Help with a Radiant

[jillxx75]

Hi everyone-
After all the insight here, I have found 2 stones that are within our $$ range (we decided getting married = our money and set a budget) but am very nervous about the whole internet thing and would love some advice from all the experts here that have taught me so much!
I am confused about the closeness in price since I would think the G is a better stone (color, depth and GIA vs EGL) but yet the H is more (I have heard other labs also grade on the high end so it could really be an I SI1 if it was GIA?). Maybe someone can clarify that? I thought I was learning, but I realize I don't know anything!
Here goes:
Stone 1
Price: $9,421.00
Report: GIA
Shape: Radiant
Carat: 2.09
Color: G
Clarity: SI2
Depth: 64.7
Table: 68
Girdle: TN
Polish: Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Measurements: 8.97-6.51X4.21
Length/Width: 1.38

Stone 2
Price: $9,635.00
Report: EGL
Shape: Radiant
Carat: 2.02
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 69.1
Table: 67
Girdle: M P
Polish: Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Culet: None
Fluorescence: No
Measurements: 7.16-6.80X4.73
Length/Width: 1.05


I read somewhere else on this thread that a larger L/W ratio will make the stone appear larger than a square stone of the same size also, which would seem like the G would be better. I am going diamond-crazy! TIA to all!!!

 

[eks6426]

Have you seen either of these in person yet? The thing about radiants is that numbers don''t tell you everything. Even radiants with the same numbers may look completely different. I have a radiant and when I was looking I was always surprised at how different each one could look. You really need to see them with your own eyes--or at least get a very good, clear picture from an online vendor.

On the 2 that you have above--the first one will definitely look rectangular. The 2nd will look like a square. You might ask your soon-to-be fiance which shape she prefers. That''s at least a starting point.

Also, you might want to check out some Original Cut radiants. http://www.radiantcut.com/

Diamonds by Lauren carries them online http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/AvailableItems/Loose_Diamonds/DBL_LooseDiamondsOriginalRadiant.htm

Good luck!

 

[icelady]

Hi Jill,

Welcome to PriceScope!

Like IslandDreams I also have a Radiant cut diamond. I was also amazed at how different each Radiant I saw was from the others. You definitely have to see them to know which one you would prefer.

Of the two you posted, the first peaks my interest the most. GIA is usually right on with color and tough graders of clarity. EGL USA has a better reputation than EGL Israel. Though both stones may be awesome or not so great! You really need to see them.

As ID mentioned, you need to know which shape you like better as one will definitely be rectangular and one more square. The rectangular one will look bigger. That stone is also an SI2, and you will want to know whether it is eye clean and if it has any inclusions that might threaten the integrity of the stone. Medium flourescence in a G color may be a good thing.

Hopefully one of the Radiant Experts (David at DiamondsbyLauren) will chime in here!!

Good luck!

 

[diamondsbylauren]

Why thank you Icelady and Island Dreams!
jillxx75 The first thing that comes to mind, if you have not actually seen photos is to make sure the stones are available.
I am actually sitting in Tel Aviv without my price list!
Therefore I can''t see if the prices are in line- a crucial question when internet shopping- if the price is to low, take out your detective hat- or be prepared to find a stone "was just sold!"

Second- there MUST be a reason a cutter sends an alleged 2.02 H/VS2 to EGL- I''m quite sure that the price quoted on the EGL stone assures us that it''s not a desirable 2.02 H/VS2- This much I know even without a Rap sheet!

Medium blue in G is rarely a problem, but neither is it desirable , as in I-J K colors.
Can you post photos?

I''ll be in touch with my office and verify pricing info for you by tommorow.

 

[jillxx75]

Thanks for the advice. My fiancee' basically gave me the budget and told me to pick whatever I wanted. Not very romantic, but he's from overseas and it means nothing to them but he knew I wanted one and wanted me to have what I wanted.

I called today and they can't get the stone to get me the scope, pictures and SARIN because the wholesaler is closed until May 2 (for Passover). I pray I don't get the "just sold." After all this time, that would stink!

Once I get the pictures, I can post here. I am leaning towards the GIA G, but will wait for the pictures.

I really appreciate all the insight I have received (am continue to receive) from reading the site and the advice of such great minds!

 

[diamondsbylauren]

I would say that a budget in the mid 9''s for a 2ct radiant would lead me to the I-J ciolors.

HIgh color stones in this price range will have "something" about them that''s a problem

 

[jillxx75]

Would it be because of the blue and the larger ratio?

 

[diamondsbylauren]

Quite simply, 2 carat radiant cuts in G color for under 10K are going to have issues-
I am not speaking of the specific diamond you have mentioned- rather the market in general.

 

[valeria101]

The second is smaller... and the grades less certain. What happened with G/H - SI1 ?

The price for G/SI2 sounds a bit too good. This might mean that the stone is visibly included or something. Too bad there are no pictures or even a copy of the lab report.

If pictures are not redundant for something as standardized as round H&As, they really make a huge difference for fancies - not two stones are alike unless cut to match

 

[jillxx75]

ETA: It seems there are a few bubbles in the stone, not sure if they are visible to the eye until I get the actual pictures and scope, but here is the drawn image from the GIA report (details are above - this is the G stone). Since I am not an expert by any means, maybe someone else can deduce from this if they are?

 

[valeria101]

Date: 4/26/2005 2:7:9 PM
Author: jillxx75
maybe someone else can deduce from this if they are?

Not really... those are crystals and rather large. If close to the table or colored, they would be visible. It is not possible to tell for sure how visible they are, but I would be surprised if they didn''t show at all. Inclusions are more visible under the table and included crystals are particularly easy to spot.

Well, IMO, at least.

How good or bad this stone will appear to you is yet another question.