Is this round "ideal" and a good price??

[metroboy]

I''ve been doing some research, observed posts on pricescope and think this is an invaluable website for diamond related issues. Here''s my situation - I''m looking at a diamond at a local jeweller (specs below) and am being told it''s an ideal cut diamond. I would like some feedback confirming the specs and quoted price. I''m in Toronto, so I''ve used the daily conversion rate to price it in USD. Thanks for any help you can provide.

1.29ct VS1 F
GIA Cert and inscription
Table: 55.8%
Depth: 62.2%
Crown: 35.1'', 15.1%
Pavilion: 41.0'', 43.2%
Culet: 0.6% V.Small
Girdle: 2.0% Thick-Thick
Polish/Symmetry: Excellent/Very Good
Fluorescence: None

Price: $9,660 USD

 

[Nicrez]

Well, it scores a 2.6 - Very good- Worth Buying if the price is right on the HCA. It's Light return and fire, as well as Scintillation, even spread are all solid, very goods. Not excellents, but very goods...

The price seems a bit high compared to PS vendor prices, as seen with this:
1.27ct, E, VS2, D=60.3, T=57 for $8211.00

For almost the same price you could have this one:
1.28ct, G, VS1, D=60.9, T=55 H&A for $9,676.00

Just some things to think about...

 

[valeria101]

There is no generally accepted definition of "ideal", so everyone can say whatever. It is likely that the seller meant to say that the proportions of this stone fall within the range labeled ideal by AGS. But this diamodn would not get teh AGS0 grade for cut because of the thick girdle and non-excellent symmetry.

Overall, this is by no means a looser. There are better stone out there - to be sure. But this one ay be only very little worse.

As much as light return can be guessed by these numbers, the stone is among the best. (how this can be done is explained in the tutot=rial here, and a long thread on GIA research on cut might show that there is no great controversy on the issue, just enough to keep the debate among professionals going).

The stone is a tad expensive and a bit deep. It would not be very hard to find one on a more mainstream definition of "ideal" cut than the one issued by the local shop.


PS: if you do get to play with the HCA, you will see that the scores obtained using the angles is quite different than the one for the percentage measurements (not great 2.6 versus nice 1.4). The system takes into account 'thin-medium' girdle by default - hence the difference. Neither of the numbers is a disaster, regardless.

 

[metroboy]

valeria101,
Can you clarify your statement "It would not be very hard to find one on a more mainstream definition of "ideal" cut than the one issued by the local shop".
In your opinion should I shop around more?
Thanks

 

[valeria101]

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On 4/6/2004 1:41:20 PM metroboy wrote:



'It would not be very hard to find one on a more mainstream definition of 'ideal' cut than the one issued by the local shop'.

----------------

Not much of a secret: since there is no established definition of 'ideal' anyone can claim their stone is ideal. There are stones (as Nicrez posted) that would be labeled "ideal" by more widely recognized standards (H&A and AGS's) for the same price.

It seems that the store charges a premium for the stones they call 'ideal' and there are better out there.

It would be rather complicated to test wether this stone compares favorably with those already tested and labeled for top symmtery and light return. The price seems the same for either. In my view, it would be a shame to pay the price of a spectacular stone on somenthig not deserving much preise.

However, stones sold online receive most testing and judgement by numbers, 'cause buyers need to select them before seeing the stone. B&M stores do not (yet) need to bother with that much technology. So it may not be fair to ask for the local shop to provide the same degree of detail on cut quality and competitive prie as internet sellers accross the border.

Oh well...

 

[metroboy]

I appreciate your explanation. The jeweller is going to send the stone to 2 appraisers for verfication, as he just received it to validate the specifications.
One benefit, as I see it, is if the stone is comparable and in the "ideal" range, I save the duty taxes, shipping costs, etc... of buying online. This is another reason for my questioning the price.

 

[valeria101]

Do you know how this price compares to what AGS0 or H&A stones sell in the region? It would be great to get some test of optics on the stone if it is going to visit an appraiser's office.

Perfect of not, this one should look really nice given those specs. Good luck

 

[metroboy]

I do not know how the price compares to local diamonds. ANy suggestions on how to find this out?

 

[Nicrez]

What are local diamonds? It depends on the store, the location, etc. Local diamonds can mean TIffany's or Uncle Bob's Diamond Shop, where each has their own mark up. To me, the best result of market testing price was the internet.

I say this having been almost entirely through the NYC Diamond District, and getting price quotes as far off as $3,000+ for the SAME STONE! Literally, same GIA #. So, if you are talking about places with high mark-ups, your stone could be a bargain.

If you are talking about places with lesser mark-up, you are talking about slightly more expensive. Diamonds DON'T have a set price, they are sold for the highest price they can get for them, and the lowest price has to be bargained or discounted for bad cut. Other than that, price is in flux, according to demand and supply... and that I hear is currently being controlled as we speak...

When you DO get it appraised, get tests done where you can see the light performance of the stone. Some call them FireScopes, some are Ideal Scopes, tlak to the appraiser, see what they have and how much they can get for you on the stone! Good luck!

 

[Shay37]

Metroboy, USA Certed Diamonds is located in Toronto. I got a beautiful stone from them, and the service was great! They seem to really know their stuff, and they are not pushy. You might look them up online or give them a call. Their website has the phone number. They are also very competitively priced.

Hope this helps.

Shay

 

[metroboy]

Shay,
I actually did call Martin at USA and he recommended I go see Victor at Rose Jewellers, who got me the stone.

 

[Shay37]

Wow, that's taking "not pushy" to a whole new level! Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Good luck in your quest.

Shay

 

[metroboy]

I was hoping to hear from some of the vendors here regarding my questions - I am open to buying the ring online - in fact I went to the jeweller with the specs from a couple Blue Nile diamonds, expecting his stock not to compare.
Thanks for any feedback.