Princess Cut Troubles, Please Help

[DatDude]

I am looking for a princess cut diamond for an engagement ring and want to spend about $5K. I thought I would educate my self on the web so that I got a great diamond in my price range. Well, the more I read the more I realize I don’t know enough to make the best decision. I checked a couple of local places out just to see some diamonds and get an idea for what I want and where I can make compromises. I know a jeweler that has good prices and is knowledgeable but I didn’t like any of the diamonds he had on hand. He said he could get whatever I wanted just let him know. So now I am trying to determine the best specs for a princess cut diamond. Here in lies the problem. I know that a diamond could look great on paper but terrible in person. I also know that there are no accepted proportions and ratios like there are for rounds that make the cut ideal. I was originally only considering GIA graded diamonds but I saw that AGS grades princess cut diamonds by cut. Should I also consider them? From what I have found and the people I have spoken to I was thinking a 1 carat diamond with color G-H, VS2, excellent polish and symmetry with a table and depth of about 70%. Does this sound okay? What should I look for in the girdle? How can I determine the cut? Will the jeweler have brilliancescope or Ideal-Scope images of the stone? I just want to make sure I get a great diamond for a great girl, any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DiamondExpert]

You may want to consider those recently graded (as of May) AGS stones, which include a light performance grade in addition to proportion, polish and symmetry grades. The light performance grade can act as a guideline for how the stone might look.

 

[VuittonGal]

Try to avoid an extremely thin girdle as princess cuts tend to chip easier. Try to see the diamond in person. If it says hello, it''s the one

 

[DatDude]

Thanks for the imput guys. Are the new AGS princess cuts being graded as accurately as the GIA in regards to color and clarity? Does the ratio of around 70% for both the depth and table sound ok? Is there anything else I should look for that I haven''t mentioned?

 

[ecf8503]

I think you have already answered all your own questions - you can''t go by numbers, you need to see the stone, or at least an idealscope image. You have a lot of options. If you choose to buy locally, then no most vendors will likely not have Brilliancescope and Idealscope images, but it sure doesn''t hurt to ask.

If you have looked at things in person then you should be forming an opinion on what you like / prefer. Many people are color sensitive, others like warmer tones. Some people like clear stones (mentally) and will go for IF/VVS/VS clarities. Others prefer the bargains to be found with eye-clean SI2''s! You need to also keep in mind, especially with deep stones like princesses, that a carat weight does not guarantee a certain visual diameter (i.e you could get a smaller carat weight rock that looks bigger and measures larger than a heavier one). You may be person that will sacrifice color and clarity for size (but never compromise on cut quality), or vice versa - I can''t help ya there, though!

I did a quick search through a few online vendors'' sites and came up with these - among many - some are smaller, some bigger, some more / less expensive, some warmer / cooler, etc - you''ll at least get a feel for different vendors and what they have to offer in terms of an online purchase. If there is info you want (like an IS or BS image you can ask the vendor, and they may be able to provide them).

You should also make sure a setting you choose will protect those delicate corners well, and remember to leave room in the budget for the setting.

0.93ct H vs1
1.04ct I SI1
0.95ct F SI1
0.81ct E VS1
1.1ct H VVS2

 

[Shay37]

Date: 9/16/2005 2:16:44 PM
Author: DatDude
Thanks for the imput guys. Are the new AGS princess cuts being graded as accurately as the GIA in regards to color and clarity? Does the ratio of around 70% for both the depth and table sound ok? Is there anything else I should look for that I haven''t mentioned?

I shouldn''t think it would make a difference what shape. The answer is "yes." I believe that Garry H. did a study between three major labs to see who graded what and with what consistency. I can''t remember the thread though. I think I remember they were actually stricter on one of those than GIA. (clarity?) I hope someone without CRS

can chime in to say for sure.

It''s been a long day, and I can''t think straight.

Shay

 

[valeria101]

Date: 9/16/2005 2:16:44 PM
Author: DatDude

Does the ratio of around 70% for both the depth and table sound ok?

What d you want to acheive with that? I am not sure those numbers mean allot for brilliance, say. otherwise, - why not: 70/70, 60/60, or whatever as long as the diamond turns out lareg enough for it''s weight and brilliant relative to what the cut allows one to expect