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Ready to start shopping for an Asscher: A few questions

S

StringerBell

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 16, 2011
Messages
12
Hi All,

I've been learning a lot from this forum over the last several months. One of the things I have learned, unfortunately, is that asscher cut diamonds are some of the trickiest to find and evaluate. Like a lot of people, I'm hoping to find a great performing diamond with the lowest specs I can get away with (G/H/I?, VS1/VS2/SI?). I'd like to spend about $15-16K on the ring, so I was thinking $11-12K would go to the stone. I would love to get something close to 2 carats, but I realize I may have to settle for something closer to 1.5. With this in mind, I was hoping to get a little help with the following:

1. Is it even worth browsing inventory online or should I just contact a vendor with my specs and see what they come up with?

2. Are there any vendors in particular that excel in finding/evaluating asschers? I feel confident that GOG would be great, but I was curious if I could get a better bang for my buck with more of a discount vendor (and help from the experts here!)

3. Do new asscher cut diamonds enter inventory all the time? I understand that finding an asscher can sometimes be a long process. Is this because new diamonds are being cut all the time or is it just hard to find a good one in the existing inventory?

4. When I see a potential winner, I know I should ask for ASET and idealscope images, if available. Anything else?

Thanks for any help that you can provide. Also, if you want to suggest a potential stone, I'd love to see it!
 
Here's a thread I responded to for another member. The links are still active so consider it an 'asscher tutorial' and spend some time learning about asschers. You need to be able to spot a good asscher and that means training your eye. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1st-time-buyer-looking-at-asscher.174506/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1st-time-buyer-looking-at-asscher.174506/[/URL] This post will help you do it. PLEASE SPEND TIME WITH IT. And read all they way through to my last post and look at the links there.

DO THAT FIRST.


But I did find this two days ago and have been drooling over it for all that time. This is hands down one of the most beautiful asscher's I've seen for sale here ever (and that includes the Octavia's). It's amazing. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1489034.asp It's somewhat in your budget, and somewhat not. I have a beautiful platinum custom setting on my asscher, but mine is considerably smaller than this one. If I could own this asscher I would be thrilled with a simple and gorgeous solitaire or just tapered baguettes to set it off for $1000. So for me, with your budget, I would buy this stone and get a simple elegant and affordable setting to set it off. If you like it, put it on hold. Because there will be poachers. And holding doesn't commit you it just gives you time to think.
 
swooon!!! Why don't you have that on hold yet??!!! Gypsy isn't kidding there are people lurking all the time that will jump on stones recommended for others, it's very un pricescope like, but unfortunately it happens fairly often, so if your interested you need to get on the phone right now!!

Gypsy you have the best eye! :love: :love:
 
Christina...|1336093580|3187045 said:
swooon!!! Why don't you have that on hold yet??!!! Gypsy isn't kidding there are people lurking all the time that will jump on stones recommended for others, it's very un pricescope like, but unfortunately it happens fairly often, so if your interested you need to get on the phone right now!!

Gypsy you have the best eye! :love: :love:
Click to expand...


My heart actually stopped when I found that one. It's a 1 in a million gorgeous stone.
 
Gypsy|1336093913|3187050 said:
Christina...|1336093580|3187045 said:
swooon!!! Why don't you have that on hold yet??!!! Gypsy isn't kidding there are people lurking all the time that will jump on stones recommended for others, it's very un pricescope like, but unfortunately it happens fairly often, so if your interested you need to get on the phone right now!!

Gypsy you have the best eye! :love: :love:
Click to expand...


My heart actually stopped when I found that one. It's a 1 in a million gorgeous stone.
Click to expand...
While I agree the picture looks like it has a ton of potential and it could be a top notch stone have you seen an ASET and crown height and gemologist opinion?
The single picture on that page isn't enough information for a solid conclusion in my opinion.
 
Karl_K|1336094646|3187059 said:
Gypsy|1336093913|3187050 said:
Christina...|1336093580|3187045 said:
swooon!!! Why don't you have that on hold yet??!!! Gypsy isn't kidding there are people lurking all the time that will jump on stones recommended for others, it's very un pricescope like, but unfortunately it happens fairly often, so if your interested you need to get on the phone right now!!

Gypsy you have the best eye! :love: :love:
Click to expand...


My heart actually stopped when I found that one. It's a 1 in a million gorgeous stone.
Click to expand...
While I agree the picture looks like it has a ton of potential and it could be a top notch stone have you seen an ASET and crown height and gemologist opinion?
The single picture on that page isn't enough information for a solid conclusion in my opinion.
Click to expand...

VERY TRUE and not yet. BUT if he puts it on hold he can ask for the ASET and a SARIN. I didn't tell him to buy it. Just to put it on hold. I do agree that I should have said "put it on hold and get a SARIN and an ASET" I was just too excited and he seemed to know (from his initial post) that he needs that information himself.
 
swingirl|1336096433|3187096 said:
Just something to consider. This is a ring already set with an asscher.

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/closeout-jewelry/rings/230CO1/0/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/closeout-jewelry/rings/207CO1/8/
Click to expand...

Those are lovely. And there may be a little room to negotiate. That first one's setting makes me want to rob my local Daniel K dealer. I've tried it on a few times and each time it gets harder and harder to give it back. Pearlman's pics to do not that setting justice.
 
Gypsy|1336091122|3187014 said:
But I did find this two days ago and have been drooling over it for all that time. This is hands down one of the most beautiful asscher's I've seen for sale here ever (and that includes the Octavia's). It's amazing. http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1489034.asp It's somewhat in your budget, and somewhat not. I have a beautiful platinum custom setting on my asscher, but mine is considerably smaller than this one. If I could own this asscher I would be thrilled with a simple and gorgeous solitaire or just tapered baguettes to set it off for $1000. So for me, with your budget, I would buy this stone and get a simple elegant and affordable setting to set it off. If you like it, put it on hold. Because there will be poachers. And holding doesn't commit you it just gives you time to think.
Click to expand...

Oh yum! Nice find, Gypsy! It makes me wish I had $15,000 extra dollars lying around!
 
Thanks, all, for your suggestions so far!

I put the James Allen diamond on hold and requested the ASET images, Sarin report, and gemologist opinion. The JA representative suggested I choose another diamond to compare my first choice with, so I went with the following:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1462547.asp

The information should be here early next week. I will post updates and look forward to your opinions!
 
I received the requested information for the eagerly anticipated 1.70 E VS2 asscher. Please let me know your thoughts!

Also, here is what the gemologist had to say:

I'm happy to say that diamond 1489034 (1.70crt E VS2) faces perfectly eye clean and has an icy white color. It has very nice light performance with just a little bit of windowing under the table. It doesn't appear offensive and the diamond looks stunning in person... It'll look great in any setting and I believe you'll be happy with its overall beauty when you see for yourself.

1489034aset.bmp.jpg

1489034aset.jpg

1489034sarin.bmp.jpg
 
Wow. Karl's right again. He's like the Yoda of asschers. And I am alas, always left feeling like a padawan.


Underwelming ASET. http://www.lexusindia.in/products/gb-aset-scope.aspx Although Karl has said ASETs aren't the best tools with Asschers. And all the steps show light return... I'm saddened by the performance as represented by that ASET. On the plus side there are no huge dead/dark facets. On the down side there's not a lot of direct light return and you want that. Dratted thing has so much potential too!!! :(sad Maybe Karl will comment further and say something to redeem it. But I can't recommend that one from what I see there. I'm sorry. I'll help you look some more tomorrow.
 
Wow look at that!! Who would have thought? Well....besides Karl I guess. ;)

Karl, what made you think that this diamond may not perform well, or were you just clarifying that an ASET is always needed?

Stringer did you get assets on the other recommended stones as well?
 
Blast! I knew it couldn't be this easy. Fortunately, I gave myself a little bit of time to find the perfect diamond.

I requested the ASETs and Sarin report for one more diamond (see link below). Unfortunately, this is last complimentary request I get from James Allen, so hopefully this one works out!

Will keep everyone updated. Thanks, all, for your continued guidance.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1346170.asp
 
Christina...|1336387056|3189130 said:
Wow look at that!! Who would have thought? Well....besides Karl I guess. ;)

Karl, what made you think that this diamond may not perform well, or were you just clarifying that an ASET is always needed?

Stringer did you get assets on the other recommended stones as well?
Click to expand...
A lot of pictures are always needed be they ASET or otherwise.
I like video when I can get it.
If I cant get an ASET the next thing is a picture with a bright red or blue background behind the diamond then one in the V of someones fingers.
A grey background can make it very hard to tell sometimes.
I actually expected better looking ASETs but was not that surprised.
ASETs can be thrown off by high crowns and positioning is critical with step cuts so ASET images are not perfect.
Which is where the gemologists opinion comes in, to help verify the other information.

I would have recommended this diamond for more information if I was allowed to, the regular picture did look good.
The most important lesson is don't go by one picture ever.
 
Karl- can you please explain the physical ramifications of the ASET?

In other words, what are you seeing in the aset and how will that relate to the diamond's appearance?

I agree video is best, and that one photo is not sufficient- however we're actually looking at one photo of an ASET with each color background.
How can we be sure this is not great looking stone in person based on these two ASET photos?

I've seen many amazing diamonds with a lot of green in the ASET

Stringer- In my opinion you're going to get a lot more useful information from actual photos and videos if possible- - I would not sweat asets in general.....especially if you;re not interpreting them yourself, but rather basing judgement on what other people love.

It's also very important that you look at some Asscher ( or square emerald cut) diamonds in person to see if you love the way green in an aset looks in person.
 
Gypsy|1336184910|3187943 said:
Um. I wouldn't have picked that one for the comparison. Try one of these two:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1375385.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1346170.asp

Please post the ASETs when you have them. :wavey:
Click to expand...


Did you get gemologists comments on either of these? I'm still so bummed about the other one. But these have genuine potential too. And as we've seen-- getting an ASET is a good next step to investigate.
 
I agree with RD and Karl, that the ASETs are important but may not tell the whole story about the stone. My asschers ASET looked similar to this but with more red in the table area and more green on the edges and I thought my asscher was a firecracker, so having a chance to view them in person is important.

They are so hard to judge. I don't even like to make potential suggestions, I leave it for gypsy and Kenny. :bigsmile: But I can tell you that when you find a good one it will make your heart sing! So the search is worth it, just remember that when you start to feel discouraged! ;)
 
Gypsy,

I have requested more information about diamond 1346170. It should be here in another day or two. I will post the results when I get them. The search continues!
 
Well, sounds like diamond #1346170 (1.80 Carat G-VS2 Ideal Cut) is also not the perfect stone. I've attached the pictures to this post. In addition, here's what the gemologist had to say:

The gemologist had some mixed news regarding diamond 1346170 (1.80crt G VS2). The diamond overall has very nice light performance, but it was noted that there is a little bit of windowing under its table. This isn't uncommon for a step cut diamond and it's hard to say whether you might find this distracting. Otherwise, the diamond will face white and eye clean to the untrained eye. You may want to consider purchasing this diamond to see it for yourself and determine your thoughts on its appearance.

The JA representative indicated that they will inspect two more stones for me. Here's are three he suggested:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1332569.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1489031.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1406517.asp

Anybody have any thoughts on these three or others? I appreciate everyone's assistance during this process. You have been immensely helpful!

1346170aset.bmp.jpg

1346170aset.jpg

1346170sarin.bmp.jpg
 
Gypsy|1336618827|3191757 said:
StringerBell|1336597221|3191475 said:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1489031.asp
Click to expand...

This one from the pics. BUT since you only get three ASETS. Have the gemologist review all three and HAVE HIM PICK the one to ASET. He will be the best person to judge which one performs the best because he will have them in front of him. That way you make the most of your final ASET option.
Click to expand...
That is what I would do also.
 
Hello, All.

I received the inspection for two asschers:

1. Diamond 1332569 (1.63crt G VS2)
2. Diamond 1489031 (1.70crt H VVS2)

The gemologist clearly favored the diamond #1. Here's what he had to say:

I'm happy to say that diamond 1332569 (1.63crt G VS2) is bright and has stronger light performance than your other selection. It is eye clean, white in color, has great proportions, and due it its cut, faces up visibly larger. This diamond is the gemologist's favorite and is also the least expensive of the two! It'll look beautiful in any setting and I believe you'll be very pleased with its overall beauty when you see it for yourself.

Diamond 1489031's (1.70crt H VVS2) didn't quite pop the way we hoped it would. Since its light performance isn't as strong, it faces smaller, and since it's more expensive, I would encourage you to consider your other option.

I would love to hear your thoughts on diamond # 1 if you have time to share them. The crown height % seems smaller than the optimal range, but maybe that is not a big issue?

Thanks!

1332569aset.jpg

1332569sarin.bmp.jpg

1489031aset.jpg

1489031sarin.bmp.jpg
 
Diamond is on hold through today. Does anybody see anything of concern on the ASET?
 
Diamond 1332569 (1.63crt G VS2) . Get it sent to you unset. See what you think. Live iwth it for a week. If you love it send it to be set!
 
Pulled the trigger on the 1.63crt G VS2. Now time to think about settings (gulp!). I've found I usually like the simple/sleek settings, especially the ones with tapered baguettes. I know my significant other doesn't want anything too flashy, but she has said she wants something a little "unique" or "interesting."

The setting I think would be perfect is from Victor Canera (see attached), but it's out of my ballpark. Her name begins with "V" so I really like that V shape in the filligree (I'm learning new words). I was hoping to keep it under $3K if possible. I know it definitely has to be platinum.

Does anybody have any suggestions or advice?

VC-asscher trilogy with bullet side stones2.jpg
 
3k for platinum. Okay.

http://www.orospot.com/product/R1044VEN/platinum-unique-art-deco-style-engagement-ring-asscher-cut-hand-engraved-mounting.aspx This one looks like it's right up your alley. I've never worked with them, just found them on google so do a BBB search and make sure your setting has a decent return policy in the event it doesn't match the picture exactly, BUT if they can provide you with exactly this ring at this price, it's gorgeous and your stone would look amazing on in it.

http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wrtj019-d-m.html Pearlmans is a doll to work with and they carry Beverly K.

Here's another option.

What do you think of this? I'm pretty sure that Brian Gavin Diamonds can do this for you in platinum for 3k. It's one of my favorite settings for a larger asscher. It would be gorgeous with yours. (Have BGD to different prongs-- single claws on each corner or just flatter tab prongs). They can EASY add some V shaped filigree in the undergallery of that center stone.

after reset1.jpg
 
Gypsy, that setting is STUNNING! I love asschers with art deco settings!

Here's a Bev K replica that's close - I wonder if they can make it with baguettes instead of (what the hell is in there? Carres?):
http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/store/category/rings/over-1500-1/products/beverley-k-art-deco-inspired-diamond-engagement-ring

EDIT: some of the PS recommended vendors like GOG and Pearlman's carry Bev K. Each ring is custom made to your stone size. I got my Bev K custom ordered by GOG, love it! Did you see the side profile? I bet they can shape that scrolly thing into a V!
 
I don't think those are step cuts. But if they can do it with all parallel baguettes flanking the center it would be lovely.
 
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