Need Your Opinion - Lazare 1.23ct H VS1

[sweet_tooth]

Hi everyone,

I am buying a diamond for the first time and have done as much research as I could reading up on diamonds to prepare myself.

Now I've found what seems to be a good deal, but being a first timer I'm just not that confident yet and hope to hear from the veterans here of whether this is a good buy and whether the price is fair.

GIA Certified Lazare Diamond
Shape: Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.87 - 6.92 x 4.27 mm
Carat Weight: 1.23 carat
Color: H
Clarity: VS1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Depth: 62%
Table: 54%
Crown: 16.0%, 35.0degrees
Pavillion: 43.0%, 40.8degrees
Star Facet: 55%
Lower Girdle Facet: 80%
Girdle: 3.0% thin-medium faceted
Culet: very small (% not indicated)

Price: USD16,000

Running the specs thru the HCA gives me a score of 1.6 (if I use crown and pavillion angles) and 1.2 (if I use crown and pavillion %).
In both cases the HCA rated the spread as very good while light return, fire and scintillation were all rated excellent.

I also tried looking at it thru an idealscope and strangely i thought I saw a white ring in the middle (suggesting a deep cut) if I bring it up against direct flourescent light from the ceiling, but if the light is toned down it becomes more pink/red. not sure if i was doing it right though, and when i look at it with my (untrained) naked eye it seemed to look great.

This piece is from a brick and mortar shop so please consider this in your evaluation of the price. I am aware buying online gives me the best bang for my buck but I can't bring myself to take the leap of faith buying something this expensive online. My consolation for the higher price is the after sales service from the shop, plus it does carry a brand name (Lazare).

Appreciate your thoughts/advise. Is this stone as good as I think it is and is the price fair?
This diamond will be for an engagement ring.

 

[renogirl]

I just did a quick search with Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin Diamonds, and Whiteflash...and it seems you could get a diamond with basically the same specs for about $12,500-$13,000. So, you're paying about $3k for the "after" services you'll receive from the store.

Also, you might want to check and compare the store's upgrade policies.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I have a Lazare diamond, though it is an asscher and not a round brilliant. IMO, you're paying a premium for the Lazare name and it's probably not worth it.

Lazare diamonds are great for those who don't really want to do research because you know you're getting a well-cut diamond, however you've already found PS and have the tools to find a non-branded diamond that performs just as well, so why not save yourself a few grand?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh my, that is very high! We recently saw someone come here who actually found a good price on a Lazare, but not this time.

Here is almost an identical stone from Good Old Gold...every bit as well cut and from a very respected brick and mortar, family-owned jeweler:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8230/

 

[sweet_tooth]

Thanks for the feedback.

Good Old Gold is quite out of the way for me as I'm not based in the US.

Is the premium of USD3k fair considering I'm buying at a B&M store and for it carrying the Lazare brand?
Anyone out there who have an idea on how a stone of the same specs would cost at other B&M stores?

But beyond just price considerations, what are your thoughts on the quality of the stone?

It seems ok on all counts as I've mentioned above, except for me seeing that white ring in the middle when i held it up against direct ceiling light with the idealscope, which I'm not sure is because there is really something wrong with the stone or just me not knowing how to use the idealscope properly.

Any other inputs would also be appreciated, especially things a newbie buyer like me should watch out for.

Thanks.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If you think the diamond from GOG would cost you more than the Lazare once you add shipping costs and import taxes, then by all means get the Lazare locally. We have seen many people here buy internationally, however, because they can still do better even with shipping and taxes by buying here. I think the Lazare stone is fine (from the numbers/idealscope image would be helpful), but I don't think it would be worth any more than the GOG diamond if you tried to resell.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Agree with DS--I think it's worth exploring the taxes and shipping via GOG.

Are non-Lazare diamonds with similar specs priced the same at a B&M where you are? Basically, I wouldn't pay a premium for a Lazare (and I didn't), so if it's selling for the same or less than stones with the same specs, then I'd consider it. If it still carries a higher price tag because it's a Lazare, I'd move on.