Is this diamond a good buy?

[newbie124]

I have this diamond reserved through Whiteflash and am thinking about having them ship it to me so I can see it in person. I know they have a 10-day return policy, but I still have first-time-buyer nerves.

They told me that there is a white inclusion visible to the naked eye, but it's close to the girdle so would probably be covered by a prong. Makes me a little nervous to hear that, but ultimately I know that I shouldn't be too concerned about the clarity since no one's going to be able to see anything when it's worn, and I'd rather have a bigger, better cut diamond w/ G or above color.

Would like to get some feedback from others on whether you’d agree if this is a good find?

Cost: $6,272 (w/ Pricescope discount)
AGS Report Number: 0009222410
Date of Issue: November 30, 2007
Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.83 – 6.87 x 4.26 mm

Carat Weight: 1.220
Color Grade: G
Clarity Grade: SI1
Proportion Grade: AGS 0

Proportions:
Depth: 62.3 %
Table: 54.2 %
Crown Angle: 34.8
Crown Height: 15.9 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.8
Pavilion Depth: 42.9 %
Star/Upper Ratio: 57:43
Lower Half: 80 %
Girdle: the Sarin report says “Medium to Slightly Thick,” but the Whiteflash page says “Thin to Medium faceted”
Culet: Pointed (I’m not sure what this means?)

Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: Negligible

Here's the link to the site page: http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-540918.htm#

 

[newbie124]

One more thing that I should add is that our original target budget for the ring was around $10,000 (including setting). We priced the custom setting at a local jeweler''s and it''ll be around $1,400. So this diamond is somewhat under budget, but it seems to have most of the features we''ve been looking for. I especially picked this one out b/c the inclusions all seem to be around the edges, whereas a lot of other stones had visible inclusions on the table or closer to the center or more visible dark spots.

So just wondering if this is a good enough find or would it be better to wait and see if something better might crop up later?

 

[Jonathan the Jeweler]

I would fully recommend this diamond. Even without seeing the piece I can tell its a pretty stone. the fact that the inclusions are around the edge is a big plus. The price is very good, rivaling that of many whole-salers. I recommend you buy the diamond and see it for yourself. If you need a second opinion, take the stone to the jeweler who will set it, and let him tell you what he thinks. Also, I would fully recommend you set the stone in a platinum setting If you want it in a white metal. If you want a yellow-gold setting make sure that the head of the ring is still made out of platinum. This is for two reasons, to better accent the near-colorlessness of your stone as well as providing a much stronger setting than gold. Platinum is much more durable, and will shine forever, as long as you keep it polished. most jewelers have difficulty making custom platinum settings, and so you may have to consider a designer setting, and may have to up your price. You are getting, a great deal on the stone, and so I strongly recommend you put the money saved into a platinum setting. Ask your jeweler about Ritani, Scott-Kay, and similar design houses that work in platinum. I work with these companies'' product regularly and can recommend them with good conscience. A gold setting can wear out in a decade, but platinum will last as long as your diamond. Its superior strength makes it ideal to hold a diamond with beauty and security.

 

[newbie124]

Thanks for the feedback, Jonathan!

It does make me feel more confident having some additional opinions. And thanks for the info re: platinum. I''ve been going back and forth on that as well. I initially felt like it was more of a jewelry industry marketing ploy (no offense!), but after reading more, I think I''m pretty much convinced on going w/ platinum vs white gold now

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/20/2007 5:42:39 PM
Author: Jonathan the Jeweler
I would fully recommend this diamond. Even without seeing the piece I can tell its a pretty stone. the fact that the inclusions are around the edge is a big plus. The price is very good, rivaling that of many whole-salers. I recommend you buy the diamond and see it for yourself. If you need a second opinion, take the stone to the jeweler who will set it, and let him tell you what he thinks. Also, I would fully recommend you set the stone in a platinum setting If you want it in a white metal. If you want a yellow-gold setting make sure that the head of the ring is still made out of platinum. This is for two reasons, to better accent the near-colorlessness of your stone as well as providing a much stronger setting than gold. Platinum is much more durable, and will shine forever, as long as you keep it polished. most jewelers have difficulty making custom platinum settings, and so you may have to consider a designer setting, and may have to up your price. You are getting, a great deal on the stone, and so I strongly recommend you put the money saved into a platinum setting. Ask your jeweler about Ritani, Scott-Kay, and similar design houses that work in platinum. I work with these companies' product regularly and can recommend them with good conscience. A gold setting can wear out in a decade, but platinum will last as long as your diamond. Its superior strength makes it ideal to hold a diamond with beauty and security.

THe first highlight is a bad idea. You take diamonds to an INDEPENDENT appaiser, other jewelers will frequently have hidden agendas (like trying to get you to purchase one of their stones).

As for designer versus custom settings, while there are definite advantages to going with designer settings, we have many vendors on here with a proven track record of high quality platinum settings. Like Leon Mage or Mark Morrel.

Plat versus WG is a choice. WG has it's advantages too, not that Mr. BBB stated any of them. That said, platinum is an alloy and not alll platinums are equal, and just because it has a designer name on it doesn't mean that it's going to be perfect and defect free.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the stone is fine, but with a $10,000 budget, I''d take a look at the other WF stones in the 1.2 to 1.25 range that are F or G VS2 at around $8800 with discounts. (ACA''s have a 5% discount and the Expert Selection stones have about a 2 or 2.5% discount for payment by wire and being a PriceScope member). Examples:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-273553.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-273585.htm

 

[Steel]

Date: 12/20/2007 4:49:56 PM
Author: newbie124
One more thing that I should add is that our original target budget* for the ring was around $10,000 (including setting). We priced the custom setting at a local jeweler''s and it''ll be around $1,400. So this diamond is somewhat under budget, but it seems to have most of the features we''ve been looking for. I especially picked this one out b/c the inclusions all seem to be around the edges, whereas a lot of other stones had visible inclusions on the table or closer to the center or more visible dark spots.

So just wondering if this is a good enough find or would it be better to wait and see if something better might crop up later?

Hi there Newbie124 and welcome,

Let me start by saying I love Whiteflash, they will do you proud if you buy from them! [They get my 2 thumbs up]

Perhaps I am wrong, but from this above post, you seem less than excited about this choice. Do you really love it or is it just kinda ok? I say because you used unexcited words as highlighted above in your last para.

Now about this budget*.... How did you come up with it, is it your max avail funds or did you have in mind a type of stone (size, colour etc) that you wanted to achieve?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi Jonathan the Jeweler, Welcome too

!

I felt that your post came across a little (lot

) didactic. I am sure you didn''t intend this in a negative manner. While it is great to have an opinion and in a forum such as this, often helpul to the OP to voice that view, it is better if it does not come across as the only view.

0.02

 

[newbie124]

Hi diamondseeker2006,

Thanks for your comments. I did actually see that ACA diamond on their site, however, the diameter is actually slightly smaller (as well as carat weight) than the diamond I was looking at. So for the extra $2,000 I would want more than just the VS2 grading, which is why I ruled this one out.

The second diamond you mention does have a better color grading and is slightly larger (though not significantly..6.88-6.90 compared to 6.83-6.87). Again, for that much of a price increase, I think I''d want an upgrade in size more than anything else.

So, basically, even though the budget we had in mind was around $10,000, I just feel like I haven''t seen anything in the $7,000-9,000 range that offers a better combination of specs than the diamond I found priced at $6272. Those that are better (in size and color anyway) jump to the $10,000+ range.

 

[newbie124]

Thanks for the welcome, Steel

Hmm, I guess my original post may have given the impression that I'm not that enthused about the stone. But I think the more I think about it and try to find other comparable stones currently being offered, the more I like it. I think it's more that I'm being cautious b/c I haven't been able to see how the stone performs in person so I have to just rely on what's paper, which of course is hard to do.

Based on the numbers the cut seems to be solid, and I'm also comfortable w/ a G color. My main concerns about this particular stone is just seeing how the inclusions look in person and also what the size will look like. Although we've been looking at stones around 1.25 cts, I didn't start keeping track of diameter until recently when I started reading more on Pricescope about what to look for. So I guess I'd say I'm "cautiously excited" only b/c I don't know how it will actually appear in person.

Regarding budget, I guess I should clarify first that I am the bride-to-be in the relationship. Since I'm the pickier one that always has to research everything, my boyfriend's sort of left it to me to seek out what I want We first started by narrowing down size. After looking around, 1.25 seemed like the best option. Then I just thought about the "perfect" flawless diamond and since we obviously can't afford that (nor would necessarily want flawless if we could) I worked my way down the specs determining what I'd be willing to compromise on. In the end, it was Cut as most important, then size and color, then lastly clarity.

After looking around and getting an idea of prices, we came up w/ a cap of $10,000. Part of it is also b/c I just think diamonds are ridiculously priced to begin with (I mean, HOW much money is being asked for this little stone?). Unfortunately, my morals only go so far and I still want one ; I just don't want my boyfriend to have to spend an unseemly amount on the ring. $10,000 is still a lot of money, but I thought that would be a reasonable cap for us to get a decent ring w/o having to overstretch ourselves.

Sorry if that was more info than you were looking for, but that's the best way I could explain it all

So can I ask what your opinion is of this diamond?

 

[KtIceRN]

I say go for it! It looks like a great stone for the price esp if the inclusion is prongable. Order it and take a look for yourself. If you do want a second opinion go to an independent appraiser not the jeweler who is going to set it. Sometimes people will tell you that they could get you a better deal when most of the time they can''t. An independent appraiser will not do this, ever.


I remember the first time I bought a stone from WF back in 2004. I was so scared that I was not going to get the stone I ordered or they would take my money and run. Well not only did I get the exact stone I ordered but it knocked my socks off!! It appraised for about 1500$ more than I paid. Now I have to admit that WF has taken alot of my money since then but they kindly give me lots of bling in return! They are a great company. I''m sure they will do right by you if you do chose to buy this stone.

Good luck.

 

[Lorelei]

The diamond you posted looks great - no worries if WF say it is eyeclean!! Pointed culet means just that and it is fine.

 

[newbie124]

Thanks, KT!

I called WF today and set the wheels in motion for them to send the diamond for us so we can take a look. I do plan on taking it to an independent appraiser for further assessment.

Also, since we have it for a 10-day trial period, I''m considering taking it around to other jewelers (including the one we''ve picked to do the setting...they''re a great independent company that was recommended by a friend as well as his sister and I trust their customer service) and compare it to stones that they have. However, I''m not exactly sure what would be the best way to approach this? Should we first go in and just tell them what kind of stone we''re looking for, see what they have, then say "well, we have this one here, can we compare side by side?" Or would it be better to just say upfront that we''ve bought a diamond, but we''re still shopping around during this trial period and would like to compare it to what the B&M store has? Do retailers take kindly to this? Also, should get the appraisal done before going to the retail stores? The point of going to the stores would be basically to see if they could offer anything w/ better specs in roughly the same price range or even a little above (as long as it''s still under our max).

You mention that sometimes ppl will say they can give a better deal when they can''t...do you mean they will pull out a stone and say, we''ll we have this and can give you this price, then later they increase the price on you?

 

[Steel]

Date: 12/21/2007 11:36:12 AM
Author: newbie124
Thanks, KT!

I called WF today and set the wheels in motion for them to send the diamond for us so we can take a look. I do plan on taking it to an independent appraiser for further assessment.

Also, since we have it for a 10-day trial period, I''m considering taking it around to other jewelers (including the one we''ve picked to do the setting...they''re a great independent company that was recommended by a friend as well as his sister and I trust their customer service) and compare it to stones that they have. However, I''m not exactly sure what would be the best way to approach this? Should we first go in and just tell them what kind of stone we''re looking for, see what they have, then say ''well, we have this one here, can we compare side by side?'' Or would it be better to just say upfront that we''ve bought a diamond, but we''re still shopping around during this trial period and would like to compare it to what the B&M store has? Do retailers take kindly to this? Also, should get the appraisal done before going to the retail stores? The point of going to the stores would be basically to see if they could offer anything w/ better specs in roughly the same price range or even a little above (as long as it''s still under our max).

You mention that sometimes ppl will say they can give a better deal when they can''t...do you mean they will pull out a stone and say, we''ll we have this and can give you this price, then later they increase the price on you?

Hello again,

I think I have the wrong end of the stick here, but just to clarify... It is possible that a retailer may try to put you off a stone you bring into their shop if they think you may return it and buy one of their stones/rings. So bear this in mind to add a pinch of salt to any criticism they might offer that contradicts the appraisal report.

If it makes no difference to you, I would definitely get the appraisal done before ''shopping around'', so that you can trust you are comparing apples to apples. I mean to say you know you will have a G SI1 etc when you compare in house to their G SI1.

It may also be worth you while to let WF know your ideal parameters so they can ''cast their net out'' for you, perhaps they can catch you a beauty if this stone doesn’t work out for some reason?

 

[KtIceRN]

Date: 12/21/2007 11:36:12 AM
Author: newbie124
Thanks, KT!

I called WF today and set the wheels in motion for them to send the diamond for us so we can take a look. I do plan on taking it to an independent appraiser for further assessment.

Also, since we have it for a 10-day trial period, I''m considering taking it around to other jewelers (including the one we''ve picked to do the setting...they''re a great independent company that was recommended by a friend as well as his sister and I trust their customer service) and compare it to stones that they have. However, I''m not exactly sure what would be the best way to approach this? Should we first go in and just tell them what kind of stone we''re looking for, see what they have, then say ''well, we have this one here, can we compare side by side?'' Or would it be better to just say upfront that we''ve bought a diamond, but we''re still shopping around during this trial period and would like to compare it to what the B&M store has? Do retailers take kindly to this? Also, should get the appraisal done before going to the retail stores? The point of going to the stores would be basically to see if they could offer anything w/ better specs in roughly the same price range or even a little above (as long as it''s still under our max).

You mention that sometimes ppl will say they can give a better deal when they can''t...do you mean they will pull out a stone and say, we''ll we have this and can give you this price, then later they increase the price on you?

Excellent Newbie! I think it''s great that you will get to see this stone for yourself.

I would get the independent appraisal first so you are comfortable that you have what you were expecting from WF. Some of the jewelers may just say they could get you a better deal, some might bring out some stones and others might say they will get some stones for you. It will vary from jeweler to jeweler. The things that WF can supply that most B&M''s may not are 40x mag photos, IS and ASET images and a sarin report. Also WF has the lifetime trade in which you may or may not use. Now some B&M''s might offer these, if so great. This extra information is nice to have IMHO. Sometimes a stone just talks to you, no matter what the papers and images say or don''t say. I don''t know about a B&M increasing to price after they already told you one but if I got that feeling about someplace I certainly wouldn''t want to shop there. If someone says they can get you a stone that you want at a price you agree on best advice is to get it in writing.

I also did a comparison shop when my friend got a radiant from WF and no one could/would come within @2K of the price he paid. People we nice enough about us looking at the stones side by side although we did tell them we got it from a family friend not the internet. It was neat to do but in the end he was more than happy with the stone from WF in both price and performance so that is the one he kept.

Please let us know what you think about the stone and how your shopping goes! We look forward to it.

 

[newbie124]

Thanks for the advice, KT! I will definitely keep you guys posted once we get the WF diamond and have it appraised.

And that's a good idea about telling the B&M stores that the stone came from a family friend, etc. I made the mistake of accidentally letting it slip to a salesperson at one B&M that we were looking for stones on the internet, and then I had to sit and hear her lecture about why it's "not safe" to buy online. I understand that they kind of have to say that b/c it's their competition...so I just sat and nodded and tried hard not to argue w/ everything she was saying! Then it was just kind of awkward after that and we left. So I've definitely learned my lesson about dropping the "i" word!

 

[Jenn5504]

Hi newbie124, I''m sorry you have dealt with some disappointment during this exciting time. All of us here on PS are meticulious when it comes to diamonds. I can totally related to finally getting my ring in hand and having up and down moments on how I felt about it at first.....I, too, have a WF ES stone (well........I found it in their virtual inventory, they pulled it in, assessed it, and I am told it was ES quality and would go into their inventory as an ES stone if/WHEN I upgrade some day

). From everything I can see you got a GORGEOUS rock girl.

Cut IS king and you got a beauty for sure. I am sorry that the appraisor did not tell you what we would ALL love to hear: "What a gorgeous stone, I think it''s closer to and F/VS2! You got a steal of a deal!". AGS is very highly regarded and I trust their color/clarity grading. But I have to admit, I''m always REALLY wondering what an appraisor would say to me regarding my J/SI2........for fear that I would be told "low J, closer to I1" I will never take it to an independant appraisor.

I can''t wait to see pics of your rock! What setting are you thinking of getting?