Opinions needed on diamond

[Kinmar]

Hey, Im new to the site but have been looking around and I have a few questions regarding a diamond I''m thinking about purchasing for an e-ring. Here are the details about the diamond:

Shape: Round
Carat: 0.70
Cut: Premium
Color: D
Clarity: SI2
Cert: GIA

Depth: 58.8%
Table: 61.0%
Polish: Very Good
Sym: Good
Girdle: Thin to slightly thick
Cutlet: none
Fluorescence: none
Measurements: 5.82*5.77*3.41

Crown Angle: 32
Pavilion Angle: 40.6

Im wondering if the value of this diamond is good or if I should continue looking. I really want to keep the diamond under $2000 if possible. Thanks for any info you can provide.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1227709.asp

 

[stone-cold11]

Nope, will probably have obstruction issue with this stone, judging from the loupe image.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/19/2009 11:48:27 AM
Author:Kinmar
Hey, Im new to the site but have been looking around and I have a few questions regarding a diamond I'm thinking about purchasing for an e-ring. Here are the details about the diamond:

Shape: Round
Carat: 0.70
Cut: Premium
Color: D
Clarity: SI2
Cert: GIA

Depth: 58.8%
Table: 61.0%
Polish: Very Good
Sym: Good
Girdle: Thin to slightly thick
Cutlet: none
Fluorescence: none
Measurements: 5.82*5.77*3.41

Crown Angle: 32
Pavilion Angle: 40.6

Im wondering if the value of this diamond is good or if I should continue looking. I really want to keep the diamond under $2000 if possible. Thanks for any info you can provide.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1227709.asp

Welcome Kinmar!

I would continue looking quite honestly if you are looking for a diamond for a ring. This stone is what we call a shallow/ shallow due to the crown and pavilion angles - the depth is also shallow and the table large, it will show what is called obstruction especially looking at the photo provided this can be seen. Obstruction is often seen in shallower angled stones especially when viewed at close scrutiny, due to the viewer's head or body blocking the light to the stone, the result is the stone looks dark at close examination.

Here are some numbers you can use as a guide to help you find a well cut round diamond.

depth - 60 - 62% - although my personal preference is to allow up to 62.4%
table - 54- 57%
crown angle - 34- 35 degrees
pavilion angle - 40.6- 41 degrees
girdle - avoid extremes, look for thin to slightly thick, thin to medium etc
polish and symmetry - very good and above

note - with crown and pavilion angles at the shallower ends ( CA 34- PA 40.6) and steeper ( CA 35- PA 41) check to make sure these angles complement in that particular diamond - eyeballs, Idealscope, trusted vendor input - check as appropriate!

As the above implies, configurations depend on each other. A little give here can still work with a little take there.

From expert John Pollard.


With that said, here's a "Cliff's Notes" for staying near Tolkowsky/ideal angles with GIA reports (their numbers are rounded): A crown angle of 34.0, 34.5 or 35.0 is usually safe with a 40.8 pavilion angle. If pavilion angle = 40.6 lean toward a 34.5-35.0 crown. If pavilion angle = 41 lean toward a 34.0-34.5 crown.


GIA "EX" in cut is great at its heart, but it ranges a bit wider than some people prefer, particularly in deep combinations (pavilion > 41 with crown > 35).

Also if you look for diamonds which score between 1 and 2 on the Holloway Cut Advisor this will get you into the range of stones which are suitable for further evaluation for a ring stone, this evaluation is done withIdealscope or ASET images, often you can request these images from the vendors .

 

[Kinmar]

Is it reasonable to assume that im not going to find a 0.70+ carat diamond in my price range? Should I be looking for a somewhat smaller sized diamond?

The issue I have lies with my girlfriend who has less knowledge of diamonds than even myself. She told me that she would prefer a larger diamond to a better looking diamond. I on the other hand think that I should be trying to get a better looking diamond at the sacrifice of a little size. I feel like she doesn't quite understand what shes asking for lol. She seems to have it in her head that a 1 carat diamond is what she wants regardless of what it looks like. I feel like I would be wasting my money on a "cheap" 1 carat diamond and I don't want her regretting it later on. I guess I just need someone more knowledgeable than us both to give their opinion. Should I get my girl what she wants or what I think she will be more happy with?

Sorry for the long winded post, thanks again.

@Lorelei

Thanks for all the great info there! I will definitely use this while I continue my search. I had asked for an ASET image of this stone already, though now it seems I just wasted my time. Diamonds are intimidating so much info to take into account.

 

[stone-cold11]

0.7c should be doable with lower color requirements, like G or below.

 

[stone-cold11]

For example, this 0.79c I SI1. Ask if it is eye-clean from JA and request for an Idealscope image if you are interested in it.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1193379.asp

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/19/2009 12:28:18 PM
Author: Kinmar
Is it reasonable to assume that im not going to find a 0.70+ carat diamond in my price range? Should I be looking for a somewhat smaller sized diamond?

The issue I have lies with my girlfriend who has less knowledge of diamonds than even myself. She told me that she would prefer a larger diamond to a better looking diamond. I on the other hand think that I should be trying to get a better looking diamond at the sacrifice of a little size. I feel like she doesn't quite understand what shes asking for lol. She seems to have it in her head that a 1 carat diamond is what she wants regardless of what it looks like. I feel like I would be wasting my money on a 'cheap' 1 carat diamond and I don't want her regretting it later on. I guess I just need someone more knowledgeable than us both to give their opinion. Should I get my girl what she wants or what I think she will be more happy with?

Sorry for the long winded post, thanks again.

@Lorelei

Thanks for all the great info there! I will definitely use this while I continue my search. I had asked for an ASET image of this stone already, though now it seems I just wasted my time. Diamonds are intimidating so much info to take into account.

You are most welcome! And don't worry about the ASET - JA will provide Idealscope for rounds but just tell them you have decided against this stone and will be looking for another, they will understand about obstruction.

Thats a much better diamond stonecold found, check it is eyeclean and that the grade setting cloud isn't impacting performance, if so then that could be a definite contender.