Need help choosing between these Emerald Cut Diamonds

[IvanaS]

Hi,

I am currently looking for an emerald cut diamond in the 2.5 ct range for my engagement ring. Reading the thread and advices given here has helped me a lot, and I tried my best to choose the ones that I think met the guidelines. But it would give me great comfort if I can have your opinion on these stones. So far these 4 are my favorite, in the following order


Stone 1

18-50040 - Do Amore

www.doamore.com

Stone 2

2.52-Carat Emerald Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

Stone 3 (GIA report attached, link to video below)

Dropbox - File Deleted - Simplify your life

www.dropbox.com

Stone 4

2.50-Carat Emerald Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

Stone 5

Also, am being offered this stone by my local jeweler. When I looked at it though, seems like there are some extinction in the middle of the stone (link to video below)? But please do correct me if I'm wrong.

http://view360v.com/Forms/Vision360.html?d=0000780708&v=4&s=10


Thank you so much in advance! Grateful to have found a community like this.

Best,
Ivana

 

[tyty333]

The straight up and down videos are hard to interpret. Some of these videos start and stop just where you want to see whats going on.
Makes it very difficult. I like to see the black/white "snap" into place and not "slide" in. Here are my thoughts on each stone

Its usually the center that is the key to most Emeralds. The crown and outer facets work really well but its down in the center where they
either pull through with nice flashing facets or die with the facets not doing anything in the center.

1 Not seeing much going on in the center
2 Again, not much going on down in center of the stone
3 Looks like it may be decent
4 Nice, but can probably find better
5 Agree, two steps are dark at the same time causing stone to be too dark face up

So, I guess I would say that 3 and 4 may have potential. Can you get aset images of them? If so, post them here.

 

[IvanaS]

Hi @tyty333

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. I have to agree, trying to pick an emerald cut diamond through videos are so frustrating. Unfortunately, in Indonesia, where Bali is , and where I am right now), EC is unpopular (to say mildly). None of the jeweler here has any EC in stock, in fact most tried to dissuade me from getting one. That said, they would be able source the stone that I like, with the GIA number. Hence my best effort to choose one online :I

Noted on your comment on how they black and white should snap instead of sliding in. I guess I have been looking at it wrong then. When I narrowed down these stones, I have instead avoided the ones that show dark areas all together. Do you mind sharing an example/link of what an ideally cut EC should look like? I guess I'll have to start over with my search.

Thanks again! @tyty333

 

[IvanaS]

Makes it very difficult. I like to see the black/white "snap" into place and not "slide" in. Here are my thoughts on each stone

@tyty333

By any chance you mean something like this is better?

2.50-Carat Emerald Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

Thanks again!

Ivana

 

[lovedogs]

@tyty333

By any chance you mean something like this is better?

2.50-Carat Emerald Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

Thanks again!

Ivana

I like this better than the first options you posted, but I'm not an EC expert so I would wait for others to weigh in

 

[lovedogs]

I also like this one as long as its eye clean (again, not an expert just going off my own eyes). https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.50-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-10902987

 

[IvanaS]

I like this better than the first options you posted, but I'm not an EC expert so I would wait for others to weigh in

@lovedogs I think you are just being modest! And any input is greatly appreciated. Makes me feel a little less lost!

 

[Diamond Girl 21]

I really have a hard time judging emerald cuts in videos. @lovedogs gave you good advice. I'll just add that clarity is also tricky in an EC. I usually try to stick to VS1 or above. However, if the VS2 is eye clean, you should be fine. I would try to look for characteristics that are not dark though.

 

[IvanaS]

I really have a hard time judging emerald cuts in videos.

I know... who knew choosing a diamond can be so frustrating! Okay, will try to find more options with nice contrast and report back here.

 

[Diamond Girl 21]

I know... who knew choosing a diamond can be so frustrating! Okay, will try to find more options with nice contrast and report back here.

Your other option is to work with a Pricescope recommended vendor. They will vet stones for you, but it would help if you know what your preferences are. Of course, you can always choose your own diamonds, and people here will give you their opinions. I think either way, try to enjoy the experience. I'm sure you'll find a lovely diamond.

 

[IvanaS]

Thanks for the lovely comment @Diamond Girl 21 I hope so too..

 

[IvanaS]

Hi everyone,

I just want to report back with what we finally decided on.

3.01-Carat Emerald Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

I ended up going down to G color with faint fluorescence, in exchange of 3 ct instead of 2.5 ct F color with no fluoro

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to help me with the search. It is much appreciated.

 

[Fancygems]

Congratulations! How will you set it!?

 

[IvanaS]

Hi @Fancygems , thanks

I'm thinking something like this:

 

[tyty333]

Congratulations @IvanaS !

Its a pretty stone...nice even steps, Fairly active...maybe a little quiet right down in the center. I think you made a good choice.

With respect to the setting you're looking at...don't set it too high. Its a big stone with a big belly. I personally would have the culet
area of the stone sit close to the top of the shank to keep it from sticking up too high.

Please come back with pictures after you get it or after you propose!

 

[IvanaS]

Thanks @tyty333 !

I am actually torn between this setting and the 3 stone with tapered baguettes. Do you reckon 1 setting is higher than the other?

 

[tyty333]

Thanks @tyty333 !

I am actually torn between this setting and the 3 stone with tapered baguettes. Do you reckon 1 setting is higher than the other?

I think either could be "high" depending on who is making the setting. Once you decide who is making the setting you need to tell them to
not set it too high. That you want it set medium or low.

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

Very pretty. Congrats on finding your stone. And I almost always vote for 3-stone lol. But I think the solitair setting you picked would look very lovely as well.

 

[IvanaS]

Very pretty. Congrats on finding your stone. And I almost always vote for 3-stone lol. But I think the solitair setting you picked would look very lovely as well.

Thank you @AnastasiaBeaverhausen I love the classic 3 stone EC too! The only thing that bugs me is, it will not lay flushed with the classic wedding band..

 

[IvanaS]

I think either could be "high" depending on who is making the setting. Once you decide who is making the setting you need to tell them to
not set it too high. That you want it set medium or low.

Hi @tyty333

I got the 1st draft for the setting. Can you tell by looking at the picture whether this is high, medium, or low?

Thank you!

 

[lovedogs]

I can't tell how high the setting would be, but I would seriously reconsider the pave on the "stems" of the head itself. I would go w the hidden halo but remove the pave from the stems.