Need help: AGS0 H&A 2 with lots 1 with less info

[mimesis22s]

Hi,

I''ve spent the last year brushing up on Idealscope (I bought one), ASET, ISEE2, Sarin, GOG''s tutorials and PDFs on the AGS website. The PS threads have been invaluable, esp. the interaction and the information offered by knowledgeable consumers and merchants. I know I want a super ideal cut diamond for my girl. I am faced with something of a good dilemma and would appreciate your input.

In an ideal world, it would be D VS1, H&A, AGS graded, negligible fluorescence. My search these last four months has led me to realize that such stones are rare, particularly in the size range I am looking for.

I have worked with Lesley at BGD and Jonathan at GOG. They are both fabulous to work with. Now the dilemma.

Three choices. The first two have full documentation (Sarin, ASET, IS, hearts, arrows, AGS Platinum Diamond Quality Document) and are outstanding by any standard. They both rate 9.8 on ISEE2. The one mental negative (small) is that they have Medium fluorescence (a characteristic which my GF prefers not to have).

The third stone for sale is an AGS certified stone with an AGS0 cut that is available on the PS marketplace. ASET, IS not available unless brought in.

Stones 1 and 3 are D color, Stone 2 is E color. 2 and 3 have more or less the same price. Hearts is attached for stone 1. THe second choice is just as good. I only have the AGS certificate to go by for the last stone.

Number 1
AGS Cut Grade 0
Table%: 56 Depth% 61.1 CAngle: 34.7 PAngle: 40.7 HCA: 1.0
ASET and Hearts images attached.
Price: 127

Number 2
GIA Excellent
Tested by GOG''s ASET/AGS machine and Helium to be AGS0 cut
Table%: 55.8 Depth%: 61.7 CAngle: 34.2 PAngle: 41 HCA: 1.5
Price: 100

Number 3
AGS Cut Grade 0
Table%: 55.1 Depth%: 61.7 CA: 35.1 PA: 40.7 HCA: 1.3
I would need to have someone bring in the stone to get the images.
Price: 106 (i.e. 6% more than #2)

The dilemma is that I have first right of refusal for the first stone but it is more expensive than the third one. I really want a D color stone.

If I were to wait to see the third stone I might not be able to buy the first one. I have been looking for a stone in this range more or less for 4 months. What can I expect of the light performance of the third stone? Should I spring for the first one despite the premium (I know it is worth more given the guarantees and the scrutiny of the vendor involved)? Can I expect equally good light performance (ISEE2 and Brilliancescope 9+, VHVHVH) for the third stone just by knowing it is AGS0?

I''d appreciate your opinions on how to rate each stone. Thanks and please comment if I should add some more info.

Regards,

Frank

 

[mimesis22s]

Here is the ASET for stone 1.

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Mim

No you can''t really expect all AGS0 graded diamonds to perform equally, images are still needed to find the best ones. As to the last one images would definitely be needed and it makes no mention of whether it is h&a or not if that is what you want. If for the stone to be '' mindclean'' you need a D colour then stick to that. The first diamond looks excellent so if you want a D colour h&a then I would seriously consider this one, as to the medium blue fluorescence you might not notice it much anyway ( ask Lesley or Brian about this in that particular diamond) to be sure.

 

[mimesis22s]

Hi Lorelei,

Thanks for your opinion. Jonathan did say that the fluorescence is not an issue. For me it was never an issue- seems like its price premium or deduction has changed over time.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/13/2009 11:53:33 AM
Author: mimesis22s
Hi Lorelei,

Thanks for your opinion. Jonathan did say that the fluorescence is not an issue. For me it was never an issue- seems like its price premium or deduction has changed over time.

You are welcome! Jon will be completely honest with the fluorescence too, there can be a discount for med or above blue fluorescence in colourless diamonds so that can be a benefit if fluorescence is ok with the buyer. Do you think your GF might have ideas that her diamond might look completely blue at times?

 

[mimesis22s]

Hi,

I think that people who haven''t read up on the latest information may well assume that fluorescence is bad without knowing exactly why. This happens in a non-reflective way. I haven''t really delved into the subject with my GF but she''s a reasonable person and would certainly understand the market phenomenon behind pricing and the difference between the physical phenomenon of fluorescence and the market phenomenon of grading stones of lesser color under UV-emitting light sources that use the fluorescence to "boost" the color grade.

I''m going to have the third stone brought in to check it out under IS, ASET etc. The price differential of 20% is steep and while I know the nicest stone is doubly rare (size color clarity plus a cut that Brian Gavin approves) it''s above my initial max by quite a bit...

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/14/2009 3:56:53 PM
Author: mimesis22s
Hi,

I think that people who haven''t read up on the latest information may well assume that fluorescence is bad without knowing exactly why. This happens in a non-reflective way. I haven''t really delved into the subject with my GF but she''s a reasonable person and would certainly understand the market phenomenon behind pricing and the difference between the physical phenomenon of fluorescence and the market phenomenon of grading stones of lesser color under UV-emitting light sources that use the fluorescence to ''boost'' the color grade.

I''m going to have the third stone brought in to check it out under IS, ASET etc. The price differential of 20% is steep and while I know the nicest stone is doubly rare (size color clarity plus a cut that Brian Gavin approves) it''s above my initial max by quite a bit...

I understand! Let us know how you get on with the other selection and post the images when you can.

 

[mimesis22s]

Here''s a fourth stone with similar basic specs and a 1.3 HCA. Next is the idealscope.

 

[mimesis22s]

Here is the Idealscope. It looks pretty good to me. There is a little leakage by symmetry looks pretty good to me.

 

[haagen_dazs]

hi frank
sometimes the IS image if not taken properly can show "light leakage" when its not there.
just something for you to ponder how

hows the 4th stone in pricing % wise compared to stone 2 (which you set at 100%)

if its much cheaper, you could consider the 4th stone too
it looks great to me and sometimes the extra money saved will go a long way wherever else where you might need it

stay within your budget (thats what its for )

 

[Lorelei]

The images look good, I prefer the BG stone however.

 

[mimesis22s]

Thanks for the comments. Fourth stone comes in at a pretty solid savings but it is a touch smaller. By carat it is still priced fairly. HCA is good. Numbers are good. The vendor worked hard (ID Jewelry) to get me the info asap, which I appreciate. The stone came in from GIA on Friday and he got the images out within hours. He''s sending the Sarin tomorrow. I don''t think I can go wrong with stone 3 or 4. I was able to have BG look at number three and their preliminary assessment is that is also beautiful. I will have Sarin, ASET etc tomorrow and will have a decision soon.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/19/2009 12:15:06 AM
Author: mimesis22s
Thanks for the comments. Fourth stone comes in at a pretty solid savings but it is a touch smaller. By carat it is still priced fairly. HCA is good. Numbers are good. The vendor worked hard (ID Jewelry) to get me the info asap, which I appreciate. The stone came in from GIA on Friday and he got the images out within hours. He's sending the Sarin tomorrow. I don't think I can go wrong with stone 3 or 4. I was able to have BG look at number three and their preliminary assessment is that is also beautiful. I will have Sarin, ASET etc tomorrow and will have a decision soon.

Most welcome, and I will keep an eye out for the rest of the info. Another factor to consider, BGD offer an upgrade policy should that ever be an option, if so you might want to find out if the other vendors do so too.

Kudos to IDjewelry!!