Please evaluate this diamond

[dazed_and_confused]

Hi,

First, I apologize if I'm repeating myself here. But I'm not getting any responses in my previous thread. Maybe it's because it's too long?
I really would like to know what you people think because the guy is willing to hold the diamond for me one day.

I found another diamond that I'm considering. I would appreciate if people could give me their opinion on this stone.

1. It's a round diamond. It is 1.28 carot, D color, VS1 clarity, and Excellent cut grade from GIA.
The polish is excellent, BUT the Symmetry is only very good. =(

According to the diagram, the table is 57%. The top left from side from the table is a 50%. To the top right side, there is a 35 degrees and the bottom right side just underneath is 40.8 degrees. In the middle, I believe the depth is 62.2%. In the top middle, I believe the crown is 15% and the bottom middle (the pavilion?) is 43.0%. At the bottom point of the diamond, it says none. Going back to the left side of the diamond, the girdle?? shows it's medium and below states it's: slightly thick (faceted). Then there is another number at the bottom left hand corner of the diamond standing on its own showing 80%. There is no flourescence. The measuremnts are 6.94 x 6.96 x 4.32.

With the advice of someone on this forum, I checked the HCA also. If I entered the numbers correctly, I get an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation. But the spread gets very good rating.

2 . Could someone tell me if the symmetry matters here? I'm guessing it won't be a "heart and arrows" diamond. I'm surprised the HCA came back with an excellent rating even though the symmetry is suppose to be "off". Unfortunately, I do not know how to tell where the symmetry is the problem. Any advice on this would be appreciated.

3. On a separate issue, I see diamonds with medium flourescence. I checked some websites and the overall opinion is that flourescence is "not good" on diamonds with a color of D, E, of F. Retailers tend to charge less for D, E, and F diamonds with flourescence. But does flourescence interefere with the light return on colorless diamonds? Is it worth buying a D diamond with medium flourescence with everything else being excellent?

 

[Lorelei]

I responded to your other thread not long ago, where you say you were not getting any responses? Things can be quieter this time of day, give it a bit of time and more should respond.

As I said previously, if you could ask the vendor for an Idealscope image on this diamond, that would tell us more, the diamond looks to be worth further investigation.

 

[dockman3]

On first glance, just going by the numbers, it looks like a great stone. I don''t know what score the HCA gave it, but it must have been under 2, which is good. The symmetry listed on the GIA certificate being only VG is just fine. It does not need to be EX to be a H&A diamond. Anything VG and above is fine for both polish and symmetry. A picture would be very nice to have, but from the numbers, it looks great!

As for the flouro, I don''t think I''ve heard anything about it affecting D-F diamonds any more than any other stones. It might give the stones a slight blue tint in direct sunlight, but that should be the only noticable difference. Hopefully somebody else will correct me if I''m wrong.

 

[swingirl]

You got quite a few responses to your last thread.

It makes it easier to assess your stone if you just list the details in the same order they are on the GIA or AGS certificate.

If there is a link to the vendor with photos that would be ideal.

If this stone is from a B&M you may not get any photos or ASET in which case it will be difficult to say anything other than is has promise. The numbers only tell so much.

The price matters, too. Because a gorgeous stone that is way over priced wouldn't be a good buy.

Rarely can you get 4 excellents on HCA. 3 excellents and 1 vg (on spread) is about the best.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Date: 8/29/2008 1:39:58 PM
Author: dockman3
On first glance, just going by the numbers, it looks like a great stone. I don''t know what score the HCA gave it, but it must have been under 2, which is good. The symmetry listed on the GIA certificate being only VG is just fine. It does not need to be EX to be a H&A diamond. Anything VG and above is fine for both polish and symmetry. A picture would be very nice to have, but from the numbers, it looks great!

As for the flouro, I don''t think I''ve heard anything about it affecting D-F diamonds any more than any other stones. It might give the stones a slight blue tint in direct sunlight, but that should be the only noticable difference. Hopefully somebody else will correct me if I''m wrong.

If I entered the numbers correctly, I get an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation. But the spread gets very good rating.
The number is 1.7

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/29/2008 2:54:40 PM
Author: dazed_and_confused

Date: 8/29/2008 1:39:58 PM
Author: dockman3
On first glance, just going by the numbers, it looks like a great stone. I don't know what score the HCA gave it, but it must have been under 2, which is good. The symmetry listed on the GIA certificate being only VG is just fine. It does not need to be EX to be a H&A diamond. Anything VG and above is fine for both polish and symmetry. A picture would be very nice to have, but from the numbers, it looks great!

As for the flouro, I don't think I've heard anything about it affecting D-F diamonds any more than any other stones. It might give the stones a slight blue tint in direct sunlight, but that should be the only noticable difference. Hopefully somebody else will correct me if I'm wrong.

If I entered the numbers correctly, I get an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation. But the spread gets very good rating.
The number is 1.7

As Swingirl mentioned above and as I already explained in your last thread, the very good rating for spread is usual for all but shallower depth diamonds, nothing to worry about. Three excellents and a VG for spread is fine.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Date: 8/29/2008 2:14:42 PM
Author: swingirl
You got quite a few responses to your last thread.

It makes it easier to assess your stone if you just list the details in the same order they are on the GIA or AGS certificate.

If there is a link to the vendor with photos that would be ideal.

If this stone is from a B&M you may not get any photos or ASET in which case it will be difficult to say anything other than is has promise. The numbers only tell so much.

The price matters, too. Because a gorgeous stone that is way over priced wouldn''t be a good buy.

Rarely can you get 4 excellents on HCA. 3 excellents and 1 vg (on spread) is about the best.

The stone is in a store. If the store does have an idealscope, I''m not sure if I''ll be able to take a picture with it. But a friend of mine took a look at the diamond and said something along the lines where one of the cores (maybe the heart or arrow) is "off" by 30% or so. I think I''m translating what he said to me correctly. =p Thus, the rating is only very good on the certificate for symmetry.

But does the symmetry being "off" affect the light return and fire in the diamond? It would be pretty bad if I ended up doing this research and to find out later that it''s a dull stone.
The asking price from the store is $17k.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Date: 8/29/2008 2:58:55 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/29/2008 2:54:40 PM
Author: dazed_and_confused

Date: 8/29/2008 1:39:58 PM
Author: dockman3
On first glance, just going by the numbers, it looks like a great stone. I don''t know what score the HCA gave it, but it must have been under 2, which is good. The symmetry listed on the GIA certificate being only VG is just fine. It does not need to be EX to be a H&A diamond. Anything VG and above is fine for both polish and symmetry. A picture would be very nice to have, but from the numbers, it looks great!

As for the flouro, I don''t think I''ve heard anything about it affecting D-F diamonds any more than any other stones. It might give the stones a slight blue tint in direct sunlight, but that should be the only noticable difference. Hopefully somebody else will correct me if I''m wrong.

If I entered the numbers correctly, I get an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation. But the spread gets very good rating.
The number is 1.7

As Swingirl mentioned above and as I already explained in your last thread, the very good rating for spread is usual for all but shallower depth diamonds, nothing to worry about. Three excellents and a VG for spread is fine.

Sorry. Just to confirm, I''m assuming that this diamond does not have a deep cut. Is that fair of me to say?
Or is it somewhat a deep cut but light return is good?

 

[swingirl]

Quite honestly a 1.28 ct for $17k?? I know it's a D (and maybe that's the deal breaker for you) but are you really definite about your specs?

Regarding depth I have seen a 1.29ct with the dimensions of 7.03 x 7.03 x 4.28 and a 1.28ct with the dimensions of 6.95 x 6.98 x 4.30. These were AGS Ideal cuts.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Date: 8/29/2008 3:44:14 PM
Author: swingirl
Quite honestly a 1.28 ct for $17k?? I know it''s a D (and maybe that''s the deal breaker for you) but are you really definite about your specs?

Regarding depth I have seen a 1.29ct with the dimensions of 7.03 x 7.03 x 4.28 and a 1.28ct with the dimensions of 6.95 x 6.98 x 4.30. These were AGS Ideal cuts.

Hi,

I''m reading these numbers off a copy of the GIA report that I received from the sales person. Is something wrong? Is the diamond over priced?

 

[swingirl]

Picking out a diamond is very subjective. When it comes to color and clarity it''s a personal choice of what you are willing to pay for. Some people won''t accept anything less than D VVS1 and are happy with a smaller stone to keep to those parameters. I find a D overkill and D''s, E''s and F''s to be so close most people couldn''t tell difference. Therefore, I''d be looking for a larger stone with a warmer color.

But you have to decide what you like. The dimensions of your stone don''t show any problems. I posted the dimensions of other stones just for comparison''s sake.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Hi,

I found another two diamonds that I''m interested in. I found this website through other posts and people''s recommendation.

1. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4733/

2. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4753/

What do you guys think of these two stones? Which is a better buy?

The E color stone has a crystal right in the middle of the table. Is that a problem?

I''m also curiuos as to why there is only a $900 price difference when the E color stone is so much bigger in carot size. Is there really a big difference in pricing between a D and E?

Thanks in advance for any advice provided!

 

[JulieN]

There is supposed to be a 7% discount for an E compared to a D.

So I guess $2000 is for the extra quarter of a carat.

In a VS1, you should not worry about seeing anything with the naked eye, or worry about haziness, decreased performance, or durability.

I'd go for the bigger E. 15000 for a smidge over one carat?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/30/2008 12:59:06 PM
Author: dazed_and_confused
Hi,

I found another two diamonds that I''m interested in. I found this website through other posts and people''s recommendation.

1. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4733/

2. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4753/

What do you guys think of these two stones? Which is a better buy?

The E color stone has a crystal right in the middle of the table. Is that a problem?

I''m also curiuos as to why there is only a $900 price difference when the E color stone is so much bigger in carot size. Is there really a big difference in pricing between a D and E?

Thanks in advance for any advice provided!

I very much doubt it, if you are interested in this diamond, Jon from GOG will let you know if it is eye visible or not. Both are top make diamonds, I don''t think you could go wrong with either, it depends on your preferences and budget.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Hi,

I personally like the E diamond from good old gold. But my girlfriend prefers the D color, 1.28 diamond that I have listed above. She doesn''t like the fact that it has flourescence on the E diamond. Although I mentioned to her that it doesn''t matter much in terms of fire and light return, she thinks it does matter on a D diamond and that GIA reports it as a charateristic for a reason.

Going back to the D color, 1.28 diamond...I''m curiuos to know if symmetry is big problem. According to the HCA, we received a 1.7. But that doesn''t factor in symmetry. I''m concerned about buying a diamond with no light return or fire.

I checked this website: diamonddeals.com
I was able to see the hearts and arrows in the diamond. But I was not able to tell where the diamond is "off" or not centered. I also couldn''t match any of the light leakage to any of the photos listed on the website above. I was told by the sales person that the core of the diamond is about 30% off.
Is diamind still a good buy? I plan on going back to the store to take a second look.
Thanks!

 

[Lorelei]

. It's a round diamond. It is 1.28 carot, D color, VS1 clarity, and Excellent cut grade from GIA.
The polish is excellent, BUT the Symmetry is only very good. =(




According to the diagram, the table is 57%. The top left from side from the table is a 50%. To the top right side, there is a 35 degrees and the bottom right side just underneath is 40.8 degrees. In the middle, I believe the depth is 62.2%. In the top middle, I believe the crown is 15% and the bottom middle (the pavilion?) is 43.0%. At the bottom point of the diamond, it says none. Going back to the left side of the diamond, the girdle?? shows it's medium and below states it's: slightly thick (faceted). Then there is another number at the bottom left hand corner of the diamond standing on its own showing 80%. There is no flourescence. The measuremnts are 6.94 x 6.96 x 4.32.




With the advice of someone on this forum, I checked the HCA also. If I entered the numbers correctly, I get an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation. But the spread gets very good rating.




2 . Could someone tell me if the symmetry matters here? I'm guessing it won't be a "heart and arrows" diamond. I'm surprised the HCA came back with an excellent rating even though the symmetry is suppose to be "off". Unfortunately, I do not know how to tell where the symmetry is the problem. Any advice on this would be appreciated.

This diamond could be worth consideration certainly, you wouldn't notice the difference between good and above for symmetry anyway with the naked untrained eye, it won't be a problem. More important is if you like the diamond and your GF does. Check it out away from the store lights if you can to make sure you like it in normal lighting conditions.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Date: 8/31/2008 11:40:49 AM
Author: Lorelei


. It''s a round diamond. It is 1.28 carot, D color, VS1 clarity, and Excellent cut grade from GIA.
The polish is excellent, BUT the Symmetry is only very good. =(






According to the diagram, the table is 57%. The top left from side from the table is a 50%. To the top right side, there is a 35 degrees and the bottom right side just underneath is 40.8 degrees. In the middle, I believe the depth is 62.2%. In the top middle, I believe the crown is 15% and the bottom middle (the pavilion?) is 43.0%. At the bottom point of the diamond, it says none. Going back to the left side of the diamond, the girdle?? shows it''s medium and below states it''s: slightly thick (faceted). Then there is another number at the bottom left hand corner of the diamond standing on its own showing 80%. There is no flourescence. The measuremnts are 6.94 x 6.96 x 4.32.






With the advice of someone on this forum, I checked the HCA also. If I entered the numbers correctly, I get an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation. But the spread gets very good rating.






2 . Could someone tell me if the symmetry matters here? I''m guessing it won''t be a ''heart and arrows'' diamond. I''m surprised the HCA came back with an excellent rating even though the symmetry is suppose to be ''off''. Unfortunately, I do not know how to tell where the symmetry is the problem. Any advice on this would be appreciated.

This diamond could be worth consideration certainly, you wouldn''t notice the difference between good and above for symmetry anyway with the naked untrained eye, it won''t be a problem. More important is if you like the diamond and your GF does. Check it out away from the store lights if you can to make sure you like it in normal lighting conditions.

I''m sorry if I''m repeating myself. I''m just a little confused and overwhelmed right now. My girlfriend prefers the D diamond and I prefer the E diamond. What is bothering her is the medium flourescence on the E diamond. I don''t want to quote John wrong, but he said something along the lines that medium flourescence doesn''t really factor in sunlight. I''m assuming the light return, fire, and scintillation is "overwhelming" the blue flourescence? My friend commented that I''m paying for a colorless diamond, so why have blue flourescence. Based on my research, flourescence is still being debated as whether it''s good or bad.
Can you elaborate more on this?

As for the D diamond, my concern is the symmetry. Although I was told the core is 30% off....I still don''t know what that means. Anothering thing that bothers me is the GIA report is from May of 2007. If this diamond is that good, why hasn''t it been sold? From the naked eye, I cannot see the table as clearly on this diamond as I would see on John''s E diamond. I''m suspecting something else is wrong with the D diamond.

If you could provide further advice, I would really appreciate it.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/31/2008 8:56:41 PM
Author: dazed_and_confused

I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself. I'm just a little confused and overwhelmed right now. My girlfriend prefers the D diamond and I prefer the E diamond. What is bothering her is the medium flourescence on the E diamond. I don't want to quote John wrong, but he said something along the lines that medium flourescence doesn't really factor in sunlight. I'm assuming the light return, fire, and scintillation is 'overwhelming' the blue flourescence? My friend commented that I'm paying for a colorless diamond, so why have blue flourescence. Based on my research, flourescence is still being debated as whether it's good or bad.
Can you elaborate more on this?

As for the D diamond, my concern is the symmetry. Although I was told the core is 30% off....I still don't know what that means. Anothering thing that bothers me is the GIA report is from May of 2007. If this diamond is that good, why hasn't it been sold? From the naked eye, I cannot see the table as clearly on this diamond as I would see on John's E diamond. I'm suspecting something else is wrong with the D diamond.

If you could provide further advice, I would really appreciate it.

You are fine D&C.

Medium fluorescence - you might notice on occasion a faint glow in some sunlight, but it might not be an issue. Years ago, fluorescence was highly desirable in colourless diamonds and diamantaires could charge more accordingly, these were known as ' blue whites'. Trends and ideas change over time as you know, in latter years fluorescence apparently fell from favour, some still cling to that but now it can be a matter of taste and the fluorescence fans are growing in number!

So it depends on whether you are open to the idea of having some fluorescence or not - neither way is wrong, just a matter of what you want in your diamond.

Symmetry - read this tutorial on this matter which was written by one of our experts, it explains things well and should help you.

http://diamonds.pricescope.com/symm.asp

The date on the report, sometimes diamonds take a little while to find a home, the date is actually fine and not old at all.

What I would recommend, when you decide what diamond you are going for, make the sale final on it checking out favourably with an independant appraiser, I think that might be helpful to you and give you some peace of mind, see this tool here to find one in your area,

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

 

[arjunajane]

May I ask what is the reason your GF wants a D so badly?
No one will be able to tell the difference between a D and E in the well cut stones you are considering.
If its for cultural or other significant reasons, than no worries.
But I just wanted to point out that alot of people, due to marketing, think they need a D and nothing less, whilw anything G and above will look just as white - the difference is not discernible.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Date: 9/1/2008 5:25:58 AM
Author: arjunajane
May I ask what is the reason your GF wants a D so badly?
No one will be able to tell the difference between a D and E in the well cut stones you are considering.
If its for cultural or other significant reasons, than no worries.
But I just wanted to point out that alot of people, due to marketing, think they need a D and nothing less, whilw anything G and above will look just as white - the difference is not discernible.

I wish I knew why she wanted a D color diamond so badly. I''m guessing its her preference. What''s really bothering her is the medium flourescence on the E diamond.

At this point, I don''t understand why she would take a "very good" symmetry over blue flourescence. She did mention something along the lines of having a colorless diamond and then having blue flourescence. So what would be the point of buying a colorless diamond if it''s going to have color.
Maybe someone could help me give a more convincing argument?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/1/2008 12:59:55 PM
Author: dazed_and_confused

Date: 9/1/2008 5:25:58 AM
Author: arjunajane
May I ask what is the reason your GF wants a D so badly?
No one will be able to tell the difference between a D and E in the well cut stones you are considering.
If its for cultural or other significant reasons, than no worries.
But I just wanted to point out that alot of people, due to marketing, think they need a D and nothing less, whilw anything G and above will look just as white - the difference is not discernible.

I wish I knew why she wanted a D color diamond so badly. I''m guessing its her preference. What''s really bothering her is the medium flourescence on the E diamond.

At this point, I don''t understand why she would take a ''very good'' symmetry over blue flourescence. She did mention something along the lines of having a colorless diamond and then having blue flourescence. So what would be the point of buying a colorless diamond if it''s going to have color.
Maybe someone could help me give a more convincing argument?

Maybe because she likes the idea of having a D very much, and the VG symmetry might be absolutely fine with her, like I said you won''t notice any difference with good and above anyway. Priorities differ, some here want an absolute top notch cut with as much size as they can get, and will happily take a J colour SI clarity to obtain it. Some want D IF and aren''t bothered about the cut quality, the D IF is what is important to them. Some will take a G colour and VS clarity and won''t consider SI clarity, there are many variations on this theme.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Date: 9/1/2008 1:13:30 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 9/1/2008 12:59:55 PM
Author: dazed_and_confused

Date: 9/1/2008 5:25:58 AM
Author: arjunajane
May I ask what is the reason your GF wants a D so badly?
No one will be able to tell the difference between a D and E in the well cut stones you are considering.
If its for cultural or other significant reasons, than no worries.
But I just wanted to point out that alot of people, due to marketing, think they need a D and nothing less, whilw anything G and above will look just as white - the difference is not discernible.

I wish I knew why she wanted a D color diamond so badly. I''m guessing its her preference. What''s really bothering her is the medium flourescence on the E diamond.

At this point, I don''t understand why she would take a ''very good'' symmetry over blue flourescence. She did mention something along the lines of having a colorless diamond and then having blue flourescence. So what would be the point of buying a colorless diamond if it''s going to have color.
Maybe someone could help me give a more convincing argument?

Maybe because she likes the idea of having a D very much, and the VG symmetry might be absolutely fine with her, like I said you won''t notice any difference with good and above anyway. Priorities differ, some here want an absolute top notch cut with as much size as they can get, and will happily take a J colour SI clarity to obtain it. Some want D IF and aren''t bothered about the cut quality, the D IF is what is important to them. Some will take a G colour and VS clarity and won''t consider SI clarity, there are many variations on this theme.

Hi,
Thanks for your input. She is concerned with the "quality" of the diamond as well. Like you said, both diamonds are very good.
I read many posts on this forum about medium flourescence. But there is no conclusion as to whether it''s good or not. It seems to be a matter of preference. Is there anything I should be aware of in terms of medium flourescence other than ultraviolet light? I''m guessing the blue won''t show that much on the E diamond.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/1/2008 2:04:15 PM
Author: dazed_and_confused

Date: 9/1/2008 1:13:30 PM
Author: Lorelei

Hi,
Thanks for your input. She is concerned with the ''quality'' of the diamond as well. Like you said, both diamonds are very good.
I read many posts on this forum about medium flourescence. But there is no conclusion as to whether it''s good or not. It seems to be a matter of preference. Is there anything I should be aware of in terms of medium flourescence other than ultraviolet light? I''m guessing the blue won''t show that much on the E diamond.

Exactly - it is indeed a matter of preference concerning fluorescence. There aren''t any issues with medium fluorescence you need to worry about, also you may not notice much effect from it even in sunlight, however those that DO notice fluorescence in their diamonds often consider it to be a really cool feature of their stone. As it sounds as if your GF really prefers the D colour diamond, are you considering that one more for purchase than the E with fluorescence?

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Date: 9/1/2008 2:08:43 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 9/1/2008 2:04:15 PM
Author: dazed_and_confused

Date: 9/1/2008 1:13:30 PM
Author: Lorelei

Hi,
Thanks for your input. She is concerned with the ''quality'' of the diamond as well. Like you said, both diamonds are very good.
I read many posts on this forum about medium flourescence. But there is no conclusion as to whether it''s good or not. It seems to be a matter of preference. Is there anything I should be aware of in terms of medium flourescence other than ultraviolet light? I''m guessing the blue won''t show that much on the E diamond.

Exactly - it is indeed a matter of preference concerning fluorescence. There aren''t any issues with medium fluorescence you need to worry about, also you may not notice much effect from it even in sunlight, however those that DO notice fluorescence in their diamonds often consider it to be a really cool feature of their stone. As it sounds as if your GF really prefers the D colour diamond, are you considering that one more for purchase than the E with fluorescence?

Wow! You''re good! I''m trying to convince my girlfriend that the E diamond might be a better buy because John has done all his testing for this diamond. Even with the flourescence, I think this is a better diamond with the drop from a D to a E in color. Based on this forum, John also seems to be a reputable dealer.

As for the D diamond, I just don''t like the fact that symmetry is off. In addition, the store does not have an ASET image or tool to show me if the diamond is leaking light. The measurements are fine for the D diamond based on people''s opinion on this forum, but I just don''t have all the info. It also makes me wonder why this diamond hasn''t been sold because the GIA report is from May of 2007. If it''s that good of a diamond, I think it would have been sold already.

I hope to make a decision sometime this week. I will let you know! Thanks for your help.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

What a bummer. My girlfriend finally decided to go with the D 1.28 diamond. When we went to the store, we were told the diamond was sold.

The medium fluorescence seems to bother her on the E diamond from Good old gold. But maybe it still has an outside chance.

So I''m starting my search all over again. I had no choice but to head back to the diamond district (*sigh*)...
This diamond is similar to the one I found earlier, but more expensive =(
Here are the specs:
Measurements: 7.08 - 7.17 x 4.36 mm
Carat Weight: 1.32
Color Grade: D
Clarity Grade: VS1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Depth: 61.2 %
Table: 53 %
Crown Angle: 34.5°
Crown Height: 16 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.6°
Pavilion Depth: 42.5 %
Star length: 55 %
Lower Half: 75 %
Girdle: Thin, Faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None
Key: Crystal, Needle, Pinpoint - But I have no idea where these items are on the diamond yet.
The HCA returns a 0.8 which is suprisingly better than the 1.3 from the E diamond on good old gold.
It has an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation, and a very good on spread.
From what I gather, it seems the hearts at the 12 and 6 were shifted to one side when looking at the diamond.
They''re asking for $18,500 which I think is a ridiculous price. But I have not negotiated yet and I have no idea how low they will go.

The other diamond that I''m considering is from bluenile:
Measurements: 6.98 - 7.02 x 4.32 mm
Carat Weight: 1.31
Color Grade: E
Clarity Grade: VS1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Depth: 61.7 %
Table: 56 %
Crown Angle: 35°
Crown Height: 15.5 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.6°
Pavilion Depth: 42.5 %
Star length: 50 %
Lower Half: 80 %
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Key: Crystal, Cloud, and Pinpoint - According to the GIA report, there seems to be some key markings on the table.
Asking price is $16,719
The HCA also returns a 0.8.
It has an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation, and a very good on spread.

I think my girlfriend and I are now confused because she now accepts the fact a D, VS1, three excellents, ideal cut, and no fluorescence are pretty slim and not a reality.

Is this diamond with a 53% table good? Even though 53% is in the ideal range, I was told 54% to 56% is the best.
In general, what is better....A D diamond with the symmetry being off or having a E diamond that has everything excellent?
Which diamond is a better buy and has a better value in the long run? I''m only asking this question in case anything happens because it doesn''t have a good policy like good old gold.
Any other comments or something I should be aware of would be appreciated.


Thanks in advance for any advice provided.

 

[JulieN]

Date: 9/4/2008 11:10:53 PM
Author: dazed_and_confused
So I'm starting my search all over again. I had no choice but to head back to the diamond district (*sigh*)...
This diamond is similar to the one I found earlier, but more expensive =(
Here are the specs:
Measurements: 7.08 - 7.17 x 4.36 mm
Carat Weight: 1.32
Color Grade: D
Clarity Grade: VS1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Depth: 61.2 %
Table: 53 %
Crown Angle: 34.5°
Crown Height: 16 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.6°
Pavilion Depth: 42.5 %
Star length: 55 %
Lower Half: 75 %
Girdle: Thin, Faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None
Key: Crystal, Needle, Pinpoint - But I have no idea where these items are on the diamond yet.
The HCA returns a 0.8 which is suprisingly better than the 1.3 from the E diamond on good old gold.
It has an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation, and a very good on spread.
From what I gather, it seems the hearts at the 12 and 6 were shifted to one side when looking at the diamond.
They're asking for $18,500 which I think is a ridiculous price. But I have not negotiated yet and I have no idea how low they will go.

.8 !> 1.3

I don't think the price is ridiculous...

The other diamond that I'm considering is from bluenile:
Measurements: 6.98 - 7.02 x 4.32 mm
Carat Weight: 1.31
Color Grade: E
Clarity Grade: VS1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Depth: 61.7 %
Table: 56 %
Crown Angle: 35°
Crown Height: 15.5 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.6°
Pavilion Depth: 42.5 %
Star length: 50 %
Lower Half: 80 %
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Key: Crystal, Cloud, and Pinpoint - According to the GIA report, there seems to be some key markings on the table.
Asking price is $16,719
The HCA also returns a 0.8.
It has an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation, and a very good on spread.

I think my girlfriend and I are now confused because she now accepts the fact a D, VS1, three excellents, ideal cut, and no fluorescence are pretty slim and not a reality.

Is this diamond with a 53% table good? Even though 53% is in the ideal range, I was told 54% to 56% is the best.
In general, what is better....A D diamond with the symmetry being off or having a E diamond that has everything excellent?

I would appreciate a 53% or other smaller table in a D. In lower colors, you generally don't want to cut very small tables (may make color more apparent) but you don't have to worry about that with colorless. Smaller table, more fire! Yay. 54-56 is not "the best." it all has to work together.

You can't tell the difference between EX and VG symmetry with the naked eye. If it's well-proportioned and everything works together, then VG symmetry=more money in your pocket!

 

[Lorelei]

A smaller table is no problem, compare both these diamonds and see which you like best, they are both well cut.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Date: 9/5/2008 12:03:33 AM
Author: JulieN

Date: 9/4/2008 11:10:53 PM
Author: dazed_and_confused
So I''m starting my search all over again. I had no choice but to head back to the diamond district (*sigh*)...
This diamond is similar to the one I found earlier, but more expensive =(
Here are the specs:
Measurements: 7.08 - 7.17 x 4.36 mm
Carat Weight: 1.32
Color Grade: D
Clarity Grade: VS1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Depth: 61.2 %
Table: 53 %
Crown Angle: 34.5°
Crown Height: 16 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.6°
Pavilion Depth: 42.5 %
Star length: 55 %
Lower Half: 75 %
Girdle: Thin, Faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Very Good
Fluorescence: None
Key: Crystal, Needle, Pinpoint - But I have no idea where these items are on the diamond yet.
The HCA returns a 0.8 which is suprisingly better than the 1.3 from the E diamond on good old gold.
It has an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation, and a very good on spread.
From what I gather, it seems the hearts at the 12 and 6 were shifted to one side when looking at the diamond.
They''re asking for $18,500 which I think is a ridiculous price. But I have not negotiated yet and I have no idea how low they will go.

.8 !> 1.3

I don''t think the price is ridiculous...

The other diamond that I''m considering is from bluenile:
Measurements: 6.98 - 7.02 x 4.32 mm
Carat Weight: 1.31
Color Grade: E
Clarity Grade: VS1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Depth: 61.7 %
Table: 56 %
Crown Angle: 35°
Crown Height: 15.5 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.6°
Pavilion Depth: 42.5 %
Star length: 50 %
Lower Half: 80 %
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Key: Crystal, Cloud, and Pinpoint - According to the GIA report, there seems to be some key markings on the table.
Asking price is $16,719
The HCA also returns a 0.8.
It has an excellent on light return, fire, and scintillation, and a very good on spread.

I think my girlfriend and I are now confused because she now accepts the fact a D, VS1, three excellents, ideal cut, and no fluorescence are pretty slim and not a reality.

Is this diamond with a 53% table good? Even though 53% is in the ideal range, I was told 54% to 56% is the best.
In general, what is better....A D diamond with the symmetry being off or having a E diamond that has everything excellent?

I would appreciate a 53% or other smaller table in a D. In lower colors, you generally don''t want to cut very small tables (may make color more apparent) but you don''t have to worry about that with colorless. Smaller table, more fire! Yay. 54-56 is not ''the best.'' it all has to work together.

You can''t tell the difference between EX and VG symmetry with the naked eye. If it''s well-proportioned and everything works together, then VG symmetry=more money in your pocket!

Hi,
Could you elaborate more on the well proportioned part? If it''s very good symmetry, isn''t it assumed that it''s not well proportioned? As for the $18,500 asking price, I thought it was high. There was another diamond with a 1.27 D color diamond with 3 excellents. But it was mentioned the cut was too deep and steep. This diamond was asking for $17,000.
But that''s just based on paper GIA report.

 

[dazed_and_confused]

Sorry...I forgot to ask one more question in my previous post.
Now that it''s almost impossible to find a D color diamond with VS1, three excellents, with ideal cut....

Is it better to have a grading of very good in polish or symmetry?
I prefer not to have a very good on cut.

 

[JulieN]

Date: 9/5/2008 9:39:13 AM
Author: dazed_and_confused

Hi,
Could you elaborate more on the well proportioned part? If it's very good symmetry, isn't it assumed that it's not well proportioned? As for the $18,500 asking price, I thought it was high. There was another diamond with a 1.27 D color diamond with 3 excellents. But it was mentioned the cut was too deep and steep. This diamond was asking for $17,000.
But that's just based on paper GIA report.

Not at all. Symmetry is just about the facet meet points...or the seams of the facets.

If it has good angles (=good HCA or AGS 0/1 type of proprtion combos) and the angles are pretty consistent (not crazy like 40.2 and 41 for min and max pavilion angle) and doesn't have leakage that effects performance, I would consider it well-proprtioned.

The bad stone is 17000. This stone, which looks pretty nice on paper is 18500. 1500 difference. A diamond isn't just sold by if it's TRIPLE EX. If it's TRIPLE EX and ugly, it's not going to cost the same as a pretty TRIPLE EX. Cut is 30-40% of the diamond's price. 1500 is a drop in the bucket!

VG polish is probably preferred, but as I said, you can't see the difference with the naked eye. I wouldn't rule out a stone just because it has VG sym, and you already said the pickings were slim.