Need some input on diamond and setting selection

[JoeS]

What a awesome site! I've learned so much going through this site..

So I'm in the process of getting a ring for my GF and would like the forums input on the diamond, setting and vendor selection.

Both diamond and setting are from Abazias (http://www.abazias.com/)

Diamond
- 2ct princess cut
- Color: H
- Clarity: VS2
- GIA

http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=85950913

Setting
- Platinum
- antique inspired
- 84 round cut diamonds
- carat weight 1 1/5
- Color G
- Clarity Sl

http://www.abazias.com/database/engagement-rings/Antique-Inspired-1-12-ctw-Diamond-Engagement-Ring_ENG-SS-99-10429.asp

Anyone else have experiences with this vendor? I know they have a 10-day return policy but as for the setting, no exchanges or refunds..

Thanks for looking!

 

[stone-cold11]

The only lab that grades the cut performance of a princess is AGS, other labs do not and whatever cut grade assigned is by the vendor and that could mean anything depending on what is the criteria the vendor use to grade these stones. A way to buy non-AGSL graded princess cut is to go with a vendor that can provide ASET image but Abazias do not do so. Another thing to note about the stone is that it has an aspect ratio of greater than 1.05, which is significantly off square and therefore discounted, so unless you are looking for an off-square stone, that would not be a good choice.

 

[slg47]

ditto what stone said-not enough information to make an informed decision about that particular princess cut. you need images/ASET images to help determine the cut quality (or you can try to find an AGS0) otherwise you have no idea what it will look like. this video demonstrates the importance of cut quality

http://www.vimeo.com/5239762

 

[JoeS]

Stone-cold11 and slg47.. I appreciate your feedback.. This kinda throws everything off and I'm glad I asked before jumping on this. Need to do more research and most likely, will probably have to get a lower ct stone. The setting is what my GF would definitely love so I'm stuck with that..I can't find anything that is really comparable..

I guess I need to do more homework ...

 

[yssie]

Check out this link: https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/princess-cut-diamond

 

[JoeS]

After doing some further research, here's what I have:

setting:
metal: Platinum
http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Diamond-Engagement-Ring--JENS1040-1814.html

stone:
ct: 1.51
Clarity: VS2
color: G

depth: 74.7
table: 63%
girdle: thick to very thick

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/Loose_Princess_Cut_Diamond-144/Loose_Princess_Cut_1.51_Carat_G_Color_VS2_Clarity_diamond-550131.html

From my understanding, it's better to go with AGS for this type of cut, right? ASET info is available upon request and will this help understand the characteristics of the stone even though it is GIA certified?

I appreciate any feedback as I have no experience in purchasing jewelry and diamonds for that matter.

 

[stone-cold11]

ExcelDiamond can provide ASET and will help some but their set up is quite difficult to interpret. The very thick in the girdle means significant hidden weight that is not translated to face-up dimensions.

What is your budget and specs?

 

[JoeS]

ExcelDiamond can provide ASET and will help some but their set up is quite difficult to interpret. The very thick in the girdle means significant hidden weight that is not translated to face-up dimensions.

What is your budget and specs?

My total budget with a setting will be around 13-14k

As for the stone, I would like to stick around 10k so I have room to play around for the setting.

Specs:
VS1 or VS2
Color: H-F
Ct: 1.5-2
Cut: Princess

 

[stone-cold11]

This, 1 color grade below your specs.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2230986.htm

Or this, 2 clarity grade below but might be eye-clean. Ask GOG.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7012/