Need advice on purchase

[Claireok]

Hi,
This is my first time posting on this forum but it has been extremly helpful in my knowledge on diamonds. I am now close to buying an engagement ring and want some advice on the specs. The ring I am looking at is from a jeweller in my local city in Ireland and the price seems competitive vs what I have seen on the online sites such as Blue Nile.

Here are the specs:
1.54ct
Round Brilliant Cut
Proportions: Excellent
Depth: 62.3%
Table Diameter: 56%
Crown Height: 16%
Pavilion Depth: 43%
Girdle: Medium Faceted
Finish Grade: Very good
Purity: VS2
Color: G
Photoluminescene: None

The cert that I saw for the diamond was issued by EGL back in 2007.
Any advice?

Claireok

 

[Claireok]

Hi,

OK, from further research I have noted that EGL certification is not recommended and I should be looking for a diamond with GIA cert. I also figured out that my cert number starts with "AX" so if from EGL Belgium which is worse again. One thing I will say is that to my untrained eye the diamond looked very beautiful, white and full of life. I viewed it in natural light as I was skeptical of the jewellers spot lighting but was very happy with the look of it outside. I did not compare the look of the diamond against others.

From what I have seen here I will be paying a lot more for a diamond with a GIA cert over here. The cost of this ring with cathedral setting is Eur 12,800. I could buy online from BlueNile which has a base here in Ireland but since I am not experienced in diamonds I am cautious of going down this route.

I guess the best thing for me to do is to ask an independent appraiser to view the diamond before I decide to buy.

Thanks,
Claireok

 

[JulieN]

If you want, I can help you pick out a diamond from Blue Nile, then you can take it into your jeweler to compare. BN has very easy returns in case you prefer the original.

What is your budget, minimum color, clarity, and carat weight?

 

[Claireok]

Hi Julie,

That sounds good.

The Eur 12,800 is going above my budget! But if I got something I really, really loved I would be tempted to go the extra mile. I was thinking more of about Eur 8,000 to 10,000. I thought the 12,800 was good value in comparison with other 1.5cts I had seen in shops over here. Many places are charging 8,000 to 10,000 for 1ct (with good GIA specs).

I really am not up to speed on what colour and clarity I want. I have looked at the videos on GOG and thought that I didn't really need the very high spec colour, especially since I will be setting it in yellow gold. The jewellers I have spoken to have tried to convince me that I need at least D, E, or F but as long as it looks white to my eye I think it is OK. I thought the G diamond I saw was pretty white!

Regarding clarity, I am happy as long as it is eye clean. I have only looked at one diamond ever through a loupe!

Caret weight is different. I thought that I would be happy with 1ct when I started looking but then I tried on the 1.54 ct and was wowed. I guess my preference is in the 1.4-1.5ct region.

There is an Irish BN site which quotes in Eur but you need to add 23% tax on top of the price!!

Thanks!
Claireok