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Opinions on 0.78 GOG round (1rst purchase)

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dnadrifter

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 4, 2004
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I put this on layaway today. If you could let me know what you all think I would really appreciate it. This is my first diamond purchase...have done a lot of reseach, etc. There is another question at the bottom of this post also. :-)

I really didn''t want an E color, thinking I could save some money, but I let one get away at Good Old Gold that was a G and $400 cheaper, so I decided to get this one for ~$3950. Here it is:

0.78 Round, VS2, E
AGS
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Proportions: Ideal

table: 55.2%
depth: 60.7%
crown angle: 34.8 (34.7-34.9)
pavillion angle: 40.9 (40.6 - 41.1)

HCA = 1.3, TIC

Inscribed H&A by AGS.

I am really happy with this I just wish I could get an F or G and save some money, or get something about 0.85 carats for about the same price at G. There just aren''t alot of 0.75 - 0.85 carat stones out there. I have looked at niceice, good old gold, and whiteflash. Niceice has one but it isn''t in the system yet. I really like the way GOG shows the inclusions also. It makes me feel really comfortable with the diamond.

So what do poeple think, am I paying too much for the E color? I don''t need this tomorrow, but am looking at about 2-3 week time frame. I thought I should probably get this and see if anything else pops up. I am just afraid of this diamond going away like the other diamond did, and that is why I put money down on it.

Also, I am a little worried about the color of the sides stones. There will be 1 0.20 - 0.25 pt on each side of the center. Will F/G color in the side stones (assuming near ideal) be okay with an E color center. I don''t want the sides to look different. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
 


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On 4/11/2004 3:25:26 AM dnadrifter wrote:











I put this on layaway today. If you could let me know what you all think I would really appreciate it. This is my first diamond purchase...have done a lot of reseach, etc. There is another question at the bottom of this post also. :-)

I really didn't want an E color, thinking I could save some money, but I let one get away at Good Old Gold that was a G and $400 cheaper, so I decided to get this one for ~$3950. Here it is:

0.78 Round, VS2, E
AGS
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Proportions: Ideal

table: 55.2%
depth: 60.7%
crown angle: 34.8 (34.7-34.9)
pavillion angle: 40.9 (40.6 - 41.1)

HCA = 1.3, TIC

Inscribed H&A by AGS.

I am really happy with this I just wish I could get an F or G and save some money, or get something about 0.85 carats for about the same price at G. There just aren't alot of 0.75 - 0.85 carat stones out there.


You have a couple options. E is a great color

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, but if you want to maximize your size i would ho with G or H especially in the size range your looking for. vs-2/si-1 clarity is also a plus. I would opt for an eye clean si-1. You could inquire about using the ernest money down to hold the "E" stone and put it towards brokering or finding aa stone in the size range your looking for from GoodOldGold.



So what do poeple think, am I paying too much for the E color? I don't need this tomorrow, but am looking at about 2-3 week time frame.



Depends on what your priorities are. You seem to want to maximize size, so i would opt for G or H. If your in a hurry or pressed for time than yes maybe buite the bullet and go with the "E"...If your not under any major time constraints I would definitely look into getting a larger stone with G/H color.


Also, I am a little worried about the color of the sides stones. There will be 1 0.20 - 0.25 pt on each side of the center. Will F/G color in the side stones (assuming near ideal) be okay with an E color center. I don't want the sides to look different. Any thoughts on this?


If you do get the "E" color stone you described I doubt there will be an issue of discerning the difference in color in the smaller side stones especially 1-2 grades off the color of the center stone...

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Think it over and keep us informed on your progress..Good Luck..
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Thanks,
----------------
 
0.83cts, G-VS2, $4000 (LINK)


0.8cts, G-VS1, $3800 (LINK)


0.88cts, F-SI1, $4000 (LINK)
 
SuperbCert has some stones listed in their new stones inventory that you may be interested in. The prices and other info are not posted yet. You'd have to call Barry for the prices.

SUPERBcert New Diamonds

These are some that you might want to get more info on:

.75 F VS2
.76 F VS2
.81 G VS2
.84 E SI1
 
if you are comfortable with GOG, then why don't you tell them what you're looking for. They may be able to get it for you. If might even be another stone you see online, but for a couple hundred more (I am told), you get GOG services and policies...just a thought!
 
I don't know how I'd feel about putting an E next to a G with my eagle eyes. E F no problem. You should check them out side by side to be sure you can't see the color!
 
Thanks for all the advice. I checked out the 0.81 and 0.84 at superbcert and Barry just sent me most of the info. They look really good, and a little more for the money than GOG.

Question: I was feeling real comfortable with GOG, maybe not quite as comfortable with superbcert. They seem to have a good reputation here, but not as stellar as GOG?? Anything I should be wary of?

Main differences between the 2 as I see it are the 10 day vs. 30 day return policy. Also superbcert didn't supply a light scope or firescope, etc. image. How important do you think this is?

Also the hearts didn't look as clean as Good old Golds either. How important is this to how the diamond actually appears? It seems some people put a premium on it and some don't think it is necessarily a reflection of how nice the diamond is.

Brillant scope pictures and measurements were great for superbcert. Are these directly proportional to GOG's or are there parameters that can be changed to change the values etc.

Please help if you have the time. I am realizing even though I have gained all this knowledge here, I am still a newbie and not sure what is important and what is not? I am also not as comfortable right now with superbcert as GOG. Should I be?

Thanks for all the help so far. It is always nice to find a forum of people that help.

Thanks,
 
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On 4/14/2004 4:11:36 AM dnadrifter wrote:



I am also not as comfortable right now with superbcert as GOG. Should I be?

----------------




I don't think so.

GOG presents lots of tests with one stone, and if you want a diamond with the best possible cut technically feasible today - that's the place. Not sure wether the last notch of precission will show in the ring.

Brilliancescope has a standard scale, and the results of the test can be 'ratified' by the makers of the machine for a fee - if you so wish.

I would not say that the 'standard' look of the harts and arrows pattern is all that important unless you are set 300% on getting a 'perfect diamond'. There are more or less precise H&A still deserving the name, and certainly showing the brilliance that the H&A pattern is supposed to guarantee in the first place.

The amount of info at GOG is surely useful for at least two things: to make buyers confident (which worked in your case) and select stones with rare cut quality for the seeker of rarity in this department. The presentation of his stones make a nice 'applied' extension of the tutorial here, since they show the most that can be done.

The two stones at Superbcert are very close to the highest cut standard, and an attractive buy. Not sure wether having all possible tests performed on one stone is crucial, but it surely costs something to perform.
 
The 0.78 diamond at Good Old Gold has better defined hearts than the 0.81 and 0.84 at superbcert, but the brillant scope pictures look better on the superbcert. How accurate is the billant scope and the images that are shown compared to what I will actually see? Should I not put too much stock in this? The superbcert images are all very symetrical with coming from all 8 arrow points the same. The GOG diamond is good but not quite as symetrical.

Also, will I be able to tell the difference in a diameter of 5.99 mm (0.78 GOG) and 6.1 mm or 6.07 mm (.84 and .81 SC). When can your eye start see size differences like that.

Thanks,
 
I would stick with GOG.

Ask Jonathan to see if he has one on hand or in the pipeline that is a lower color and larger size.
You might just get a pleasant suprise.
 
I am waiting to hear back from them...they are checking. :-) Thanks...
 
I have never purchased from either, but there are many satisfied customers from both vendors. Maybe you should run some searches on Superbcert to see what feedback there is.

I've heard the rule of thumb on what size differences are visible is .1mm difference and greater. These are right in that ballpark, so side by side, you would probably see the difference. Whether they would look substantially different on their own -- maybe. (sorry -- I know that isn't too specific, but it's a perception thing.)

They all look like great stones. tough decision!
 
I think at this point, the differences in what your eye would see between any of these stones is minimal. As for size, you may notice a difference between 6.0mms and 6.1mms. I love the BrillianceScope readings on the SuperbCert stones...that is VERY high for white light.

As for whom you feel most comfortable with, you have to go with your gut on that one. I bought from SuperbCert and was happy and comfortable with Barry. I don't think you can go wrong with Barry or Jonathan. They both have great reputations. Barry doesn't post on this board so he's not as visible as Jonathan here.
 
Strmrdr,

Why do you say you would stick with GOG?



So for the most part do people not put not put a lot of stock in good looking hearts and arrows vs. mis-shapen ones?

I am still not sure I understand how important / valid the brillant scope analysis. Does the symmetry of the light in the pictures (light from all 8 arrow points about the same) matter, when viewed with the naked eye? Am I worrying about things that I shouldn't be.

hmmmm...I am having a hard time deciding.
 
better hearts and arrows
Better vendor
isee2 results available.

Is this the GOG diamond?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/0_782ct_e_vs2_h%26a.htm

Whats the isee2 reading?

The b-scope like any other tool is only as accurate as the person that sets it up and calibrates it.
I trust GOG to keep their equipment calibrated.
 
I just wanted to say, don't write off Superbcert...my fiancee and I bought our diamond there and, quite honestly, it is the most beautiful diamond that either of us have ever seen! I have gotten sooooo many compliments on it's sparkle and beauty....very cool :-) It flashes some of the most beautiful colors! Anyway, definitely talk to Barry! He is wonderful!
 
strmrdr,

Yes, that is the diamond. I am not sure what the Isee2 results are.?? I didn't know I could request them or that this was available.
 
Agreed..... don't throw that baby out!

As a consumer, it is semi-interesting to me who owns the stones, but it is much more relevant that the person selling them to you has them available to see, evaluate, and describe to you, no matter who owns them. Whiteflash often brings in brokered stones and evaluates them for the customer, as will Rhino. There are many business models for diamond vendors that are appropriate to their set up and to the customer's needs. I don't see the need to be bashing DI's.

If their customer service is going down hill, that is a different story, and will surface through reports as people experience it, quickly enough.
 
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On 4/14/2004 7:02:48 PM lop wrote:

Agreed..... don't throw that baby out!

As a consumer, it is semi-interesting to me who owns the stones, but it is much more relevant that the person selling them to you has them available to see, evaluate, and describe to you, no matter who owns them. ----------------


This is so true. And, if someone doesn't have vested interest then their opinion may be even more objective. A knowledgeable person eyeballing my stone...priceless
 
Wow so much discussion. I am not really going to comment on the right to post, or push one store etc. I do however appreciate all the suggestions and comments. Even though I am only really considering the more talked about online stores and the ones that supply more information, it doesn't hurt to let us newbies know there are other options.

I will say though, that I really do like b scope readings, light scope images, etc. I guess for a beginner they just really make me feel more comfortable with my purchase. Plus, I am very analytical. Although, I know that I could probably get a better deal somewhere else, I also know that I feel more comfortable seeing all the data.

Right now I am really trying to figure out what the b scope images and readings really mean and if they matter if you are at a very high reading anyway.

Basically: superbcert...better b scope images, GOG....much better hearts and arrows.

Excellent customer service from both by the way.

Guess I need to keep reading.
??
 


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On 4/14/2004 9:53:13 PM dnadrifter wrote:




Guess I need to keep reading.
??
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Not really. If you're sure you want to limit your vendors to those with the b/scope, then you're really left with only two choices.....and you've already identified them. GOG and Superbcert.

That means your selection is limited to whatever they have collectively. I'm sure either stone will be beautiful, but if you're unsure, you could have them both shipped to an independent appraiser where you can compare them side by side and select the one your eye prefers.

 
DNA,

I think the bottom line is to go with whom you feel most comfortable dealing with now and quite possibly in the near future (what is the after sale service like?) and the stone that most closely fits your criteria (I'd personally go down in color to maximze size as per colored jemstone nut suggested). I also seriously considered GOG for my diamond because my collegue had purchased a breathtaking stone from GOG and highly recommended them. Unfortunately, they did not have in stock what I thought I wanted at the time and in the meanwhile I found a yummy one at Superbcert. I had a great experience with Barry and the diamond was absolutely beautiful. Shortly after we upgraded to a bigger size, so I was glad at the end that I went with the vendor I felt comfortable dealing with because he went out of his way to make us happy! Also, I ended up buying some earrings from him too.
As a newbie, I too analyzed everything to death..can't help it once you discover all this information! But at the end of the day, both mine and my collegue's diamond is downright beautiful...can't say which is more over the other. For example, is it possible to visually see the difference between a diamond appraised 1A or 1B (AGA)? I don't know if I would be able to.

aljdewey has a good point. When I sent my diamond to AGA for the appraisal, Whiteflash made a offer on a similar stone that was hard to refuse (I was planning to purchase the whiteflash setting). They offered to send it to AGA so I had Chris compare the two. It was really helpful having a third party give their 2 cents.
 
I believe that DBOF supplies brillance scope reports on some of their diamonds... just a 3rd options if you want that report. Another option is to send you stone or stones to Bill Lieberman (rockdoc) in FL for appraisal, including a b-scope report.
 
DNA, I just purchased a SuperbCert back in February. It is a truly beautiful stone. I could not be happier. I was able to view the idealscope and hearts and arrows pics on line as well as the b-scope. It is one of Barry's branded stones. I didn't follow the links to see if the ones you're looking at are or not. I know that both Barry and Jonathan are class acts. They both sell quality at good prices. Bottom line for me would be who had the stone in the size and color and etc. that I wanted, for the money I wanted. I would be very comfortable purchasing from either. I will say that now that I own a SuperbCert, I have a definite soft spot for them.
love.gif
Go to the picture gallery and see the types of stones that these guys sell. They really are great.

Shay
 
Don't forget to look at diameters when considering sizes. I looked a your 0.78 E VS2 which had a diameter of about 6.0mm and the 0.83 G VS which had a diameter of only 6.03 mm, due to the different depths, so in this instance the 0.83 won't look much bigger. The market seems to be quite devoid of 0.8-0.99 carat stones right now.
 
Chris,

Exactly what I have been thinking. I would love to get a bigger stone in a F or G for the same money, but the diameter on the 0.82 SC is not much bigger than that of the 0.78, GOG. Even on the 0.84, SC the difference isn't even quite 0.1 mm. I would love to get something in the 87-89 range, but just not a whole lot out there....qualification....from vendors that I feel comfortable dealing with.

I am also a little puzzled by why the hearts look so distorted on the superbcerts and would like them to look better if possible.



Everybody,

Thanks again for all your imput with this. I really appreciate. What a nice friendly forum.
 
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