GIA 3 Ct RB dilemna

[Kawfee]

I had given myself a budget between a 2 ct - 2.5 ct RB ring, H-I, SI1...however a unique opportunity has presented itself.

I was recently shown a 3.02 ct rb, SI 2, I with HCA of 1.9 for a pretty good price based off of my research. There is a tiny carbon inclusion in the middle but only can be seen with the loupe. Eye clean and any other feathers or inclusions are on the sides.

Wanted anyone and everyone's opinion if I should take beauty even thought it's out of my price range, not completely but not what I had planned on spending.

Thanks,

Stan

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd rather have a 2.5 ct stone with higher clarity, personally. I would not buy SI2 in a 3 ct stone because it would drive me nuts and most are not 100% eyeclean from top and sides. Stay in your budget and get a higher quality stone.

 

[bgray]

I had given myself a budget between a 2 ct - 2.5 ct RB ring, H-I, SI1...however a unique opportunity has presented itself.

I was recently shown a 3.02 ct rb, SI 2, I with HCA of 1.9 for a pretty good price based off of my research. There is a tiny carbon inclusion in the middle but only can be seen with the loupe. Eye clean and any other feathers or inclusions are on the sides.

Wanted anyone and everyone's opinion if I should take beauty even thought it's out of my price range, not completely but not what I had planned on spending.

Thanks,

Stan

Stan:

I concur with diamondseeker. I would not buy an SI2 in a larger stone. A well cut stone in the 2+ carat range with better clarity is also a better "investment." Lastly ALL grading is in the eye of the beholder....an SI 2 for one lab may be an I from another lab or from an independent appraiser. In that case the good price may no longer be so good.

 

[Niel]

I'm not going to say pass as I don't know if its truly eye clean. If its truly eye clean and the wearer wouldn't see any inclusions while wearing I don't think that's a bad thing. Eye clean is eye clean right?

 

[04diamond<3]

do you have pictures?

 

[Kawfee]

I'm not looking at this stone as an "investment" opportunity since lets face it, I'm a guy and I see this item as an over priced shiny object lol. I'd rather have a nice watch than a shiny stone but to each their own.

My main thing is that I know size is the first thing that's important on her criteria for the 4 C's. 2nd would be color, 3rd would be cut, and last is clarity.

Granted she said to me recently that she doesn't want me to over spend on this ring.

My budget is $20K - $25K and the 3ct ring is coming in around $27K

So with the added information, what do you all think?

Stan

 

[Kawfee]

04diamond<3 - Asking for the GIA cert and provide it once given

 

[SB621]

If size is most important then you might have a winner. Realize on PS most ppl will take cut over size or color and cut over size. If you lady has already said size is #1 I would consider it as long as you aren't finding anything else compariable in that combo price range. For what its's worth I have a 2ct MRB that is I1 but completely eye clean. It has twinning whisps. It was orginally sold to me as SI2 via EGL but when I recerted it under GIA it came back I1. For that I would just want to know what lab said SI2 because there is a big price descrapancy between SI2 and I1. I woudln;'t want you to overpay.

 

[Niel]

Clarity is important to some here. It isn't to her. And I understand that asy RHR is an I1.

If YOU think its eye clean enough for her liking. You know her best. I don't think its a bad choice as the whole point is to make her as happy with the ring as your budget allows, right?

 

[tweeter8177]

I have a 3.25ct SI1 stone so I have no problem with the clarity of the stone you are looking at. But I would highly reconsider your priorities on cut. Cut is what makes it sparkle! I have had a poorly cut diamond and it was lifeless. The cert will help identifying the cut. The only other comment I have is the color. The J would bother me because of the tint on the side, especially in that size. My sweetie spot is I color. Although only one color difference vs. a J, it is a big difference in my experience. But if the setting can mask the color on the side then maybe it won't matter. The J will still face up white, just make sure you are comfortable with the side view!

 

[tweeter8177]

Oops I just saw you are looking at an I color. Not sure why I thought a J! Same thing goes for an I though (check the side profile) but I would be happy with it.

 

[msop04]

If the stone is eye-clean, then I'd jump on that bad boy!! That's a great deal! Personally, I'd rather have a 3 ct. eye-clean SI2 than a 2.5 carat VS2 or SI1 with equal specs... Just make sure you know she'll be happy with it first.

 

[Kawfee]

 

[AprilBaby]

If the inclusion was only visa leg by loupe, it was well cut, AND I wouldn't be stretching the budget too much I would take it.

 

[msop04]

I like it for the size!! I'd get it, personally!!

 

[msop04]

...Just saw where it said "Clouds are not shown."

If you've seen this stone with your own eyes and it is clean, then I'd say YES!! If not, I would be wary of the "clouds not shown" until I could look at it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I wouldn't buy a 32.5 crown angle, first of all. The primary inclusion appears to be a large feather, which is a nice name for a crack. And clouds not shown could certainly hurt the light performance of the stone. The stone is priced really low probably because the inclusions affect light performance. Something that seems too good to be true usually is.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

The girdle is thick enough not to worry about the 32.5 because the 41.2 compensates.
The feather is a risk of chipping and GIA is hard on that risk, so it could be a great stone as long as your prepared to always insure it.
i suspect in some lighting you will see that feather though because it will sparkle from some directions.
The clouds are a non issue because they are not in the list of inclusions so they are very minor.

 

[Kawfee]

I have seen the stone and I'm not diamond expert but to me it's eye clean. I did run it through the HCA tool and I was also surprised to see 1.9 since from the forums anything under a 2 for HCA is considered good correct?

I was not able to see it under natural light as we were inside an office a few floors up with no windows.

Thank you for everyone's input I just want to get a better idea from the PS community before I make such a large purchase...I'm still looking and haven't made a decision yet though.

There are also 2 other stones I was considering and feel free to chime in on what you think would work better.

 

[arkieb1]

I think if the larger stone is eye clean then potentially it will be fine. If you decide to go for one of the smaller stones check if the one with Internal graining is cloudy or less brilliant in any way because sometimes they can be which makes them cheaper than all the rest of the stones that are the same cut and size.

 

[msop04]

Just for comparison, I searched a Pricescope vendors website known for their competitive diamond prices and found this and this:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4020483-3.11-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-SI2-clarity.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4049480-3.01-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-SI2-clarity.aspx

How could you look at that little fleck of carbon and not love it? It's like Marilyn Monroe's beauty mark and it saves you 3 grand. Go with what makes you happy. Bigger diamonds make me happy

HA! I hear that, ice_baby!!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Can you have the stone brought in for your perusal? Decide after you've seen it IRL.

2011 cert...this stone has been out there a while...begs the question, has anyone here considered it? Has it been seen by another PS'er that could provide their opinion? Goodness knows stones of this size are desirable!

cheers--Sharon

 

[MissGotRocks]

The advice of most posters here on PS that have been here for a long while would be to get the best cut stone within your budget. A large stone with visible inclusions, leakage and uncomplimentary angles is just a large stone. If size is your main criteria, then the make of the stone may not matter to you. Before you decide, see if you can visit some jewelers with ideal cut stones - AGS0 and GIAXXX stones. Once you've actually seen an ideal cut stone, you would be able to make a much better decision for yourself in terms of what is most important to you in a diamond.

 

[msop04]

OP said he's seen it and that it was eye-clean... Garry said that the angles compensated for each other. It scores a 1.9 on HCA. I think if the couple is happy with the stone, then maybe it checks off the boxes that are important to them.

It just may not be exactly what each of us would choose...

OP, I would be interested in seeing a photo if you could get one.

 

[msop04]

The advice of most posters here on PS that have been here for a long while would be to get the best cut stone within your budget. A large stone with visible inclusions, leakage and uncomplimentary angles is just a large stone. If size is your main criteria, then the make of the stone may not matter to you. Before you decide, see if you can visit some jewelers with ideal cut stones - AGS0 and GIAXXX stones. Once you've actually seen an ideal cut stone, you would be able to make a much better decision for yourself in terms of what is most important to you in a diamond.

Good advice.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Just wanted to clarify that I think higher crown angle stones are more attractive. I didn't mean that it was causing a specific problem.

Has the stone been taken into different lighting environments such as outside in the sun, shade, or in different indoor lighting? And did you look at it carefully from the top and sides in the different lighting? Because Garry said that feather might be visible if the light hits it right, and that would be important to be sure about.

 

[Kawfee]

I was not able to take the stone to natural lighting, outside, or shaded area because I was in an enclosed office space (they were on the 4th floor of LA jewelry district).

I will take everyone's advice and see the stone again and do my best to take pictures (if that's a allowed).

From what I saw with my naked eye, the stone was eye clean. But then again, I'm no diamond expert but I will take everyone's word of caution.

I'm sure there are great deals out there to be had, I just wanted to make sure this was a pretty good deal for the specs being presented.

 

[SB621]

Coming from someone who loves size (I rock a lower colored 5ct) I would take this diamond. Is there a return period? If not I would ask for one. I'm not concerned about the crown angle for a few reasons but Gary already stated the most important.

What I would do is because of the crack I would try to negoitate the price down to 25k. Anyhow I would probably purchase this. I get cut is king on PS but all things considered I would much rather have a 3ct then 2ct.

 

[ScorpioLove]

Kawfee, I am by no means an expert; and I see that some of the more seasoned PS'ers have offered you some very great points & excellent advice. However, I'd just like to add my 2 cents; ya’ know play “devil’s advocate” for a bit.

I have a 3 carat K-SI2 diamond. The SI2 clarity is the result of 2 white/clear clouds in the center of the table. It is a XXX, GIA-graded diamond and if I'm not mistaken, I believe it scored 1.8 or so on the HCA Tool. To me, it's completely eye-clean. Its imperfections are perfect to me, and quite honestly, I love it’s “beauty marks”. Even the K-color is fine with me since it has Med Blue fluorescence. My diamond is set into a platinum setting. It sparkles like crazy! No one knows of the imperfections but me, & I can only see them in certain lighting, from certain angles and if I look VERY hard.


When my fiancé and I were searching for a diamond, our initial budget was 18k. Initially, I'd located a 3 carat, M-SI1 diamond with SB fluorescence that was actually UNDER budget. In the end, we decided to stretch the budget a bit and get the 3 carat K-SI2.

My criteria went something like this:
1. Cut (Excellent or VG cut)
2. Carat (3 carats or as close to 9mm as possible)
3. Color: (J-M color WITH med to very strong blue fluorescence)
4. Clarity (SI2 or better; eye-clean)

I see that the 3 carat stone you were considering is an I-color, so that's even higher in color than mine. Sooooo, I said all of this to say that I, personally, would NOT disqualify a diamond based solely on the clarity that is written on the paper.
There are a number of PS’ers that have GIA or AGS-graded SI2 diamonds, and they are absolutely beautiful. IMO, the right SI2 can be a great bargain; a real "needle-in-a-haystack"-type of stone (Ha! Maybe you'll find a real "diamond-in-the-rough" while digging through a "haystack"....or something like that. Hopefully, you get my quirky sense of humor here and understand what I mean..... )

 

[Kawfee]

ScorpioLove - Thank you for your detailed explanation of your process as well as your humor Your ring looks gorgeous and I think that's the same effect that my gf wants. Only she will know the color and clarity since how many people will actually study a ring and pin point all the inclusions or try to find all the faults in another persons ring.

My gf's told me that she doesn't want me to spend too much, but at the same time since I was looking between a budget of $20k - $25k, I figure it's $2k more for a pretty substantially larger size. I've been looking around with the criteria of SI1 and H-I color between my price range and size range of 2ct - 2.5 and on avg it seems to be around $22-23k internet or LA jewelry district.

I will take a look at the diamond again, I just hope I can find some time off work to go during the weekday sinceI live about an hour away from LA