Having Second Thoughts...

[tvle84]

After an exhausting search and countless hours of research, my boyfriend and I fell in love with a diamond we found at a local jeweler. We already put down a deposit and will be making final payments next week, but now I'm having serious doubts about whether we are paying the right price for what we're getting. It's making me so anxious that I'm having trouble sleeping!

Anyway, I'm hoping that maybe this helpful community could tell me what they think. The price for the following diamond was $13,300 out the door.



Round Brilliant

Measurements: 6.65 - 6.67 x 4.08 mm

Carat: 1.10 carat

Color Grade: F

Clarity Grade: Internally Flawless

Triple X

Depth: 61.3 %

Table: 56 %

Crown Angle: 34.0°

Crown Height:15.0%

Pavilion Angle: 40.8°

Pavilion Depth: 43.0%

Star Length: 50%

Lower Half: 80%

Girdle: Medium, Faceted, 3.5%

Culet: None

Fluorescence: None

HCA Rating: 1.00

comments: Minor details of polish are not shown.

inscription(s): GIA 6147441854, H & A

We were able to use the hearts and arrow scope on the diamond and saw hearts and arrows, but we couldn't keep still long enough to make sure it was perfectly symmetrical in all aspects. I just bought an ideal-scope but it probably won't arrive until a couple of weeks and the jeweler did not have the tools to provide me with images for light return. I know I could find lower clarity HNAs for cheaper, but price isn't an issue as much as making sure we're not getting ripped off.

Anyway, sorry if this post was so long! This is such a big purchase and I'm very excited, but very anxious as well. Any easement of my sleepless nights would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading.

 

[msop04]

OP, I don't think you necessarily "overpaid" for what you got, but is there any reason you wanted IF?? The reason I'm asking is bc you could get a much larger diamond that is still 100% eye clean for that price. Also, you will not be able to tell the difference in an F and G color.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-f-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-126890 $12,280, 7 mm (video is blurry, diamond will not be -- AGS 0, so amazing performance!)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-282565 $11,740, 7 mm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-dia...67821,2967864,2968691,2987994,3045747,3048652 $11,174 - $12,104 (Both ACA and 6.85 mm, AGS 0)

 

[msop04]

...some more:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11615/ $12,420, 7.16 x 7.13 mm (AGS 0, eye clean)

http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Diam...-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope $12,087, 7.15 x 7.18 mm (HCA 1.4)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73657 $14,130, 7 mm (AGS 0)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3016697.htm?source=pricescope $12,417, 7.6 mm (AGS 0) -- this may be pushing what you're comfortable with, but I wouldn't shoot it down until you've seen it -- it's a full 1 mm larger than the stone you found -- that's a lot!)

 

[marymm]

OP - your stone's HCA score is 1.0 - Excellent within TIC range, with Excellents for Light Return, Fire, and Scintillation; and Very Good for Spread (very good for spread is very common). It also scored within the white AGS O box. As you may know, any score below 2.0 eliminates known poor performers. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

I also ran the AGA Cut Class tool and it received a total score of 1A, and scoring 1A in each of the 8 categories - https://www.pricescope.com/tools/AGA_NAJA_Cut_Class_Grader

And I ran a PS diamond search for diamonds that are 1.10ct F-IF GIA XXX - the results listed 10 diamonds with prices ranging from $10,400 (Union Diamond) to $14,427 (Blue Nile) - of these 10 diamonds, 7 were priced over $13,250.

I think you found a diamond that should have top performance, and if your budget allows you to pay for IF clarity, I think the diamond is priced quite well and within market range.

As quick comparables:
James Allen has a 1.10ct F-VVS1 AGS O diamond priced at $13,180 - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73597

And, WhiteFlash has a 1.175ct F-VS1 A Cut Above priced at $13,377 - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3060886.htm?source=pricescope -

 

[msop04]

OP - your stone's HCA score is 1.0 - Excellent within TIC range, with Excellents for Light Return, Fire, and Scintillation; and Very Good for Spread (very good for spread is very common). It also scored within the white AGS O box. As you may know, any score below 2.0 eliminates known poor performers. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

I'll have to respectfully disagree with you on this, marymm. Although it's a safe bet to stick with <2 if you can't see the stone, an HCA score of >2 certainly does not mean the stone is a "known poor performer" by any stretch of the imagination. It does not mean it's "poor" at all. It just means that it may not be an "optimal performer" -- several experts on here have noted that they have seen many stones that scored >2 that were amazing performers. The HCA isn't the be-all, end-all of evaluating which stones to dismiss... it just helps if you have nothing else. I wouldn't totally rule out a stone scoring >2 if I could see it and/or had other means of checking out it's light return...

 

[tvle84]

...some more:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11615/ $12,420, 7.16 x 7.13 mm (AGS 0, eye clean)

http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Diam...-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE&utm_source=PriceScope $12,087, 7.15 x 7.18 mm (HCA 1.4)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73657 $14,130, 7 mm (AGS 0)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3016697.htm?source=pricescope $12,417, 7.6 mm (AGS 0) -- this may be pushing what you're comfortable with, but I wouldn't shoot it down until you've seen it -- it's a full 1 mm larger than the stone you found -- that's a lot!)

Wow, thank you for all your suggestions! I really do appreciate the time you took to search for these. The reason why we went for a high clarity was because size isn't as important to us as color and clarity. I'm a very petite girl with small fingers so something around 1.1 carat was perfect for me. My boyfriend really wanted to stay in the top grade (is this the right terminology?) in regard to color and clarity.

Thanks again though

 

[tvle84]

OP - your stone's HCA score is 1.0 - Excellent within TIC range, with Excellents for Light Return, Fire, and Scintillation; and Very Good for Spread (very good for spread is very common). It also scored within the white AGS O box. As you may know, any score below 2.0 eliminates known poor performers. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

I also ran the AGA Cut Class tool and it received a total score of 1A, and scoring 1A in each of the 8 categories - https://www.pricescope.com/tools/AGA_NAJA_Cut_Class_Grader

And I ran a PS diamond search for diamonds that are 1.10ct F-IF GIA XXX - the results listed 10 diamonds with prices ranging from $10,400 (Union Diamond) to $14,427 (Blue Nile) - of these 10 diamonds, 7 were priced over $13,250.

I think you found a diamond that should have top performance, and if your budget allows you to pay for IF clarity, I think the diamond is priced quite well and within market range.

As quick comparables:
James Allen has a 1.10ct F-VVS1 AGS O diamond priced at $13,180 - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...arat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73597

And, WhiteFlash has a 1.175ct F-VS1 A Cut Above priced at $13,377 - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3060886.htm?source=pricescope -

This makes me feel a lot better because I haven't even heard of AGA Cut Class. Guess my exhausting research was not exhausting enough! Thank you for all this information, this was very helpful.

 

[tvle84]

OP - your stone's HCA score is 1.0 - Excellent within TIC range, with Excellents for Light Return, Fire, and Scintillation; and Very Good for Spread (very good for spread is very common). It also scored within the white AGS O box. As you may know, any score below 2.0 eliminates known poor performers. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

I'll have to respectfully disagree with you on this, marymm. Although it's a safe bet to stick with <2 if you can't see the stone, an HCA score of >2 certainly does not mean the stone is a "known poor performer" by any stretch of the imagination. It does not mean it's "poor" at all. It just means that it may not be an "optimal performer" -- several experts on here have noted that they have seen many stones that scored >2 that were amazing performers. The HCA isn't the be-all, end-all of evaluating which stones to dismiss... it just helps if you have nothing else. I wouldn't totally rule out a stone scoring >2 if I could see it and/or had other means of checking out it's light return...

Yea, I wish I had thought of to buy an ideal-scope sooner; I didn't realize they could be so affordable! We were able to see the diamond in person and right when we saw it and were able to see the hearts and arrows, we couldn't stop swooning - especially my boyfriend! He couldn't stop wow-ing! (probably not the best idea around the jeweler ) I thought he was going to turn that diamond into an earring for himself. I'm just glad we found something that he felt was worth his hard earned money.

 

[msop04]

OP - your stone's HCA score is 1.0 - Excellent within TIC range, with Excellents for Light Return, Fire, and Scintillation; and Very Good for Spread (very good for spread is very common). It also scored within the white AGS O box. As you may know, any score below 2.0 eliminates known poor performers. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

I'll have to respectfully disagree with you on this, marymm. Although it's a safe bet to stick with <2 if you can't see the stone, an HCA score of >2 certainly does not mean the stone is a "known poor performer" by any stretch of the imagination. It does not mean it's "poor" at all. It just means that it may not be an "optimal performer" -- several experts on here have noted that they have seen many stones that scored >2 that were amazing performers. The HCA isn't the be-all, end-all of evaluating which stones to dismiss... it just helps if you have nothing else. I wouldn't totally rule out a stone scoring >2 if I could see it and/or had other means of checking out it's light return...

Yea, I wish I had thought of to buy an ideal-scope sooner; I didn't realize they could be so affordable! We were able to see the diamond in person and right when we saw it and were able to see the hearts and arrows, we couldn't stop swooning - especially my boyfriend! He couldn't stop wow-ing! (probably not the best idea around the jeweler ) I thought he was going to turn that diamond into an earring for himself. I'm just glad we found something that he felt was worth his hard earned money.

That's great! Glad you are happy with your choice and love your stone -- that is all that matters!

 

[msop04]

Excited for you, OP! Make sure you come back and post lots of photos on SMTB!!

 

[tvle84]

Excited for you, OP! Make sure you come back and post lots of photos on SMTB!!

Thank you so much! I will definitely do that. You know, before all this diamond searching, I honestly didn't think I'd care about it too much. I didn't consider myself the type of girl that could fall in love with a diamond, but now I can't stop thinking about finally getting to rock that rock on my finger!

 

[Bonfire]

OP - your stone's HCA score is 1.0 - Excellent within TIC range, with Excellents for Light Return, Fire, and Scintillation; and Very Good for Spread (very good for spread is very common). It also scored within the white AGS O box. As you may know, any score below 2.0 eliminates known poor performers. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

I'll have to respectfully disagree with you on this, marymm. Although it's a safe bet to stick with <2 if you can't see the stone, an HCA score of >2 certainly does not mean the stone is a "known poor performer" by any stretch of the imagination. It does not mean it's "poor" at all. It just means that it may not be an "optimal performer" -- several experts on here have noted that they have seen many stones that scored >2 that were amazing performers. The HCA isn't the be-all, end-all of evaluating which stones to dismiss... it just helps if you have nothing else. I wouldn't totally rule out a stone scoring >2 if I could see it and/or had other means of checking out it's light return...

Good advise msop04

 

[Bonfire]

OP - your stone's HCA score is 1.0 - Excellent within TIC range, with Excellents for Light Return, Fire, and Scintillation; and Very Good for Spread (very good for spread is very common). It also scored within the white AGS O box. As you may know, any score below 2.0 eliminates known poor performers. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

I'll have to respectfully disagree with you on this, marymm. Although it's a safe bet to stick with <2 if you can't see the stone, an HCA score of >2 certainly does not mean the stone is a "known poor performer" by any stretch of the imagination. It does not mean it's "poor" at all. It just means that it may not be an "optimal performer" -- several experts on here have noted that they have seen many stones that scored >2 that were amazing performers. The HCA isn't the be-all, end-all of evaluating which stones to dismiss... it just helps if you have nothing else. I wouldn't totally rule out a stone scoring >2 if I could see it and/or had other means of checking out it's light return...

Good advise msop04

Oops, typo *advice*

 

[msop04]

Excited for you, OP! Make sure you come back and post lots of photos on SMTB!!

Thank you so much! I will definitely do that. You know, before all this diamond searching, I honestly didn't think I'd care about it too much. I didn't consider myself the type of girl that could fall in love with a diamond, but now I can't stop thinking about finally getting to rock that rock on my finger!

No one is safe from the allure of the sparklies!!! ...at least, that's what I say!

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="tvle84|1394296163|3630015
Yea, I wish I had thought of to buy an ideal-scope sooner; I didn't realize they could be so affordable! We were able to see the diamond in person and right when we saw it and were able to see the hearts and arrows, we couldn't stop swooning - especially my boyfriend! He couldn't stop wow-ing! (probably not the best idea around the jeweler ) I thought he was going to turn that diamond into an earring for himself. I'm just glad we found something that he felt was worth his hard earned money.[/quote]



You need a H&A scope to view the hearts & arrows. the ideal scope will only show light leakage of the diamond.

 

[tvle84]

You need a H&A scope to view the hearts & arrows. the ideal scope will only show light leakage of the diamond.

The jeweler did provide an h&a scope when we first saw the diamond. We were able to see h&a, but couldn't keep still enough to make sure it was perfectly symmetrical all around. We're gonna a see the diamond again tomorrow and hopefully I can try to take some photos of the h&a.

 

[tvle84]

[quote="tvle84|1394296163|3630015
Yea, I wish I had thought of to buy an ideal-scope sooner; I didn't realize they could be so affordable! We were able to see the diamond in person and right when we saw it and were able to see the hearts and arrows, we couldn't stop swooning - especially my boyfriend! He couldn't stop wow-ing! (probably not the best idea around the jeweler ) I thought he was going to turn that diamond into an earring for himself. I'm just glad we found something that he felt was worth his hard earned money.

You need a H&A scope to view the hearts & arrows. the ideal scope will only show light leakage of the diamond.

BTW Dancing Fire, can I ask what watch is in your avatar photo? I'm watch shopping to surprise my boyfriend as an engagement gift and that watch looks quite nice! Right now, I'm just looking at Rolexes but with my budget being 6k max, that might not be doable!

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="tvle84|1394374336|

BTW Dancing Fire, can I ask what watch is in your avatar photo? I'm watch shopping to surprise my boyfriend as an engagement gift and that watch looks quite nice! Right now, I'm just looking at Rolexes but with my budget being 6k max, that might not be doable![/quote]



tvle...The watch is A. Lange & Sohne 18kt RG with Moonphase (Ref. No. 109.032)

 

[tvle84]

[quote="tvle84|1394374336|

BTW Dancing Fire, can I ask what watch is in your avatar photo? I'm watch shopping to surprise my boyfriend as an engagement gift and that watch looks quite nice! Right now, I'm just looking at Rolexes but with my budget being 6k max, that might not be doable!

[qoute]tvle...The watch is A. Lange & Sohne 18kt RG with Moonphase (Ref. No. 109.032)[/quote]

Wow, definitely out of my price range, but that is a beautiful watch! Maybe one day

 

[anthony-roman]

For the given specifications I think the price is reasonable and its a good deal. The piece is quite beautiful by the way!