Need help w/ two 1.5ct princess cuts for purchase Tomorrow!

[qckfrze]

Hello! First time poster, and GREAT info and people on this forum!

I''m trying to decide on either of these two stones, hoping to go pay and pick them up tomorrow. My primary concern is whether the diamond looks yellow, and secondly how much fire and brilliance it has.

Both are GIA certificates

Here''s Stone 1: (Has Laser Inscription of GIA number, graded 2009)

Square Modified Brilliant
Measurements: 6.20 x 6.17 x 4.53 mm
Carat Weight: 1.52 carat
Color Grade: H
Clarity Grade: SI1
Proportions:
Depth: 73.4%
Table: 69%
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Very Thick
Culet: None
Finish:
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None

Here''s Stone 2: (does not have laser inscription, graded 2004)

Square Modified Brilliant
Measurements: 6.47 x 6.24 x 4.50 mm
Carat Weight: 1.51 carat
Color Grade: I
Clarity Grade: VS2
Proportions:
Depth: 72.1%
Table: 75%
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Extremely Thick
Culet: None
Finish:
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: None

Stone 1 sells for $400 more than Stone 2.

I''m currently buying the stone from one dealer, then having it set by the second dealer because the second can custom make the setting in house w/o shipping it off to a large factory like the second (in a time crunch right now). I trust the second dealer, and am aware I will have to sign a waiver regarding possible diamond damage during setting. Looking at taking the stone immediately to an appraiser, and establishing insurance through Jewelers Mutual before I let the stone go for the final setting.

Would LOVE to get the expert opinions of everyone here!

 

[jet2ks]

Hi qckfrze, welcome to PS.

(nice screenname BTW)

It is not really possible to completely judge a princess from the numbers alone, high quality photos and ASET images are essential if not able to evaluate in person. Numbers, however, can raise some red flags.

Both diamonds have a little extra weight hiding in the girdle, the second being worse with the Ex Thick. The second diamond also has a fairly large table, which can lead to excessive table glare and loss of fire, it is also generally preferable to have the table less than the depth. Just from the numbers I would personally pass on the second diamond.

The first is probably worthy of further consideration. The depth is a little higher than many princess, but that is not always an issue. Many AGS Ideal graded stones have depths in this range. If it is fairly well cut, the H color should not be an issue. Unless your dealer is able to provide ASET images (and the vast majority of B&M jewelers will give you a blank stare if you ask for one) there is not much more we can help you with on these diamonds.

Best of luck.

 

[qckfrze]

jet2ks, Thanks for the reply!

Sorry I can''t get those images. I read about the IdealScope a tad too late, so I''m hoping the appraiser today can do all the maps and get me pics, even though it will be after the purchase.

I''ve been "mandated" by the powers that be to consider these in their order: carat, cut, color, and clarity.

What''s the ideal table I should be looking for in a diamond?

 

[qckfrze]

Just in case, it would be the table sizes for a princess cut diamond...... The B&M place has given me what they look for in a Princess cut to the tune of % for depth/table..... the explanation I got was that outside of the ranges he gave me (which I don''t remember....

) the diamond''s geometry isn''t going to sparkle as much.

 

[stitch]

I got this one saved, and I think it is from David. I am sorry if I mention the wrong original poster''s name for these information


Table 72% to 60%
Crown Height : 16% to 8.5%
Total Depth : 75% to 64%

 

[jet2ks]

Date: 12/18/2009 12:57:22 PM
Author: stitch
I got this one saved, and I think it is from David. I am sorry if I mention the wrong original poster''s name for these information


Table 72% to 60%
Crown Height : 16% to 8.5%
Total Depth : 75% to 64%

Yes, those are the numbers from David Atlas that can be used for initial screening.

qckfrze, if you have an independent appraiser involved, (not someone from a jewelry store) you are in better shape as long as there is a return period if the appraiser finds something of concern.

 

[qckfrze]

Thanks for all the input!

I ended up going for the H, SI1 stone for two reasons:

1. Easy to ID GIA Laser Inscription
2. Set in white gold the extra color grade bump means it''ll appear less yellow.

I saw a single cloud in one of the quadrants under 10x and 28x view, but it''s eye-clean. It only shows up when you twist and twirl the stone and realize for some reason on of the 4 quadrants doesn''t have the same fire as the others (missing one of two "colored triangles" out of ~10-12 total in a single quadrant).

It''s going to another dealer to be mounted now into a Cartier-style setting......hope it goes well...

 

[Lorelei]

Congratulations!

 

[jet2ks]

Congrats. Please come back and post pics of the finished ring.