Need help in deciding on Emerald Cut

[jcdl]

Hi everyone, I am trying to decide between two stones, both Emerald cuts. I am still a bit of a newbie when it comes to diamonds I think I have the basics – however at the back of my mind I think I might not be as clever as I think I am when it comes to diamonds. Any opinions would be much appreciated:

Both stones are GIA certified

STONE 1
1.01 carat
Colour: F
Clarity: VS1
Measurements: 6.13x4.90x3.57
Depth: 72.9%
Table: 64%
Girdle: Extremely thin to thick
Cutlet: None
Polish: Very good
Symmetry: Good
Cut: Very good
Comments: Surface graining not shown
(I think this is nothing to worry about)
STONE 2
1.01carat
Colour: E
Clarity: VS1
Measurements: 7.99x4.75x2.86
Depth: 60.2%
Table: 71%
Girdle: Very thin to medium
Cutlet: None
Polish: Very good
Symmetry: Very Good
Cut: Good
Comments: NONE
I am wanting a simple setting, with the stone set in claws in east to west position.

The jeweller has suggested that B might look better in the east west setting as it is a longer stone and therefore looks bigger than A. Although I can see the logic in this I somehow think A looks nicer than B and it dazzles whereas B just flashes like a mirror. And there is no doubt that B looks bigger than A but somehow I am leaning towards A. Is there anything else that I should consider here? Or do I need to get smacked in the head as I am actually wanting a smaller looking stone????

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome!

It sounds as if you have seen both these diamonds and have a preference, which is good as EC's need to be seen to be judged, numbers don't tell you much at all concerning how the diamond will look and perform. With the first diamond, I would want an expert opinion on the extremely thin part of the girdle measurement, it might not be an issue, but you need to check as best you can that it is not, and a possible durability issue. As to your final selection, you are in an excellent position to be able to view your diamonds, so pick the one that appeals to you the most, which sounds as if it could be A - but check that girdle. Also the cut grades such as very good, good etc, don't always mean much and are no guarantee that a diamond is well cut, you need to evaluate each on it's own merits as you are doing. Also before making your final decison, ask if you can view the diamond away from the store lights to make sure it appeals to you in more 'real life' conditions. If the girdle isn't an issue, then it sounds as if diamond A might offer more performance and that diamond B sounds more of a one trick pony so to speak ,and this could be in part due to the larger table and that it looks to be shallower. If you are unsure, then take your time and see if you can look at some more stones.

Also surface graining not shown - isn't an issue usually.

 

[leasj1]

Ive been looking for an Emerald cut over this last month or so and finally decided, so just waiting delivery. Anyway ive done alittle research, although by no means an expert but in my opinion going by various posts and tutorials...

i think A''s depth is alittle too high and as been mentioned the girdle is risky being too thin, also you want to have at least Very good for symetry and polish.

Stone B''s table is too high and also the girdle is too thin.

I think its best to have the table and depths betwen 60 and 65.

Also find out the crown heights and get ideascope pics before you decide.

Like i said im no expert but thats my opinion.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/3/2008 2:35:30 PM
Author: leasj1
Ive been looking for an Emerald cut over this last month or so and finally decided, so just waiting delivery. Anyway ive done alittle research, although by no means an expert but in my opinion going by various posts and tutorials...

i think A's depth is alittle too high and as been mentioned the girdle is risky being too thin, also you want to have at least Very good for symetry and polish.

Stone B's table is too high and also the girdle is too thin.

I think its best to have the table and depths betwen 60 and 65.

Also find out the crown heights and get ideascope pics before you decide.

Like i said im no expert but thats my opinion.

Leas, in this case the poster probably won't be able to get IS etc, as it sounds as if the diamonds are with a jeweller. He has the advantage that he is physically able to see the stones which is the most important thing. Also it isn't always easy to get very good and above for polish and symmetry with fancy shapes, so it can be best to look at the whole diamond, as you can miss out on some lovely stones otherwise. It is said that good and above for polish and symmetry can look the same to the untrained eye.

 

[leasj1]

Yup exactly, thats what it comes down to at the end of the day.

 

[jcdl]

Lorelei - Thanks for pointing out the girdle issue - I was not sure whether it was an issue but will check up on it.

Leasj1 - The reason why I am still holding back with the first stone (although I like it alot) is as you pointed out - the depth being too high. Glad you also thought the same.

I will hunt around a little bit more and chances are will come back with more questions. Thanks again.

 

[jcdl]

Funnily enough, after absorbing the feedback from my previous questions about the ECs I walked in to the next jeweller, looked at a couple of stones, and then walked out the proud owner of my very first EC.

It is currently being set by the jeweller.

So I guess I have no more questions left to ask....until I start coveting a BIGGER stone (but I probably shouldn''t mention that to my husband!!!).

Anyway for those of you who are interested here is a description of what I ended up with:

Emerald Cut (GIA)
1.03 carat
6.28 x 5.02 x 3.49
Color: G
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 69.5%
Table: 67%
Girdle: Med to Thick
Cutlet: None
Polish: Excellent
Fluorescence: NONE


While I suppose the length/width ratio is outside the recommended range, most importantly I liked how the stone winked at me and I am happy with what I got.

I have learnt alot from reading the forums and have decided that this is the BEST WAY for me to procrastinate while I am at work.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/11/2008 1:26:26 AM
Author: jcdl
Funnily enough, after absorbing the feedback from my previous questions about the ECs I walked in to the next jeweller, looked at a couple of stones, and then walked out the proud owner of my very first EC.

It is currently being set by the jeweller.

So I guess I have no more questions left to ask....until I start coveting a BIGGER stone (but I probably shouldn''t mention that to my husband!!!).

Anyway for those of you who are interested here is a description of what I ended up with:

Emerald Cut (GIA)
1.03 carat
6.28 x 5.02 x 3.49
Color: G
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 69.5%
Table: 67%
Girdle: Med to Thick
Cutlet: None
Polish: Excellent
Fluorescence: NONE


While I suppose the length/width ratio is outside the recommended range, most importantly I liked how the stone winked at me and I am happy with what I got.

I have learnt alot from reading the forums and have decided that this is the BEST WAY for me to procrastinate while I am at work.

And that is all that matters!!

Congrats, it sounds lovely! I look forward to pics when you can please of your new treasure....

 

[RxTechRN2b]

Congratulations and can''t wait to see the photos after it''s set! Love love love the emerald cuts -- I look at customer hands all day long in the pharmacy and think I might have seen two or 3 EC''s at the most. I enjoy seeing jewelry that''s set apart from the crowd. The E/W setting is rare, but I prefer it over N/S for sure. And you''ve chosen exceptional quality in a classy, understated size. The finished ring is going to look AWESOME!!