Help on buying a Princess

[Albertdm]

I''ve been reading on this forum for months and feel a lot more informed about purchasing a Princess diamond online. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your input. It''s really helped me out.

I''m coming very close to pulling the trigger on getting a diamond. My budget is around $4,000 although if go over by $300 I won''t be heartbroken

I''m looking for the biggest bang for the buck in a .90 - 1 ct Princess cut. I''d prefer a D-F, VS2 or higher diamond. These are the two I found online, although I''m very open for suggestions. Tell me what you think.

Stone #1
Certificate: GIA
Shape: Princess
Cut: Select Ideal
Carat: .92
Color: E
Clarity: VS2
Wire Transfer Price: $3801
Measurements: 5.39-5.37-3.8
Depth: 70.8%
Table: 66%
Girdle: TK
Cutlet: none (pointed)
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent


Stone #2
Certificate: GIA
Shape: Princess
Carat: .92
Color: D
Clarity: VS2
Wire Transfer Price: $4034
Measurements: 5.37-5.31-3.79
Depth: 71.4%
Table: 64%
Girdle: M-STK
Cutlet: N
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good


Thank you agaiin!!!

Dave

 

[jstarfireb]

Both of these *could* have potential, but it''s impossible to judge princesses by the numbers. The best tools for buying a princess sight unseen are ASET images and close-up photos. Idealscopes would also be helpful. Can the vendor supply any of those? Also keep in mind that "select ideal" is a label imposed by the vendor, not a grading lab. GIA is of course very reputable, but they do not grade princesses for cut quality - only AGS does that.

Also if you''re willing to loosen up color and clarity just a tad (say G/H and SI1 if eye-clean), you may be able to get some extra size. You''ll have to determine which is more important: color, clarity, or size. Even with your current color/clarity, you may be able to break the 1ct mark if you know where to look. For many women, there''s a "magic" to the 1ct number (there was for me!).

For example, these diamonds have potential:
1.05 E/VS2
1.02 E/SI1

This one is above budget and SI2 clarity, but Infinity diamonds are some of the best cut out there:
0.94 F/SI2

Of course ask if the SIs are eye-clean if interested, and ask for an Idealscope from James Allen (they don''t do ASETs).

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/12/2009 10:35:58 PM
Author: jstarfireb
Both of these *could* have potential, but it''s impossible to judge princesses by the numbers. The best tools for buying a princess sight unseen are ASET images and close-up photos. Idealscopes would also be helpful. Can the vendor supply any of those? Also keep in mind that ''select ideal'' is a label imposed by the vendor, not a grading lab. GIA is of course very reputable, but they do not grade princesses for cut quality - only AGS does that.

Also if you''re willing to loosen up color and clarity just a tad (say G/H and SI1 if eye-clean), you may be able to get some extra size. You''ll have to determine which is more important: color, clarity, or size. Even with your current color/clarity, you may be able to break the 1ct mark if you know where to look. For many women, there''s a ''magic'' to the 1ct number (there was for me!).

For example, these diamonds have potential:
1.05 E/VS2
1.02 E/SI1

This one is above budget and SI2 clarity, but Infinity diamonds are some of the best cut out there:
0.94 F/SI2

Of course ask if the SIs are eye-clean if interested, and ask for an Idealscope from James Allen (they don''t do ASETs).

Ditto every word.

 

[Albertdm]

Thank you very much for your input. It sounds like there''s a lot of risk associated with buying a diamond if you don''t have an ASET or closeup photo even if the numbers look good. I''m assuming the ASET will show how well the diamond performs. Outside of determining whether the diamond is eye clean or not, does a closeup photo provide any other function?

I liked the first two you picked although I noticed the 1.02 E/SI1 had a fairly large table. Do you think that will lower it''s scintillation effect?

One last question. I hear nothing but great things about infinity diamonds on the forums. I took a look at the one you recommended and my only concern is that it doesn''t appear eyeclean.

I''m eager to hear you responses and can''t thank you enough for your help. Thanks again!

Dave

 

[stone-cold11]

About eye-clean, you will have to ask the vendor on it, no way to judge from image.

 

[jstarfireb]

Date: 6/13/2009 6:30:20 PM
Author: Albertdm
I liked the first two you picked although I noticed the 1.02 E/SI1 had a fairly large table. Do you think that will lower it''s scintillation effect?

Unfortunately, this is where my knowledge ends, so hopefully one of the real experts can weigh in! It''s true that in round brilliant diamonds, larger tables generally translate into a less fiery stone (but often a more brilliant one, i.e. more reflection of white light and less of colored). However, I don''t know what effect it has on scintillation, particularly in a fancy shape like a princess. Good luck!

Ditto regarding the SI2 - you''d have to ask Wink if it''s eye-clean.