shape
carat
color
clarity

Seeking a large Emerald Cut

I will check out the Gem Concepts one for sure! What do we think of J color? Here is the 4.23 we ordered at it's worst angle. Good call on sending it back??

I think you did right, the middle of the stone is dead and although it might not look like that when tilted, that's not how you wear it. It's too important and expensive a purchase to not be as pleased as possible with it.

J colour is probably going to show some warmth in this size but as we're discovering, something's going to have to give for the budget and size that's wanted. Clarity can't be it as step cuts show inclusions more readily, you want a reasonable cut so you have a pretty stone, so colour if you don't mind a little warmth seems to be the most sensible way to me but I would not go below J and I'd want an expert opinion as to how the stone looks and how much warmth it shows. Or go smaller, those are the practicalities.
 
Good to hear. We agonized over it for days. But it just was completely black at certain tilts. But was huge and did have it's "good moments":) Quite nice for an I as well.

I think you did right, the middle of the stone is dead and although it might not look like that when tilted, that's not how you wear it. It's too important and expensive a purchase to not be as pleased as possible with it.
 
Good to hear. We agonized over it for days. But it just was completely black at certain tilts. But was huge and did have it's "good moments":) Quite nice for an I as well.

Sure it would have its good moments and it's the easiest thing in the world to talk yourself into keeping it because it's big/ looks nice in sunshine/ kitchen light/ I colour is nice and so on but if you had kept it, trust me, all you would have seen were those black areas. You did well to be strong and send it back!
 
Yep, you are so right. My wife kept finding spots in the house where it looked completely dead. And that seems like all she could focus on. I think men are more tolerant but she just became obsessed with the dark spot/leakage. But we are not in a rush so something shall turn up!

Sure it would have its good moments and it's the easiest thing in the world to talk yourself into keeping it because it's big/ looks nice in sunshine/ kitchen light/ I colour is nice and so on but if you had kept it, trust me, all you would have seen were those black areas. You did well to be strong and send it back!
 
Yep, you are so right. My wife kept finding spots in the house where it looked completely dead. And that seems like all she could focus on. I think men are more tolerant but she just became obsessed with the dark spot/leakage. But we are not in a rush so something shall turn up!

Imagine how it would have been if she had kept it! Good call I'm thinking, more and more from what you say that you sent it back.:appl: Indeed, something will turn up and then you'll be really glad you sent this one back.
 
Worth looking at?? Vendors did say eye clean. A little clear crystal wouldn't but me. However... depth isn't great and what about a J??
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/E501-39Z235429?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc

Eye clean is very subjective and an SI clarity grade in such a big stone is probably going to show some visible inclusions. From what I can see, most of the inclusions are smack bang in the table of the stone, you could well see them and keep trying to polish them out with your sleeve or a cloth. That could drive you mad. There is a cloud noted which could have a dulling effect on the stone. The cut isn't bad, not as good as some I've seen but you really have to judge these rare stones differently as they are just in such short supply. The J colour doesn't worry me personally but that SI clarity does, it would in a far smaller EC let alone one this big.

You could get it sent to an appraiser near you on approval so you could see in person I suppose.
 
Yeah, that's what we thought as well. And this is the upper end of our budget so better be darn near perfect!
 
Yeah, that's what we thought as well. And this is the upper end of our budget so better be darn near perfect!

I agree, you want the best one you can get and I hate to say it, but the inclusion reminds me of a chip you get in a car windscreen.:blackeye: If it were me, I wouldn't be able to stop noticing it.
 
Just went to Yoram's site where he had a comparison of vintage and modern EC. My wife definitely does NOT want vintage EC!
 
Beautiful stone just needs to be a little bigger. May have to really look at Js. I did email Yoram just for fun. Probably way too risky for us to invest with so many unknowns. Diamond hunting is a drag! I told my wife to let me take over since she was getting burnt out and man this is hard!

Yoram's great and it's always worth seeing what he knows! If he doesn't have anything you like, he might know of just the stone as he has many many contacts or with a few enquiries, he might be able to find something.
 
Just went to Yoram's site where he had a comparison of vintage and modern EC. My wife definitely does NOT want vintage EC!

Well, at least you know, knowing what you don't like is as valuable as knowing what you do.
 
E405849C-8453-4CC1-9479-E72A3B368C04.jpeg 37DFB04F-2436-44B0-B3F8-DF0F6919CBE7.jpeg Lorelei... just found this photo, thought you might appreciate it. This is exactly why the diamond went back! And one of it’s better shots too


Well, at least you know, knowing what you don't like is as valuable as knowing what you do.
 
I would contact Brian Gavin Diamonds ~ nothing to lose in asking. His emeralds look amazing ~ I can only imagine how they look in person!
 
My wife emailed Brian Gavin last week, with her approximate specifications, and we didn’t hear back. My gut is these diamond cutters cut truly amazing/excellent cut diamonds and therefore have to sell them at a premium. Where as my wife and I are just looking for a “very nice” Diamond. It doesn’t have to be a top performer because quite honestly we can’t tell the difference. So we might just need to wait until something comes online that’s a good deal. I think the custom diamond cutting process might be for the real diamond connoisseurs who analyze light performance, and all the aspects of a truly perfect/brilliant diamond. We just want a big, nicely cut emerald cut! But it certainly didn’t hurt to reach out to a couple of great cutters.
I would contact Brian Gavin Diamonds ~ nothing to lose in asking. His emeralds look amazing ~ I can only imagine how they look in person!
 
And please feel free anyone to chime in who has had a custom cut diamond! Was it affordable? Risky? Did you get close to the specs you wanted?
 
E405849C-8453-4CC1-9479-E72A3B368C04.jpeg 37DFB04F-2436-44B0-B3F8-DF0F6919CBE7.jpeg Lorelei... just found this photo, thought you might appreciate it. This is exactly why the diamond went back! And one of it’s better shots too

Thanks for that John and yikes - you DEFINITELY made the right decision, it's like it has mirrors round the outside and nothing in the middle but flat material, I can see big dead shutters in it from both photos.

Good you contacted Brian too, but as you are aware, there's limited diamonds in this size range and especially now some are cut for beauty these are even more rare. We'll find something and I'll keep following this thread and check the listings often, if I find anything I'll alert you.
 
Thank you so very much, patience will be key for us:) You made my wife and I feel a lot better about passing on that stone. It was pretty darn bad but yet in the videos they sent us it looked good, so sometimes you just don’t know

Oh and Yoram replied -he is out, doesn’t do modern cuts only antiques, he was very honest and said he doesn’t offer any return policies. Would be way too risky for him even to look for a stone for us.

Thanks for that John and yikes - you DEFINITELY made the right decision, it's like it has mirrors round the outside and nothing in the middle but flat material, I can see big dead shutters in it from both photos.

Good you contacted Brian too, but as you are aware, there's limited diamonds in this size range and especially now some are cut for beauty these are even more rare. We'll find something and I'll keep following this thread and check the listings often, if I find anything I'll alert you.
 
Thank you so very much, patience will be key for us:) You made my wife and I feel a lot better about passing on that stone. It was pretty darn bad but yet in the videos they sent us it looked good, so sometimes you just don’t know

Oh and Yoram replied -he is out, doesn’t do modern cuts only antiques, he was very honest and said he doesn’t offer any return policies. Would be way too risky for him even to look for a stone for us.

You are most welcome John and if it also makes you both feel any better, my Husband passed the screen and saw the diamond. He asked ' what was wrong with it and why was it dead in the middle?' :oops:

So you did right. Also, I'm sceptical with videos and ' glamour shots' as often skilful filming and photography can make a diamond look great ( as that's their main purpose) but once you see it in person, it isn't so hot.

That's a shame with Yoram but never mind, we will find your stone, I'm a true believer in fate and Lady Luck and your diamond will come along.:)) I'm going to keep looking daily for you, you just never know what might pop up....

Also, try Karl at www.diamondsbylauren.com Send them an email and ask for Karl specifically. Karl started off here under the name strmrdr, he pioneered the art of evaluating the Asscher cut, has a superb eye for emerald cuts and he's one of my dear friends. Drop him an email and tell him Lorelei sent you and see what he can find from your specs and preferences. As he's now in the trade he won't be able to discuss any stone he finds with you here due to the rules but he can certainly help you privately. Just put on your email for the attention of Karl K and he should get it.
 
Thank you so much again. My wife and I are just blown away at how much help this site gives us. People who have no invested interest take their time to help. Nice in this world:) I will contact Karl K. Wish we could just go for a stunning 4ct, but just have to wait for one that doesn’t have all the perfect specs but is good enough for us!
 
Thank you so much again. My wife and I are just blown away at how much help this site gives us. People who have no invested interest take their time to help. Nice in this world:) I will contact Karl K. Wish we could just go for a stunning 4ct, but just have to wait for one that doesn’t have all the perfect specs but is good enough for us!

You are very welcome, it's our pleasure to help, because it's true. That's why we do it, and do it for years in many cases!

There might be some compromising when you find one which ticks most of the boxes but it's often the case with such big stones as there are so few of them. But I am positive we will get there.;))
 
If your wife notices dead spots and wants fatter ECs, I would DEFINITELY suggest seriously consider antique ECs. the nice ones are rarely dead and I are generally very lively all over.

Firstly check out jogani’s IG account.

https://www.instagram.com/joganibh

He specializes in step and cushions, mostly antique. I saw his pieces in NYC antique watch and jewelry show. STUNNING. Just go through his pics. I bet you will see one threat catches your eye.

Grace has some and maybe even LAD. I haven’t checked. Antique ECs have more even width faceting on all four sides. I don’t think I am describing it correctly. And the center is more distinguishable, not this one skinny line. Adam at Old World Diamonds maybe a great source and even joganhi (I have to check spelling). I have seen his IRL and they are STUNNING. Adam will send you the stone and you can observe to determine whether you like it. His website isn’t a good place to check. You should call him directly and just chat. He’s in NYC.

I would see if Grace can send this to you to observe for three days.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/4-25ctw-antique-emerald-cut-diamond-ring-gia-i-vvs2
 
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Here are pics of the antique emerald ring linked at Grace’s site. Very lively and substantial. No dead spots. The setting with custom french cut traps is divine. I have a 4.5 finger for reference.
994326DE-2E67-4A7A-91B9-44BDE4E224D4.jpeg

Would you wife consider an antique asscher? This one is Johanibh’s, if I remember correctly. Super lively. No dead spots. I have a video of it. I can’t post it here but if you want to see you you can contact me through loop troupe.
68BE921C-F463-43A8-8403-A949FAE1F3DB.jpeg
064852C0-1621-4020-BF24-EAA91543C164.jpeg
 
If your wife notices dead spots and wants fatter ECs, I would DEFINITELY suggest seriously consider antique ECs. the nice ones are rarely dead and I are generally very lively all over.

Firstly check out jogani’s IG account.

https://www.instagram.com/joganibh

He specializes in step and cushions, mostly antique. I saw his pieces in NYC antique watch and jewelry show. STUNNING. Just go through his pics. I bet you will see one threat catches your eye.

Grace has some and maybe even LAD. I haven’t checked. Antique ECs have more even width faceting on all four sides. I don’t think I am describing it correctly. And the center is more distinguishable, not this one skinny line. Adam at Old World Diamonds maybe a great source and even joganhi (I have to check spelling). I have seen his IRL and they are STUNNING. Adam will send you the stone and you can observe to determine whether you like it. His website isn’t a good place to check. You should call him directly and just chat. He’s in NYC.

I would see if Grace can send this to you to observe for three days.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/4-25ctw-antique-emerald-cut-diamond-ring-gia-i-vvs2

LL, it's lovely but the centre stone is 3.65, the TCW is 4.24 and John's wife wants larger and not an antique EC, it's gorgeous though.
 
Now this is really nice! My wife is not clarity sensitive, if that’s even a “thing”, so the SI1 would be fine. Let me show her the size! Thank you!

I couldn't wait for you to see it, let me know what she thinks....If she likes it, see if you can get a description from Blue Nile if someone can look at it and let you know if it is going to be eye clean enough for you. If so, it could be a really great find.
 
Thanks for the info! We do like the one on Grace’s site. But she really leans towards modern... like this one attached. Likes these lines and step pattern.6FCADF70-AD5A-42B8-B62D-D91ECD06D127.png .



LL, it's lovely but the centre stone is 3.65, the TCW is 4.24 and John's wife wants larger and not an antique EC, it's gorgeous though.
 
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