Is this a good RBC diamond? Please help.

[turtledazzle]

The last diamond I was considering sold before I had a chance to decide. The vendor has placed a hold on another diamond for me, and I need to make the decision by tomorrow. It seems like a great deal, but I am little concerned about the smallish table and large-ish depth. The crown height also seems a bit large. The actual dimensions are a little smallish for a 1ct; however, the HCA score is 1.0 (ex,ex,ex,vg). What do you think?

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.39 - 6.42 x 4.01 mm
Carat Weight: 1.01
Color Grade: H
Clarity Grade: VS2
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions:
Depth: 62.6 %
Table: 54 %
Crown Angle: 35°
Crown Height: 16.5 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.6°
Pavilion Depth: 42.5 %
Star length: 55 %
Lower Half: 80 %
Girdle: Thin to Slightly Thick, Faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: Faint
Comments: Additional clouds are not shown.
Price: $4836

 

[JulieN]

seems like a good price; have you seen it?

 

[turtledazzle]

Date: 5/3/2006 5:42:09 PM
Author: JulieN
seems like a good price; have you seen it?

No, I haven't seen it, and I won't be able to see it in person unless I bite the bullet and purchase it (though the vendor does have a generous return policy). For a small fee (waived it the diamond is purchased), I could have the vendor bring the diamond into their office for analysis which would include a magnified image, Idealscope, and Sarin report. However, as this is my first-ever diamond purchase, I am not sure that even then I would be able to properly analyze all of the information.

How well does the HCA score reprensent a diamond's predicted performance? I realize the variation in the girdle from thin to slightly thick will make a difference, as HCA assumes medium girdle thickness.

Also, I just realized that the diamond is AGA Class 1B (not 1A). How much does this matter?

I also forgot to mention something in my first post. The GIA report indicates a fairly large cloud in the table area. However, the clarity is graded VS2 and the vendor representative said she did not think it would be visible to the naked eye. Could it adversely affect performance, even with the VS2 grading?

Anyone else have any opinions? I've learned so much from this site, but still feel overwhelmed. I just want to make a good purchase ... but need to do it soon!

Thank you,
turtledazzle

 

[JulieN]

~$50 to have it brought in and analysis

how much would you be out if you bought it and then returned it?

It looks like it could be a good stone.

 

[turtledazzle]

JulieN - thanks for the reply. Anyone else have an opinion based on the diamond''s numbers?
I''m thinking it seems worth it to have it brought in for analysis, but I''m not quite willing to buy it without the analysis and risk the disappointment, time loss, and return costs.
I think I''m going to try to find another one (or two) from the same vendor, and then compare them and make a choice. Sound reasonable?

-turtle

 

[mrssalvo]

You have to decide what you feel comfortable doing. I''d prefer to purchase a stone that is already in house where you can get the info up front. It could be great but without the vendor or your own eyes it''s hard to know 100% for sure.

 

[JulieN]

speaking of in-house:
http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=GIA-14324509
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/1828/
from Wink Jones: http://www.elmyrservices.com/stonepreview.php?id=96883195ba56c149bfee0d5a341860e6&cid=2
http://www.elmyrservices.com/stonepreview.php?id=8d13a39028d96a82eb40f0c3f2ead255&cid=2

 

[turtledazzle]

Date: 5/3/2006 10:48:48 PM
Author: JulieN
speaking of in-house:
http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=GIA-14324509
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/1828/
from Wink Jones: http://www.elmyrservices.com/stonepreview.php?id=96883195ba56c149bfee0d5a341860e6&cid=2
http://www.elmyrservices.com/stonepreview.php?id=8d13a39028d96a82eb40f0c3f2ead255&cid=2

Thanks for the extra links. That Whiteflash diamond is on my list ... I''m just not so sure of the I-color (though, from these wonderful forums, I have read that when well-cut an I colored diamond can look quite good).

 

[JulieN]

Get thee to a Tiffany's (or whatever) and ask to see a 1 carat I.