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Boogie

Rough_Rock
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Oct 19, 2009
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Hi everyone, I am new to this forum and would like to seek some advice. I got an engagement ring from my bf but I was a bit disappointed about the quality.

It is a OLD GIA Certificate which was issued in 1996 and it did not show the cut grade and other information such as the crown angle, height, pavillion angle, depth etc.

The information from the OLD GIA Certificate is as follows:-

Round Brilliant
7.50-7.64x4.82mm
Carat Weight: 1.71 carat
Color: E
Clarity VS2
Total Depth: 63.7%
Table Size: 63%
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Thick, Faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Comments: Pinpoints and surface grain line are not shown
Key to symbolsL Crystal

He bought this ring from a reputatble jewellery shop in my country and the price is expensive. He did not have any knowledge in diamond and just trust the friend who referred him to this shop.

Now I have the following question:-

1. What you think about the quality of this diamond? Is it really bad? I have showed the GIA Cert to some of my friends who know about diamond and they all said the quality is quite bad
7.gif
38.gif
Please let me know what are the good and bad parts of this diamond.

2. Does the OLD GIA Certificate matter? I mean it was issued in 1996 and I am afraid that if I am going to issue a new one, all the grades will be even lower as the technology nowsaday is more advance than in 1996.

3. The jewellery shop provides the upgrade policy and we can trade in this diamond for a new one but we have to pay 50% more on the new item. I have been struggling for a while if I should give up this one and go for another one. But it will make the purchase price even higher.

I really appreciate your advice!
 
Where is your country? That is a pretty old report and I am wondering if it is a trade in stone, if so best to have it independently appraised as there might be some chips in the girdle, scratch in the facets due to previous wear.

The cut of the stone is quite bad unfortunately but the color and clarity is nothing to sneeze at.
 
I live in Hong Kong. My bf knows nothing about diamond so he trusts his friend who works at one of the biggest local jewellery shops in Hong Kong. The sales gave alot of false information and said it was a good bargain as E color at 1.71 carat is very difficult to find. For the Medium Blue, the sales said it is even better as the diamond will look brighter. When my bf asked about the CUT, the sales avoided the question and just said that we won''t bring the certificate along with us to show others so the grading does not really matter. For the OLD GIA Cert, the sales said as they are a big diamond seller in HK, it is no surprise that they would have alot of stock. This is a good stuff so they won''t put it at display and would only offer to the VIP or clients with good relationship. I was pissed off when I heard my bf recapped all these conversation. This is misrepresentation.

As you said that the CUT is quite bad, do you mean that table size and depth is too big? How is about the measurement? Is it too small? Or because the symmetry is just "good". We are thinking to trade in this diamond for a better one. But we need to pay 50% more and it will give the 2nd chance for this jewellery shop to rip us off once more time. What a dilemma!
 
Hi Boogie

It might not be a really bad cut - here on PS we are used to seeing the very best cut diamonds, in the ' real world' the type of diamond you have is far more common, it is a bit deep and the table large, the diameter is a bit out of round too ( you might not notice this) but it depends on how effective the crown and pavilion angles are and some other factors to help this diamond sparkle. How does the stone look to you?

The report is old and pre cut grade, it is possible the stone was traded in, an appraisal would be a good move to check the stone for you, and if you want more info on the diamond your best bet would definitely be if you could find a reputable independant appraiser in your country.



Have you spoken to your fiance about your doubts on this stone?
 
Fluorescence is a personal preference thing. Some like it, some don''t, but the trade will apply a big discount to stones with fluroscence.

This is the AGA cut class, and you can see where your stone falls into.
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/round.asp

The stone has a large depth and table and a thick girdle., will look smaller that an ideally cut stone of the same weight At best, a class 2B according to the chart, if the crown height works well with the rest of the proportions. Symm is good, most would not be able to tell the difference between good and better symm with a casual look.
 
Thanks alot, Lorelei! Your comment makes me feel a bit better. Actually I can''t tell if it is good or bad by just seeing the diamond. I think it is quite white, but the size looks smaller than 1.71 caret and it is not that sparkle (maybe I knew the cut is not good and this makes me have this kind of feeling)

I don''t have much knowledge about diamond but I was quite surprised when I found out the GIA Cert was that outdated, the symmetry grade is just "Good" (as I know that the grade "good" is not good in fact) and it is medium blue. I have no idea about the table and depth size and the angle of crown etc. I mean I am not asking for the perfect diamond. I just want something value for money. You may be surprised that this diamond costs around US$20,000. I mean with this budget, I am quite sure that we can get a better quality. I mean I really appreciated my bf bought me this ring but I was quite mad that he did not do any research and just trust the sales. He knew that I was quite upset and that is why he suggested to trade in this for me. I am at the dilemma and don''t know what to do. I have been telling myself to keep this ring as this has the sentimental value because he chose for me. Besides, I don''t want to spend extra money on the diamond (we even need to spend 50% more). But I am just afraid that I will regret later. As the time limit for the trade in policy is 6 months, so i don''t have much time to think.

For the independent appraisal, I was afraid that the outcome will be even worst than the existing GIA Cert. Then I would have spent money on something which I don''t want to know.
 
Thanks alot for sending me the link about the AGA cut class. But I don''t have any information about the crown and pavilion. All the information i got from the GIA Cert has been already posted at my previous post.
7.gif
 
Date: 10/20/2009 5:45:33 AM
Author: Boogie
Thanks alot, Lorelei! Your comment makes me feel a bit better. Actually I can''t tell if it is good or bad by just seeing the diamond. I think it is quite white, but the size looks smaller than 1.71 caret and it is not that sparkle (maybe I knew the cut is not good and this makes me have this kind of feeling)

I don''t have much knowledge about diamond but I was quite surprised when I found out the GIA Cert was that outdated, the symmetry grade is just ''Good'' (as I know that the grade ''good'' is not good in fact) and it is medium blue. I have no idea about the table and depth size and the angle of crown etc. I mean I am not asking for the perfect diamond. I just want something value for money. You may be surprised that this diamond costs around US$20,000. I mean with this budget, I am quite sure that we can get a better quality. I mean I really appreciated my bf bought me this ring but I was quite mad that he did not do any research and just trust the sales. He knew that I was quite upset and that is why he suggested to trade in this for me. I am at the dilemma and don''t know what to do. I have been telling myself to keep this ring as this has the sentimental value because he chose for me. Besides, I don''t want to spend extra money on the diamond (we even need to spend 50% more). But I am just afraid that I will regret later. As the time limit for the trade in policy is 6 months, so i don''t have much time to think.

For the independent appraisal, I was afraid that the outcome will be even worst than the existing GIA Cert. Then I would have spent money on something which I don''t want to know.
You are welcome! Thats the thing, here we see really the '' niche'' end of the market with diamonds which are cut to the very highest specifications, in the non PS world diamonds like yours are far more common. Yes the table is large and the depth a bit high but that in itself doesn''t automatically make your stone a dreadful cut! We can''t tell much without more info on the stone, the only way to do this would be to have the stone unmounted and a Sarin or Helium scan performed etc to get detailed measurements. The good symmetry as SC says isn''t a huge deal with a diamond like this either so I wouldn''t worry about that, medium blue fluorescence is to me a nice addition in any colour grade.

Its hard to know what to tell you, I don''t want to talk you into this stone if you aren''t happy....So in order to change this diamond you would need to spend an extra 10K? That is a lot of money. Are you within any kind of return policy?
 
Date: 10/20/2009 5:50:20 AM
Author: Boogie
Thanks alot for sending me the link about the AGA cut class. But I don''t have any information about the crown and pavilion. All the information i got from the GIA Cert has been already posted at my previous post.
7.gif
ya, I know, which is why I said that at best it will only be a class 2B cut. The other option is to re-cut it, but there is a slight risk of the stone shattering during the process, and the resulting stone will definitely be smaller than what it is now. No one can say if it is feasible or not just by the numbers alone, you will have to send the stone to the cutter to be evaluated.
 
For return policy, they can only refund 80% to 85%. The customers in Hong Kong are very unlucky.
39.gif
 
Date: 10/20/2009 6:36:44 AM
Author: Boogie
For return policy, they can only refund 80% to 85%. The customers in Hong Kong are very unlucky.
39.gif
Ok. So you would get $17000 USD back approximately if you did this.
 
Date: 10/20/2009 6:59:31 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 10/20/2009 6:57:26 AM
Author: Stone-cold11
I say return it and get something like this. :P

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5022/
Now THAT is a suggestion.....????
28.gif
I don''t know what the import duties are to HK but it is definitely an option??
Thats the thing, here we see really the '' niche'' end of the market with diamonds which are cut to the very highest specifications, in the non PS world diamonds like yours are far more common.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lorelei is correct. Spend some time with an appraiser and you''ll see a large scope of diamonds, many with fair cuts and large tables....before "cut" was king. The ideal cut diamonds of 2009 are not your mama''s or grandma''s diamond (usually). Doesn''t make ''em bad...just different
2.gif



www.metrojewelryappraisers.com
 
Stone-Cold 11, Lorelei & Modified Brilliant, thanks so much for your advice.

Yes, I can get the refund of $17,000 (the most) if I return it.

The thing is I have to make the diamond unmounted and send to the apprasier for evaluation. If the result is not good, then I would have spent money on something that I have to return anyway.
 
Buy an idealscope and look at it yourself to just the cut of the stone? It is not that expensive. http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_order.asp

It is not necessary to unmount the stone for appraisal unless you want to check the stone accurately, like get the color, clarity and the exact dimensions of the stone.

Just wondering how long before your return period is over.
 
Date: 10/20/2009 11:07:55 PM
Author: Boogie
Stone-Cold 11, Lorelei & Modified Brilliant, thanks so much for your advice.

Yes, I can get the refund of $17,000 (the most) if I return it.

The thing is I have to make the diamond unmounted and send to the apprasier for evaluation. If the result is not good, then I would have spent money on something that I have to return anyway.
Is this a condition of you returning the diamond??
 
Lorelei, no, it is not the condition term of the return policy. If I return it, I just give back the ring to the shop. When my bf bought this, the diamond has been already mounted as a ring. I mean if i send the diamond for evaluation, I have to unmount it. But Stone Cold 11 has already told me it is not necessary.

I am still struggling. But if I am going to keep it, I think I won''t get the new evaluation or a new GIA report. If the result is not good, I will feel bad. Just keep it because he chose this for me.

But my bf leans on returning it and get a new one but of course not from that jellwery shop. But we are still thinking about it. Will keep you posted if there is any new development. If I look for a new one, I will definitely seek advice from you and other experts here. You guys are so knowledgable and helpful.
 
Date: 10/21/2009 6:46:37 AM
Author: Boogie
Lorelei, no, it is not the condition term of the return policy. If I return it, I just give back the ring to the shop. When my bf bought this, the diamond has been already mounted as a ring. I mean if i send the diamond for evaluation, I have to unmount it. But Stone Cold 11 has already told me it is not necessary.

I am still struggling. But if I am going to keep it, I think I won't get the new evaluation or a new GIA report. If the result is not good, I will feel bad. Just keep it because he chose this for me.

But my bf leans on returning it and get a new one but of course not from that jellwery shop. But we are still thinking about it. Will keep you posted if there is any new development. If I look for a new one, I will definitely seek advice from you and other experts here. You guys are so knowledgable and helpful.
Thanks for clarifying! I would say not to bother with an appraisal unless you intend to keep the diamond, also an appraisal can be done with the stone mounted, it won't give quite the same level of info but it can be done. But I honestly wouldn't worry about an appraisal if you intend to return it.

Have a think about what you want to do and discuss it with your fiance, then if you do decide to return it let us know and however you decide you want to proceed we will do our best to help you whether you decide to buy online or from a store in your country. And thanks for your very kind words!!
 
Good luck in whatever you decide. :)
 
Hi Boogie,

I''ve read this thread carefully and felt compelled to reply. If I were you, I would have no qualms about returning that stone for a refund and buying an ideal cut in the US. It''s very clear that you aren''t happy with the stone, and because your boyfriend chose it, you are trying to like it for sentimental reasons BUT 20.000$ is a lot of money to spend and the stone you got doesn''t appear to be good value.

Since your boyfriend has no objections to returning the stone for a refund, and clearly doesn''t want to do business with the same vendor again, then so be it - get the refund! I''d feel a lot better getting 17K back than giving the seller that started all this another 10K. You got some wonderful stones suggested and I am sure you can find a real beauty for your budget, one which will make you wear your engagement ring with pride and your boyfriend proud that he has given you such a stone.

All the best and good luck with your decision,

dinamit
 
Stone Cold 11 & Lorelei, thanks alot and will defiintely keep you guys informed of our final decision.

Dinamit, thanks so much for your advice. Yes, $20,000 is alot of money and this is why it has been bothering me. I felt unhappy when I found out that actually we could buy a nicer one with this budget. I mean if this ring costs less than $15,000, I think I will let go.

We talked with the local vendor about returning this diamond. They said although the GIA Cert is OLD, their experience told them the old stuffs are even better in quality. They said the standard in the past was higher. They said the "E" color in 1996 may equal to the "D" color nowadays and the clarity of mine (mine is VS2) maybe the same as VS1 for the current stock. What do you think?
33.gif
 
Date: 10/21/2009 8:53:57 AM
Author: dinamit
Hi Boogie,

I''ve read this thread carefully and felt compelled to reply. If I were you, I would have no qualms about returning that stone for a refund and buying an ideal cut in the US. It''s very clear that you aren''t happy with the stone, and because your boyfriend chose it, you are trying to like it for sentimental reasons BUT 20.000$ is a lot of money to spend and the stone you got doesn''t appear to be good value.

Since your boyfriend has no objections to returning the stone for a refund, and clearly doesn''t want to do business with the same vendor again, then so be it - get the refund! I''d feel a lot better getting 17K back than giving the seller that started all this another 10K. You got some wonderful stones suggested and I am sure you can find a real beauty for your budget, one which will make you wear your engagement ring with pride and your boyfriend proud that he has given you such a stone.

All the best and good luck with your decision,

dinamit
agree!
 
Date: 10/20/2009 3:09:49 AM
Author:Boogie
Hi everyone, I am new to this forum and would like to seek some advice. I got an engagement ring from my bf but I was a bit disappointed about the quality.

It is a OLD GIA Certificate which was issued in 1996 and it did not show the cut grade and other information such as the crown angle, height, pavillion angle, depth etc.

The information from the OLD GIA Certificate is as follows:-

Round Brilliant
7.50-7.64x4.82mm
Carat Weight: 1.71 carat
Color: E
Clarity VS2
Total Depth: 63.7%
Table Size: 63%
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Thick, Faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Comments: Pinpoints and surface grain line are not shown
Key to symbolsL Crystal

He bought this ring from a reputatble jewellery shop in my country and the price is expensive. He did not have any knowledge in diamond and just trust the friend who referred him to this shop.

Now I have the following question:-

1. What you think about the quality of this diamond? Is it really bad? I have showed the GIA Cert to some of my friends who know about diamond and they all said the quality is quite bad
7.gif
38.gif
Please let me know what are the good and bad parts of this diamond.

2. Does the OLD GIA Certificate matter? I mean it was issued in 1996 and I am afraid that if I am going to issue a new one, all the grades will be even lower as the technology nowsaday is more advance than in 1996.

3. The jewellery shop provides the upgrade policy and we can trade in this diamond for a new one but we have to pay 50% more on the new item. I have been struggling for a while if I should give up this one and go for another one. But it will make the purchase price even higher.

I really appreciate your advice!
Chow Sang Sang?? Chow Tai Fook??

63.7% is too deep.
14.gif
63% table is too big
14.gif
 
Date: 10/21/2009 8:53:57 AM
Author: dinamit
Hi Boogie,

I''ve read this thread carefully and felt compelled to reply. If I were you, I would have no qualms about returning that stone for a refund and buying an ideal cut in the US. It''s very clear that you aren''t happy with the stone, and because your boyfriend chose it, you are trying to like it for sentimental reasons BUT 20.000$ is a lot of money to spend and the stone you got doesn''t appear to be good value.

Since your boyfriend has no objections to returning the stone for a refund, and clearly doesn''t want to do business with the same vendor again, then so be it - get the refund! I''d feel a lot better getting 17K back than giving the seller that started all this another 10K. You got some wonderful stones suggested and I am sure you can find a real beauty for your budget, one which will make you wear your engagement ring with pride and your boyfriend proud that he has given you such a stone.

All the best and good luck with your decision,

dinamit
Dear Boogie,
I am very sorry about your unfortunate situation. I agree everything that dinamit said. I would not trust the jeweler who sold your DF the ring to begin with, let alone giving him another $10K to mess around with another disaster. Cut your losses, and get something here (the PS recommended seller list) that makes you very, very happy. Words cannot describe how happy I am with my top cut diamond purchase from one of the reputable, PS recommended sellers/jewelers. I shall treasure mine for life, and I know you will too.
 
Date: 10/22/2009 12:50:04 AM
Author: Dancing Fire

Date: 10/20/2009 3:09:49 AM
Author:Boogie
Hi everyone, I am new to this forum and would like to seek some advice. I got an engagement ring from my bf but I was a bit disappointed about the quality.

It is a OLD GIA Certificate which was issued in 1996 and it did not show the cut grade and other information such as the crown angle, height, pavillion angle, depth etc.

The information from the OLD GIA Certificate is as follows:-

Round Brilliant
7.50-7.64x4.82mm
Carat Weight: 1.71 carat
Color: E
Clarity VS2
Total Depth: 63.7%
Table Size: 63%
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Thick, Faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Fluorescence: Medium Blue
Comments: Pinpoints and surface grain line are not shown
Key to symbolsL Crystal

He bought this ring from a reputatble jewellery shop in my country and the price is expensive. He did not have any knowledge in diamond and just trust the friend who referred him to this shop.

Now I have the following question:-

1. What you think about the quality of this diamond? Is it really bad? I have showed the GIA Cert to some of my friends who know about diamond and they all said the quality is quite bad
7.gif
38.gif
Please let me know what are the good and bad parts of this diamond.

2. Does the OLD GIA Certificate matter? I mean it was issued in 1996 and I am afraid that if I am going to issue a new one, all the grades will be even lower as the technology nowsaday is more advance than in 1996.

3. The jewellery shop provides the upgrade policy and we can trade in this diamond for a new one but we have to pay 50% more on the new item. I have been struggling for a while if I should give up this one and go for another one. But it will make the purchase price even higher.

I really appreciate your advice!
Chow Sang Sang?? Chow Tai Fook??

63.7% is too deep.
14.gif
63% table is too big
14.gif
Hi Dancing Fire, are you also from Hong Kong? You are very clever. Yes, it is from Chow Tai Fook, one of the biggest jellwery shops in Hong Kong. Yes, 63.7% and 63% are the only two dimension I got. But it seems that everyone here is not happy with these two figure. Thanks so much for your advice.
 
Date: 10/22/2009 1:00:01 AM
Author: FancyDiamond

Date: 10/21/2009 8:53:57 AM
Author: dinamit
Hi Boogie,

I''ve read this thread carefully and felt compelled to reply. If I were you, I would have no qualms about returning that stone for a refund and buying an ideal cut in the US. It''s very clear that you aren''t happy with the stone, and because your boyfriend chose it, you are trying to like it for sentimental reasons BUT 20.000$ is a lot of money to spend and the stone you got doesn''t appear to be good value.

Since your boyfriend has no objections to returning the stone for a refund, and clearly doesn''t want to do business with the same vendor again, then so be it - get the refund! I''d feel a lot better getting 17K back than giving the seller that started all this another 10K. You got some wonderful stones suggested and I am sure you can find a real beauty for your budget, one which will make you wear your engagement ring with pride and your boyfriend proud that he has given you such a stone.

All the best and good luck with your decision,

dinamit
Dear Boogie,
I am very sorry about your unfortunate situation. I agree everything that dinamit said. I would not trust the jeweler who sold your DF the ring to begin with, let alone giving him another $10K to mess around with another disaster. Cut your losses, and get something here (the PS recommended seller list) that makes you very, very happy. Words cannot describe how happy I am with my top cut diamond purchase from one of the reputable, PS recommended sellers/jewelers. I shall treasure mine for life, and I know you will too.
Yes, I will definitely not to upgrade the diamond with them. I don''t want to be ripped off again. What did you buy? Would you mind to share with us?
 
Date: 10/22/2009 2:09:14 AM
Author: Boogie




Date: 10/22/2009 12:50:04 AM
Author: Dancing Fire





Chow Sang Sang?? Chow Tai Fook??

63.7% is too deep.
14.gif
63% table is too big
14.gif
Hi Dancing Fire, are you also from Hong Kong? You are very clever. Yes, it is from Chow Tai Fook, one of the biggest jellwery shops in Hong Kong. Yes, 63.7% and 63% are the only two dimension I got. But it seems that everyone here is not happy with these two figure. Thanks so much for your advice.
Boogie
i was born in HK,but been living here in the U.S. for 43 yrs now. the last time i visited HK was 1983.anyhow, my friends have yet to show me a well cut diamond that they purchased in HK.all of them were cut too deep for my taste. all they care about is D-E color and IF-VVS clarity,they know nothing about the cut. i know HK jewelers are pushing high color and high clarity their customers.

ETA...Boogie ask your jeweler to show you some GIA or AGS round cuts with 55-56% table, 34.5--34.7 crown angle X 40.7-- 40.8 pavil angle.
2.gif
 
Date: 10/22/2009 2:11:55 AM
Author: Boogie

Date: 10/22/2009 1:00:01 AM
Author: FancyDiamond

Dear Boogie,
I am very sorry about your unfortunate situation. I agree everything that dinamit said. I would not trust the jeweler who sold your DF the ring to begin with, let alone giving him another $10K to mess around with another disaster. Cut your losses, and get something here (the PS recommended seller list) that makes you very, very happy. Words cannot describe how happy I am with my top cut diamond purchase from one of the reputable, PS recommended sellers/jewelers. I shall treasure mine for life, and I know you will too.
Yes, I will definitely not to upgrade the diamond with them. I don''t want to be ripped off again. What did you buy? Would you mind to share with us?
Dear Boogie, Glad to hear that you have decided not to be ripped off by your local jeweler again. When you are ready to buy, check out Whiteflash. Email them to let them know about your spec and target price. They will help you find what you want. Furthermore, if you find a setting that you like from some designer site, WF can custom make a similar ring settting for you at a more affordable price but with top quality (material and workmanship). Here is a link to my thread about a five-stone ring that I am getting from them (yes, my second purchase in less than 6 months).
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/5-stone-ring-right-or-left-hand-ring.127804/

In the middle of first page, about 5th-6th post down is a photo of my three-stone ring from Whiteflash. The center stone is WF''s top cut ACA (A Cut Above). The photo does not do justice to this fireball, and cannot capture its lifeliness (full of sparkles and fire, extremely crisp, sharp,bright, and etc.). I have seen many average cut diamonds from local jewlers and I have an AGS 0 ideal cut stone, but they pale in comparison with this ACA diamond. If you buy one of these ACA''s, I guarantee that you will be very, very happy, and be proud of showing it off to your friends. Then again, you need not show it off. People will readily spot its sparkles from way across the room.

Anyway, wish you good luck in finding your dream diamond ring. Don''t forget to share with us your future purchase.
 
Hi Boogie,

Don''t mention it
2.gif
. I am really pleased to hear that you decided against upgrading with the existing jeweller. It sounds like they were desperately clinging on, trying not to lose your custom with fables about stones with older certs. That made my alarm bells ring even more! Stay clear of them, and please let us know if you need help choosing a stone/setting.

Happy shopping!
1.gif
 
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