GIA ratings - Good-Very Good-Excellent? Which to Consider

[find45di2]

So I am back into the market trying to buy an engagement ring in the next few days. I am hoping to buy soon, but am not going to rush into buying something just for the timing.

I have done my research online, and have sit down with a few jewelers and diamond sellers. What I''ve learned is that most are just trying to sell certificates, but aren''t really helping understand what all of the diamond measurements mean and how they help them shine, and also keep value.

The Holloway cut advisor has already shown me that one diamond that was Very Good rates much lower than a diamond that was rated as just Good.

So, should I be considering a diamond that is GOOD, or should I keep it only to the VERY GOOD and EXCELLENT rated diamonds? Should I even consider VERY GOOD''s, or just stick with EXCELLENT? I understand that AGS0 is considered their high mark of EXCELLENT so I will consider that.

HELP ME!

 

[neatfreak]

Well to make it all easier on you, you could JUST consider AGS0 stones which takes out a LOT of the guesswork. With GIA, their cut ratings aren''t always on target, so I wouldn''t rule anything out except fair or poor personally, but WOULD enter any potential candidates into the HCA before I purchased.

 

[find45di2]

I would rather not rule out GIA stones since it seems like local jewelers carry more GIA than AGS. I will plan to put all specs into the HCA for the truth.

 

[Regular Guy]

I''d say diamonds are plentiful enough that you shouldn''t have to choose. You don''t have to pay much of a premium to have it all. Yes, you''ll pay something of a premium for AGS0, and that will tend to trump HCA. But, if GIA, just go for both excellent & under 2. I really don''t think you''re paying bunches for Excellent over very good.