How do I match a stone?

[Gayletmom]

I have a major anniversary coming up and dh wants to "do it up big" (bless his heart) so I am looking at an upgrade for my e-ring -most likely to a GOG cushion.

I''m thinking of using my existing e-ring stone as a start for a pair of diamonds martini studs. It''s a 1.4 ct, H color, VS2 that is probably a decent cut but not anything great like most of our PS vendors carry (not GIA graded). How would I go about finding something similar from one of our favorite vendors? Will I need to send them the stone or, perhaps, have it graded so that they can find something similar? I presume they have access to stones that aren''t great cuts and might be able to find something of like quality?

 

[kenny]

This should be interesting.
I'd guess the number of different looks in not-great cuts is even greater than the number of looks in great cuts.
I wonder if you can even find another diamond that matches the pattern and light performance when they are side by side.

Then again with a head between them how much would an imperfect match be noticeable?

Is your current stone a branded cut?
If so finding a match may be easier.

 

[stone-cold11]

Ya, probably the best is to send them the stone.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Since you are planning on setting them into earrings, why not have the stone appraised after you unset it? It would give you more specifics then you have now--then you can better find a match....

cheers--Sharon

 

[marcy]

Your upgrade sounds fun. You would probably have to send your diamond somewhere to get a good match. Keep us posted.

 

[Gayletmom]

Great suggestions, all of them.

Kenny, you are right that they don''t have to be an exact match-just somewhat similar. Not a branded stone but an almost 20 yr. old RB, probably standard good quality at the time.

Sharon, good point that I should be in a position to take it out of the setting and, therefore, get a detailed appraisal.

I also think, Marcy and Stone, that sending it off might work well.

Does anyone have any experience with asking one of our vendors (WF, GOG, BG, Pearlman''s, Wink, etc.) to find something other than a great cut diamond?

 

[Lorelei]

I would send them the stone definitely, that way they can see it to match it for size and type.