Hunt for a matching RB stone to make studs

[Clairitek]

I am attempting to find a budget friendly RB stone to make a pair of studs with an heirloom diamond I own. The heirloom stone was roughly graded in its solitaire pendant setting as H/I color, SI1-SI2 clarity. It was measured in the mounting to be 4.7 mm in diameter so its probably about 0.4-0.5 carats. Its a little shallow at 2.8 mm in depth but thats doesn''t matter as its an heirloom stone.

I was wondering what sort of range in the diameter measurement PSers feel is appropriate to make a pair of studs. I figure that I could even go down to I1 in clarity on the second stone as it will be in an earring and I''ve always felt that clarity in earrings isn''t as important as in an e-ring.

I have found some very affordable stones on ebay (gasp in horror now if you wish). One is a tad large at 5.2 mm in diameter and another is a little small at 4.53 mm in diamater. The smaller stone is listed as J, VS2. I have also found a nice candidate that is a J, SI2 from JA that is very close in diameter.

I am also curious to see what you have to think about the range in color. Can I go down to a J, K, or L? Will they still match enough?

Thanks in advance for your input. I also welcome any specific stone suggestions if you''re so inclined to search for something.

 

[neatfreak]

Personally, I would send your stone to someone like Whiteflash and have THEM match it for you. Too many variables otherwise. And stay away from fleabay if you really want to match it...more than likely you''ll get ripped off...

 

[Clairitek]

I agree... ebay does seem a bit shady. I don''t believe the cut of my diamond is that stellar. I tried to capture SOMETHING that indicates cut quality (perhaps some arrows??) today but my camera doesn''t like to focus on small items all that much- even in macro mode.

I''ve considered sending it out but if I can buy a stone for a good deal online and have it set locally I would prefer that. I did find a few more options on JA and SuperbCert''s websites. Ive discovered that after looking at dimensions of stones varying from 0.38 to 0.41 carats that my stone is definitely closer to 0.4 carats.

What does everyone think of these options?

James Allen

G, I1, 0.41 carats 4.7 x 4.74 x 3.01 Good $450
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1098405.asp

J, SI2, 0.43 carats 4.87 x 4.89 x 2.96 Ideal Cut $560
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1182776.asp

G, SI2, 0.38 carats, 4.67 x 4.71 x 2.90 Hearts and Arrows Ideal $570
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1101301.asp

SuperbCert/Excel Diamonds

G, I1, 0.39 carats 4.74 x 4.78 x 2.9 Hearts and Arrows Ideal $390
http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/125646.html


I DO love the price of that SuperbCert stone though it is an I1. I''ve requested that they send me a photograph and whatever other information they can provide. Its also H&A Ideal so thats a plus... that way I will hopefully be able to tell the difference between my stone and the mate at a glance.

 

[JulieN]

I like the J SI2 the most.

 

[Lorelei]

The J Si2 would work but if you like the idea of a top cut diamond then the Excel or the JA G could be excellent choices.

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 8/24/2008 7:20:08 PM
Author: neatfreak
Personally, I would send your stone to someone like Whiteflash and have THEM match it for you. Too many variables otherwise. And stay away from fleabay if you really want to match it...more than likely you''ll get ripped off...

I love the idea of sending your stone off to a great vendor like WF and having them find a great match. They will have a better indication of the color of the stone and what type of diameter will look best. I''ve advise against ebay personally.

 

[honey22]

Date: 8/25/2008 5:07:27 AM
Author: kcoursolle

Date: 8/24/2008 7:20:08 PM
Author: neatfreak
Personally, I would send your stone to someone like Whiteflash and have THEM match it for you. Too many variables otherwise. And stay away from fleabay if you really want to match it...more than likely you''ll get ripped off...

I love the idea of sending your stone off to a great vendor like WF and having them find a great match. They will have a better indication of the color of the stone and what type of diameter will look best. I''ve advise against ebay personally.

Ditto. They will be able to select a better match, not to mention avoiding the potential ebay purchasing horrors.