Need Some Advice Choosing 1 of 3 Diamonds - ON

[RAMdiamond]

Thanks guys .. I''ve been putting a whole bunch of BN stones through HCA.

The last one I thought was good but the X on the HCA plot didn''t fall in the AGL/GIA overlap range ... it was a little out and I thought I read some where that the best ones fall inside that overlap ...?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/21/2010 4:39:42 PM
Author: RAMdiamond
Thanks guys .. I''ve been putting a whole bunch of BN stones through HCA.

The last one I thought was good but the X on the HCA plot didn''t fall in the AGL/GIA overlap range ... it was a little out and I thought I read some where that the best ones fall inside that overlap ...?

I wouldn''t worry, sometimes this happens - yes this is the '' bullseye'' but plenty of great stones don''t fall quite within the box.

 

[Dreamer_D]

If you are planning to buy sight unseen from BN, then I would stick with VS2 clarity to be safe but also economical. And then I would select a diamond that fell within the "bullseye" on the HCA. That''s just me being picky, though, as Lorelei says as long as it scores under 2 the odds are great that it will be a looker.

 

[Dreamer_D]

And LOL at the "locked in the vault" comment. That is a good marketing ploy to describe virtual stones.

ETA Are the diamond you are considering the Signature Ideals? I ask because those diamond in the BN inventory cost about the same as comparable or perhaps better diamonds from other PS recommended vendors who have better policies re: upgrades and lifetime buyback. If you are willing to pay that premium then I would suggest going with one of those other vendors so you get more for your money, so to speak. BN is great and more economical in some respects, but only for the non signature ideal line IMO.

 

[RAMdiamond]

Thanks Lorelei dreamer_dachsie!

By the way I took your advice and called BN, that was a much better way to go.

I was really curious about the first stone with all the feather and Jeanine took my info. and said they would pull the stone and have a look at it and confirm the location of the feathers and whether they break the surface or not.

She was sure that there wouldn't be any issues since it was part of the signature ideal collection... let's see what they come back with. I'll let you know what they say!

Back to my research... anyone read through Tolkowsky's master thesis? It's a fascinating read .. I've pulled out my old physics text books to try and better understand what he was saying. I wonder if he had any idea that his research would end up setting a global standard?!?

 

[RAMdiamond]

Thats so kind of you RAM, so glad you have found us helpful!!


With the diamond, its hard to say with the feathers and not something that can be judged by the clarity plot, you could take it to an independant appraiser during the return period and get their opinion. It is unusual feathers are an issue but it can be worth the peace of mind to get an expert to inspect the stone. Also you could ask your BN rep to find out not only if the diamond is eyeclean but if any of the feathers break the surface of the diamond, this is not the norm but no harm in checking.

Just a question about feathers, I''ve read some where that having them on edges of stones could pose structural integrity issues... what do y''all think?

I really like that H-SI1 1.05 ct that I posted a few posts back... but all those feathers have me a little worried... The BN rep is going to get back to me but I''m interested in your thoughts...

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/21/2010 5:27:24 PM
Author: RAMdiamond

Thats so kind of you RAM, so glad you have found us helpful!!


With the diamond, its hard to say with the feathers and not something that can be judged by the clarity plot, you could take it to an independant appraiser during the return period and get their opinion. It is unusual feathers are an issue but it can be worth the peace of mind to get an expert to inspect the stone. Also you could ask your BN rep to find out not only if the diamond is eyeclean but if any of the feathers break the surface of the diamond, this is not the norm but no harm in checking.

Just a question about feathers, I''ve read some where that having them on edges of stones could pose structural integrity issues... what do y''all think?

I really like that H-SI1 1.05 ct that I posted a few posts back... but all those feathers have me a little worried... The BN rep is going to get back to me but I''m interested in your thoughts...

Feathers can pose problems. An experience gemologist can tell you if they will, or an experienced appraiser. I believe they are only an issue when they break the surface, but hopefully someone else will comment who knows better.

 

[RAMdiamond]

So diappointed!

Here are the specs from the my Ontario guy that I''m leaving work to see in a few minutes for the 1.03 I-SI1, scored a lousy 5 on HCA .. so not impressed! Should I even bother going into the store??

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.49 - 6.52 x 3.98 mm
Carat Weight: 1.03 carat
Color Grade: I
Clarity Grade: SI1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions:
Depth: 61.2%
Table: 60%
Crown Angle: 33.0°
Crown Height: 13.0%
Pavilion Angle: 41.6°
Pavilion Depth: 44.5%
Star length: 50%
Lower Half: 75%
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted (4.0%)
Culet: None
Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

 

[RAMdiamond]

Local Stone #2 but this is from a guy who I''m not all that sure about... a little bit on the slick car salesman slide but the GIA Cert and Numbers run amazing!

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.46 - 6.52 x 3.94 mm
Carat Weight: 1.01 carat
Color Grade: H
Clarity Grade: SI1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions:
Depth: 60.7%
Table: 57%
Crown Angle: 34.0°
Crown Height: 14.5%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star length: 50%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Thin to Slightly Thick, Faceted (3.5%)
Culet: None
Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Comments: Additional clouds are not shown.

 

[RAMdiamond]

Hey Guys!

So I''m going into the downtown guy in Toronto to see local stone #2 tomorrow.

Since I''m not all that huge on having him set it etc. etc. what do you guys think about buying the diamond from him and having it set elsewhere? Would there be issues with warranty, etc.?

Also, anyone know a good place to set a diamond in Toronto?

Any thought would be appreciated!

 

[stone-cold11]

Numbers look good for #2. Good luck. No idea on who to use for setting in Toronto.

 

[RAMdiamond]

Date: 1/26/2010 2:34:56 PM
Author: Stone-cold11
Numbers look good for #2. Good luck. No idea on who to use for setting in Toronto.

Thanks Stone-cold.

Yes, the numbers look great this thing seems to hit the GIA-AGS bullseye and it is a GIA stone!

Here is another question from a diamond buying newbie. Let''s I purchase the diamond loose from him, may I expect a documented warranty from him that the stone is what he/the CERT represent it to be?

Is it standard practice on the part of the purchaser to then get it independently appraised to ensure I got what I paid for?

 

[RAMdiamond]

Think I answered some of my own previous questions, looks like appraising independently is a must!

One more stone I'm considering guys ... this one is via Martin Sheffield's shop usacertified diamonds - the numbers look outstanding and he has it on a secure hold for me. I found it myself and he seemed pretty impressed with it over the phone but then neither of us have seen it!
Comments?

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.44 - 6.50 x 3.96 mm
Carat Weight: 1.01 carat
Color Grade: H
Clarity Grade: SI1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Proportions:
Depth: 61.2%
Table: 56%
Crown Angle: 35.0°
Crown Height: 15.5%
Pavilion Angle: 40.6°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star length: 55%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Thin to Medium, Faceted (3.0%)
Culet: None
Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

 

[jet2ks]

Numbers on the last one are outstanding, as well.

As far as appraisal, it depends on what you are looking for. If all you want is to make sure that the diamond matches the grading report, that should be fairly easy for a jeweler to show you by the clarity map &/or laser inscription, if it has one. If you want a full appraisal for insurance purposes, definitely find an independent appraiser.

 

[RAMdiamond]

Here is the GIA Cert for Martin''s stone (Stats above) it has pinpoint(s) and indented natural(s)... it''s an SI1 should I be worried guys?