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Shopping for a stone - Need advice

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96TL

Shiny_Rock
Joined
May 4, 2007
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Hello everyone. I’m new to the forum, and in the market for an E-Ring. I found a perfect setting, but the stone must be 8.70mm–10.00mm (round). I am looking for something in the smaller size range, maybe 2.50-2.75ct. My budget for the stone is $20K. I will spend a little more if I find a great deal. I was checking out some diamonds online, and I’m a little overwhelmed.

The side stones in the Tacori setting are G color. Does this mean I have to go with a G Class center stone? I know a good cut is important. Should I be looking at ”Ideal” cuts only? Or is “Very Good” usually sufficient? Any advise is appreciated. Thanks!

Here is one stone I found, but it looks like the inclusions might be a little too much? Plus they''re on the table. This stone is $22K.

GIA15658911_zoom.jpg
 
http://www.pricescope.com/sift.aspx use that link to search for a diamond because as you mentioned, cut is very important!
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as long as you get a well cut stone, you do not have to worry so much about color. a ''g'' color diamond is a nice choice but you could also look at ''h'' ''i'' or even ''j'' colored stones as well. it really depends on your sensitivity to color. the setting itself playes a big role also. the color of the diamond will present itself on the sides (well cut diamonds will sparkle like crazy from the top, not allowing you to perceive color easily) so if the sides of the setting are very open, you may want to pay more attention to what color you choose. if the setting is not really open, you can get away with much lower colors. at any rate, you will be absolutely fine within 2 color grades of the sides. if the sides are really small, you could go even more.
don''t rely to heavily on the inclusion plots to make a decision about ''eye clean''. a messy plot can be very deceptive as to what you might actually see (or not see!).

best of luck!
 
Thanks for the reply. This is a picture of the setting. It is very open all around the stone.

2565RD9 - 1.jpg
 
Another pic.

2565RD9 - 2.jpg
 
96...

Looks like your find could be really sweet. My first look at the numbers differed from my second...a little blurry??..but the second look is even more favorable, making it an FIC, more firey than your average beast in nature. But, yes, check for whether your inclusions would be a problem.

Here''s one possible alternative. But, I''d prefer yours if it was eye clean.
 
Ditto, focus on what others have said above. Cut is very important and well-cut H/I/J stones face up very white. The stone you linked looks nice, but the crown angle is a little large. Some like this look and others prefer a crown angle of 34-35.

I loooove the setting you are thinking of, it''s beautiful! I wouldn''t worry too much about contrast in color between the center stone and sidestones. With sidestones that tiny, it will be hard to see a difference even if your center stone is a few color grades different.
 
I don''t have any advice on the stone but I just want to say that setting is amazing!!!!!!
 
Thanks for the advice so far everyone. It's been really helpful. It's good to know I picked a nice setting. I think she'll love it.
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I found another stone. BTW, I called up and asked about both, and they are eye clean!
 
Sorry, here is the certificate. $19K.

GIA15725029_zo1111om.jpg
 
Date: 5/4/2007 10:01:05 PM
Author: 96TL

I found another stone. BTW, I called up and asked about both, and they are eye clean!
Click to expand...
Ordinarily I don''t attend much to the cert, for better or worse. But this SI 2 shows nothing. Also, comments say: Clouds not shown.

From what I''ve read here somewhat recently, that may dull the stone. At least be careful.

I hope others will comment.
 
I like the specs better on the second stone you posted. However, SI2 stones really need to be seen or photographed. Have you seen the stone? Are you comfortable with the inclusions? Is it eye-clean or near-eye clean?
 
Regarding the 2nd cert, I spoke with the distributor (Blue Nile), and they told me the clouds are not shown because they''re negligible. Both of these stones are 100% eye clean. I have not seen either in person. Blue Nile has a 30 day return policy, just in case. Is Blue Nile reputable?

Thanks guys.
 
I would not be satisfied with "buddhist philosophy" here, where they say: "Not this, and not that." It IS reasonable to trust that this is SI2. Someone looking at it should share in an affirmative way why they think it was evaluated that way.

But, yes they''re reputable. And you can return it within 30 days. But, use your time wisely, and get your money''s worth with some analysis up front. Only now''s when they can be in good conscience pressed to answer this sort of very reasonable question regarding the clarity grade.
 
Are you saying that it''s unusual for an SI2 to be 100% eye clean? I just want to be sure about what I ask them the next time I call. Thanks Ira.

Dom
 
I found this sort of discussion from Garry influential.

There are lots of diamonds. BN doesn''t sell dish rags, they specialize in diamonds. They should be up to giving you some analysis, independent of the fact that, yes, you can return it. Oh boy.

Don''t ask questions that require yes or no answers. If you ask them why this stone would be SI2, and they can''t help you, they are not up to the task. You don''t necessarily have to press on to the next stone. See if you can find someone there who has a credible reason.

Sorry to be repeating myself here, but I want to try again, you say...


Date: 5/4/2007 11:06:25 PM
Author: 96TL
Are you saying that it''s unusual for an SI2 to be 100% eye clean? I just want to be sure about what I ask them the next time I call. Thanks Ira.

Dom
Click to expand...
As a prospective buyer, you want to understand the diamond you''re buying. You could ask, again, is it eye clean or not...but I''d recommend you not do that. Instead, ask why they think it is SI 2. What makes it get that grade? And...you''d ask them this...because you''d want to know. Right?
 
Keep in mind that the second stone has strong blue fluoresence. Be sure you like this in your diamonds. Is BN looking at these stones for you or are they with a third party?
 
Date: 5/4/2007 10:43:24 PM
Author: 96TL
Regarding the 2nd cert, I spoke with the distributor (Blue Nile), and they told me the clouds are not shown because they''re negligible. Both of these stones are 100% eye clean. I have not seen either in person. Blue Nile has a 30 day return policy, just in case. Is Blue Nile reputable?

Thanks guys.
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Yes, bluenile is reputable. The only disadvantage is that they don''t offer and upgrade policy, something to think about if you ever want to do this.

I would ask bluenile what they definition of eye clean is. Sometimes is 6 inches from the face, other times it''s 12 inches, you get the idea. However, it should be fine either way since they do have a return policy. If you are uncomfortable with the inclusions, then you will just be out shipping...which isn''t too bad. SI2''s represent a great value when they are eye clean, so I don''t discourage people from buying them.
 
Date: 5/5/2007 1:53:14 AM
Author: kcoursolle

Yes, bluenile is reputable. The only disadvantage is that they don''t offer and upgrade policy, something to think about if you ever want to do this.

I would ask bluenile what they definition of eye clean is. Sometimes is 6 inches from the face, other times it''s 12 inches, you get the idea. However, it should be fine either way since they do have a return policy. If you are uncomfortable with the inclusions, then you will just be out shipping...which isn''t too bad. SI2''s represent a great value when they are eye clean, so I don''t discourage people from buying them.
Click to expand...
I would also ask you, what is your definition? From a jewelers perspective, it''s looking at the diamond face up.

Is it going to bother your gal to see things from the side? which would be entirely possible in this clarity. I''m not trying to discourage you, as k said, this can be a real value. I just want to make you aware and possibly save you some trouble.

Lovely setting btw!
 

Alright guys, one last stone, I swear.

35.gif


What do you think? This is a lower color grade, but I went to a store today and compared an I to a G, and to be honest, it wasn''t much of a difference to me.


$23K11111.jpg
 
It looks fine, except, it''s facing up smaller than it should. A 3 ct. should be around 9.4 in diameter. This one is at 9.19. So it''s facing up like a 2.85.

Personally, I wouldn''t want to be paying for that 3 ct. magic number, that you are just at, and not get the benefit of it facing up as it should.
 
I would be a little hesitant to buy a lower color or clarity from a vendor without an upgrade policy. Eventually, you may wish you could upgrade the stone, and one that offers 100% of the purchase price toward the upgrade would make me a lot more comfortable.
 
A question for you. You know that setting can be ordered for a smaller stone, right? If it were going to be my ring, I''d much rather order the setting for a 2 carat stone and get SI1 or VS2 clarity and I or above in color. Tacori rings are normally custon ordered and the stone is sent to Tacori to be set properly. Is there some kind of time deadline that won''t allow you to order the setting for another size diamond?
 
Ellen, my definition of eye clean is not being able to see any inclusions with the naked eye. And thanks for letting me know it doesnt face up properly. I never would''ve known that.


diamondseeker2006, I just found out yesterday that the setting can be ordered for a smaller stone. I would like to go with a 2.5 if possible though. Also, what company(ies) allow you to upgrade the stone? I do not have any deadline BTW.

Thanks!
 
Date: 5/6/2007 6:06:33 PM
Author: 96TL
Ellen, my definition of eye clean is not being able to see any inclusions with the naked eye. And thanks for letting me know it doesnt face up properly. I never would''ve known that.


diamondseeker2006, I just found out yesterday that the setting can be ordered for a smaller stone. I would like to go with a 2.5 if possible though. Also, what company(ies) allow you to upgrade the stone? I do not have any deadline BTW.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
No problem!

Whiteflash and Goodoldgold have trade up policies that go forever. I "think" there may be a limit on the number of years for James Allen.

I don''t know what your limit is, but I found these possiblities. Of course you''d need to ask if the SI1''s are eyeclean.

Be sure to see bank wire price below listed price on GOG stones. WF is 5% off ACA''s and 2 1/2% off Expert Selection. At this size there won''t be an abundance. If you don''t see anything you like, you can always have them look for what you want.

http://204.17.89.15/diamond/3138/

http://204.17.89.15/diamond/3133/

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-70266.htm#
 
That is a stunning setting!

You have fantastic taste and I really hope you find a stone you love and come back and post pictures of this puppy!
 
Date: 5/6/2007 7:31:39 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 5/6/2007 6:06:33 PM
Author: 96TL
Ellen, my definition of eye clean is not being able to see any inclusions with the naked eye. And thanks for letting me know it doesnt face up properly. I never would''ve known that.


diamondseeker2006, I just found out yesterday that the setting can be ordered for a smaller stone. I would like to go with a 2.5 if possible though. Also, what company(ies) allow you to upgrade the stone? I do not have any deadline BTW.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
No problem!

Whiteflash and Goodoldgold have trade up policies that go forever. I ''think'' there may be a limit on the number of years for James Allen.

I don''t know what your limit is, but I found these possiblities. Of course you''d need to ask if the SI1''s are eyeclean.

Be sure to see bank wire price below listed price on GOG stones. WF is 5% off ACA''s and 2 1/2% off Expert Selection. At this size there won''t be an abundance. If you don''t see anything you like, you can always have them look for what you want.

http://204.17.89.15/diamond/3138/

http://204.17.89.15/diamond/3133/

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-70266.htm#
Click to expand...
Right now it''s 5 years for in-house stones. However, I asked Jim Schultz about this and he mentioned he is in the process of changing this policy to lifetime. However, before purchasing a stone from him...I would get this in writing at least in an email if this is something you want.
 
Thanks for the info and heads up k!
 
Ellen, my starting budget for the stone only is $20K, but I can go a little higher if I find something I really like.
 
OK, when you say "starting", not sure how high you can go. You''ll need to stay at I or J to get the size. Stick with a great cut, and this is where the upgrade policy can be used later. This is what I found.

Bank wire on this one is 21,308.

http://204.17.89.15/diamond/3058/

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-179712.htm


http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-67465.htm


This is an SI2, but it looks like there''s a possibilty it could be eyeclean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=53&item=957083
 
Sorry for not being clearer. I was still sleppy eyed when I posted.
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Let''s say $20K-$25K.
 
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