Need some advice for a newbie!

[sgc3301]

Hi, all. I feel like I've done a TON of research on the stones I'm considering buying but then I come to this site and see things like diamcalc and forums on angles and rap sheets (which i've ignored because it seems i'm not a skilled veteran who can understand the nuances of them) and now i'm wondering just how much i know. If anyone can give me an idea of what i MUST know or do before purchasing a diamond, please do. I'm a week or two away from pulling the trigger on a ring so I think i'm a little paranoid about getting ripped off. Thanks again for all your help in advance and if there are previous forums or topics I should refer to, please let me know.

What I know:

Looking for a decent sized (1.70-2.0 carats) pear shaped center stone that will be set with two pear shaped side stones. The one I am leaning towards is EGL-USA certified 1.90 F color I1 Depth 67% Table 62%, thin to thick girdle, and a 1.54 ratio. There is no floro, polish and symmetry are very good. I've seen the stone. It is very eye clean to me despite the i1 grading. The inclusion is not in the table and can/will be covered up by the setting. My main concern is the fact that EGL says it's an I1. The jeweler showed me the inclusion right away and I trust him as he is family of a friend of mine so I know he's trying to rip me off. I think he's offered a very fair price but still do I want to buy an I1 stone? Does it matter? The table and depth and ratio seem to be in line with a well cut diamond no? What am I missing? Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

If you are fine with the inclusions and they are safe (no feathers breaking the surface) you should be okay.

If you want to make sure you are getting a good performing stone you can buy an ASET for 50 bucks and learn how to read what it shows you. http://www.lexusindia.in/products/gb-aset-scope.aspx

 

[Christina...]

I would do some research on EGL before you go ahead and buy the stone. I'm assuming that you know that they grade much more loosely than labs like GIA and AGS. So knowing ahead of time that the stone you are considering may not be the (for example) H SI2 you think it is, is important. EGL is typically off by a couple color grades and a clarity grade. This I1 might possible be an I2 by GIA or AGS standards. However you have the benefit of being able to see the stone in person and working with a jeweler that you apparently trust. Be sure that YOUR eyes like what they are seeing, it's easy to get caught up in the jewelers excitement about the stone, but it's you and your SO that will be viewing it for many many years to come.

Buying an ASET is a fantastic idea as well!

 

[farmer gal]

What is your budget for the diamond, we may be able to help you find something

 

[sgc3301]

I am awar of EGL's loose grading compared to GIA and AGS. To be honest, if I'm able to see the diamond next to other pears and inspect it myself I am not that concerned about color...clarity is something that I am wary of. i am untrained so even the I1 I saw looked better than some SI2 and SI1 which I know is possible based on what the inclusions are and where they are located. That's why I was asking about buying them to begin with. I saw an EGL-USA SI3 that was beautiful from 10 inches away but under a loop was by far the worst looking diamond I saw. Then I saw this I1 and wondered how EGL-USA would give this an I1 and the scarface of diamonds and SI3. This is the inconsistancy I've heard about and makes me go "hmmmm." At the end of the day, all I care about is having a white, brilliant, BIG, diamond that looks good and not getting ripped off. I feel like that's reasonable no? And if the diamond is EGL or AGS and I1 or Si2 does it really matter as long as I KNOW for sure what I'm getting and I'm paying a fair price for it?

As for this ASET. Is this something I would bring to retailers and use right there in front of them? Is there a way to find a local jeweler who has this and taking the stone I'm considering to them for an independent appraisal including this? the jeweler has offered to let me do this before buying.

As for my budget, my total expense for ring is 10k. If I find an incredibly good deal and it allows me to get a custom setting, I plan on doing that, but if I can get my hands on a 2 plus carat diamond, I'm willing to forgo the fancy custom work.

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR INSIGHTS!

 

[sgc3301]

Do I just buy the scope and bring it with me? Is this something consumers do? I am all for being better prepared I kist never of a consumer doing it himself in front of the jeweler. This is great!