HOW to contact a cutter for an ASET image?

[Singstone]

Hi all,
In my diamond search process I learned that an ASET image is key when looking for a cushion cut stone. However, if I look on James Allen and the likes, many don‘t provide ASET images and while some are, many are also not available upon request.
I was told Jewlery stores can contact the cutter to request such an image. Can potential buyers like myself do that, too? If yes, if you have nothing but a gia certificate, how do you know who is the cutter?
Thanks in advance!

 

[flyingpig]

You will need to ask the vendor. In most cases, you do not contact the cutter or the supplier directly. Each vendor processes ASET requests differently. For JA, if they have access to the stone you are interested in, they will provide the ASET within couple day. If the stone is oversea (eg India), you will need the buy the stone first and JA will bring the stone in to take the ASET. If you like the image, you proceed. If you do not, ask for refund and cancel the order. Some vendors may ask their oversea partners to take the ASET, as you are already aware. Some just do not provide any additional image (Bluenile).
Again, you need to ask your vendor.

 

[rockysalamander]

There are usually a few people between the vendor and the actual cutters and they are generally not set up to deal with retail requests. If you are not looking at a branded stone, the cutters are mostly unknown,hard-working people in large cutting facilities...mostly in India these days. Those cut stones are then bought by an aggregate seller, who may then sell bulk lots to another party, and so on. At some point, those diamonds enter IRL stock at stores and or online lists. Retail buyers see a version of that listing. Wholesale buyers get more detail that they can use to make suggestions and acquire images and likely have access to more stones that are not visible to the general public. Not all diamond sellers provide images like IS and ASET.

One poster was able to create a wholesale account and work directly with the selling vendor. But, he had to buy that diamond from overseas via a 3rd party and had no return allowed.

You are best to find a vendor that has a stone you like and see if they can get a IS or ASET.

If you post your wants and budget, we are happy to look and point you at some contenders.

 

[ringo865]

Sometimes a stone is on "virtual inventory" meaning many vendors have access to it. Some here have found the same stone listed (using GIA Report number) on other sites, one of whom may have an idealscope image posted.

 

[sledge]

I guess everyone’s tolerance level for online diamond buying is different. I’ve seen several stones classified as “premium” or “expert” selections which is just a click below the super ideal cuts that has the right angles, etc but I didn’t like the images. Even seen some super ideals the same way. And when I’m looking at multiple stones I like videos too as it sometimes shows things you can’t otherwise see.

With cut being (iMO) the most important, difficult and subjective characteristic to determine I just prefer to search and buy from vendors that provide me the tools to help me ensure I’m making a great choice. This may be because I am less experienced than others but I promise you all the pro buyers ask for the images too. Given the fact the average Joe or Jane that comes to this site doesn’t have a wad of cash and time to divest into diamond search I think it’s a wise approach. Prices appear to be competitive enough you don’t pay too much premium for selecting in house stones with appropriate data so I begin to see less reason to take unnecessary risk. But if you have a higher risk-reward tolerance for items like this then perhaps This gives you more choices.

 

[Singstone]

Thanks all for your replies! I have managed to find some ASETs on other sites when I could not get them from ie James Allen. I was hoping to find another way than requesting from vendor if they don‘t have them or if I‘m unable to find it from other sites, but that seems not possible. Thank you so much!