your stone is better visually or not than what I posted.

JA will give you ASETs and other info which will help you (and others on this forum) assess how well the diamond performs.

If you buy online, you can still get the setting you love locally and have the jeweler you buy the setting from set the stone.
 
I originally thought I would be ok with buying online, but now that I've seen more stones in person I am able to see flaws and colors that I never thought I would be able to see. I think at this point, I think I would have to find a local jeweler who is willing to bring in stones I find online. I definitely haven't found anyone I trust or feel comfortable working with yet though.

I'm also struggling with the fact that everything has looked so small in person. I know we are spending more than some of our friends and family have spent and I thought that meant I would be able to get a ring that looked bigger by comparison. I would always see girls in school with these giant honking rocks, like omg, that thing is going to break her arm! From looking at pictures of rings on hands while I've been comparison shopping, I'm now pretty sure those stones were like 2.5ct. That is so far above my budget it's just out of the question. So then I'm not sure whether I should spend my absolute maximum budget to get a ring that still looks small to me? Or should I slash the budget and get a small cheap ring? Or maybe even get some kind of colored stone? I also have a ring that was my grandma's that is itty bitty, but it's free.

I just keep going around in circles. We don't have anything else in particular we want to put the money towards, it is allocated to be ring money, so why not buy as much stone as possible? But then if I can't get a stone that will make me feel like wheeeeeeeee!, is it worth spending all the money? I don't want to feel like I've wasted it. Argh.

I'll tell you what, buying a horse is not this hard even though people will lie more to your face! With a horse you get on and know immediately whether you've been lied to or not! Also diamonds can't jump nearly as high. Maybe I should buy another horse. No vet bills with diamonds though, so that's +1 in that column...
 
TrousseauHorse,

Does the diamond have to be an emerald cut? Fancy shapes like pear, oval, and marquise, as well as round brilliants, tend to face up larger than emeralds, asschers, cushions, and other shapes that tend to need more depth.

You're not going to get something huge for your budget unless it's a poorly-cut, poor clarity, poor color diamond. Might as well get frozen spit if you're going to do that. But you have a generous budget and you can get a nice-size diamond and perhaps make it blingier by setting it in a halo.

Jewels by Erica Grace has some possibilities in their estate rings. There's a gorgeous 1.29 asscher in a pink halo for a little over your diamond budget. Scroll down on this page. http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/modern_and_estate_rings_page_2

liz
 
I understand your feeling about B&M the stones are there in your hand and all of a sudden the papers they have see not as important as you can see for yourself the flaws. Don't be fooled.

I think the stone that sortmon suggested from JA is just a beautiful shape.

Regarding EGl Vs GIA.

The same size stone looks so much more reasonable in the EGL stones however, those stones are loosly graded which means that the price you are paying for would be

Actual EGL states
Store 1
1.24 ct H VS2 EGL is equal to GIA I color si1 (si2)
1.14 ct F VS2 EGL is equal to I color si1 (si2)

I think that you can see more of what you are really getting buying rings on line plus you get to work with on line vendors and PS who are to particular and so helpful in helping you get amazing stones for your money.

I have an emerald cut GIA certified Stone is it H color and Si1. If i tell you you can see straight through the stone and you are hard pressed to find the two tiny inclusions. I can't believe that it is grade si1. people see the ring and are like wow it is so white and so clean . So that is a reason why we recommend GIA.

this stone is gorgous http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut-loose-diamond-2907168.htm
 
TrousseauHorse|1365547357|3423609 said:
I originally thought I would be ok with buying online, but now that I've seen more stones in person I am able to see flaws and colors that I never thought I would be able to see. I think at this point, I think I would have to find a local jeweler who is willing to bring in stones I find online. I definitely haven't found anyone I trust or feel comfortable working with yet though.

I'm also struggling with the fact that everything has looked so small in person. I know we are spending more than some of our friends and family have spent and I thought that meant I would be able to get a ring that looked bigger by comparison. I would always see girls in school with these giant honking rocks, like omg, that thing is going to break her arm! From looking at pictures of rings on hands while I've been comparison shopping, I'm now pretty sure those stones were like 2.5ct. That is so far above my budget it's just out of the question. So then I'm not sure whether I should spend my absolute maximum budget to get a ring that still looks small to me? Or should I slash the budget and get a small cheap ring? Or maybe even get some kind of colored stone? I also have a ring that was my grandma's that is itty bitty, but it's free.

I just keep going around in circles. We don't have anything else in particular we want to put the money towards, it is allocated to be ring money, so why not buy as much stone as possible? But then if I can't get a stone that will make me feel like wheeeeeeeee!, is it worth spending all the money? I don't want to feel like I've wasted it. Argh.

I'll tell you what, buying a horse is not this hard even though people will lie more to your face! With a horse you get on and know immediately whether you've been lied to or not! Also diamonds can't jump nearly as high. Maybe I should buy another horse. No vet bills with diamonds though, so that's +1 in that column...
Click to expand...

Firstly, I think that it's awesome that you own a horse. I wish I had one.

Secondly, buying from a jeweler who brings in stones that you see online is very similar to just buying online. If you pick out a stone that's been vetted by experts here from James Allen, you get free shipping and free returns. So you'll be able to see the stone in person before you decide to set it. I know some other vendors offer free shipping both ways as well.

Thirdly, I think your concerns about size are legitimate - I was kind of shocked about how little I could get for my money too. I think there are probably stones out there that are bigger but are cut less well and are therefore cheaper. If you want a really nice stone, you'll have to pay premium for cut. I think it's also harder to find a stone that faces up bigger because you want an emerald cut, which from my understanding, will face up smaller than a round of comparable weight. Would you consider a different cut? I think that a colored stone is a good option if you want larger. If you do decide on a colored stone, the Colored Stone forum should be able to help you out - please pick a stone that is hard enough for everyday wear. Don't buy a stone because you think that you need one and don't buy one that you aren't proud and excited to wear!
 
The diamond suggested by heiddl is a sample image. Whiteflash doesn't have true pics of fancies on their site, FYI.

Here's a nice I from JA with faint blue fluoresence: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30564

Good face-up size and looks well cut.

I really like both of these, a bit over budget but with the wire and PS discount maybe it could work
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30482

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30563
 
I don't mean to intrude, but I couldn't help myself when I seen that you were looking for an emerald shaped diamond. I am in the process of purchasing one, too :) and just wanted to lend a hand, if that is ok...

Would this one do the trick? http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-31528
It has GIA report, F color, VS1 clarity, measures 8.33x4.72, and has Medium Blue flourescence. Plus the price is below budget, $4,650.



Warm regards, and happy hunting,
PattyCo
 
What about this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.34-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-182481.. I can't judge if it will be eye clean but it seems to match some of the stricter parameters in this guide: https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/emerald-cut-diamond

As does this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.34-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-190983

Anyway, I am not an expert on ECs. My point is that you can get the same or more info looking at diamonds online. JA will also give you ASETs which your local jeweler probably won't provide you. ASETs will really help you evaluate light performance. The magic jewelry store lights make anything look good.
 
Thanks everybody! Of the diamonds people posted links for, I like four of them, in this order:

1) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30482

2) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30563

3) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30564

4) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.34-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-182481

What do you guys think of those in relation to each other? Or if anyone has any similar suggestions, please keep them coming! This is so helpful =)
 
TrousseauHorse|1365608290|3424004 said:
Thanks everybody! Of the diamonds people posted links for, I like four of them, in this order:

1) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30482

2) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30563

3) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30564

4) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.34-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-182481

What do you guys think of those in relation to each other? Or if anyone has any similar suggestions, please keep them coming! This is so helpful =)
Click to expand...

I don't have any opinions since I don't know much about ECs. If our resident EC experts don't weigh in, start a new thread "Calling EC experts" or something like that and see if they can weigh in / find you more options. You want to choose the diamonds you request ASETs for from JA wisely because JA only allows you 3 images. When you use those up, you're done.
 
 
Chrono|1365610942|3424038 said:
1) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30482
2) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30563
3) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30564
4) http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.34-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-182481

I have been ogling the first two for a few months now as I think they show promise. I don't know how eye clean the F SI1 stone would be since the inclusion is smack dab right on the table.
Click to expand...

Yay, Chrono responded! I'd ask for ASETs on the first 2 stones then plus another from the list. Remember to also ask for the PS discount which will be anywhere from 1-5%.
 
Ok I'm going to sound like an idiot here so I won't have to sound like one on the phone - do you pronounce ASET like asset? Or ayset? Or do you spell it like aee-es-ee-tee?
 
Also is there anything else I should to ask them, or should I just request the ASET?
 
TrousseauHorse|1365622250|3424190 said:
Ok I'm going to sound like an idiot here so I won't have to sound like one on the phone - do you pronounce ASET like asset? Or ayset? Or do you spell it like aee-es-ee-tee?
Click to expand...

Either the first or the second. Look at this thread here :): [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-is-culet-pronounced.151143/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-is-culet-pronounced.151143/[/URL]

Just ask for the gemologist's opinion on the stones as well. He/she will rank them for you. If you're including the SI1, ask if eye clean.
 
OK! I did it! The JA guy was super nice and also corrected me to "ay-set" when I said "asset". I'll have my reports and the gemologist's opinion in 4-5 business days. I am in control and making progress!

Now I just have to break it to SO that I went an eensy bit above budget. We're splitting it anyway or I would not be this picky. The PS discount is still a real thing, right? Is it always 5% or could it be lower?

Continuing thanks!!!
 
TrousseauHorse|1365625253|3424234 said:
OK! I did it! The JA guy was super nice and also corrected me to "ay-set" when I said "asset". I'll have my reports and the gemologist's opinion in 4-5 business days. I am in control and making progress!

Now I just have to break it to SO that I went an eensy bit above budget. We're splitting it anyway or I would not be this picky. The PS discount is still a real thing, right? Is it always 5% or could it be lower?

Continuing thanks!!!
Click to expand...

Yay! Very happy for you. The PS discount is real but varies from diamond to diamond. It could be anywhere from 1-5%. You can ask any of the JA staff what the PS prices are for the diamonds you have on hold.
 
I hope one of those is the stone for you :)) I really liked both 1.31's. Post ASET's when you get them.
 
Ok last question. I originally asked for ASETs of just the two 1.31 G's, but the rep said I might as well get the third at the same time.

So of these three, which one and why do you prefer it over the others?

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-36014

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-30475

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30564

Thanks!!!
 
I could be wrong, but my guess is that #1 and #3 will have a lot of green. We shall see.
 
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