Help me determine this diamond''s worth

[Ziggles]

Hi everyone:

I need help--

I am interested in this stone for my gf's engagement ring. I have the specs from the GIA report but wanted to know what YOU all thought - what you think its value is, really what it should cost. See if it's around the same ballpark.

Thanks in advance!


SPECS:

Shape: RB
Measurements: 8.15 - 8.22 x 4.77mm
Weight: 1.94ct

Proportions
Depth: 58.3%
Table: 62%
Girdle: Very thin to medium
Cutlet: None

Finish
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good

Clarity Grade: VVS2
Color Grade: I
Fluorescence: Med Blue

 

[Regular Guy]

Hey fry your brains guy...

Seems like $18K ish...

but, if you've read the tutorial, or seen options discussed here...this one would be an irregular choice...and I had thought you were trying to take advantage of the established advice here.

For example, though shallow, and with a big table...you don't seem to have either pictures, or data from crown & pavilion angles and are still interested in spending a wad of cash....nevermind the VVS2 clarity you hadn't even included as an option on your initial post...and with good reason.

I don't think even the girls whose advice you'd prefer would overall approve...

 

[Ziggles]

Still learning bro...

This stuff boggles my mind. I want to get the most for my money, but I'm confused as hell. The pics look alright--not great like some of our fellow Pricescopers take. Don't want to waste my time if its not worth it. The woman is considering selling for 14k-ish, after having it at 18k...she needs to sell, that is obvious.

Need to learn, but don't have a lot of time. And, I ask the women because this is for my girl...want her to love it. But open to everyone, so I appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks again.

 

[jill_s]

My opinion is to pass. Based on the limited info, this diamond has a good diameter but it will not be brilliant as it could be. I''m upgrading my stone to get a better cut, because there is something magical about the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond to me - those things are directly because of the cut. I think an online vendor would be able to offer you something that''s better cut and will then offer more brilliance.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/22/2008 10:11:27 PM
Author: Ziggles
Still learning bro...

This stuff boggles my mind. I want to get the most for my money, but I''m confused as hell. The pics look alright--not great like some of our fellow Pricescopers take. Don''t want to waste my time if its not worth it. The woman is considering selling for 14k-ish, after having it at 18k...she needs to sell, that is obvious.

Need to learn, but don''t have a lot of time. And, I ask the women because this is for my girl...want her to love it. But open to everyone, so I appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks again.

I would be nervous just buying it from someone you don''t know. Do you have a budget and we can help you look for a stone?

 

[Lorelei]

Ditto everyone else Ziggles - if you lack time, then we could certainly find you some alternatives from vendors with an excellent rep, return and trade up policy. This diamond is probably pre cut grade GIA, so no important crown and pavilion angles, let us know if we can help you

 

[Ziggles]

What is "pre cut GIA?"

 

[Lorelei]

GIA began grading for cut quality in January 2006 if I remember rightly. In doing so, they began giving diamonds a cut grade such as Excellent, Very Good etc, and providing the all important crown and pavilion angles on the GIA reports. I think the GIA report of the diamond you are considering is probably from before GIA began doing this.

 

[Ziggles]

You''re right Lorelei. The GIA report is from 2005. Okay, so I guess I am back at square one. No big deal right?

Basically, some of you did a search, and there were some nice stones but I would like something bigger than 1.7. Around 1.9, IF I can. I''ll keep a lookout.

Thanks for the advice people - much appreciated.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2008 9:49:09 AM
Author: Ziggles
You''re right Lorelei. The GIA report is from 2005. Okay, so I guess I am back at square one. No big deal right?

Basically, some of you did a search, and there were some nice stones but I would like something bigger than 1.7. Around 1.9, IF I can. I''ll keep a lookout.

Thanks for the advice people - much appreciated.

You are welcome! If you give us an idea of budget, preferred colour and clarity, then maybe we can find something in the size you want, let us know if we can help.

 

[Ziggles]

Looking for 1.9ish, G-I color (J if its not too yellow), VSI-SI1, AND BLINGED OUT! LOL Sparkly, I mean...the girl needs it to sparkle. Budget: like to keep it around 14k but can go as high as 16k for the right stone.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2008 10:27:57 AM
Author: Ziggles
Looking for 1.9ish, G-I color (J if its not too yellow), VSI-SI1, AND BLINGED OUT! LOL Sparkly, I mean...the girl needs it to sparkle. Budget: like to keep it around 14k but can go as high as 16k for the right stone.

Ok, I will see what I can find!

Ok, if this one is verified eyeclean by GOG, this diamond could be an amazing deal, in budget and 2 carats. It also has strong blue fluorescence which may be an nice addition to the J colour, the cut is excellent and it should sparkle like mad! If you like this one, check it out with GOG as soon as you can, and if very interested put it on hold to avoid it being grabbed.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3154/

 

[Ziggles]

Very nice. Thanks! Question, is fluorescence good or bad to have? Someone told me it''s not ideal.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2008 10:36:29 AM
Author: Ziggles
Very nice. Thanks! Question, is fluorescence good or bad to have? Someone told me it's not ideal.

I don't know who told you that, but fluorescence is a preference - it has many fans here! Also some believe it can help a lower colour diamond face up whiter. In very rare cases, strong blue can make a diamond look milky or cloudy in some lights, but this is extremely rare, plus an in house hand picked diamond like the one I posted will have been checked for this anyway. I would grab a diamond with strong blue fluorescence in a heartbeat. You may not notice the effects much except under a blacklight or in some sunlight, you may notice a violety glow which some think is extremely cool.

See this thread, Aljdewey and Ellen post their earrings, one has strong blue fluorescence and the other one doesn't, it might give you an idea.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-calling-all-who-have-seen-a-strong-blue-fluor-diamond.55714/

 

[Ziggles]

Okay. She contacted me and said she has an EGL certification as well as GIA. Here are the extra specs, answering some of the questions above:

Depth: 58.4%
Table: 62%
Crown: 12.8%
Pavillion: 42.5%
Girdle: thin-med
Fluro: med blue

I will try posting a pic of the diamond...its not a great quality picture though...let me see if I can crop it too.

 

[mercoledi]

Date: 6/23/2008 10:28:53 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/23/2008 10:27:57 AM

Author: Ziggles

Looking for 1.9ish, G-I color (J if its not too yellow), VSI-SI1, AND BLINGED OUT! LOL Sparkly, I mean...the girl needs it to sparkle. Budget: like to keep it around 14k but can go as high as 16k for the right stone.

Ok, I will see what I can find!


Ok, if this one is verified eyeclean by GOG, this diamond could be an amazing deal, in budget and 2 carats. It also has strong blue fluorescence which may be an nice addition to the J colour, the cut is excellent and it should sparkle like mad! If you like this one, check it out with GOG as soon as you can, and if very interested put it on hold to avoid it being grabbed.


http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3154/

Holy Guacamole Lorelei! What a find!

Ziggles- if the GOG stone is eye-clean, it's sure to be a stunner and much BLINGIER that the other stone you're considering.

 

[Ziggles]

What do you all think? PASS???

Wish I didn''t need someone holding my hand but I want her to love it and I am feeling anxious about not getting the best for her (and the most for my money).

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Hey, Ziggles!

Just curious, did the color and clarity come back the same for both the EGL and GIA grading? I only ask because for an I color, that stone is showing what seems to be a great deal of warmth? I know the background isn't white, which is preferable, but I think the lovely stone Lorelei posted would probably face up much whiter and is a better-cut stone. You said you wanted the stone to be as sparkly as possible and I just don't think this stone is going to give you that...

ETA: I'm wondering if the color I see is a reflection? In any case, I think that the Lorelei's great find would be a much better stone for the same price!

 

[Ziggles]

I know Lorelei found a nice stone...but Im wondering if J is too yellow. Though I woudn''t know what too yellow looks like. I just know the gf doesnt want it "too warm."

 

[Ziggles]

Ok, I am taking your combined words for it. You all would know better than me anyway. I will tell her that I''m going to pass.

I am seriously considering the one Lorelei sent me...just wondering about the J- color. Anyone else got an opinion?

 

[mercoledi]

Wow, that stone gives the weirdest HCA plot I've ever seen.

If your stone is an EGL color I, EGL and even GIA are less strict about color grading than is ACA, so it's possible/probable that the GOG stone and your stone are pretty much the same color. They both have some fluoro, so they should both show whiter than I/J's without fluoro.

The stone you're looking at is outside of Ideal specs (assuming you want a bright, fiery stone). It does have great spread for it's size, but that compromises it's performance.

So it's up to you. The stones are about the same color and price; do you want spread or sparkle?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2008 2:33:11 PM
Author: Ziggles
I know Lorelei found a nice stone...but Im wondering if J is too yellow. Though I woudn't know what too yellow looks like. I just know the gf doesnt want it 'too warm.'

Thanks Merc and NEU, that is definitely a lucky find if eyeclean!!!

Ziggles, I would definitely pass on the other diamond, if you want a sparkly and excellently cut diamond, the GOG diamond can give you that. A superbly cut J will in no way be yellow, to further reassure you, maybe Jon at GOG could do a video for you of the diamond, that way you can see for yourself that this diamond will not be yellow. Also there are many happy J owners here who love a well cut J to get a larger diamond - who are completely happy with their choices. If you are in anyway interested in this diamond, I would contact GOG as soon as possible and reserve it while you make up your mind, as lurkers can grab diamonds that are being considered. This one is a lot of diamond for the money.

 

[Ziggles]

She most certainly wants sparkle, that I know for sure. Its just that shes got a sharp eye...but I think she''d love this stone. I think

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2008 2:48:01 PM
Author: Ziggles
She most certainly wants sparkle, that I know for sure. Its just that shes got a sharp eye...but I think she'd love this stone. I think

Call GOG, and ask them about this diamond. Tell them your concern about the J colour, and I know they will be able to reassure you to help you make the right choice. Check with them also if it is eyeclean, if you like what you hear, put it on hold ASAP to prevent it being grabbed, this diamond won't stick around long due to the size, cut and price, especially now it has been posted here. GOG also have a good return evaluation policy and this diamond is eligible for lifetime upgrade, so it is definitely worth considering, as this diamond will in no way be yellow if that is a big concern. A J colour is still a white diamond, GOG may also be able to do a video for you, or send you additional photos.

 

[WinkHPD]

Date: 6/22/2008 10:11:27 PM
Author: Ziggles
Still learning bro...

This stuff boggles my mind. I want to get the most for my money, but I''m confused as hell. The pics look alright--not great like some of our fellow Pricescopers take. Don''t want to waste my time if its not worth it. The woman is considering selling for 14k-ish, after having it at 18k...she needs to sell, that is obvious.

Need to learn, but don''t have a lot of time. And, I ask the women because this is for my girl...want her to love it. But open to everyone, so I appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks again.

One thing no one has mentioned.

You might want to contact Brian the Cutter or one of the other cutters here and give them the specs so that they could give you an estimate of the finished weight of a recut of this diamond cut to the specs that will make your ladies heart happy. Then go back and make an offer based on the expected finished weight and the cost to have the recut done. Start at her offer of $14k and subtract.

She may not take it, in which case it is still easy to walk away. If she does, it may be possible that you have a magnificent find and value on your hands.

Wink

 

[mercoledi]

Is it the clarity disparity that's bothering you?

GOG also has a great upgrade policy, so that if you purchased that stone and your lady was unsatisfied, you can trade it in for another stone. It's a whole lot of money, can you have the stone independently appraised before buying?


Link
Return policy:
30-day return policy less shipping on all diamonds purchased from Good Old Gold. The bottom line is that you are 100% satisfied with the diamond you purchased from us. Not only do we guarantee that the diamond will appraise for more than what you paid for it, we want you to know that you're getting the quality you're paying for.

Trade up policy:
Lifetime trade up policy
This policy is for all diamonds featuring our "Lifetime Guarantee" and is stated on each individual diamonds web page. Diamonds qualifying for lifetime trade up are round & square Hearts & Arrows diamonds, princess cuts, asschers, cushions and any diamond listed with our "Lifetime Guarantee". Trading up is simple. Trade back the diamond you purchased from Good Old Gold for the full amount of the purchase price (less shipping). At any time you can trade in the diamond you purchased from Good Old Gold and get exactly what you paid (less the cost of shipping) toward a diamond of at least a $500.00 greater value than your past purchase. Once you trade up for another diamond, there are no refunds. You can only trade up again. The diamond cannot be chipped, burned or altered in any way different than how you received it from us in order for us to honor your refund or upgrade. If your trade-in does require a minor re-polishing to bring it back to its original condition, only the cost of the re-polishing, a new (GIA/AGS) grading report and any loss of points on the diamond from the re-polishing would be deducted.

 

[Ziggles]

See I forgot about the SI2...Im hopeless.

I will do just what you said Lorelei. You''ve been a great help.

 

[mercoledi]

It''s a ton to try and tackle all at once. I''ve been hanging out here for years and only recently got the hang of the RB numbers game. Lorelei''s a pro- you can''t go wrong on her watch.

It sounds like you might benefit from backing off and deciding what factors are most important in your stone, then finding a rock to fit your specs.

Wink- When you re-cut a shallow stone like that, do you take material off of the crown? Most of the re-cuts I''ve seen here are steep/deeps. Does one type retain more weight than another?

 

[Ziggles]

Mercoledi - I told the woman I am going to pass. The more I considered it, the less I felt comfortable. I was seeing a great deal but since I know very little about diamonds, I couldn't have known it wasn't the best quality. I am not rolling in loot but I do have a fairly significant amount of money to spend, so naturally I want to spend it wisely. I would hate if my girlfriend didn't love it - and I would know because she can't hide emotions well. She deserves a ring that was well researched at the very least.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the feedback - I am learning! Let that count for something.

Sorry, I keep editing my last post. Thanks again Lorelei - and everyone else!

-- Lorelei, per Mercoledi's recommendation, I may have to call on you at some point again - hope you don't mind.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2008 2:55:44 PM
Author: Ziggles
See I forgot about the SI2...Im hopeless.

I will do just what you said Lorelei. You've been a great help.

Thanks for the details Merc!

Ziggles, I am glad to have been of help, please let us know how you get on with GOG, they will take excellent care of you! Also you could certainly have it appraised during the return period if you wished, as Merc suggested.

It is also a lot to take in when buying a diamond and it can be overwhelming, but time spent learning and researching is time very well spent when you see your GF smile whenever she glances at her hand!

LOL - I don't mind you calling on me again Ziggles, I will be here for a couple more hours!