No idea what i'm doing!

[hockeyfankg]

Is it safe/wise to purchase something like this off of ebay? We are looking for a Cushion cut diamond between 1-1.3 carats. Trying to spend around $3000. We are really new at this and am not exactly sure what we are supposed to be looking for. Someone told me that the lowest color we wanted was :I" and we don't know much more than that. Please help direct us. Thanks!

 

[hockeyfankg]

and what does it mean when it says diamond treatment: Clarity enhanced....and is that a bad thing?

 

[Imdanny]

I've read two of your posts and you should stay far away from eBay - don't even go there. You don't know anything nearly enough not to get ripped off. You'd be much better off spending as few weeks or months here actually learning what you need to know. For instance "I" means NOTHING. It depends on who graded it (and when). GIA, AGS- good. Everyone else- sucks. Clarity enhancement is a sick joke. Run, don't walk.

 

[hockeyfankg]

Thanks for the advice! I already knew the answers to those questions but I had to ask anyway to make sure it would be a big mistake.

 

[farmer gal]

I would never buy clairty enhanced diamonds, avoid that.

You could call JA and ask to look at this diamond. Ask them to provide asset images as well.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1445703.asp

Also ask them if the fluorescense has any impact of this stone

 

[yssie]

and what does it mean when it says diamond treatment: Clarity enhanced....and is that a bad thing?

Means that the diamond's clarity is very low, so they've applied one or more treatments to make it look better. Some treatments are permanent, like laser drilling and bleaching to make a black inclusion white; some treatments like filling cracks with resins are not. GIA will grade laser drilled/bleached stones because the treatment is permanent, they won't grade filled stones.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/4cs/clarity/clarityenhanceddiamonds/

Clarity enhanced on eBay... I'd be running, too.

 

[hockeyfankg]

Thank you for the advice. Now what about when it comes to Fluorescence? The one that farmer gal recommended looking at has it but there are a few others that don't. There is just too much to consider and it's stressing me out trying to figure out what is better than the other. Thanks so much for your help.


This is the setting we are looking for a diamond for: http://www.verragio.com/Verragio-Engagement-Rings/Venetian-Engagement-Rings/VENETIAN-5007P-4?slide=1

 

[ihy138]

Thank you for the advice. Now what about when it comes to Fluorescence? The one that farmer gal recommended looking at has it but there are a few others that don't. There is just too much to consider and it's stressing me out trying to figure out what is better than the other. Thanks so much for your help.


This is the setting we are looking for a diamond for: http://www.verragio.com/Verragio-Engagement-Rings/Venetian-Engagement-Rings/VENETIAN-5007P-4?slide=1

Some stones are negatively affected by fluorescence and have a cloudy or milky appearance, but I hear this is rare. James Allen would be able to tell you if this is true for a stone you select.

I agree with previous posters, ebay is a good resource for those who know enough to not be ripped off. I would stick with vendors like James Allen, Good Old Gold, Whiteflash, etc. FYI, that setting is beautiful, but I think it's meant for a princess cut stone. Is that the type of diamond you're looking for?

 

[hockeyfankg]

The jeweler actually told me that it is meant for a cushion or round cut stone and they can custom make it for a princess cut for a higher price. It kind of goes against what the website says but according to the jeweler you need to buy the center stone first (princess/cushion/round) and verragio custom makes the setting to fit your diamond. We are in search of a cushion cut.

 

[hockeyfankg]

This is one we are considering:

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=239&SHAPE=C

 

[ihy138]

This is one we are considering:

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=239&SHAPE=C

I didn't know you were open to antique cut cushions. Old mine cuts are also very nice, and similar to the one you posted. I worked with Adam from oldworlddiamonds.com for an old european cut (round) stone and he was great. If you don't care about the cert, he can pick out a nice stone to your specifications (color, clarity, and price point) in order to maximize on size. He's got a good eye. Just a thought!

 

[ihy138]

I was going to suggest the stone I saw in the pre-loved section, but it looks like you already discovered it.

 

[hockeyfankg]

I know....I wish I could find another like it

 

[hockeyfankg]

whats the main difference between antique cushion and cushion? I wonder if it will make a difference if the ring was designed for a cushion cut setting whether the stone is antique or not. Sorry...I am sooo incredibly ignorant

 

[ihy138]

I know....I wish I could find another like it

I'm a firm believer that patience will lead you to the right stone! Perhaps someone else can chime in with another idea.

An antique cushion has a different facet pattern than a modern cushion cut. Cushions can vary widely, and really whatever you would choose is based on personal preference. I personally prefer the chunkier facets of an antique cushion. They're both beautiful. Check these videos out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IUy-aHTXpU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMwzSJ0em-M&feature=relmfu

ETA: The if the ring can hold a modern cushion, it will be able to hold an antique one...especially if it's customized.

 

[hockeyfankg]

Thanks for the links. This proposal has been 6 yrs in the making so we are definately going to wait for the right stone but obviously would love to stumble upon the right one sooner rather than in another 6 yrs. The search continues! I really appreciate you taking the time to help with questions.

 

[ihy138]

Thanks for the links. This proposal has been 6 yrs in the making so we are definately going to wait for the right stone but obviously would love to stumble upon the right one sooner rather than in another 6 yrs. The search continues! I really appreciate you taking the time to help with questions.

I would recommend that you and your girlfriend look at different stones in person to figure out what you like (unless this is a surprise). That way you'll know what your limits are as far as color and clarity and which facet pattern you prefer. For example, she may be very color sensitive and prefer a stone higher than "I" in color. I wasn't, and ended up with a J and love it because I got a larger sized stone. Just figure out your personal preferences are and prioritize that way. You will be able to narrow your choices and it will seem a lot less overwhelming, I promise.