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Emerald cut "upgrade" - final contender

MillieLou

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Feb 27, 2020
Messages
824
(I've changed my username for privacy - I'm still MillieLou!)

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has helped me in my emerald cut diamond journey. I think (hope) I am finally getting my eye in.

I have also spent a lot of time thinking about what I really want. Ultimately I think I rushed when buying my previous stone. There was a lot going on at the time (hospital doc in Covid times... this was a belated 10 year anniversary gift after endless things went wrong with my original plans, so I just wanted it done). I do love it but have come to see the cut is not as good as it could be.

I would be using Blue Nile's upgrade facility though I consider it "getting the original one corrected" rather than upgrading - hey, it makes me feel better! ;-)

This is the stone I have:


This is stone that I think I want:


I would really appreciate thoughts. I love K colour, am fine with medium fluor. Basically want an eye clean stone that is well cut and faces up around 8x6. I am open to other suggestions if this one is not a goer.

I'm going to tag the lovely people who have helped me already, in case any of you would be kind enough to cast an eye and give me your opinion - but if you are sick of me, then just ignore, I won't be offended :devil:

@diamondseeker2006
@Ibrakeforpossums
@Karl_K
@Garry H (Cut Nut)
@tyty333
@Big Fat Facets
@dk168
@Bron357
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,027
While I like this better than the one you originally bought, I worry a little about the bowtie prominence and the potential of it "going dark" when viewed at certain angles (you can see in the video that a lot of the steps "turn off" at the same time). I'm not an emerald expert though, so take with a large grain of salt!
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
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18,027
Ps in case others want to search BN, what is your budget?
 

MillieLou

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Feb 27, 2020
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MillieLou

Brilliant_Rock
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Feb 27, 2020
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Aargh I mean 11K USD. Can't convert currency...
 

Karl_K

Super_Ideal_Rock
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14,633
mostly off line until wed. due to cable line problems am not ignoring you.
 

MillieLou

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Feb 27, 2020
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mostly off line until wed. due to cable line problems am not ignoring you.

Thanks Karl :) Sorry about the cable line problems!

I've updated my profile pic with a photo of my current ring.
 

MillieLou

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Feb 27, 2020
Messages
824
Thank you @Ibrakeforpossums ! I really appreciate all input - I know that some of this is individual opinion, so the more the merrier. You were actually the one who pointed out the potential issues with my existing diamond from my original thread - so you clearly have a good eye :) I got swayed by the slightly bigger face up size, but have realised cut is definitely the priority.

I do really like the 2.08ct but don't trust my judgement any more... they all look nice to me haha.
 

ksluice

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
537
Since you said the more the merrier ;)2 I like both of these stones. There is that small clarity difference, but for my tastes, I lean to the slightly chunkier corners of the 2.08.

That said, the videos do make me wonder if perhaps the 2.08 has an issue with the one set of facets going dark at the same time—they make a dark rectangle? The 2.0 seems to keep a more staccato rhythm of off and on, so I wonder if that means the cut is better or if its just a matter of the angle of the stone to the camera? I look forward to reading what some of the experts chime in with!

Good luck and what a fun choice you get to make!!
 

MillieLou

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Feb 27, 2020
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Thank you @ksluice , that's extremely helpful! Yes I see what you're seeing now you've pointed it out re: the dark rectangle. I struggle to know whether these things are a cut issue or the angle like you say. I do like the chunky corners of the 2.08.

The 2.00 seems a bit more... transparent? The 2.08 has no cloud issues or significant fluorescence, so I wonder if it's just the lighting or whether it has transparency issues? I can see the colour but like the warmth so that's all good.
 

MillieLou

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Feb 27, 2020
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Oh my goodness. Both the 2.08ct and 2.00ct appear to have dropped 1000 USD overnight :eek-2::eek-2::eek-2:I contacted Blue Nile and they confirmed it's genuine. I have them both on reserve now for 48 hours...

They're now only 1K more than the 1.72ct so it's kind of a no-brainer for me.

So, final (final!) contenders, with my amateur notes:

(1) 2.08ct K VS2 - 8.61 x 6.23 - depth 66.9% and table 59% - faint fluor - chunkier appearance, apparently higher crown, but patterning possibly not as pleasing (dark rectangle face on) and maybe a little less transparent?

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

(2) 2.00ct K VS1 - 8.48 x 6.11 - depth 67.9% and table 62% - medium blue fluor - apparently lower crown but seems to have a nice, flashing, consistent steppy pattern, centre facets look livelier, seems more transparent somehow and just quite beautiful, though I can't put my finger on why....


I stumbled across an exceptionally helpful and seemingly-knowledgeable-about-ECs Blue Nile rep who spent some time looking at the videos and commenting on lower pavilion facets (way over my head) but the upshot was that he favoured the 2.00ct. He made it very clear it's personal preference though.

Any and all comments are welcome - layperson and specialist alike!! Once again, thank you for bearing with me and your kind input - you are all so generous with your time it blows me away.
 

Karl_K

Super_Ideal_Rock
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they both have potential but I think the 2.08 overall would win with more flash under movement and brighter.
internet still up and down.
 

MillieLou

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Feb 27, 2020
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they both have potential but I think the 2.08 overall would win with more flash under movement and brighter.
internet still up and down.

You're a star Karl - thank you for battling internet adversity for my sake!! I take it either would be an improvement on my existing one that was a bit dark in the middle?

Do you think the 2.08 has transparency issues or patterning issues with the dark rectangle, or are these just the lighting / angles of the video?
 

Karl_K

Super_Ideal_Rock
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The crystal is white so it will look like a light flash if you see it.

still.jpg
the areas of obstruction are tiny and flash with little movement.
The stone is sitting on its p2 facet, face up in a setting it is likely not to be obvious to the eye.
If it is they are in the right place to give the stone a look of depth.
 

MillieLou

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Feb 27, 2020
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Thanks Karl! The crown height looks good to me, and the smaller table looks OK, am I right?

I am fine with that inclusion. Didn't even see it before!

I think I'm heading towards it :)
 

Karl_K

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Thanks Karl! The crown height looks good to me, and the smaller table looks OK, am I right?

I think I'm heading towards it :)

yes your right.
Its tough to make a difinitive conclusion with limited info but whats there looks good.
 

MillieLou

Brilliant_Rock
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Feb 27, 2020
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824
:appl::appl::appl:HUGE thanks to you Karl!!
 

MillieLou

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Feb 27, 2020
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Internet is fixed!!!!
I took another look and I still think the 2.08 wins by being more flashy.

Yippee for fixed internet!! :appl::appl:

And also yippee for the 2.08 still winning because... I bought it :twisted:It will probably be about 3 weeks from start to finish as it involves my existing ring being shipped to Dublin, then to Seattle, then the new one set and the whole process reversing. Got to be patient now!

It's a combined 10 year anniversary / early 40th / all birthdays and Christmases in between and beyond. But that's OK as it's my dream ring and there is literally no other material possession in the world that I want :)

I will post an SMTB once it arrives!
 

ksluice

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
537
WOOT WOOT!!! Can’t wait to see your SMTB post! Congratulations on an awesome choice.
 

MillieLou

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Feb 27, 2020
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Sorry I am late checking in, but I really like the 2.08! Fortunately Karl gave you some excellent advice!! Please show us pictures when you get the stone set!

Thank you DS!! I am really glad you like it too! I can't wait to get it and show it to you all. I am keeping a basic WG solitaire for now.
 

Cerulean

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 13, 2019
Messages
5,077
I know nothing about emerald cuts, but the 2.08 catches my eye more! Good luck on your journey, what a fun hunt!

Edit - I’m a bozo- you bought it already! :kiss2:
 

MillieLou

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Joined
Feb 27, 2020
Messages
824
I know nothing about emerald cuts, but the 2.08 catches my eye more! Good luck on your journey, what a fun hunt!

Edit - I’m a bozo- you bought it already! :kiss2:

Absolutely not a bozo - I am thrilled to know it's your preference, especially as you didn't know I'd already got it so it was presumably an honest opinion! :lol: This is all very reassuring! I remember your gorgeous bezel 3 stone and think we have very similar taste, so it's great to hear that it looks good to your eye.
 

Cerulean

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 13, 2019
Messages
5,077
Absolutely not a bozo - I am thrilled to know it's your preference, especially as you didn't know I'd already got it so it was presumably an honest opinion! :lol: This is all very reassuring! I remember your gorgeous bezel 3 stone and think we have very similar taste, so it's great to hear that it looks good to your eye.

I am SO excited to see this project progress - because I covet emerald cuts and hope to own one...one day!

we do indeed have similar taste :)
 

MillieLou

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Feb 27, 2020
Messages
824
The 2.08 was my preference as well, so happy to hear you bought it!

Yes it's pretty much unanimous on this thread, which is great to hear!

I am anxiously awaiting the confirmation of it being available from whoever has it (the "vault" as BN amusingly call it). It should be - the only way it wouldn't is if someone bought it 10 mins before I reserved it... but I'll feel better once it's confirmed and we can go ahead. Fingers crossed.
 

Ibrakeforpossums

Ideal_Rock
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Mar 21, 2019
Messages
2,487
WOO -HOO!! Can't wait.
My opinion counts for little but you have some heavy hitters behind the 2.08.
Shared joy.
 

MillieLou

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Feb 27, 2020
Messages
824
WOO -HOO!! Can't wait.
My opinion counts for little but you have some heavy hitters behind the 2.08.
Shared joy.

Thank you @Ibrakeforpossums - your opinion really does matter to me so don't be afraid to say what you think :) I'm still waiting on that confirmation anyway.
 
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