Getting Crazy About Cuts

[kb34rz]

So, I've been looking for a nice diamond to propose to my girlfriend with and need to get it online. I know everyone recommends seeing the stone being the only real way to judge it, but I can't (though I can return it once received if need be). Finding that the most important 'C' is cut I've been paying extra attention to cut and ratios.

I've been looking at princesses and radiants and am currently at a dilemma: the one I found says is has a GIA certification and is ideal cut but the depth is 76%. I know this will make for a smaller looking diamond but my question is just "Should I trust the cut grade even if the depth seems too deep?"

 

[Niel]

those type of cut can be pretty deep...now GIA doesnt grade cut for radients and princesses. It'll grade polish and symm but not an overall cut grade, if i remember correct


now keep in mind the "you need to see it" concept doesnt necessarily mean you need to have it in your hand, but you need pictures, and idealscopes, or ASETS, and have a gemologist review it... not just look at a certificate. Thasts basically what it means.

whats your budget? if your willing to pay extra for cut, id look into princess of hearts if you like a radiant

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10834/

or look at whiteflash ACA's for Princesses

 

[kb34rz]

I'm looking for around 3000 for the diamond (still in college). The biggest issue is that the band me and my girl have picked out is from brilliantearth (antique scroll that quite perfectly fits what she wants that we haven't been able to find anywhere else for a reasonable price) which only sells settings with diamonds from them.

When you say the cuts can be deeper, are you meaning that the depth may be okay because it's (in this case) a radiant?

 

[Niel]

I'm looking for around 3000 for the diamond (still in college). The biggest issue is that the band me and my girl have picked out is from brilliantearth (antique scroll that quite perfectly fits what she wants that we haven't been able to find anywhere else for a reasonable price) which only sells settings with diamonds from them.

When you say the cuts can be deeper, are you meaning that the depth may be okay because it's (in this case) a radiant?

oh brilliant earth.... i dont even know if they will provide you pics will they

whats the setting she liked? ill bet you there is a few vendors that make a relatively inexpensive comparative.


That depth is not necessarily, though ive seen stones that deep, if you COULD avoid it i would, just because the LxW will look like a stone with a smaller ctw. why spend money on a stone thats .8cts if it looks like its .6? but if seen some really pretty radiants at that depth.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-23461

I would also NEVER buy a classic radiant without a picture at LEAST... they are a cut that can easily be real duds! get pictures, and ASETS and have them reviewed....


but again, whats the setting she really liked??

 

[kb34rz]

No, they don't have pictures for their diamonds So I was trying to be as sure as possible, like opting for GIA over IGI certs.
Here's a link to the setting we decided on:
http://www.brilliantearth.com/Adorned-Trio-Diamond-Ring-Gold-BE149PCD18R6-491/

The biggest deal is the "antiquey" engraving but there's little things that have taken similar rings out of the running, like the cathedral style or a pave.

 

[Niel]

and she was happy mixing rounds and square stones like that setting has?

have her take a look at these, lots of antique style settings, and the prices are reasonable.
http://www.gabrielny.com/

also, had you thought of having a stone thats more akin to the style of the antique setting? Randiants and princesses are very modern. If you like that juxtaposition thats cool, but you could put a pear, or an emerald cut or an asscher and the stone would match the setting

 

[kb34rz]

We had been okay with mixing the circles and squares, honestly, we hadn't thought much of it, but it adds a certain abstraction to the ring, which I like. I had been thinking about going with an emerald cut, but the "empty" cuts always seem to fall flat to me. I love the cuts in colored stones, but not sure I want it as an engagement ring.

I'm looking through the site you posted now and trying to get some ideas. If you have any others or even a link to a list of good online vendors, I'd likely take advantage of them.

And by the way, thank you so much for all the help so far, I really appreciate it!

 

[Niel]

A dead emerald cut your right doesn't do much, but a well cut general cut is FANTASTIC!

Beverly k also has antique setting. They are a little more expensive, but both Beverly k and Gabriel and co are sold st good old gold. And they are great with finding the absolute best of any cut.

James Allen seems to be down right now but they also have some pretty antique settings.

 

[msop04]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-23461

I love the faceting in this stone.

Niel, since this isn't a classic radiant, will the J color appear whiter? I know typical radiants show color really badly...

 

[Niel]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-23461

I love the faceting in this stone.

Niel, since this isn't a classic radiant, will the J color appear whiter? I know typical radiants show color really badly...

Yeah. I would assume sense it doesn't have those crushed ice faceting, but large facets, it would probably face up whiter. Plus, if you were planning on putting it in a yellow gold setting, the color would be flattering..... like the difference between a j antique cushion or a crushed ice cushion.