Please be brutally honest- little nervous about the puchase!

[paperumbrella]

Hi folks,
A few weeks ago, I posted a topic about the stone below, which is an AGS 0, but >2 on the HCA (I believe the score was 3.5). I had the vendor call in the stone for evaluation, and he said that it is completely eye-clean from top and sides from 4-6 inches, and has excellent light return. I trust the vendor based on reviews here on PS and other sites. However, my concern is that the price is too good and I am missing some major flaw with this stone. With the PS/wire discount, the price is a little more than $7600. I have reserved the stone, and am planning on making the puchase in the next few days, but I am just wondering if there are any red flags that you all can see, based on the numbers alone. I do not have 10x images or Idealscope pictures (I know this makes evaluation more difficult). Also, besides making sure I am satisfied with the color, clarity, and sparkle, what other criteria should I use to evaluate the stone in person? Finally, if a stone is graded by an accredited lab, is it necessary to also obtain an independent appraisal? Will this give me any additional information that I do not already have? There is a 30-day return policy, so I do have more than enough time to return the stone if I am not happy with it when I see it in person. (It is definitely possible that I am over-thinking this whole transaction, but it is a fairly large purchase and one that is so emotionally-loaded!) OK, if you made it to the end of this lengthy post, I really appreciate it!

AGS#: 104046104010
Report Type: The Platinum Light Performance Diamond Quality® Document
Shape and Style: Round Brilliant
Measurements: 7.45 - 7.48 x 4.67 mm
Cut Grade: AGS Ideal 0
Color Grade: AGS 2.5 (I)
Clarity Grade: AGS 5 (SI1)
Carat Weight 1.598
Fluorescence: Negligible
Comments:Additional clouds and surface graining are not shown.
Light Performance: 0
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Table: 55.1%
Crown Angle: 35.6
Crown Height: 16.0%
Girdle: Faceted, 1.9% to 3.9%
Pavilion Angle: 40.9
Pavilion Depth: 43.1%
Star Length: 51%
Lower Girdle Length: 80%
Total Depth: 62.6%
Culet: Pointed

 

[lovetorenovate]

Re: Please be brutally honest- little nervous about the puch

I've been shopping for a similar stone and this price doesn't sound off for a 1.59 I S1.

 

[yssie]

Re: Please be brutally honest- little nervous about the puch

HCA is a blunt rejection tool - which means some beauties slip through its filter, this could most certainly be one of them.

An indep appraisal is as useful as you want it to be - if you send the stone loose the appraiser can get you IS/ASET, tell you about nuances/details/things the setter may need to watch for. An appraisal of the completed ring will yield assurances of workmanship of the piece, confirm no damage to the stone, and you'll get an un-inflated retail replacement value to insure for - which, depending on the value of the piece and your location, may save you a surprising amount in unnecessary premiums..

 

[Amys Bling]

Re: Please be brutally honest- little nervous about the puch

Well, for 1.5 I SI1 the price of 7,600 seems to be accurate. Personallly, if you are working with a highly reputable vendor and the vendor says it is a beautiful stone, you can always take a chance on it--- * IF * they have a 30 day or greater return policy so that you can get the stone appraised independently- evaluate it with your own eye in a variety of situations (inside bright lights, low lights, outside, etc.) that way you can be sure that YOU are happy with the stone. HCA can give an idea as to good stones vs. bad stones, but I think a good rejection tool is also an educated eye!

If you read up about things to look for, you are a great rejection tool! Know what to avoid (dull, ring of darkness, etc.) and let the stone speak to you.

I think that based on the stats, price, and the reputable vendor telling you it's a great stone, and add your educated eye to those tools and I think you will know best if this is the stone for you. It's easy for us Pricescopers to tell you not to- or to- buy a stone based on numbers, and aset and IS images, but in the end it is your stone and you have to be sure of it yourself after careful in person evaluation.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Please be brutally honest- little nervous about the puch

I will just say that not all vendors here on PS are equal. They have different standards and tailor to different customers.