Radiant Selection

[phi1316]

Hi,

I've been looking for about a month now for a radiant cut around 1ct and from what I have seen, this listing appears to be a great deal, but I'm curious if anyone sees the problem:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-2858422...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
I'm waiting on the certificate image from B2C, so just based on the specs, does anyone see any problems? Finding a radiant is tough since it's hard to know how good they are without seeing them.

Thanks for any help!

-Ben

 

[mandasand]

You won't be able to judge a radiant by certificate alone. Can you get images, ideal scope and ASET from B2C? Also, please let us know your budget and preferences. For example, some radiants are square or rectangle and have different kinds of faceting. Do you have a color/clarity preference? By looking at the one you linked, it is square with a high color and you're ok going to an SI1 in clarity.

I would avoid EGL and try to get a GIA graded stone.

 

[phi1316]

I'm still waiting on the certificate which isn't a great thing. I'll give them a call and ask them for the items you mentioned. I hadn't heard of ideal scope, so I'll google that and see what I can learn.

My specs that I'm looking for are a square radiant with minimum SI1 and H Color (prefer Higher). I was thinking about $3k with a 0.9-1.0ct.

 

[mandasand]

You may need to up your budget to get an ideal cut 1 ct radiant. Take a look at James Allen because you can see actual photos. Here is one that looks nice. You can request evaluation of 3 stones at no charge:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1506678.asp - $3674 PS wire price

Have you considered a cushion cut?

 

[JulieN]

2500 for a 1 ct D SI1 EGL? Just too good to be true, a drop to SI2 would make a big difference in price.

 

[mandasand]

Radiants can be tricky because there is not much inventory that I could find in your size and budget range, even if you drop to an SI2. You have to be patient I think or adjust budget/size.

 

[Gypsy]

You may need to up your budget to get an ideal cut 1 ct radiant. Take a look at James Allen because you can see actual photos. Here is one that looks nice. You can request evaluation of 3 stones at no charge:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1506678.asp - $3674 PS wire price

Have you considered a cushion cut?

Cushions are either the same price or more expensive per carat than radiants. And Manda, you picked a very nice radiant.

 

[Gypsy]

I don't like the faceting. But it's got some potential. And it's $2,423 and GIA and a carat, so you can ask for an idealscope image of this one and put it on hold: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1521254.asp it is I color-- but a GIA I is easily an EGL H or even G, so it's comparable.

 

[E B]

This may be interesting. A .97 ct H, VS2 AGS ID/ID "CC Rectangle Brilliant." Anyone know more about AGS Ideal radiant cuts?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut-loose-diamond-2677342.htm

Another site (B2C Jewels) has it for $3416, so WF may price match if you're interested.

 

[mandasand]

You may need to up your budget to get an ideal cut 1 ct radiant. Take a look at James Allen because you can see actual photos. Here is one that looks nice. You can request evaluation of 3 stones at no charge:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1506678.asp - $3674 PS wire price

Have you considered a cushion cut?

Cushions are either the same price or more expensive per carat than radiants. And Manda, you picked a very nice radiant.

Thanks Gypsy. I was thinking if he expanded to cushions he would have more options to choose from, but I still think the OP needs to increase his budget if he wants a 1 ct stone. For example, the cushion diamonds I was looking in the .70-.80 ct were over $3000.

 

[Gypsy]

There is more selection with cushions Manda was right.

How about this stone: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1281157.asp and there is also this one, which has radiant faceting: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1405692.asp (you would need to check to see if it is eyeclean).

This one is nice: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1508043.asp and has the radiant faceting.

Little over budget: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1518585.asp

 

[mandasand]

Gypsy,

Day in and Day out you sift through JamesAllen inventory looking at those overcontrasted photographs they have of diamonds making almost blind suggestions for people.

What disturbs me about this advice is they are usually mediocre cut diamonds and the only thing you are looking at is the size of virtual facet pattern. You select the ones with large virtual facets(chunky facets not crushed ice) and a flattering pattern but completely ignore or can't recognize the amount of leakage as its not easy to see or recognize in their photographs.

You suggest three diamonds or more and JA allows up to three ASETs with which to make a choice. Customer is then usually faced with a choice and the GG at JA suggests the best of the three and makes flattering remarks about it. Sales Job done

To make matters worse the ASET they give are black background non backlit, where leakage and obstruction are impossible to differentiate and many of them do leak like a sieve or have obstruction issues not easily seen on this type of ASET.

I hope you are aware that the "expert" advice you are giving really is very misleading and is indirectly a sales pitch for JamesAllen which really doesn't specialize in top quality cut fancy shapes.

When choosing a mediocre cut it is much more difficult to go off the black background ASET or those James Allen photographs.
There is nothing safe about your advice on radiants or cushions from JamesAllen, unfortunately for the uninformed consumer they may never see better cuts to compare.

I know you work really hard at giving good advice and mean well but these threads are a little disturbing these days for those who may not understand that the 3 or 4 choices you present may all be pretty average to mediocre. The ASET images are NOT good, excessive black in the mains or in large regions under the table is a very bad sign and it would look much worse if the background was white. These regions will be lifeless or even worse reflect the wearer's head and look very dark.

Nothing is worse to me than a 4 main cushion or radiant with head reflection issues on the 4 mains.

Wow, PSBlinders...you've been on this forum for one day and you think are able to accurately assess the YEARS of advice that Gypsy has provided. You are barking up the wrong tree and don't doubt for a second you just opened a can of worms. This is a PRO-CONSUMER forum, meaning that the average Joe can come here and get guidance from other consumers. Luckily, we have some valuable trade members here that can also pitch in and give expert advise. But, we are not trade members, we are consumers.

In terms of this particular thread, the OP is looking to get a 1 carat diamond for $3000. That is very difficult to find if you want an excellent cut diamond that is GIA or AGS certified. We tend to not recommend non-cert stones or inferior grading houses (EGL). We have tried to give guidance and meet the OP's budget, but it's not easy given the parameters we have.

The OP can decide whether or not the stones Gypsy (or me for that matter) are to his liking. If you'd like to provide some information about various cuts, then do that. But, don't call out other members ability to be helpful.

 

[distracts]

Gypsy,

Day in and Day out you sift through JamesAllen inventory looking at those overcontrasted photographs they have of diamonds making almost blind suggestions for people.

What disturbs me about this advice is they are usually mediocre cut diamonds and the only thing you are looking at is the size of virtual facet pattern. You select the ones with large virtual facets(chunky facets not crushed ice) and a flattering pattern but completely ignore or can't recognize the amount of leakage as its not easy to see or recognize in their photographs.

You suggest three diamonds or more and JA allows up to three ASETs with which to make a choice. Customer is then usually faced with a choice and the GG at JA suggests the best of the three and makes flattering remarks about it. Sales Job done

To make matters worse the ASET they give are black background non backlit, where leakage and obstruction are impossible to differentiate and many of them do leak like a sieve or have obstruction issues not easily seen on this type of ASET.

I hope you are aware that the "expert" advice you are giving really is very misleading and is indirectly a sales pitch for JamesAllen which really doesn't specialize in top quality cut fancy shapes.

When choosing a mediocre cut it is much more difficult to go off the black background ASET or those James Allen photographs.
There is nothing safe about your advice on radiants or cushions from JamesAllen, unfortunately for the uninformed consumer they may never see better cuts to compare.

I know you work really hard at giving good advice and mean well but these threads are a little disturbing these days for those who may not understand that the 3 or 4 choices you present may all be pretty average to mediocre. The ASET images are NOT good, excessive black in the mains or in large regions under the table is a very bad sign and it would look much worse if the background was white. These regions will be lifeless or even worse reflect the wearer's head and look very dark.

Nothing is worse to me than a 4 main cushion or radiant with head reflection issues on the 4 mains.

Okay, but do you have any suggestions? Because criticism that isn't constructive isn't useful.

 

[songo1234]

Gypsy,

Day in and Day out you sift through JamesAllen inventory looking at those overcontrasted photographs they have of diamonds making almost blind suggestions for people.

What disturbs me about this advice is they are usually mediocre cut diamonds and the only thing you are looking at is the size of virtual facet pattern. You select the ones with large virtual facets(chunky facets not crushed ice) and a flattering pattern but completely ignore or can't recognize the amount of leakage as its not easy to see or recognize in their photographs.

You suggest three diamonds or more and JA allows up to three ASETs with which to make a choice. Customer is then usually faced with a choice and the GG at JA suggests the best of the three and makes flattering remarks about it. Sales Job done

To make matters worse the ASET they give are black background non backlit, where leakage and obstruction are impossible to differentiate and many of them do leak like a sieve or have obstruction issues not easily seen on this type of ASET.

I hope you are aware that the "expert" advice you are giving really is very misleading and is indirectly a sales pitch for JamesAllen which really doesn't specialize in top quality cut fancy shapes.

When choosing a mediocre cut it is much more difficult to go off the black background ASET or those James Allen photographs.
There is nothing safe about your advice on radiants or cushions from JamesAllen, unfortunately for the uninformed consumer they may never see better cuts to compare.

I know you work really hard at giving good advice and mean well but these threads are a little disturbing these days for those who may not understand that the 3 or 4 choices you present may all be pretty average to mediocre. The ASET images are NOT good, excessive black in the mains or in large regions under the table is a very bad sign and it would look much worse if the background was white. These regions will be lifeless or even worse reflect the wearer's head and look very dark.

Nothing is worse to me than a 4 main cushion or radiant with head reflection issues on the 4 mains.

edited. decided not to post to prevent a forum war. just one statement, cavet empot.

 

[JulieN]

Two different styles for the OP:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1373628.asp
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...vs1-gia-near-perfection-laser-inscribed-r4406

For the other poster, the OP is looking for a 1 ct H SI1 for under 3K. Obviously, something has to give.

 

[GirlyGirl]

I appreciate you, Gypsy! You have quite an eye. You find radiants in a haystack.

Why James Allen? Lots of inventory, competitive prices, and PICTURES for every diamond. PS plays favorites to other vendors too, even ones who don't advertise.

It's also no secret that most posters prefer chunky facets over crushed ice patterns.

 

[armywife13]

I appreciate you, Gypsy! You have quite an eye. You find radiants in a haystack.

Why James Allen? Lots of inventory, competitive prices, and PICTURES for every diamond. PS plays favorites to other vendors too, even ones who don't advertise.

It's also no secret that most posters prefer chunky facets over crushed ice patterns.

This!

 

[mandasand]

I actually searched a bunch of other vendors today including GOG, but nothing came up in OPs stated budget. JA has the best selection based on what he wants that I was able to find.

I myself am working on sourcing a fancy cut diamond and if I had $3000 to spend, the last place I would look is LM/Perry...I spoke to ERD about sourcing a stone (.75 ct) and setting and they went over my $5k budget, so I doubt they could have a 1 ct radiant for $3k.

We've suggested some good options. Now it's Ben's turn to decide if we are hitting the mark for him.

 

[Gypsy]

Please see my post here: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/psblinders.179518/#post-3263218#p3263218']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/psblinders.179518/#post-3263218#p3263218[/URL] Particularly 4 and 5.

Thank you Mandi, Armywife and Girly Girl.