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cgsauer

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 25, 2005
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HEllo, I''m looking for a nice round diamond for that special girl. I''ve done a fair amount of research. These are three diamonds that I''ve come up with - any thoughts. Are any something that makes you say thats a good price for a great diamond or are they all just OK. All of these are slightly over budget but I''m not sure what I could switch around to find a more affordable one - I would like an ideal cut, 1-1.10 carat, VS2 at worst.

Anyway, let me know what you think, I"m open for thoughts and ideas.

Price: $6,700.00
Report: GIA
Shape: Round Ideal Cut
Carat: 1.00
Color: G
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 61.2
Table: 55
Crown Angle: 34.8
Crown %: 15.7
Pavilion Angle: 40.7
Pavilion %: 42.9
Girdle: Thin to Medium-Faceted
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Culet: None
Fluorescence: No
Measurements: 6.46-6.48X3.96

Price: $7,737.00
Report: GIA
Shape: Round
Carat: 1.10
Color: E
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 61.8
Table: 55
Girdle: TN F
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Culet: Very Small
Fluorescence: No
Measurements: 6.65-6.71X4.13

Price: $7,381.00
Report: GIA
Shape: Round
Carat: 1.09
Color: F
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 60.1
Table: 58
Girdle: M-
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Culet: None
Fluorescence: No
Measurements: 6.67-6.73X4.03
 
Hi, CG......

Well, of the 3 stones you listed, really only the first one has enough information to make any kind reasonable speculation as to it''s quality. #2 and #3 don''t have the critical information of crown and pavilion angles. If you get that info, we can give you our thoughts on those two.

#1 looks like it is a real winner if it performs in person as the number suggest it will.

Regarding your comment "these are all slightly over budget" and your question "what could I switch around to find a more affordable stone", what is the amount you budgeted? Several folks here are more than happy to help identify possible options in your budget.

What could you switch around? Honestly, I have to tell you that the biggest way to come in line on your budget is dropping clarity a bit to SI1. I noted that you''ve said you want VS2 at worst, but you haven''t mentioned why, so I don''t know if that''s a "mental" marker for you or if it''s something else.

Many times, people want VS2 stones because they feel it''s a "safety buffer" in buying online stones. There are several good vendors here who will be absolutely straight up with you about how clean the diamond looks to the eye.

I did a cut quality search, and I see a few choices. There is a 1.06 H, VS2 stone for 6555; a 1.06 G SI1 for $5838, a 1.06 H, SI1 for $6084, and another H, SI1 for 6134. Normally, I''d post links to the stones to give you something to compare with, but it seems the local savages are in a snit this week and looking to cause trouble, so it''s just not worth the aggravation to me this late at night. If you want the links, PM me and I''ll give them to you happily.

Hope this is helpful......let us know what we can do. And welcome to PS.
 
Hello, anybody else have any ideas - I''ve read that a 59/59 diamond will have more birlliance than other diamonds - is this true? In a round diamond is it best to try to get the depth and table close to each other in number - or is that not a big deal?

Let me know, I''ve done a lot of reading (in the past 2 weeks) but that is nowhere near the expertise that most of you have so I''d appreciate any suggestions from those that know more than me (most of you). Thanks

Cary Sauer
 
What about this diamond? Is there a big difference in GIA and AGS? Cost 7200

Shape BR

Color Grade G

Clarity Grade VS2

Weight 1.083

Measurments 6.57 - 6.59 x 4.09 mm
Proportions
Depth 62.2%

Table 55%

Girdle 0.8-2.3

Culet PT

Crown Angle 34.600

Pavilion Angle 40.800
Finish
Polish IDEAL

Symmetry IDEAL

Fluorescence N
 
It''s a touch deeper than I''d like personally......but that''s just a personal thing. It looks like it has potential to be a fine stone!
 
Another option

Item Code: GIA-13669187
Price: $7,937.00
Report: GIA
Shape: Round Ideal Cut
Carat: 1.06
Color: E
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 60.1
Table: 56
Crown Angle: 35
Crown %: 15.3
Pavilion Angle: 40.7
Pavilion %: 42.9
Girdle: Thin to Medium Faceted
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Culet: None
Fluorescence: No
Measurements: 6.65-6.69X4.01
 
one more - any comments welcome, thank you

Cash Price: $8,073
Stock Number: 6999868
Shape: Signature Round
Laboratory: GIA
Carat Weight: 1.07
Color: F
Clarity: VS1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Measurements: 6.66x6.70x4.02
Depth: 60.2%
Table: 54%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Culet: None
Girdle: Thin, Faceted
Fluorescence: None
Culet: None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crown Angle : 34.0°
Crown %: 15.4
Pavillion Angle : 40.7°
Pavillion %: 42.4
Lab Comments: None
 
on that last one that you just posted, i don't absolutely love the depth at 62.2. on #3 you posted, i also don't like the 58 table mixed with the depth. #1 seems like the best bet here but as al pointed out, we have no other info on the other 2 stones so you can't really compare apples to apples.

regarding my preference for depth. 62.2 for depth is perfectly acceptable, is still AGS0 and can still yield a well-cut stone but for MY PREFERENCES...I try not to choose anything in the high 61% range even. It used to be 61-62 was fine but lately for me I find I want something like 60.8 with a 55 table and great angles. Why? Because it makes the stone look larger. The bigger the depth, the more weight that hides in there that can't be seen up front. That does not automatically mean a small depth is good either...but someting in the 60's for me is a sweet spot with good table and angles. It can really increase bang for buck which for me is more size but not compromising on CUT.

thing about being picky is I figure if I am spending $$ then i should get the best diamond possible for that money. that means not settling (unless you are in a huge hurry which is not advisable when shopping for a diamond or inventory just isn't there at all and won't be) for something that would probably still be beautiful but not AS BEAUTIFUL to me as something that fits my parameters.

that is just my experience and my choice. what you WILL find is that we all have varying opinions re: what makes a beautiful diamond and much of that is our own experiences and what we have seen with our own two eyes. so be prepared to get some different opinions and really have to use your own judgement to make a decision.

but get the other info on the other diamonds like sarin, angles etc because right now it's hard to say anything else other than base the decision on table and depth which actually means nothing.

edited to add: i also agree to drop your clarity down to SI1...it will save you $$$ and if budget is an issue that could be important. if you find a well-cut eye-clean SI1..it is a beautiful thing!
 
here are my choices for an F or G SI stone ... i ran a search and about 25 stones came back but only these few for me would be ones i would consider. pay attention to the diameter of the stone as well if you are looking for a bigger look.

good luck.

edited to add i really really like that 1.12 G SI from WF...it has really stellar #'s IMO and it is an ACA which is kind of a perk but it's cheaper than some of the other non branded contenders. i'd find out if it's eye clean and if the inclusions are white. i like the last one too cuz it's BIG.
2.gif


si options 0505 mara.JPG
 
CG
Others have responded very well to you.

In further regards to budget, White Flash has their ES collection vs. their hearts and arrows (ACA). There are some people who post regularly on the site, such as Mxxx, who swear by the ES collection and have found a larger stone and other qualities to satisfy them, and save lots of $$$$

Good luck.
 
Mxxx, who swear by the ES collection and have found a larger stone and other qualities to satisfy them, and save lots of $$$$
Click to expand...

I sat there for a second thinking, who is Mxxx?? WAIT, IT'S ME!!

Yes, I adore many WF ES diamonds, total bang for the buck and very precise cutting. My husband owns an ACA and I have ACA earrings but the ES selection really broadens things out for the masses, esp those on a tight budget and not looking to pay for brand.

Anyhow, I was also thinking I really like that DCD stone I posted above too and it's very cheap. If you can get past the VS2 requirement, you could save $$.
 
Hey Mxxx

Glad you got it, wasn''t sure if I should blurt out your name. Bill
 
Thanks for all your help everyone. I''m still weeding through everything.

I liked the 1.12 G SI1 but really don''t want to sacrifice quality just to get a bit bigger diamond. Will there be a big difference between that and an F VS2?

Plus, my girlfiend has a size 5 finger so most of these will look good and decent sized.

I will look through some of the options. How much different is a G SI1 and an F VS2 anyway - I''d like a great diamond with good value - ie if moving to a G SI1 saves a lot and theres relatively little difference is that the way to go?

Thanks

Cary
 
the inclusion on the AGS cert does look big, but here is the mag picture of the diamond. where is the inclusion? doesn't look visible to me.

VS vs SI..if you can find a GOOD EYE CLEAN SI...no one will know it' s not a VS. this is why a strictly graded SI1 can be a real $$ saver if you can find one. i have had 2 so far and i LOVE them. started out with VS and it took me to go to SI2 to be able to see anything in my stones even with a loupe!

regarding color, some people have more sensitive eyes and may see a diff between E/F/G. you had G's in your original ideas so i figured you were interested in G's...personally I don't see differences in D/E/F/G/H and really only I/J is where I start to see some variances, also when SET the diamond looks different so it's hard to compare unset to set.

personally i think a G SI could be a great option for you but it's that mental block you need to get over if you have a tight budget. re: size, not much difference between your 1-1.10 to a 1.12, i just thought that looked like a nice stone.

DCD diamond.jpg
 
Thanks for the information

I''m still not sure which way to go. How can you know if you can or can''t see anything if you''re buying things online - thats my issue and why I''ve probably stayed closer to F VS2 then anythign else.

Any other diamonds that you think are good that are more reasonable would be appreciated - something more like G SI1 but with good dimensions. Thanks

Cary
 
How do you find a good SI1 diamond - do you just trust the online dealer or what?

Thanks
 
What do you all think about this diamond

It has some inclusions but they are off to the side - is this good/bad/no difference - or are smaller dot-like ones in the middle "better"

http://www.dirtcheapdiamonds.com/diamond_detail.cfm?did=8011435

The more I look the more difficult and confused I am I think.

Thanks again

Cary
 
Date: 5/26/2005 2:17:16 PM
Author: Mara
the inclusion on the AGS cert does look big, but here is the mag picture of the diamond. where is the inclusion? doesn''t look visible to me.
Click to expand...
Is that the inclusion at 7 o''clock - looks like a line - I think thats what I''m seeing, just not sure
 
Date: 5/26/2005 2:51:56 PM
Author: cgsauer
Date: 5/26/2005 2:17:16 PM
Author: Mara
the inclusion on the AGS cert does look big, but here is the mag picture of the diamond. where is the inclusion? doesn''t look visible to me.
Click to expand...
Is that the inclusion at 7 o''clock - looks like a line - I think thats what I''m seeing, just not sure
Click to expand...

If you look at 3:00 on the picture, you''ll see two (2) black dots. That lines up perfectly with the GIA report is you turn the report to match those dots. Depending on your setting, you may be able to hide that inclusion with a prong?...
 
Date: 5/26/2005 2:46:19 PM
Author: cgsauer
How do you find a good SI1 diamond - do you just trust the online dealer or what?

Thanks
Click to expand...
YES! get on the phone and ask them. there are a lot of reputable dealers around here who will be straight with you about whether or not the inclusions can be seen with the eye. when you have a tight budget, and want the biggest rock for your $$, then you really should be looking for an eye clean SI1.
 
Date: 5/26/2005 2:57:04 PM
Author: AChiOAlumna

Date: 5/26/2005 2:51:56 PM
Author: cgsauer

Date: 5/26/2005 2:17:16 PM
Author: Mara
the inclusion on the AGS cert does look big, but here is the mag picture of the diamond. where is the inclusion? doesn''t look visible to me.
Click to expand...
Is that the inclusion at 7 o''clock - looks like a line - I think thats what I''m seeing, just not sure
Click to expand...

If you look at 3:00 on the picture, you''ll see two (2) black dots. That lines up perfectly with the GIA report is you turn the report to match those dots. Depending on your setting, you may be able to hide that inclusion with a prong?...
Click to expand...
The below diamond has a few inclusions at 3oclock - if I have a tiffany 4 prong setting will this cover the inclusion? Is it still worth purchasing considering this inclusion and the expense $7400.

Let me know what your thoughts are.

http://www.dirtcheapdiamonds.com/diamond_detail.cfm?did=8011435&ref=PS622

Cary
 
What do you think about this one - looks pretty good to me just a bit on the expensive side

Cary

Item Code: AGS-5884903
Price: $7,345.00
Report: AGS
Shape: A Cut Above H&A
Carat: 1.110
Color: F
Clarity: SI1
Depth: 60.6
Table: 55
Crown Angle: 34.8
Crown %: 15.5
Pavilion Angle: 40.7
Pavilion %: 42.9
Girdle: Thin
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Culet: Pointed
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 6.74-6.76X4.09


http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-5884903#
 
Date: 5/26/2005 2:44:37 PM
Author: cgsauer

How can you know if you can or can''t see anything if you''re buying things online - thats my issue and why I''ve probably stayed closer to F VS2 then anythign else.
C
Click to expand...
Cary......you pick up the phone and ask the vendor to pull the diamond and examine it whie he''s on the phone with you.

I just bought an SI2 diamond from a vendor in Idaho...and I live in MA. I picked up the phone, asked him if the stone was eyeclean (yes), where are the inclusions (mostly off the table), and if they were dark inclusions or not (no, they weren''t dark - they were colorless).

You have to understand....these folks are in the business of PLEASING you. It''s not in their interest to mislead you about the stone.....all that does is make you unhappy (knowing you''ll tell loads of other people), makes him lose the sale becuase you return it, and makes a huge headache for nothing.
 
Date: 5/26/2005 2:57:04 PM
Author: AChiOAlumna

If you look at 3:00 on the picture, you''ll see two (2) black dots. That lines up perfectly with the GIA report is you turn the report to match those dots. Depending on your setting, you may be able to hide that inclusion with a prong?...
Click to expand...
These inclusions can be seen because the picture of this diamond is as large as a softball!

Imagine this diamond in real life shrink down to a little smaller than the size of a pencil eraser.....do you think you''d be able to see them then? Probably not.

Call Jim or Josh at Dirt Cheap. Ask whoever you speak with the pull the diamond and examine it when you''re on the phone.....ask if it''s eyeclean. If they say it is, you really don''t have to worry.
9.gif
 
Date: 5/26/2005 3:55:19 PM
Author: aljdewey

These inclusions can be seen because the picture of this diamond is as large as a softball!
Imagine this diamond in real life shrink down to a little smaller than the size of a pencil eraser.....do you think you'd be able to see them then? Probably not.
9.gif
Click to expand...

This is a good point...it's very clear on the photo because of how big it's been blown up....Probably to the naked eye, you won't see them at all!
 
Date: 5/26/2005 3:27:55 PM
Author: cgsauer
What do you think about this one - looks pretty good to me just a bit on the expensive side

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-5884903#
Click to expand...
Cary, this one looks beautiful and seriously eyeclean. I''ve attached a photo at 40x mag....big as a softball, and you can''t see the inclusion. Nice pick.

P.S. This diamond is only $6914 for Pricescope shoppers.....if you ask for the Pricescope price, that''s what it will be.....which was right in your stated 6-7K budget.

Nice, nice selection.

F110upclose.jpg
 
I guess I am confused because Cary, you posted some diamonds originally that were ~6700 and you they were out of your budget. hence why I suggested SI and going down to ~6500 or less. Now we are looking at ~7400 stones?

There are eight+ stones up for consideration at this point and none of them are what you want...what EXACTLY are your priorities???

Is it cut first then color, clarity size? Or what? Please outlay this AND outlay your max budget because I thought you were trying to save $$ from the first stones you posted, it was this line that made me think this "All of these are slightly over budget" but maybe I was mistaken.
20.gif


I wish there was a quiz that people were required to take which told us what exactly people are looking for when they post, the last few days there have been multiple threads re: multiple stones and for many of them it's unclear to me what the poster is REALLY seeking.

Oh and re: the DCD diamond I posted, that is a huge looking inclusion on the AGS cert but AGAIN I ask..where is it in the diamond? Should be on the TABLE. anyone see it? If you have to stare very hard at the stone guess what, you will not see that inclusion in reall ife. I'm not talking about random pinpoints off to the edge of the stone but a big smack dab table inclusion. It's probably white. This is a great example of how the cert may show one thing but the pic shows another and/or nothing at all and this is when it's great to CALL THE VENDOR and ask them to look at the stone in person for you. Helps you narrow it down.
 
Mara - sorry I agree that I"m everywhere on this. I guess partly because I don''t have a firm budget and because I''ve really only been researching this stuff for a few weeks and REALLY don''t know EXACTLY what I"m looking for.

Anyway, I am goign to take a good look at these diamonds and call the vendors, then after that narrow it down and post just a few for any final opinions and go with one of those - I''ll post that tonite and buy a ring tomorrow.

Thank you again for all your help. As far as exactly what I"m looking for - I"m not sure to be honest. Cut and brilliance are obviously most important, after that I''m not sure. I just want the diamond to sparkle and probably all of them will.

As far as the above picture the G SI1 diamond - I think I can see the inclusion - looks like its at 7oclock - a an inclusion is visible - still, its a great price for an otherwise great diamond and still a possiblity.

Anyway, I''m going to look at these and see what I think, then post one more message with things narrowed down.

Cary
 
Cary....I noticed that someone posted the 1.122 G SI1. I was considering that diamond & one other diamond about a month ago. I obviously didn''t go with that diamond as I went with the other diamond from the Expert Selection (it was a tad bigger). I had both shipped to an appaiser so that I could view them before making a final selection.

The 1.122 is beautiful!!! It is completely eye clean! So if questioning eye clean is your only concern, no worries!!! You can''t go wrong with the 1.122!

Good luck! Keep us posted!

Edited to Add - I completely agree with Mara & Jld regarding inclusions. SI1s make for a great value if they are eye clean!
 
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