Need Help!!!

[jjunke]

I need help!

CERT: EGL
SHAPE: CUSHION
WEIGHT: 2.02
MEAS: 7.36-7.06 x 4.51mm
TOTAL DEPTH: 63.9%
TABLE WIDTH: 70%
CROWN HEIGHT: 11%
PAVILION DEPTH: 48%
GIRDLE: MEDIUM TO THICK, FACETED
POLISH: VERY GOOD
SYMMETRY: GOOD
CULET: NONE
CLARITY: VS2
COLOR: E
FLUORESCENE: NONE
LAB REPORT DATE: 6/20/07
SETTING: TACORI 2509

NEG. PRICE: $18,600

What do you guys think? I''m a first time diamond buyer, and am not sure if this is a good deal or not. My concerns are with the EGL rating.

The symmetry is only rated as GOOD, should that be a concern? What about the medium to thick girdle? Anything else I should look into?
I would appreciate any comments/tips/suggestions you would have. Thanks in advance.

 

[chrono]

I am more concerned with the table. That's a huge table at 70%! I much prefer tables around the 55% to 65%. Crown height is so-so at 11%.

Is the cert EGL USA or some other (Europe, Israel)?

 

[jjunke]

With a bigger table you lose fire correct? Do different diamond shapes have different prefered tables? What would be a recommended crown size?

The certificate does not say. It has a date of June 20, 2007, so I would assume it is in the US as the stone is here. I understand the EGL offices are independently run, are there good/bad offices?

Thanks!

 

[chrono]

Yes, with a larger table, you lose out on some fire.
Yes, each shape has a recommended table size, but in general, the smaller the better no matter what shape.
The higher the crown, the better the amount of fire too. I think you are probably all right at 11%. I like really high crowns. 15% would drive me crazy.

It doesn't matter that the stone is here in the states or out in Zimbabwe, it can be a EGL USA or some other EGL. it should be listed right on the very top of the cert (slightly to the right in bold white lettering). See the example below (but please excuse the humongous size):

 

[jjunke]

The cert I am looking at is a little different. In the cert you posted, I have "REPORT ISSUED BY: E.G.L." in place of where yours says "E.G.L. * USA". Now that I think about I believe I saw Israel on the outside package of the diamond when I saw it.

Do you think this is a good deal for $18k? Or should I look for another stone? I am look to spend under $20k on the stone. Let me know, thanks for your quick responses!