Impressions of this Marquise, please

[Snicklefritz]

Hi, all

I've noticed a few threads on marquises popping up lately, and I'm excited to see revived interest in this forsaken cut

I'm in the market for a marquise, myself, and must admit it's slim pickings. I've probably seen 7 mqs at local jewelers that meet my specs, most of which get ousted from my short list for any number of traits that I find distasteful. Furthermore, I'm finding it hard to trust my eyes when I don't have tried and true numbers to fallback on, as in the case of rounds. Jeweler lights just plain mess with my eyes. I don't know what I'm seeing besides sparkle. To circumvent this problem, I've dragged multiple jewelers on to the sidewalks, observed stones in their back rooms under fluorescent, and in their foyers with soft, creamy lighting. I'm trying to do this right, darn it!

I've also been using a little handheld ASET that I bought from AGS http://www.americangemsociety.org/newhandheldaset.htm. But I'm definitely no expert at using it yet. Sometimes, the same diamond can have a great ASET or a terrible ASET. I'm going to have to reread the tutorial before employing it again.

Despite my struggles, this particular diamond has caught my eye for one reason or another. It seems to have a glittery appearance. Could be partly due to the crystal inclusions I'd like your impression of it based on what specs and images I can provide. I will try to get a better impression of its ASET over the coming days and report back.

Specs:
EGL USA - LA
2.46ct
D color
SI2 clarity
Depth: 61%
Table: 57%
Crown: 15%
Pavilion: 42.7%
Girdle: Medium to Thick Faceted
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Fluoro: None

It technically falls in the 1A AGA cut class if that's of any help.

Thanks ver, ver much!!

 

[Snicklefritz]

Up close!

 

[Gypsy]

Up close!

HELLO GORGEOUS. That's what I think. Especially in that PERFECT setting.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Another with the jeweler's light obstructed sitting in a mounting

The second pic shows some darkness, though from what I can recall it doesn't really show that much. And the jeweler's ceiling between the spot lights is black. Ugh, all these variable mess with my head However, in very intense light, it does seem to show a diamond version of "extinction" or so the jeweler called it. When it shows, it covers approximately 10% of the stone at any give time. I'd really appreciate any thoughts on that!!

 

[Snicklefritz]

Last one for now...

 

[Gypsy]

Another with the jeweler's light obstructed sitting in a mounting

The second pic shows some darkness, though from what I can recall it doesn't really show that much. And the jeweler's ceiling between the spot lights is black. Ugh, all these variable mess with my head However, in very intense light, it does seem to show a diamond version of "extinction" or so the jeweler called it. When it shows, it covers approximately 10% of the stone at any give time. I'd really appreciate any thoughts on that!!

Anything with a bow tie is going to have that honey. And your bowtie is there but even I (who hate them) would consider that an acceptable bow tie. I would be okay with it, personally. Again, gorgeous setting and stone combo.

 

[cmaha33]

I LOVE, LOVE your diamond! I have a marquise, too. And the AGA 1A cut class is awesome! How do you feel about the EGL certification? Do you have any concerns about the color or clarity being a little off?

 

[Snicklefritz]

Another with the jeweler's light obstructed sitting in a mounting

The second pic shows some darkness, though from what I can recall it doesn't really show that much. And the jeweler's ceiling between the spot lights is black. Ugh, all these variable mess with my head However, in very intense light, it does seem to show a diamond version of "extinction" or so the jeweler called it. When it shows, it covers approximately 10% of the stone at any give time. I'd really appreciate any thoughts on that!!

Anything with a bow tie is going to have that honey. And your bowtie is there but even I (who hate them) would consider that an acceptable bow tie. I would be okay with it, personally. Again, gorgeous setting and stone combo.

Thanks so much for the clarification, Gypsy! You have no idea how helpful that little bit of info was for me. I just wanted to know it was normal. I swear I'm psyching myself out over nothing. It is a gorgeous stone, and I completely love that setting too! Thanks again!

 

[yennyfire]

I'm not a fan of bowties either, but that stone is gorgeous and the tiny bowtie effect doesn't bother me. I say go for it (and then post tons of handshots!!)

 

[Snicklefritz]

I LOVE, LOVE your diamond! I have a marquise, too. And the AGA 1A cut class is awesome! How do you feel about the EGL certification? Do you have any concerns about the color or clarity being a little off?

Thanks very much, cmaha! We'll see if it ends up being my stone I'm not so worried about the EGL cert. I didn't go into this expecting a D, and I wouldn't be paying a GIA D price. And, I feel that the clarity is pretty spot on actually.

 

[Snicklefritz]

I'm not a fan of bowties either, but that stone is gorgeous and the tiny bowtie effect doesn't bother me. I say go for it (and then post tons of handshots!!)

Honestly, the bow tie even seems more visible in the pics than in real life. I hardly notice it in the store. Thanks, Yenny!

Looks like I forgot to post the dimensions above, which may be of use:
13.00 x 7.31 x 4.46

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Looks like a gorgeous stone to me and I also LOVE it in that classic setting!

 

[LibbyLA]

Snicklefritz,

Beautiful diamond! I think the reason that you don't notice the bowtie much when you are looking at the diamond is that you are looking at it while it is moving (even slightly) so the bowtime comes and goes very quickly. A photo freezes a moment and if it happens to be at just the right (wrong?) angle, you see the bowtie.

I have an oval so I'm well aware of the bowtie situation. Some stones probably have large bowties that are obvious from many angles and positions while others have minimal bowties that are visible in relatively few positions.

liz

 

[ame]

Looks great to me!!! IF you get it Ill be curious who you got it from!

 

[springolators]

Jeweler lights just plain mess with my eyes. I don't know what I'm seeing besides sparkle. To circumvent this problem, I've dragged multiple jewelers on to the sidewalks, observed stones in their back rooms under fluorescent, and in their foyers with soft, creamy lighting.

I agree with you, looking at a stone in different light is essential.

It is a really lovely marquise, I am a big marquise fan and this one is really pretty.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Thanks everyone! Your votes in favor of it have given me added confidence in my selection process.

Thanks, diamondseeker! Glad you like it!

I think you're absolutely right, Libby LA! Thankfully the bowtie doesn't bother me in person or in the pictures.

Ame, I'll be glad to spill the beans if all goes well

Springolators, I've looked at it under every lightning possible, and I'm sure it will continue to surprise me with aspects of its personality assuming I'm able to take it out of the store vicinity some day. That's part of the wonderful nature of diamonds, after all!

 

[SandyCheeks]

Snicklefritz That is a fantastically beautiful ring and stone. Just smashing and the finger coverage must be massive. What ever happened to your RB set in the gorgeous Leddel with J color melee? That is one of my favorites on PS.

 

[distracts]

Oooh I love it!

I've been interested in marquises lately too. I saw a DIVINE one on Lang's website, with fishtail-type prongs over the pointy ends so they weren't quite so pointy looking, which I thought was neat. I also love them set E-W.

Does the bowtie move around? I wouldn't like it if it stayed still and was always there but if it moves and changes with the light, I find it forgivable.

2.46 cts? What are the dimensions? I am betting huge huge huge!

 

[Snicklefritz]

Thanks Sandycheeks! I appreciate your thumbs up on both of my rings! Here's a thread I just started explaining the fate of my craigslist ring. Your post is what finally prompted me to give a much needed update! So thanks again!

Distracts, the bowtie does move, and is not as visible IRL. Fortunately, it doesn't bother me at all. The dimensions are 13.00 x 7.31 x 4.46. Looks pretty big to me

 

[FrekeChild]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/where-did-snicklefritzs-diamond-go.175059/

Me likey! (The combo is PERFECT!)

 

[marcy]

I think it is a really pretty diamond.

 

[TravelingGal]

I love it enough to be suddenly interested in marquises...

 

[lknvrb4]

Beautiful diamond, I love the proportions!

 

[Enerchi]

I have a marquise (albeit, the smallest marquise solitaire known to female-kind!!!) and realizing what a DOG mine was!!! Yours looks beautiful! I agree that if the bowtie effect comes and goes, not worth stressing over but if it is permanent no matter what the position - nope. It would drive me nuts.

Your stone and setting are gorgeous! The proportion is very appealing - I love that marquise shape, not a long and skinny one.

Enjoy - and read the other thread - congrats on the weight off your shoulder with the sale and the new love in your life! Great news!!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

It looks really amazing. My only concern is SI2 from EGL means that you should get the opinion from an appraiser about the inclusions and if they are anything to worry about. As a vintage piece the EGL report is less of a concern, but of course, make sure you pay fair value.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Beautiful--I love marquise; glad you are choosing one (or it choose you?)

cheers--Sharon

 

[Snicklefritz]

Thanks for posting the other link, Freke! I meant to do that, but left my mind somewhere in the process

Glad you like, it marcy!

TravelingGal, my secret plan is to start a mad frenzy for mqs . Just gotta find the right specimen to seduce everyone with

Thanks lknvrb!

All the more reason to invest in a new, bigger, sparklier mq, Enerchi And thanks for checking out my other thread as well!

Great advice as always, Dreamer! Yes, I've checked around on pricing and feel that I'm getting a more than fair deal. Additionally, I will have the same independent appraiser I used last time evaluate this stone too.

canuk-gal, I do think the stone will end up choosing me as opposed to the other way around

 

[Dreamer_D]

It looks really amazing. My only concern is SI2 from EGL means that you should get the opinion from an appraiser about the inclusions and if they are anything to worry about. As a vintage piece the EGL report is less of a concern, but of course, make sure you pay fair value.

OK I am not sure why I thought it was a vintage piece, I think the photo in the mount did it.

I want to talk more about the EGL report. I think you need to be very very wary of it. I know you have been round the block and know why EGL is not a lab that is in the best interests on consumers. A special case red flag in my opinion is situations where a diamond is graded Si2 by EGL, like this one is.

As you know, EGL is lax in its grading. And cutters/vendors *choose* to send certain diamonds to EGL, usually diamonds that would be graded below an important demarkation point for value by GIA. In this case, knowing EGL graded the diamond Si2 means that GIA would likely have graded the stone I1 or even I2. My guess is the latter, unfortunately, since the color is so good, the stone would have to have a MAJOR flaw to warrant sending it to EGL over GIA and accepting the market devaluation that accompanies EGL. Some stones would be frankly unsalable if they were offered on the market with a GIA report and an accurate grade for cut/color/clarity. My guess is this stone would have received an I2 and been unsalable with a GIA report, hence the seller chose EGL to make it more palatable to buyers.

This does not mean you should not buy the stone. But it means you need to do two things before you commit. Fitst you need an independent qualified appraisal to ensure that the clarity is not a durability risk and does not affect optics. This is not one of those cases where you should maybe do it to cover your butt. This is a case where I think there is a good chance there is an issue with clarity. So please check it out. Second, you need to think hard about value. The stone was sent to EGL because the seller can get MORE money selling an EGL D Si2 than they can get for an F I2, for example. There is a huge decrease in price in the I1-I2 clarity range, and so you need to make sure the price being asked is fair. An appraiser can help you determine this.

To be honest, my guess is the seller will be asking too much, relying on an uneducated consumer to be ignorant of the issues accompanying an EGL Si2. Do your homework and if the seller will not drop to fair market value in price, and more importantly, allow you an ample money back inspection period (promised in writing of course), then you need to walk.

 

[Snicklefritz]

It looks really amazing. My only concern is SI2 from EGL means that you should get the opinion from an appraiser about the inclusions and if they are anything to worry about. As a vintage piece the EGL report is less of a concern, but of course, make sure you pay fair value.

OK I am not sure why I thought it was a vintage piece, I think the photo in the mount did it.

I want to talk more about the EGL report. I think you need to be very very wary of it. I know you have been round the block and know why EGL is not a lab that is in the best interests on consumers. A special case red flag in my opinion is situations where a diamond is graded Si2 by EGL, like this one is.

As you know, EGL is lax in its grading. And cutters/vendors *choose* to send certain diamonds to EGL, usually diamonds that would be graded below an important demarkation point for value by GIA. In this case, knowing EGL graded the diamond Si2 means that GIA would likely have graded the stone I1 or even I2. My guess is the latter, unfortunately, since the color is so good, the stone would have to have a MAJOR flaw to warrant sending it to EGL over GIA and accepting the market devaluation that accompanies EGL. Some stones would be frankly unsalable if they were offered on the market with a GIA report and an accurate grade for cut/color/clarity. My guess is this stone would have received an I2 and been unsalable with a GIA report, hence the seller chose EGL to make it more palatable to buyers.

This does not mean you should not buy the stone. But it means you need to do two things before you commit. Fitst you need an independent qualified appraisal to ensure that the clarity is not a durability risk and does not affect optics. This is not one of those cases where you should maybe do it to cover your butt. This is a case where I think there is a good chance there is an issue with clarity. So please check it out. Second, you need to think hard about value. The stone was sent to EGL because the seller can get MORE money selling an EGL D Si2 than they can get for an F I2, for example. There is a huge decrease in price in the I1-I2 clarity range, and so you need to make sure the price being asked is fair. An appraiser can help you determine this.

To be honest, my guess is the seller will be asking too much, relying on an uneducated consumer to be ignorant of the issues accompanying an EGL Si2. Do your homework and if the seller will not drop to fair market value in price, and more importantly, allow you an ample money back inspection period (promised in writing of course), then you need to walk.

I really appreciate the time and thought you put into your post!

I think you make great points here, Dreamer. Things I've perhaps overlooked in all the craziness of the diamond hunt. Whatever clarity I think the diamond is doesn't really matter. Maybe I became comfortable in the fact that my previous diamond was accurately clarity graded (according to the independent appraiser) by EGL USA, and was also a little blinded by the sparkle. Fortunately, I am still in the process of considering options, and will take your words to heart.

 

[nararabbit]

Snickle, I think you'll be really happy w/ the ring if you and the seller can come to an agreement about the price. It more than likely is at least an I1 but I have loved a stone with that grade before - the 2ct marquise gifted to me by my MIL for my 30th (which I won't receive til next year but she let me play with it recently !) The finger coverage is stunning (compared to the 1.55 ct round I wear every day) and got many more compliments just on one night out to dinner. Enjoy your beauty if you decide to go with it. I am really attracted to slightly fat marquise like that, it makes them seem more antique and romantic as opposed to sharp, 80s power hungry pantsuit, KWIM?