Have I lost my mind?

[Concerneddad]

My son has found a diamond on an internet site. It looks like a good deal, but the old saying "If it sounds to good, then it''s not" may apply. Diamond specs:

GIA certified
Oval, 1.01 carat, E, SI2
Depth 59.4
Table 61
Polish GD
Symmetry GD
Girdle Med-thk
Price $3170

I have seen the diamond and it looks great. Is there something we are missing or is there truly good deals out there for the average person?
I have a jeweler that is saying NO WAY.

Any ideas/advice before the young man makes the plunge?

 

[Giangi]

Howdy CD! Welcome!

The price is low, but not extremely low. I'd say lower than average. Some ovals good/good are at $2.9K up to $5K, depending on the make, lab and possibly location of inclusions. Now, being this an SI 2, I'd suspect it has not so negligible inclusions. This could be an explanation. The price is more in line with EGL graded stones, which are usually traded for less, as these labs can be somewhat lax (depending on the location).
Have you seen the diamond in person? How did it look?
The numbers are a good start --not overly shallow or deep-- but we'd like to have more info's as an OGI/Sarin report and if possible idealscope image. I STRONGLY suggest to ask the vendor a magnified picture showing all the diamond's inclusions, so you can juge if these are acceptable for you.

 

[mike04456]

Is this the diamond?

https://www.pricescope.com/origin.asp?supl=82&id=35086&url=http://www.whiteflash.com&prc=3148

https://www.pricescope.com/origin.asp?supl=78&id=35087&url=http://www.DirtCheapDiamonds.com&prc=3170

https://www.pricescope.com/origin.asp?supl=85&id=168480&url=http://www.abazias.com&prc=3198

(three listings of the same stone)

There are good deals but you do have to be careful. I believe some or all of these vendors will let you get the stone checked out by an independent appraiser first, which is a good idea especially with fancy cuts. If the matches the specs and price, then you should be okay.

That jeweler may just be trying to sell you his stones instead.

 

[fire&ice]

Many jeweler's get their stones from the very same "list" that internet diamond dealers do.

 

[Concerneddad]

This is the diamond in question. I have seen the diamond and I didn't see much of anything wrong with it. The vendor actually felt that the diamond was under graded. We had two other diamonds to compare against and my gut tells me my son is getting a good deal.

Our intent is to get the diamond in our possession and immediately get it appraised. I would think this would close the issue.

I would also agree with you in that I believe I have a disgruntled jeweler. He shouldn't have been so forceful. He has probably lost my business and my wife had actually found something in the store she wanted. NOT NOW.

Question: Is there a standard GIA form or do they come in various types but have a GIA # which authenticates the document?

Appreicate your input.

 

[mike04456]

There are two types of GIA certs, the Diamond Grading Report and the Diamond Dossier. You can learn about the distinctions here:

http://www.gia.edu/gemtradelab/110/reports__services.cfm

They all have individual numbers which you can authenticate by calling GIA.

 

[Concerneddad]

OK, great. Checked out the website and the report I have in my possession is the new Diamond Grading Report. My confindence level is increasing as I receive additional information.

 

[Concerneddad]

I have a follow-on question. We now have the diamond in our possession. Our intent is to have it appraised within the next couple of days.

In looking at the diamond, there is what we have heard called a "bowtie". Can someone educate me on this characteristic - good, bad, etc?

Would be of great help.

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

----------------
On 7/22/2003 5:59

1 PM Concerneddad wrote:

I have a follow-on question. We now have the diamond in our possession. Our intent is to have it appraised within the next couple of days.

In looking at the diamond, there is what we have heard called a "bowtie". Can someone educate me on this characteristic - good, bad, etc?

Would be of great help.

----------------

Concerneddad:
The bow tie appears in all oval cut stones , but you want to avoid a black center. The trick is find a stone with some center brilliancy and less of a bow tie. It is a compromise based on the shape of the stone. The bow tie is actually a reflection of your own head.

-Josh

 

[Mara]

Run the stone's info on www.gemappraisers.com in the DIY cut grading section. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B are all very good cut grades for fancy cut stones (oval is one of these)...the 3-4 range is normally more typical of what you'd find out in maul or chain stores...if it is 1-2 that should help increase your confidence..but it is great you are getting it appraised, as an independent expert can tell you for sure. Be sure to get it checked out within the return policy window.

Best of luck!