Photos, ASET of F IF emerald-cut from JA

[ame]

This is a GORGEOUS stone.

 

[Lula]

Here's another inspiration pic with the description from doyle & doyle for information about proportions.

"an Emerald Cut diamond weighing 1.24ct (D color, VS1 clarity) flanked by two trapezoid diamonds weighing 0.60ctw, fashioned in platinum."

Thanks, starry -- this is very pretty. I do think I prefer trapezoids to a pair of ECs for the side stones. I also think I'll need to go up in size (to at least a carat center stone) to get this look.

 

[Lula]

This is a GORGEOUS stone.

Thank you, ame! I think there is a definite chubby EC fan club on PS

 

[Niel]

heres one i saw that would be really pretty, with emeralds or even large traps i think

 

[Lula]

heres one i saw that would be really pretty, with emeralds or even large traps i think

Thanks, Niel. I would consider a bezel -- I think it would show off the corners nicely. And a three-stone bezel with the right proportions would give me great finger coverage. About bezeling -- when I spoke to Garrett about the ECs I was considering, I specifically asked if the gemologist could assess brightness, because I was considering a temporary bezel setting until I could find the right side stones for a three-stone. It's so hard to assess fancies by the numbers, and I find the ASET useful only for weeding out the true duds (though it's interesting that Karl K's red fabric test seems to mirror the asset results, e.g., the darker facets that form the concentric pattern). Stones like this that are oddballs. I took a risk on this stone because the JA gemologist said it was bright, and that the patterning and sparkle/fire was uniform throughout the stone, and that it was more asscher-like in appearance. All of that is certainly true of the stone in person. I know that you set your stone in the gorgeous Sholdt half-bezel; did you notice any difference in terms of performance after it was set? If I remember right, you had it sent loose to you before it was set in the Sholdt, correct?

 

[Niel]

I saw this and though it was cool. Could be done with traps on the end maybe?

I really like the bezel idea. I know some told me to see if a stone would work for bezeling just wrap some foil around it.

 

[chrono]

So your EC is a keeper? I am impressed that your classic EC is quite the performer. I really don't dare to risk bezeling a step cut stone for fear of decreasing it's sparkle in any way. Theoretically it isn't supposed to matter in a well cut stone but.....

 

[woofmama]

heres one i saw that would be really pretty, with emeralds or even large traps i think

Thanks, Niel. I would consider a bezel -- I think it would show off the corners nicely. And a three-stone bezel with the right proportions would give me great finger coverage. About bezeling -- when I spoke to Garrett about the ECs I was considering, I specifically asked if the gemologist could assess brightness, because I was considering a temporary bezel setting until I could find the right side stones for a three-stone. It's so hard to assess fancies by the numbers, and I find the ASET useful only for weeding out the true duds (though it's interesting that Karl K's red fabric test seems to mirror the asset results, e.g., the darker facets that form the concentric pattern). Stones like this that are oddballs. I took a risk on this stone because the JA gemologist said it was bright, and that the patterning and sparkle/fire was uniform throughout the stone, and that it was more asscher-like in appearance. All of that is certainly true of the stone in person. I know that you set your stone in the gorgeous Sholdt half-bezel; did you notice any difference in terms of performance after it was set? If I remember right, you had it sent loose to you before it was set in the Sholdt, correct?

Hi Lula : That's me, not Niel. I did have the ec sent to me loose prior to making a setting decision. I don't feel the bezel negatively affected the overall brightness or performance of the stone. The bezel sits right at the crown edge, not sure if I'm describing it correctly, so it detractes very slightly from the sparkly edges but not enough that I would choose to set it differently. I am very pleased with the overall look of my diamond and setting and feel I made the right choices for my taste and style.

Very excited to see what you do with your ec! I love some of the three stone rings shown above.

 

[Lula]

I saw this and though it was cool. Could be done with traps on the end maybe?

I really like the bezel idea. I know some told me to see if a stone would work for bezeling just wrap some foil around it.

I really, really like this setting. This stone would look perfect in this style. Thanks for the foil tip, Niel. I tried it, and the stone did not darken, but my concern with a bezel is that the first step on the crown would be covered up too much and that would affect the pinpoint sparkle I see in the corners of the stone. I do like how a bezel would accent the shape of the wide corners, though.

 

[Lula]

So your EC is a keeper? Hi, Chrono - it is a keeper, in terms of performance. Size is another matter, though! I am impressed that your classic EC is quite the performer. Believe me, I was surprised, too. JA has a good return policy, and after the gemologist gave it a good review, I thought, what the heck, I won't know until I see it in person. I learned a lot about what I like in an EC from this little guy. I really don't dare to risk bezeling a step cut stone for fear of decreasing it's sparkle in any way. Yes, the sparkle at the edges is something I've not seen in the ECs I've looked at in jewelry stores around here. I know now that the corners and the edges of the stone are where you see sparkle and beautiful pinpoints of rainbow colors. I would hate to lose any of that to a bezel, so while I like the bezeled EC look for its geometry, I think I'd probably stick with a three-stone style. Theoretically it isn't supposed to matter in a well cut stone but.....

 

[Niel]

Well what's nice about that setting is they have bezels around the side stones but not the center. You could use those thick rectangular shaped prongs to accent the corner. I like those with step cuts.

 

[Lula]

Well what's nice about that setting is they have bezels around the side stones but not the center. You could use those think rectangular shaped prongs to accent the corner. I like those with step cuts.

Yes, and the milgrain and bezeling would add a vintage feel that is appropriate for the look of this stone!

 

[Niel]

Well what's nice about that setting is they have bezels around the side stones but not the center. You could use those thick rectangular shaped prongs to accent the corner. I like those with step cuts.

Yes, and the milgrain and bezeling would add a vintage feel that is appropriate for the look of this stone!

I agree it would be vintage yet still very graphic. And I think with the shape the mix of prongs and bezel still seem to go well

 

[Lula]

Thanks to all of you for your feedback about this stone -- and for your great setting ideas. I am 99% sure I'm going to return this stone to JA -- reluctantly, because it's a beauty, performance and color and clarity and price-wise. But size-wise, I know I'll be happier with a stone that's a bit bigger -- at least 7 mm in length and at least 6 mm in width. And that means I'm going to have to save up a bit more. So, do I keep this and upgrade in a few years? I lose the cost of the setting if I do that.

I learned a lot from this EC:

1. I like large corners.
2. I like high clarity and high color in ECs.
3. I don't mind a slightly larger table -- but 68% is about is large as I'd want to go, though I'd still consider each stone individually and make an exception on table size for the right stone.
4. Well-cut ECs sparkle! The few honker-sze ECs I've seen in the past certainly had sparkle and flash -- but I always attributed that to their size. I have never seen a smaller EC that sparkled the way this stone does. Most smaller ECs available in jewelry stores have very little scintillation (the "bars" light up like keys on a piano) and no sparkle in the corners.
5. The JA gemologist's evaluation was spot-on. Everything she (or he?) said about this stone was true when I saw it in person. This is helpful to me, because I'm not that good at reading the ASET images for fancies. I did do a few tests using red fabric and my Idealscope, and learned a lot about how to match the patterning in the stone to what I'm seeing in the IS image (hence my thread on contrast and leakage).
6. I like a square-ish emerald-cut.
7. I like what Karl terms the "classic" cut, but I can definitely see where the crown height has to be at least average even in a classic cut to generate enough sparkle in the corners and around the edges to ensure that the stone has life.

 

[Niel]

I don't want to persuade you if you want to return it but I really loved that stone. Reason why I almost bought it faces up nice and I find it hard to find a really good EC that is probably put up with the table if it had everything else I wanted. I'd hate to let it go and you spend another 2 years searching for another good performer.

 

[Lula]

I don't want to persuade you if you want to return it but I really loved that stone. Reason why I almost bought it faces up nice and I find it hard to find a really good EC that is probably put up with the table if it had everything else I wanted. I'd hate to let it go and you spend another 2 years searching for another good performer.

You have nailed all of my hesitations in one post, Niel! This diamond faces up very large (6 x 5) for its size. And the corners are amazing. If I send it back, I have no doubt that it will take me two years to find an equivalent stone, unless I pay to have one cut. The IF clarity grade is something I'd never choose on my own, and it certainly jacks up the price, so that bugs me a bit, too. But, as someone mentioned, with fancies, you kind of have to take what's out there in terms of color/clarity because there are so few good options. Bah! What to do?

 

[chrono]

I am sorry to see this one returned as well. If you think the size is an issue, imagine how much longer the search will take given that most ECs are not spready (but I know that you already know this). 7 x 6 mm means at least 1.2 ct and upwards if the depth is in the low 60s and all the other stars are aligned just right.

Although we like different styles of EC, I'm with you on the large corners, high colour and clarity. Interestingly, I've found that I don't mind colour as low as I, if the EC is well cut because the brightness seem to make the stone whiter face up. YES, well cut ECs sparkle! No, they are not quiet at all and depending on the light source, will have huge steppy flash or itty bitty pinpoint sparkle from the Vs or corners or both at the same time.

I agree that ratio must be taken into account. No matter how hard I try, a square EC just doesn't appeal to me as much as a 1.3 to 1.4 ratio. I don't like it when they get too longish either. The ratio impacts not just the step look but the light play of the EC.

I look forward to your continued journey for the right EC.

 

[Niel]

True the IF does hike it up, but I find the price when compared to other stones the same mm size wasn't too expensive. At least, I thought. I can't exactly remember the price anymore so I could be wrong. Plus, though I'd never seek out an IF. I did find it kind of special.

 

[Lula]

I am sorry to see this one returned as well. If you think the size is an issue, imagine how much longer the search will take given that most ECs are not spready (but I know that you already know this). 7 x 6 mm means at least 1.2 ct and upwards if the depth is in the low 60s and all the other stars are aligned just right.

Although we like different styles of EC, I'm with you on the large corners, high colour and clarity. Interestingly, I've found that I don't mind colour as low as I, if the EC is well cut because the brightness seem to make the stone whiter face up. YES, well cut ECs sparkle! No, they are not quiet at all and depending on the light source, will have huge steppy flash or itty bitty pinpoint sparkle from the Vs or corners or both at the same time.

I agree that ratio must be taken into account. No matter how hard I try, a square EC just doesn't appeal to me as much as a 1.3 to 1.4 ratio. I don't like it when they get too longish either. The ratio impacts not just the step look but the light play of the EC.

I look forward to your continued journey for the right EC.

Thanks, Chrono -- it is a fun journey, despite the frustrations!
It's on its way back to JA -- I decided I'd rather wait for the right stone instead of wasting money on a setting for this stone. I know I'd never be completely happy with it. And that's a slippery slope...

I think that an EC in the 1.2 carat range would be perfect, and give me more setting choices. I'm also willing to compromise on color and clarity, especially now that I've seen so many gorgeous H-and-lower color ECs on PS.

 

[Lula]

True the IF does hike it up, but I find the price when compared to other stones the same mm size wasn't too expensive. At least, I thought. I can't exactly remember the price anymore so I could be wrong. Plus, though I'd never seek out an IF. I did find it kind of special.

The JA price, with their PS discount was $2590. And, you are absolutely correct, the price was a bargain considering the face-up size, the color, and the amazing clarity . That's why it was so hard to return it!

So, Niel, if you're still tempted, it's on its way back to JA!

Thanks for all your feedback. I'll be keeping an eye out on the JA stock for ECs in the 1 - 1.2 carat range. I'll be taking a good, long look at all the colored stones I've been hoarding, too -- a little spring cleaning might be in order

 

[Niel]

True the IF does hike it up, but I find the price when compared to other stones the same mm size wasn't too expensive. At least, I thought. I can't exactly remember the price anymore so I could be wrong. Plus, though I'd never seek out an IF. I did find it kind of special.

The JA price, with their PS discount was $2590. And, you are absolutely correct, the price was a bargain considering the face-up size, the color, and the amazing clarity . That's why it was so hard to return it!

So, Niel, if you're still tempted, it's on its way back to JA!

Thanks for all your feedback. I'll be keeping an eye out on the JA stock for ECs in the 1 - 1.2 carat range. I'll be taking a good, long look at all the colored stones I've been hoarding, too -- a little spring cleaning might be in order

Ugh you have no idea. I just bought a 0.84 ct K from JA though and I'm having it set as we speak. I was really hoping you'd keep it so I could love vicariously though you but I understand.

Would you consider a K?

 

[Lula]

True the IF does hike it up, but I find the price when compared to other stones the same mm size wasn't too expensive. At least, I thought. I can't exactly remember the price anymore so I could be wrong. Plus, though I'd never seek out an IF. I did find it kind of special.

The JA price, with their PS discount was $2590. And, you are absolutely correct, the price was a bargain considering the face-up size, the color, and the amazing clarity . That's why it was so hard to return it!

So, Niel, if you're still tempted, it's on its way back to JA!

Thanks for all your feedback. I'll be keeping an eye out on the JA stock for ECs in the 1 - 1.2 carat range. I'll be taking a good, long look at all the colored stones I've been hoarding, too -- a little spring cleaning might be in order

Ugh you have no idea. I just bought a 0.84 ct K from JA though and I'm having it set as we speak. I was really hoping you'd keep it so I could love vicariously though you but I understand.

Would you consider a K?

Niel -- any photos of the K yet? And, yes, in answer to your question, I would consider going lower in color, but not clarity. I think lower-color emerald-cuts and asschers look very vintage, especially with higher crowns. I'm open to suggestions -- let me know if you find anything that looks promising.

I'm also considering Dreamer's suggestion of a 3-stone EC, with three ECs similar in size -- but the problem with that is finding three that have similar facet patterns. Garrett from JA suggested a center EC with two smaller asschers as side stones, but I'd probably just go with carre cut side stones or baguettes instead.

 

[chrono]

I'm also considering Dreamer's suggestion of a 3-stone EC, with three ECs similar in size -- but the problem with that is finding three that have similar facet patterns. Garrett from JA suggested a center EC with two smaller asschers as side stones, but I'd probably just go with carre cut side stones or baguettes instead.

As much as I'd love a 3 stone EC, there's even less info on the 2 side stone EC unless they are big enough to warrant their own GIA reports. And yes, the pattern has to match which will be a PITA to find. Baguettes is a good idea. French cuts?

 

[Niel]

I do have a handful of k pics, but its currently back at JA being reset in a graduated 5 stone with 32 pointers and 15 pointers. Here's a few pics of the stone and the setting ideas (the cad shows 4 prongs on the last set but I'm hoping they can do just one. ). Honestly the people at JA are so helpful! Everybody say that about BGD and WF I hope people know how good JA is too! I'm hoping tk have it finished in like 2 weeks?

I am always looking st low color emeralds just for fun, so of course I'll pass any along.

 

[Lula]

I'm also considering Dreamer's suggestion of a 3-stone EC, with three ECs similar in size -- but the problem with that is finding three that have similar facet patterns. Garrett from JA suggested a center EC with two smaller asschers as side stones, but I'd probably just go with carre cut side stones or baguettes instead.

As much as I'd love a 3 stone EC, there's even less info on the 2 side stone EC unless they are big enough to warrant their own GIA reports. And yes, the pattern has to match which will be a PITA to find. Baguettes is a good idea. French cuts?

Ha-ha, Chrono -- fortunately, I am not a lover of French cuts -- I like the more linear look of carre cuts. Which *might* save me some money. You are right about the PITA aspect of sourcing three matching emerald-cuts. And, as you no doubt know from the CS forum, I am a precision-cut fan, so any differences in facet patterns would drive me bonkers (even if I could only see the differences under the loupe!). So a three-stone EC ring exists only in my fantasy world, I'm afraid. But I like baguettes, especially straight baguettes, so that's an option. I took another look at your EC thread -- your stone is really lovely. And I think "I" color would work for me in an EC, especially set in un-plated white gold.

 

[Lula]

I do have a handful of k pics, but its currently back at JA being reset in a graduated 5 stone with 32 pointers and 15 pointers. Here's a few pics of the stone and the setting ideas (the cad shows 4 prongs on the last set but I'm hoping they can do just one. ). Honestly the people at JA are so helpful! Everybody say that about BGD and WF I hope people know how good JA is too! I'm hoping tk have it finished in like 2 weeks? Oh, Niel, this will be a gorgeous ring! I had no idea that JA did custom work. The profile of your ring is really lovely. I am looking forward to the photos. For some reason, I thought your .84 K was an emerald-cut -- I'm a bit too EC-focused these days

I am always looking st low color emeralds just for fun, so of course I'll pass any along.Thanks!!!

 

[Niel]

I do have a handful of k pics, but its currently back at JA being reset in a graduated 5 stone with 32 pointers and 15 pointers. Here's a few pics of the stone and the setting ideas (the cad shows 4 prongs on the last set but I'm hoping they can do just one. ). Honestly the people at JA are so helpful! Everybody say that about BGD and WF I hope people know how good JA is too! I'm hoping tk have it finished in like 2 weeks? Oh, Niel, this will be a gorgeous ring! I had no idea that JA did custom work. The profile of your ring is really lovely. I am looking forward to the photos. For some reason, I thought your .84 K was an emerald-cut -- I'm a bit too EC-focused these days

I am always looking st low color emeralds just for fun, so of course I'll pass any along.Thanks!!!

Haha thanks. I probably gave the impression it was an emerald

For what its worth gog has some cute asschers in K 1.1-1.2 range, I think one even has a culet. Probably not what you're looking for but passing along

 

[Lula]

I do have a handful of k pics, but its currently back at JA being reset in a graduated 5 stone with 32 pointers and 15 pointers. Here's a few pics of the stone and the setting ideas (the cad shows 4 prongs on the last set but I'm hoping they can do just one. ). Honestly the people at JA are so helpful! Everybody say that about BGD and WF I hope people know how good JA is too! I'm hoping tk have it finished in like 2 weeks? Oh, Niel, this will be a gorgeous ring! I had no idea that JA did custom work. The profile of your ring is really lovely. I am looking forward to the photos. For some reason, I thought your .84 K was an emerald-cut -- I'm a bit too EC-focused these days

I am always looking st low color emeralds just for fun, so of course I'll pass any along.Thanks!!!

Haha thanks. I probably gave the impression it was an emerald

For what its worth gog has some cute asschers in K 1.1-1.2 range, I think one even has a culet. Probably not what you're looking for but passing along

Thanks -- I'll take a look at GOG's site. I like more square ECs, so an asscher with wider corners would appeal to me.

 

[Niel]

It might be out of budget but

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-colorless-diamond-159ct-k-vvs1-emerald-cut-gia-vintage-feel-r4884

 

[Lula]

It might be out of budget but

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-colorless-diamond-159ct-k-vvs1-emerald-cut-gia-vintage-feel-r4884

Yeah, unfortunately out of budget now, but definitely the look/proportions I'm going for. And I love the K color! I'm adding this to my "save" folder. I could probably swing it with a center EC stone that was closer to a carat, especially with bullet side stones. Thanks, Niel!