Please provide advice on this ring

[Molsonbeers]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum but I was hoping you could have a look at the below stats and let me know what you think in terms of value and whether this would be a nice ring set for my GF. I'm thinking to propose shortly.

•Metal: 950 Platinum
•Centre Diamond Shape: Princess Cut
•Total Diamond Weight: 1.21 ctw
•Centre Diamond Weight: 0.75 ct
•Total Number of Diamonds: 34
•Centre Diamond Clarity: Very Very Slightly Included (VVS2)
•Centre Diamond Colour: Colourless ( F )

http://www.costco.ca/1.21-ctw-Princess-Cut%2c-VVS2-Clarity%2c-F-Colour-Diamond-%e2%80%9cAudrey%e2%80%9d-Wedding-Set.product.100096352.html

GIA:
Carat: 0.75
Colour: F
Clarity: VVS2
Measurements: 5.03 x 4.98 x 3.58 mm
Depth: 71.9%
Table: 72%
Girdle: Slightly thick, faceted
Culet: None
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescense: None
Clarity Characteristics: Cloud

 

[ecf8503]

Unfortunately you can't buy a fancy shape by the numbers - you need an ASET image (or an idealscope image at the very least) to assess light performance.

VVS clarity is overkill - you could drop clarity and increase size.

 

[tyty333]

You would be better off picking out your stone/setting separate. That way you can get an AGS or a GIA stone. IGI is not considered up
to par with AGS or GIA.

The is an ACA AGS0 princess cut - evaluated for light return
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3007542.htm
Here is a possible setting....
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/rounded-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-625.htm


Something from JA
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.73-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-262964 its a vs2 so should be eye-clean
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.74-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-254375
(you would need to get aset images on the JA stones.)

Here is a possible setting
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-double-claw-prong-0.18ct-pave-set-surprise-diamond-engagement-ring-item-177

 

[Molsonbeers]

The Costco diamond is GIA rated (2156898066) and honestly i'm not sure how to go about buying diamonds and settings separately. Plus there is always the problem if she doesnt like it. At least with Costco I have no issues taking it back to the store for a full refund. Plus looking at what you put out there for comparison I'm still looking at a similar price point when you factor out the wedding band. I guess the only thing I'm not sure about would be the light return or how well the diamond sparkles?

 

[Gypsy]

The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F.
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want? Well with princesses there isn't any.
So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an ASET image does. http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_ASET_scope.asp
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile, as they do not provide ASET images for their diamonds. James Allen and WF do.

The ASET tool and a gemologist's examination, as well as pictures and videos are the 'selection tool'. If you can get an AGS0 graded princesses you will short cut some of this (still want an ASET to confirm). And JA has AGS0 princesses.

Costco gives you none of this information and many of their diamonds are not graded by GIA or AGS. Yes, they have a great return policy. BUt James Allen has a 60 day return policy as well. Just propose within 30 days and that gives her another thirty to decide what she thinks.

 

[Molsonbeers]

Thank you all for this valuable information. Very much appreciated. I think given this is her first ring seeing it might be enough to tell. I certainly hope I'm able to tell a dull ring from one with a good sparkle .