Should I go with GIA or EGL

[talley1]

I''ve got a jeweler who says he will sell me a 2.0 carat F color SI2 princess cut diamond for 8,000 with an EGL-American certificate or another jeweler who will sell me a princess cut between 1.5-1.7 carats with an H color and SI2 with a GIA certificate. I know GIA is supposed to be the better but I really want a 2.0 carat for my girlfriend. I don''t know the cuts of either of the diamonds but the guy with the GIA says you want a 70x70 cut or around that. Please offer me any help or advice on this matter. THANKS!!!

 

[ringabling]

from my understanding frm reading here, EGL can be off on the grading by up to 2 levels.
meaning if it says F color, it could actually be an I.
GIA is most accurate.

 

[susiegrneyes]

I personally prefer AGS, but my next choice is GIA. If you buy the EGL stone, I would make sure they have a good return policy and take it to an appraiser to ensure you got what you paid for.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Well EGL USA is definitely better than say EGL Isreal...have you seen both stones? Can you get them appraised by an independent appraiser? GIA is more reliable, but if you are unsure then have the EGL stone appraised and see what it comes back as. Depending on the cut, if the GIA is in the ideal range and the EGL one is not, the GIA may look just as big.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/19/2008 1:46:25 PM
Author:talley1
I've got a jeweler who says he will sell me a 2.0 carat F color SI2 princess cut diamond for 8,000 with an EGL-American certificate or another jeweler who will sell me a princess cut between 1.5-1.7 carats with an H color and SI2 with a GIA certificate. I know GIA is supposed to be the better but I really want a 2.0 carat for my girlfriend. I don't know the cuts of either of the diamonds but the guy with the GIA says you want a 70x70 cut or around that. Please offer me any help or advice on this matter. THANKS!!!

I would make the sale final on an independant appraisal on the EGL diamond to make sure it checks out, I have a lovely EGL USA graded diamond, so it may be a good way to get 2 carats for your GF if the diamond checks out. Princess cuts are hard to judge by the numbers as they only give you a very basic idea with these shapes, do you have any pictures you can show us, or other aids such as ASET images? If not, use your eyes and try to check the diamond out away from jewellery store lights if you are buying from a store, also to make sure the diamond is eyeclean at an SI clarity. You can find a great EGL diamond, I have done so myself, so this might be a good way for you to get that 2 carat rock for your GF if the diamond checks out.

Here is a chart with some suggested numbers for Princess cuts, but do be aware they are a point of reference only and to use your eyes when judging the beauty of these diamonds.

http://diamonds.pricescope.com/fnc1.asp

 

[door knob solitaire]

Can you get all the particulars on each stone? You have a valuable tool here in the PS members and they can tell you which CUT is better...which is more important first...then you decide if you are willing to risk the color downgrade. That downgrade equates to a less valuable stone...

Have you ever been to a fair or festival where they offered grab bags for $2.00? It is a brown bag and you are willing to risk the $2.00 for the sheer thrill of the unknown? Well, EGL should actually be labeled as GRAB BAG COLOR. You buy an I and you hope for an I but what you may get is an K or L...GRAB BAGS can be fun...the unknown...but when you are doling out 2 carat money...why gamble?

There are always more stones than the two you have been offered. Have you checked with all the online vendors?

 

[nolimits]

When I was confused about labs, I found this article here on Pricescope about labs and how they grade. It's a very useful article I think. Here's a link:

http://grading.pricescope.com/

After reading the article I concluded that an EGL cert has a good chance of being off 1 color rating. So if they claim an F, I'd expect a G with an EGL although this isn't always the case. As far as clarity, the report study linked about shows EGL certs to be right on the money and sometimes even a little more strict.

But as many stated, the cut is perhaps the best quality of any stone. IMO it's worth going down a little in color and size to get an ideal cut stone. This WILL make a difference. Next, my stone needs to be eye clean regardless of the clarity stated on the cert. Lastly is the size. I don't think many people will be able to tell a 1.7ct from a 2ct. It's a huge rock at that point and if it's beautifully cut and no eye sores, it'll be the talk of the town.

I said all that to say this, I'd be less concerned with the cert grade as long as it has the best cut and is eye clean. I really doubt you'll notice much difference in a 1 color grade. So after seeing the EGL stone, if it's white enough for you, eye clean and the better cut stone, I'd go for it. If you feel a little insecure, get an independent appraisal to confirm what you believe to be a beautiful stone and will also provide a value of the stone which will help you know if it's a deal or not plus it can be used for insurance purposes.

Hope it helps!

 

[vespergirl]

I own all EGL certed stones, and am very happy with what I have - I think that the grading is accurate on all of my stones. When I was going through my asschers, I had owned 2 EGL asscher and 1 GIA asscher, and I ended up trading my GIA asscher for a MUCH better cut EGL asscher. I really think that you just need to look at the stones.

I am color sensitive, and when I was selecting my diamond at the jeweler (G color), I held it next to F, G and H color diamonds with EGL, AGS and GIA certs, and I am satisfied that my EGL "G" color truly is a G. I also believe the SI1 clarity is a correct grade.

 

[coatimundi_org]

I have an eglUSA certified princess cut. It's an E Si1. I recently took it to a GIA lab in Los Angeles, and yup they graded it as an E, but they ALSO graded it a VS2! I'm currently upgrading this stone to a round brilliant, and the one that I think I will purchase is eglusa, and it's gorgeous...and it's graded a K color--(I can be color sensitive)--it looks very white.

 

[ringabling]

Date: 1/20/2008 12:18:04 PM
Author: coatimundi
I have an eglUSA certified princess cut. It''s an E Si1. I recently took it to a GIA lab in Los Angeles, and yup they graded it as an E, but they ALSO graded it a VS2! I''m currently upgrading this stone to a round brilliant, and the one that I think I will purchase is eglusa, and it''s gorgeous...and it''s graded a K color--(I can be color sensitive)--it looks very white.

oh interesting! And very encouraging for those of us w/ EGL stones!

Is it possible they''re trying to be more accurate?

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 1/20/2008 9:23:01 PM
Author: ringabling

Date: 1/20/2008 12:18:04 PM
Author: coatimundi
I have an eglUSA certified princess cut. It''s an E Si1. I recently took it to a GIA lab in Los Angeles, and yup they graded it as an E, but they ALSO graded it a VS2! I''m currently upgrading this stone to a round brilliant, and the one that I think I will purchase is eglusa, and it''s gorgeous...and it''s graded a K color--(I can be color sensitive)--it looks very white.

oh interesting! And very encouraging for those of us w/ EGL stones!

Is it possible they''re trying to be more accurate?

From what I have read on here, they are trying to be more accurate. I say get it to an independent appraiser, just to be sure. Good luck!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/20/2008 9:33:21 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 1/20/2008 9:23:01 PM
Author: ringabling

Date: 1/20/2008 12:18:04 PM
Author: coatimundi
I have an eglUSA certified princess cut. It''s an E Si1. I recently took it to a GIA lab in Los Angeles, and yup they graded it as an E, but they ALSO graded it a VS2! I''m currently upgrading this stone to a round brilliant, and the one that I think I will purchase is eglusa, and it''s gorgeous...and it''s graded a K color--(I can be color sensitive)--it looks very white.

oh interesting! And very encouraging for those of us w/ EGL stones!

Is it possible they''re trying to be more accurate?

From what I have read on here, they are trying to be more accurate. I say get it to an independent appraiser, just to be sure. Good luck!!!

Ditto. I know I have been delighted with my EGL diamond, and very glad I chose it!!!