How low would you go?

[yellowsparkles]

I have been looking at more cushion stones and comparing prices. On my google search, I found some fancy yellows at Costco. At first I couldn''t figure out why the prices were so low, but see that the polish/ cut grade is AVERAGE.

Question: How low of a grade would you accept for GIA graded stones? HRD? AGS? EGL?

 

[Lorelei]

Very difficult to say....

Firstly fancy shapes can show colour differently and also can show more colour the larger you go, GIA colour grading is said to be stricter than EGL and some EGL divisions more than others, HRD are said to be a good outfit but I have no knowledge of how their grading compares, AGS are quite strict etc...It boils down to the indivdual''s colour perception and taking into account there could be differences in labs. I don''t think there are any right or wrong answers here, depends entirely on the eye of the beholder. I like warmer colours so I would take a chance on a J or K cushion even in a 2 or 3 carat, but this could be way too warm for some people. Also cut quality in a cushion is hard to judge too....I think the best thing is to try to look in person at some examples to get an idea, stick to GIA graded if possible so you can judge accurately. Do you want a white looking diamond or a fancy yellow?

 

[lizz]

You need to go with what your eyes tell you. My cushion has excellent polish but fair symmetry. But it's got great light return and "personality." You can't just go by what's on a lab report.

 

[jaz464]

I would not buy an HRD or EGL graded diamond. Even though my eyes probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference, I don't think I would go below VG in symmetry and good in terms of polish. And cut, while tricky with fancys, I would get the absolute best I could find.

I think she ment how low would you go in terms of cut grade and symmetry Lorelei.