Is this a good diamond?

[kittelstick]

Hello,

I've done a bit of basic research regarding diamonds in the past couple weeks and think I may have found a rock suitable to my budget, her likes, etc... This is my first post (although I've creeped through quite a few posts looking for info) and was wondering if I could get some feedback regarding whether this would be a good choice/value.

Her only stipulation is that she wants a square cut diamond. My only stipulation Is that I don't need to re-finance my house to buy it (joking). Anyway, here are the specs of the diamond in question:

Style: Cut-Cornered Square Modified Brilliant
Carat Weight:1.02
Cut: Excellent
Color: G
Clarity: IF
Lab Name: GIA Certified
Depth: 71.8%
Table: 69.00%
Girdle: Thick
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

I think that covers everything, or that's all I know about the diamond anyway. The stone itself is set in a platinum band, size 5.

I'll be honest in stating I don't really know what "good" table and depth percentages are, so I'm trusting the opinions of those that respond. Perhaps you could explain why they are "good" or "bad" etc...

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

We really would have to see magnified photos of the stone to tell you anything. It would be very important to have an ASET image if this is a radiant or really any fancy cut. Also, you need to add the diameter measurements when you list specs. Have you seen this stone?

 

[ariel144]

Do you have a picture of the stone? What are the measurements? What is your budget? I would not pay the premium for an IF clarity unless the stone faced up really large for it's carat weight.

Ideally the more shallow (around 65% depth) the larger the stone will face up but radiants these days are not being cut with that depth. Also the best stones have a higher crown...so look for a smaller crown %...mid 50's to low 60%. But there are no hard and fast rules. You have to see the facet pattern and get an ASET so you can see how much leakage the stone has to know if it has a good cut.

Here are several with nice facet patterns from James Allen

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/?CaratFrom=0.88&CaratTo=1.99&PriceFrom=400&PriceTo=999000&Sort=Carat%20asc,%20DefaultOrder&TabSelected=3&advancedParameter=pn&showAdvanced=show&ps=15&DiamondID=217475,23441,23475,223340,228285,224421,272201&Polish=&Symmetry=&Lab=&Flour=&DepthFrom=45.0&DepthTo=71.4&TableFrom=50.0&TableTo=64.2

You can watch the educational videos on Good Old Gold to determine which facet pattern is pleasing to your girlfriend.

Here is a great performer on GOG and faces up nicely too for the carat weight..but the facet pattern is more like a princess cut which is nice (click on "reserve this diamond" to get the price if it's not listed:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10221/
And here is a princess of hearts:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8361/

If I was a newbie I would probably let one of the respected online vendors find you the best performing stone for your budget. GOG is great for newbies as they will do a video of several radiants and you can choose the one that you like the best.

Cut is KING and a lower colored stone that is well cut can look whiter and brighter than an higher colored stone that is not cut as well:
Love this video...it's an eye opener:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKZP4Ryp95M

Here are some videos comparing radiant cuts:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=radiant+cut+diamond&sm=12

Hope this helps. Has she thought about a square cushion cut? I bought a radiant cut diamond and when i went to resell it the jeweler told me if it were a cushion cut he could give me close to what i paid for it 6 years ago...but radiants aren't as popular. Also it is easier to find a brilliant cushion cut in the mid 60% depth range so it would face up larger for the carat weight.

Hope this helps...so much to learn when buying a diamond.