Opinion on diamonds for studs

[Sakuramickey]

dear all,

I am looking to order a pair of diamond studs. It’s my first and I am not experienced with diamonds. So I am here to seek advice.

My plan is to get 1ct diamond stud. So total 2ct, 1ct each. I am not entirely sure what’s best for earrings. Currently I am considering E VS1 and F VS1.

What do you think is best for earrings?

Appreciate your input

Thank you so much in advance

 

[WillyDiamond]

If you would tell the PS community your budget and setting preference, the PS people can help you narrow things down.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Unless you have a need for such high color and clarity, I will mention that the vast majority of people here go with top cut stones in the G-J range of color, and VS2-SI1 clarity. I'd say we see around H-I color the most, as great cut stones face up white. My own are Whiteflash ACAs 1.28 cts each. H VS2.

If you give us your budget, I will look up some matched pairs for you in F-H color and VS1-VS2 clarity so you can see what your options are within your budget.

 

[Sakuramickey]

Thank you for your reply. I live in the UAE. I am not familiar with the terms you all using (ACA) and also cause I don’t know much about diamonds.i only know the 4C. i am planning to buy from a local gold shop. I believe it’s sealed stones. I’m going to check it tomorrow. Will share the GIA reports.

My budget is about 15,000USD. I plan to buy E or F cause I am a person who don’t like to upgrade. So thought to buy good pair of earrings now and keep it for a very long time without a need to upgrade. I am afraid if I buy H or I, I might not feel satisfied after sometime.

What do you think i should do?

 

[tuckie]

You have gotten good advice from others, but let me add one thing:
The fastest way to getting beautiful, sparkly stones is to prioritize those which are cut well. Cut (rather than clarity or even color) contributes most to the shine and sparkle of the stones.

Some eagle-eyed, color sensitive consumers can tell the difference between D and F, but most all of us can tell the difference between ideal cut stones and very good ones.

A tool you can use to BEGIN assessing whether your local shop has the well cut stones you would want is the HCA https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca. Those stones that score under 2 should be considered. The HCA is a rejection tool vs. a selection tool. Those that "pass" the HCA should be further evaluated.

Happy hunting

 

[WillyDiamond]

Thank you for your reply. I live in the UAE. I am not familiar with the terms you all using (ACA) and also cause I don’t know much about diamonds.i only know the 4C. i am planning to buy from a local gold shop. I believe it’s sealed stones. I’m going to check it tomorrow. Will share the GIA reports.

My budget is about 15,000USD. I plan to buy E or F cause I am a person who don’t like to upgrade. So thought to buy good pair of earrings now and keep it for a very long time without a need to upgrade. I am afraid if I buy H or I, I might not feel satisfied after sometime.

What do you think i should do?

What are 'Sealed Stones"?

 

[skypie]

Treated stones?

 

[Sakuramickey]

I went to the store and they showed me two loose diamonds. Certicate attaches. I used the certificate number on the HCA website and got 2.4 score. Is this still good? And there was no report found for another certificate. What does that mean? It’s fake certificate?

 

[Sakuramickey]

View attachment 624053View attachment 624052

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Sakura,

Unfortunately, I can't read the reports to see all the info, could you repost them a bit larger please or post all the proportions? Whether the HCA score is an indicator of whether one of the diamonds is a contender or not, we really need the details to know.

Possibly with the other report, it could be a typo with the number or the report isn't showing up for some reason.

But if you could repost them if possible please, we can go from there.

 

[Sakuramickey]

Hi Sakura,

Unfortunately, I can't read the reports to see all the info, could you repost them a bit larger please or post all the proportions? Whether the HCA score is an indicator of whether one of the diamonds is a contender or not, we really need the details to know.

Possibly with the other report, it could be a typo with the number or the report isn't showing up for some reason.

But if you could repost them if possible please, we can go from there.

 

[Sakuramickey]

The other one is:

Depth: 62:5
Table: 58
Crown: 36
Pavilion:40.6

Cut: excellent
Polish: excellent
Symmetry: very good

 

[Katya DXB]

Hi Sakura,

I also live in Dubai I have a few comments:
1) The price for a one carat GIA certified diamond F/VS1 would be around 8.5-9k, unless you go down on the cut, which you shouldn’t do. So you need to either increase your budget or reconsider color and clarity

2) Unlike with a ring which most of us would typically look at and admire from a few to a lot of times per day , you don’t get to see much of your earrings (provided you wear them all the time) AND you don’t have people asking to have a close look. So it is totally fine to go for an eye clean SI1. If the fact that your diamonds are colorless is important to you, stick with F. You will definitely be able to get 2cwt F/SI1 for less than 15k. Otherwise both G and H, sometimes even I will appear very white, so you could get more carat weight for your budget. Which is what really counts in Dubai lol

3) By ‘sealed’ I assume you mean the HRD certified stones. Don’t buy any diamonds that you cannot examine out of the packaging in different light conditions. And avoid IGI diamonds. So basically, go for GIA only.

4) Stick with GIA triple X (excellent cut, polish and symmetry). Run the numbers through HCA and stick with those below 2. Down here 90% of all GIA Triple X will be on the edge of Excellent cut with steep crowns but most of those will score higher than 2 on HCA. It would be great if you could see the diamonds through an Isealscope. I actually have one and would love to help but not sure how to get in touch since there is no private messaging function on PS. Anyways, if you stick with HCA <2 and Triple X, your chances of getting a great pair are very high.

5) Pay attention to fluorescence. Up to medium is usually fine but you’ll be able to negotiate about extra 5% off.

Good luck!

 

[Sakuramickey]

Hi Sakura,

I also live in Dubai I have a few comments:
1) The price for a one carat GIA certified diamond F/VS1 would be around 8.5-9k, unless you go down on the cut, which you shouldn’t do. So you need to either increase your budget or reconsider color and clarity

2) Unlike with a ring which most of us would typically look at and admire from a few to a lot of times per day , you don’t get to see much of your earrings (provided you wear them all the time) AND you don’t have people asking to have a close look. So it is totally fine to go for an eye clean SI1. If the fact that your diamonds are colorless is important to you, stick with F. You will definitely be able to get 2cwt F/SI1 for less than 15k. Otherwise both G and H, sometimes even I will appear very white, so you could get more carat weight for your budget. Which is what really counts in Dubai lol

3) By ‘sealed’ I assume you mean the HRD certified stones. Don’t buy any diamonds that you cannot examine out of the packaging in different light conditions. And avoid IGI diamonds. So basically, go for GIA only.

4) Stick with GIA triple X (excellent cut, polish and symmetry). Run the numbers through HCA and stick with those below 2. Down here 90% of all GIA Triple X will be on the edge of Excellent cut with steep crowns but most of those will score higher than 2 on HCA. It would be great if you could see the diamonds through an Isealscope. I actually have one and would love to help but not sure how to get in touch since there is no private messaging function on PS. Anyways, if you stick with HCA <2 and Triple X, your chances of getting a great pair are very high.

5) Pay attention to fluorescence. Up to medium is usually fine but you’ll be able to negotiate about extra 5% off.

Good luck!

Hi Katya,

thank you so much for your detailed reply. So glad to see another Dubai-er here i live in the marina, where do you live? would love to borrow your ideascope

Where do you recommend buying in Dubai? I am currently checking at Malabar and Damas.

They have quoted me 59500AED for F/VS1, 2ct (1ct each for earring). price includes VAT, GIA report. They have sent me the reports. Both are Excellent cut and polish but symmetry is very good, flourescence None. Both scored 2.4 on HCA. One i found it on HCA with GIA report number but the other, the data was unavailable on HCA based on report number, which bothers me a little. should i be worried that i cant find it on HCA?

the reason why i am choosing F/VS1 is i'm afraid if i buy anything less than that, i might not feel content and wanting to change again. And i dont plan to upgrade, at least not in very long time.

Here is the info of the stones that they are currently offering me. I am not sure if its worth selling for these or wait until triple X.

any thoughts are highly appreciated. thank you

GIA: 5286268991
Depth: 62:5
Table: 58
Crown: 36
Pavilion:40.6
Cut: excellent
Polish: excellent
Symmetry: very good

GIA: 1289568869
Depth: 62.8
Table: 56
Crown: 36.5
Pavilion:40.6
Cut: excellent
Polish: excellent
Symmetry: very good

 

[Katya DXB]

Hi again!
You should not be worried about HCA not pulling up the report. Sometimes it happens. You can always check the report number on the GIA site - just google ‘GIA report check’ and the link will come up. Both your diamonds are there so there is nothing to worry about. When you collect, ask to see the inscriptions on the girdles - but any reputable jeweler down here won’t let you out till you’ve seen them for yourself anyway.

The first diamond actually scores 2 on HCA, the second 2.4. I'm a little surprised the second diamond is graded Excellent for cut. As per GIA own standards, the table, crown angle and pavilion angle combo (56%, 36.5 & 40.6 degrees) corresponds to a Very Good cut. I suppose it has to do with rounding up the numbers but there may be someone here who'd be in a better position to comment.
Anyways, both are cut a little too deep (most likely to hit the 1ct mark) with steep crowns and thick-ish girdles. As a result, both measure a bit smaller in diameter than what one might want from an Excellent cut 1ct stone (6.3+ vs 6.5mm). The HCA scores suggest a 'very good' visual performance, however note they write that "The result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle", which the diamonds in question are not. It would be really helpful to view them through an IS.

That said, I am not suggesting that those are bad diamonds. Although the proportions are outside the range for ideals, the diamonds are still highly likely to perform very well. Not as good as the top cut ones but only few will be able to tell the difference, and if you are not among those few I’d say you have no reasons to be concerned. I just wanted to make sure that you understand the choices you are making, but there is nothing wrong with the choice itself If colour and clarity are most important to you and you don't think that you will ever be able to appreciate the visual difference between Excellent vs Very Good symmetry, or Excellent vs Ideal cut, then I'd say you are getting good value for money with the price quoted. Does it include the setting? Are the diamonds here in Dubai or they are shipping them in? You may be able to negotiate the price down a bit if they are here.

I’d be happy to lend you my IS but not sure how to get in touch. Are we allowed to share email IDs here?

Best,
Katya

 

[Sakuramickey]

Hi again!
You should not be worried about HCA not pulling up the report. Sometimes it happens. You can always check the report number on the GIA site - just google ‘GIA report check’ and the link will come up. Both your diamonds are there so there is nothing to worry about. When you collect, ask to see the inscriptions on the girdles - but any reputable jeweler down here won’t let you out till you’ve seen them for yourself anyway.

The first diamond actually scores 2 on HCA, the second 2.4. I'm a little surprised the second diamond is graded Excellent for cut. As per GIA own standards, the table, crown angle and pavilion angle combo (56%, 36.5 & 40.6 degrees) corresponds to a Very Good cut. I suppose it has to do with rounding up the numbers but there may be someone here who'd be in a better position to comment.
Anyways, both are cut a little too deep (most likely to hit the 1ct mark) with steep crowns and thick-ish girdles. As a result, both measure a bit smaller in diameter than what one might want from an Excellent cut 1ct stone (6.3+ vs 6.5mm). The HCA scores suggest a 'very good' visual performance, however note they write that "The result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle", which the diamonds in question are not. It would be really helpful to view them through an IS.

That said, I am not suggesting that those are bad diamonds. Although the proportions are outside the range for ideals, the diamonds are still highly likely to perform very well. Not as good as the top cut ones but only few will be able to tell the difference, and if you are not among those few I’d say you have no reasons to be concerned. I just wanted to make sure that you understand the choices you are making, but there is nothing wrong with the choice itself If colour and clarity are most important to you and you don't think that you will ever be able to appreciate the visual difference between Excellent vs Very Good symmetry, or Excellent vs Ideal cut, then I'd say you are getting good value for money with the price quoted. Does it include the setting? Are the diamonds here in Dubai or they are shipping them in? You may be able to negotiate the price down a bit if they are here.

I’d be happy to lend you my IS but not sure how to get in touch. Are we allowed to share email IDs here?

Best,
Katya

Hi Katya,

Thank you again for your reply. I am a newbie here. I am impressed with your knowledge! I am learning from you all. Thank you all for the contribution.

Last night, they called and offered me another pair with E/VS1. below are the details. One scored 1.5, and the other one scored 5.2! how can the score be so low i wonder?

GIA: 6272843836
Depth: 61.7
Table: 58
Crown: 35.5
Pavilion:40.6
Cut: excellent
Polish: excellent
Symmetry: excellent
color: E
Clarity: VS1

GIA: 1275673248
Depth: 62.5
Table: 59
Crown: 34.5
Pavilion:41.4
Cut: excellent
Polish: excellent
Symmetry: excellent
color: E
Clarity: VS1

any thoughts? Price 63500 including VAT and settings.

not sure if can share email or mobile number? would be great to meet

 

[Katya DXB]

The GIA report check is down so I cannot see all the details. The 5.2 HCA score is due to the deeper pavilion which does not work well especially in a combination with the 34.5 crown angle. There will be a lot of light leakage under the table. I would pass on these.

 

[Sakuramickey]

The GIA report check is down so I cannot see all the details. The 5.2 HCA score is due to the deeper pavilion which does not work well especially in a combination with the 34.5 crown angle. There will be a lot of light leakage under the table. I would pass on these.

Thank you Katya.
i tried the GIA website too. But it was down. I will ask them to get me another one to replace the 5.2. Lets see what they say. Which is worth the money? the F or the E?

 

[Sakuramickey]

The GIA report check is down so I cannot see all the details. The 5.2 HCA score is due to the deeper pavilion which does not work well especially in a combination with the 34.5 crown angle. There will be a lot of light leakage under the table. I would pass on these.

what do you think about the one that scored 1.5?

 

[Katya DXB]

The 1.5 looks beautiful on paper. See if they can find a better match for this one. Value for money is about the same, but if you original budget was 15k bear in mind you are on a slippery slope here

 

[bmfang]

With sealed stones, good for security but that makes info in the HRD report about the specs of the stone (ie table, depth, crown and pavilion angle, etc) even more critical for even shortlisting such stones for a purchase.

OP, I suspect they are offering you combos of stones with one relatively good cut grade with another that is less well cut in order to satisfy your budget.

 

[Sakuramickey]

With sealed stones, good for security but that makes info in the HRD report about the specs of the stone (ie table, depth, crown and pavilion angle, etc) even more critical for even shortlisting such stones for a purchase.

OP, I suspect they are offering you combos of stones with one relatively good cut grade with another that is less well cut in order to satisfy your budget.

Hi BMFang

thank you for the reply. At the moment they are offering me loose stones. I didnt mention my budget to them. But you are right, they are offering me one good and another one that is less satisfactory. They think they can trick me, they dont know i am getting advice from the experts here

 

[Sakuramickey]

The 1.5 looks beautiful on paper. See if they can find a better match for this one. Value for money is about the same, but if you original budget was 15k bear in mind you are on a slippery slope here

Thats what i told them now. they need to find better match for the other one. I was hoping to get a pair for 50000AED, but not its sliding to 60K!

 

[Sakuramickey]

The 1.5 looks beautiful on paper. See if they can find a better match for this one. Value for money is about the same, but if you original budget was 15k bear in mind you are on a slippery slope here

By the way,love your avatar. Beautiful ring! i hope to get one next year after getting the earring this year.

 

[Katya DXB]

Thank you! I also got it down here Good luck and keep us posted on the developments!

 

[dkata]

@Sakuramickey I don’t live in Dubai, but I buy almost all my jewelry there. I frequent only one shop, and one salesman there. I have bought a pair of studs from there last year in November.
The shop is called diamond world, and they are located in Dubai Mall in the Gold Souk. Ask for Rajul, I know and trust him for 6 years already.

Here is a picture of my studs:


They are K color and SI1 and score around 2.4-2.8 on HCA. Of course he can source you any color and clarity in the 1 carat range.

Good luck!

 

[dkata]

@Sakuramickey I forgot, they also have a shop in Gold and Diamond Park near Jumeirah, but Rajul is almost always in Dubai Mall.

I’ve just came home from Dubai last week, but I already miss the city.

 

[Sakuramickey]

@Sakuramickey I forgot, they also have a shop in Gold and Diamond Park near Jumeirah, but Rajul is almost always in Dubai Mall.

I’ve just came home from Dubai last week, but I already miss the city.

Thank you dkata. I will check it out. Do you know where the jewelers in Dubai are getting their diamonds from?

 

[dkata]

Not really, but both of my stones have GIA certificates, so they should be fine.

 

[Sakuramickey]

@Sakuramickey I don’t live in Dubai, but I buy almost all my jewelry there. I frequent only one shop, and one salesman there. I have bought a pair of studs from there last year in November.
The shop is called diamond world, and they are located in Dubai Mall in the Gold Souk. Ask for Rajul, I know and trust him for 6 years already.

Here is a picture of my studs:


They are K color and SI1 and score around 2.4-2.8 on HCA. Of course he can source you any color and clarity in the 1 carat range.

Good luck![/QUOT

Beautiful earrings! Can’t wait to get mine!