First Post: 3 diamonds from GOG...

[Tommy_D]

Hi everyone!

I have been lurking here for the past couple weeks, reading up on diamonds, researching diamonds, looking at all the awesome photos in the "Show me the ring" section... This seems like a very nice site to ask questions and get good answers, so I thought I would join and say hello!

Anyways, I can''t believe I am looking at diamond rings. I never thought the day would come.

So from my research here, and most everywhere, of the 4 C''s cut should be number one. No problem, that is easy. After that I would say (for me) Carat is second, then color and clarity fight for 3rd and 4th. With this in mind, I have found a few diamonds that are peaking my interest. All 3 are from GOG, though I am willing to work with other vendors if they offer competitive alternatives. For my own sanity I have been keeping my search to just a few different vendors and for this post I will stick with all GOG diamonds.

Two of the diamonds are RB''s and one is a Solasfera. The stats are as follows, from cheapest to most expensive:

1) Round Brilliant 1.30 I VVS2 - Scores a .9 on the HCA
2) Round Brilliant 1.32 H VS1 - Scores a 1.0 on the HCA
3) Solasfera 1.34 G SI1 - Scores a 1.1 on the HCA (though this may be inaccurate with its cut)

Of the 3, we are talking about a price swing of about $1,000. All 3 are great looking, to my untrained eye. I suppose my question is, how can I tell which one is for me? I can''t afford to buy all 3, then choose between them. I have seen GOG''s videos so maybe they can do a video for me, but I wanted to get the opinions of the people here.

The two RB''s have great clarity. I really can''t tell a difference between them when looking at magnified photos. Their cuts are very similar as well. I would bet if both were sitting in front of me I wouldn''t be able to tell the difference. However, the Solasfera throws a big wrench in the whole thing. I''ve seen the videos of the Solasfera vs. the RB H&A diamonds and it is very impressive. With this one being the most expensive, do you sacrifice the clarity and go for the fire and scintillation of the Solasfera?

I don''t know how much of an eagle eye my GF is (she does need glasses for reading...) but for me I struggle with the eye clean vs. mind clean thing. I guess if I don''t have the diamond in front of me, I can''t make an educated decision on the SI1 vs. VS grade diamonds.

So how should I go about finding out which diamond is best?

Thanks for all your help everyone!

-Tom

 

[D&T]

Do you have the specs? Have you talked with Jonathan about those diamonds? he maybe able to make a video for you as he has for other members, if you are unable to view IRL (Best to ask him about that one though) Another thought is after the specs and video maybe to send it to an independent appraiser to look over with your own eyes then select from their? just thoughts

 

[Ellen]

Hi Tommy,

I agree with DT. I would call and speak with Jon about the difference between the two stones. (reg vs. Sol) He can really elaborate on the nuances of both, and maybe that will help, also with the clarity. He's very patient, you can ask a zillion questions if you'd like.

And then possibly do a video of them. They are both beautiful cuts (I'm assuming here, that the first two are H&A), just slightly different. I think she'd love either one.

 

[d-nice]

If the only thing that concerns you is the clarity, the facet structure in the Solasfera will make it harder to see the inclusions. SI1 are generally eye clean, depending somewhat on the location. To decide what diamond to get try finding out what you don''t like about each one and then start to discount them as you go.

 

[marcy]

They sound great. I would ask for a video to see which one appeals to you the most.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/8/2009 9:37:11 AM
Author: Ellen
Hi Tommy,

I agree with DT. I would call and speak with Jon about the difference between the two stones. (reg vs. Sol) He can really elaborate on the nuances of both, and maybe that will help, also with the clarity. He''s very patient, you can ask a zillion questions if you''d like.

And then possibly do a video of them. They are both beautiful cuts (I''m assuming here, that the first two are H&A), just slightly different. I think she''d love either one.

Thritto

 

[Tommy_D]

Hey all,

Thanks for the responses. I put in a phone call to GOG and talked with Sarah. She pulled out the Solasfera for me and took a look at it for "eye cleanliness." She said at the typical half arms length it was eye clean, but at about half that distance she could see the inclusion with her naked eye. Well, that one is off the list now. However, she took a look at their vendors inventory and found a 1.28 G VS1 Solasfera. We are currently talking about bringing that one in for me to take a look at. Maybe I can get some images of it, or a video, or something.

If that one for some reason doesn''t work, I am leaning towards the 1.32 H VS1. It''s really a beautiful diamond:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6195/

We will see.

-Tom

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/12/2009 2:05:29 PM
Author: Tommy_D
Hey all,

Thanks for the responses. I put in a phone call to GOG and talked with Sarah. She pulled out the Solasfera for me and took a look at it for ''eye cleanliness.'' She said at the typical half arms length it was eye clean, but at about half that distance she could see the inclusion with her naked eye. Well, that one is off the list now. However, she took a look at their vendors inventory and found a 1.28 G VS1 Solasfera. We are currently talking about bringing that one in for me to take a look at. Maybe I can get some images of it, or a video, or something.

If that one for some reason doesn''t work, I am leaning towards the 1.32 H VS1. It''s really a beautiful diamond:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6195/

We will see.

-Tom

That it is!! Let us know what you decide, or post the video if you get one.

 

[litebrite]

that GOG you linked to was a hot looking stone w/ v strong arrows - good job!