Looking to spend about 6000 or 7000 total

[DiamondRover]

Hey guys,

I am new to the diamond game but I have been looking around the last couple of weeks in the New York diamond district, etc and have been getting a bit more confused as each day goes by. I would like a 1.3 to 1.5 carat round ring with ideal/brilliant cut. Recently a store showed me a stone that was 1.50 ct, H, VS2 for $7000 with EGL certification. I then came on pricescope and saw that EGL is much cheaper... why is that and am I really getting a great deal here?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Finding_Neverland]

EGL has a reputation of being lax/softer in their grading. An H, VS1, Ideal EGL Certed stone could grade I, SI1, Very Good or Excellent GIA or AGS Certed diamond. So EGL stones trade at a bit of a discount. But, if you happen to get an accurately graded EGL diamond, you could pick up a bargain.

You''d need an independent appraiser to verify that the stone is indeed as represented on the Cert. Or have the diamond reCerted by GIA or AGS to know for sure.

If you can, have the diamond Dealer send the stone direct to an approved appraiser of your choice. That way you don''t have to pay for the diamond up front if it does not meet your expectations/criteria. If the Vendor does not want to submit their diamond for independent grading, that might tell you something about the Vendor. Maybe you''d want to take your business elsewhere??!!

 

[DiamondRover]

Any suggestions on where I can find a reputable appraiser?

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/13/2007 3:46:46 PM
Author: DiamondRover
Any suggestions on where I can find a reputable appraiser?

Look at the top of the PS website, where it says RESOURCES. Then click on Appraisers, and you can locate a PS recommended one in your area.

 

[DiamondRover]

Thanks... this looks helpful. How much does it usually cost to have a stone independently appraised? I know there must be a range... but what is a fair estimate?

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 6/13/2007 5:09:32 PM
Author: DiamondRover
Thanks... this looks helpful. How much does it usually cost to have a stone independently appraised? I know there must be a range... but what is a fair estimate?

$100-200.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 6/13/2007 3:44:29 PM
Author: Finding_Neverland
EGL has a reputation of being lax/softer in their grading. An H, VS1, Ideal EGL Certed stone could grade I, SI1, Very Good or Excellent GIA or AGS Certed diamond. So EGL stones trade at a bit of a discount. But, if you happen to get an accurately graded EGL diamond, you could pick up a bargain.

You'd need an independent appraiser to verify that the stone is indeed as represented on the Cert. Or have the diamond reCerted by GIA or AGS to know for sure.

If you can, have the diamond Dealer send the stone direct to an approved appraiser of your choice. That way you don't have to pay for the diamond up front if it does not meet your expectations/criteria. If the Vendor does not want to submit their diamond for independent grading, that might tell you something about the Vendor. Maybe you'd want to take your business elsewhere??!!

Good advice. You may also find it helpful to have some options to compare to. For example, this option, at $6880 wire priced, while smaller at 1.21, will be reliably well cut, and graded accurately. Perhaps you could look at them together...or consider comparing the value option to another option that's generally considered more of a thoroughbred....and seeing for yourself which you prefer. (edited to add...it's possible, for an additional marginal cost...your selected appraiser can assist you in making this comparison, too, with the comparison diamond being sent to him or her for your preview, with your not needing to make a payment for the diamond unless you ultimately select it). ETAII...while you're at it...here's two more you might have him take a look at. Cause like...why not? Ask if they're eye clean, though. They're not bigger...just significantly cheaper.

Regards,

 

[DiamondRover]

About the appraiser... If I am just getting a stone from someone and they let me get it appraised indepenedently before I commit to buying it, is it a good idea to go to one of the jewelry stores at the mall (e.g. Zales) and tell them I will get it set there if they appraise it?

 

[partgypsy]

No, that is NOT a good idea. They are not independent. If they get a whiff that this is a stone you are thinking of getting from somewhere else, they have a motivation to downgrade your stone in the hopes you will buy from them instead. Besides, mall stores do not specialize in appraisals, do they? Go to someone who does that for a job (independent), or it''s not worth doing.

 

[Regular Guy]

Part Gypsey is making a good point. Also, if you''ll not take the eas(ier) way and have the same place set your diamond as sells it to you, consider you might want your diamond insured while it''s set, which isn''t obviously handled without a little work.