Help with heart shaped diamond

[jezebelle]

I had made a thread earlier about a couple of other (smaller) heart-shaped diamonds I was looking at, but I wanted to make a new one for this to avoid any confusion because after a lot of searching, if I DO buy a diamond it will for sure be this one. I had expressed concerns that the other two diamonds I was considering would be too small for my size 8 finger, and at least one other poster agreed, so I almost scrapped the idea of a heart diamond altogether and decided to just tell my husband that I would like a large heart-shaped colored stone (my birthday is a week after Valentine's day, and he asked me what I wanted since both days are coming up soon).

I looked at a few other diamonds and found one which was almost twice my initial (small) budget, but it seems like a good size and shape - much better than the smaller ones I had previously considered.

As I stated in my previous thread, I've never purchased a loose diamond before, so I would love all of you experienced PS'ers to give your advice. Here are the stats:

Heart, GIA certified
carat: 0.76
cut: Ideal
color: H
clarity: SI1
Table: 58.00%
Depth: 55.4%
Girdle: Very Thin,Very Thick
Width: 6.61mm
Length: 5.94mm

There's no photo of the diamond, but I would be able to return for a refund. Cost is around 1300 US.

Should we go for it? Is this a good deal? I'm not sure if the "very thin, very thick" girdle is a bad thing. Would I be better off just asking for a colored stone now and saving up for a better/bigger diamond in the future? I would have to have it set in a very simple solitaire for now, but would add a halo and change to a blingier and more substantial setting later on, or maybe even set it in a pendant. I don't mind it not being huge, but I'm very nervous and on the fence about taking the plunge and buying a diamond, though I've wanted a heart-shaped diamond for years and years now...

My husband has indicated that he would like to buy it for me if I wanted it, but I can't spend that kind of money without serious consideration. We can afford it, but I'm just naturally hesitant to ask for something so expensive and would want to be totally comfortable with it before asking.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

 

[LD]

I have a 0.81ct heart shape grey natural diamond and its dimensions are 5.9mm x 5.1mm x 4mm. Looking at yours, yours is slightly less in carat weight but the spread is better. I wonder if that would affect the perfomance? Mine performs very well but perhaps some of the experts can chime in.

What I would urge you to do is to get photos because there are heart shapes and then there are heart shapes! Some people like fat hearts, some long and slim etc and they look very different.

I have size 6 fingers and my diamond is too small for a ring (for my taste). However, if I were to set it in a ring with a halo it would look big enough and would give the illusion of a larger stone. I have actually decided to set mine in a pendant rather than a ring but that's only because I've found a setting I like!

Hope this helps.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The problem with a very thin girdle is that it can be prone to chipping, especially if there is not a bezel or halo to help protect it. I really think other shapes of diamonds are better for the maximum sparkle and light return. So as I said on the other thread, I'd get a heart shaped colored stone now and wait and get a more symmetrical shaped diamond later on. I still think the new heart diamond is going to look small on a size 8 finger in comparison to your larger colored stone rings.

 

[jezebelle]

Thanks guys!

As for the size, I know it would be small for me, especially as a solitaire. That could be fixed later on down the line by putting it in a custom setting with additional stones.

I'm still on the fence about this one...I need more opinions on the actual diamond itself. The girdle is an issue, especially if it can cause the stone to be fragile! If we're going to spend the money, I want it to be a NICE stone. Aside from that, the cut/color/dimensions seem good to me. I don't care for the "thin" hearts, I like fatter, more spread out hearts.

I know many on here don't like heart shaped diamonds, but if and when I get a diamond, it will definitely, for sure be a heart! They have always been my favorite.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, if it is your favorite shape, we will surely try to help you find a great one! You just need to find a vendor who will provide you with pictures because they are going to vary greatly. It would be costly to have to have several sent to you and then sent back. Maybe choose a vendor that can call in some for you and take pictures. Then we can better help you with pictures and grading reports.

I just probably wouldn't get that particular stone with the very thin to very thick girdle. That sort of makes me think it is not as well cut as it could be. You generally want the girdle of a diamond to be thin, medium, or slightly thick.

 

[jezebelle]

Thank you, diamondseeker! I have contacted the vendor to request photos of the stone.

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI Everyone!
jezebelle- I am not commenting on your particular diamond - but heart shaped diamonds in general.

When judging a heart shaped diamond, which if course must be done visually- we notice things like overall shape. This is not as simple as it may sound.
There are a variety of shapes within heart shape. Some more rounded overall- some have straight lines in places.
The depth of the cleavage- and also it's shape, and how apparent it is.
I like a heart that is obviously a heart- an apparent cleavage.
When it comes to the girdle- it's very common to have a large variance ( from thin to extremely thick for example) in a desirable stone- the reason is that the cleavage itself is part of the girdle- and it's generally going to be very thick at that point of the stone.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Good info, thanks RD! Do you think "very thin" is acceptable?