Help! Buying online is tricky- RB 1.74ct GIA F SI2 Ex

[Jmarie123]

Hi everyone! I've always followed pricescope and use HCA and other tools and advice frequently. Now it's time for me to seek some advice. Looking for a RB loose diamond in the $12,500 and in range G-I in color, 1.66-1.75ct, VS2-S12, zero to med fluorescence, excellent polish and symmetry. I have been scouring the web including Blue Nile, RITANI, etc.I found a nice stone (1.74 ct RB, eye clean F SI2 excellent symm/polish with Med Blue fluor) priced at $11,622. I have the GIA report and an image under 50x magnification (attached) so the inclusions obviously are there. I have watched GOGs youtubes on flourescence and other tips. I'm seeking some expert opinions here! Am I taking a huge risk? I can send the stone back in 30 days and only pay return shipping. Based on GIA report, 1.1 HCA score and images, does anyone think this is a good/great stone? Anything to be aware of? My plans are to have the stone mounted in a white gold or platinum setting. The ring will be sized to a 3.5. Thank you to you all in advance. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[leyhuong]

Hello,
You are making the right first step in making a significant purchase. I see that you've picked a nice stone except for the medium florescence that might (just might) make the stone in the DEF range a little hazy.

From the photo though I can't see that. By this I mean, when minimizing the photo to actual size, I can say that this stone is eye clean for its size and not hazy. I think it can be a great candidate for the money. If you could compromise a little in size, you can have a better contrast stone with better symmetry (From the picture the arrows are not prominent) although this is of 'GIA excellent cut grade'. Better yet, you should ask the vendor to give you visual inspection to see if the stone is eye clean/hazy or not. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Hello,
You are making the right first step in making a significant purchase. I see that you've picked a nice stone except for the medium florescence that might (just might) make the stone in the DEF range a little hazy.

From the photo though I can't see that. By this I mean, when minimizing the photo to actual size, I can say that this stone is eye clean for its size and not hazy. I think it can be a great candidate. Good luck with your purchase.

Few misconceptions to set straight here:
1. Fluor is just as likely to cause 'haziness' in stones of any color, not necessarily just DEF colorless.
2. It's impossible to tell if the stone is 'hazy' or not from the image

You would need to speak to the vendor to determine whether the fluorescence has a detrimental effect. No one can tell you based on a picture.

Unfortunately, it looks like the stone is from BlueNile and they won't readily be able to give you this info. You would need to actually order the stone and then take it to a trained appraiser to determine any possible issues.

Best of luck!

 

[Jmarie123]

Thank you so much for your reply. From the GOG tutorials I picked up on the hazy possibilities and that is also my concern herr although, as you said, it's not apparent (and won't be) from this image. I hope to see it in person to rule that out and return if it's no good.

I was never set on an F or even a G. I would be happy with H-I as well. You mentioned sacrificing size for a better cut. I would be okay with that. I truthfully love the fire and brilliance; the rainbow of colors a diamond can sparkle. Can you recommend a few other stones for me? I would be so grateful! I went by the HCA score thinking it would indicate a nice fire and scintillation with a score of 1.1.

Thanks again to you all!

 

[Jmarie123]

Thank you for your advice! Can you recommend any other stones that might perform better in this same price range?

 

[RockyRacoon]

Thank you for your advice! Can you recommend any other stones that might perform better in this same price range?

Certainly.

Here are three stones with top-notch cuts, all with the necessary light performance analysis you need to make an informed decision, within your budget:

1.516ct, I, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.516-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104074030055

1.45ct, H, SI1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12447/

1.337ct, G, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3172029.htm


You'd just need to figure out how color sensitive the recipient is, and you've got an easy decision. All of those will be top performers.

Best of luck!