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MedMan

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 13, 2013
Messages
11
Hi, I've been checking out this site for a couple weeks reading the knowledge base and looking for a diamond/engagement ring for my gf and finally made an account. Hoping someone can help me out. I'm looking for an emerald cut EFG color VVS2-VS2 1.3ish-1.5 carats around a 1.3 L:W. I found one in a store that was GIA 1.48 E VS2 L7.22 x W 5.78 1.25L:W table 74% Depth 69.3% nothing visible to naked eye(I really couldn't see anything with a loupe either) except the girdle is extremely thin to slightly thick for $9200. This "extremely" makes me nervous... My budget is around 9-10k for the diamond. I found these two on James Allen so far. I'm not used to shopping for jewelry, especially jewelry this expensive so any help or suggestions with diamonds would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.40-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-226639

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-133365

And, I'm looking at this setting in Platinum...

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channel-set/platinum-thin-channel-set-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-2208
 
Both ECs have rather low crown and large tables so the effect will be less fire than expected.
 
Their evaluation is very generous. ;)) Although buying ECs by the numbers alone is impossible, here is what I use to narrow down my choices, then select a few promising looking stones and have the ASET done to verify that what I see in the video is up to par.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-grading-chart-emerald-radiant

Table 60 to 65%
But this isn't always possible. I often don't mind a smaller table and if the rest of the stone looks good, sometimes a larger table isn't a deal breaker.

Crown height 12-15%
This very important to me as it looks pretty from the side view and when the angle combination is good, the EC is very fiery. There are some ECs that perform well with a lower crown but it is rather uncommon.

Girdle thickness
I avoid those that are extremely thin or those that vary a lot (very thin to very thick as an example)

Total Depth 60-65%
My sweet spot to maximize face up size. Unfortunately, most ECs are deeper than this. If the rest of the optics are fine, a deeper stone can be forgiven to a certain extent.

Polish/Symmetry
It is very difficult to get Ex/Ex so anything from VG to Ex is good enough for me.

Even when the EC meets all the above requirements, there is a good chance that it could still be a dud or under-performer. Why? Because there are many more facets to consider, not just the table and depth. It is how the angles work together to return as much light as possible back out the top of the stone. Hence, these numbers are a base starting point to get the ball rolling.
 
I like the look of the E color one a little more http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.40-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-231670,, even though it is more expensive and a VS1 instead of a VVS2. I personally can barely see any inclusions in the 40x picture. The crown height seems to be a bit higher too, which does appear a little more aesthetically pleasing, table 62 depth 69.5. I'm also not sure if it's better to have a depth bigger than table or vice versa, I read such mixed opinions. This is obviously my first time, and hopefully my last time doing this :? I do appreciate all of the help. There are just so many variables to buying a diamond.
 
JA lets you select up to 3 stones for free ASET testing which is what I would do. With most ECs, it will be difficult to spot inclusions in a VS1/2 stone. There is no need to go as high as VVS. Colour is a personal preference.

Table: Bigger means more table glare which some dislike.
Depth: Bigger means you are paying for weight you cannot see.

I would not get hung up on depth vs table but at the light performance of the EC itself. Let me see what else JA has available.
 
Don't shop by stats. Shop by performance and faceting then use the stats as a check to confirm, or rule out.

I've seen gorgeous emeralds with tables over 68. Or larger tables coupled with shallow depth.

The numbers are more of a guide. What you want is a bright beautiful stone. So the best thing to do is shop from pictures/videos and ASET images. Use numbers to rule out problems: very or extremely thin girdles.

And don't compare carat weights. Compare dimensions.


This could be a rare eyeclean SI. And it's a bright stone with a lot of potential. I'd put this one my list of three, if JA confirms it is eyeclean: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.54-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-30401 Really pretty stone.

Also on list: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.31-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-30482
And this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.25-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-265328
 
Hi and thanks for the responses. I keep being drawn to this diamond http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.40-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-231670,, the sizes seem comparable even to larger carat diamonds I've seen on the site and looking at the picture it does look quite beautiful. Here is another diamond I have my eye on on a different site, no pictures but have asked if they have any... http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-VS1-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D20029862 One of the women in the office I am at got her diamond from the latter site and is very happy with it. I am a little nervous about having 10k tied up in a diamond that if I am not happy with it I'd have to wait weeks to be cut a check from corporate.
 
I suppose my concern is a little ridiculous, but I am afraid that if I don't like the diamond and find another in the meantime I am stuck waiting to haver access back to my funds.
 
JulieN|1384463618|3556574 said:
What, exactly, is the big deal in having 10K tied up for two weeks? Missing the interest on it? You're going to spend that money one way or another. JA is a reputable company and they will refund you if you return it.

Pick 3. I'll play: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/?TabSelected=3&DiamondID=204795,231088,197356,184959,240070
Click to expand...


The 204795 is a really nice stone and so is 2031088, I actually just put a hold on both and might have them sent for ASET
 
Good luck on the ASETs.
 
MedMan|1384476812|3556719 said:
JulieN|1384463618|3556574 said:
What, exactly, is the big deal in having 10K tied up for two weeks? Missing the interest on it? You're going to spend that money one way or another. JA is a reputable company and they will refund you if you return it.

Pick 3. I'll play: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/?TabSelected=3&DiamondID=204795,231088,197356,184959,240070
Click to expand...


The 204795 is a really nice stone and so is 2031088, I actually just put a hold on both and might have them sent for ASET
Click to expand...


231088 not 203188 and also this one on hold too http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.40-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-231670
 
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