Princess: AGS0 vs. GIA

[Chump413]

There are just too many options out there that I''m trying to focus on certain criteria to help me narrow my diamond search. I have been doing some reading on "AGS0" but was wondering about opinions out there--should I be focusing my search for AGS0 diamonds or more on a very well cut GIA?

Some quick background: I am looking for a top notch 1.4-1.7 ct Princess diamond that shines as brilliantly as the "round brilliant." (I know, it never will, but am interested in the best shot.) While price is obviously a consideration, I am most interested in quality and am willing to pay for it.

Thanks in advance...

 

[JulieN]

No doubt that you can find a top cut GIA princess.

But what you really need to find is a vendor who deals in top cut stones, and most of the PS vendors stock AGS princesses.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 8/6/2006 7:33:55 PM
Author: JulieN
No doubt that you can find a top cut GIA princess.

But what you really need to find is a vendor who deals in top cut stones, and most of the PS vendors stock AGS princesses.

...and who would have thought. Just months ago, all you could find were GIA.

Actually, I see it''s now about 2/3 AGS to 1/3 GIA. Certainly with AGS and 0 you have increased odds of quality. But, with a solid vendor and GIA, you maybe can realize savings. Just make sure if you go with GIA, you go with a vendor who will a) look at it first, and b) who you trust will evaluate it for light performance for you.

 

[Chump413]

Any suggestions for vendors? Given that this is such a significant purchase, I would strongly prefer seeing the stone in person before buying (I live in Houston, TX). However, online stores are obviously a great resource soI don''t want to eliminate that option outright. So far, I''ve learned a great deal from GOG and their service thus far in answering my questions/evaluating my options has been top notch. Just wondering who else I could depend on should I end up buying "sight unseen"...

Thanks again.

 

[JulieN]

sure, Whiteflash is in Houston.

 

[Regular Guy]

bum bum bum (hit cymbols)!

 

[diamondlove]

Chump413,

Just keep in mind that the vendor doesn''t have to be in Houston for you to see the stone before buying. IF you narrow your search down to a stone or two you can the vendors send it to an independent appraiser in Houston for both the appraiser to look at (and give you an independent evaluation of the stones) AND for you to look at before you actually buy the stone. This process will also let you compare two stones from two different vendors if you should choose to do this.

Good luck with your search,

DL