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Please Help - First time Diamond buyer

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headOVERheels

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 16, 2006
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This is my first post on this forum but I''m a long time reader and fan. You guys have been a huge help for me in my search for the perfect engagement ring. Its seems thought that just when I get the 4 c''s down I learn more and the process gets more complicated. Could you guys give me some specs beyond the 4 C''s for an Emerald cut diamond? I looking for at least a 2 carat with f-h color and at least vs1 clarity. Basically I want to know the most cost efficient setup. What areas of the diamond can i skimp on and still WOW her? Thanks sooo much
 
Well, an EC is not going to be the most cost efficient diamond unfortuntely. While rounds are generally more expensive, with a round, you can go down quite a ways in color and clarity and still get an amazing diamond. Most people don't like to go too far down in color with ECs becasue they show more color due to their step faceting. And this faceting shows inclusions so much better as well. Usually, you can't go below VS2 and still have the diamond be eye clean. Lastly, cut is never to be compromised. Use this chart to help you narrow down yours search but remember you must have pictures or even better, see the diamond in person. ECs should not be judged by numbers alone.

http://www.gemappraisers.com/oldcutgraderules.asp

I guess the only thing you can really 'give up' is carat weight, if you must save $$ somewhere.
 
Thanks soo much jazmine! What is the ideal depth and table for an EC?
 
usually color/clarity is where you can make some big compromises but not so much with ec''s and other step cuts becuase there isn''t the all over sparkle to hide body color/inclusions. there''s not too much room to ''scrimp'' with them. i would focus on getting a great cut and maximizing spread (face up size) by looking at the dimensions. don''t just look at the carat weights.

best of luck!
 
If you look at the link I posted, you will find the answer to your question.
 
I wouild look in the H-I range and VS2 or maybe a nice SI1 if the jeweler will point it out to you for you to see how it shows.
How much were you looking to spend?
 
Thanks for all of the information, the link was a great help! I''m a smart shopper, not cheap, I just want to get the best deal possible. I also want to gain as much knowledge as I can before I make such a serious purchase. I look to you guys b/c you all seem to know soo much about diamonds. If I posted some links of diamonds I found online could you guys rate them for me? Thanks again
 
Welcome HoH
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Feel free to post some details of your contenders, but as has been said, it is very difficult to assess EC''s by the numbers, but they DO give you a reference point. As Miss Belle and Jazmine said, there isn''t much room to manoever with colour and clarity as colour shows more with these and inclusions have nowhere to hide. Use the charts to start sorting through with your proportions, then once you have some serious contenders, see if the vendors will send you some pics by email. This will give you some idea of how the diamond looks and also the length to width ratio in action. Also depending, an Idealscope Image may be useful if available.
 
you really need to see the diamond, or at least a picture of it to tell anything. the facet placement and cut is so very important in step cuts because that is the focus.

the last two links are to the same diamond. virtual diamonds are fine to look at but you need to find a vendor you can trust to work with and have the diamonds you are considering looked over first. this is so very important with ec''s.

best of luck!
 
Be careful with SI1 clarities as in the Blue Nile diamond, there is a good chance it may not be eyeclean as said before.
 
Belle - Do you have any suggestions as far as an internet sites.
 
Lorelei - Is it safest to stick in the VS1 VS2 range?
 
there are a lot of different factors to this great question. I think that it is all dependent on your budget, what kind of cut, setting, etc. take a look at the resources and tools on PS, they are very helpful.
 
JulieN - Great finds, I''m a fan of the first and second one that you listed. I''m worried about the clarity of the first one. What is a good length for an emerald cut? Is longer better?
 
within 1.25 - 1.40 is where i see most customers having particular preferences in. within that range it''s somewhat subjective.
 
DBM - Is that that ratio?
 
Yes, I would stick with VS1 or VS2 and yes those are ratios.
 
Date: 11/16/2006 2:52:11 PM
Author: headOVERheels
Lorelei - Is it safest to stick in the VS1 VS2 range?
Click to expand...
Yes, ditto Jazmine - as mentioned before, EC's are an unforgiving shape for hiding inclusions and colour, you could waste a fair amount of time going through the SI clarities trying to find an eyeclean one, not impossible, but to find your diamond more easily, stick to VS or higher.

Here you go HOH, you can play around with different length to width ratios and see which you prefer with this great tool, Dave's Shape Selector
 
Lorelei - I did check them out, what do you think of the first one (2.01 carat)? How would you compare the first 2 in the list?
 
i like the second one because the l/w ratio is just a little longer and it shows.
 
HoH - ditto Miss Belle, I too like the second one due to the LW ratio, to me it is the classic EC look.
 
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