New Member, A couple of questions

[Devlgrl2000]

I''ve been lurking for a few months now and had some questions.
My BF and I are currently in the process of designing a custom setting for my 3 stone e-ring. Super exciting indeed!
We decided on a princess cuts for all 3 stones but we''re turning the center stone 45 degrees so it''s on it''s points. The two side stones will regularly set in their "square" shape. I love the contrast in shapes here!
I don''t have any concerns about the setting, but the diamonds UGH! There is so much info out there I''m totally overwhelmed. We will be purchasing from our jeweler, I trust him indefinitely.

So the questions:

1) What qualities do we "need" in a princess cut, and which ones could be sacrificed?

2) Do we need an AGS or is GIA acceptable?

3) We''re looking for a center stone somewhere between 1-1.5 C''s, how big should we go for the side stones? I have small (4.5-4.75) fingers but they''re freakishly long.

4) I''ve considered having our jeweler bring in stones of varying color and clarity and choosing blindly not knowing which is which. Just going on what I see, that''s super important right? I had initially told him I was looking for E-F color, VS1 but after some research I''m not sure we need those gradings to achieve the super sparkle I want.

Thanks in advance
You guys "rock"

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/6/2008 2:38:53 PM
Author:Devlgrl2000

I've been lurking for a few months now and had some questions.
My BF and I are currently in the process of designing a custom setting for my 3 stone e-ring. Super exciting indeed!
We decided on a princess cuts for all 3 stones but we're turning the center stone 45 degrees so it's on it's points. The two side stones will regularly set in their 'square' shape. I love the contrast in shapes here!
I don't have any concerns about the setting, but the diamonds UGH! There is so much info out there I'm totally overwhelmed. We will be purchasing from our jeweler, I trust him indefinitely.

So the questions:

1) What qualities do we 'need' in a princess cut, and which ones could be sacrificed?

2) Do we need an AGS or is GIA acceptable?

3) We're looking for a center stone somewhere between 1-1.5 C's, how big should we go for the side stones? I have small (4.5-4.75) fingers but they're freakishly long.

4) I've considered having our jeweler bring in stones of varying color and clarity and choosing blindly not knowing which is which. Just going on what I see, that's super important right? I had initially told him I was looking for E-F color, VS1 but after some research I'm not sure we need those gradings to achieve the super sparkle I want.

Thanks in advance
You guys 'rock'

Welcome!

It might be an idea to ask your jeweller to bring in some AGS0 cut grade Princess for you to see. It is cut which gives a diamond it's beauty, so as the AGS0 are graded for performance ( sparkle) this might be an easier way for you to get a lovely diamond, as unlike rounds, you can't really evaluate these shapes by the numbers. GIA are also a reliable lab, but they do not grade Princess for cut, so you may need to research more to find the better cut diamonds. It is cut quality which will give you the sparkle you want, so you could definitely broaden your parameters for colour and clarity.

Unless you prefer E F VS, you could also consider G and H colour perhaps and VS2 to SI1 or even SI2 clarity if eyeclean and the cut is good.

So basically, make cut a high priority as it is this which will give you a beautiful stone, then see what is available for your budget for size, colour and clarity. As to the side stones, perhaps choose your centre first, then select your sidestones once you know what size centre you will be getting. Especially as you will be ' star setting ' ( I think that is what it is called) your Princess, then you can see what would be best for your flanking diamonds.

Here is an example of a well cut AGS0 Princess - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4277/

 

[honey22]

Have you checked out Whiteflash''s range of ACA Princess stones - they are gorgeous. Top cut princess stones, takes the hassle out of buying them (fancies can''t be evaluated from numbers and are harder to buy). AGS has given them their top marks and so has WF. And you will save a ton of money purchasing online rather than a B&M store, and with those sizes stones, that could add up to lots of $$$$

www.whiteflash.com

and look at their ACA Princess range. You will love them

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

learn about ASET images, or buy an AGS 0 where you are paying extra for symmetry and polish that cost more but you can not see it.

Stay at least H or I strong blue fluoro
SI1 or 2 - VS2

1.5ct does not look very big

 

[Paul-Antwerp]

Date: 7/7/2008 7:07:31 AM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)
learn about ASET images, or buy an AGS 0 where you are paying extra for symmetry and polish that cost more but you can not see it.

Stay at least H or I strong blue fluoro
SI1 or 2 - VS2

1.5ct does not look very big

Hey Garry,

Did you get out at the wrong side of the bed? Such short answers, and put in such a way that it is incorrect.

1. When going for AGS-princess, you are not paying extra for an invisible grade of symmetry and polish, but rather for a graded huge step upwards in light performance.
2. Why stick to I-color or higher? Let the consumer decide how colour-sensitive he is.
3. 1.5 Ct not very big? Is this Garry speaking or did someone hijack you?

Live long,

 

[WinkHPD]

Date: 7/7/2008 10:01:12 AM
Author: Paul-Antwerp

Date: 7/7/2008 7:07:31 AM

Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

learn about ASET images, or buy an AGS 0 where you are paying extra for symmetry and polish that cost more but you can not see it.


Stay at least H or I strong blue fluoro

SI1 or 2 - VS2


1.5ct does not look very big

Hey Garry,


Did you get out at the wrong side of the bed? Such short answers, and put in such a way that it is incorrect.


1. When going for AGS-princess, you are not paying extra for an invisible grade of symmetry and polish, but rather for a graded huge step upwards in light performance.

2. Why stick to I-color or higher? Let the consumer decide how colour-sensitive he is.

3. 1.5 Ct not very big? Is this Garry speaking or did someone hijack you?


Live long,

LOL. I had seen that you were the last poster on this thread when I opened it or I would have made a very similar post to yours. Then the moderators would think we were working in concert instead of just independently thinking that Garry was short circuited this morning.

Come on Garry, when you wake up in the morning, have a cup of coffee and release your more reflective persona, I want the wonderful fellow I spent so much time with in Texas to give a better answer!

Wink

 

[oldminer]

There are several sets of parameters which give very attractive "looks". The AGS 0 is one choice which you can pretty much count on to look great, but it is likely you''ll be asked sort of a premium price for such a well rendered cut. Many quality compromises exist and without looking closely at many of them you''d hardly appreciate the differences involved. In fact, you might well appreciate the added size or better color you could afford in a princess that doesn''t quite get to AGS 0. It might grade AGS 1, 2 or 3 possibly and still be "the one" for you. It does not need an AGS report at all, but the grade is mentioned to denote differences in cut quality as AGS might grade a diamond. The AGS method is sound, but not absolute.

An ASET scope will help you understand what is going on in the diamond with light return, but ultimiately your own eyes will be good enough to make a smart personal selection. Your responsibility is to get enough education and time spent examining diamonds, so that you can pick a "winner" from the many available.

 

[nclrgirl]

Yay! I love starset (meaning turned 45 degrees) princess rings! (My e-ring is a starset princess too!) One thing to keep an eye on, I found when looking at stones that if the length to width ratio was more than 1.02, the stone did not look right turned 45 deg. Good luck!

 

[Devlgrl2000]

Hi all,
Thanks for all the advise! In reference to Garry''s response, I''m not worried about a 1.5 looking "small" in the least in fact I may even go smaller. I think a 1.5 is going to look pretty huge with size a 4.5 finger and .25-.50 side stones.
We have already let out jeweler know that we need a center stone with equal length & width proportions, I''m super sensitive regarding visual symmetry. I think we''ll ask him to bring in a mix of AGS and GIA certified stones so we can compare them side by side.
I love the idea and price tag of buying online but just couldn''t make this kind of investment sight unseen. I haven''t asked yet but my jeweler may already have a relationship with whiteflash or GOG and might be able to bring in some of their inventory. I''ll check on that.

Thanks again,
Jenn

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 7/7/2008 1:15:15 PM
Author: oldminer
There are several sets of parameters which give very attractive ''looks''. The AGS 0 is one choice which you can pretty much count on to look great, but it is likely you''ll be asked sort of a premium price for such a well rendered cut. Many quality compromises exist and without looking closely at many of them you''d hardly appreciate the differences involved. In fact, you might well appreciate the added size or better color you could afford in a princess that doesn''t quite get to AGS 0. It might grade AGS 1, 2 or 3 possibly and still be ''the one'' for you. It does not need an AGS report at all, but the grade is mentioned to denote differences in cut quality as AGS might grade a diamond. The AGS method is sound, but not absolute.

An ASET scope will help you understand what is going on in the diamond with light return, but ultimiately your own eyes will be good enough to make a smart personal selection. Your responsibility is to get enough education and time spent examining diamonds, so that you can pick a ''winner'' from the many available.

I think this makes sense...

 

[Devlgrl2000]

Agreed,
Thanks Oldminer!