I need help....Please!!

[Golftowel]

Hi Everyone,

So I''ve been lurking on here for a couple of months now - trying to figure out which direction to go with the ring purchase for my girlfriend. It''s really encouraging how understanding everyone is on this forum and that''s why I have come to you for your help. I''m new to the diamond purchase experience. I have been looking at the James Allen website and trying to figure out the best option for me. She has made it clear that size is an important factor. In fact it''s the most important factor for her. Keeping that in mind, I don''t feel like buying something not worth while. I have picked a couple off of James Allen that vary in size from 1.14 to 1.49. The price range is about $10k including setting. I''m going with a real simple solitaire setting so I''m not overly worried about the price of the setting. I''m looking for the best mix of size and quality.

I really appreciate the help. Below is the link to my shopping cart at James Allen. Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

https://www.jamesallen.com/shop_bag.asp?cid=57

Thanks again for your help!!

 

[JulieN]

we can''t access your shopping cart; just post the links to the individual stones.

what is the size that she was hoping for?

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome!

We need the actual link please?

 

[Golftowel]

Wow - I''m sorry I had no idea that my old link wouldn''t work. I have put the links to the actual stones below. It''s the same three I outlined earlier.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1193987.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1192521.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1192204.asp

As you can see, there is a range of sizes that I have put links to. I know you all talk about cut being so important, so I am looking for a quality cut ring that still can give her the size she wants. My concern is that I don''t know enough about the other factors to determine if it''s a ring I should pursue.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/15/2008 4:26:11 AM
Author: Golftowel
Wow - I''m sorry I had no idea that my old link wouldn''t work. I have put the links to the actual stones below. It''s the same three I outlined earlier.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1193987.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1192521.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1192204.asp

As you can see, there is a range of sizes that I have put links to. I know you all talk about cut being so important, so I am looking for a quality cut ring that still can give her the size she wants. My concern is that I don''t know enough about the other factors to determine if it''s a ring I should pursue.

Thanks again for all your help!

I like the first two best, check with JA that SI clarities are eyeclean to your standards though.

 

[Golftowel]

Lorelei,

Thank you so much for your response. If you don''t mind me asking, what is the reasoning behind your decision. I am really interested in learning what you guys look for and what the process is that you all go through when evaluating these diamonds.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Lorelei]

Of course I don't mind, always pleased to help explain!

I chose the first two diamonds because of the proportions. The last one could still be a very nice stone, but the pavilion angle is on the shallow side - the pav angle is a crucial engine which helps to drive light return. Generally a pav angle of around 40.6 to 41 degrees is preferred here. And in all cases but especially with diamonds that have proportions hovering in You have obviously been doing some homework due to the diamonds you have picked!!! Maybe this might help, here is a these ranges, an Idealscope image is very useful as is the eye and advice of a trusted vendor ( of which Jim Schultz at JA is one!!)

The first diamond has the coveted AGS0 cut grade, so that should be a great looking stone. The second has good numbers, but an Idealscope image would be useful to check this diamond out, so ask JA for one, which they should be able to supply no problem as the angles are on the steeper ends - it could well be perfectly fine but an IS is good to have. It appears to be facing up a little small for its weight, but it is still a nicely cut stone.

range of ' safe' numbers some of us use to determine well cut round stones. It is important to remember that it is how the angles work and balance each other which is what will light up a diamond, so sometimes angles outside of these ranges can be a great fit for each other, then the Holloway Cut Advisor is useful to let you know which ones are worth further evaluation.

depth - 60 - 62% - although my personal preference is to allow up to 62.4%
table - 54- 57%
crown angle - 34- 35 degrees
pavilion angle - 40.6- 41 degrees
girdle - avoid extremes, look for thin to slightly thick, thin to medium etc
polish and symmetry - very good and above
note - with crown and pavilion angles at the shallower ends ( CA 34- PA 40.6) and steeper ( CA 35- PA 41) check to make sure these angles complement in that particular diamond - eyeballs, Idealscope, trusted vendor input - check as appropriate!


Advice from one of the experts.
With that said, here's a "Cliff's Notes" for staying near Tolkowsky/ideal angles with GIA reports (their numbers are rounded): A crown angle of 34.0, 34.5 or 35.0 is usually safe with a 40.8 pavilion angle. If pavilion angle = 40.6 lean toward a 34.5-35.0 crown. If pavilion angle = 41 lean toward a 34.0-34.5 crown.

GIA "EX" in cut is great at its heart, but it ranges a bit wider than some people prefer, particularly in deep combinations (pavilion > 41 with crown > 35).