Opinion on this diamond?

[brandonb]

Hey everyone. First post here! I''ve been reading around and have found a lot of useful information. I have been using a local jeweler for a while now and he is looking into getting a diamond for me for an e-ring. But so far, the online prices are much better. I have found this Jewerlyzone site that has great prices, but am not sure how their quality is. They don''t list a lot of information on their site.
For example, here is this stone:
http://www.jewelryzone.com/details.php3?item=1048470

What do those abriviations mean on the girdle and cutlet? How can I put that in the cut advisor to see how it measures? What do you think about it?

I don''t know if I would want to buy a diamond online, I think I would really like to see it in person first. However, if I could find a great deal online and present it to my jeweler, I''m sure he would be willing to try and match it. I would like to get about a 2 carat for around $9,000. I would like the color to be better than H and the quality to be SI2 or better. I''ve read and read all about how good the cut needs to be, but its really difficult to tell the difference without seeing them in person side by side. If it''s that big of a difference, I would be willing to go down in size a little bit to get better quality. Anyways, I''m just rambling now but I was just wanting to see everyone''s opinion about this stone and buying from this site.

Thanks,
Brandon

 

[pqcollectibles]

That diamond is a "List" diamond. It's in virtual inventory. Jewelry Zone does not physically have possession of the diamond. They won't be able to tell you a thing about it until they contact the wholesaler who physically owns the diamond. Several other Vendors have the same diamond listed. Prices shown on the Price Scope search engine range from $9397-$9793 for the same diamond.

The girdle ranges from Thin to Very Thick. Typically, you'd want a more even girdle, but this may not be a problem. It could be that just one small portion is thin that drew the rating. You'd need a Sarin graph to know for sure.

The diamond has a negligible cutlet. The pointy facet cut on the very bottom of the diamond.

The HCA Cut Adviser only works for Rounds. You'll need to get the crown height info from the Vendor to use the DIY Cut Grading System at www.gemappraisers.com. Otherwise, you have all the info you need. While you can use specs to screen candidates, Princess diamonds really need to be evaluated visually. A diamond could have great specs on paper and be a dud of a performer.

Princess diamonds are not as good as rounds about hiding inclusions. You would want to check the inclusions (type/color/location) in a SI2 princess diamond to be sure it's eye clean.

I did a little looking for you and found a nice one that is roughly in your size and price range. This diamond is in stock and was hand selected for quality and performance. It has also been professionally evaluated. Also a SI2, but you can get pics from the Vendor.

http://www.whiteflash.com/princess/Princess-cut-diamond-645728.htm 2.15 carat, F, SI2, $10450 after the 5% Price Scope discount

 

[brandonb]

Thanks for the help! I like being able to view the reports about the diamond. So, how important is GIA compared to EGL or AGS? Does it make that much of a difference? Does anyone have experience with WhiteFlash?

Thanks again for the help,
-Brandon

 

[pqcollectibles]

GIA and AGS are the best in the US. AGS only grades rounds. EGL has a reputation for being inconsistent and lenient in grading. In the past, EGL may call a diamond an H/SI2 when GIA would call the diamond an I/I1. EGL USA has made great strides recently to improve both their grading consistency and standards. Because of their reputation, EGL diamonds tend to trade at a bit of a discount. Diamond sellers know their business. GIA and AGS Certed diamonds bring the top price in any Cut Class. If a diamond will receive a favorable report, it gets submitted to a better lab. If not, the diamond may be submitted to a lesser lab or sold as an UnCerted stone.

The WF diamond was the only one I found in your size and price range. I have personally bought from White Flash. They are great folks to work with. There are other Vendors who physically stock professionally evaluated princess cuts. You might also check out Nice Ice, Good Old Gold, Dirt Cheap Diamonds, and SuperbCert. Use the Search feature on the upper right hand side of the page to search past threads by Vendor name. Read about other people's buying experiences. Check out different Vendor's websites and policies. Call and chat with a few. Find one you are comfortable working with. Even though they don't physically have a diamond currently in stock, any of the Vendors will work to source a diamond for you.

 

[brandonb]

Thanks again for your response. I see that WhiteFlash is located in Houston and I am in Oklahoma, so it would only be about a 6 or 7 hour drive. I may pick out a few and talk to them, then drive down there to see them in person and buy it. Thanks again for your help.

-Brandon

 

[researcher]

I know this response is a bit late, but I agree you should go to White Flash!!! I worked with Denise to find my ideal princess, and couldn't be happier

BTW, cut is the most important "C", so make sure you don't give it up for color or clarity! As for all your other questions, listen to pqcollectibles--you can't go wrong!

 

[brandonb]

Thanks for the response. That is what I'm starting to think(about cut), but it is also the harderst to measure and see if you can't see the diamonds in person. I really wish I could compare a good cut diamond next to a similar diamond that isn't cut as well, that would really help me better understand and make my decision.

Thanks,
-Brandon