Nervous first time diamond buyer - is this a quality diamond for a Tiffany Novo style setting?

[southernsmiledoc]

I am currently shopping for an engagement ring and have fallen in love with the Tiffany Novo. I am opting for the Nouveau style from Blue Nile to get more bang for my buck (setting style 779. With the simple setting, I want a diamond that will pop, and here are the specs for the one I''m interested in:

2.63 carats, Very Good cut and polish, F color, and VS2 clarity

The low clarity scares me without actually seeing the diamond from Blue Nile. Should I be worried?

Thanks in advance for your input - the whole process makes me real nervous.

 

[yssie]

What shape? Can you post a link to the diamond?

 

[southernsmiledoc]

Sorry - cushion cut

http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-2-carat-very-good-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01349576

 

[CharmyPoo]

VS2 is by no means low clarity. However, I am not loving the slightly crushed ice look of the diamond.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 10/20/2009 6:32:59 PM
Author:southernsmiledoc
I am currently shopping for an engagement ring and have fallen in love with the Tiffany Novo. I am opting for the Nouveau style from Blue Nile to get more bang for my buck (setting style 779. With the simple setting, I want a diamond that will pop, and here are the specs for the one I''m interested in:

2.63 carats, Very Good cut and polish, F color, and VS2 clarity

The low clarity scares me without actually seeing the diamond from Blue Nile. Should I be worried?

Thanks in advance for your input - the whole process makes me real nervous.

Welcome to the Forum we know how Diamond buying can be a nerve racking experience especially online. You have chosen a diamond that is shallow and is a modified Brilliant which will have smaller flashes than what is usually preferred here. Bluenile does not provide photographs of diamonds, the one you see for your diamond is a stock photo of a 4 main and not what you will see in the diamond you selected.

I would follow the following guide I hope this helps you in your search once we have narrowed down your preferences either myself or other posters can help you find your ideal stone or point you to the right vendor.

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ChunkyCushionLover''s Guide To Buying Cushion Cut Diamonds

Step 1

Tell us in the forum the look of cushion you like best. (Watching the videos should help you the most with this.)

i) Cushion Modified Brilliant (often referred to negatively as the "crushed ice" variety as many in this category have only small flashes and were cut to save weght not to optimize light return), They often return smaller and less dramatic flashes.
a) 4 main (several varieties)
b) 8 main (several varieties) http://www.vimeo.com/3164922
c) Square Brilliant (rare seen more in Belgium)
ii) Cushion Brilliant
a) 4 main like this one http://www.octonus.com/oct/projects/foxymovies/round_cushion2_office_fr.phtml or http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (4 main is on the far left)
b) 8 main modern http://www.vimeo.com/2120607 (stone on the left) (My finace owns this in her Engagement Ring)
c) 8 main antique or old mine brilliant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g708wEVYmJ4
d) 8 main old mine cut http://www.vimeo.com/5310842
iii) Square Cushion Hearts and Arrows http://www.vimeo.com/2120109
iv) Cushette http://www.vimeo.com/3164922

Step 2

1) Post your budget, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, LW(length to width) Ratio (do you like perfectly Square or Rectangular?) and cut preference. We will help find stones in your price range or tell you if your budget is realistic for the specs you have chosen or if you will have to make some tradeoffs. If you would rather go directly to the vendor at this point I suggest you speak to:

i) Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com
ii) Jon at Goodoldgold.com
iii) Bob at Whiteflash.com
iv) Brian at Briangavindiamonds.com

This list is limited to what I beleive are vendors who specialize in cushion cuts designed for light performance there may be others but I haven''t had experiences with them. Some vendors like GOG and BGD have even developed their own cushion signature cut diamonds lines not available for sale by any other vendor. All of these vendors will be able to provide ASET images and pictures of stones to help you decide prior to purchase.

Step 3

Post the video link or ASET http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_ASET_scope.asp image and photograph of your possible choices and we can help you narrow down your choice further

Step 4

If you are still not sure I would send your two or three favourtie stones to a PS listed appraisor https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx close to you, where you can view your final choices in person prior to purchase. Many PS vendors will send stones to a trusted appraisor without you having to pay first and the appraisor will only release the stone to you only upon payment to and consent of the vendor. For such an expensive purchase $100 in shipping and $100 in appraisor time seems worth it if you are still not convinced.

Happy Hunting,

CCL

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/20/2009 7:18:58 PM
Author: southernsmiledoc
Sorry - cushion cut

http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-2-carat-very-good-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01349576

Hi ssd,

VS2 clarity is still very good quality so I wouldn't worry about that, I would be more concerned as to how this cushion looks and the cut quality. The stone is not particularly shallow and it has a good table size, a Sarin report to give the crown height would be useful but that won't be possible with BN. The girdle also notes very thick so I would want to check that the very thick parts aren't encompassing a large portion of the stone, this is undesirable as it can waste weight, however if it is placed precisely in more vulnerable areas then this is acceptable, an appraiser is the best person to advise if you can get one to inspect the stone.

The trouble is you really can't buy from numbers - images are essential such asASET and photos and it is a gamble whether you will like the stone once you open the box.....Are you in the UK?