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Need to replace my wifes emerald

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thegoat

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 21, 2008
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My wife lost her ring and we are waiting for Jewelers Mutual to give us the okey to select another one. It was a 1.30 G VS1 emerald cut. All the number were good (table,cut, depth etc) but now we are considering upgrading to say between a 1.75 and 2.00 ct emerald stone.

Its been awhile since we purchase the ring so I want to be sure Im still a tad knowledgeable about what to look for. So here goes:
this is my criteria:
- G or H
-VS1
-TABLE 60-69
-RATEIO 1.35 TO 1.45
-DEPTH - No more than 64
-No culet
-Symmetry and Polish -VG to Exc
-CUT VG to Exc
-GIRDLE Even to Medium; Not extremely thin nor extremely thick

Also, can I get away with an H color in an Emerald....especially in a white gold setting? And what about the clarity, should I stay with a VS or should I consider an S1 in an emerald?

Looking for a ring with the most fire and sparkle

Im trying to keep this as modest as possible as I know I will have to add some money to the new ring upgrade but I want to make certain I''m moving in the right direction. Will post questions regarding setting as soon as I get the stone settled.

Thanks,
TheGoat
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Make sure the stone is GIA or AGS certified. No other EGL except for EGL USA, if you don''t mind an EGL cert.

G or H is fine for a WG setting
VS1/2 is fine too. I have yet to see an eye clean SI1 so I''d skip that.

Table of no more than 64%.

Crown height of 10% and upwards. (This is related to the table, hence I like smaller tables because you are more likely to get a higher crown height for more fire).

The ratio is up to you. Some like it more squarish, others like it longer.

Depth of anything under 65%. A shallower stone means one that faces up better but if the stone has a very high crown height, I can sometimes forgive a 68% depth.

At least VG/VG polish and symmetry.

An even medium girdle is super rare, so anything in between thin and thick is fine.

I''d completely throw out the cut grades on the certs or as listed by the vendor. No criteria has been set for ideal cut ECs as yet (but AGS has tried - I haven''t seen an AGS ideal cut EC yet so I cannot comment on it). All the cut specifications listed above (which comes from here helps eliminate many ugly emerald cut stones).
 
Date: 2/21/2008 2:47:29 PM
Author:thegoat
My wife lost her ring and we are waiting for Jewelers Mutual to give us the okey to select another one. It was a 1.30 G VS1 emerald cut. All the number were good (table,cut, depth etc) but now we are considering upgrading to say between a 1.75 and 2.00 ct emerald stone.

Its been awhile since we purchase the ring so I want to be sure Im still a tad knowledgeable about what to look for. So here goes:
this is my criteria:
- G or H
-VS1
-TABLE 60-69
-RATEIO 1.35 TO 1.45
-DEPTH - No more than 64
-No culet
-Symmetry and Polish -VG to Exc
-CUT VG to Exc
-GIRDLE Even to Medium; Not extremely thin nor extremely thick

Also, can I get away with an H color in an Emerald....especially in a white gold setting? And what about the clarity, should I stay with a VS or should I consider an S1 in an emerald?

Looking for a ring with the most fire and sparkle

Im trying to keep this as modest as possible as I know I will have to add some money to the new ring upgrade but I want to make certain I'm moving in the right direction. Will post questions regarding setting as soon as I get the stone settled.

Thanks,
TheGoat
26.gif
If you are buying online, ask for photos of the diamond and an ASET image if available. Also it is rare for an SI clarity to be eyeclean in these shapes unfortunately, so you may need VS or better in that size especially. Some make an H their cut off point for colour as these shapes can show more warmth, but this is a personal preference, a poster here has a fabulous I colour EC. Also please bear in mind that the numbers are a guide, but don't tell the whole story with these shapes, so get good pics, and a vendor with a return policy if you are buying online in case the diamond isn't quite right for you. Above all let your eyes decide, if you find an EC you love which doesn't quite add up to the suggested numbers, how it looks to you is the most important thing. If buying from a jeweller, see if you can check the diamond out away from the store lights to get an idea of how it will look in ' real life' conditions.

See here for ASET info. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/why-we-prefer-aset-to-ideal-scope-with-fancy-shapes.73949/
 
I agree about the table, I went to a jeweler regarding the replacement and mentioned I want a table lower then 65% and he told me that I can go up to 69%.

Although I realize it was his opinion, I believe when you walk into a jeweler and state your requests, than they should not try to switch you to a diamond that may cost a little less and appear more competitive to the competition.

Im going out this morning and looking for a 1.75 to 2.00 emerald diamond for my wife. She will be with me. We would like the stone to have lots of fire and brilliance so I will look for table and depth under 65%.

As far as ratio goes, I guess it''s up to her to see how she actually prefers the shape once we get the rest of the specs.

Would like to spend between $12,000 to 13,500 on the stone without the setting. A G/H color and VS 1 or 2 will be acceptable if the other stats are in line.

Also, what stats allow a ring to look larger yet keep the quality of the diamond intact.

Thanks,
Goat
 
Did you find any stones you (and she) liked? Would love an update :)
 
Chrono,

I need your help, please.

Im currently waiting for GOG to get back to me with some EC''s that may be what Im looking for but in the meanitme I went to Bowery just to do some shopping. Vendor in the Bowery told me that I cant get a 2ct EC with a table under 65 and depth under 69, telling me that the ring has to have depth (???) and that with those stats, she can only get me a 1.50 or 1.60 EC. Maybe Im missing something?? Also she showed me non-cert diamonds and asked why I would want to pay $1,500 more for a GIA? This turned me off.

Little as I know about diamonds, I believe she may know less. I know these people and Im really surprised. Maybe she didnt like me telling her what "I" wanted rather than what she could supply.

Now back to GOG, Sarah sent me an email telling me she has an "I" VS1 2.04 EC from one of her "suppliers" thats within my budget (under $13,000 for the EC w/o setting) with a ratio of 1.32 which may be a tad squarer than conventional but may show very well. The EC has ideal cut VG/VC polish and symettry.

Presuming the table/depth are in line (waiting for copy of GIA), can I go with an "I" VS1 with a white gold setting and still have a quality stone?

I have a few more questions but I want to take one thing at a time.

Thanks in advance!
thegoat
 
Still checking around but Ive contacted GOG and they will get back to me with hopefully will be a n EC that will meet all the criteria Ive given them.

As posted earlier, had an experience an Canal St/Bowery NYC diamond district with vendor telling me my specs were out of whack and that I wasnt able to get a 1.75-2.00 EC with the table/depth I gave her. Don''t think Ill go back to her as it leaves me to believe her knowledge of ECs.
 
Date: 2/24/2008 6:28:41 PM
Author: thegoat
Still checking around but Ive contacted GOG and they will get back to me with hopefully will be a n EC that will meet all the criteria Ive given them.

As posted earlier, had an experience an Canal St/Bowery NYC diamond district with vendor telling me my specs were out of whack and that I wasnt able to get a 1.75-2.00 EC with the table/depth I gave her. Don''t think Ill go back to her as it leaves me to believe her knowledge of ECs.
Well....she''s probably right about one thing...you can''t get that from HER. Things like this make me so grateful for having found PS. Best of luck in your continued search....I''m sure the final result will be worth the wait.

Granted I''m not Chrono, but I''d say the I is worth looking at. I saw a J emerald cut and it faced up whiter than I thought it would....showed some color in the steps, but you had to gaze at it for more than a few seconds. View from the side or face down...completely different story. Also, as you''ll read on here....color is very person dependent. I''d say get Jonathan to take pics/video of the stone face down and from the side.....
 
Well I tried searching on the PS search engine and the Blue Nile search engine for something that matched all your criteria and got zero matches. Maybe GOG will come up with something.
 
65 depth is too limiting in today''s market and don''t mean that much.
A badly cut 65% depth can be smaller than a well cut 69%
Pay attention too the MM not the %.
Rough that will cut shallow EC''s economically is fairly rare and the resulting stones can be hard too find.
When you get close to a magic number like 2ct then they get near impossible too find.
The cutter will do their best too break the 2ct mark and that''s not good for you.
 
Date: 2/24/2008 8:48:06 PM
Author: strmrdr
65 depth is too limiting in today's market and don't mean that much.
A badly cut 65% depth can be smaller than a well cut 69%
Pay attention too the MM not the %.
Rough that will cut shallow EC's economically is fairly rare and the resulting stones can be hard too find.
When you get close to a magic number like 2ct then they get near impossible too find.
The cutter will do their best too break the 2ct mark and that's not good for you.
Ditto. Personally I would see what GOG have to offer as they have a lot of experience with this shape and can give you good expert advice and opinions. It is up to you of course, but the numbers don't tell the whole story with these shapes unfortunately, there are many EC's out there which are outside suggested tight proportions which are stunning diamonds, what you want may take some sourcing, so it may be best not to limit yourself by seeing what expert vendors such as GOG suggest might be a lovely diamond, even if the numbers don't quite correspond to those given.

As I said in an earlier post if you remember, we do have a poster with a large EC in an I colour, and it is stunning and she loves it. So if GOG recommend this diamond and say it looks good, it might be well worth considering. They also have a good return policy which can give added reassurance. That is really your best bet is to put yourself into experienced and expert hands such as those of Good old Gold, and let them try to help you. These guys know their stuff, take advantage of their skill!
 
Thanks all of you for your helpful comments and advice.

Can you please explain what a "warmer diamond" is? Thanks!
 
Date: 2/25/2008 9:12:21 AM
Author: thegoat
Thanks all of you for your helpful comments and advice.

Can you please explain what a 'warmer diamond' is? Thanks!
Certainly! A warmer colour diamond is considered to be an I colour upwards( GIA or AGS graded). An I colour is where the diamond industry believe that the average person may begin to detect a hint of warmth, especially from the side, in a diamond. Various factors can influence this however. The shape and size of a diamond may make a difference, for example, a 2 ct Emerald cut may show a little more colour than a 1 carat round. But this is also a very personal thing and preference. As I said before, we have a poster with a 2ct I emerald cut and it is plenty white for her, she loves it and no wonder, it is a fabulous diamond!!

Emerald cuts generally may show a touch more warmth than other shapes, but having said that, an I colour may be perfectly fine for you and your wife, it will still be a white diamond, you may just notice the ' whiteness' is less crisp and icy than that of a DEF or G colour.

Some believe that medium blue fluorescence and above may help a diamond face up whiter still, so that may be a factor to consider if you find a diamond with this feature. Also a well cut emerald cut will look stunning no matter what the colour, as badly cut D colour grade would look like a chunk of glass without the all important cut!
 
Nothing much to add here except, "STAY AWAY FROM CANAL ST/Bowery" for diamonds.

I''m also in the city and was there a few months ago to get some idea of what i wanted. The crap these people were pushing on me.. wow, just wow. I also don''t think they''re deliberately trying to rip you off, well not all of them. Just didn''t seem to be very knowledgeable about what they were selling.
 
TG,

Just saw your post today - sorry, I''m too busy on weekends for PS.
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Familial duties, ya know.

Bowery is sprouting a bunch of crap. It''s just their excuse because they can''t find a stone within your specs so they are trying to steer you towards what they have to get a sale. The stone specs you are looking for is out there, not many but it exists. And for such a large stone, I''d stick with a certed stone, thank you very much. Yes, I think I''d shop elsewhere too.

It is possible for the I VS2 GOG EC to be a very pretty stone. However, at that size, the I colour may show warmth to your eyes. I am colour sensitive, so I''d keep looking. However, it might be acceptable to you. Lorelei has explained it very well.

If you would like to expand your search, Mark at www.engagementringsdirect.com aka ERD (also in NYDD) has a keen eye for emerald cuts.
 
Hi thegoat,

Ditto what Chrono said about Mark at ERD. He found me my gorgeous EC that I adore. He's got an aweome eye....I would definitely give him a call. Let him see what he can find for you!
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My EC is an I (1.72) I have many pictures posted on here if you do a search. I think 90% of the time it is blazing white but at some angles, in some lighting, sometimes you can see a light buttery color. If that would bother her I would not get an I.
 
Date: 2/25/2008 2:10:32 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
My EC is an I (1.72) I have many pictures posted on here if you do a search. I think 90% of the time it is blazing white but at some angles, in some lighting, sometimes you can see a light buttery color. If that would bother her I would not get an I.
Thanks for your input Tacori, I was using your gorgeous diamond as an example in my posts - hope you don''t mind!
 
Date: 2/25/2008 2:18:10 PM
Author: Lorelei
Date: 2/25/2008 2:10:32 PM

Author: Tacori E-ring

My EC is an I (1.72) I have many pictures posted on here if you do a search. I think 90% of the time it is blazing white but at some angles, in some lighting, sometimes you can see a light buttery color. If that would bother her I would not get an I.

Thanks for your input Tacori, I was using your gorgeous diamond as an example in my posts - hope you don''t mind!

Oh, I don''t mind at all!
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Heck you could have even posted a pic and I wouldn''t have cared. It didn''t even dawn on me you were talking about my stone. Makes me feel so special!
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Diamondseeker has seen it in person and she said she would have never guessed it was an I. Oh for the record my stone has a large table. I actually have the paperwork right here, it is 71.4% (I have mentioned it in other threads but never knew the exact number) and I LOVE it! I think it is a beautiful, lively, sparkly stone. Just proof that numbers don''t mean everything with fancies.
 
Oh, I just realized according to the appraisal my stone has a faint blue (lw) fluoresence. So that probably makes a small difference.
 
Ok, just saw this ring on ERD. Seems to be in my price range before ($12,779) we purchase the setting. It is an H color so Im trying to stay away from the I color as consensus shows.

Her old ring was a 1.29 EC with a ration of 1.47...my concern is that these ECs always seems to appear like small diamonds, if Im saying this right?...Also, I believe my wife wants to place this in a 3stone setting, with two diamonds on each side, probably emeralds or baguettes. I would like the ring to be a stunner but I dont know if we have the making of it.

GIA
1.89
Cut Grade: Premium
Color : H
Clarity: VS1
Measurement: 8.41x5.87x3.79
Ratio: 1.43
Depth: 64.6
Table: 61
Girdle: TK-VTK
Culet: None
Polish: VG
Symmety: Excellent
Fluor: None

Whatcha think?
 
My stone is 8.10 x 6.27 x 3.84 on a size 4.5 hand and trust me...it gets A LOT of attention/comments
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Is your EC in solitaire or side stone setting?
 
I would give Mark a call and see what he says....
 
Why is it that when you do a Pricescope diamond search, the same diamond shows up for 4 or 5 PS vendors?

I realize that these are "virtual" diamond stock but the same exact diamond is listed right under the next for a difference of over $1000 or more in some cases?

Lets say ERD has one ring listed for 12,500 and Whiteflash has the same for 11,800...does that mean the ERD is marking up the diamond higher? Would that be a negotiating tool?
 
Date: 2/25/2008 4:13:01 PM
Author: thegoat
Is your EC in solitaire or side stone setting?

It is not a solitaire.
 
Here is a photo of my rings. The EC is 1.72 VS1 I. Ring size 4.5.

Tacori_weddingset225.jpg
 
Date: 2/25/2008 3:22:33 PM
Author: thegoat


Her old ring was a 1.29 EC with a ration of 1.47...my concern is that these ECs always seems to appear like small diamonds, if Im saying this right?...Also, I believe my wife wants to place this in a 3stone setting, with two diamonds on each side, probably emeralds or baguettes. I would like the ring to be a stunner but I dont know if we have the making of it.

No idea if this ring even falls in the ballpark of what you are looking for in style/budget/etc. but since you mentioned she likes 3 stone settings I thought of this ring which is for sale on Leon Mege''s website - it is just beautiful!!

http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=329
 
Date: 2/25/2008 3:22:33 PM
Author: thegoat
Ok, just saw this ring on ERD. Seems to be in my price range before ($12,779) we purchase the setting. It is an H color so Im trying to stay away from the I color as consensus shows.

Her old ring was a 1.29 EC with a ration of 1.47...my concern is that these ECs always seems to appear like small diamonds, if Im saying this right?...Also, I believe my wife wants to place this in a 3stone setting, with two diamonds on each side, probably emeralds or baguettes. I would like the ring to be a stunner but I dont know if we have the making of it.

GIA
1.89
Cut Grade: Premium
Color : H
Clarity: VS1
Measurement: 8.41x5.87x3.79
Ratio: 1.43
Depth: 64.6
Table: 61
Girdle: TK-VTK
Culet: None
Polish: VG
Symmety: Excellent
Fluor: None

Whatcha think?
This stone certainly sounds promising. I''d have ERD call in the stone to check it out in person.
 
Date: 2/25/2008 4:56:22 PM
Author: thegoat
Why is it that when you do a Pricescope diamond search, the same diamond shows up for 4 or 5 PS vendors?

I realize that these are ''virtual'' diamond stock but the same exact diamond is listed right under the next for a difference of over $1000 or more in some cases?

Lets say ERD has one ring listed for 12,500 and Whiteflash has the same for 11,800...does that mean the ERD is marking up the diamond higher? Would that be a negotiating tool?
You can use it as a negotiating tool, or if you wish, purchase it from the lesser priced vendor. However, not all vendors are equal in terms of service. WF and GOG will run a battery of tests for you (Idealscope, ASET, Sarin, Megascope, the works), hence probably slightly prices. Others test just a little, and some not at all. It all depends on the level of service (and their warantees) you are looking for.
 
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