Newbie shopper looking for lots of help please

[bluedevil27]

Hello, I am new to diamond shopping and have probably been doing research for close to 3 weeks. I live in Chicago and have been going to both local jewelers as well as various online shops. I am shopping with my GF and we both have very particular specs that we are looking for. Before I go into the specs, I have a question on natural blemishes. I have had to opposing viewpoints on naturals (I am looking at VS2 stones).

1. Naturals are fine and will not hurt the value of the stone. In fact, I was told Natural''s were better than an inclusion since it is not in the stone.

2. Naturals take away from the value of the stone and the stone will be discounted. The light will not reflect well off of that portion of the stone that is not polished, so it will effect the briliance/fire.

Please let me know which one is correct? or if both have some validity?

We are only looking at GIA certified diamonds. I''ve read the forums regarding AGS vs. GIA and I am comfortable with purchasing from either. My conclusion from those posts are both are top tier grading agencies: AGS maybe more strict vs. GIA regarding cutting, and clarity and GIA maybe more strict on color. One jeweler said that AGS has been more lenient in grading in recent years since their reputation has been so good and have been more lax on their grading. Because of this my GF refuses to use AGS. Has everyone else heard of this?

Here are the specs we are looking for:
RB Around 2ct, F, VS2
As for cut: we would like GIA excellent/AGS 0/HCA <1.0 (PA 40.6-40. (CA 34.0-35.0) (Table 55.0-57.0) (Depth 59.5-61.5%)
No florencense
Thin-slightly thick girdle - ideally medium

I know VS2s are eye clean but my GF not only has tremendous eyes, but a tremendous memory. If she is able to see the inclusion with the loop, she will be able to pick it out at anytime without the loop. Ideally, we would like as clean of a VS2 as possible.

Thank you

 

[bluedevil27]

Oh yeah, my budget is around $30,000. I would love to go below budget though!

 

[Gypsy]

FYI: VS2 may not be eyclean from the side. Clarity is graded top down. Do you need mindclean? If so, VS1 may be the way to go.

You can safely and easily drop down to an G color though. Heck, even an H.

 

[Regular Guy]

Several thoughts:

1) 0 - 1 on HCA is more controversial than 1 - 2. Keep the range open for 0 - 2, and read why to satisfy yourself.

2) Dimend Scaasi is pretty well recommended

3) Here''s three you might consider, below and above budget, also with AGS.

4) Though the gf is always right...AGS is generally more stringent all around, and where you won''t have to double check their AGS0, you will GIA''s excellent (against HCA).

5) Use the search by cut to ease viewing on-line options.

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-584854.htm#

Report: AGS
. Shape: A Cut Above H&A
. Carat: 2.050
. Depth %: 61.2
. Table %: 56.6
. Crown Angle: 34.6
. Crown %: 14.9
. Star : 53
. Pavilion Angle: 40.8
. Pavilion %: 43
. Lower Girdle %: 76
. Girdle: Thin to Medium Faceted
. Measurements: 8.17-8.19X5.01
. Light Performance: 0
. Polish: Ideal
. Symmetry: Ideal
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible


WF offers a PS discount on ACA. I don't know what percentage though I know it's nice. Full upgrade policy too.

Ditto Ira on the AGS certs being as good as, if not better than, than GIA.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 1/16/2008 7:28:37 PM
Author: Gypsy

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-584854.htm#

Report: AGS
. Shape: A Cut Above H&A
. Carat: 2.050
. Depth %: 61.2
. Table %: 56.6
. Crown Angle: 34.6
. Crown %: 14.9
. Star : 53
. Pavilion Angle: 40.8
. Pavilion %: 43
. Lower Girdle %: 76
. Girdle: Thin to Medium Faceted
. Measurements: 8.17-8.19X5.01
. Light Performance: 0
. Polish: Ideal
. Symmetry: Ideal
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible


WF offers a PS discount on ACA. I don''t know what percentage though I know it''s nice. Full upgrade policy too.

Ditto Ira on the AGS certs being as good as, if not better than, than GIA.

Very nice find by Gypsy, that may be new and missed the search by cut db.

Another option if gf insists on GIA, but I like Gypsy''s better.

 

[bluedevil27]

Thank you very much for all of your replies. Unfortunately, she is not willing to go below F (trust me, we have argued that it is impossible to tell especially once set but somehow I lost that arguement). She is also not willing to go below VS2. I don''t want to go to VS1 to pay the premium because we have both seen many VS2s that are acceptable to her eyes.

Is there some type of definitive document/write up/forum post that I can show her to try to convince her that AGS and GIA are comparable. She cannot get out of her head that AGS is below GIA (yet above EGL) in terms of rating because of one jeweler telling her this. This is also really limiting our search parameters.

Thanks so much.

Any advice on Natural blemishes??? (please see my question in my first post).

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 1/16/2008 7:53:04 PM
Author: bluedevil27
Thank you very much for all of your replies. Unfortunately, she is not willing to go below F (trust me, we have argued that it is impossible to tell especially once set but somehow I lost that arguement). She is also not willing to go below VS2. I don''t want to go to VS1 to pay the premium because we have both seen many VS2s that are acceptable to her eyes.

Is there some type of definitive document/write up/forum post that I can show her to try to convince her that AGS and GIA are comparable. She cannot get out of her head that AGS is below GIA (yet above EGL) in terms of rating because of one jeweler telling her this. This is also really limiting our search parameters.

Thanks so much.

Any advice on Natural blemishes??? (please see my question in my first post).

I think that leave 2 from my original 3.

For a definitive document...well...there lots of reading you can do.

Here''s one thread, which seems helpful.

For about 102 more...just type in "AGS AND GIA" after selecting the search tool above...and constrain for only having those two terms (AGS, GIA) in the thread''s title.