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Emerald cut..GIA cert only

bibs

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 3, 2013
Messages
90
Hello All

Please and thank you for any replies.
I will be viewing an emerald cut ring on Sunday. Diamond is already set and I have no video.
So going off numbers only would you consider this diamond on paper?

I have read I think every thread on here regarding emerald cuts and have screen shot important points and numbers.
Table is under 66% one thing I screen shot that @Karl_K wrote he preferred :)

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

I have attached the GIA for the 1.5ct that I am viewing on Sunday (interesting the GIA number is hidden and stone was cut in 2020)? This is from a smaller boutique jeweller in Australia.

Also attached a photo of the setting with a 2ct diamond

Thank you

Screenshot 2025-05-20 at 6.07.04 pm.pngScreenshot 2025-05-20 at 6.15.44 pm.png
 
Unfortunately, not much to comment on because GIA reports just dont tell you enough about fancy cut stones
(Emerald cuts). Looks to be a lovely ratio IMO.

Do you know what to look for when you go to see it? Here are just a few pointers...

- Look at it in different lighting. See if they will take it outdoors and let you see it (maybe on the SAs finger).
- Not too many dark steps lit up at once
- No crooked steps
- Steps lighting up/darkening individually (not multiple steps in a row going dark) unless you want a real chunky look

You can use diamdb.com to see how the stone might look on your size finger.

Are you planning on keeping it in that setting or unmounting and resetting?

Please, take lots of up-close pictures/videos and post. Let us know what you think after you see it.

Also, you might go on James Allen or Blue Nile and look at some emerald cuts rotating and see what you like/don't like.

Good luck!
 
# 2215128187 but cant find any images or vid's.... must be in house jeweler owned
1747741730076.png
 
Unfortunately, not much to comment on because GIA reports just dont tell you enough about fancy cut stones
(Emerald cuts). Looks to be a lovely ratio IMO.

Do you know what to look for when you go to see it? Here are just a few pointers...

- Look at it in different lighting. See if they will take it outdoors and let you see it (maybe on the SAs finger).
- Not too many dark steps lit up at once
- No crooked steps
- Steps lighting up/darkening individually (not multiple steps in a row going dark) unless you want a real chunky look

You can use diamdb.com to see how the stone might look on your size finger.

Are you planning on keeping it in that setting or unmounting and resetting?

Please, take lots of up-close pictures/videos and post. Let us know what you think after you see it.

Also, you might go on James Allen or Blue Nile and look at some emerald cuts rotating and see what you like/don't like.

Good luck!

Thank you for all this information especially what to look for in real life. I will be keeping this setting. I also have the option to choose another diamond from inventory.
I will definitely take video and photos to share.
 
# 2215128187 but cant find any images or vid's.... must be in house jeweler owned
1747741730076.png

Wow!! thanks for finding the number. I wonder if this diamond was mounted previously in another ring that didn't sell or has been sitting round.
 
Thanks for this. I loved reading your replies regarding emerald cuts. And lucky to own such a stunning one.

Very important to look for the way this stone performs in different lighting environments, and make sure you cannot see straight through to the setting at any angle. Some windowing is normal; it’s the nature of the cut. You should not see the setting through the stone face on or tilted.
If you can, PASS.
 
Thanks for this. I loved reading your replies regarding emerald cuts. And lucky to own such a stunning one.

I appreciate the follow. I am fortunate to have such a collection of step cuts. They are absolutely my favorite! Not easy to find quality ones, which is all part of the journey and the experience!
I really hope this is your “unicorn”.
 
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Wow!! thanks for finding the number. I wonder if this diamond was mounted previously in another ring that didn't sell or has been sitting round.
might be a pre-loved.... sold '20/'21 and returned for upgrade/exchange... does the jeweler offer an upgrade policy ?
 
might be a pre-loved.... sold '20/'21 and returned for upgrade/exchange... does the jeweler offer an upgrade policy ?

That a good point...not sure if they upgrade but will be asking the question.
 
Wow!! thanks for finding the number. I wonder if this diamond was mounted previously in another ring that didn't sell or has been sitting round.

Diamonds after divorce or death, if not inherited by someone who wants to keep it, don't get thrown away.
They get sold, removed from the setting, polished up a bit on a cutting wheel if needed, then sent to a gem lab for a new grading report.
Then they're offered for sale by perfectly honest vendors ... with no mention or representation of it's "past".
Customers assuming they're buying a "virgin" diamond are not well informed.
But the vast majority of diamond buyers are poorly informed about nearly everything-diamonds.
How nice for the vendors. :evil2::evil2::evil2:

I suspect there are vendors who sell diamonds they claim to be "virgins".
But ... but ... but, the middle-person who sold it to the vendor may not even know that the previous middle-person who sold it to them (... and on and on ...) told a little white lie.
But actually, I doubt these pros even bother to ask or care about provenance, since they understand with diamond material it doesn't matter unless it's being auctioned at Christies or Sothebys.
A diamond, repolished with a new lab report, is indistinguishable from a "virgin".

So I'd give up only considering diamonds that are "virgins".
You'll never know, and it truly doesn't matter.
 
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Thanks @kenny for a well put explanation.
 
Updated:

I’ve been sent a short video before viewing this in person on Sunday. It’s not a great video but might help? I can see flesh probably not a good sign?

Ring Video
 
Screenshot 2025-05-23 at 7.00.31 pm.png
 
Updated:

I’ve been sent a short video before viewing this in person on Sunday. It’s not a great video but might help? I can see flesh probably not a good sign?

Ring Video

Seeing with your own eyes in your lighting environment is the best way to know for sure how you feel about the performance, and whether or not you are seeing through the stone, rather than seeing what is being reflected.
Please keep us posted! ♥️
 
UPdated again. I saw the 1.5ct and I did not like the size or diamond so chose a 2ct stone from online inventory. I have no idea how I went. I have the cert but now that I have purchased it I cannot access the video and pictures. I can view the loose stone in person in about 2 weeks (downside of being in Australia). If I don't like I can get a refund.

Oh...it has a polished girdle? I have never heard of this? :???:


diamond cert
 
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An Emerald Cut i color will be noticeably "warmer" than the F
Surface Graining not great when you are paying a VVS2 clarity $ premium.
1748175574492.png
 
@freddyboston Thanks for pointing this out. It's not something I thought of or even remembered reading at the time. :-o

On the day I had the choice of an IF diamond and the one I have linked above. The biggest contributing factor to the decision making was how both diamonds presented in the videos. The IF diamond was a few hundred extra which I was very happy to pay but it didn't look as nice in the video. It seemed to flash unevenly.
Both diamonds with ex polish ex symmetry.

I guess that would be another question I would be interested in hearing replies on.

I chose based on how the two diamonds presented in the videos and thinking it was a safe option being a VVS2. I couldn't see any inclusions in the video (I don't think :confused:).

Nervously and excitedly waiting.
 
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@freddyboston Thanks for pointing this out. It's not something I thought of or even remembered reading at the time. :-o

On the day I had the choice of an IF diamond and the one I have linked above. The biggest contributing factor to the decision making was how both diamonds presented in the videos. The IF diamond was a few hundred extra which I was very happy to pay but it didn't look as nice in the video. It seemed to flash unevenly.
Both diamonds with ex polish ex symmetry.

I guess that would be another question I would be interested in hearing replies on.

I chose based on how the two diamonds presented in the videos and thinking it was a safe option being a VVS2. I couldn't see any inclusions in the video (I don't think :confused:).

Nervously and excitedly waiting.

Fancy cuts, especially step cuts show color more than rounds and other brilliant cut stones.
If you or the intended are color sensitive, you should stay at G+ color range. You should also consider VS2+ clarity grade; many step cuts are cut to hide inclusions. This helps soften the blow to the wallet, as well so you don’t have to compromise so much on the other “C” s to get great quality for a better price.
CUT reigns supreme. The best way to judge the way an Emerald Cut Diamond is cut is with your eye in different light environments.
Color should be based upon the wearer’s sensitivity, but near colorless and colorless range tend to be the safest color ranges, especially when involving step cuts.
There are some amazingly eye clean, and even microscope clean VS+ clarity graded step cuts. You have to have the patience to really look and compare.
Carat weight is subjective, and if you find a stone that isn’t cut too shallow and has a larger spread, you could luck out with a diamond that appears larger than its weight. In this case, carat weight means less than its cut proportions, which is why CUT always reigns supreme. Fancy cuts tend to be more bottom heavy, and step cuts are no exception. This process can be fun as long as you are patient and open-minded.
Please continue to keep us updated. ♥️
 
@Matthews1127 thank you for the detailed reply full of information.

Agree...Cut is king. I learnt this on Pricescope but with an emerald cut I have no idea.

I will definitely be sharing videos when the stone arrives for feedback.

I can see colour but it doesn't bother me too much. I asked for an I colour as I didn't want to compromise too much on size and the I colour, carat weight and ratio of this stone fell within my budget nicely as did the look on the video. I am hoping the heavy yellow gold bezel setting will compliment the stone (can only hope).

What are the 'best' inclusions to have in a diamond? The ones people worry about the least.
 
@Matthews1127 thank you for the detailed reply full of information.

Agree...Cut is king. I learnt this on Pricescope but with an emerald cut I have no idea.

I will definitely be sharing videos when the stone arrives for feedback.

I can see colour but it doesn't bother me too much. I asked for an I colour as I didn't want to compromise too much on size and the I colour, carat weight and ratio of this stone fell within my budget nicely as did the look on the video. I am hoping the heavy yellow gold bezel setting will compliment the stone (can only hope).

What are the 'best' inclusions to have in a diamond? The ones people worry about the least.

Clear, and hidden in corners where prongs or metal can hide them, or along the edge of a facet not located under the table.
The worst are dark carbon inclusions against the table.
 
Diamond IF

This was my other option? Any opinions? Please and thank you. Would you rule this out based on the video?
 
Diamond IF

This was my other option? Any opinions? Please and thank you. Would you rule this out based on the video?

Not at all. It’s a great performer on video!
Proportions are great and the clarity doesn’t get any better!
I prefer table % under 65%, but that’s *me*.This EC has amazing potential! Do you have a length x width ratio preference? This one is more “quatty” than elongated.

 
Thank you @Matthews1127 :)
I don't mind a little more squatty, 1.36 is good.
 
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