Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

So much to take in

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
C

contractor

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
6
Hi,

Firstly I must say thank you. I have already read so much and must say what a wonderful resource this site is and how helpful the members appear to be too.

Anyway, I am based in the UK (London) and after being together for 13 years I finally proposed to my better half and luckily she accepted. So now it is time for me to find a ring and make an honest woman of her!

After doing a bit of research I came across this site and now understand the basics (4c''s etc) and feel a little more confident than I did a few days ago. Knowing that the USD/GBP is in my favour I thought buying in the US might be a good option, especially as we are Christmas Shopping in NYC 14-16 Dec. I was hoping to order a ring and get it shipped to our hotel, to be there when we arrive.
26.gif


So far I have:
Settled on round/brilliant - a single solitaire with a simple 18K white gold ring. The ring can be changed at a later date if needed.
I have a limit of 50K USD. I was worried about currency exchange rates but after a little investigation it appears that buying in the UK (when compared to the US) is crazy, for example:

While trying to decide/understand if I should be buying in the US or UK, I found the ring below.
I think this is the same 2.74 Carat ring - the dimensions are identical. Would I be right in my assumption

http://www.qualitydiamonds.co.uk/Find.aspx?item=Loose&code=5--554148--GIA £24895
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1118028.asp $41150 (£20353)
http://www.diamondsonweb.com/shopping_dd/ddetail.mhtml?id=2102294&metal=&cat=&frompage=cart&c_gid=2 $41853 (£20700)
http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=40586290 $c.40k

If so then getting the stone/ring in the US is a no-brainer as there is a very large difference!

I have been looking at these sites:
diamondsonweb.com
jamesallen.com
whiteflash.com
abazias.com
www.bluenile.com
and for a UK comparison
www.qualitydiamonds.co.uk

I would be very interested in the groups opinions regarding my thoughts on the 4cs. I think I have gone for an order of Cut, Size, color, clarity.
Should I look at Ideal/AGS0 cut only? What about H/A? Is that "better" than "Ideal"?
I am aiming for a Carat size of 2.5+
Colour: I think G would be fine, is it easy to tell between say E and G? My understanding is that G would allow me to spend more in terms of cut/size?
Clarity: Everything I have reas suggests VS2 and above would be fine. Does this still hold true for 2 Carat rings?
Any thoughts on what offers the best compromise?


For a given price, stones graded by EGL tend to be larger, that to me suggests that their standards are not as high as GIA/AGS. Would that be a correct assumption?

Finally, any thoughts on this one? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122283.asp I have the GIA coming tomorrow. Should I be asking for anything else?


I have read the forums but there is so much to take in, and I am worrying about spending so much money and screwing up!

Thanks in advance.

Contractor
 
Hey contractor,

I think you''ve nailed the elements very well.

Only a few suggestions.

You said you''d be in NY? At least phone up Jonathan at GOG, and see if he''d like to add something in for you. I primarily use the search by cut db...it does a lot of work for you, taking advantage of the HCA tool here, to help your analysis by cut.

The one you selected doesn''t appear in the search by cut db...I wonder how you found it...and it seems to come with no certificate info...particularly crown & pavilion info...so although I think it "says" ideal...that may only be based on table & depth...which isn''t very helpful these days..

Still...the same vendor today is posting two options you''d possibly want to consider. Though I''d say this one...I hate leaving money on the table...so maybe this one, too. However, with the second...I''m advised a larger item like the 3 carat jobby, you might want to stay away from H. But...it may be a subtle thing. Also...ostensibly...James Allen also has an office in NY...so depending on your flexibilty...maybe you could even look at both...though sounds like you''d rather this was wrapped up by the time you got there.

Just some ideas for you.

Re your other questions....


Date: 11/26/2007 4:29:31 PM
Author:contractor

I would be very interested in the groups opinions regarding my thoughts on the 4cs. I think I have gone for an order of Cut, Size, color, clarity.

Good order

Should I look at Ideal/AGS0 cut only?


Not crazy...but with a vendor like Jonathan at G0G...GIA probably more than fine...

What about H/A? Is that ''better'' than ''Ideal''?

Some say so...and it''s frequently the only option in a higher size. Avoid paying too much more for it.

I am aiming for a Carat size of 2.5+
Colour: I think G would be fine, is it easy to tell between say E and G? My understanding is that G would allow me to spend more in terms of cut/size?

You have the right sort of concerns...from what I read here. Experts may respond best.

Clarity: Everything I have reas suggests VS2 and above would be fine. Does this still hold true for 2 Carat rings?
Any thoughts on what offers the best compromise?

I''ll defer again...

For a given price, stones graded by EGL tend to be larger, that to me suggests that their standards are not as high as GIA/AGS. Would that be a correct assumption?

Yes...it''s frequently suggested here to avoid EGL, but if accpepted...only accept the USA version of ther certificates.
Click to expand...
Regards,
 
Ira,

I found that one through a manual search after arriving there via this site. They are sending me over the GIA report tomorrow so I should be able to run the numbers through the HCA thingy then.

I also found this one too
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1118037.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

As for them not appearing on the seach by cut db, according to their website its because they have not submitted all of the details. Hopefully the GIA reports should resolve these issues.


Many Thanks for the advice. I will keep the forum updated on my progress.

C.
 
Welcome!

Ira has given you some great advice, so I just wanted to say with the diamond you linked, we need more info such as the crown and pavillion angles and preferably an Idealscope image if one is available for this diamond, so if the good peeps at JA send them to you as you anticipate, you can post them then we can help a little more. Also you may know that you could drop your clarity to VS possibly quite easily in this size and still have a very clean diamond, but of course this is a personal preference.
 
Unfortunately the 2.74 Ct. ring is no longer available so that one is out. There were two others I asked about though. I now have the GIA reports. They were a 2.64Ct.:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1118037.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131
Depth=62.7, Table=57, Crown Angle=35.0, Pavillion Angle=41.6.

This one came out at 5.4 so I dont think I will look at that one. Am I right in reading the HCA score correctly there? It seems an odd score for a 45K diamond?

The other one was a 2.87Ct.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1107267.asp
Depth=62.3, Table=57 C/A=36.5, P/A=40.5.

That came out at 1.8 so looks better. According to the jeweller (and GIA rep) there is a cloud in the middle of the table so I am a concerned enough to be put off there too
8.gif


I guess I will just have to keep on looking....
 
According to Bob at JA:

"1118037 has a pinpoint and natural inclusion, neither of which appear to be under the table, while 1107267 shows a cloud, feather and needle, directly under the table. 1107267 is slightly heavier but when you look at the dimensions, it is 9.04 vs. 8.80 for 1118037. Not a big difference. Both diamonds will appear a beautiful white, eye-clean and have excellent brilliance and scintillation. The only difference of note is that 1118037 has Medium Blue fluorescence while 1107267 has None."

Now I know he says eye-clean, but my missus will examine it in minute detail, so I am worried that she will spot flaws in it.

Am I worrying unneccessarily?
Oh and what does "Firey Ideal Cut" mean?

Thanks,

Andy
 
Date: 11/27/2007 1:54:07 PM
Author: contractor
According to Bob at JA:

''1118037 has a pinpoint and natural inclusion, neither of which appear to be under the table, while 1107267 shows a cloud, feather and needle, directly under the table. 1107267 is slightly heavier but when you look at the dimensions, it is 9.04 vs. 8.80 for 1118037. Not a big difference. Both diamonds will appear a beautiful white, eye-clean and have excellent brilliance and scintillation. The only difference of note is that 1118037 has Medium Blue fluorescence while 1107267 has None.''

Now I know he says eye-clean, but my missus will examine it in minute detail, so I am worried that she will spot flaws in it.

Am I worrying unneccessarily?
Oh and what does ''Firey Ideal Cut'' mean?

Thanks,

Andy
Click to expand...
Then tell them you don''t want to be able to see anything from any angle at any distance.
28.gif



This should help you on the FIC.
 
Date: 11/27/2007 2:00:17 PM
Author: Ellen


Date: 11/27/2007 1:54:07 PM
Author: contractor
According to Bob at JA:

'1118037 has a pinpoint and natural inclusion, neither of which appear to be under the table, while 1107267 shows a cloud, feather and needle, directly under the table. 1107267 is slightly heavier but when you look at the dimensions, it is 9.04 vs. 8.80 for 1118037. Not a big difference. Both diamonds will appear a beautiful white, eye-clean and have excellent brilliance and scintillation. The only difference of note is that 1118037 has Medium Blue fluorescence while 1107267 has None.'

Now I know he says eye-clean, but my missus will examine it in minute detail, so I am worried that she will spot flaws in it.

Am I worrying unneccessarily?
Oh and what does 'Firey Ideal Cut' mean?

Thanks,

Andy
Click to expand...
Then tell them you don't want to be able to see anything from any angle at any distanc
28.gif
e.


This should help you on the FIC.
Click to expand...
Ditto. Make it clear to them what your comfort level is regarding ' eyecleanliness,' also because these are large diamonds you are considering, it may be slightly easier to spot an inclusion rather than with a small diamond, but let the guys at JA guide you there, they can be your eyes and help you find a stunning and clean diamond!

This thread should help regarding clarity and inclusions.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/clarity-eye-clean-definition-interpretation-and-taste.30483/
 
Hi Contractor,

A couple of more thoughts for you.


Date: 11/26/2007 6:17:24 PM
Author: contractor
Ira,

I found that one through a manual search after arriving there via this site. They are sending me over the GIA report tomorrow so I should be able to run the numbers through the HCA thingy then.
Click to expand...
Although a) the approach you took is the one I took...self service...b) I''d like to encourage you to consider doing more.

For example...though getting a G from GIA may be swell, and would probably be fine...and based on time constraints...maybe that represents your options, and may be perfect...

I''d like to see you get an F AGS0. Probably VS1 or better if that''s all that''s available (or...maybe VS2 is like SI 1 in this size, compared to a smaller size...you want to ask). Re overall size...sounds like you''ve clearly identified this. Based on what you''re willing to spend...if it''s available, I think you can get what you want. But...I haven''t see it. Maybe these guys can....looking more broadly...into other databases not available here.

I''m aware the net world we can see here on Pricescope is truncated...and vendors can see more. Definitely...if you haven''t already begun to do this...tell the vendor what you want, and have them help you look for it.

This may turn your shopping into shopping more for the vendor than the diamond. I don''t know to what extent where working with one vendor for you...you''re effectively working with the universe available to all of them. Then...there''s the separate issue of what advantages each vendor brings to the process. Both value and expertise are two features to consider, and apply as needed. Also, to the extent you''re playing with Venn Diagrams in terms of the universe of diamonds, and how to access them...it may be reasonable to work with more than one vendor...but probably not too many.

Since you''ll end up in NY...but will have wanted the process finished by the time you get there...the impacts of dealing with a NY based vendor are...what they are. If you''d ordered a tomato, got to NY, and found it was moldy...you could take it back to the store and replace it. Hopefully this will not apply to your diamond...but proximity may have its advantages...not the least of which...if your landing place ended up also being the place you might also come to periodically for both travel and minor servicing.

Good hunting...
 
I found this one. Its a 2.87 ct VS1 G in the right price range.
It comes out at 1.8 on the HCA.
Size 2.87
Colour G
Clarity VS1
Cut V.Good
Depth 62.3
Table 57
Crown/A 36.5
Pav/A 40.5
HCA Score =1.8
GIA report and Idealscope image attached.

Can someone interpret the idealscope image for me please? I have the GIA report but its over the 100K attachment limit. The file can be found at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/alennon2/1107267.jpg

Thanks,

Andy

1107267ids.jpg
 
Andy,

A lot of things to like about it.

FIC (very)
Also marginally within boundaries of both AGS & GIA best

generally positive feedback on the IS...other experts should add on.

Unless you''re still shopping...and this could be the one...engage a good appraiser to give thumbs up.

Looks very promising. The FIC I''d call a nice bonus...and you''ll read about that here in other threads, too!
 
If I was hunting for a big FIC I would be seriously interested in this one.
emthup.gif
 
Unfortunately I have just found out that ring has gone. I have been shown another one, which is less expensive dut to being an H color and a VS2 clarity. It is AGS 0 though.

Given its a better cut,would the general conscensus be that that makes up for the H/VS2 part?

Can someone look and comment on the idealscope image please?

The specs are:
AGS0 ideal
H
VS2
2.830 cts.
depth 62.0
table 55.5
crown/a 35.6
pav/a 40.6
Polish and symmetry: ideal
HCA Score 1.6 FIC

Part of me is put off because I have the feeling that it is a "lesser" diamond than the other one. I know I am paying less (this one is about 75% of the price of the first one), but does this one represent better value, and all things being equal given that my SO won''t have seen the first one, would she be just as happy?

Thanks,

Andy

1027734.JPG
 
Andy, don't worry, this is another superb diamond and I would bet your GF will be just as happy with this one!! You might want to put a hold on it ASAP if you are seriously considering it, in case lurkers try to grab it.
 
I thought an AGS 0 is an H&A which is an ideal cut...am I wrong????
 
Hi,

I have read your comments, I am the owner from the UK website you have mentioned. I can assure you that the only
way you will save money is by not declaring your purchase when coming back to the UK and not paying the VAT.

Otherwise i can supply you with the same products as you can find worldwide and at the same price.

But you have an advantage of being able to view in london and also purchase and ring style of your choice, and if there are
any alterations needed this will be taken care of FOC.

Our prices are INC Vat and the prices you see on USA sites are not inc vat.

Also prices in NYC at street level will be much higher than you see online.

The thing you do have going for you is you have some great facts to be able to make the correct decsion.

If you do want any help locally you will find my details on the QD website

Kind Regards and good luck wiht your purchase.

Paul
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top