purchasing an emerald cut without ASET images

[day_dreamer]

Dear all,

My boyfriend and I have picked out an emerald cut diamond for my engagement ring from a local jeweler. Based on the specifications and from looking at the actual diamond, both him and I really liked it. We have looked at different emerald cuts, both loose and mounted one, and this one stood out to us. However, when I asked the jeweler if ASET images were available, he said they were not, but promised it's a beautiful diamond. This jeweler has been in business for almost 30 years, and they do have some very nice jewelries, and quality hand-forged pieces.

From my research on emerald cut diamonds, I understand that it's essential to look at the actual stone, and/or the ASET images in oder to evaluate it. In my case, I've got to look at the diamond in-person, and found it very pleasing to the eyes. However, I am untrained in evaluating diamonds after all (I've only started learning about diamonds on Pricescope and other websites a few months ago). My question is, is it a big no no to buy an emerald cut diamond without ASET images, and solely trust the GIA specs, our untrained eyes, and the jeweler? What are you thoughts on this?

FYI, here are the specs for this diamond:

GIA certified
1.01 ct
Color: E
Clarity: IF
Depth: 67.1
Table: 62
Girdle: slightly thick - thick
L/W/D: 6.59 x 4.90 x 3.29
Polish: EX
Sym: EX
Flur: None

Thank you for your help in advance.

 

[solgen]

Since there's no ideal cut specs for emerald cuts you can't really make any assumptions based off a GIA report. Pics or ASET would help. I'd just make sure it doesn't face up black at certain angles. But if you like the patterning then that's what matters. There's quite a bit of subjectivity in emerald cuts IMO so get what pleases you.

 

[day_dreamer]

I compared it with another stone, which had a higher depth, and the other one was much darker. The one I'm buying is relatively brighter and more sparkly. I also tried to look at it in different lightings.

Although it looks good to me and I like it, I'm just afraid that we're making a big mistake by buying without seeing the images.

After reading your comment, it did put me at ease. Others, please feel free to let me know about your thwoughts on this.

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI DayDreamer,
It's very common for people coming here to expect members to make the decision for them based on ASET
The reality of diamond buying is that different people have different taste.
What someone else thinks is a "bad" aset, may be a stone I might love, or vice versa.
That is not to say that there's not horribly cut diamonds out there- surely there are.
BUT:
Nothing at all stands out as a negative from the info you posted.
The stone has sufficient surface area for it's weight.
If the stone was a real dog in terms of cut, you would notice.
SO, if you're comfortable with the seller and the stone looks good to you, you're probably fine.

I hope this helps.

 

[day_dreamer]

Hi Rockdiamond,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yes, it does help!

 

[chrono]

Sorry but it is impossible to gauge by the numbers. You have seen several ECs and made the comparison.
1. View it under different lights and away from the store lights.
2. Place the EC under a red cloth. If you can see a lot of red coming through the EC, then it has a lot of leakage.
3. Move the stone side to side slowly and observe whether it has large dark areas.
4. A well cut EC will have its steps light up and "walk" across the EC in the same direction as you slowly tilt it from left to right or right to left. It should not have large squares of darkness.

 

[day_dreamer]

Thank you for the tips, Chrono. I'll be sure to check out the stone again using those methods!