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Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!!

eric618

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 7, 2011
Messages
38
Hey guys,

I'm brand new here. I actually just found the site a few days ago doing a great deal of research on an engagement ring for my girlfriend.

I found a diamond that sounds great through UnionDiamond.com. It's a .51 carat Marquise. The rep I've been speaking to seems sincerely knowledgeable and helpful (She's GIA certified... or so her e-mail signature claims). She just sent me the EGL cert., and also a not-so-great picture of the stone. Below is a copy of the cert., the original picture of the diamond, a pic that I enlarged and added brightness and contrast via Photoshop (it added a great deal of yellow. I don't know if this is accurate or a PS issue), and a picture of a (not *the*) Marquise mounted in the ring I picked out. I'd LOVE your input on the apparent quality of the stone, and what you think of the setting and finished ring. The rep I've talked to said the picture does not do the stone justice (but yes, she IS the saleswoman! lol). The stone is selling for $400., and the ring was $3-something (I'm forgetting offhand). I wish I had more to spend, but mortgages and school loans SUCK! ;(

Thanks VERY much in advance for in input you can provide. I appreciate it! :appl:



EGL%20cert.jpg

diamond_pic.jpg

diamond_pic_edited.jpg

diamond1_1.jpg

diamond2_1.jpg
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

I would not purchase a diamond with an EGL certificate. It is likely not an I/SI2, it is likely a K/I?. You just don't know as they don't grade consistently and that is the reason why it is so inexpensive.

What is your total budget, around $1K? Are you sure your GF/Fiancee to be wants a marquise? Let us help you find something within your budget where you know what you are getting. With EGL graded stones, you do not.
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

Thank you! Yes, my budget is around $1k... Tops. I wish I could afford to go higher, but I just cannot. She does want a Marquise. She's very tall and thin, and Marquise rings just look great on her fingers.

Thank you again!
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

Have you thought about a pear diamond, maybe? Very close in shape to a marquise and it would open up more options for you. Just a thought:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1319374.asp
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/5590/

Also, saw this ring on DBL and though it's slightly over budget, you might be able to work out a deal if it inerests you (Rockdiamond is the owner and he is a regular poster here):
http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/jewelry/diamond-halo-ring-36ct-k-vs1-daussi-marquise-diamond-beautiful-halo-r3627
He has a nice looking pear on his site too, also over your budget but here it is:
http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-47-pear-shape-diamond-well-cut-high-color-beauty
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

nfowife|1310083147|2964241 said:
Have you thought about a pear diamond, maybe? Very close in shape to a marquise and it would open up more options for you. Just a thought:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1319374.asp
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/5590/

Also, saw this ring on DBL and though it's slightly over budget, you might be able to work out a deal if it inerests you (Rockdiamond is the owner and he is a regular poster here):
http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/jewelry/diamond-halo-ring-36ct-k-vs1-daussi-marquise-diamond-beautiful-halo-r3627
He has a nice looking pear on his site too, also over your budget but here it is:
http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-47-pear-shape-diamond-well-cut-high-color-beauty



Oh Wow! :appl: I really like the marquis halo! It has a nice spread on the hand and would look beautiful on a nice long finger! :love:

I have a soft spot for pears too, and the ones listed here are beautiful as well. I can't wait to see what you decide! Congrats!
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

tyty333|1310068366|2964054 said:
I'm going to post some on JA just so you have some for comparison...I would spend as much as possible on the stone and
probably get a simple setting locally.

Here is what JA has...
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Marquise-Diamond-1340319.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Marquise-Diamond-1340323.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Marquise-Diamond-1340324.asp

These all look very nice. Thank you! The more I research / window shop, the more confused I get.
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

nfowife|1310083147|2964241 said:
Have you thought about a pear diamond, maybe? Very close in shape to a marquise and it would open up more options for you. Just a thought:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1319374.asp
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/5590/

Also, saw this ring on DBL and though it's slightly over budget, you might be able to work out a deal if it inerests you (Rockdiamond is the owner and he is a regular poster here):
http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/jewelry/diamond-halo-ring-36ct-k-vs1-daussi-marquise-diamond-beautiful-halo-r3627
He has a nice looking pear on his site too, also over your budget but here it is:
http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-47-pear-shape-diamond-well-cut-high-color-beauty

I hadn't really looked at pears, but I may expand my search some. Thank you! I've never been a fan of the halos. I'm pretty sure Steph is not, either. Nice ring, just not for us. :)
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

That marquise halo ring that rock diamond has is a beautiful set. I would talk to him. He has lay-away and I think he also has some kind of trade-up policy.

http://diamondsbylauren.com/DBL_Refunds_tradeups.shtml
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

tyty333|1310126394|2964545 said:
That marquise halo ring that rock diamond has is a beautiful set. I would talk to him. He has lay-away and I think he also has some kind of trade-up policy.

http://diamondsbylauren.com/DBL_Refunds_tradeups.shtml

But, even if I did like the setting, it's not graded. Doesn't that go against essentially everything I've read comparing GIA to EGL to no grading, etc?
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

In this case, the stone is only .36- smaller stones are sometimes ungraded (think of sidetones.... at this weight that is not uncommon). Also DBL is anpretty well-respected vendor. I would personally feel comfortable with this purchase, but of course YOU need to feel comfortable.
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

Wow, I don't see how you could go wrong with the DBL halo marquise, beautiful! It looks whiter even than the vendor shots of the marquises from JA above.
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

Eric618, if you are really considering that egl stone...it's safer to assume that you are going to get a stone which is two shades lower in color and a grade down in clarity than what the Cert says...if you are ok with the lowered specs, you have couple more things to consider

1) the price must be at least 15 -20% cheaper than a GIA o
Stone with the exact same specs

2) you will get a better price while selling/exchanging a GIA graded stone. Besides selling a Gia is always much easier than selling an egl

3) you have to personally make sure that the stone is eye clean

If you are ok with all of the above.....by all means go with this stone...
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

Icelover|1310133485|2964602 said:
Eric618, if you are really considering that egl stone...it's safer to assume that you are going to get a stone which is two shades lower in color and a grade down in clarity than what the Cert says...if you are ok with the lowered specs, you have couple more things to consider

1) the price must be at least 15 -20% cheaper than a GIA o
Stone with the exact same specs

2) you will get a better price while selling/exchanging a GIA graded stone. Besides selling a Gia is always much easier than selling an egl

3) you have to personally make sure that the stone is eye clean

If you are ok with all of the above.....by all means go with this stone...

I'm really up in the air now. I've expanded my horizons quite a bit in terms of where I look, and also what I can spend. Sooo, I guess we'll see. Thank you!!!
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

Have you considered looking on eBay and/or pawn shops for your marquise? This shape of diamond was very popular in the 80s so you will often see them come up secondhand, and you can get a great deal. This one probably won't work for you because of the size and clarity, but it'd be good to keep an eye on this seller or even sent him a note to tell him what you're looking for so he can email you if he finds it. But it's a good example of the kind of deals to be found:

http://cgi.ebay.com/41-I1-H-Marquise-Shape-Loose-Diamond-/380259586409?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item58893cd169

More:

http://cgi.ebay.com/0-48-ct-loose-Marquise-cut-White-Diamond-VVS1-G-/300567632852?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item45fb3a1bd4 (strains the budget I know)

http://cgi.ebay.com/0-48-ct-loose-Marquise-White-Diamond-I1-H-/300559793770?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item45fac27e6a

http://cgi.ebay.com/51-ct-loose-Marquise-Cut-natural-white-Diamond-I1-F-/300543749998?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item45f9cdaf6e
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

The woman I've been speaking with through UnionDiamond found a great looking stone for me. GIA graded, H color, SI2 clarity, etc. The pics looked gorgeous. It was more than I wanted to spend, but it looked stunning.

I went to purchase that and the ring.... and the ring shot up an even $200!!! Since yesterday!!! I e-mailed her, and she said they just adjusted prices for gold, and I was out of luck.


So is she. No sale! :angryfire:
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

I would look second hand for marquise stones, they aren't as popular these days and seem to go for a lot less than round or square shaped diamonds. I picked up a .40 decent color/clarity one last year for less than $150.
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

Those rings are certainly a departure from the solitaire in your OP. Do you want to go that elaborate with sidestones, heart detail, etc.?

I would actually recommend going with a loose stone and have it set in a new setting... that way, you are presenting her with a totally new ring and you can get more of what you have in mind.

I like this one, it's GIA certified and though it's a K, it has fluorescence which may make it appear whiter. I also like that it's a fatter marquise shape.

http://cgi.ebay.com/GIA-71ct-Marquise-Loose-Diamond-K-SI1-8-25-x-4-98mm-/370233156633?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item56339da419
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

karpouzi|1310173642|2965180 said:
Those rings are certainly a departure from the solitaire in your OP. Do you want to go that elaborate with sidestones, heart detail, etc.?

I would actually recommend going with a loose stone and have it set in a new setting... that way, you are presenting her with a totally new ring and you can get more of what you have in mind.

I like this one, it's GIA certified and though it's a K, it has fluorescence which may make it appear whiter. I also like that it's a fatter marquise shape.

http://cgi.ebay.com/GIA-71ct-Marquise-Loose-Diamond-K-SI1-8-25-x-4-98mm-/370233156633?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item56339da419

Yeah, that one in particular is definitely a change from a simple solitaire. Something about it caught my eye though.

I don't know what my hangup is against getting a separate stone and having it mounted after the fact. I'm just struggling with that idea. :(
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

eric618|1310163396|2965067 said:


This looks nice...I would ask the seller for a straight on shot of the marquise so we can make sure that its a pretty stone.

I have no problem get something pre-owned (as long as it looks new) and getting more bang for your buck.
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

eric618|1310216898|2965424 said:
Can I ask your opinion on this stone, please? I e-mailed them, requesting high-res. pictures. I'm not sure if they can accommodate that or not. I struggle with buying a diamond without seeing the actual stone.


http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?&pid=LD01956157&builder=BYOR&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP#DIAMONDS_STEP|LD01956157


Thanks again for all of your help. I truly appreciate it!


Eric


They are drop shippers and I'm pretty sure they dont do pics. You could buy a round from BN because we know by the numbers
that it should be a beautiful stone but you CANT buy a fancy cut from them. There is no telling what the faceting pattern will
look like.
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

eric618|1310158648|2964986 said:
The woman I've been speaking with through UnionDiamond found a great looking stone for me. GIA graded, H color, SI2 clarity, etc. The pics looked gorgeous. It was more than I wanted to spend, but it looked stunning.

I went to purchase that and the ring.... and the ring shot up an even $200!!! Since yesterday!!! I e-mailed her, and she said they just adjusted prices for gold, and I was out of luck.


So is she. No sale! :angryfire:

That bites!

They have these on ebay. You would have to pay to have it set locally ($60+). You could call around and check. Also need
to have the stone insured while its being set.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-2CT-PEAR-SOLITAIRE-RING-MOUNTING-14K-WHITE-GOLD-/360260459422?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e1325b9e

Edit - opps, I searched the wrong thing...

http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=10994

Here is a pretty lookings stone...a little over budget
http://cgi.ebay.com/14K-GOLD-91ct-MARQUISE-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-VS-HI-/360378809604?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item53e8403d04


This one looks pretty decent and the price is good
http://cgi.ebay.com/50-CT-VS2-F-MARQUISE-DIAMOND-14K-SOLID-WHITE-GOLD-RING-/260814286334?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3cb9be2dfe

http://cgi.ebay.com/68ct-MARQUISE-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-14K-YELLOW-GOLD-/360378570925?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item53e83c98ad
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

Just wanted to throw this out...not really what you are looking for but it would be a beautifu sparkly little ring.
Its an HOF stone/setting at a very good price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hearts-Fire-335-Center-Diamond-Ring-AGS-H-SI1-/120744203003?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_with_Diamonds_Gemstones&hash=item1c1cea52fb

Here is a .5 HOF little over budget though...
http://cgi.ebay.com/IDEAL-CUT-HEARTS-FIRE-0-50ct-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/110564434626?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item19be2762c2

I'm just not too happy with the marquise stones that we are finding. It is all about your GF though and what she really
wants.

EDIT - BTW do you know what size ring your GF wears?
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

Hey all,

Thanks again for the responses. Some of those look nice. I'll have to wait until I'm home and can see them on a full screen, and not my phone, however. The one in particular that looked nice wasn't the actual ring, though. They were stock photos. Also, at least one of them was AGS certified, or not certified at all. Isn't that a dangerous gamble?

I e-mailed James Allen on a few combos I picked out. I'm waiting to hear back.


Can I ask you what your opinion on fluorescence is? One of the James Allen stones had a strong fluorescence. The picture looks totally clear and clean though. None of thought cloudy, milky, or oily thing I've read is rare but possible in fluorescent stones. I like the idea of having something somewhat unique, personally!

THANK YOU again! I have learned more about diamonds in the past few weeks (especially the last few days) than I ever though possible! Haha
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

tyty333|1310219537|2965440 said:
They are drop shippers and I'm pretty sure they dont do pics. You could buy a round from BN because we know by the numbers that it should be a beautiful stone but you CANT buy a fancy cut from them. There is no telling what the faceting pattern will look like.

Yeah, I read that after the fact about BlueNile. They are now crossed off my list along with UnionDiamond. I'm leaning more and more towards James Allen.

The e-Bay one that I posted the link to... I e-mailed them asking to see a copy of the cert, and also a high-res. straight ahead shot of the Marquise and they haven't written me back. No way will I buy without seeing those pics. Especially considering that the round stones that flank the Marquise look MUCH more brilliant than the Marquise to my eyes.
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

This sounds like pure salesman *crap* to me!


Hello Eric,

Thank you for contacting Blue Nile.

We have found that photographs do not accurately portray diamonds as it can be difficult to properly catch how well the diamond reflects the light that enters the stone. A poor quality stone can appear very nice in a photo and vice-versa.

The best way to determine what a diamond will look like in-person is the diamond grading report. The strict grading of the GIA and AGSL goes far beyond what the human eye can perceive in a photograph. You can view the diamond grading report for each diamond online with the diamond's details.

I will be happy to provide you with any additional information that you need and assist you with finding a beautiful diamond. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions on concerns.

Best Regards,
 
Re: Please help me critique a diamond. I'm SO green at this!

I wouldnt worry about stone blue flour but you do need to check with them to make sure it doesnt go milky in bright sun (rare).
A lot of folks on PS have stones with SBF (including me) and love them for their little glow...I dont hardly see any blue in mine
and I wish I could see more.

And...that second to the last ebay stone I gave you a link to (.50) is clarity enhanced so dont bother with that.

And...rounds will always look more sparkly next to a marquise due to the nature of the cut. Fancy cut stones
usually have a lot more leakage compared to well cut rounds but we love them for their beautiful shapes. Its
sort of a trade-off that fancy cut stone owners are willing to make...see my avatar...I have a pear.

Post links when you get it narrowed down.
 
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