Mixed info from jewelers...any help out there?

[ufmike]

I have been to numerous jewelers now and am getting mixed messages. The last one, which seemed reputable and came recommended from a few people, tells me that of the 4 c''s color is the most important. The last said cut, which seems to be what I''ve read online often, and another told me just go with my eye.

What I''m looking for is a 1ct round with tons of sparkle and fire. I''m willing to sacrifice on clarity but really thought anything in the SI range would not be so great. as far as color, I''ve been told a G-H would be fine (tiffany''s and a few independents agreed) but today''s jeweler said no way...I should get a d-e-f. Another told me ideal/excellent polish and symmetry make for the best sparkle.

I guess it boils down to I don''t want a low quality diamond but i don''t want to put money in an aspect that means little to the sparkle/fire, etc. I was also told my budget of around 6k for a 1ct of high quality might be to high and i could get more size with that cash.

Any opinions or help would be great.

PS - if a diamond is not certified how much does it cost to have GIA certify it. The last jeweler knows of a pawn shop selling, in his opinion, a D color stone but without certification. THey suggest sending it to GIA first to get certified but does this sound fishy to anyone else?

 

[iheartscience]

Cut is, without a doubt, the most important C. (That and carat, of course!

) But seriously, most people will agree that a poorly cut D/IF will be outshined by an ideally cut, eyeclean H/SI1.

As far as certification, I would never buy a stone without it. So the jeweler says the pawnshop has a D diamond...first of all, how does he or she really know? And most importantly, what''s the cut like? What are the crown and pavillion angles? The table and depth percentages? All these things determine how well the diamond will perform.

A D color diamond means pretty much nothing to me without a great cut...and without a certification, you know nothing about the cut! You can always go by your eyes, but I know that my eyes aren''t experts! I''d much rather have the numbers backing my eyes up.

I would recommend reading the tutorials here on Pricescope so you can better understand why cut is the most important C. I''m sure they''ll explain it a lot better than I have!

 

[strmrdr]

H is pretty safe in a RB and a J in a 1ct is popular for those who want size on a budget.
I think my sweet spot is I color eyeclean si1/si2 with RB's and the best cut I can find but wouldnt turn down a well cut J.

As too buying a 1ct without a cert that someone claims is a D which caries a hefty premium ... well lets just say #%@%% NO that is stupid.

 

[marcy]

I agree with thing2of2. Cut is the most important "C" in a diamond. You can go down in color and clarity (as long as it''s eye clean) and be very happy with a diamond but the cut is what will make it shine.