Help on Carat size in a Halo setting? .63 vs .75

[scottylmt]

I found a chart that says a .60 is 5.3, and .75 is 5.7 mm.

With a round BGD ideal cut, placed in a halo setting, will the difference even be noticeable for the thousand extra dollars???

If interested, here is a link to the actual halo I'm having custom made, pictured with a .63ct..

http://www.helzberg.com/product/1+1-2ct+tw+diamond+engagement+ring+1772573.do?sortby=ourPicks


Keep in mind that if I go .75, i will also need to make the halo stones larger to maintain proportions... so maybe the size WILL be more noticeable then?

Thanks to any who respond.

 

[phoenixente]

the size of the diamond will not be very noticeable. the price of a diamond per carat changes when it goes above 0.70 hence the price change. In resell also you will get less value. Check how much more you are paying for custom design as from my experience in USA that is expensive. if it offsets the cost of ready made you may reconsider going with the ready piece.

 

[scottylmt]

So far the cost seems to be only slightly more from a custom piece, but with MUCH better stones. My min concern is with appearance and size of the stone; just want to make sure its a noticeable difference if im going to put up over another 1K!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, I think a .75 would look better overall if you can swing it! Here is a picture of a .74 and a .61 which will show you the approx difference:

 

[tyty333]

I agree with DS. Size difference will be noticable. How big is your GF's finger? You are going with a large halo
so you may or may not need the extra center stone size.

Here on PS we usually say go bigger to prevent DSS (diamond shrinkage syndrom) within
the first couple of years.

 

[scottylmt]

DSS? Wow never heard of that! Is that a physical phenomenon or perception? Either way it makes sense.

That was my thought as well about the halo making up for it.

That pic is the one I've been surveying my clients on! Yes I can see the difference.

Let me put it like this....

.75 GIA triple EX cut... chosen by all of us, or picked out by BG VERSUS:
.63 BGD signature

If both have the same stats, and are roughly the same price, which would be the better buy? This is really my MAIN question over everything.

 

[scottylmt]

Ok I figured it out. Along with what was said above, AGS has more VARIETY with cut grading---ex they grade the LIGHT PERFORMANCE as well as cut. That makes sense now.

Also, BG has a setting fee of $75, plus shipping and insurance costs for the stone both ways. They take care of the shipping of whatever They provide.

So, according to Jamie, what sets them apart is that ALL diamonds that are SIGNATURE BGD, will have an AGS rating of IDEAL-0 when it comes to CUT AND LIGHT PERFORMANCE.

So the example above is not correct because of what you guys were alluding to---the dimensions, specifically the DEPTH. If it is too deep, then it will look dark in the center. So, we would need to find one that is AGS certified with 0 rating on cut and light performance; then it would match the signature diamonds. That is probably why ALL of the AGS certified stones I have come across have been more expensive, even the non-signature ones.

Is there a way to judge light performance by the dimensions on a GIA stone? Could I have BG select a stone that is non-ideal, but still has amazing sparkle because of the dimensions?

 

[Christina...]

When buying online AGS0 is the safest bet because often times you can't see the actual diamond until you've purchased the stone, however if you are working with Brian then of course he will find you an amazing sparkly diamond..however I believe that only his signature cut and his BG Blue qualify for the trade up policy. So if trading up at some point interests you, then this is something to consider.

Most PSer will tell you to stick with GIA EX or AGS 0 because they are a safe bet, however it is possible to find a stone that does not fall into one of these categories and can still have amazing fire and brilliance, but without the help of a jeweler it will be very difficult to determine this on your own without a lot of additional information from the vendor.


There are several ways to anticipate a diamonds light performance. Under the tools tab here on pricescope you will find the HCA. This helps to predict the diamonds performance. You want to look for stones that score under 2 and dismiss stones that score over 2. (This may not be the case if you are working with a PS vendor recommended stone) This tool is just a first step in determining performance, so you don't want to buy a stone simply because it scored well on the HCA. You will also want to get IS images of any stone you are considering, I'm sure you have seen this when looking at Brian Gavin signature stones. This will show a diamonds leakage. You can also ask for ASET images this too will help you determine light performance. So yes, there are several tools you can use to help determine if a GIA stone will perform well. All of this being said, if you are working with WF, GOG, BGD, etc, you will be in very good hands.

 

[scottylmt]

Very informative post. Thank you Christina