Should I buy this 0.92ct round, EGL / VS1 / E

[tombeetom]

I need some help understanding how to buy a diamond. I’ve done some reading on the topic and now have a lot of questions, but I’ll keep the list of questions short or I’ll have a never ending list of questions. I also found a diamond that fits the parameters that I’ve narrowed down to and would appreciate any comments.

I am looking to buy a loose diamond to mount into an existing ring. I plan to purchase from the Internet and ship to Canada. Like everyone else I’m looking to get the best bang for my buck!!

I started with wanting to purchase a 1.0ct round and went down to 0.9ct to 0.99ct as I’ve read and noticed that a 1.0ct is more costly than reducing the ct size down a little bit from the even 1.0ct.

Then I looked at clarity – I don’t see the value in getting high clarity since inclusions are only seen with 10x magnification. I’ve settled on SI1 clarity. Is this advisable or am I taking a chance that inclusions may be seen to the visible eye as I believe this clarity is borderline to seeing inclusions with the visible eye?

My price range is between $3000-3500USD. It seems with my filters above, I’m narrowed down to EGL certifications only. I know GIA is the preferred certification, but is there real value to getting GIA certification as the cost difference is significant? I know there are comments that EGL is relaxed with their certification. My rationale is, if EGL has relaxed rating then I’ll pick a diamond a few notches above what I want and EGL’s relaxed rating can lower the rating of my diamond a few notches to what want, but I will be able to take advantage of the cost savings from an EGL certified diamond. Is this flawed thinking?

With that being said, I’ve rated cut and color very high. As well, I’ve read cut and color will affect the appearance of the diamond the most. For cut I’ve selected excellent and color I’ve selected between D to F. I wouldn’t mind lowering the cut and color rating a bit as it would reduce the price, but is it adviseable if my goal is a great looking and quality diamond for a good price!?!?

With the above parameters, I found a diamond with the following:

0.92ct
Round brilliant
Certification: EGL 3471197739
Clarity: SI1
Color: E
Cut Grade: excellent
Pavilion height: 43%
Girdle: medium to slightly thick
Polish: excellent
Symmetry: excellent
Fluorescence: none
Table %: 59.00
Depth %: 59.20
Crown height: 14%Measurements: 6.36 – 6..35 x 3.76
Length / width ratio: 1.00
Halloway cut advisor: 1.2 – excellent on TIC range
$3426USD
Comments:
- Report number appears on the girdle.
- 8 HEARTS & 8 ARROWS - This Diamond was polished utilizing superior precision & craftsmanship its exquisite proportions generate the appearance of 8 Hearts & 8 Arrows when viewed at the correct angle & under the proper lighting conditions.
- Excellent Ideal Cut.
Important Limitations: Online Verification data is not an EGL gemological report of any kind. It is only intended to confirm the issuance of a gemological report by EGL HK.

Any comments on the above diamond? I am unfamiliar with EGL HK – any comments? I couldn’t find much information on EGL HK.

Would you recommend purchasing the above diamond? Are there any obvious concerns that I am unaware of. The above information is all the information available to me online.

Many thanks in advance to all those that comment!!!

 

[tombeetom]

here's a pic of the certification. again, thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[Gypsy]

Yes there is real value in GIA. And there is no value in EGL-especially any EGL that is international. . You need to do some reading: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/[/URL]

Please read the above. We say ON AVERAGE EGL USA is 2 grades off. That means an EGL-USA have could be graded accurately, it could be graded 5 colors off. It would be 2 colors off.

And EGL-HK? Who knows.

You are falling prey to what is a false value. If EGL was a good value, a true value, then why on earth would ANYONE buy GIA stones? Or AGS stones when they cost more?

And since EGL trades at a large discount, why would ANY cutting house send a stone to get graded by them when they are GUARANTEED more money by sending to GIA or AGS?

Stones get sent to EGL because to have them CORRECTLY graded by GIA or AGS0 would lose the vendor money.

If your goal is to get the best value for your budget I would advice you to drop in color and clarity to H-1 SI and shoot for 80-85 points with GIA or AGS.


So. No. You should not buy that stone.

 

[Gypsy]

Some options:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.82-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-293271
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063798.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063772.htm (if you have budget flexibility)

 

[tombeetom]

gypsy...thanks for the reply. I've done some research and now looking at GIA diamonds!! Again, I appreciate the reply!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Of course! Let me know if you need anything else!