Help newbie buying a princess cut diamond (Solasfera)

[Anthonyt206]

I have been researching diamonds for over a month now trying to find as much information as possible. I've gone to a LOT of local stores and seen many beautiful stones. I've also heard all the sales pitches around and been told multiple times that "this is the stone for you" in my quest I have strived to look at primarily GIA rated stones so I could be comparing apples to apples as much as possible.

My question today is concerning a Solasfera princess cut stone at Jared

Size 1.11
VVS1
Color - H
Polish- very good
Symmetry- very good

IGI report. -380410020u

The report is IGI which they assure me is reputable, here is the link to the report

http://www.igi-usa.com/igiweb/onlinereport/View_Cert.cfm?pCert=380410020u

The stone also had a GemEx report where it was ranked at the top end on all aspects, I don't know very much about GemEx and how much stock to put in this information.

The asking price for this stone is $6900 they (Jared) are telling me this is a very good deal and it's not often they have VVS1 come in.

Does this seem reasonable ? Is the IGI plus GemEx report something to trust ? Or should I go back to focusing on GIA rated diamonds.

Also I know the Solasfera diamond is a "designer cut " it does seem to preform very well as far as brilliance and scintilla, is this a gimmick ?

Thanks in advance, I'm driving myself crazy.

Tony

 

[JulieN]

I saw a 1 ct Solasfera princess on James Allen a couple of weeks ago for 4000. I will see if it is still there.

 

[JulieN]

Here it is. Please put it on hold if you are interested. It is a little smaller than theone you are looking at.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-265215

 

[hawk25]

Solasfera cuts aren't a gimmick, they are just a different flavour of diamond. They personally aren't my cup of tea, I prefer the look of a regular-style cut, but I completely understand why people like them.

GOG has done a few videos that compares Solasfera princess cuts next to a regular ideal cut princesses:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOTkRwzUWKo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx_Sr8q5Z8s

So compared with an AGS ideal cut princess diamond, is it worth the designer premium to get a Solasfera? That's completely up to you and your tastes

 

[tyty333]

Here it is. Please put it on hold if you are interested. It is a little smaller than theone you are looking at.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-265215

Good find Julie!

 

[JulieN]

BTW comparing prices with Good Old GOld, a PS vendor who sells Solasferas, the Jared price is in line with GOG's prices.

The JA one happens to be inexpensive probably because it is a trade-in.

 

[gregchang35]

Here it is. Please put it on hold if you are interested. It is a little smaller than theone you are looking at.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-265215

Good find Julie!

+1.
I do like the overall look and performance of the Solasfera Princess. and if JA has a cheaper one due to the trade in, it is a major bonus. But, as Hawk25 says, it is a personal preference.

 

[Anthonyt206]

Thanks for all the quick responses. I know the Solasfera is more of a personal opinion than anything else. But what about the IGI cert as opposed to a GIA or GSA. Should I be concerned about IGI ? Would I be better off with an AGS 000 or GIA stone ?

Does anyone have experience with the WF ACA stones ? How do they compare

Side question I have a local independent jeweler that tells me he gets his stones certified by a lady that went through GIA training and she will plot it all and grade it just the same. He says it saves him money on sending stones to GIA in Carlsbad .... Seems a little fishy to me ?

Thanks again

 

[JulieN]

The FULL IGI reports are seem to be ok.

The ones that are for pre-set jewelry don't enjoy the same reputation, deserved or not.

I like Solasferas, but they are more contrasty than regular ideal cut princesses. It is up to your personal preference.

If you have the stone graded by an appraiser, they should be hired by you, not by the jewelry store where you buy it from, and they should not stand to gain or lose whether or not you buy the stone.

 

[Andelain]

Thanks for all the quick responses. I know the Solasfera is more of a personal opinion than anything else. But what about the IGI cert as opposed to a GIA or GSA. Should I be concerned about IGI ? Would I be better off with an AGS 000 or GIA stone ?

Does anyone have experience with the WF ACA stones ? How do they compare

Side question I have a local independent jeweler that tells me he gets his stones certified by a lady that went through GIA training and she will plot it all and grade it just the same. He says it saves him money on sending stones to GIA in Carlsbad .... Seems a little fishy to me ?

Thanks again

WF ACA's are the best of the best.

BTW, that JA stone does have a GIA report.

 

[hawk25]

Side question I have a local independent jeweler that tells me he gets his stones certified by a lady that went through GIA training and she will plot it all and grade it just the same. He says it saves him money on sending stones to GIA in Carlsbad .... Seems a little fishy to me ?

A lady who went though the GIA training is not the same as getting it graded by GIA

 

[AprilBaby]

Given a choice I would take a WF ACA any day over the stone you choose!

 

[Anthonyt206]

@aprilbaby

Can you tell me your decision making process and why you would chose the WF ACA stone over any other ?

Thanks