Emerald Cut - Worried about depth %

[CalicoJack]

Hi all
Long time lurker here, I've got an idea of a diamond I wish to buy but need some feedback!

My spouse-to-be likes an emerald cut, but more of a rectangular stone than square. The diamond I've found is quite narrow but this means that the depth percentage is around 80% - is that a dealbreaker?

In addition, we're looking at a yellow gold setting and I've been able to take a step down in the colour because of this. Would that be a concern as well? I haven't seen it set yet.

Stats as follows:
1.77ct J VS1
8.66 x 5.13 x 4.14
Depth - 80.7%
Table - 70%
Girdle - very thin
Price - $6,300

Appreciate your comments!!
CJ

 

[OoohShiny]

One can't assess stepcuts from the numbers alone - ASET images help, as do pictures, but a moving video is what is really needed.

Are you currently speaking to a local jeweller? Who has found this stone on a list of available stones?

You should check out James Allen's website and also Brian Gavin Diamonds - both have excellent videos to aid assessment, and BGD have a new line of 'ideal cut' emerald cut diamonds, which have a certain look.

Can you confirm your required or desired colour/clarity/carat size/dimensions and budget available? There are a few of us on here who like stepcuts a LOT and would be happy to help you look

 

[Matthews1127]

One can't assess stepcuts from the numbers alone - ASET images help, as do pictures, but a moving video is what is really needed.

Are you currently speaking to a local jeweller? Who has found this stone on a list of available stones?

You should check out James Allen's website and also Brian Gavin Diamonds - both have excellent videos to aid assessment, and BGD have a new line of 'ideal cut' emerald cut diamonds, which have a certain look.

Can you confirm your required or desired colour/clarity/carat size/dimensions and budget available? There are a few of us on here who like stepcuts a LOT and would be happy to help you look

This!

I must add: not all EC’s fit the “recommended specs”, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t beautiful, or fantastic performers. The crown angles and pavilion angles, as well as their positions are what make or “break” a step cut diamond. You have a large table with a steep depth, but...as long as your crown angles & pavilion angles are just right, and hit the “mark”, that diamond could be a potentially great find!
It will be helpful to us to know the above parameters that @OoohShiny asked for, in addition to knowing the l x w ratio you are shooting for. It sounds like you’re in the 1.60:1+ range, but I could be off....
Step cuts show body color more than brilliant cuts, even when they are cut very well, side by side. Since you don’t necessarily have to have your EC sit against a brilliant cut stone, going with a lower color (esp set in YG) should be fine. Her color sensitivity should be the guide to how low you should go.
Right now, there is so little info to be able to give you the nod to pull the trigger on this diamond, but I’ll admit....I’d love to learn more about it to help you find the perfect EC!!!
Any additional info you are comfortable sharing will help us help you!!
Please read this material shared with me by the author, himself, @Karl_K.
He is a step cut expert, and he has been a valuable resource for me, in helping me to learn everything I possibly can about step cut diamonds!! I’ll let you in on a secret: *they’re my favorite*!

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/performance-and-p3-facets-discussion-about-step-cut-diamonds

Edit: I’m a little wary of the “very thin” girdle. Perhaps, someone else can chime in on this, as I’m concerned that if this diamond is not set properly to protect the girdle, it may be exposed to potential damage.

 

[Karl_K]

70% table, 80% depth, very thin girdle, where is the weight?
In the to steep deep pavilion most likely.
There is a near 0 chance of this one being a nice performer.

 

[CalicoJack]

Hi all
Thank you so much for the constructive comments and the additional material provided so far!
This was a local diamond wholesaler in Dallas, Texas (Diamond and Gold Warehouse, found through the BBB). We ran through a lot of different options in person and this was the one that stood out. Unfortunately I don't have a moving video but I can look into receiving this.
In terms of desired colour/clarity/carat size/dimensions - this really depends on the stone, as I'm not sure where the trade-off between size vs quality comes in.
Budget - I'm looking around $8-$10k
Happy to provide any additional information I can help with!

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi Jack,
First question- the grades and stats- are they from a GIA report?
The price is quite low- which could be a red flag, or indicate sub-par grading report.
I'm not so quick to eliminate a stone solely based on the 80% depth.
Not that I prefer to buy stones with that number- we don't.
But some can still be very pretty.
The larger issue though, is what are you being shown- and how is it being presented.
If the seller is using non GIA grading- and not letting you know the pitfalls....that's an issue.

 

[OoohShiny]

Beware of any 'wholesaler' that sells stones to the public - they are not a wholesaler!

 

[CalicoJack]

Hi all
The certificate is from EGL USA, I understand that this probably means it's a lower quality - another red flag on this one?
Thanks!

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi all
The certificate is from EGL USA, I understand that this probably means it's a lower quality - another red flag on this one?
Thanks!

Yes- it's a HUGE red flag that the seller is not explaining the implications of the EGL report. The chances are the stone would be graded at best K by GIA- and possibly L. This explains the super low price- and why this practice is so deceptive.
Stick with stones graded by GIA or AGSL - but in the case of emerald cuts, GIA will be far more prominent.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

70% table, 80% depth, very thin girdle, where is the weight?
In the to steep deep pavilion most likely.
There is a near 0 chance of this one being a nice performer.

Dealbreakers? Yes, almost everything is a dealbreaker about this one, including EGL. Go to a site like James Allen where you can see the videos of the stones. Post some you're interested in and people can help you identify the best ones.