Newbie - needs suggestions on asscher cut diamond

[porsche_911_s]

I am some what new to the diamond game and I actually wanted to do some research before making a purchase! I understand the easy stuff, color, clarity, cutlet, but what I need some help with is the cut of the diamond in relation to the size and the desired setting. Here is my desired outcome:

1 ct asscher center stone with 4 emerald cut side stones. My wife is petite and will wear a size 5.5 platinum ring. With that type of ring, what proportions would look good?

Price range is up to 5.5k for the center stone.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/20/2009 10:37:15 AM
Author:porsche_911_s

I am some what new to the diamond game and I actually wanted to do some research before making a purchase! I understand the easy stuff, color, clarity, cutlet, but what I need some help with is the cut of the diamond in relation to the size and the desired setting. Here is my desired outcome:

1 ct asscher center stone with 4 emerald cut side stones. My wife is petite and will wear a size 5.5 platinum ring. With that type of ring, what proportions would look good?

Price range is up to 5.5k for the center stone.

Hi Porsche and welcome!

You might be aware strmrider is our Asscher specialist, he will be along later and be able to help you. The cut of Asschers can be a bit challenging, so someone whom has studied this shape at great length and has a special interest in these diamonds such as strm will be invaluable to you.

Asschers can face up a little small for the weight due to the shape, when you say four emerald cut sidestones how do you plan to arrange them - sideways along the band in a line? If you mean having these diamonds set as sidestones one behind the other, sometimes baguettes are used although you could use EC's if you wished.

With these shapes you often need to go for VS clarity or above as they can show inclusions more readily due to the open faceting arrangements. Are you willing to buy online and would like some suggestions or are you thinking of buying from a brick and mortar store?

If you see any Asschers you like and want to post them here, strm will need the following to help you -

detailed photographs of the diamond -

an ASET image of the diamond -

a Sarin report which gives detailed measurements and the crown height of the diamond.

If you work with vendors who have the diamonds in house, very often these images and reports are already available for the stones which is very helpful.

www.goodoldgold.com

www.whiteflash.com

www.niceice.com

If you work with vendors who do not offer images or photographs it is really buying blind in my opinion as you have no way of judging the cut and effective performance or beauty of the stone, so best to stick to expert vendors who either have the diamond on hand or can call one in for evaluation.

 

[porsche_911_s]

I started a second post on where to purchase. I am in Houston and figured there were plenty of places to purchase from I am not opposed to purchasing online but I hate to get ripped!

Since I am going to get the wife to actually design the ring, she may a different direction but I have seen a couple of settings that put the diamonds side ways down the band. I''ll post a pic of some settngs.

I have been looking online at diamond union and other sites to try and get an idea on prices.

VVS1 - VVS2, F-G, no fluorescence,

 

[porsche_911_s]

Here is a pic of the type of setting I was thinking about.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/20/2009 11:09:35 AM
Author: porsche_911_s
Here is a pic of the type of setting I was thinking about.

That is a very pretty setting!

You can shop with confidence with any of the trusted Pricescope vendors mentioned in this or the other thread, but if you do prefer to buy from a store we will do what we can to assist you!

I would add GIA graded VS1 or even VS2 clarity to your search if you are agreeable, this would help the budget and these clarities can be eyeclean. GIA F or G colour is a good choice, H might possibly work too if needed as it will still be very white in this size and shape.

 

[vespergirl]

I just wanted to say that I love that setting - the ring will be beautiful when it''s done.

 

[porsche_911_s]

Thank you for the replies! I found this particular diamond on white flash.
Wire Price $4,006

Item Code: 23771453
. Report: GIA
. Shape: Asscher
. Carat: 1.03
. Depth %: 69.6
. Table %: 70
. Girdle: STK-TK
. Measurements: 5.46-5.43X3.78
. Polish: Excellent
. Symmetry: Very Good
. Culet: None
. Fluorescence: None

Is this a good start? Cut, quality, and price? I was unable to find the GIA report or number onlilne.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/20/2009 11:54:54 AM
Author: porsche_911_s



Thank you for the replies! I found this particular diamond on white flash.
Wire Price $4,006

Item Code: 23771453



. Report: GIA
. Shape: Asscher
. Carat: 1.03
. Depth %: 69.6
. Table %: 70
. Girdle: STK-TK
. Measurements: 5.46-5.43X3.78
. Polish: Excellent
. Symmetry: Very Good
. Culet: None
. Fluorescence: None

Is this a good start? Cut, quality, and price? I was unable to find the GIA report or number onlilne.

Ok, if there aren't any images or many details it is probable that this is a virtual stone, in other words one which WF would have to call in for evaluation as it is actually owned by the cutting house/ supplier. This is a common scenario as it gives many of the vendors a shot at a sale, but unless pickings are slim its best to stick to stones that the vendors actually have access to - otherwise its a guessing game as to how well these are cut for the most part.

Yes it is a virtual stone -

http://www.whiteflash.com/asscher/Asscher-cut-diamond-2184016.htm

 

[porsche_911_s]

Well that is good to know! Thanks again.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/20/2009 12:01:25 PM
Author: porsche_911_s
Well that is good to know! Thanks again.

Most welcome, just ask if you need any more help and strm will be along later!

 

[strmrdr]

WF is in Houston and will see clients locally by appointment.

stick with a table under 65 and depth under 70

Have them call in a couple for you to look at and get pics to post here.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I''d encourage you to at least go down to VS1...you generally can''t even see inclusions with a 10x loupe. A 1 ct. asscher is going to appear smaller than a 1 ct. round, so I am not sure the ring is going to have the appearance you are after unless you go a little larger on the center stone. G or H color is very nice and would help you to go up in size a little. It is perfect that you are in Houston and can go see stones at WF in person!

 

[porsche_911_s]

When buying from Whiteflash or other online diamond dealers, is the price listed on the website their bottom price or is this like buying a car... Its a starting point??

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/21/2009 1:18:10 PM
Author: porsche_911_s
When buying from Whiteflash or other online diamond dealers, is the price listed on the website their bottom price or is this like buying a car... Its a starting point??

No, usually the best price you will get is if you pay with a bank wire transfer, mention you are from Pricescope also, online vendors are operating on pretty slim margins anyway so it isn't like buying a car that you can get into a negotiating game. Some vendors will price match on virtual stones and you will get a discount with a bank wire and any Pricescope discount offered in some cases as mentioned but this is about all.