Question on Dimaond Advice

[Bryceandglenda]

I want to by a round 3.0 carat diamond solitaire. Does a 2.8 carat with better feautres look better then a 3.0 carat with lesser features? Also, I want to try and by a used diamond in order to save money, any advice where to look? Also, does the diamond district in L.A. really save you that much money? Thanks for the hlep!

 

[belle]

what are ''better features''? a well cut stone of any size will always look better than a poorly cut stone in my opinion.

 

[Mara]

If you mean a better cut quality when you say better features..then yes a well cut 2.8 could be significantly better looking than your typical 3c stone.

Keep in mind that it's pretty rare to find a stone that is exactly 3c or 3.01c or similar which will be very well cut...many times the cutter would try to retain some extra weight in the girdle or pavilion in order to reach that 'magic' carat mark at 3c which reaps alot more $$$ in retail value than a 2.8c or similar. So many of the just reaching 3c stones you find out there will probably have a few characteristics that are not quite so desirable.

So it's also going to be rare to find that well cut 2.8c or 2.9c stone. But if you can find it, it would be great and save you a bundle. And in many cases it would most likely look just like that poorly or mediocre cut 3c stone to the casual viewer, but they will also see that the well-cut stone looks SO much more appealing than a deep thick girdled 3c.

My first priority is cut quality...I love size more than most gals but I wouldn't sacrifice cut quality for a bigger size....I'd go lower in color and clarity every time but not cut. My two cents....stay strict on that cut!

 

[Kaleigh]

Cut is key. Look for the best cut you can find. If you go just under 3 carats, eye clean and a nice color that should do it. In larger stones the clarity and the color become more noticeable even more so if you don''t get a stone that is well cut. I''d read up on the tutorials here and understand the bascis before you go out looking. This way you''ll be more informed as to what to look for in a stone. Good luck!!

 

[researcher]

RUN from the L.A. diamond district!!! I''m sure there are a few nice stones, but now that I know A LOT more about diamonds I would not buy one from there--even though I KNOW people who have aunts/uncles/friends who work there. Stick with one of the online vendors like Whiteflash that will teach you about diamonds and make sure you get the best cut possible.

 

[researcher]

Also, you will find that the better stones often face up bigger than the stones cut to retain weight. So, you may find a 2.7 that faces up like a poorly cut 3.0.