Engagement ring worth the $$$ ?

[ripstruct8]

Can someone give me some advice on whether or not the price is right for this diamond. I know it is enhanced, but I am curious if it is worth the price. Claims it has been appraised by an independently trained GIA Graduate gemologist and comes with an appraisal from Gemological Appraisal Laboratory of America. Thanks ahead of time.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400081755239&ru=http://shop.ebay.com:80/%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp3907.m38.l1313%26_nkw%3D400081755239%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1#ht_2320wt_1165

 

[neatfreak]

Personally, no I don''t think it''s worth it. I wouldn''t pay that for an enhanced stone. And you want a GIA or AGS certificate-not an appraisal by a GIA "trained gemologist". Different things.

 

[chrono]

Date: 11/7/2009 1:33:44 PM
Author:ripstruct8
Can someone give me some advice on whether or not the price is right for this diamond. I know it is enhanced, but I am curious if it is worth the price. Claims it has been appraised by an independently trained GIA Graduate gemologist and comes with an appraisal from Gemological Appraisal Laboratory of America. Thanks ahead of time.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400081755239&ru=http://shop.ebay.com:80/%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp3907.m38.l1313%26_nkw%3D400081755239%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1#ht_2320wt_1165

Link adjusted for convenience.

Wow, pricey for an enhanced stone. Clarity enhanced stones need more care. You cannot use an ultrasonic for cleaning, and possibly not use a steamer as well.

 

[denverappraiser]

Lots of people have been trained by GIA, including a lot of smart folks, but then a lot of dummies have gone there too. It’s a big school and I wouldn’t put all that much emphasis on someone being a GIA alumni. That’s a good first credential, sort of like when your employer requires you to have a high school diploma before they’ll hire you but it’s definitely not the end of the story.

The GIA grading scale doesn’t apply to CE diamonds so I can’t help but wonder what scale they are using. The laboratory represented in the sample report is NOT the Gemological Institute of America. You might want to look into who they are and whether you consider their grading advice valuable.

An appraisal report prepared for a seller for use as and advertisement is not independent, regardless of who authored it.


Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/7/2009 1:44:17 PM
Author: neatfreak
Personally, no I don''t think it''s worth it. I wouldn''t pay that for an enhanced stone. And you want a GIA or AGS certificate-not an appraisal by a GIA ''trained gemologist''. Different things.

Ditto.

 

[Todd Gray]

Date: 11/7/2009 1:44:40 PM
Author: Site Listing off Ebay:
A classic and exquisite diamond ring- this Princess cut diamond is a 1.02ct Princess cut center diamond- with E color (colorless) and VS2 clarity (enhanced). The center diamond is eye-clean and is very sparkly and is set in a 14k white gold princess channel set mounting with Six (6) diamonds totalling .36ct worth of princess cut diamond side that are comparable quality! This gorgeous ring has been appraised by an independently trained GIA Graduate gemologist for a value of $10,703 and comes with an appraisal from Gemological Appraisal Laboratory of America. Don''t let this deal pass you by and start your bidding now to win this beauty!

FYI: The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory does NOT issue appraisals! The GIA Laboratory does not even offer laboratory grading services for diamonds which have been clarity enhanced (fracture filled and/or laser drilled). The GIA Laboratory does offer independent laboratory grading which will provide insight for the carat weight, clarity, color grade, fluorescence rating, polish grade, symmetry grade, and an indication of the average proportions of the diamond - but it does not estimate the value of the diamond and/or issue an appraisal of any sort!

 

[ripstruct8]

Thank you for all the valuable feedback. I don''t mind it being clarity enhanced, I just don''t want it to somehow falter down the road. It seemed pricey to me for a CE diamond, but I just wanted to verify my thoughts on this board. Thanks for your help, and my search will continue...

Does anyone know of any reputable online dealers who can offer the price and reliability I am seeking? I''m looking to spend about $4,000...at least a "J" for color, VS2 for clarity, and 1 carat. Round or Princess shape is preferred.

Is this even possible to find within my price range, or am I kidding myself???

I know the "cut" is supposed to be the most important, but for now, I and sticking to the other 3 Cs since my budget is fairly low. Thanks again.

 

[Lorelei]

Here are some you might like, just a touch under 1 carat but there would be hardly any visual difference, if you would add SI1 to your requirements ( if verified eyeclean) that would broaden the options

http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-2097585.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/premium_select_round/Premium-Select-Round-cut-diamond-1987251.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2164510.htm

 

[GoSharks]

FYI: The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory does NOT issue appraisals! The GIA Laboratory does not even offer laboratory grading services for diamonds which have been clarity enhanced (fracture filled and/or laser drilled). The GIA Laboratory does offer independent laboratory grading which will provide insight for the carat weight, clarity, color grade, fluorescence rating, polish grade, symmetry grade, and an indication of the average proportions of the diamond - but it does not estimate the value of the diamond and/or issue an appraisal of any sort!

[/quote]


I believe that is another organization with a clever rename. I guess they are "GALA" or something if abbreviated, but why shorten the name when it is supposed to sound like Gemological Institute of America to people who read it.