Purchased EGL Round Diamond this weekend

[chon79]

Hello everyone,

I posted a couple of weeks ago regarding a cushion diamond, but we decided to switch to a round diamond.

I scored this beauty and have attached the EGL USA report:

http://www.eglusa.com/oresults/SearchPage.php?st_num=903991215D

The diamond was $8000. Based on report, does this sounded like a good price for the diamond? It is extremely eye clean, sparkly, and cannot see any color when it sits in his tiffany band I do have 10 days to return the diamond though.

 

[farmer gal]

Return it terrible cut
Factor Grade
Light Return Good
Fire Poor
Scintillation Poor
Spread
or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 6.9 - Fair

I will look around and be back

 

[ChrisES]

That's a steep/deep diamond with a huge table - you're paying for extra weight that *hurts* rather than helps light return.

I don't know off the top of my head what diamonds of that size/color/clarity go for (I mostly shop much smaller stones) but unless you got the deal of the *century* I would return it. Actually, even then I would return it.

One question, you said it's sparkley, have you: a) looked at it in all lightings, including natural light? and b) have you compared it to an ideal-cut AGS000 diamond?

I think you can do a lot better. $8,000 is serious money: you don't want to regret your purchase.

 

[farmer gal]

Call ID jewelry and tell them you are from pricescope and see if they can do this diamond or along these lines

http://idjewelryonline.com/diamond_details1.php?id=36752308&shape=B&pricefrom=0&priceto=500000&caratfrom=1.15&caratto=10.00&colorfrom=D&colorto=I&clarfrom=IF&clarto=VS2&polish=EX&cert=GIA&symmetry=EX&depthfrom=&depthto=&tablefrom=&tableto=&cut=Array&item_id=

And put in one of these settings:
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=95_100&products_id=14223

http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=95_100&products_id=14151

http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=95_100&products_id=14224

http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=95_100&products_id=14916

Or
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2782652.htm

Setting:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/allegro-in-d-diamond-engagement-ring-159.htm

 

[Christina...]

You can definitley purchase a GIA EX EX EX or an AGS0 in a 1.25 for $8000 (depending of course on the color clarity combo). I know because I'm looking for one myself. EGL grades very softly so what you have is more like an I or J color and VS2 or SI1 clarity. Many newbies think that they are getting a deal when they buy EGL because when they look at a GIA stone with the same color and clarity the cost is higher, but this is NOT a true comparison of the two stones.

Diamonds are sell for what they are worth, so if your looking at (for example) and EGL H SI1 for $6500. and comparing it to a GIA H SI1 for $8000. it would appear that the EGL was a better value, UNTIL you consider that you are not comparing apples to apples. The EGL stone, if graded by GIA would likely come back as J (possibly K) and as low as an I1. Now when you grade the LIKE stone, both graded now by the GIA you are comparing J I1 to H SI1, and obviously the J I1 would no longer be a deal at $6500.

EGL does not sell their diamonds for thousands less than GIA or AGS because they are trying to save the consumer money. They are selling them for thousands less because they are worth thousands less.

 

[chon79]

That's a steep/deep diamond with a huge table - you're paying for extra weight that *hurts* rather than helps light return.

I don't know off the top of my head what diamonds of that size/color/clarity go for (I mostly shop much smaller stones) but unless you got the deal of the *century* I would return it. Actually, even then I would return it.

One question, you said it's sparkley, have you: a) looked at it in all lightings, including natural light? and b) have you compared it to an ideal-cut AGS000 diamond?

I think you can do a lot better. $8,000 is serious money: you don't want to regret your purchase.

Thanks Chris. Those diamonds look amazing. I am just skeptical about purchasing online I have looked at it in direct sunlight and flourescent lighting and it definitely sparkles, considering others I have looked at, which were completely dead/dull when looking straight at the face of diamond. I have not compared it to an AGS diamond.

As far as pricing, I have looked at similar diamonds at many other places, that are going for 10-12k price as far as size/clarity/color. Again this is all locally, I have not looked too much online.

 

[farmer gal]

If you stick with a known ps vendor you are safe buying online

 

[Christina...]

farmergal, actually made the suggestions for you, and they are great ones!

I know that you were responding to Chris but I just wanted to chime in again. I can totally appreciate why you would be nervous to buy a diamond online. I made my very first diamond purchase online last year and I was scared to death! I must have sent a thousand emails read a hundred ivouch pages, I constantly tracked the package, and didn't breathe a sigh of relief until after the package was in my hand and appraised as the real thing! I'm currently searching for my second diamond online and I've made several other jewelry purchase from online vendors and haven't had an issue with any of them. I'm not sure how to comfort the fear of making such a huge and important purchase online, but I can tell you that thousands and thousands of people have used pricescope vendors and that pricescope vendors are creme of the crop. Not just anyone can be one. We are a consumer forum, so our number one priority is to protect the consumer..YOU!

You are making a very large purchase, Some of PS vendors have BM stores. I'm not sure where you are located, but it's possible for you to visit one of them, they aren't all strictly online. ID jewery which was recommended above, for instance has a retail location in NY, Good old Gold is also in New York and has a storefront, others as well. I know that you can make an appointment to visit James Allens offices and view the stones in person, I'm assuming that others do the same. I also think that you can do better than this stone in your hometown. I would go back and ask to some some GIA excellent cut stones or some AGS ideal or excellent stones. Ask to see something in an H I J and a VS2 or SI1 combo, this is likely what your EGL stone would grade anyway, then compare the cut quality and the sparkle and see what you think for yourself....

 

[onedrop]

In addition to what Christina and Chris said, if the online vendor has a good return policy, buying online is not really all that risky. And depending upon the vendor, you will likely save money and time by purchasing online. If you really want to purchase at a B&M, find one you trust and ask them to bring in some stones specific to your budget and quality standards.

 

[chon79]

farmergal, actually made the suggestions for you, and they are great ones!

I know that you were responding to Chris but I just wanted to chime in again. I can totally appreciate why you would be nervous to buy a diamond online. I made my very first diamond purchase online last year and I was scared to death! I must have sent a thousand emails read a hundred ivouch pages, I constantly tracked the package, and didn't breathe a sigh of relief until after the package was in my hand and appraised as the real thing! I'm currently searching for my second diamond online and I've made several other jewelry purchase from online vendors and haven't had an issue with any of them. I'm not sure how to comfort the fear of making such a huge and important purchase online, but I can tell you that thousands and thousands of people have used pricescope vendors and that pricescope vendors are creme of the crop. Not just anyone can be one. We are a consumer forum, so our number one priority is to protect the consumer..YOU!

You are making a very large purchase, Some of PS vendors have BM stores. I'm not sure where you are located, but it's possible for you to visit one of them, they aren't all strictly online. ID jewery which was recommended above, for instance has a retail location in NY, Good old Gold is also in New York and has a storefront, others as well. I know that you can make an appointment to visit James Allens offices and view the stones in person, I'm assuming that others do the same. I also think that you can do better than this stone in your hometown. I would go back and ask to some some GIA excellent cut stones or some AGS ideal or excellent stones. Ask to see something in an H I J and a VS2 or SI1 combo, this is likely what your EGL stone would grade anyway, then compare the cut quality and the sparkle and see what you think for yourself....

Christina, you must have replied to the thread when I made my last post. I apologize as I barely saw your original post and this one! I appreciate all your help and support.

I am actually in San Antonio TX. I have read lots of recommendations for GOG when I first read up on this forum.

At my budget of 8000$, what should be the most important factors at the grade of the diamond? I do not like yellow diamonds, which is what first struck me with this diamond. I know you said they are soft on their grading. But I did compare this diamond with a couple of E-F diamonds and could not see a difference to the naked eye under their lighting and direct sunlight. I am looking for the biggest diamond I can find at my price range, without sacrificing in color. As long as the diamond is eye clean, I am open to clarity.

 

[chon79]

Return it terrible cut
Factor Grade
Light Return Good
Fire Poor
Scintillation Poor
Spread
or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 6.9 - Fair

I will look around and be back

Hi farmergal,

Where did you find these values for fire and scintillation? Or did you base this on the grade of the diamond from report?

 

[Amys Bling]

Return it terrible cut
Factor Grade
Light Return Good
Fire Poor
Scintillation Poor
Spread
or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 6.9 - Fair

I will look around and be back

Hi farmergal,

Where did you find these values for fire and scintillation? Or did you base this on the grade of the diamond from report?

he used ye information from the grading report to run the numbers through the HCA tool

 

[webdiva]

Here you go - same size, very white H color (your G is probably an H or I), $700 more - expert selection from Whiteflash:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2782662.htm

Same size, I color, A cut above, $1300 more - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2721319.htm

Good old gold: I color, AGS Ideal light performance - $7500 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9238/

I ordered my diamond from GOG, they have a good return and upgrade policy. You can certainly trust online PS vendors more than you can the brick and mortar vendor who sold you that crappy ass diamond. Run through the usual trusted vendors, you'll see very many reviews on Pricescope of others who are happy with the results.

Make sure to note the diameter not carat weight.

 

[bagelboy]

Look above, click on tools, click on HCA, enter values from the EGL report. If the HCA score is between zero and 2.0 it merits a further investigation to purchase. Although 2-3 on larger diamonds are OK if idealscope images look good. Your current diamond has a 6.9 score, which is pretty bad. I'm sure it does sparkle, but there are so many other diamonds that sparkle better. Considering that plus the soft EGL lab, this is not the bargain you think it is. I would return this in a heartbeat, besides most Pricescope vendors offer 30 day return periods.This gives you alot of time to have your own evaluation done by a jewelry appraiser of your choice. Although you cannot see a diamond online, you quickly can learn what you should be looking at or for. I would highly recomend learning as much you can on Pricescope under Knowledge tabs, then find a Pricescope vendor who you feel comfortable with or has a diamond you are interested in.I would not buy locally because I can find better diamonds at a lower price thru a Pricescope vendor. Hope this helps!!!

 

[Amys Bling]

Return it terrible cut
Factor Grade
Light Return Good
Fire Poor
Scintillation Poor
Spread
or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 6.9 - Fair

I will look around and be back

Hi farmergal,

Where did you find these values for fire and scintillation? Or did you base this on the grade of the diamond from report?

he used ye information from the grading report to run the numbers through the HCA tool

 

[ChrisES]

As far as pricing, I have looked at similar diamonds at many other places, that are going for 10-12k price as far as size/clarity/color. Again this is all locally, I have not looked too much online.

If you're looking locally, you're definitely paying a markup for brick and mortar. Also, as others have explained, the stone you purchased has an EGL discount. I think you should look online and be willing to give up a little bit of size, if necessary, to make your budget work.

It can also be useful to look locally, if only for comparison shopping. It sounds, from your description of looking at the stone you purchased next to others and in various lighting, like you have good shopping instincts. I'd try some other stores and especially independent stores: I've worked with two brick and mortar places that had top quality stock and were competitive with online vendors (both were sole proprietorships): I found one through a family friend and the other, listen to this, by searching yelp for jewelers and specifically looking for 5-star reviews that said the proprietor did not "hard sell" them.

If I were you, I would shop online and also look for a good local jeweler who carries GIA and/or AGS certified stones.

 

[chon79]

As far as pricing, I have looked at similar diamonds at many other places, that are going for 10-12k price as far as size/clarity/color. Again this is all locally, I have not looked too much online.

If you're looking locally, you're definitely paying a markup for brick and mortar. Also, as others have explained, the stone you purchased has an EGL discount. I think you should look online and be willing to give up a little bit of size, if necessary, to make your budget work.

It can also be useful to look locally, if only for comparison shopping. It sounds, from your description of looking at the stone you purchased next to others and in various lighting, like you have good shopping instincts. I'd try some other stores and especially independent stores: I've worked with two brick and mortar places that had top quality stock and were competitive with online vendors (both were sole proprietorships): I found one through a family friend and the other, listen to this, by searching yelp for jewelers and specifically looking for 5-star reviews that said the proprietor did not "hard sell" them.

If I were you, I would shop online and also look for a good local jeweler who carries GIA and/or AGS certified stones.

Thanks Chris! Thats exactly what I will do today. I will bring the stone back to Jeweler and have them find me a comparable GIA stone (which they carry) and see what they can offer. Do you think that the stone is considered "overpriced" based on its EGL report and the price of diamond? I am only wondering to see if their pricing is good enough to continue my search through them or find another jeweler.

 

[webdiva]

BTW, Whiteflash is in Houston if you want to go in person. Make an appt to see a number of selections in your price range and 4C preference. Whiteflash will provide light performance reports for you. If you go Brick and Mortar, purchase an idealscope. As has been mentioned by experts on PS, the HCA is a guide and not a rating scale or guarantee - it helps you reject diamonds and decide to further examine the ones under 2.

Either 1. educate yourself fully and do a ton of research so you can properly judge if you're getting a good deal or 2. study up on the basics and go with a trusted PS vendor and purchase one of their recommended diamonds. Not everyone wants to know everything there is to know about diamonds or has the patience to comb through hundreds of diamonds like a lot of us did, but you should also make sure you're getting the best possible deal for your money. Good luck and happy shopping!

Edit: I just saw your last post about going to Brick & Mortar. #1 Get your money back - no exchange on diamond. That gives you more options and makes them work harder for you. #2 Don't buy anything until you post it here and/or ask for an ASET, Idealscope, etc. And no, based on the diamonds I posted above - you did not get a "good deal".

 

[SinkingFun]

Thanks Chris! Thats exactly what I will do today. I will bring the stone back to Jeweler and have them find me a comparable GIA stone (which they carry) and see what they can offer. Do you think that the stone is considered "overpriced" based on its EGL report and the price of diamond? I am only wondering to see if their pricing is good enough to continue my search through them or find another jeweler.

Yes, return that diamond. You got ripped off.

If I were you, I wouldn't even consider picking up a diamond from them and would stretch my money by purchasing online. Online vendors (at least PS vendors) are very respectable and will get you the best bang for your buck. I don't understand why people must buy diamonds from B&M stores when they can get a better diamond for less money. Common sense, no?

Remember this: cut is king! You'd much rather have a diamond that has ideal light return than a large dead stone.

I purchased a 3/4 ct ACA diamond and it far out performs another 1ct EGL diamond I saw.

Consider these two diamonds:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2762658.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2772512.htm

In the meantime, return the one you purchased!


Edit:

By the way, there's no "good deal" in the diamond industry (unless you go through the secondary market). There's a reason that diamond was sent to EGL and not GIA or AGS.

Cheap is cheap. You are getting what you pay for in diamonds.

 

[chon79]

Just an update. I called the jeweler and explained all my research, and my other options of much better diamonds that can be found (did not mention this was online).

They offered to sell the diamond at 6000.

 

[webdiva]

Just an update. I called the jeweler and explained all my research, and my other options of much better diamonds that can be found (did not mention this was online).

They offered to sell the diamond at 6000.

I take your crappy $6000 diamond and raise you one awesome Brian Gavin Blue for $6200 in a similar dimension:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.100-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104057888013

 

[distracts]

I am actually in San Antonio TX. I have read lots of recommendations for GOG when I first read up on this forum.

Both Whiteflash and Brian Gavin Diamonds, which are highly recommended by PSers and sell amazing ideal-cut stones, are located in Houston. You should browse their inventory and then make an appointment to see whatever stones of theirs you like. Make a daytrip.

IMO that BGD blue that webdiva just posted is a fantastic stone at a fantastic price.

 

[ChrisES]

Just an update. I called the jeweler and explained all my research, and my other options of much better diamonds that can be found (did not mention this was online).

They offered to sell the diamond at 6000.

Ding ding ding.

I would return it and not go back to the same store; they basically just admitted to ripping you off.

 

[chon79]

Just an update. I called the jeweler and explained all my research, and my other options of much better diamonds that can be found (did not mention this was online).

They offered to sell the diamond at 6000.

Ding ding ding.

I would return it and not go back to the same store; they basically just admitted to ripping you off.

Exactly haha, thats why I used the tongue smiley.

I just called again and told them I will be dropping the ring off today for a refund. I talked to a diamond consultant on LiveChat on WF and they can have a ring assembled for me by Saturday.

 

[webdiva]

Just an update. I called the jeweler and explained all my research, and my other options of much better diamonds that can be found (did not mention this was online).

They offered to sell the diamond at 6000.

Ding ding ding.

I would return it and not go back to the same store; they basically just admitted to ripping you off.

Exactly haha, thats why I used the tongue smiley.

I just called again and told them I will be dropping the ring off today for a refund. I talked to a diamond consultant on LiveChat on WF and they can have a ring assembled for me by Saturday.

Whoa! Fast work, Chon79! Good job! Did you pick out a diamond yet?

 

[ChrisES]

Just an update. I called the jeweler and explained all my research, and my other options of much better diamonds that can be found (did not mention this was online).

They offered to sell the diamond at 6000.

Ding ding ding.

I would return it and not go back to the same store; they basically just admitted to ripping you off.

Exactly haha, thats why I used the tongue smiley.

I just called again and told them I will be dropping the ring off today for a refund. I talked to a diamond consultant on LiveChat on WF and they can have a ring assembled for me by Saturday.

Side effect of relying on PS for advice.....we will want pictures!!!! (Also, you told WF that you're a PS member, right? They offer a discount for us!)

And congratulations!

 

[Christina...]

Ok first of all, I can not believe that I'm doing this, but I really really want you to have a great stone. This stone is one that I am currently discussing with Katie and Lesly at BGD. It's gorgeous, it's large, it ideally cut and has ideal light performance. It will look very white face up. This is one thing about color as well, the more poorly cut the stone is the more body color you are going to see in the stone. So, if you are happy with the color of your current stone I think that you will be ecstatic with this one.

Brian Gavin is a very highly recommended PS vendor and is in Texas as well I believe. Many PS members have sent stones to him to be recut, because he truly is amazing. This stone will also come with a lifetime trade up policy so if you ever want to upgrade your diamond you just send it back and pick out your new stone.

If buying online still isn't for you then this is exactly what I would do,

1. find a trustworthy BM store in your area. Not a mall store, they are all going to carry basically the same cut and will most likely have to order something well cut in for you to compare, and I think you are running low on patience and just want to find a great stone.

2. Cut is going to be THE most important aspect of the stone, it will make your diamond appear whiter and brighter no matter what color the grading is. You want to look for a stone that will fall within these guidelines, it's a cheat sheet that diamondseeker has been using to help others who are trying to search offline

depth=60-62.2
table=54-57
crown angle=34-35 degrees
pavillion=40.6-41
girdle look for slightly thin to medium to slightly thick
polish=very good to excellent
symmetry= very good to excellent

This is a bit constrictive and it's possible to find good performers that are outside of these guidelines, but if you stay within these you will be getting a very well cut stone.

3. take a phone with internet access with you so that you can put numbers into the HCA, reject stones that score over 2 unless you compare them to stones that score under 2 and you trust your own eyes to judge the light return

4. Don't trust that you can judge color under jewelry store lighting, it will never look the same at home. Most people say that they notice body color in their cars or outside on a cloudy day. ALL lighting conditions are important

5. Learn how to use a loupe correctly and make sure that you look through the pavillion as well, some inclusions can be seen here.

6. read up on inclusions and which ones are safe, you probably don't want a feather on the girdle without it being evaluated for durability issues.

7. learn how to read a GIA or AGS cert. for instance know that if the clarity plot shows a feather in red then it's different if it shows a feather in green. Green will represent inclusions that reach the surface and these need to be evaluated.

8. if your unsure about ANYTHING you can ask the store to hold the stone for 24 hours and then come back and ask questions, perhaps write down questions that you want to ask while your looking and then you won't forget them later.

9. TAKE A DEEP BREATHE! This is supposed to be fun. Ty to imagine the look on her face when you present her with the most beautiful diamond that she has ever seen!!

10. FInally make sure that the store has a return policy and an upgrade policy if you think you will upgrade for an important anniversary. Also be prepared to propose within the return policy, if she had her heart set an a cushion and you bought her a RB then you may want to exchange the stone for her.

Thats all I can think of at the moment. But it's more than enough to consider while you wait for others to chime in with their advice.

 

[Christina...]

Just an update. I called the jeweler and explained all my research, and my other options of much better diamonds that can be found (did not mention this was online).

They offered to sell the diamond at 6000.

Ding ding ding.

I would return it and not go back to the same store; they basically just admitted to ripping you off.

Exactly haha, thats why I used the tongue smiley.

I just called again and told them I will be dropping the ring off today for a refund. I talked to a diamond consultant on LiveChat on WF and they can have a ring assembled for me by Saturday.

WOW! Thats incredibly fast work! Good for you, you really won't be disappointed with WF! I think that your really making a great decision, and I think that the fact that your vendor offered to take $2000 off the diamond you already purchased would be grounds for me not to use them to purchase ANY stone from. I guess I'm saying I wouldn't even go back to compare GIA stones!

BTW I'm going to go back and remove my link to BGD if it's not too late. lol If you really are interested though I'll repost it.

EDIT: I was able to remove the link, stones that are recommended often have a way of being bought up by lurkers, so if you would like me to link again I will but if your not interested I'll keep it for myself. lol

 

[webdiva]

That's a really nice stone, Christina - hope you get it!

Chon - here's something a little higher than your price range but a nice H color:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2782662.htm

 

[chon79]

^^ Yep I figured I would regret the purchase for some reason once I posted the diamond. Sorry for the trouble everyone. I am normally the kind of guy that does research online for ANYTHING I buy. But I thought I just try a walk in store and let someone school me on diamonds. And they obviously accomplished that by ripping me off LOL.

I think I decided on WF being that they are in Houston and can get me a ring pretty quickly. And honestly, my original price on a diamond was 6000 (not including setting). I managed to squeeze budget to 8000k but it was tough. So now that I know I can get a much better diamond at 6000k, I'd like to keep my original budget.

FYI I am proposing to her in Coit Tower in San Francisco during our vacation - totally not expecting it!! However this ring situation has put me on a bind on getting it by next week before we leave!!

Could anyone shoot me some recommendations on WF for a nice diamond based on my original budget? Again, my needs and her wants in a diamond are as follows: 1 carat, white diamond, with as much sparkle possible while keeping clarity eye clean. She is the kind of girl that will get a tiny scratch on her Mustang and it will bum her out ALL day! I would not want to have a diamond that she can see an inclusion - she would totally hate the rock