Opportunity to Purchase

[boxster]

Long time reader, but never registered and posted. I have been attempting to find a ring that would meet everything I wanted it to be, but I never made a decision as to what that would be...

The primary aspecs that I am looking for as I have noticed it is what she is in to is fire and sparkle, and size. I had this opportunity fall into my lap at a good price, but I am on the fence if I should go take a look at it. It is about a 2 hour drive, and I have strayed away from emeralds as they typically do not have the sparkle.

Here are the specs from the certificate.

http://www.eglusa.com/oresults/SearchPage.php?st_num=75204808D

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Boxster

This emerald cut has a larger table and shallow crown height, looks to be a stone which might be brilliant but not show so much in the way of fire. Is it with a private sale? You can probably do better but if you want to pursue this deal make the sale final on the stone checking out with an independant appraisal - how much are they asking for the diamond?

Appraiser tool

https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/23/2009 9:42:20 AM
Author:boxster
Long time reader, but never registered and posted. I have been attempting to find a ring that would meet everything I wanted it to be, but I never made a decision as to what that would be...

The primary aspecs that I am looking for as I have noticed it is what she is in to is fire and sparkle, and size. I had this opportunity fall into my lap at a good price, but I am on the fence if I should go take a look at it. It is about a 2 hour drive, and I have strayed away from emeralds as they typically do not have the sparkle.

Here are the specs from the certificate.

http://www.eglusa.com/oresults/SearchPage.php?st_num=75204808D

This one wouldn't for sure. Lorelei pointed out the shortcomings, and I own a stone very similar in cut. It's not a very sparkly, pretty stone at all. I'd pass on this, especially if she's into fire/sparkle/size.

Has she mentioned what cut(s) she likes?

 

[boxster]

Thanks for the replies. Yes this would be a private sale, and I would definetly get an appraisal prior. I think I am going to pass though, just because an opportunity presents itself, doesn't mean I should start looking at a cut that I wasn't planning on...

We don't really discuss this in detail in our relationship because she feels it isn't a topic of discussion. She knows I'm not a person to get married just for the sake of it, but it is time we change that and she has no idea.

I have been focused on Radiant's and Asscher's. Any thoughts from the experts out there? I think they both have good face up size, and plenty of fire. Looking for diamonds in the 1+ carat range, would like to get the best bang for the buck size, but want a nice combination of brilliance and fire.

THANKS AGAIN!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/23/2009 12:04:27 PM
Author: boxster
Thanks for the replies. Yes this would be a private sale, and I would definetly get an appraisal prior. I think I am going to pass though, just because an opportunity presents itself, doesn't mean I should start looking at a cut that I wasn't planning on...

We don't really discuss this in detail in our relationship because she feels it isn't a topic of discussion. She knows I'm not a person to get married just for the sake of it, but it is time we change that and she has no idea.

I have been focused on Radiant's and Asscher's. Any thoughts from the experts out there? I think they both have good face up size, and plenty of fire. Looking for diamonds in the 1+ carat range, would like to get the best bang for the buck size, but want the fire.

THANKS AGAIN!

Good thinking.

Actually, Asschers face up somewhat small for their carat weight. And, unless she has said she likes them, you might consider something else. These stones appeal to a particular type of person, not everyone likes them. They can definitely be firey though! Well cut Radiants are hard to find, and not as sparkly as some other cuts. They also show color more easily, so that might be cost prohibitive.

I'm giving you a link to some videos of custom cut cushions (Signature Chunky Cushion), in case you're open to other cuts. See what you think of these. They've definitely got sparkle, but are different from rounds. Phenominal stones.

http://www.vimeo.com/diamondinfo


Also, Goodoldgold would be a great place to look for an Asscher, they get very nice ones from their supplier.

And you're welcome!

 

[boxster]

Ellen,

I had actually looked at the Chunky Cushion''s before. They are nice, but I don''t think she would care for the look of them. They just don''t have the clean lines that other cuts have...

I know what you mean with the Radiant cuts, most of them leave alot to be desired. Is there a cut that I am missing that you would recommend for nice face up return on value and sparkle?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/23/2009 4:23:41 PM
Author: boxster
Ellen,

I had actually looked at the Chunky Cushion's before. They are nice, but I don't think she would care for the look of them. They just don't have the clean lines that other cuts have...

I know what you mean with the Radiant cuts, most of them leave alot to be desired. Is there a cut that I am missing that you would recommend for nice face up return on value and sparkle?

You could look at http://www.radiantcut.com/ , these are branded radiants - if there is a dealer in your area then see if you could view some.

Other than that, radiants are tricky and need to be seen or images if buying online. If you prefer to buy from a store then try to view as many as you can to see what type appeal to you. Also radiants can show more colour than rounds for example, it is this feature of the cut which means you see so many fancy colour diamonds cut into radiants ( remember JLo's pink radiant?) so I would suggest unless you can view some and are ok with lower colour to make the cutoff GIA graded H to be on the safe side. Also if you prefer to buy from a store, you could buy an ASET scope to use, these work on any diamond and you will have it for future purchases.

http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_zoom_item.asp?Id=23&ShowAdd=Y

This page explains how ASET works

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=education-performance

Also if you are unsure about radiants, other shapes that can offer good visual size and beauty are ovals if these shapes appeal to your GF. Also if she likes clean lines, a well cut Princess can also be a beautiful choice, Jareds sell AGS0 cut grade Princess if there is one closeby, see if you can take a field trip and check some out.

www.goodoldgold.com sometimes have Princess of Hearts which are squarish shapes. Also Todd at www.niceice.com has a great eye for fancy shapes, if you decided to explore the possibilities online, definitely speak to him.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/23/2009 4:23:41 PM
Author: boxster
Ellen,

I had actually looked at the Chunky Cushion's before. They are nice, but I don't think she would care for the look of them. They just don't have the clean lines that other cuts have...

I know what you mean with the Radiant cuts, most of them leave alot to be desired. Is there a cut that I am missing that you would recommend for nice face up return on value and sparkle?

Ok, I take it she likes clean lines? If so, then no, cushions are out. I'd go with the Asscher then myself. I happen to love them, but wasn't sure if she would. But hearing you say this, that's the route I'd suggest going. Even though they may face up a bit smaller, they are still beautiful when well cut, with nice bold sparkle!

Also, I don't know what your budget is, and I don't know if you would think this type of setting would muck things up, (if you do, no problem, won't hurt my feelings!), but you could halo it. It would add size, and sparkle. This is a picture of my all time favorite Asscher setting.

 

[Lorelei]

Yum.....

 

[boxster]

Nice Ring! I am going to spend some time online tonight seeing what some of the vendors have in inventory...

I am budgetting somewhere around $5-$7K, anything more and she wouldn''t wear it once she see''s an appraisal. I once bought her a TAG watch and she never wears it, because she is too afraid to damage it. Plus both of us like nice things, but I''m sure there are other things she would rather put the money towards.

 

[Camille]

Lovely Ring