Ideal cut?

[nicknomo]

I''ve been tediously shopping for a diamond for about 2-3 months now. It''s a frustrating experience. I am trying to get something physically beautiful, but meanwhile avoiding being ripped off. Basically I''m going for naked eye asthetics, in the size my girlfriend wants.

I''ve recently seen two diamonds that looked rather nice. However, I am not sure whether some of the "specs" are correct.

I''ve seen this GIA certified diamond that was 1.51 ct, F SI2. I know SI2 clarities can effect shine, but this particular diamond I liked because all of the inclusions are almost all along the edge and close to the girdle (white feathers). It wasn''t quite as easy to pick up with the loupe. My eye sight wasn''t the greatest, but I''ve been spotting flaws in SI1''s pretty well.

So this looked really appealing to me, but one things bothered me... It''s being presented as an "ideal" cut. This seems to be effecting the price, but some things seemed a bit off about the specs.

Table% : 58%
Depth% : 63.7%
Dimensions :7.13x7.18x4.56
Symmetry: Excellent
Polish: Very good

I forgot to write down the rest of the info on the certificate, but GIA doesn''t give any additional information about the cut. Now he does not claim that this is an AGS ideal cut, so I wanted to know whether it''s possible to have some other ideal cut classification. Unfortunately, he does not have access to a Sarin analyzer.

It has a nice sparkle (however, it is rather hard to compare considering different lightings in different stores), but the stone looks smaller, and has smaller dimensions than most other it''s ct weight. I''m just a little concerned that I''m not getting what I will be paying for.

The price I was given was 8200$.

So basically here are my questions
1) Is the cut probably too deep? Would it still be considered "ideal" anywhere legitimate.
2) The stone looks a little smaller, so is there a possibility I might be getting less than a carat and a half?
3) Is the price anything to jump at, or is it run of the mill? (Take note,I''m skeptical of an online purchase)
4) Is there any way I can determine the other values without a Sarin analyzer?

I''d appreciate any input on this diamond.. I am judging it in comparison with a stone that is just withing classification of a "very good" cut, for about 8800$. I''d like to be able to judge with my eye, but honestly I''m not the best judge. My gf of course, has great eyes and seems to be a tad bit picky :-\. I just want to make her as happy as I can, so I''d like to make the wisest purchase on technical merit, because I really can''t tell the difference.

Thanks in advance

 

[scotch]

(This is a round brilliant, right?)

1) The cut is too deep. No way this is ideal.
2) You are getting about 1.35ct.
3) No. You are being ripped off. Check pricestats (this website)
4) Yes and no. Don't bother with this stone, move on.
5) ...??

Scotch

 

[quaeritur]

Hi nicknomo-

The reason it looks smaller is not that it's under 1.5 ct... rather, I'm betting the weight is hidden in the extra depth. This stone is too deep, I'd pass on it.

Run a search here by cut quality to get an idea of pricing, and hang in there, this doesn't have to be a frustrating experience! You'll find lots of helpful advice on this forum.

 

[nicknomo]

Yes it is a round brilliant...

It's very hard to find good prices and good stones. It's disheartening, if what you say is true... The stone was supposed to be GIA certified...

I figured he might be fudging the cut, but I thought the weight discrepency might be due to the depth. I'd imagine if the carat size is incorrect it would be an honest mistake, I think most individuals get the stone appraised after they buy them... Mismatching certificates with stones would probably get him out of business quickly (if he did it often).

 

[nicknomo]

Ok, so I've been looking at prices in price scope, and I must say, they are much better than what I've been seeing.. Unfortunately, AGS stones are too expensive... GIA looks to be the most common, but I'm very disappointed that you can't actually tell whether you have an ideal cut or not...

My questions follow

1)When shopping around (especially when I don't see the stone firsthand), how in the world do I pick a well cut diamond? Can I make a moderately good guess just based on depth and table?

2) Will you notice inclusions on a GIA SI2 with the naked eye? I've only seen some EGL (foreign) SI's, which you could see it with the naked eye.

3) How much will the SI2 inclusions diminish the brilliance and fire of the stone?