IGI report and "The Leo Diamond"?

[lionluv]

Hi. Any "diamond experts" out there familiar with the IGI diamond grading report? Is this a legitimate grading company? Is it as strict or as well respected as the AGI or the GIA? I viewed a 3 (round) stone "Leo Diamond" at Kay Jewelers two days ago, and it was quite beautiful, but I don''t know about the IGI?!

Also, I have read on your site: "Pay special attention to crown and pavilion angles which are not shown on GIA reports. The beauty of the diamonds depends crucially on these parameters."

Are the crown and pavilion angles available only for round diamonds? I have been viewing both round and radiant cut diamonds. I am not sure if I can get pavillion and crown angles on radiant cuts, and if so what parameters I should look for.

I appreciate any help you can provide. My husband is buying me a 3 diamond anniversary ring for our 25th anniversary, and we both want it to be special.

Thanks!

 

[pricescope]

Here''s what Richard Sherwood reported about Leo diamond: Review of a Leo Cut

 

[jaz464]

IGI is not considered to be nearly as trustworthy as GIA or AGS, by most everyone. I would stick with the 2 more respected labs as their grading is much, much more likely to be accurate. If you do want an IGI diamond, I would definitely take it to an independent appraiser PRIOR to purchase to make sure you are getting what you are paying for.

Crown and pavillion angles are not only available for rounds

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I don not believe any labs report crown and pavilion angles for cuts other than round, but Leo falls within the same basic round rules and you can use HCA for it.

Re IGI - I would not be happy with an IGI APPRAIASL report on a set stone because they grade with split grades and it is not as accurate - and the values are high retail and you can usually save some money on insurance with one closer to what you pay - but that is only my opinion.

IGI reports that I see (mainly) from India are more consistent / reliable than those I see from GIA. I often discount the color grade by 1/2 a grade - so an independant appraiser can help there - if the stone is loose.

 

[lionluv]

Thank you to everyone for your help/advice and the link to the Leo Diamond thread. I was a little concerned about the IGI grading system. So, it sounds like I was warranted in my concern there. I must say that this (3 stone) diamond was very bright and sparkly, even in subdued lighting. It was G/H color, approx. 1.50 total carat weight, with a center of .75 and priced at $7,995 (10% off 5/4/06 for their diamond mounting event). Anyway it was nice to look at but before I got too interested in it I wanted your opinions on the IGI.

Next question!? Are any of you rock advisors familiar with "The Original Radiant Cut" diamond and have any opinions on it? A local jeweler (not a "chain store") is getting 3 in for me to look at. I viewed a .72 carat rectangular one at his store about 2 weeks ago and thought it was very sparkly. He is now getting 3 in for me to view; a center VS1, F color, 1.21 cwt., "excellent cut", non-cutlet, non-flourescent. Depth 68.7, Table 67, dimensions 7.19 x 5.49 x 3.79. Girdle "med-thk". Polish & symmetry both G. I would prefer for the polish and sym. to be VG, but have had no success finding radiants with these specs on line as well. Anyway, he is getting this center diamond and 2 matching sidestones (also VS1 and F color) with a combined cwt. of .95. Price $11,000.

Anyone have comments on the dimensions? They seem to fall nicely within the recommended parameters for the AGA guidelines for radiants, except for the depth. The depth is a little deep, but I was told that that is because this diamond is a rectangular shape. The "Original Radiant Cut" only tolerates a maximum depth of 64.9% on an absolutely square diamond. The rectangular shape will have a larger face-up surface so it should allow for slightly increased depths? So the web-site and literature says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?? What is your opinion on this? Also, overall opinion on the specs. and price for 3? I have done an extensive search on line on many sites for rectangular shaped radiants and have not been able to beat these specs. and find 3 that match, keeping the diamonds VS2 or higher, F color or higher, and center stone in the 1.20+ and sides at .45+ . Thank you for your anticipated response/advice!

 

[jaz464]

I would start a new thread with a relevant title. That way you can get more responses from people knowing about radiants

 

[lionluv]

Good advice Jazmine - - done. Now, how to close this topic . . . . ?