Questions re Recent Diamond Purchase

[glynis0916]

After doing some research for a couple of weeks, I decided to purchase this diamond:

GIA grading report
Round Brilliant
1.81 H SI1
VG Cut, VG Polish and Symmetry and no fluorescence
Table is 56%, depth 63.7% and 34 crown, 42 pavillion
Purchase price was $13,100 in the downtown Los Angeles diamond district

The price seemed a little high to me--I''ve checked some online stores and the numbers sorta match up, but I would like to know what others'' opinions are on the price.

I also have some questions about appraisal. Since I have the GIA grading report, and I trust the dealer in terms of the diamond''s quality, is appraisal only necessary for insurance purposes? To appraise the diamond, does it have to be loose, or can the whole ring be appraised accurately?

Finally, does anyone have a recommendation for an appraiser in the LA County area?

Thanks for your time.

 

[ImpatientOne]

Your stone appears to score a 6.3 on the HCA with grades as follows:
Factor Grade
Light Return Good
Fire Fair
Scintillation Fair
Spreador diameter for weight Good
Total Visual Performance 6.3 - Fair

Ideally, a well cut stone will fall under 2 on the HCA.


Here is a comparison from Whiteflash 1.81 H SI1 ACA H&A http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-636633.htm for $14887
This stone has much better numbers.

Based on the Whiteflash stone, which is a top notch stone, I'd say your stone was overpriced.

 

[glynis0916]

Thanks for responding to my first question. However, when I click on the link, the stone you are comparing is priced at $15,670, so I''m not sure where you''re getting the $14,887 number (discount at checkout??) . Either way, is a $1700-$2500 difference in price a good comparison point? Thanks.

 

[ImpatientOne]

The higher price is without the Pricescope discount. If you use the price tab at the top of the screen above, then put in your search criteria, you'll see the discounted prices

And as far as the price difference - it's a personal preference. Perhaps others will chime in, but the better cut stone is worth more in my opinion. I would rather pay more and get a better performing stone. Or for the price you paid, get a smaller stone that has a better cut.

Are you able to return your stone? If you are happy with it, that's all that matters

 

[glynis0916]

Well, I''ve put a cash deposit on the diamond, but I think it''s possible to talk to the jeweler and reconsider the "purchase" especially if I take the approach of spending more money on another diamond. Before today, I wasn''t aware of the HCA guidelines and I assumed a GIA grading of VG/VG/VG was more than adequate in terms of cut quality. In addition, it really seemed to sparkle in his store even away from the bright lights. I also liked the stone since it was a very clean SI1 especially on the stone''s face.

So now I''m a little confused. Is it possible for a stone with a 6.3 grade to look really fantastic? Would the amount of wasted light be noticeable in that it wouldn''t catch your eye as much as a stone with a below 2 grade? And would an extra $2,500 (which is out of my original budget but wouldn''t hurt that much) get me to the next level of cut?

Thank you.

 

[Ellen]

As IO has pointed out, cut is everything. It's what makes the diamond dazzle you. I personally would spend more for a better cut, even if that meant going down in size. The numbers are not great on this stone unfortunately. It's very deep, and I'm sure is facing up (appearing) smaller than it should for its carat weight. And more imporatantly, that pavillion angle is WAY too deep.

If you can get out of this stone, I would really recommend it. If you want to shop locally, use the HCA to plug in numbers. Pay more attention to where the x lands, than the numbers. Ideally you want the x to land in the overlap area of GIA/AGS, or close to.

If you can get out of it, and are open to shopping online, you will get a much better stone, at a much better price.

Remember, you get what you pay for.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/14/2008 7:56:39 AM
Author: Ellen
As IO has pointed out, cut is everything. It''s what makes the diamond dazzle you. I personally would spend more for a better cut, even if that meant going down in size. The numbers are not great on this stone unfortunately. It''s very deep, and I''m sure is facing up (appearing) smaller than it should for its carat weight. And more imporatantly, that pavillion angle is WAY too deep.

If you can get out of this stone, I would really recommend it. If you want to shop locally, use the HCA to plug in numbers. Pay more attention to where the x lands, than the numbers. Ideally you want the x to land in the overlap area of GIA/AGS, or close to.

If you can get out of it, and are open to shopping online, you will get a much better stone, at a much better price.

Ditto every word, especially the highlighted part.