New Guy looking for advice/opinions on two stones

[Gregm]

Hello,
I''ve been lurking and researching for a while trying to learn as much as possible. I''m finally getting close to making a purchase and would appreciate the opinions of the experts here.

Stone #1
I found this stone at a respected vendor with a very good reputation:
dimensions: 6.58x6.61.4.03
Lab: EGL
carat: 1.09
color: H
clarity: VS2
depth: 61.1%
table: 58%
polish: VG
Symmetry: EX
Culet: none
Girdle: M
flourescence - None
Price is approx $4600

The second stone is as follows:
dimensions: 6.44x6.46x4.02
Lab: EGL
Carat: 1.04
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 62.3%
Table: 56%
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Culet: N
Girdle: TN-
Fluorescence: None
Price is approx $4400

Both seem fine to me but I''m still at the stage where I don''t know what I don''t know if you know what I mean.

Thanks,
Greg

 

[JulieN]

You need a Sarin or pictures, minimum.

 

[Gregm]

Sadly I have neither at the moment. Proportionally I think I''m in the ballpark and I''m leaning towards the second stone.
They both come with a 30 day guarantee so I suppose I could buy one and post photos.

 

[JulieN]

i don't try to guess propotions. Things might look ok from the depth and table, but the pavilion angle can go

I'm not trying to discourage you from the stones, I'm just saying that I don't see a reason to prefer one or the other based on the given information.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome Greg

EGL can be said to be looser on grading in some instances, which division graded these diamonds - EGL USA, Europe, Israel etc? EGL graded diamonds can be an option, but make sure you get an independant appraisal to be sure the diamonds check out. We like more info such as a Sarin Report to verify the measurements of the diamond and an Idealscope Image would be good to if your vendor can supply it. With the info given we can''t help you judge, we need the crown and pavillion angles which are so important. EGL provides these in percentages which aren''t as accurate as angles, thats why a Sarin would be good. See if the vendor can get you this info if you want to pursue these diamonds, it might make a choice or a pass or purchase easier.

 

[Gregm]

Thanks for the information, you folks are great.
In case you were wondering I found both of those stones listed on DCD. The first was listed as a premium cut and the second ideal, but no images or lab reports were available - and of course, those terms are vendor terms and not lab classifications.

I did find one that does have a lab report and picture. It's in the same ballpark as the other two but color I and SI2 http://www.dirtcheapdiamonds.com/diamond_detail.cfm?did=9511967

I was thinking that I should aim for VS2 or better but I've seen conflicting comments on that.

Thanks again,
Greg

 

[JulieN]

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=898591 ?

 

[kcoursolle]

Gregm, just so you know jamesallen.com and DCD are the same company. Jim Schultz has two websites each marketing to a different type of customer. They are the same diamonds on both sites.

 

[Lorelei]

The diamond you posted looks great with the cut - you would have to ask if it was eyeclean. Regarding the clarity choice, it depends on your own comfort zone, not all SI clarities are created equal, but there are many out there which are eyeclean and fantastic! You might feel better going with a higher clarity, just bear in mind that if the cut and colour are equal, a clean SI clarity will look the same as a VS or higher.

 

[Gregm]

Update and story.

I called James Allen and spoke with Jennifer who was very helpful. She sent me lab reports for the diamonds I was interested in and I found one I really liked.

My plan was to propose while in Maui so I needed the diamond in time to get it mounted before my flight on October 26th. JA overnighted it to me on the 18th and I received it the next day as expected. I was very pleasantly surprised, the diamond was bigger, brighter and better than I expected.

I took the diamond to be mounted at a local B&M jeweler over that weekend. After I chose a setting the jeweler examined the gem and blurted out "you bought this on the internet?!? I have to show my boss." She brought the manager over and he studied the diamond for a while, then he said "Wow, you bought this on the internet?!?".

Getting the ring through airport security with my girlfriend right beside me was quite a challenge. I got held up at the metal detector and the ring went through the x-ray machine in the tray right behind her tray. I was sure she would try to help out by grabbing my stuff before I could get through security an blow the surprise. Fortunately the TSA guy decided to go through her carry on bag in great detail which gave me time to grab the ring box hidden under a spare shirt in the tray before she saw it.

I proposed to her on top of Mount Haleakala. She was absolutely stunned. Some of her friends had asked if she thought I would propose on Maui, but she told them she was positive I didn''t have a ring. We traveled with 11 other people and 9 of them knew I was going to propose but she didn''t have a clue.

Things have been moving fast since we returned. We already have the date, location, reception, catering and wedding cake arrangements made.

Oh, I suppose you all will want to see the ring huh?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Aww, Greg! You did great! You need to post your ring and proposal story on Show Me the Ring!