Thoughts on this Bellataire diamond

[doanuts]

Hi,

I have an opportunity to purchase the following Bellataire diamond for $12,400. Based on the Sarin report, it scores 1.7 on HCA.

GIA details:
1.28 carat
Excellent cut
F color
VVS1
Excellent polish and symmetry
Notes: internal graining

Sarin report:
Weight - 1.289 ct
Diameter - 7.09 mm (7.07 - 7.11)
Diameter Dev - 0.6%
Total depth - 60.1%
Table size - 58.3%
Crown angle - 33.0 (32.8 - 33.2)
Crown height - 13.5%
Pavilion angle - 31.1 (40.8 - 41.3)
Pavilion depth - 43.4%
Culet size - 0.4%
Girdle min - 0.99%
Girdle max - 1.83%
Star/Upper Ratio 51:49


According to the jeweler the diamond displays hearts and arrows, but she doesn't have a HA viewer to tell me whether or not they are perfectly symmetrical. What are your thoughts? I have not seen the diamond in person...

I'm debating between this Bellataire diamond and a Whiteflash diamond that is an ACA, slightly smaller and is G color and VS2.

Thanks.

 

[Gypsy]

NO. Bellataire is an enhanced diamond. You are better off with the WF choice. Even though GIA grades it, it's not worth as much as comparable 'truly natural' colored diamonds. Get the G.

http://www.bellatairediamonds.com/WhyBellataire/FAQs.aspx For anyone looking for information on the Bellataire.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Essentially a brown diamond put into equipment that is capable of making a synthetic diamond that turns it white or colourless.

PS - That site would be unlikely to show you before and after images

 

[kenny]

Yeah, I'd be afraid a diamond treated with HPHT would have negligible resale value.

Here is a snip from one's GIA report...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh my gosh! It is a very good thing you came here before making what could have been a HUGE mistake! By all means go with the WF stone! (or any ideal cut untreated stone!)

 

[doanuts]

Thanks for the thoughts, I think I will avoid Bellataire diamonds. Here's another diamond I'd like to get thoughts on.

$12,000
Lazare Kaplan
1.28 ct
G color
VS2

Sarin:
Depth - 61.2%
Table - 55.9%
Crown - 34.5
Pavilion - 40.7
Girdle - 1.57% (1.14%-1.71%) slightly thick

HCA score - 1.0


Is this a good deal? So this or WF ACA?

 

[slg47]

is the lazare kaplan graded by a lab?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks for the thoughts, I think I will avoid Bellataire diamonds. Here's another diamond I'd like to get thoughts on.

$12,000
Lazare Kaplan
1.28 ct
G color
VS2

Sarin:
Depth - 61.2%
Table - 55.9%
Crown - 34.5
Pavilion - 40.7
Girdle - 1.57% (1.14%-1.71%) slightly thick

HCA score - 1.0


Is this a good deal? So this or WF ACA?

Umm, I almost always would recommend WF, but I'll have to say, that is an excellent price on that diamond. They must have bought it before all the price increases to be offering it at $12k. I'd grab it assuming that is GIA or AGS grading! (What is the diameter measurement?)

 

[Gypsy]

Lazare Kaplan Diamonds are gorgeous. I would go ahead with the purchase.

 

[doanuts]

Yea it is GIA cert and they did purchase it before the price increase. It measures 7.00 x 7.02 x 4.3 mm.

 

[Dancing Fire]

nice #s. LK stones are very well cut.

 

[Gypsy]

Yea it is GIA cert and they did purchase it before the price increase. It measures 7.00 x 7.02 x 4.3 mm.

Perfect, I'd snap that up!

 

[doanuts]

I'm just about to make the purchase and I'm still trying to see which is the better deal. WF has a diamond upgrade policy while the B&M store doesn't. The WF diamond is a 1.14ct ACA G, VS2 for $10,330 (after all discounts). Again the B&M is a 1.28ct LK G, VS2 for $12,000.

The difference in diameter is only 0.3mm, is that noticeable? Something about having it bigger than 1.25ct sounds appealing. Should I save on the diamond to buy a nicer setting? Am I just paying for brand name? Thanks for the input.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, if you think you'd ever want to upgrade, you probably should go with WF because resale is always risky and you stand to lose money most of the time. And if you do go with WF, I want first dibs at the jeweler with the other stone because I would be interested in it myself! (just kidding!)

Actually, though, WF has a 1.31 G VS2 (ES) for $13,000, so the Lazare Kaplan stone isn't too far off that price. It is a good price, but not a steal or anything like that. If the ring will never be upgraded, then it doesn't matter which you go with. But if you think you would, then go with WF.