Need help choosing a princess cut

[seanp3ga]

First let me start by saying I have been exploring Pricescope for quite a while now, and this is one great forum.

Ok, now my dilemma. I am needing help with how to choose a Princess cut for an engagement ring. I have already picked out the setting, but after reading all the posts and as much as I can about Princess cut stones, I''m still a little confused. I''m looking for something in the 1.15 to 1.25 carat range, G-H in color, VS(?) in clarity. I have a budget of $6,000 or less for the stone. Am I even in the right ball park? Is it too risky to choose a stone without seeing an Idealscope or ASET image? Can someone point me in the right direction or give me an example of a high quality stone? Any help, advice, feedback would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/5/2008 12:14:18 AM
Author:seanp3ga
First let me start by saying I have been exploring Pricescope for quite a while now, and this is one great forum.

Ok, now my dilemma. I am needing help with how to choose a Princess cut for an engagement ring. I have already picked out the setting, but after reading all the posts and as much as I can about Princess cut stones, I'm still a little confused. I'm looking for something in the 1.15 to 1.25 carat range, G-H in color, VS(?) in clarity. I have a budget of $6,000 or less for the stone. Am I even in the right ball park? Is it too risky to choose a stone without seeing an Idealscope or ASET image? Can someone point me in the right direction or give me an example of a high quality stone? Any help, advice, feedback would be greatly appreciated!

In my opinion yes. ASET is best for fancy shapes, Idealscope is more suited and useful for round diamonds, so if possible ASET is required, plus detailed photos of the diamond. Otherwise you can't buy from the numbers, indeed, it is like buying blind as you will have no idea of how the diamond will look and perform. I would also suggest considering I colour and SI1 clarity if verified eyeclean, as this could open up some more diamonds for you.

I would suggest working with some vendors who have in house diamonds and the expertise to advise you.

Check out -

www.winkjones.com

www.whiteflash.com

www.goodoldgold.com

These guys have some beautiful Princess shape diamonds, check out their websites. Also you can consider AGS0 cut grade which these vendors often carry, to help you find a lovely stone.

SI2 clarity but could be worth considering if eyeclean.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3077/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4461/

 

[seanp3ga]

Thank you Lorelei! I have searched on GOG and WF, but usually only had 1 or 2 stones match my search, so I was having trouble having many to choose from. The bottom link was right up my alley though, but now I have a new question. Is medium blue fluorescence bad?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/5/2008 9:24:52 AM
Author: seanp3ga
Thank you Lorelei! I have searched on GOG and WF, but usually only had 1 or 2 stones match my search, so I was having trouble having many to choose from. The bottom link was right up my alley though, but now I have a new question. Is medium blue fluorescence bad?

You are welcome!

No medium blue fluorescence is fine and can actually help the diamond face up whiter some say, especially a nice feature in an I colour. No worries! If you contact Jon at GOG, he may be able to arrange for some extra pics and info to be sent to you of the diamond! If you like that diamond, pop in on hold to prevent lurkers from grabbing it while you decide!

 

[Kelli]

And we appreciate Lorelei

Seanp3ga just to let you know I LOOOOOVE medium blue fluorescence and won''t be purchasing another stone for myself without it. Maybe I''ll even find a good one with strong fluorescence. The effect in the sunlight is gorgeous!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/5/2008 9:59:34 AM
Author: Kelli
And we appreciate Lorelei

Seanp3ga just to let you know I LOOOOOVE medium blue fluorescence and won''t be purchasing another stone for myself without it. Maybe I''ll even find a good one with strong fluorescence. The effect in the sunlight is gorgeous!

Thank you so much Kelli!

 

[seanp3ga]

Date: 8/5/2008 9:59:34 AM
Author: Kelli
And we appreciate Lorelei

Seanp3ga just to let you know I LOOOOOVE medium blue fluorescence and won''t be purchasing another stone for myself without it. Maybe I''ll even find a good one with strong fluorescence. The effect in the sunlight is gorgeous!

Thanks Kelli, that is good to know!

 

[Ellen]

Welcome!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/5/2008 10:46:38 AM
Author: Ellen
Welcome!

Ya got me!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/5/2008 10:48:19 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/5/2008 10:46:38 AM
Author: Ellen
Welcome!

Ya got me!

 

[Lorelei]

edit

 

[seanp3ga]

Date: 8/5/2008 7:02:35 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/5/2008 12:14:18 AM
Author:seanp3ga
First let me start by saying I have been exploring Pricescope for quite a while now, and this is one great forum.

Ok, now my dilemma. I am needing help with how to choose a Princess cut for an engagement ring. I have already picked out the setting, but after reading all the posts and as much as I can about Princess cut stones, I''m still a little confused. I''m looking for something in the 1.15 to 1.25 carat range, G-H in color, VS(?) in clarity. I have a budget of $6,000 or less for the stone. Am I even in the right ball park? Is it too risky to choose a stone without seeing an Idealscope or ASET image? Can someone point me in the right direction or give me an example of a high quality stone? Any help, advice, feedback would be greatly appreciated!

In my opinion yes. ASET is best for fancy shapes, Idealscope is more suited and useful for round diamonds, so if possible ASET is required, plus detailed photos of the diamond. Otherwise you can''t buy from the numbers, indeed, it is like buying blind as you will have no idea of how the diamond will look and perform. I would also suggest considering I colour and SI1 clarity if verified eyeclean, as this could open up some more diamonds for you.

I would suggest working with some vendors who have in house diamonds and the expertise to advise you.

Check out -

www.winkjones.com

www.whiteflash.com

www.goodoldgold.com

These guys have some beautiful Princess shape diamonds, check out their websites. Also you can consider AGS0 cut grade which these vendors often carry, to help you find a lovely stone.

SI2 clarity but could be worth considering if eyeclean.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3077/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4461/

Should I avoid a Princess only having a GIA cert? Or just ask for more information? How does one certify "eyeclean"?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/5/2008 11:20:42 AM
Author: seanp3ga

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4461/

Should I avoid a Princess only having a GIA cert? Or just ask for more information? How does one certify 'eyeclean'?

No not at all, GIA are a reliable grading lab, they do not however grade Princess shapes for cut quality, whereas AGS do. So it may take some more work to find the best cut Princess without the AGS0 cut grade, but certainly not impossible! That is where photos, other images and expert vendor input are invaluable.

As to whether a diamond is eyeclean or not, again your vendor is the best person to advise you. Make sure that you know what your comfort level is, if you do not want to see any inclusions from any angle at close scrutiny, let your vendor know that so that you are both on the same page. Here is a thread which may be of help to you there -

Clarity, eyeclean definitions, interpretation and taste.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/5/2008 11:20:42 AM
Author: seanp3ga

Should I avoid a Princess only having a GIA cert? Or just ask for more information? How does one certify 'eyeclean'?

No, not if the vendor provides ASET and IS pics. (and you know how to read them)

Asking the vendor to look at the stone, after telling them what you do or don't want to see is the best way. They will be your eyes. (ie. nothing from any angles at so many inches, or nothing at all from any distance)

ETA Dang that woman's fast.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/5/2008 11:30:11 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/5/2008 11:20:42 AM
Author: seanp3ga

Should I avoid a Princess only having a GIA cert? Or just ask for more information? How does one certify 'eyeclean'?

No, not if the vendor provides ASET and IS pics. (and you know how to read them)

Asking the vendor to look at the stone, after telling them what you do or don't want to see is the best way. They will be your eyes. (ie. nothing from any angles at so many inches, or nothing at all from any distance)

ETA Dang that woman's fast.

 

[seanp3ga]

Date: 8/5/2008 11:30:11 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/5/2008 11:20:42 AM
Author: seanp3ga

Should I avoid a Princess only having a GIA cert? Or just ask for more information? How does one certify ''eyeclean''?

No, not if the vendor provides ASET and IS pics. (and you know how to read them)

Asking the vendor to look at the stone, after telling them what you do or don''t want to see is the best way. They will be your eyes. (ie. nothing from any angles at so many inches, or nothing at all from any distance)

ETA Dang that woman''s fast.

Would viewing the IS and ASET information pages on PS give me enough knowledge to read them? Would a B&M have ASET and IS photos, or even know what I was talking about? Or at that point, are you trusting the jeweler?

 

[seanp3ga]

Date: 8/5/2008 11:27:49 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/5/2008 11:20:42 AM
Author: seanp3ga

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4461/

Should I avoid a Princess only having a GIA cert? Or just ask for more information? How does one certify ''eyeclean''?

No not at all, GIA are a reliable grading lab, they do not however grade Princess shapes for cut quality, whereas AGS do. So it may take some more work to find the best cut Princess without the AGS0 cut grade, but certainly not impossible! That is where photos, other images and expert vendor input are invaluable.

As to whether a diamond is eyeclean or not, again your vendor is the best person to advise you. Make sure that you know what your comfort level is, if you do not want to see any inclusions from any angle at close scrutiny, let your vendor know that so that you are both on the same page. Here is a thread which may be of help to you there -

Clarity, eyeclean definitions, interpretation and taste.

Thank you again! You have been so helpful!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/5/2008 11:45:58 AM
Author: seanp3ga

Date: 8/5/2008 11:30:11 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/5/2008 11:20:42 AM
Author: seanp3ga

Should I avoid a Princess only having a GIA cert? Or just ask for more information? How does one certify ''eyeclean''?

No, not if the vendor provides ASET and IS pics. (and you know how to read them)

Asking the vendor to look at the stone, after telling them what you do or don''t want to see is the best way. They will be your eyes. (ie. nothing from any angles at so many inches, or nothing at all from any distance)

ETA Dang that woman''s fast.

Would viewing the IS and ASET information pages on PS give me enough knowledge to read them? Would a B&M have ASET and IS photos, or even know what I was talking about? Or at that point, are you trusting the jeweler?

You are most welcome!

The pages on ASET and IS will give you a good grounding in what to look for certainly. As for whether a B&M would have any knowledge of these images or use them is debatable, your best bet if you prefer to buy a PC from a store, is to look at some AGS0 cut grade if you can, but also to look at as many Princess as possible, so you know what you like. Also see if you can look at the diamonds away from the jewellery store lights, as these can make any diamond look good.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/5/2008 11:45:58 AM
Author: seanp3ga

Date: 8/5/2008 11:30:11 AM
Author: Ellen

No, not if the vendor provides ASET and IS pics. (and you know how to read them)

Asking the vendor to look at the stone, after telling them what you do or don''t want to see is the best way. They will be your eyes. (ie. nothing from any angles at so many inches, or nothing at all from any distance)

ETA Dang that woman''s fast.

Would viewing the IS and ASET information pages on PS give me enough knowledge to read them? Would a B&M have ASET and IS photos, or even know what I was talking about? Or at that point, are you trusting the jeweler?

Yes, it would help you quite a bit. And you can always post pics of potential stones to get opinions on here, we''d love to help.

Most B&M do not have these machines/pics. You''ll mostly find them online. If you are wanting to shop locally, I''d suggest looking more at AGS0 stones, as they will help ensure you get a decent stone. If online, then it''s a matter of looking at ASET/IS pics, and either lab can be fine.

 

[seanp3ga]

A friend recommended someone local, so I''m going to check out a stone tomorrow. I will try and bring back as much info about it as possible to post here and hopefully a photo as well to see what everyone thinks. Here is what I know so far:

1.27 carat Princess Cut, H-I in color but shows white, VS1 clarity.

 

[seanp3ga]

One more question.....If the stone has a GIA cert. and not AGS, then I''m assuming I wouldn''t know if it was AGSO either, correct? Can I use the Princess Cut Chart (AGA Table) and data from the GIA to then judge the quality of the cut? Of course, how it looks to my eye will also have an impact as well.