Help - outdated AGS report on internet diamond

[tbradshaw]

A few days ago I bought a diamond from James Allen (item #1255514) certified by AGS in March *2004* with the following specs:

1.77 D SI2 AGS 000
Ideal cut, polish, symmetry, and proportions
Negligible fluorescence, 15.5% crown height, 42.8% pavilion depth, faceted 1.0% to 2.2% girdle, pointed culet.
7.76 x 7.83 x 4.79 mm
61.4% depth
55% table
34.6 = crown angle
40.7 = pavilion angle
HCA score = 1.0

Here is a link with pictures of the diamond and the AGS report:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1255514.asp

(I paid $12,510, which is $730 off their listed price and about $600 over a wholesale price I saw for this same diamond.)

The diamond looks beautiful and is eye-clean enough for me (I have good eyes and must look very closely to notice a slightly visible feather in the table). My fiancee and I do really like the diamond, and I should probably just let things be (especially since I proposed with this diamond and it now has some sentimental value). My issue is that I neglected to notice that the AGS report is from 2004 and not 2009, and it bothers me that the diamond could have been chipped or scratched sometime in the last five and a half hears, and the 2004 report may no longer be accurate.

At this price, I should be able to get another ~1.75 ct D SI2 000 that is eye clean. I have 27 more days to return this one, so I have time to get an updated report from AGS, a report from GIA, an appraisal, etc. However, if I pay for a GIA report, then I have just dropped more money into this hole, and if their results are troubling then I should probably start over.

A few questions that come to mind:
1. Is it likely that the diamond has been used by someone since 2004? I would certainly assume so.
2. Why would a wholesaler/retailer chose NOT to get an updated certification? Is it likely that the reason they did not get a 2009 certification is because they were afraid of the results of an updated report?
3. Was AGS more strict in their grading in 2004 than now, on average?
4. Would a jewelry store with a good reputation be able to determine whether the old AGS report is still accurate (within a reasonable degree of certainty)? Should a jewelry store / appraiser be able to notice whether the cut or polish is no longer "ideal"? The diamond is currently loose, and not in a setting.

None of this should really be a big deal, but I got obsessed by the diamond buying process and want to make sure I am getting the right price for the diamond I bought.

Any thoughts are appreciated. Happy holidays!
- Tom

 

[neatfreak]

It probably was a trade in and upon inspection when it came back in there was nothing wrong with it. So they decided not to re-cert it. I doubt they didn't send it in because there WAS something wrong with it.

That's my guess-if it's a mind clean thing though you can certainly look for another stone. But that one could be "used" too just with a new cert KWIM?

You could easily take it to an appraiser and they could tell you if all is well. Might be $ well spent for you.

 

[yssie]

Date: 12/26/2009 4:33:52 PM
Author: neatfreak
It probably was a trade in and upon inspection when it came back in there was nothing wrong with it. So they decided not to re-cert it. I doubt they didn't send it in because there WAS something wrong with it.

That's my guess-if it's a mind clean thing though you can certainly look for another stone. But that one could be 'used' too just with a new cert KWIM?

You could easily take it to an appraiser and they could tell you if all is well. Might be $ well spent for you.

Ditto! Probably a trade in, nothing wrong with it so they cleaned it up and put it back on the market.




The only things that would really necessitate a new cert. are scratches and chips that can't be cleaned up/polished out without losing ct weight, or if a recut is performed.



The red inclusion plot won't change and the diamond's colour will stay the same for millions of years more

.



AGS redid their cut grading system in '05, but this diamond's numbers would constitute "ideal cut" under the newer guidelines too - the stone has cherry proportions. It looks like a beauty! An indpendent appraisal will certainly help put you at ease, though.

 

[swingirl]

I wouldn''t worry. JA does have an excellent reputation and would not sell you a stone that didn''t match the AGS report. Are you more concerned about it having a previous owner or that it might be damaged and not match the report?

 

[Kaleigh]

Ditto to all that have replied. I see no worries, but best to call JA on Monday and discuss your concerns with them. I am sure they will put your mind to rest.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/26/2009 11:16:59 PM
Author: Kaleigh
Ditto to all that have replied. I see no worries, but best to call JA on Monday and discuss your concerns with them. I am sure they will put your mind to rest.

I agree with the ladies above and just give them a call as Kaleigh says to put your mind at ease.

 

[tbradshaw]

Thanks to everyone who replied - you have put my mind at ease! A friend in the business looked at the stone and said it looks great, matches the cert, etc. (Incidentally, I was not concerned about the stone being "previously enjoyed", just a little concerned that it got new scratches or dents in the last five years, and that maybe the diamond would get a lower grade by current standards of AGS and/or GIA.) Thanks again, and enjoy the holidays!
- Tom