Help a Guy Finalize Diamond Choice!

[ReasonableDoubt]

After reading up LOTS and lurking here, I've learned a lot over the past few weeks. I've (hopefully) narrowed things down and am finally about make a purchase of an engagement ring. Since I'm in the DC area, I've decided to purchase through Quest Jewelers. So far they have been VERY helpful in the process. Will be getting both the setting & diamond from them.

Setting -

Was looking at Gabriel & Co. settings. Specifically the below models:
http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER7531W44JJ
http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER7478W44JJ
http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER7479W44JJ

I narrowed it down to the "7531" model. Wasn't really in love with the halos after looking at them for several weeks. Had my mind made up when I went to Quest today and was going to ask them how much it would be to replicate something like it since they don't sell the Gabriel line (yet). Surprisingly, they already had a custom piece that was VERY similar to the model I was interested in. Plus, it was very close in price. Win!

I will be sure to post pics as soon I receive them.

Diamond - (the hard part)

Quest has access to ALOT of diamonds on their site. Sort of overwhelming. However I picked out 12 and sat with them to go through the GIA reports to narrow it down. We decided on the following to stone to look at in person:

Carat weight: 0.81 carat
Cut: Ideal
Color: I
Clarity: SI2
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 63.7%
Table: 56.0%
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Medium to slightly thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 5.87*5.91*3.75
Clarity Characteristics: Twinning Wisp
Ratio: 0.99
Price - $2,500

I know it doesn't score "Excellent" on the HCA, but I know that doesn't necessarily mean it's a BAD stone. Like I said previously, I will be looking at in person. However, I would like some initial opinons before I definitely purchase it. Also, if it's not a good deal please help find something that I could get a better bang for my buck. Looking to keep the color I or better and under $3K if possible. Quest's site can be found here: http://www.questjewelers.com/index.php

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ravinmad]

stone you have listed is promising, but check this one too.

https://www.gia.edu/reportcheck/ind...rtVerification&reportno=2131521182&weight=.70

http://www.questjewelers.com/index.php?page=diamonds&action=detail&id=32666&number=8Q64369530 it rates 2.4 on the HCA

 

[plummiecat]

I'm concerned about the depth. Is this a round brilliant cut? Ideally the depth should be 60%-62.3%.

 

[ReasonableDoubt]

I'm concerned about the depth. Is this a round brilliant cut? Ideally the depth should be 60%-62.3%.

Forgot to include that in my original post. Yes it is a RB.

 

[ReasonableDoubt]

Once I see the stone in person, what should I be looking for to see if it's a good "performer"? I know to look for inclusions, but I'm assuming good performance = great sparkle?

 

[farmer gal]

If it were me I would call ID and tell them your a pricescoper and have them help you find a diamond within budget to go with your setting
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=14627&osCsid=82jffb6nm3crn4g9blf52g55n5

Or get a setting from quest and buy a diamond somewhere else such as:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.812-j-si1-round-diamond-blags-104055417003#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

Call for pricescope discount if you are interested

 

[ReasonableDoubt]

If it were me I would call ID and tell them your a pricescoper and have them help you find a diamond within budget to go with your setting
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=14627&osCsid=82jffb6nm3crn4g9blf52g55n5

Or get a setting from quest and buy a diamond somewhere else such as:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.812-j-si1-round-diamond-blags-104055417003#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

Call for pricescope discount if you are interested

Thanks for the response. I was originally going to go with IDJ when I was decided on the G&Co. setting, however that changed when I could get the same thing locally and in person for the same price. I want to get the stone and setting from the same retailer. Less hassle & less money out of my pocket. Also, Quest is literally 10-15mins from me so why not. After all is said and done the piece will have a lifetime warranty for ANY issues. Just a better deal (to me) overall.

Also, IDJ's stone selection for Ideal/Excellent GIA/AGS RBs in my price range isn't that great. Most the stones they have are EGL.

 

[ReasonableDoubt]

Once I see the stone in person, what should I be looking for to see if it's a good "performer"? I know to look for inclusions, but I'm assuming good performance = great sparkle?

Any help?

 

[plummiecat]

If you see a stone that you like online, IDJ can most likely get the stone for you at a better price. Just give IDJ the cert # and they will let you know.

 

[ReasonableDoubt]

If you see a stone that you like online, IDJ can most likely get the stone for you at a better price. Just give IDJ the cert # and they will let you know.

Good to know for the future. Didn't know IDJ did that.

 

[ReasonableDoubt]

Got some pics of the setting, with a CZ place holder until the final diamond decision is made.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Once I see the stone in person, what should I be looking for to see if it's a good "performer"? I know to look for inclusions, but I'm assuming good performance = great sparkle?

Any help?

When you go see the diamond you should look at 4-5 stones with varying characteristics in your budget. Call in a slightly smaller stone perhaps that is better by the numbers. Call in an AGS0 for cut. And then compare them in different lighting. If this stone looks as good or better than the "known good performers", in particularly and AGS0 comparable, then you will know its a goodie. But you need the comparison stones since you are not used to looking at diamonds and judging their cut You can also buy an ideal scope for $25 and take it with you, it will help you see if the stone has any dead areas.

What are the crown and pavilion angles of the stone you are considering?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That other stone was too deep. A .80 should be 6mm. I agree with Dreamer...they need to call in a few stones that meet your budget and that are GIA Excellent cut.

The setting is quite beautiful, but it may be a bit difficult to pair a wedding band with it.

 

[Dreamer_D]

That other stone was too deep. A .80 should be 6mm. I agree with Dreamer...they need to call in a few stones that meet your budget and that are GIA Excellent cut.

The setting is quite beautiful, but it may be a bit difficult to pair a wedding band with it.

eek yes, good catch. My first diamond was a .80ct and it was 6.1mm! AGS0