Hi! I''m new here... I have 1.26 non-certified G VVS1 wedding set

[tweeanna]

Hi!

I''ve been lurking and love looking at all the sparklies that that are out here on pricscope...I love them all!! They''re all so beautiful and huge! I''ve upgraded my ering settings 2 times and diamond 1 time. I went from a 0.92 G VS2 (Diamater 6.4mm) to a 1.26 G VS1 (Diamater 6.9mm). Both of these stones are not certified so I don''t have any numbers or percentages etc. I''m not even sure if they''re ideal, or good cut or not. It was bought in China Town in Boston.

Maybe I''m crazy...but I''m still looking for that elusive perfect setting out there....and want to upgrade my e-ring and maybe my stone again! That''s why I''ve been lurking pricesope looking for inspirations. I love all of the eternity sets that are all out there, I especially love the shared prongs one that shows more of the stone. The current e-ring that I have has 2 half bezel set round stones, one on each side of the main diamond and then 2 princess cut stones, one on each side next to the small stone. My matching wedding band have 3 matching round stones also half bezel set next to each other and 2 princeess cut stones flanking each side of the 3 stones. I search around and found a wedding set that I thought I might want to change to and might sell my current wedding set...but I''m stil sitting on the fence about my current set...just want your guys opinion on whether i should stay with my current set or go with the new one.....here are pictures of my current set. They''re both soldered together, so I don''t have any pictures of the e-ring separately. Hopefully I can post the new set I''m also thinking about changing to also.

 

[tweeanna]

I forgot to attach the pictures....

 

[tweeanna]

Another one that''s clearer....

 

[mrssalvo]

welcome to Pricescope.

your rings are just lovely...

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 7/21/2006 7:43:09 PM
Author:tweeanna
Hi!

I''ve been lurking and love looking at all the sparklies that that are out here on pricscope...I love them all!! They''re all so beautiful and huge! I''ve upgraded my ering settings 2 times and diamond 1 time. I went from a 0.92 G VS2 (Diamater 6.4mm) to a 1.26 G VS1 (Diamater 6.9mm). Both of these stones are not certified so I don''t have any numbers or percentages etc. I''m not even sure if they''re ideal, or good cut or not. It was bought in China Town in Boston.

Maybe I''m crazy...but I''m still looking for that elusive perfect setting out there....and want to upgrade my e-ring and maybe my stone again! That''s why I''ve been lurking pricesope looking for inspirations. I love all of the eternity sets that are all out there, I especially love the shared prongs one that shows more of the stone. The current e-ring that I have has 2 half bezel set round stones, one on each side of the main diamond and then 2 princess cut stones, one on each side next to the small stone. My matching wedding band have 3 matching round stones also half bezel set next to each other and 2 princeess cut stones flanking each side of the 3 stones. I search around and found a wedding set that I thought I might want to change to and might sell my current wedding set...but I''m stil sitting on the fence about my current set...just want your guys opinion on whether i should stay with my current set or go with the new one.....here are pictures of my current set. They''re both soldered together, so I don''t have any pictures of the e-ring separately. Hopefully I can post the new set I''m also thinking about changing to also.

Uh oh... you''re in for it now! LOL... I''ve got a lead on a good 2.27 k... hehehehehehehe

yes, post post post...

 

[tweeanna]

Thank you for the warm welcome Mrssalvo and Cehrabehra! I''m going to post some more pics of my set and then post the pics of the sets that I''m thinking of changing to.

 

[tweeanna]

.....

 

[tweeanna]

Here''s the profile....the ring is 2 years old so it''ll probably needs some polishing! It''s 18K white gold.

 

[tweeanna]

...very close up....

 

[tweeanna]

No flash...

 

[tweeanna]

Last one....then I will post the new settings that I can''t decide I like the most....

 

[tweeanna]

Style number #1

 

[tweeanna]

Style number #2

 

[tweeanna]

Style number #3

 

[tweeanna]

I love all three styles, but can''t decide on which one!! Style number #1 picture is too small so you probably can see the details...but you can go the following site and see it better...it''s the very last one at the bottom of the page:


http://www.jared.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Jared/unique/DisplayRings.jsp?metal=white+gold&price=over+%241500&catalogId=10451&storeId=10451&langidId=-1&type=unique&Submit=Continue

 

[rms]

I think that your current set is quite lovely.

If you are going to change, though, I vote #3 all the way!!!

 

[tweeanna]

rms,

Now that I start looking at it more...I''m starting to lean torward #3 also. It''s so similiar to all the eterntiy rings that are on pricescope that I love, but I like the fact that the stone covers only half away around the ring, and yet still fill out the whole width of the finger. That''s the the reason why I wanted to change my old set. The 2 bars that is holding the ends of the princess cut stones seems to make the side of the ring look more squarish...I kind of like it more smooth and tappered around the width of my finger look.....decisions...decisions....I wonder if I should order ring #3 and try it on in person to see if I like it better.....

 

[tweeanna]

My other delima is that once I decide on the setting I want to change my center stone. Even though I was told by the jewelry store where I bought it from that it''s a G color and VVS1, I was told by someone else that only GIA grade a stone as VVS1, is that true? My old stone 0.92 ct that I traded it in seems to sparkle more than the new 1.26 ct one. I had more complements on the old stone than I did not the new one. I have a feeling that the new one is not very well cut and that it''s too shallow. Sometimes it looks kind if cloudy or dull and not flashy when I stare straight into it in mose lighting execpt for the bathroom where it sparkles the most. It doesn''t have flourescence at all (I checked under the black light). I also wonder if the polish is not as good, that why it doesn''t or flashes back as much. The only thing I can say I like about it is that it''s very white and bigger than my old stone. Right now I don''t want to trade up in size but want trade up in the quality of the CUT so I can get that sparkle and flashes back! Do you guys think it could be a combinations of any of the above that makes the stone not sparkle as much? Also, how do I go about sending my stone to GIA to have it certified to check if the grade is correct and to check if it''s a good cut or not?

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 7/21/2006 11:45:19 PM
Author: tweeanna
My other delima is that once I decide on the setting I want to change my center stone. Even though I was told by the jewelry store where I bought it from that it''s a G color and VVS1, I was told by someone else that only GIA grade a stone as VVS1, is that true? My old stone 0.92 ct that I traded it in seems to sparkle more than the new 1.26 ct one. I had more complements on the old stone than I did not the new one. I have a feeling that the new one is not very well cut and that it''s too shallow. Sometimes it looks kind if cloudy or dull and not flashy when I stare straight into it in mose lighting execpt for the bathroom where it sparkles the most. It doesn''t have flourescence at all (I checked under the black light). I also wonder if the polish is not as good, that why it doesn''t or flashes back as much. The only thing I can say I like about it is that it''s very white and bigger than my old stone. Right now I don''t want to trade up in size but want trade up in the quality of the CUT so I can get that sparkle and flashes back! Do you guys think it could be a combinations of any of the above that makes the stone not sparkle as much? Also, how do I go about sending my stone to GIA to have it certified to check if the grade is correct and to check if it''s a good cut or not?

First off I love setting #3. No that isn''t true about GIA. I''d take the stone back to where you bought it and have them send it to GIA for certification. Good luck!! I do agree about going for the best cut stone possible, then you''ll get the sparkle you so desire.

 

[lizz]

I love your set and wouldn''t change it. But, if you must, #3.

 

[kenny]

Frankly I'd return it.
Put your money in the bank.

Read Pricescope for a couple months before shopping again.

Believe me, a "G VVS1" with no report is NOT a G VVS1.
I think many here may have been thinking this but they were too polite to say it.
But now that you have mentioned the possibility of returning it I'll speak up.

Cut is more important than color or clarity.
Cut has more affect on the beauty of the diamond (flashes of color and light return) than color or clarity, within reason that is.
90+% of all diamonds are poorly cut to preserve more of the rough diamond material, and you don't even know anything about the cut of your stone.
It is not looking good for the odds that you got a great stone.

Sorry.
But you'll thank me later.

 

[tweeanna]

Thank you so much Kenny for your reply...your answers confirmed my nagging feeling that it''s not really a VVS1 but a grade lower. Makes we wonder if it''s G color also. That''s why i mentioned that someone told me a while back that if it''s not certified then it can''t be VVS1. I bought this stone before I even know of Pricescope. I''m definitely going back to the jewely store and either try to return the stone or upgrade it to one that is certified and has a better cut.
Part of me wants to return the stone and buy online, but so nervous about buying online.

 

[kenny]

We all have our comfort zone.
I have bought online 3 times.
Each time for a larger purchase.
I''ve bought from Bluenile, GoodoldGold and Whiteflash.
All very reputable online sellers.
I have also gotten refunds with no problems when you follow their refund policies to the letter.

You may get more peace of mind if you use a credit card, though the price will be slightly higher to cover their extra cost.
If there is any issue you can ask your credit card company to handle the dispute for you.

I''d really push for a refund.
Put your money in the bank.
Your jeweler may not be able to get the best-cut stones you may seek after you learn more.
Spend a lot of time learning.

It is an important purchase.
You should feel 100% confident of what you are getting and whom you are getting it from.

Based on what you have posted I''d say you are not ready to buy.

Good Luck!

 

[kenny]

Here are two G VVS1 of the superb cut, the first one being an even better cut, but the other is so good you may not notice the difference :

aca

expert selection

The first one is given G VVS1 by the strictest lab AGS.
Also the AGS gives it an Ideal cut rating.
They both get a Holloway Cut Advisor score of 1.3 which is excellent cut.

The second one was graded by GIA.

I personally prefer to buy a diamond that has been graded by AGS over GIA.
Even though they are a smaller lab I trust AGS more based on my long-time reading here.

Also as you get advice here pay attention to who sells what.
Certain sellers poopoo what they don't sell.
Consider the source.

 

[Mara]

kenny has given you some great advice, but i'd say if you return the stone and get the $$, and shop online, if you like the G color, stick with it...but certified diamonds and also drop that VVS to a VS that is eye-clean, you will save $$ and maybe be able to go a bit bigger and visually there is no difference between a well-cut eye-clean VVS or VS! it's not like color where you can really see it at those clarity levels. i also love a good SI1 but some people are leery of buying SI online. small steps!!

anyway in terms of settings, i like the signed pieces shared prong one but i can't stand any of those heads on those rings, blah!!! i am so over the 4 prong stabby tall head that just looks 'plunked' on there...why don't vendors pay more attention the head which holds the diamond, it's just as important as all the other stuff on the ring. so i'd do the shared prong setting but make them modify the head or something!

heads have recently become my obsession. hehee.

good luck if you decide to return the stone...in terms of buying online, the PS vendors are very reputable and typically lovely stones, i've worked with PS vendors on my purchases and been very happy.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 7/22/2006 1:09:27 AM
Author: tweeanna
Thank you so much Kenny for your reply...your answers confirmed my nagging feeling that it's not really a VVS1 but a grade lower. Makes we wonder if it's G color also. That's why i mentioned that someone told me a while back that if it's not certified then it can't be VVS1. I bought this stone before I even know of Pricescope. I'm definitely going back to the jewely store and either try to return the stone or upgrade it to one that is certified and has a better cut.
Part of me wants to return the stone and buy online, but so nervous about buying online.

uncertified from a chinese jeweler?.

get your money back NOW!!!

 

[tweeanna]

Thanks everyone for your great advice! Boy did I learn my lesson...my eyes were openned once I started reading on Pricescope. I didn''t know anything about cut.

Mara, I love your rings and stone! I love all the pictures too. Especially the close up ones because after looking at them, it made me wonder about my stone and why it doesn''t look like yours with the arrows and crispness and all.
Then I realized that I must have a bad cut stone.

Dancing Fire, I like you signature line of "Mind" clean stone. It really does comes down to that. Even though I have a supposedly G VS1 (I think it''s really that grade and not the higher one), my mind doesn''t feel comfortable with the stone.

Wish me luck on returning the stone!

 

[kenny]

If they absolutely refuse to give you your money back and have to take store credit you can learn here what specific things to look for in a good cut here on Pricescope.

I think all jewelers could order many stones, though they may have their preferred sources.
It all comes down to money.
The problem is you may get stuck having to pay much more than you could have gotten a similar stone for from the reputable online vendors.

Still, if I were you I'd really do whatever I could to get a full refund.
If after many many attempts with the owner of the business you can't get a refund I'd even volunteer to pay a few hundred as a restocking fee.
I'd do this one on one where no other employees are within earshot.
You are looking at a very big ticket item, and a few hundred bucks will be more than recouped with a good purchase.

P.S. I don't think it is right to imply anything about people of Chinese ancestry.
I am just worried you bought a stone without a report from a lab, let alone AGS or GIA - the only two I'd consider.
Some people also would include EGL-USA, but I'm too lazy to do the extra homework that requires.

Please take your time and learn.

Start at the top of this screen
Click on the word, "Knowledge"
Select Advanced Tutorial.
Read all the topics listed on the left side.

It's a great start.

 

[kenny]

Not to rush things but here is a killer diamond:

link

1.201 carat, G VS1 per AGS

The Hollaway Cut Advisor score is 1.3, with FOUR Excellents.
That is very rare and desirable.
You are not going to find a much better-cut diamond at any price.

The only thing, I'd have them pull the stone and look closely at that inclusion on the AGS Reports right plot.
Look at about the nine o'clock position right at the edge.
There is something there and it looks like green ink, which means that inclusion is on the surface.
It may be something to be concerned with.
Then again, it may go harmlessly under a protective prong.

This is one of the things you have to learn about and find your comfort zone.
Lower clarity stones have more stuff in them.
Some may make the stone less durable.
Again it gets complicated and you have to learn and form your own personal comfort zone.
I prefer the higher clarities, VS1 and above.

Others are very comfortable with certain SI1 or Si2 stones, as long as they can't see anything with the naked eye.
Or they make sure they find an SI1 or SI2 with no feathers near the edge.
Others, like me, worry about durability a lot, and just like the more "mind-clean" stones.
Some in the SI2 crowd feels that I'm wasting my money paying for higher clarity diamonds.
I recently bought a VVS1 stone.
For the same price I could have bought a MUCH larger SI1 or SI2.
Everyone's different.
Nobody's wrong.

I'd get Whiteflash's advice about this inclusion.
The price listed on their site is $10,543, but if you tell them you want the pricescope discount you get 5% off (in the case of this stone), or $10.016 if you wire the funds. A little higher if you use a credit card.

 

[tweeanna]

Wow that is one beautiful stone Kenny. I was thinking about Mara''s suggestion of keeping the color grade of G, or I might even go down to color H and also to a lower clarity like eye clean SI1 (I think I would feel more confortable with an Si1 because the inclusion would be outside of the table and not in it). That way I can go up to 1.30 or 1.49 cts. I want to stay under 1.50 cts. I read somewhere, that prices for stones that are in the 0.99cts, 1.49cts, 1.99cts etc are lower compare to the full 1.00cts, 1.50cts, 2.00cts etc. My budget is around 6K. I spent $6,800 on the 1.26 ct G VS1 (I think this is the true grade versus the VVS1 they told me). I will try to get a refund, but I know for sure that I will not get that amount back. I will have to just take the loss if they agree to do the refund for me. Now looking back, I wonder if I paid too much. If and when I get the money back, I''m definitely going to try the online route.

I also tried to do the diamond search on WhiteFlash, but so many comes up that I''m so confused and not sure which ones are the good ones. I guess that''s because I''m still don''t know how to read all those angles, depths, tables etc. I just tend to look for the diameter that I want and that''s it.