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Local jeweler with princess cut

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Zeno

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 1, 2018
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Hey all! Canadian here ready to pull the trigger. This site is great! Have found tons of ideas and have learned quite a bit. But still, I'm no expert and need some advice.

I'm working with a local jeweler who comes recommended. I think I've annoyed him though, with all my questions. I think he feels I'm doubting his expertise but I'm really not getting enough from him. So I'm rethinking my purchase through him. Obviously the selection online is better but I was hoping to work with someone and build a relationship. I've posted pics of the diamond he's recommended. Maybe someone can give me some advice or recommendations?? The price with maenova ring inspired with additional pave is $6000. I've attached the sampleScreenshot_20181001-165241_Chrome.jpg


The diamond is:
GIA certified
.90 carat
E colour
Vs2
Table 72%
Depth 77%
No fluorescence
Screenshot_20181001-210908_Gallery.jpg Screenshot_20181001-210919_Gallery.jpg Screenshot_20181001-210929_Gallery.jpg
 
From the photos I don’t like it, I think you need to have him give you more diamonds to choose from. Can you provide the GIA #? We maybe able to find a video or ASET image
 
.

I'd do just about any other cut (bias beware) - even a boring RBC

Among squares, I'd wish & ask if they have one of these separately - WWW
 
Generic four-chevron... I'm having so much trouble judging what's inclusion and what's dust.
What's the GIA number? Does the report have an inclusion plot?
 
Exactly, I see a lot in there that maybe shouldnt be? Like the top left, end of arrow, what is that??

Ok I will ask for the number. I did have it but left my notes in his shop.

As for asking him for more diamonds. This is what annoyed me, because I asked him to bring a few to choose from but he only brought one in that size. Then he got annoyed when I said I'd like to see more still. Hopefully he'll call me today to go back but we'll see. On that note, I've been searching online too, I may drop some links here to see what you guys think
 
Zeno said:
Exactly, I see a lot in there that maybe shouldnt be? Like the top left, end of arrow, what is that??

Ok I will ask for the number. I did have it but left my notes in his shop.

As for asking him for more diamonds. This is what annoyed me, because I asked him to bring a few to choose from but he only brought one in that size. Then he got annoyed when I said I'd like to see more still. Hopefully he'll call me today to go back but we'll see. On that note, I've been searching online too, I may drop some links here to see what you guys think
Click to expand...

If he got annoyed with you asking to see more then go somewhere else, he obviously doesn’t want your business and you are absolutely correct that top left corner does look like an inclusion and this is suppose to a VS...
 
Can the jeweller provide an ASETscope image?

If not, you could purchase your own to help you sift out good stones from average stones.

Check out Whiteflash for 'A Cut Above' Princess cuts - these are amongst the best, if not the best, performing princess stones available, as I understand it.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/search.aspx

This is probably closest to your current specs:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3907545.htm

Is that about the budget you have available? $4k?

If so, you could also consider:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3816336.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3638397.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3644843.htm
 
It looks really dark, yet it is an E. That says the cut is wanting. Look at whiteflash’s ACA princess stones to see how bright and beautiful a superbly cut stone can look.

Then, you could drop color to F or G and get the best cut.

Has your intended (or you if you’re the wearer) expressed a desire for a princess cut?
 
@Zeno, tell him to bring in at least one three-chevron princess and one more four-chevron princess in your budget. He will know what that means. Lots of points if he can FIND a two-chevron - nice ones are unicorns these days.

Get GIA report numbers for all stones he brings in. It is not unreasonable at all to expect to have three stones to choose from in-person in this size/price/availability range.
 
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I got extremely busy today so I'll try to reach him tomorrow. I think he's trying to meet what he thinks is my budget but I keep having to reiterate that I'd rather have a good diamond and pay a bit more. We'll see what he comes with.

As for the suggestions. Thanks! Yes I've been looking at whiteflash, great princess stones and yes she did say she wanted a square diamond at one point. So the first suggestion is great. I think I'd rather stick to VS clarity and maybe give up a little on colour to get a well cut diamond so this is in the right direction.

I also saw this one. It's a J but it really doesnt look at all more yellow than other H's even G's. Maybe the clarity vs1 is helping this?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-312229.htm

I think I'm going for best value under 5k (damn, I started at 4k, how did I get here??? Lol) so if i was going to go all in with this specific ring, I would do this one. What do you guys think?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3971433.htm
 
Don’t love any of the WF options in your desired specs range, TBH. I strongly prefer smaller-tabled princesses (permit about as much coloured light as you’re ever going to get from a princess). Check out Solasfera’s line of princesses to learn more.

Some alternate options. What I am looking for: symmetric patterning, edge to edge brightness face-up, no “mushiness” in the corners under the table both face-up and as the stone is tilted slightly.

Deeper than ideal, probably due to the thick girdle - but I personally am very forgiving of thick girdles on princesses, especially if the corners are the “thick” parts! (You’d have to have the stone inspected).
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/0.96-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5495773

Gorgeous stone. Imperfect by the numbers in some ways compared to branded stones, but from a practical “what do I see when I look at this stone” - you aren’t going to do better than this.
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4689863

Another beautifully faceted specimen but overly deep, which is diminishing spread slightly.
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.02-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5585136

Very nice option with nice spread, but unclear if eyeclean to your requirements, whatever they might be - you’d have to have have JA check.
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.07-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5474236

If you are open to purchasing online... recommend putting #2 above on hold ASAP and requesting an ASET.
 
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Ok I finally got a number for the stone
GIA: 6295373704

And thanks for the james allan suggestions. As I'm still new to this game, what is it in the diamond that you yourself see besides the sparkle? The one you favorited has much more contrast I noticed.
 
These images are very harsh on clarity - using about half seems reasonable.

One more: WWW
 
Zeno said:
Ok I finally got a number for the stone
GIA: 6295373704

And thanks for the james allan suggestions. As I'm still new to this game, what is it in the diamond that you yourself see besides the sparkle? The one you favorited has much more contrast I noticed.
Click to expand...
Optically-symmetric virtual facet patterning, evenly-sized virtual facets, pleasing obstruction pattern face-up and through normal viewing tilt, no “mushiness” or dead zones face-up and through normal viewing tilt (ie. no large areas of ineffectual virtual facets) - especially common inder the corners of the tables in princesses.
 
Zeno said:
yes she did say she wanted a square diamond at one point.
Click to expand...
Check that she definitely wants a princess and not an asscher, cushion or radiant. They're all very different flavours of square cut and she might not be aware that not all square cuts are the same.
I wasn't until I started looking. Initially I thought I liked princess cuts but when I saw them in person, I really didn't like the super sharp corners. I now have a round old cut in a squared off setting which satisfies my love for a square shape.
 
Excellent advice @foxinsox: all squares are NOT equal in any way shape or form.

Also square diamonds generally look much smaller than other shapes (round, pear, oval) of the same carat weight.

My original engagement ring is a 1.09 asscher. At 5.9 square it looks similar to an 80 point round. I did not know that when I requested a 'square' diamond from my husband. If I had... I probably would have made a different decision.

Also, right now the 'square' diamond that is most popular is the cushion, not so much princesses. So I'd make 100% sure which specific square she wants.
 
I really like princess cuts and a few of my friends who were recently engaged chose princess cuts including halo princess. I was surprised as everyone these days gets cushion halos. Princess cuts may be making a come back;) some people just really love the shape, myself included. I know it’s not preferred around here but IRL it is possible that women like princess cuts:) I was sure my one friend would choose a round solitaire or cushion halo but she chose princess halo.

Not that you shouldn’t check with her; unless she specified princess cut.

For a top notch princess cut I’d go with whiteflash ACA. I do wish I got one with a Smaller table which they have several of now in the size I purchased (1.2 carat).
 
By the way I LOVE that ring and have been looking for something like it. My next upgrade!!!
 
star18 said:
For a top notch princess cut I’d go with whiteflash ACA. I do wish I got one with a Smaller table which they have several of now in the size I purchased (1.2 carat).
Click to expand...
Perhaps you could upgrade if it's only a few more $$? :)
 
OoohShiny said:
Perhaps you could upgrade if it's only a few more $$? :)
Click to expand...

Yes I could lol. Mine is pretty beautiful and Becca compared it for me and I decided to keep mine:)
 
Thanks for that explanation @yssie. Ive been so busy with work that I havent really been looking. I did find these today, i asked for some aset images but they are overseas diamonds.

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...t/1.07-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5891931

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...t/1.08-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5891929

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.07-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4779172

I didnt check if they had aset image on that last one.

I missed out on one that looked like a spectacular buy yesterday :(2

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ut/1.10-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5525499

Let me know what you guys think, she didnt say specifically a princess but she wears princess in her earrings. I know, not the same but I have a strong feelings it's what she wants.

And yes! I'm in between that maevona or this....
Screenshot_20181006-213158_Chrome.jpg
 
And white flash has very limited selection...the aset images of the ones there dont seem great. anywhere else to look?
 
What about the ones Yssie posted? The second one would be my pick hands-down. I originally had a princess cut that never quite performed as I'd hoped... then I came here and learned... and ended up with an OEC. If I were to get a princess again, it would be one like the second one Yssie posted.

The options you posted last are not grabbing me. Tables are too large.
 
rainydaze said:
What about the ones Yssie posted? The second one would be my pick hands-down. I originally had a princess cut that never quite performed as I'd hoped... then I came here and learned... and ended up with an OEC. If I were to get a princess again, it would be one like the second one Yssie posted.

The options you posted last are not grabbing me. Tables are too large.
Click to expand...
yes!! The ones she posted, especially the G VS were lovely!!
 
@Zeno can you explain what it is about the stones you chose that your eyes liked? None of them would be stones I would recommend, including the one that you consider a “fantastic buy” that you missed out on.

1. In the stones I chose, all facets are clearly delineated throughout the stone - at the edges, in the center, in the corners under the table. Watch the videos of my selections - those facets remain clearly delineated on tilt. All of your selections suffer from “blurry” facets in the corners under the table, in face-up still photos and through slight tilt - IRL this translates into dull, mushy “haziness” in those areas of the stone.

2. The stones I chose are evenly bright edge to edge - there are no “hot spots” and “less bright areas”, and contrast patterns are symmetric throughout. Many of your selections suffer from “egg yolk syndrome” - the center of the stone is a bright island surrounded by a less bright sea, then the area under the crown is again very bright. This modality will be visible IRL as a gradient of both whiteness and brightness in various lighting environments.

95AF8AA9-B967-4193-A581-B2A598DB92D0.jpeg

If the stones I originally posted are not to your tastes we can certainly help you find top performers of your preferred flavor! We just need to understand what that preference is. Can you describe what you don’t like about my selections?
 
Honestly I'm not sure. I thought I had an idea of what to look for and I was watching out for the 'egg yolk' effect but a lot suffered from that. I was looking at the facets, making sure they are defined and dont change as the stone turns. I was looking at the sparkle too and trying to avoid that mushiness lol so obviously I have a lot to learn. I also like options so I was testing to see what my eye was seeing and compared to the numbers as well and what you guys said but that failed too lol

So thank you for guiding me here. What I want is the most brilliance and quality for my dollar. Size is anything over what this threat started with which was 5.05mm I think. And has to be princess. That's it really.

So that being said, I have acquired some aset images for the first two drones you recommended. First one is 4836285

4836285aset.jpg
Second one is 5585136
5585136-2.jpg
 
I put them on hold and that one looks great too but what do I know lol I'll ask for that image too!
 
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