Helping with picking a diamond

[uwhuskies]

So I just recently started to look at diamonds for the first time and having a hard time choosing a loose diamond. My girl wants a princess or cushion cut diamond that will be set into a halo design. I was looking at this but want to get an opinion from you "experts." http://apps.gemfind.net/dealerid_display/DiamondLinkDetail.aspx?DealerLink=2845&DID=72880263

My budget for the diamond is about 2500 and this particular jeweler will give me a discount since I am friends with his nephew so I would like to stick with him.

 

[tyty333]

Hi uwhuskies,
Unfortunately you cant tell much about fancy cuts (cushions and princess cuts) from the numbers. We really need up close
pictures and aset images so we can see if the stone has good light return.

If you can get these things, please post and we'll have a look.

tyty333

Edit - how much is he giving that stone to you for?

 

[uwhuskies]

Thank you for the quick response! I'm not sure if he has that diamond in house right now but I would venture to say I would be paying about 2100 for that diamond. He should my a .91 carat that was listed at 3900 but told me he would sell it to me for 3400 and also another .9 that was 3400 for 2900. I can go back in tomorrow or call to see if they have the diamond I linked. How do I go about an aset image? Is that usually included on the GIA report or what? As you can tell I am brand new to this.

 

[drk14]

uwhuskies,
I recommend you watch the following two videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfnhPchwg-c&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYPKsQosNMQ&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA

With cushion shapes (and other unusual shapes -- so-call "fancy" cut diamonds), it's difficult to assess the quality and beauty of the diamonds just from numbers and lab reports. If you can't see the stones in person, you need pictures annd special images known as ASET. The first video above shows an example of the ASET technology in action, and more info is available here and here.

Normally, you have to ask the vendor to supply an ASET image. Not all vendors have this type of imaging technology, and of those that do, not all know how to use it correctly, unfortunately.

Good luck and caveat emptor!

 

[tyty333]

Well, I looked at James Allen for you and couldnt find anything that look nice in that size/price range. Definitely wouldnt
find anything in that size/color/clarity for $2100 but you need to make sure it is a nice stone...nice faceting pattern (pleasing to the eye),
and no mush under the table. Ask your jeweler for an aset image or you can buy one. They are around $50 ...expensive but better
than buying a dull stone with bad light return.

http://datlas.com/ideal-scope-store/aset-scope/


Edit - I'm going to post this GOG cushion that shows an ASET image (for an example). You want mostly red and green.
A little bit of blue is ok for contrast. Not too much black or white (depends on the color of the background...this is usually leakage).

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11724/

FYI - this looks like a bright stone but I dont find the faceting pattern all that great. Its OK (to me), but I'm pretty
picky about faceting pattern.