Feedback on a few diamonds

[bigtown]

Hello all. First time poster but have been lurking (learning) for a month or so. The reason for my post is to get some feedback on a few diamonds I''m looking at for an engagement ring. I''m only in the beginning stages of narrowing down my choices, and let me tell you, it''s a little overwhelming to say the least. So here''s what I''ve come up with so far.
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-46307.htm#

http://www.diamondexpert.com/diamonds/dbs.cgi?sf=detd.setup.cgi&active=active&stock=RB30106001&submit_search=1

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2308/

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?b=16&a=12&cid=131&item=889884

Basically what I''m looking for is a round .9-1.1ct, F-H, VS1-SI2, ideal-excellent cut diamond with a price around $5000-5500. If anyone has any other suggestions feel free to let me know. Like I said, I''m new to diamond shopping and I just want the best bang for the buck. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Ellen]

Assuming they are eye clean, both the WF and GOG stones would be nice.

 

[:)]

I agree with Ellen, and as she said, as long as they are both eye clean. Both have nice IS images. Don't know the price on the GOG - have you checked yet? The JA has no IS to evaluate, and is more expensive (at least than the WF stone, as I do not know the GOG price) - plus it is smaller. I am not familiar with the 4th vendor but cannot find any listing at all with the BBB or either the website or Duttons Diamonds. When spending this much $ over the internet, I would at least want some type of BBB evaluation to look at.

ETA: if you do buy from GOG or WF or even JA, don't forget to ask for the PS discount!

 

[JulieN]

*cough,* Diamond Expert is a respected vendor, and Infinity is a well-regarded brand of H&A

can't just pick among stones like this, too hard.

 

[:)]

Date: 10/18/2006 4:19:20 PM
Author: JulieN
*cough,* Diamond Expert is a respected vendor, and Infinity is a well-regarded brand of H&A

can''t just pick among stones like this, too hard.

Oh, Okay! I am familiar with Infinity as a brand, however I was not familiar with the vendor, hence I always do an initial screen with the BBB, and if I can''t find a listing then I move on. If Diamond Expert is already known to the boards as a reputable vendor, then that one could definitely be an additional option too!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 10/18/2006 4:19:20 PM
Author: JulieN
*cough,* Diamond Expert is a respected vendor, and Infinity is a well-regarded brand of H&A

can''t just pick among stones like this, too hard.

I think with these one could pick some over others. I went with the numbers, which WF and GOG had the better of.

The JA diamond is shallow, esp. the 40.4 PA. It falls outside of both AGS and GIA on HCA. The other barely makes AGS.

Why pick one of these when the others have better numbers, both falling squarely within AGS?

If one can see them, it might be a different story, but sight unseen, to me, the numbers matter.

 

[Upside Down Man]

Ellen, I don''t want to highjack this thread so I won''t post my information here, but I started a thread a little earlier asking for advice on a diamond as well and you seem to know what you''re talking about! Can you help? Thank!

 

[JulieN]

Date: 10/18/2006 4:48:21 PM
Author: Ellen
I think with these one could pick some over others. I went with the numbers, which WF and GOG had the better of.

The JA diamond is shallow, esp. the 40.4 PA. It falls outside of both AGS and GIA on HCA. The other barely makes AGS.

Why pick one of these when the others have better numbers, both falling squarely within AGS?

If one can see them, it might be a different story, but sight unseen, to me, the numbers matter.

What you're doing is rejecting. It is not quite the same as picking.

Doesn't matter if it "barely" makes AGS or is "squarely" AGS on the HCA chart. That's not how it works in the lab. It IS AGS 0.

 

[anacgarcia]

Date: 10/18/2006 3:06:16 PM
Author:

ETA: if you do buy from GOG or WF or even JA, don''t forget to ask for the PS discount!

wow! i didn''t know there was a PS discount! cool!! how much?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 10/18/2006 5:16:08 PM
Author: JulieN
What you''re doing is rejecting. It is not quite the same as picking.

Doesn''t matter if it ''barely'' makes AGS or is ''squarely'' AGS on the HCA chart. That''s not how it works in the lab. It IS AGS 0.

I actually did both. I rejected 2 and picked 2. I don''t know how else to do it. How do you pick without rejecting?

And again, I went by the numbers. I like the other two better.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 10/18/2006 2:31:13 PM
Author: Ellen
Assuming they are eye clean, both the WF and GOG stones would be nice.

I''d choose between these because of the excellent return and trade-up policies as well as the information available on the stones.

I happen to have a Towlkowsky cut stone, and I can tell you it is outstanding!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 10/18/2006 5:17:17 PM
Author: anacgarcia

Date: 10/18/2006 3:06:16 PM
Author:

ETA: if you do buy from GOG or WF or even JA, don''t forget to ask for the PS discount!

wow! i didn''t know there was a PS discount! cool!! how much?

Anny, there is a small extra discount with some vendors when you pay by wire...but those prices are reflected on the search feature of this site. There is not an additional discount above that. Some just have a wire discount that is available to anyone. Most of the discounts range from 1-5%.

 

[aljdewey]

Honestly, I"m not as crazy about the shallow/shallow combo on the J/A diamond.

My top pick would be the WF stone - love every little number in this stone! The GOG and Infinity stones are also nice selections, but I''m irritated at not being able to see the price.

 

[bigtown]

Thanks everyone for your input. It looks like the GOG and WF diamonds are preferred over the other two. For those who asked, the GOG diamond is listed at $5175. Also the WF diamond is listed at $5173 and the JA is listed at $5282. These prices were obtained from using the diamond cut quality search tool provided here on the PS site. I assume the prices I listed above are lower than the prices shown due to the PS discount. Does the diamond from Dutton's stand up to the ones from GOG and WF? I'm trying to narrow my choices down. If no one minds I would like to continue to post diamonds to get opinions on. I'm the worst at making decisions so please bear with me.

Anyway, If I were to choose a certain diamond, what is the next step? I guess I should first contact the vendor and ask if the diamond is eye clean since that seems like an important factor. I would definitely want to see the diamond in person before moving forward. I think the best thing would be to choose a few diamonds and look at them side by side and pick the one that I like the best. Would that be possible if I were looking at diamonds from different vendors. For instance, let's say I find one at WF, one at GOG and one at JA and wanted to look at them side by side. Is there any way I could do this? Where would the vendors send the diamonds for me to look at? Also is there a fee for them to do that? If so, about how much would that be?

Thnaks again. This site is great!

 

[belle]

Date: 10/19/2006 9:32:47 AM
Author: bigtown

Does the diamond from Dutton''s stand up to the ones from GOG and WF?

yes it does, absolutely!

Date: 10/19/2006 9:32:47 AM
Author: bigtown

If no one minds I would like to continue to post diamonds to get opinions on. I''m the worst at making decisions so please bear with me.

not at all. that''s what we''re here for.

Date: 10/19/2006 9:32:47 AM
Author: bigtown

Anyway, If I were to choose a certain diamond, what is the next step?

contact the vendor to reserve the diamond.

Date: 10/19/2006 9:32:47 AM
Author: bigtown

I guess I should first contact the vendor and ask if the diamond is eye clean since that seems like an important factor.

if being eyeclean is important to you, yes.

Date: 10/19/2006 9:32:47 AM
Author: bigtown
I would definitely want to see the diamond in person before moving forward. I think the best thing would be to choose a few diamonds and look at them side by side and pick the one that I like the best.

absolutely. granted, at this level, you may not see much (if any) of a difference but it is always good to make the most informed decision.

Date: 10/19/2006 9:32:47 AM
Author: bigtown
Would that be possible if I were looking at diamonds from different vendors. For instance, let''s say I find one at WF, one at GOG and one at JA and wanted to look at them side by side. Is there any way I could do this? Where would the vendors send the diamonds for me to look at?

yes, you can do this. if you have a credit card or other funding that would allow you to purchase them all at the same time, you could have them all sent directly to you. if not, you could have them sent to a local appraiser for viewing. in this case, you would only have to pay shipping.

you have great diamonds to choose from. no doubt you will end up with a winner, whichever you choose!

 

[Ellen]

If you can swing it, I would definitely recommend viewing them all together. I have recently viewed 4 new AGS000 in person. To my discriminating eye there was a difference, with one stone being dramatically inferior. So, in comparing them I have found that just because they hold that title, it does not mean they are all created equal.

Also of interest (to me anyway), in comparing my GIA Ex/Ex with them, I found it equal to and above in aesthetics and performance.

Good luck on your purchase, and please let us know which one you pick!

 

[:)]

Date: 10/19/2006 12:07:20 PM
Author: Ellen

If you can swing it, I would definitely recommend viewing them all together. I have recently viewed 4 new AGS000 in person. To my discriminating eye there was a difference, with one stone being dramatically inferior. So, in comparing them I have found that just because they hold that title, it does not mean they are all created equal.

Also of interest (to me anyway), in comparing my GIA Ex/Ex with them, I found it equal to and above in aesthetics and performance.

Good luck on your purchase, and please let us know which one you pick!

Wow Ellen, that is really good to know.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Date: 10/19/2006 12:07:20 PM
Author: Ellen

If you can swing it, I would definitely recommend viewing them all together. I have recently viewed 4 new AGS000 in person. To my discriminating eye there was a difference, with one stone being dramatically inferior. So, in comparing them I have found that just because they hold that title, it does not mean they are all created equal.

Also of interest (to me anyway), in comparing my GIA Ex/Ex with them, I found it equal to and above in aesthetics and performance.

Good luck on your purchase, and please let us know which one you pick!

I TOTALLY agree. I viewed 3 stones together that all met my criteria and one really did look better than the others.

I think it would be wonderful if you had the chance to do that too. At B&M stores you are looking at just OK diamonds. It is quite an experience to look at 3 really good diamonds.

Also I feel very confident in my diamond choice, and needing that may be a factor for you.

 

[bigtown]

Well I talked to someone at WF who has been helping me find stones that fit my budget as well as my quality criteria. I must say, they have great customer service from what I''ve experienced so far. He told me the stone I posted previously was not eye clean. He said the inclusions could be seen from 8cm away w/ the naked eye so I''m going to pass on that one. However, he gave me three more choices to look at. The one that stood out to me was this one:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-47422.htm

He told me it was eye clean and gave me a price of $5391 w/ the PS discount. It looks good to me, what does everyone else think compared to the others I posted?

Here are the other two:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-78273.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-48626.htm

He also told me to have them shipped to a local appraiser it would be $70 per diamond. I''m not sure if that is shipping one way or both ways but that''s a little pricey considering there may be no visible difference between the stones I would be looking at. I really like the thought of seeing them in person but I''m leaning toward buying one sight unseen. Any thoughts on this?

Last thing, if I reserve a stone w/ WF or any other vendor, what are my obligations?

 

[Paul-Antwerp]

Date: 10/19/2006 12:07:20 PM
Author: Ellen

If you can swing it, I would definitely recommend viewing them all together. I have recently viewed 4 new AGS000 in person. To my discriminating eye there was a difference, with one stone being dramatically inferior. So, in comparing them I have found that just because they hold that title, it does not mean they are all created equal.

I fully agree with you, Ellen. Not all AGS-Ideals are created equal. It is very important to know.

However, for many consumers, the level of average AGS-Ideal might suffice. In the end, it is all about the desires and expectations of the consumer.

Live long,

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 10/19/2006 1:25:16 PM
Author: bigtown
Well I talked to someone at WF who has been helping me find stones that fit my budget as well as my quality criteria. I must say, they have great customer service from what I''ve experienced so far. He told me the stone I posted previously was not eye clean. He said the inclusions could be seen from 8cm away w/ the naked eye so I''m going to pass on that one. However, he gave me three more choices to look at. The one that stood out to me was this one:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-47422.htm

He told me it was eye clean and gave me a price of $5391 w/ the PS discount. It looks good to me, what does everyone else think compared to the others I posted?

Here are the other two:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-78273.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-48626.htm

He also told me to have them shipped to a local appraiser it would be $70 per diamond. I''m not sure if that is shipping one way or both ways but that''s a little pricey considering there may be no visible difference between the stones I would be looking at. I really like the thought of seeing them in person but I''m leaning toward buying one sight unseen. Any thoughts on this?

Last thing, if I reserve a stone w/ WF or any other vendor, what are my obligations?

Bigtown, the numbers look good on all of these stones, and also on the GOG stone above. I think that as long as you make sure that they are eye-clean I think you''d be fine with any of them. They are all beautiful diamonds. You do have a bit of difference in color above and this is mainly personal preference and a very very small difference at that.

Personally, I think examining all of them together might be a little too costly. Instead, you can order one and within the return period scrutinize it throughly and/or take it to an independent appraiser. I would also ask the vendor about the performance of the stones. They are honest and knowledgeable people and they won''t steer you wrong. Don''t forget to ask for the pricescope discount, you don''t get it unless you ask for it.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 10/19/2006 12:39:13 PM
Author: Stone Hunter

Date: 10/19/2006 12:07:20 PM
Author: Ellen

If you can swing it, I would definitely recommend viewing them all together. I have recently viewed 4 new AGS000 in person. To my discriminating eye there was a difference, with one stone being dramatically inferior. So, in comparing them I have found that just because they hold that title, it does not mean they are all created equal.

Also of interest (to me anyway), in comparing my GIA Ex/Ex with them, I found it equal to and above in aesthetics and performance.

Good luck on your purchase, and please let us know which one you pick!

I TOTALLY agree. I viewed 3 stones together that all met my criteria and one really did look better than the others.

I think it would be wonderful if you had the chance to do that too. At B&M stores you are looking at just OK diamonds. It is quite an experience to look at 3 really good diamonds.

Also I feel very confident in my diamond choice, and needing that may be a factor for you.

Interesting, isn''t it? With all you hear about them, you begin to think they''re all clones of one fantastically superior diamond, and they''re not. But I agree, it is an experience to view more than one.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 10/19/2006 1:25:16 PM
Author: bigtown
Well I talked to someone at WF who has been helping me find stones that fit my budget as well as my quality criteria. I must say, they have great customer service from what I''ve experienced so far. He told me the stone I posted previously was not eye clean. He said the inclusions could be seen from 8cm away w/ the naked eye so I''m going to pass on that one. However, he gave me three more choices to look at. The one that stood out to me was this one:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-47422.htm

He told me it was eye clean and gave me a price of $5391 w/ the PS discount. It looks good to me, what does everyone else think compared to the others I posted?

Here are the other two:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-78273.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-48626.htm

He also told me to have them shipped to a local appraiser it would be $70 per diamond. I''m not sure if that is shipping one way or both ways but that''s a little pricey considering there may be no visible difference between the stones I would be looking at. I really like the thought of seeing them in person but I''m leaning toward buying one sight unseen. Any thoughts on this?

Last thing, if I reserve a stone w/ WF or any other vendor, what are my obligations?

If you reserve a diamond, that means you intend to make a rapid decision and wire the money in the next couple of days. As someone else said, it will cost a lot to have 3 or 4 stones shipped to you or an appraiser. So my advice is to narrow it down to two. I did this, paid for two stones and had them sent to us to look at. I chose one and was refunded the money from the diamond that was returned. It is expensive sending diamonds back and forth, not to mention if you had them sent to an appraiser who would presumably charge more to look at 3 or 4 as opposed to 2. With ACA, I think it is hard to go wrong. So I''d just choose the ones with the color and clarity you find most desirable.

 

[WinkHPD]

Date: 10/18/2006 3:06:16 PM
Author:
I agree with Ellen, and as she said, as long as they are both eye clean. Both have nice IS images. Don''t know the price on the GOG - have you checked yet? The JA has no IS to evaluate, and is more expensive (at least than the WF stone, as I do not know the GOG price) - plus it is smaller. I am not familiar with the 4th vendor but cannot find any listing at all with the BBB or either the website or Duttons Diamonds. When spending this much $ over the internet, I would at least want some type of BBB evaluation to look at.

ETA: if you do buy from GOG or WF or even JA, don''t forget to ask for the PS discount!

Duttons is a great guy and you get BBB evaluations if you have complaints. It costs to join the BBB and I dropped out years ago because they would never attack the bad guys when they continued to act in violation of Feteral trade commission rules and guideilines, in spite of continuing prodding by this rule abiding fellow here in Boise.

If Duttons had any complaints they would have them for you, so not being listed by the BBB is not necessarily a detriment in my opinion.

Wink

 

[Rhino]

Date: 10/19/2006 12:07:20 PM
Author: Ellen

If you can swing it, I would definitely recommend viewing them all together. I have recently viewed 4 new AGS000 in person. To my discriminating eye there was a difference, with one stone being dramatically inferior. So, in comparing them I have found that just because they hold that title, it does not mean they are all created equal.

Interesting and factual post Ellen. I''ll concur with Paul here too. I''d love to see Helium''s on the stones you examined although I know that''s probably not possible.

 

[bigtown]

Thanks again everyone for the replies. Keep ''em coming. As far as comparing AGS000''s in person, I''m sure my untrained eye wouldn''t be able to tell any difference at all. Maybe someday, but for now, I think any AGS0 stone will be beautiful, especially to my girlfriend.

Moving forward, I found another stone that I wanted to get some opinions on. The color is a little lower than the one I am leaning toward, but the clarity is slightly better. The first one is the one I like so far and the second one is the one I am comparing it to and would like some feedback on.

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-47422.htm#

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-45607.htm#

Something I noticed about the first one is that the girdle is listed as thin. Should this be a concern as far as durability considering the setting will be a raised 4-prong leaving the girdle exposed? The second one has a thin to slightly thick girdle which may help it''s durability. I e-mailed the salesman helping me at WF asking him the same question but thought I''d post it here also. I also asked him if he could give me his personal preference between the two if he was able to compare them side by side.

With that said, I''d love to hear what everyone thinks.

 

[belle]

Date: 10/20/2006 9:45:46 AM
Author: bigtown

Thanks again everyone for the replies. Keep ''em coming. As far as comparing AGS000''s in person, I''m sure my untrained eye wouldn''t be able to tell any difference at all. Maybe someday, but for now, I think any AGS0 stone will be beautiful, especially to my girlfriend.

i think so too.

she is going to be so happy with any of them.

Date: 10/20/2006 9:45:46 AM
Author: bigtown

Moving forward, I found another stone that I wanted to get some opinions on. The color is a little lower than the one I am leaning toward, but the clarity is slightly better. The first one is the one I like so far and the second one is the one I am comparing it to and would like some feedback on.

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-47422.htm#

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-45607.htm#

you *may* see some color from the side on the ''i'' especially if you compare it next to the ''f''. i don''t know if that matters to you at all but i wanted to mention it. both will face up beautifully white but side by side, you may notice a difference.

Date: 10/20/2006 9:45:46 AM
Author: bigtown

Something I noticed about the first one is that the girdle is listed as thin. Should this be a concern as far as durability considering the setting will be a raised 4-prong leaving the girdle exposed? The second one has a thin to slightly thick girdle which may help it''s durability. I e-mailed the salesman helping me at WF asking him the same question but thought I''d post it here also. I also asked him if he could give me his personal preference between the two if he was able to compare them side by side.

With that said, I''d love to hear what everyone thinks.

i personally like thin girdles, you get a little extra spread for the ct. weight. there shouldn''t be a concern unless the girdle is ''very'' thin or ''extremely'' thin. a thin girdle is perfectly fine.

i think having someone at wf compare the diamonds side by side is a great idea. they won''t steer you wrong and you can let them know what is most important to you.

best of luck!

 

[bigtown]

Thanks for the reassuring words belle regarding the girdle. To be honest, I wasn''t even aware that there was an extremely thin girdle classification so I guess I shouldn''t be too concerned. What about inclusions that are close to the girdle? Taking durability into account, which, if any should I be concerned with the most? For example, are feathers worse than pinpoints, crystals or clouds? The AGS report, at least to me is hard to interpret what the different symbols represent. It would be easier if they were color coded. Besides that, most reports are too small to see clearly anyway.

I''m looking forward to hearing what the salesman at WF has to say, as well as any other comments anyone wants to add. This site has really brought me a long way. I''m actually planning on looking at stones tonight at several different B&M stores in my area. In the past, I would have walked in and been somewhat intimidated and easily persuaded by their sales pitches. Now however, I feel like I have enough knowledge to look past the gimmicks and know exactly what I''m looking at, not what they''re telling me I''m looking at. Maybe that''s the wrong attitude to have going into it, but sometimes it feels like a used car lot at some places.