help with some newbie quesitons

[dohn]

I am looking for a diamond with excellent/ideal cuts (gia/ags), F and above, vs1 and above. I''ve been to some of the popular places discussed on this forum (hof, tiffany, eightstar, Chane Co., Kate ...other local jewelers etc) to have a first hand look at their stones. The problem I have is that I can''t really tell the difference between them as long as they''re above the said grade (not to say they arn''t different, I am just not trained), they all look really beautiful to me. (except I think the tiffany stone shown to me seemed a bit dull compare to the branded ones).

What makes it difficult to compare is that each store sells only their own brands, making side by side comparison impossible, and the different lighting at each store didn''t help. I''ve heard the sales people say to care more about the look of the diamond and not the grade. But how do you typically compare across different stores? Is there something more I can do to make a more intelligent comparison without getting a gemology degree? or is the diamond certification and price typically what you use to make the decision?

Also, do any of you have experience with Brilliant Earth diamonds? They seem to be a socially responsible dealer, but I have not had the chance to look at their stuff first hand. Can anyone comment on the quality of their signature ideal cut compared to the quality of the name brands.

Do name brand diamonds hold up their value better? Any other comments you have is much appreciated!

 

[luckedup]

Welcome to PS Dhon

you are in the right place.
Researching diamonds can feel like a daunting task. Fortunatley for you you found PS !!!
The good news is you can, with some effort, learn what you need to here and get feedback in the forums. I look at it this way, a diamond and/or E-ring is a major purchase and an inportant one worthy of the effort to learn about before buying.
Also, congratulations on not getting sucked into purchasing at the maul without knowing what you are getting

Just spend a little time here each day in the knowledge section and reading posts in the forums and you will be talking diamonds before you know it !!!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome dohn

That is great that you are comparing diamonds in person, all you can do is to look at each type as best you can and see which jumps out at you or not as the case may be.

Here are some videos which might be helpful to you.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/Diamond_Videos/

If you have a good vendor near you that carries some different brands that would be ideal, I don't suppose you are anywhere near DFW, Houston, NY, Boisie Idaho, Chicago or Oregon?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/9/2009 1:59:15 AM
Author:dohn
I am looking for a diamond with excellent/ideal cuts (gia/ags), F and above, vs1 and above. I've been to some of the popular places discussed on this forum (hof, tiffany, eightstar, Chane Co., Kate ...other local jewelers etc) to have a first hand look at their stones. The problem I have is that I can't really tell the difference between them as long as they're above the said grade (not to say they arn't different, I am just not trained), they all look really beautiful to me. (except I think the tiffany stone shown to me seemed a bit dull compare to the branded ones).

What makes it difficult to compare is that each store sells only their own brands, making side by side comparison impossible, and the different lighting at each store didn't help. I've heard the sales people say to care more about the look of the diamond and not the grade. But how do you typically compare across different stores? Is there something more I can do to make a more intelligent comparison without getting a gemology degree? or is the diamond certification and price typically what you use to make the decision?

Also, do any of you have experience with Brilliant Earth diamonds? They seem to be a socially responsible dealer, but I have not had the chance to look at their stuff first hand. Can anyone comment on the quality of their signature ideal cut compared to the quality of the name brands.

Do name brand diamonds hold up their value better? Any other comments you have is much appreciated!

If you are wanting to shop locally, one of the easiest things you can do is use the HCA. Just plug the numbers in, and strive for the safest area (as far as a well performing diamond), which would be to have a numerical score under 2, with the x falling in the GIA/AGS overlap area. Grades/grading reports alone are not enough.

To assess a diamond in person, get it away from the jewelers lights, preferably by a window or outside in diffused lighting. It should still be pretty, bright and slightly sparkly. It shouldn't look "dead" or "flat", just "sleepy". Another trick is cupping your hands around it, or putting it under a counter to see what it does away from the lights. Also, pay attention to how much it sparkles, how much fire (colored sparkles) it has under the jeweler lights, there will be slight differences. Once you've looked at these things a while, you'll begin to see differences. Just take your time.

I had a look at BED's website, not really familiar with them. I searched their rounds, and there were 3 different levels of choice. I picked the Glacier Collection, supposed to have the most sparkle and brilliance, so I was expecting exceptional cut, as Cut is what truly makes the diamond sparkle. The first two in the list were not something I would expect, or consider for such a diamond. First had a depth of 60 with a table of 61, second had a depth of 62.9, way too deep, and neither had both EX Pol and Sym. Neither of these, even without the other info needed (no report), would be in the area I would consider "Ideal", as they are listed. Third one looked like it had potential, but again, no grading report online. So in summary, they look like a hit or miss place at best, and on top of that, Canadian diamonds carry about a 15% premium.

I would not recommend Eight star, that is a certain look, and some find they don't care for it out in the real world.

Honestly, I would just search for a nice GIA/AGS0 diamond (that does well on the HCA), branding is not absolutely necessary to get a pretty diamond.

HTH!

 

[dohn]

Thanks for all your great advice and the warm welcome! I''ll give some of your techniques a try when I go to the stores again this weekend.

I''m from the San Francisco south bay area. Do you know of a jewelry store here that you''d recommend? especially if they carry Canadian diamonds. I have read a few posts in the forum regarding online Canadian diamonds. But I''m still not very comfortable buying them online, I would prefer seeing it in person before buying.

 

[swingirl]

Joe Escabar Diamonds in Campbell is a nice independent jeweler with lots to look at. Don''t know about Canadian stones but they have a lot of eye-candy on display.