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Need Help Please! Emerald Cut - $20-25k Budget!

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RoadChe

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 6, 2008
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Hi All- first off, I''m looking to get engaged, and the only thing I know for sure is I''d like an emerald cut diamond.

I''ve always been a "figure it out yourself" guy, so I''ve been reading all sorts of forums, educational websites, and mathematical formulas online... and unfortunately, all this has done is confuse me more. I''ve noticed a lot of the cool analysis and tools available do not really apply to the emerald cut. In addition, I understand when you get above a certain carat, the assessments scale slightly change!

Some more context: Historically, I''m not the most savvy shopper. I''ve made some less-than-great financial decisions in the past (e.g., buying car/house without much negotiation and watching various middle-men take advantage of me), hence my attempt (above) to read up as much as I can. Unfortunately, I still have a knack of being a bit over-trusting.

Therefore, I thought I''d open up to the experts, regulars, and fanatics on this forum for some help. My budget is probably between $20-25k for the stone.

I understand that there are lots of tradeoffs to make, so what I''m really interested in is:

1) Any specific perspectives people have specifically on emerald cut considerations
2) How to be a bit savvier with my purchase so I can get more "bang for the buck"

Thanks in advance to anyone/everyone who replies- any guidance is much appreciated.

-K



 
Well, the first thing is that you are in the right place. The second is PLEASE don''t buy a stone without approval from us. We''ll be honest with you.

Fancy cuts can only be judged by the numbers so much, then really your eyes have to take over. I would recommend starting by contacting Mark at Engagement Rings Direct and also Jon at Good Old Gold. They both have great eyes for fancy cut stones and are very trustworthy and won''t rip you off.
 
I second contacting Mark. I saw 3 knock-down gorgeous EC''s in his office.
 
I assume you have been through the tutorials here and in other places, so there''s little point in repeating...

Also, in my view with ECs there really are very few rules. I have seen lovely stones with what could be considered truly "odd" proportions, yet they worked.

The one thing I would suggest is for you to talk to dealers and see whom you could trust - select your dealer before you start selecting your stone. I sympathise with the over-trust issue; I''m much like you. However if you start by selecting people on the basis of multiple feedback off PriceScope or other reputable forums, it''s not a bad starting point, and you always have the "safety net" of the community here.

Good luck and keep in touch.
 
Thanks for the few quick responses. I''m not sure how I would even go about reaching out to these folks that you mention.

Additionally, does this mean you do not think buying from an online retailer (e.g., BlueNile) is the way to go?

Thanks again.

-K
 
Particularly with an EC, I think a drop-shipper like Blue Nile is not a good choice. With that type of dealer you are really on your own, since they never see the stone and in some cases don't have the skills or equipment to give you a better idea of what you'd be buying. This is a pure-play internet retailer. WhiteFlash has a similar business model, but will call in stones and look at them for you; as far as I know they also have a showroom/can organise customer visits, but it's not the main attraction point

ERD and GOG both have reasonably sophisticated online shopping sites, but also own directy many of the stones and anyway have skilled people to look at them for you (and with you if you live near enough either one of them). These are full-service jewellers that also manage their online channel fully. A third option is dealers that use the internet as a virtual shop window rather than a full online shop, but that make a point of showing a lot of details about much of their stock - Winfield's and DiamondsByLauren come to mind.

The last two types of jeweller are I think much better choices for someone who wants to buy an EC.

Finally, of course, there are jewellers who are not even on the internet for advertising purposes with a sample of their goods. There is nothing intrinsically wrong, but it cuts them off from an effective channel, so they become difficult to find, particularly if they are not local to you.

Lastly - contacts:

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com
http://www.goodoldgold.com
http://rockdiamond.com
http://www.whiteflash.com

I haven't included Wink in the list above, since I believe he specialises in AGS-0 rounds and princess cut only. At any rate, his website is http://www.winkjones.com
 
EC's are tough. Most look like giant baguettes to me - not much life. However, a well cut EC is KILLER! Absolutely gorgeous.

How to judge? You have to see the stone before you commit. [note: I am speaking from personal experience. I was dead set against an EC and was looking for a RB back in the mid 1990's. Then, one day I was wandering by a shop with a number of estate pieces and an EC caught my eye. It is amazing, full of life and character - nothing like the giant baguettes I had seen. So . . . long story short . . . I bought it instead of continuing my RB search! LOL! There are pics floating around here somewhere.].

The ladies here have made some wonderful suggestions as far as sourcing the stone and I echo them. Once your options are narrowed down you will want to see the finalists and pick the best one for you.
 
I agree with going either with goodoldgold or ERD.

Here is one that I think looks pretty at goodoldgold within your budget.

BTW I highly recommend Leon for making your setting, unless you have something else in mind (Tacori, etc.)

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/em210gvs2/

In a setting like this
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/em210gvs2/

or here is a Leon
30.gif

http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=329

Or something like this
http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=346
 
It''s best to have one identify all the options available in your quality and budget, then sort them on price. From there analyze depth/table percents and definitely identify the proper overall measurements to maximize the size of the diamond. Then isolate on polish/symmetry/fluorescence and it''ll be apparent what the best few diamonds are in the ENTIRE industry, not just the few someone may hold.

Marty
Diamond Brokerage Service, Inc
www.dbsdiamonds.com
"See it, we beat it"
 
Diamonds by Lauren carries emerald cuts as well. He currently has a 2.76 ct E SI2 with stong blue fluor in your budget range. I'm kind of curious as to what others think of this stone. Link

r2770h273stbl.jpg
 
Your best bet is Good Old Gold, Whiteflash and Union Diamond. HAveing purchased 3 large emerald cut diamonds of very high quality over the years these three vendors are the best suited to providing you with the best stone for the best price.
 
Date: 12/7/2008 3:37:50 PM
Author: Fly Girl
Diamonds by Lauren carries emerald cuts as well. He currently has a 2.76 ct E SI2 with stong blue fluor in your budget range. I''m kind of curious as to what others think of this stone. Link
Click to expand...
Diamonds by Lauren carries some extremely funky cuts. I''m not saying he isn''t capable of finding a decent stone, just that he carries a lot of junk and dresses it up with flowery descriptions. In addition there have been some posts on another forum from people who have felt less than satisfied. He certainly wouldn''t be my first choice.
 
Date: 12/7/2008 4:00:53 PM
Author: purrfectpear

Date: 12/7/2008 3:37:50 PM
Author: Fly Girl
Diamonds by Lauren carries emerald cuts as well. He currently has a 2.76 ct E SI2 with stong blue fluor in your budget range. I''m kind of curious as to what others think of this stone. Link
Click to expand...
Diamonds by Lauren carries some extremely funky cuts. I''m not saying he isn''t capable of finding a decent stone, just that he carries a lot of junk and dresses it up with flowery descriptions. In addition there have been some posts on another forum from people who have felt less than satisfied. He certainly wouldn''t be my first choice.
Click to expand...
Actually, what I love are his funky diamond colors!
1.gif
White is soooooo common.
 
Found these, they look like they have good nice paterns....maybe strmrdr (he seems to be the asscher/emerald cut go to person, really all diamond cut expert) could tell you if they are good or not if he comes into this thread....

this is slighty over budget

these are within budget:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-988852.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Premium-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1020278.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1190539.asp
 
Thanks again- are there any decent tools online that I can plug in some dimensions and quickly filter out "poorly cut" emerald-cut diamonds?
 
Date: 12/8/2008 11:43:18 PM
Author: RoadChe
Thanks.


So here''s a question. Does anyone see a difference between these two?? They look identical from specs but priced differently- what gives?


http://www.whiteflash.com/emerald/Emerald-cut-diamond-1787546.htm



http://www.uniondiamond.com/diamonds/diamonds.php?item_id=AB120737&search_type_id=2&action_type_id=2&network_id=0cf05810a0f83094f6e9972ef21cdd34
Click to expand...

I believe it is the same virtual stone...as for the price difference, same reason that some stores sell things for more than others do. Just different pricing policies.
 
Thanks again.

I found this one in particular to be somewhat intriguing.

http://www.angara.com/diamond-details.do?pID=603153


Shape: EMERALD
Certificate: 17470311
Carat Weight: 2.21
Cut: Excellent
Color: F
Clarity: VS1
Depth: 68.5%
Table: 64.0%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Culet: Pointed
Fluorescence: Medium
Measurement: 8.72 MM x 6.10 MM x 4.18 MM

Price is only $18,234 -- is there something I''m missing that would bring this price down? It seems too good to be true (compared to other EC''s under $20k)
 
due to Fluorescence a diamond would be priced lower, not a bad thing, especially not medium florescence. I would get pictures of that rock before purchasing, GIA Ex sym/polish means nothing especially in an EC...
 
Thanks, what do you mean by GIA ex sym/polish means nothing? Doesn''t it at least mean it''s better than GIA vg sym/polish or are you saying it''s so arbitrary that they are all meaningless?
 
If we were talking about a round it would be different....and VG is really not bad either but we are talking about an EC, I gave you the requirements for an EC.....That stone could still look like a dog, GIA EX/EX means nothing

If you are wondering if any of the EC on this thread are any good I would ask strmrdr and maybe look thru this
 
Date: 12/9/2008 12:24:15 AM
Author: RoadChe
Thanks, what do you mean by GIA ex sym/polish means nothing? Doesn't it at least mean it's better than GIA vg sym/polish or are you saying it's so arbitrary that they are all meaningless?
Click to expand...
polish and symmetry are somewhat fluid in fancies. First of all a great many fancy cut stones are Good Good and sold at Harry Winston, Tiffany etc Its harder to polish fancy cuts, particularly step cuts, so often, for example, the polish is Good but it might be due to one little area near a facet junction and not the whole stone. Most people would agree that most of the time a Good and up in polish and a good and up in symmetry are absolutely fine. And -a well proportioned nicely cut EC with Good/Good will be higher priced than a poorly cut EC with very good polish and symmetry. Cut is the first things...............it trumps most everything
 
Check out the fancy cut guide under knowledge up at the top of the page to start but some things regarding EC''s............

the depth is best when its greater than the table ie. depth 66, table 62
a crown height of greater than 10 is important so that the stone doesnt just have a flat top. The crown enables the stone to capture and disperse light (sorry i am not technical so my words may be off). A crown greater than 14 and you start losing spread--doenst happen to often
a depth under 68, ideally 66 keeps you from buying an overly deep stone and a table of 60 to 66 will usually get you the right crown height

the subjective personal part is the ratio --how fat or thin the rectangle is. 1.50 is considered ideal--the golden mean--but in recent years fatter EC''s are in vogue as they were Asscher substitutes.
 
Thanks again for all of your feedback (everyone).

So based on the dimensions above, my "depth" seems a little deeper than ideal. What are your thoughts on this? While the other metrics seem to be in-or-near the top category, will the few extra % in depth significantly impact the cut quality?

Thanks again...
 
Date: 12/9/2008 1:26:59 AM
Author: RoadChe
Thanks again for all of your feedback (everyone).

So based on the dimensions above, my ''depth'' seems a little deeper than ideal. What are your thoughts on this? While the other metrics seem to be in-or-near the top category, will the few extra % in depth significantly impact the cut quality?

Thanks again...
Click to expand...
No, depth is only part of the picture plus these shapes can hide weight in other areas, so depth does not tell the whole story. Use any given numbers as a guide only otherwise you could miss out on some perfectly acceptable diamonds. Plus with numbers there are many different looks which can result from a similar set of proportions. Ask the vendor for detailed photos and an ASET image, if no ASET then Idealscope, then we can get a better idea.
 
Date: 12/9/2008 1:26:59 AM
Author: RoadChe
Thanks again for all of your feedback (everyone).

So based on the dimensions above, my ''depth'' seems a little deeper than ideal. What are your thoughts on this? While the other metrics seem to be in-or-near the top category, will the few extra % in depth significantly impact the cut quality?

Thanks again...
Click to expand...
Yes the dpeth is a little deeper than ideal but not perilously so. As Lorelei said the numbers are a guide--weight can be hidden in the girdles as well--also in the pavilion. The point is that numbers outside the guidelines dont mean the stone is bad--the stone could be amazing--but there is areason why the ideals are the ideals. And every variation has to be coinsidered. For example, do you want a stone with amazing light return, brilliance etc but that looks like a 1.5 carat instead of a 2 carat? I doubt it. If a stone has a depth of 70 and the face up is smaller than other 2carat stones then no matter how beautiful I would not buy it. Conversely, a depth of 68 is quite common in square stones--due to the nature of the crystals.
 
Date: 12/9/2008 6:03:11 AM
Author: Lorelei
Date: 12/9/2008 1:26:59 AM

Author: RoadChe

Thanks again for all of your feedback (everyone).


So based on the dimensions above, my ''depth'' seems a little deeper than ideal. What are your thoughts on this? While the other metrics seem to be in-or-near the top category, will the few extra % in depth significantly impact the cut quality?



Thanks again...
Click to expand...

No, depth is only part of the picture plus these shapes can hide weight in other areas, so depth does not tell the whole story. Use any given numbers as a guide only otherwise you could miss out on some perfectly acceptable diamonds. Plus with numbers there are many different looks which can result from a similar set of proportions. Ask the vendor for detailed photos and an ASET image, if no ASET then Idealscope, then we can get a better idea.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Once again, let me reiterate, you CANNOT buy a fancy by the numbers alone!!!
 
Thanks all- I have initiated conversations with a few vendors.

For the stone I reference above from Angara, apparently, I cannot view this one because it is an overseas supplier. Is this normal or should I steer clear?

Look at these two options, both from Angara (the second is the one I cannot view, and have not yet asked about the first). They look very similar in stats, but one is $7k more. Confused- help?

2.20 F VS1
66.9%
65%
med-vtk
gd vg
$24064

2.21 F VS1
68.5%
64%
pt
ex ex
$17139
 
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