Looking for advice

[Matt81]

I wanted to get some opinions on the following engagement ring that I am interested in purchasing. I think the price is pretty good based upon what I''ve looked at so far, but the main reason I am a little hesitant to buy the ring is because it''s certified by EGL - Israel. I know there are varying opinions regarding EGL-Israel diamonds, but I thought the diamond looked great in person. Also, the purchase would be contingent on an independent appraisal and the jeweler also said I could send the diamond to AGS to obtain a second certification. So here are the details:

Shape - Round Brilliant Cut
Carats - 1.70
Clarity - VS1
Color - H
Measurements - 7.71 x 7.70 x 4.62
Depth - 59%
Table - 59%
Crown - 13%
Pavilion - 43%
Girdle Thickness - Medium
Polish - Excellent
Symmetry - Excellent
Culet - None
Florescence - None
Hearts & Arrows
Premium Cut

Also, the Holloway Cut Advisor rated visual performance as 1.2

This diamond would be mounted in a Halo setting which has a approximatly 1 carat.

Total price - $8,500

Any input/opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[jet2ks]

Hi Matt, welcome to PS

Since you are already aware that EGL Israel may be softer on grading by up to two grades, the only concern I would have is that the diamond could show obstruction, due to the shallower proportions. Obstruction is where the diamond darkens noticeably when viewed from a close distance--these diamonds may score well on the HCA, but are more suited to a pendant than a ring. If you can make the purchase contingent on an independent appraisal, then that would be the best way to go IMHO. I would only send it to AGS if the vendor agrees to pay if it doesn't come back within certain specs--say within one color and clarity grade of the EGL grades and no lower than a AGS 1 cut grade. If it would have gotten a good AGS or GIA cut grade, it probably would have been sent to them already.

 

[ace001]

I am looking in the 1.7 range also. That seems a lot cheaper than most I am finding. I am only looking at GIA and AGS stones. I would go for excellent or ideal cuts.

 

[stone-cold11]

ditto jet2ks.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/22/2009 3:31:42 PM
Author: jet2ks
Hi Matt, welcome to PS

Since you are already aware that EGL Israel may be softer on grading by up to two grades, the only concern I would have is that the diamond could show obstruction, due to the shallower proportions. Obstruction is where the diamond darkens noticeably when viewed from a close distance--these diamonds may score well on the HCA, but are more suited to a pendant than a ring. If you can make the purchase contingent on an independent appraisal, then that would be the best way to go IMHO. I would only send it to AGS if the vendor agrees to pay if it doesn't come back within certain specs--say within one color and clarity grade of the EGL grades and no lower than a AGS 1 cut grade. If it would have gotten a good AGS or GIA cut grade, it probably would have been sent to them already.

Just to add here, we have had cases with EGL Israel where it has been more than 2 grades, here is an example.

 

[Paul-Antwerp]

Indeed, Lorelei, and the price is also an indication that the grade is not soft, but most probably far off.

Live long,

 

[oldminer]

If you would accept a J VS2, then go forward and have the stone graded unset by someone or some lab you choose to trust. Otherwise don''t waste your time. Just do not believe blindly.

 

[Matt81]

I appreciate the input everyone has provided so far. I never thought buying an engagement ring would be so difficult. I just don''t want to make the wrong decision because I loved the diamond in person and I know I''m buying the diamond not the certificate, but the issues surrounding EGL are definately concerning.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/23/2009 10:55:03 AM
Author: Matt81
I appreciate the input everyone has provided so far. I never thought buying an engagement ring would be so difficult. I just don''t want to make the wrong decision because I loved the diamond in person and I know I''m buying the diamond not the certificate, but the issues surrounding EGL are definately concerning.

Matt don''t worry, we are here to help you every step of the way!

 

[Paul-Antwerp]

Hello Matt,

I understand your feelings, but do not let this confuse you. You are indeed buying the diamond, and not the paper (a quote often used by diamond professionals). Then again, there is an important rule-of-thumb to take into consideration.

About 80% of the beauty of a diamond, and probably a lot more, is determined by the C of Cut. The other 3 C''s have minor to no influence. As such, the idea to buy ''the diamond'' and not ''the paper'' is absolutely correct.

On the other hand, about 80% of the cost of a diamond is defined by the C''s of rarity, carat weight, color and clarity, and maximum 20% of the cost is defined by Cut. And there, you have to remember that you are buying ''the diamond'', but you are paying for ''the paper''. This is exactly the appeal of looser labs like EGL-Israel, because they give you the impression that you are paying less for the same paper, the same grade. The difficult part then is to assess how far off the paper actually is. And chances are high that, in the end, you could probably buy ''a diamond'' of equal or better beauty, with a lower-looking paper, but with paper of better quality that you can rely on.

To pay cheap is very often synonimous to buying expensive.

Live long,

 

[Rockdiamond]

Date: 10/23/2009 10:55:03 AM
Author: Matt81
I appreciate the input everyone has provided so far. I never thought buying an engagement ring would be so difficult. I just don''t want to make the wrong decision because I loved the diamond in person and I know I''m buying the diamond not the certificate, but the issues surrounding EGL are definately concerning.

HI all!
Matt- I agree 100% with Paul.
Another thing to keep in mind is a possible re-sale of the diamond.
A J graded by GIA is far more desirable than a J graded as an H by a lab that no one in the trade respects ( with good reason).
Not that you''re buying this diamond to sell, but on such a substantial outlay of funds it makes sense to keep this in mind.