Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week!

[amar23]

Good morning,

This is my first post and I'm a newbie. I've secured this diamond from another internet seller, but also saw that it was co-listed on James Allen. Purchase won't be final until Monday, so I wanted to gather some expert opinion on whether this is a good buy. On the video it goes dark when looking head on, but apparently the person I'm working with spoke to the vendor and said it looked amazing in person and bright white. He said that videos can vary depending on a number of factors and that he wouldn't go through the work of setting and shipping me a stone if he wasn't sure I'd be completely happy with it and not return it. I'm getting it for about 21 K altogether with platinum tiffany-inspired emerald setting. It missed the blue nile signature ideal by 0.01 on the l:w ratio (1.41 instead of 1.4), which I think would have shot the price even higher. I appreciate the advice in advance.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.03-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-303876

Other parameters from Diamonds on Web:
Carat weight: 2.03 Measurement: 8.79 - 6.25 x 4.03
Cut* Signature Ideal Polish: Excellent
Color: G Symmetry: Excellent
Clarity: VVS1 Fluorescence: None
Depth%: 64.5% Girdle: Slightly Thick
Table%: 67% Culet: None
L/W Ratio: 1.41 Crown Height: 9.5%
Crown Angle: 19.5° Pavilion Depth: 52.5%
Pavilion Angle: 44°

(Some of those numbers are not listed on the GIA report and only found on the diamonds on web website)

Amar

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

OMG. That's horrendous.


Seriously.

You need more than G VVS, a l/w ratio and ex/ex for polish and symmetry to get a nice emerald.

So... NO. DO NOT BUY THAT STONE. Numbers and lab reports don't tell you squat about how a diamond performs. But that picture should have been a BIG clue to you. And it wasn't. So it's obvious you don't know what you are doing at all. THANK GOODNESS you came here!

Also you don't need VVS clarity.

And... No. Just NO. Don't buy that stone.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

Also the vendor that said it is bright in person is LYING TO YOU.

 

[amar23]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

Do you have any suggestions for emerald cut 2.0 ct diamonds 21 K price range that are of appropriate quality? Thank you so much! Good thing these rings all have return policies, too!

Amar

 

[amar23]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

What do you think about this one? I am on a tight time crunch so thanks again for your prompt reply.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-296540

Amar

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

You need an ASET of an Emerald cut. It's what tells you how the diamond performs and that's the MOST important thing in a diamond. Even more important than it's color or clarity.


That stone might be good, but it might be a dog. The video on that one is not that helpful. And at JA ASETs take three business days. AND you said you were under a time crunch. IF you have time to wait till Friday to buy... then I can look for stones for you at JA. LET ME KNOW.

OTHERWISE:

I would go for a stone at a vendor with ASETs up front if you are under a time crunch.

GOG has ASETs up front.
These two have promise and both look eyeclean:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11500/ 17,260
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11502/ 18,900
I would call and ask them which of them recommend if you are interested in these.

These are some possiblities at B2C that have the Diamond Blueprint, that includes an ASET:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5142859-2.03-carat-Emerald-diamond-H-color-VVS1-clarity.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5138335-2.01-carat-Emerald-diamond-E-color-VS2-clarity.aspx (if eyeclean, ask as it may not be)

None of them are perfect or ideal. And each has an issue. But if you are on a time crunch, then you are limited to in house stock at vendors that have idealscopes... so that limits your selection. I would probably, personally, go for one of the two GOG stones, but that E at B2C if eyeclean might be worth a second look.

If you have till Friday, then I can look at JA stones for you, which might be a good idea.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

AT JA:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-305877 I like this one.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-195551
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-323736

You get THREE ASETs per purchase. And like I said, it takes three business days for an ASET (so order it NOW and see if they can rush it for you). They will put them on hold for you while they are waiting for the ASETs.

 

[RandG]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

What do you think about this one? I am on a tight time crunch so thanks again for your prompt reply.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-296540

Amar

Amar:

Have you considered a pre-loved stone? It's an excellent means of getting what you want, often without overpaying. Here's a great example of a Tiffany 2.12 center diamond emerald cut ring, which faces up clean and white, only slightly over your budget but already set, and it comes in the Tiffany box. This is an excellent estate vendor who would polish it and make it look as good as new, for a fraction of what you would pay, and with all the quality and cut performance that Tiffany represents. In fact, the price per carat on this stone, for Tiffany, is FANTASTIC! There are others like this out there. Just something to consider...

http://www.beladora.com/store/505025_tiffany_and_co_diamond_ring_in_platinum

Good luck in your search!

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.03-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-303876


Not this one, it is not well cut and it won't be a beautiful EC. My concern is that it is so dark face on, that's the angle the wearer will be viewing the diamond from which is the most important, why take the chance. You can find an EC that does not darken so visibly in video or on the finger when worn, as there is a chance it could do that when set.

 

[amar23]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

I do have until Friday. I can't thank you enough. I will contact JA right now for gemologist inspection and ASET. You are a life-saver.

What are your thoughts regarding estate diamonds such as the Tiffany's one mentioned lower in this thread? Rated an I VVS1, but looks good in photos (yet that means little obviously with my untrained eyes).

 

[SJ3]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

I just bought one right in the range you are looking at from JA.

Here is my thread
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/emerald-cut-experts-weigh-in.203234/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/emerald-cut-experts-weigh-in.203234/[/URL]

And here is what I bought.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-323713

I would have never looked at that one before I came to this site, JA provided an ASET test and I am more then happy with the results.

Call them tell them what you are looking for, they actually pointed me toward this diamond away from one that I was looking at that cost $5000 more.

Good luck!

 

[amar23]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

Thanks for the suggestion. WIll consider it.

 

[chrono]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

AT JA:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-305877 I like this one.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-195551
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-323736

You get THREE ASETs per purchase. And like I said, it takes three business days for an ASET (so order it NOW and see if they can rush it for you). They will put them on hold for you while they are waiting for the ASETs.

Fantastic choices, as always, from Gypsy. I am most partial to the last one for the outline and cut.

 

[amar23]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

Thanks for the input. Could you elaborate more on the differences in the first one the Gypsy liked and the 3rd one that you liked? The 3rd one seems to have greater light effect (excuse if not proper terminology) a higher percentage of time than the 1st one. However, there is a inclusion on the face on the full size video, but I guess that won't be apparent to the naked eye.

I spent a good amount of time understanding the numbers and cut proportions, but now completely humbled by the ASET interpretation, pavilion cuts, and other more advanced analysis. This site is superb and a game-changer that prevented me from making a stupid purchase.

Amar

 

[msop04]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

AT JA:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-305877 I like this one.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-195551
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-323736

You get THREE ASETs per purchase. And like I said, it takes three business days for an ASET (so order it NOW and see if they can rush it for you). They will put them on hold for you while they are waiting for the ASETs.

Fantastic choices, as always, from Gypsy. I am most partial to the last one for the outline and cut.

OOOOHHH!! I love the third one too! All are very nice though...

I noticed they are "unavailable" on JA... OP, did you put them on hold??

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

I do have until Friday. I can't thank you enough. I will contact JA right now for gemologist inspection and ASET. You are a life-saver.

What are your thoughts regarding estate diamonds such as the Tiffany's one mentioned lower in this thread? Rated an I VVS1, but looks good in photos (yet that means little obviously with my untrained eyes).

Good job! I'm glad you have till Friday!

The Tiffany stone looks like it has potential. But it is an I color and you have the budget for a stone with higher color. And with EC's especially at 2 carats I would really want to stick to H or better color, personally.

Also, even with the Tiffany name, if I could not see the stone in person, I would want an ASET, and I doubt they offer that.

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

AT JA:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-305877 I like this one.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-195551
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-323736

You get THREE ASETs per purchase. And like I said, it takes three business days for an ASET (so order it NOW and see if they can rush it for you). They will put them on hold for you while they are waiting for the ASETs.

Fantastic choices, as always, from Gypsy. I am most partial to the last one for the outline and cut.

The third is the pick of the bunch, lovely diamond.

 

[RandG]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

AT JA:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-305877 I like this one.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-195551
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-323736

You get THREE ASETs per purchase. And like I said, it takes three business days for an ASET (so order it NOW and see if they can rush it for you). They will put them on hold for you while they are waiting for the ASETs.

Fantastic choices, as always, from Gypsy. I am most partial to the last one for the outline and cut.

The third is the pick of the bunch, lovely diamond.

All but me I'd still take the Tiffany-- far better investment and more for your money. The I color will read a negligible difference from an H and it may have faint fluorescence. Rare for Tiffany to use an I, unless its of exceptional quality.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

I'd rather have the Tiffany ring as well. It is gorgeous and the diamond looks great to me!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

I'd rather have the Tiffany ring as well. It is gorgeous and the diamond looks great to me!!!

I missed that scrummy Tiffany, what a berk I am! Maybe I reserve the right to change my mind...

 

[Mayk]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

I'd rather have the Tiffany ring as well. It is gorgeous and the diamond looks great to me!!!

Wow.. that Tiffany is lovely!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

I'd rather have the Tiffany ring as well. It is gorgeous and the diamond looks great to me!!!

I missed that scrummy Tiffany, what a berk I am! Maybe I reserve the right to change my mind...

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

I can't tell if #3 is going to have a P3 issue. It's laying right on the facets so it's hard to tell.

The ASETs will tell. So we have to wait till those are posted.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

Helpful thread for you to read: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/emerald-cut-experts-weigh-in.203234/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/emerald-cut-experts-weigh-in.203234/[/URL]

 

[amar23]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

These are additional pics of the Tiffany. I'm VERY seriously considering it. It is the one at the finger tip. The next one is a Tiffany D Vs1 center stone 2.18 ct for comparison. Looks good to me, but what do the experts think. I asked about ASET and the seller does not typically obtain them. I was thinking about having it shipped and possibly getting an ASET locally if possible or just upload a boatload of pics on this site and gather opinions... lol.

The ones closest to her knuckle are probably her own, which is also an H or and I by the way, by her own accord since as owner of the store she could have had anything she wanted. I also have a copy of the Tiffany spec sheet if that matters. Only thing that was noticeable to me was "good" symmetry rating. Depth 62-63% and Table 69% Pavilion Depth 50.4%. Cut precision excellent, polish very good. 8.45 x 6.77 x 4.26. Again an I VVS1.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

I'm seeing possible obstruction on that diamond head on in those pictures.
I wouldn't want a stone with obstruction, and if it bears out in the ASET ( blue across that part of the diamond) then it's a no.

That said, if the vendor will agree to send it to Niel Beaty for an ASET Fed Ex overnight, then... you can follow up. http://www.americangemregistry.com/

 

[amar23]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

I emailed to request the ASET per your recommendation. In my cursory review, I thought some blue or obstruction was good to create contrast. Is that just for round diamonds? What are characteristics of the ideal ASET for an emerald? Thanks.

Amar

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

Gosh, I'd like to have all the rings that lady has on! I'd send for the ring or send it to Neil. I believe you can easily see if the stone has problems whether you have an aset or not. In general, though, Tiffany doesn't use bad diamonds. I am not saying they are all perfect because they are not, but the other pictures of that ring head on looked good to me. They have taken the pictures down, I guess, because you are considering it. But I love the Tiffany setting on that diamond, and while you could try to replicate it, having the added value of it being a Tiffany piece would be wonderful, at least to me. Then you can later take her to try on Tiffany wedding bands with it, and get that new perhaps. I would love to have that same ring if I could get a second e-ring! It is a classic and very elegant ring!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

SOME blue is good. Like below:


This is a great Emerald ASET.

LOTS of blue is bad. Like the below:


This is a very bad Emerald ASET.

 

[amar23]

Re: Help on Emerald Cut purchase! Need to finalize this week

Gosh. You guys are awesome. I know with you guys in my corner my future wife will get a diamond she will cherish forever. I found the original website images in my googles cached history for completeness.