Radiant help

[kevin329]

Hello,

Looking for some experienced opinions of the following two stones, if y'all don't mind:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1326561.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1391469.asp

*edit: "Very Good" price: 12200
"ideal" price: 10550

I know that pictures are tough to go by, but what do you guys think? I don't mind taking some risks, but does it look like a leap into a deep dark abyss or just a small tiny leap of faith with either of these two?

Carat size is not much of an issue as I'm pretty sure she will be happy with either one. I asked the James Allen people to take a look at these stones, so I am hoping they will get back to me soon.

Any and all comments are appreciated!!!

 

[chrono]

I'm not good with radiants but I can tell you that the pattern on the G VS1 stone is more attractive to me than the D VS1 radiant.

 

[kevin329]

I'm not good with radiants but I can tell you that the pattern on the G VS1 stone is more attractive to me than the D VS1 radiant.

This is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for!! Thank you!

I was worried that the G kinda drew too much to the center and would make it feel too deep, but yet I think I prefer it at the same time.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the G is better than the D but I think the G may be too elongated. You probably can do better. I will look when I can get on my computer.

 

[JulieN]

The G.

 

[kevin329]

I think the G is better than the D but I think the G may be too elongated. You probably can do better. I will look when I can get on my computer.

Why do you say too elongated? The ratio is 1.29, is that not normal?

I am looking for a rectangular shape rather than square, which is actually what took me away from cushions as it was hard to find them with a ratio more than 1.19.

 

[kevin329]

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[jstarfireb]

I also prefer the G. Good to know you're specifically looking for a rectangular stone.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I dunno if it is my screen, but the faceting on the D colored stone, looks "odd" (sorry for the lack of technical explanation). Of the two, I prefer the G. But these cuts, beg to be seen IRL.

cheers--Sharon

 

[kevin329]

I also prefer the G. Good to know you're specifically looking for a rectangular stone.

Yes, I probably should have said that in the original post :-/ sorry about that.

I just figured since both are approx the same ratio that it would be apparent I am comparing two rectangular shapes. My guidelines for picking were as follows:

Shape: Radiant or Cushion
Carat: 1.25 - 1.6
Clarity: VS2 or better, visually clean
Cut: Very good (or as high as possible)
Color: G or better
Ratio: 1.25 or higher for a rectangular look

 

[diamondseeker2006]

What setting are you planning? Because I think you can get a rectangular look with less than 1.29. I am not promoting this diamond, but I think the 1.21 proportions are more pleasing.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1497678.asp

What is your budget for the stone?

 

[kevin329]

HI:

I dunno if it is my screen, but the faceting on the D colored stone, looks "odd" (sorry for the lack of technical explanation). Of the two, I prefer the G. But these cuts, beg to be seen IRL.

cheers--Sharon

Yea, IRL will be hard for me. I'm on a ship and need to have this ready to go when I get back so I'm going to have to fork over the $$$$ and have it sent to a friend to look at and trust his opinion and reliability to make a determination within the 30 or 60 day window or whatever amount of time is allowed.

 

[kevin329]

What setting are you planning? Because I think you can get a rectangular look with less than 1.29. I am not promoting this diamond, but I think the 1.21 proportions are more pleasing.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1497678.asp

What is your budget for the stone?

It will be set in either white gold or platinum, but I know she would like some yellow gold accents if possible. I am leaning toward platinum with yellow gold accents if I can find a jeweler who can do this. She likes the pave style settings.

Thank you for that input on the ratio. I wasn't sure what was a good ratio to go with for a rectangular look but I remembered that she mentioned seeing a diamond that was over 1.3 that she liked. My biggest obstacle is I have never seen a loose diamond in person (any, ever) to have any idea what a good ratio is. So I went off what she has said before, and then I used excel to print some paper equivalents based on the dimensions given on the listings which I cut out and tried to compare. Crazy, I know.

Budget is tough. I think I can go as high as $14k for the stone (for that WOW stone I guess), but I would definitely be more comfortable around the $11k-$12k mark, or less of course.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I just asked about the style of setting because it might make a difference to me as to the ratio.

Just to give you an example of an outstanding rectangular radiant, here is a picture of a ring owned by a member here. I don't know it's ratio, but I think it has a very pleasing shape.

 

[kevin329]

I just asked about the style of setting because it might make a difference to me as to the ratio.

Just to give you an example of an outstanding rectangular radiant, here is a picture of a ring owned by a member here. I don't know it's ratio, but I think it has a very pleasing shape.

That is definitely a gorgeous ring. Absolutely.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have been looking but unfortunately there just aren't that many pictures of radiants online!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Do you have time to contact David at Diamonds by Lauren? He has many shapes/radiants and might be able to provide you with information about shape/ratio, etc. Or you can look on his website first--to see if anything "thrills" you....and I believe most of those stones listed are in house so he might be able to give you direct answers...

cheers--Sharon

 

[kevin329]

HI:

Do you have time to contact David at Diamonds by Lauren? He has many shapes/radiants and might be able to provide you with information about shape/ratio, etc. Or you can look on his website first--to see if anything "thrills" you....and I believe most of those stones listed are in house so he might be able to give you direct answers...

cheers--Sharon

Thank you for the referral. I will certainly take a gander at the website and see if I can get in touch with Mr. David through email.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Do you have time to contact David at Diamonds by Lauren? He has many shapes/radiants and might be able to provide you with information about shape/ratio, etc. Or you can look on his website first--to see if anything "thrills" you....and I believe most of those stones listed are in house so he might be able to give you direct answers...

cheers--Sharon

Thank you for the referral. I will certainly take a gander at the website and see if I can get in touch with Mr. David through email.

Thank you for the compliment on my ring. I do enjoy my radiant!

Hope you find something awesome that doesn't make you "jump ship"....OKOK REALLY bad joke....but David's site is rife with examples and choice; notwithstanding he has some enticing colored diamonds/radiants also!

Come back and let us know what you find.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Niel]

I just asked about the style of setting because it might make a difference to me as to the ratio.

Just to give you an example of an outstanding rectangular radiant, here is a picture of a ring owned by a member here. I don't know it's ratio, but I think it has a very pleasing shape.

you know theres a ring very similar to that at DBL

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/three-stone-ring-127ct-jvvs2-radiant-cut-gia-trapezoid-side-stones-r4709


Thats all i have to say about that, I really do not know much about radiants, but I cant wait to see what you do

 

[kevin329]

I just asked about the style of setting because it might make a difference to me as to the ratio.

Just to give you an example of an outstanding rectangular radiant, here is a picture of a ring owned by a member here. I don't know it's ratio, but I think it has a very pleasing shape.

you know theres a ring very similar to that at DBL

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/three-stone-ring-127ct-jvvs2-radiant-cut-gia-trapezoid-side-stones-r4709


Thats all i have to say about that, I really do not know much about radiants, but I cant wait to see what you do

Wow, that is surprisingly similar. My only reservations would be the color and depth, and then I think she might prefer a pave style setting. I am trying to buy the stone separately and then find the most flattering setting for it that will also satisfy her specific tastes, all the while trying to put a little bit of my own influence into it as well.

Once this purchase is over, I think everything else will be a cakewalk. haha

Waiting to hear from the Jared Allen evaluator, and in the mean time continuing my research. There is so much to read here...

Y'all have been so helpful! Thank you so very much.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I don't know if James Allen has those stones in house....they have to wait for it to arrive, then evaluate it, then give you information. Not that it is an issue....just takes longer.

Radiants are often cut deeper--than modern RB's; no comperison...not that you were making any....

But I do agree with the color, as radiants have a propensity to hold body color; if you are at all color sensitive, then stick with I colors and above.

That DBL ring is lovely.

cheers--Sharon

 

[CharmedOne]

The DBL ring is gorgeous!

 

[ariel144]

I'm not good with radiants but I can tell you that the pattern on the G VS1 stone is more attractive to me than the D VS1 radiant.

I agree...i'm really liking the facet pattern on the G VS1. The deeper the stone the smaller it will face up.

Have you considered a cushion cut set in a cut cornered setting to look like a radiant? This one has an antique facet pattern and faces up nice and large. Don't know your budget though. If it is eye clean it might be a great option. I had a 2.1c. radiant cut and sold it and the gemologist said that if it had been a round or cushion the value would have been higher. Cushions and rounds are the most sought after and popular right now.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1527659.asp

 

[ariel144]

The faceting on the radiant ring on DBL looks like the faceting of a princess cut. It is very nice.

I suggest you watch the educational videos on GOG on cushions and radiants and decide which faceting pattern you like the best and then it will be easier to choose your stone.

www.goodoldgold.com

 

[Niel]

as i said i dont know much about radients but my eyes like how this one looks. Though I dont know the budget

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1389795.asp


these are the radients i like, though like i said. what do i know, I'm a pear girl haha


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1487043.asp

 

[ariel144]

I'm not good with radiants but I can tell you that the pattern on the G VS1 stone is more attractive to me than the D VS1 radiant.

I agree...i'm really liking the facet pattern on the G VS1. The deeper the stone the smaller it will face up.

Have you considered a cushion cut set in a cut cornered setting to look like a radiant? This one has an antique facet pattern and faces up nice and large. Don't know your budget though. If it is eye clean it might be a great option. I had a 2.1c. radiant cut and sold it and the gemologist said that if it had been a round or cushion the value would have been higher. Cushions and rounds are the most sought after and popular right now.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1527659.asp

this G si2 from james allen is a cushion brilliant and depth is mid 60% and table is mid 50% the ideal cut for a nice cushion diamond. finding a cushion brilliant is like finding a needle in a haystack as most are modified cushions these days. I see now that this stone is way under budget but if eye clean the faceting is quite marvelous...a chunky cushion cut which is also highly desirable and faces up nice and large because of the mid 60% depth. And it is an elongated cushion which is what you are looking for. It would be interesting to see the ASET image on this stone and compare it to the radiant G VS1 you have on hold.

The ASET image will give you a clue as to the light return on these stones. Take a look at goodoldgold August Vintage cushions and how small the tables are...which produces a higher crown which makes a much prettier stone.

I've noticed that now they are cutting radiants so deep that they face up smaller for their carat weight. Good luck in your search. Hope this helps.

 

[ariel144]

these step cut radiants look very nice...this one is smaller than you want and the other one over budget but maybe they can get you one in your price range:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-IF-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1355816.asp (note the small table)

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1354719.asp



http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1496977.asp

This one is 2c and a 2k over budget:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1336872.asp

But I still like that 1.36c cushion G SI2 the best. Color and clarity do not make a diamond more beautiful. Cut is KING and you can have a lower color and clarity stone that is well cut and can perform better than a higher color and higher clarity stone.

You can't pay any attention to the cut ratings that JA gives their fancy cut stones...GIA and AGS only rate the cut of their round brilliants.

 

[kevin329]

I'm not good with radiants but I can tell you that the pattern on the G VS1 stone is more attractive to me than the D VS1 radiant.

I agree...i'm really liking the facet pattern on the G VS1. The deeper the stone the smaller it will face up.

Have you considered a cushion cut set in a cut cornered setting to look like a radiant? This one has an antique facet pattern and faces up nice and large. Don't know your budget though. If it is eye clean it might be a great option. I had a 2.1c. radiant cut and sold it and the gemologist said that if it had been a round or cushion the value would have been higher. Cushions and rounds are the most sought after and popular right now.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1527659.asp

Cushion is definitely an option, and I love the cushion shape myself. This one you linked too has a culet that is just a bit too large for my tastes and makes me feel like there is a hole at the bottom of the stone. Other than that, it looks very nice. I'm not sure that a 1.15 ratio is rectangular enough for what she would like, and the lack of ratios above 1.2 in cushion (from what I could find) is what took me away from them.

 

[kevin329]

The faceting on the radiant ring on DBL looks like the faceting of a princess cut. It is very nice.

I suggest you watch the educational videos on GOG on cushions and radiants and decide which faceting pattern you like the best and then it will be easier to choose your stone.

www.goodoldgold.com

Videos are not an option for me. On the ship, I am lucky to be able to load webpages most times. Slower than dial-up at best. I tried downloading a 1mB picture and it took 15mins, and I was ecstatic because the connection didn't drop out during the download haha