Newbie with same old question-EGL diamond....

[iservice]

Here is where I''m at:

1.42 round brilliant
7.14*7.08*4.45
Proportions: EXCELLENT
Depth 62.5%
Table 57.0%
Crown Height 15%
Pavilion Depth 43%
Girdle Medium
Finish EXCELLENT

Clarity VS2
Color I
Ideal Cut, Hearts & Arrows

original European Gemological Laboratory Certificate (8/05) with a cert number starting with AV???

Under a loupe it is very clean, I could not find any inclusions with my untrained eye (crystal clear through the base). Looked at another one, and spotted inclusions with ease. The jeweler said its a solid (I), but of course next to a G it wasn''t as white and fiery. It did not appear yellow at all, but the EGL certification of I is scaring me. It will be going in a white gold setting with side bagettes. Out the door price is $5900.00

I trust him, he said regardless of the certificate its a great diamond for my price range. Should I go for it?

 

[jaz464]

When deciding on a color, personnal opinion is what matters. Many people have an I and love it. For others it is too warm. The thing that concerns me is that you said next to a G it is not as fiery. I think that color should not affect a diamond''s fire. If you think it is too yellow for your opinion, pass on it. If it lacks sparkle and shine, I would definately pass on it, especially since rounds are know for being so blinding (at least the well cut ones). You could also take it to an independent appraiser to ensure it is in fact an I. But it sounds to me like maybe you would prefer something in the G range.

 

[Lorelei]

Hi iservice and welcome

Bear in mind that some diamonds are more brilliant than firey, some the other way around and some are a good mix of the two. In an I stone this is the point where some begin to perceive very slight colour, maybe more from the pavillion than face up. It is possible that this could appraise as a J or K if it is an EGL cert, some can be on the money with grading, but these colours can look very white face up when mounted, although not the crisp white of a DEF or even G. I take it the stone is unmounted, it is always harder to tell the colour when it is set, so this is an advantage. It could be that in comparing with a G is isn''t the colour difference that you are noticing as much as the difference in the performance. If you are interested in this diamond, possibly get it independantly appraised - providing of course you like it and go from there. EGL isn''t a bad cert, it is just generally understood that GIA are the industry standard and the price of EGl diamonds reflect this. The bottom line is that if this diamond pleases you and the one who is to wear it, it is worth serious consideration, just try to find out if it is the cert that is bugging you, or the colour, or performance - then you know what to look for next time you shop. If you are just being cautious then that is a good thing, check out your options carefully. I hope this helps.

 

[diamondsbylauren]

Hi,
Here''s my take:
You are not going to be able to buy a 1.42 diamond which GIA would grade I/VS1 for $5900.
So we must assume the EGL report is off- one way or another.
If it was a J, then the price becomes more realistic- or if it was an SI1.

SO- when making this type of purchase, the EGL report really leaves some open questions.
Now, personally, I love J-K-L colors.

If you''ve seen the diamond and love it- and you trust the seller, you are probably on safe ground

 

[oldminer]

The reply by David of DBL is the reasonable approach to take in these matters. Lab reports do vary, but the value is probalby okay if you like the diamond........

The other argument is to insist on accuracy of the report, in other words, a very strictly graded diamond. But, don''t misunderstand, that it will cost you the extra money to buy into what the trade considers a strictly graded stone. There is no free lunch.

Buy a pretty diamond that you can afford.

 

[iservice]

I'm a novice when it comes to diamond terms, but against black felt it looked like any other diamond, white, not yellow. The other diamond used in the comparison looked more mirror like, but it was also a bit bigger, like a 1.6. The jeweler was quite impressed with the (I) diamond, and we have been looking for weeks. He said for the price, this was a great looking diamond. The cut did appear to be perfect, and under the loupe I couldn't find anything on it but speckles of dust! The hearts and arrows pattern was perfect. It was quite dirty, which could have detracted from the brilliance of the diamond. I am going to look at it set with the bagettes. They will be in the G-H range, and he assures me it will look fine. Worse case scenario, I tell him that we need to go for a better color grade...I doubt he will mind.

I guess it's the EGL report that has me going crazy. Someone asked what country the AV stands for in the cert #, and I have yet to find the answer. Any clue? It's an engagement ring, and of course she wants big, big, big. There was no way I could afford a GIA 1.4, so this could be an acceptable alternative????

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 10/25/2005 2:54:16 PM
Author: oldminer
The reply by David of DBL is the reasonable approach to take in these matters. Lab reports do vary, but the value is probalby okay if you like the diamond........

The other argument is to insist on accuracy of the report, in other words, a very strictly graded diamond. But, don''t misunderstand, that it will cost you the extra money to buy into what the trade considers a strictly graded stone. There is no free lunch.

Buy a pretty diamond that you can afford.

Highlighted text: simple, elegant, profound.

David, you''re among the best of left & right brained thinking here.

Implications:

Cut through credentials
Maybe limited benefit of bootstrapping knowledge
Probably need to shop at a local shop

Somehow, a beautiful and fresh approach. I like it.