Lack of Sparkle

[djeyaram]

I am looking at three diamonds:
1.21 carats -G - VS2 - Excellent cut $5100
1.20 carats -G - SI1 - Excellent Cut $4900
1.32 carats - H -VS1 Excellent Cut $5250

I like the larger one for its size but it does not seem to have as much sparkle as the two smaller ones. Is one color grade difference enough to account for this? In the cuts are the same, what else could be causing this? Are these good prices? HELP!!

Thanks!!!

 

[Ellen]

Hi dj. Color does not affect the sparkle of a diamond.

If you look up at the top of the page, under KNOWLEDGE, there is a lot of great reading on diamonds. Take a look, and I think you will find some answers.

 

[djeyaram]

Thanks! I did some reading and arrived at the conclusion that "sparkle" relates to cut. All the cuts are graded the same . . .

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/25/2006 4:46:56 PM
Author: djeyaram
Thanks! I did some reading and arrived at the conclusion that ''sparkle'' relates to cut. All the cuts are graded the same . . .

Just because they all got Excellent does not mean they will all look the same. There are MANY variations of angles, tables, depths, etc. that receive an excellent cut. Can you get more information on these stones?

As for sparkle, the Lower Girdle Facets/Stars are what you want to learn about. I suggest you do a search on scintillation, that will help hopefully. There is a very good thread on this, I think called LGF and Stars, don''t remember by who.

 

[Sundial]

Who graded these diamonds to determine that they are excellent cut? As Ellen stated there can be a lot of variation within a cut grade. If you have had the advantage of seeing them in person, I would certainly go with one that is more sparkly. The size difference here is not that significant.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 7/25/2006 4:27:46 PM
Author:djeyaram
I am looking at three diamonds:
1.21 carats -G - VS2 - Excellent cut $5100
1.20 carats -G - SI1 - Excellent Cut $4900
1.32 carats - H -VS1 Excellent Cut $5250

I like the larger one for its size but it does not seem to have as much sparkle as the two smaller ones. Is one color grade difference enough to account for this? In the cuts are the same, what else could be causing this? Are these good prices? HELP!!

Thanks!!!

djey
are these RB's?

if yes, i can tell you right now that these prices are too cheap for well cut stones graded by GIA or AGS soo... my guess these aren't GIA or AGS.

 

[^]

Date: 7/25/2006 5:24:18 PM
Author: Ellen

Just because they all got Excellent does not mean they will all look the same. There are MANY variations of angles, tables, depths, etc. that receive an excellent cut. Can you get more information on these stones?

As for sparkle, the Lower Girdle Facets/Stars are what you want to learn about. I suggest you do a search on scintillation, that will help hopefully. There is a very good thread on this, I think called LGF and Stars, don't remember by who.

I believe this is the homework Ellen's assigned you. Massive amount of reading, but good info on the effects that LGF length has on a stones performance in different lighting conditions. The term you used, "sparkle" is a tricky one. Performance should be assessed in a variety of lighting conditions (read: not just under store lighting) to figure out true total performance. Some stones which may be "tuned" towards "sparkling" under direct led/halogen lighting typical of a store may not perform as well in diffused, indirect lighting which may be more typical of the stone's more common environment in everyday life.

Aside from the tutorials on Pricescope, you could probably benefit from taking an afternoon with a cold glass of Chardonnay and absorbing everything in the GOG tutorials as well as their videos. It will only take you one evening, but you'll be far better equipped for this search and will end up with a better stone for it, I would guess. It will explain why DF and I prefer GIA and AGS graded stones. So there's my homework assignment.

Good luck!

^

 

[SureShoe]

djeyaram, I can relate with the "newbiness" you feel I started my journey here just like you - asking a newbie question (I''m still a NEWB!)

It took me a while to absorb enough to have any confidence to buy a diamond. You might be in a bit of a hurry, but take a little time to understand what you want. Before you consider a diamond, you need to know the table, depth, crown, and pavillion.

Here''s an ugly secret that a lot of jewelers keep from you - the CUT is probably the most important of the 4 Cs, but the one they tell you the least about. I had a local jeweler REALLY try to take me. They didn''t want to talk table, depth, crown, or pavillion. They insulted me and told me I was just bit nitpicky. WELL... THAT is where they make a ton of money. They tell you you''re getting a VS1 with G color, but the cut is junk, which chews up the value and sucks out the sparkle. But, they mark it up and dump it on the unsuspecting public.

Take your time and consider the following...
1. Don''t consider any diamonds where you can''t get the table, depth, crown, and pavillion - plug them all into the Cut Advisor
2. I personally wouldn''t consider anything other than an AGS or GIA stone. I''m a newbie, and based on what I''ve read - those are what I trust because they''re recognized as legit. I''m sure people on here buy other stones, but they''re smarter than me. I want to be able to trust my certificate without being an expert. If they''re telling you it''s a G in color, but certified EGL, it might be an I rated by GIA.

good luck buddy

 

[snlee]

I agree that these prices are too low for well cut GIA or AGS certified diamonds. Also, we need more information about the cut other than "Excellent Cut."

I suggest reading the Diamond Tutorial then start your search for a diamond.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome to PS

Don't feel bad...we were all newbie's once! CUT IS EVERYTHING to do with sparkle and beauty!!!!!! Read the tutorials as suggested and learn about the importance of cut quality, it will be so worth it. Also don't go by labels pinned on diamonds by vendors such as Ideal, Premium etc, they in no way mean a diamond is well cut. Take your time and learn as much as you can - it can be fun - and then start to put your new knowledge into action. I promise you every time you look at the sparkling rock on your finger with joy, you will shudder to think back at the type of diamond you might have bought otherwise!

If you find some contenders you want opinions on you will need to post as well as colour and clarity:

depth
table
crown angle
pavillion angle
girdle thickness
flourescence
certification
polish
symmetry

Also see if the vendors have any cut info such as Idealscope Images and Sarin Reports etc.