Opinion on True Radiant Cut Diamond?

[dmd175]

Hello,



I''ve been reading these boards for over a year but have never posted. I would like to get opinions (of quality and price) on the following diamond. Thank you for any help!




Radiant Cut ("real" Radiant, cut by Henry Grossbard''s company) (GIA lists as "cut corner square, modified brilliant")

1.73 ct

Dimensions: 7.12 mm x 7.04 mm x 4.29 mm (L:W = 1.01)

GIA cert.



Color: H

Clarity: VS2



Depth Percentage: 60.9%

Table Percentage: 65.0%

Girdle Thickness: Medium to Slightly Thick

Culet: None

Fluorescence: None



Polish: Good

Symmetry: Good



I was originally shooting for color and clarity above VS1; but having been looking around for over a year, I have to say that this H color was really indistinguishable when compared right next to otherwise similar E''s and F''s (under both lamp and ambient light). Also, this is a great VS2: there is a single, very tiny (white) inclusion under the loupe, compared to some VS1 with much more noticeable inclusions.



I''m sorry I do not have crown/pavillion. In terms of cut graders available on the web, this fits into some of 1A and 2A categories. The brilliance is actually quite good.



The interesting thing about this particular diamond is what some may perceive as a relatively low height and depth percent (based on what you may read for rounds, princess, etc). However, the diamond looks perfectly in proportion (does not look "short" and the brilliance is there). Also, based on Grossbard''s literature, the depth % is in his suggested range of 48-63%. In my opinion, it seems to "redistribute" the diamond''s mass from height into length and width, ie for a 1.73 ct diamond, it has the length and width of 2.0-2.1 ct diamonds I have seen.



Am I wrong and/or missing something about the color (H), the clarity (VS2), table %, depth %, and L/W? In any case, what would be a reasonable price to pay for such a diamond?



I appreciate any responses, help, and suggestions received. Thank you for reading.



Dave

 

[valeria101]

Nothing wrong, really nothing. This should be great! Congratulations!

 

[Mara]

Don't know much about Radiants but hopefully one of the experts can chime in

Sounds like you have really done your homework though!

 

[dmd175]

I appreciate the two replies. I need to make a decision on buying this diamond by Monday morning, and it would truly help me to hear as many opinions as possible on the quality and/or a reasonable price. Thank you in advance.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

A nice blend of color and clarity. You can't go wrong with an H/VS2.

I wish we knew the crown height and pavilion depth, but assuming those are where they should be this is probably a nicely proportioned stone.

What kind of money are they asking for it?

 

[dmd175]

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On 11/22/2003 7:43:54 PM Richard Sherwood wrote:


What kind of money are they asking for it?
----------------

$9800, which I hope members of the board think is a good price but want to know if not.



Question on appraisal: Going into this I had always planned on appraisal (in fact I live in Brookline, MA, so I have Martin Haske right here). Now I'm questioning exactly why. I'm working with a very reputable jeweler who has been 100% forthright about everything, shown Rap sheet, and will put every possible condition I wanted in writing. When I re-read the boards/other websites about appraisal, it generally seems that appraisals required for people buying non-cert diamonds, but I'm getting GIA cert (dated Sept 2003) with all possible guarantees. I guess I hope someone will give me a reality check.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

The price is right about where it ought to be, if nothing's out-of-line. (That's one of the things an appraisal will help you determine, by the way.)

I always advise everyone to ask something along the lines of- "I like the diamond, but want to know what the absolute least you'll take on it is, before I make my final decision. I'd also like to purchase it contingent upon it appraising out to my satisfaction with an independent appraiser."

You'd be surprised sometimes how much money those two sentences will save you.

Here's some reasons for having an appraisal performed, even on a GIA stone from a trusted jeweler:

1. To determine whether you're paying a fair price for the stone.

2. To get an expert opinon from a neutral, non-involved, non-biased third party expert. Some jewelers are experts. Many jewelers are very knowledgeable, but not experts. Many are not very knowledgeable at all.

3. To determine if the stone matches the cert.

4. To get the appraiser's (hopefully expert) opinion on whether the stone appears to be correctly graded.

5. To have the appraiser translate all the technical terms to you, and tell you how the affect the desirability, salability and value of the diamond.

6. To have the appraiser determine how well cut the diamond is (which a cert doesn't show).

7. To have the appraiser supply missing data (in this case crown height and pavilion depth).

8. To have advanced optical tests performed on the stone, as well as advanced optical photos (such as the diamond under an idealscope).

9. To see if any damage has occurred since the GIA report was performed.

10. To get an appraisal and value which you can use for insurance.

11. To get photos of the diamond, and ring.

A $10,000 purchase is a significant investment, and a diamond is a purchase with lasting value. I think it's smart shopping to know all you can about it. Everyone I've ever done an appraisal for who had the same reservations as you was always happy they'd had it done after they received the report and consultation.