Trade-offs when buying diamonds

[DRSDMS]

I am buying two diamonds to set on either side of my 1.25 carat round stone (I color, SI2), in a three stone setting. I am completely confused on what to do. For relatively the same amount of money, I can buy:

1. Two .65 stones, H color, SI1 (a few hundred dollars more)
2. Two .65 stones, I color, VS2
3. Two .70 stones, I color, S11

I''m leaning towards one of the first two, but not sure which. Is it more important to have a bigger stone or a better stone? Are #1 and #2 so much better than #3?

Thanks, DRSDMS

 

[Ellen]

Hi DRS,

We'll all tell you CUT is most important! Most (but not all, as it's somewhat personal) would say go for the largest, eyeclean stones after that. Above that, I can't really say anything about the stones you listed, as there is no cut information. Would it be possible to get that info?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I really don''t think you need larger than .65 with a 1.25 ct. stone. Here are pictures of a 1.5 ct. stone with various size side stones.

 

[DiamondExpert]

It''s most important that the two stones match each other and at the same time complement the center stone....seeing the 3 stones together is paramount.

 

[DRSDMS]

Hi Ellen,

The cut is Very Good. When you say eye clean, are you speaking about clarity?

Finally, one poster said that you must see the three stones together. I am ordering the side stones from the Internet so it may not be possible to do that before I buy. I was planning on buying from this site or a dealer that is part of this site''s network. I have a dealer in NYC, but he is not very responsive. Hard to know who to trust....

DRS

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hi DRSDMS ... Welcome!

At first glance, my preference would be # 1 due to the higher color and the fact that the .5 ct difference b/n .65 & .70 diamonds will be negligible to your eye.

This being said, in order to discern which diamonds are indeed the "best", we would have to know more about the cut of each. If they are well cut diamonds and the SI1 clarity has been confirmed as "eye clean" or no visible inclusions to the unaided eye, then I would say # 1 all the way. Now if the others had a superior cut etc, I would forego the higher color for the stones with the best cut etc.

My opinion is that it is better to have a better stone, as far as cut is concerned, than a bigger stone.

If you have not seen diamonds in person, this may be advisable so that you can more accurately assess your individual color tolerance. Some people prefer diamonds in the colorless (D,E,F) range, while others are satisfied with diamonds in the near colorless range (G, H, I) ... In order to avoid disappointment, determining your comfort level is really important.

Since you intend on buying the diamonds online, you can ask the vendor to provide you with pics of your potential stones so that you can gauge them for matching purposes or if it is a reputable Pricescope vendor, you may even just want to confirm with them that the stones you select do match before going through with your purchase. Additionally, they should be able to confirm if the diamonds you like are indeed "eyeclean".

I hope this helps!

 

[Allison D.]

DRM, it sounds like it might be wise for you to find an independent appraiser in the area (meaning one who doesn''t sell diamonds/isn''t a jeweler) to evaluate the stones for you.

With a reasonable/generous return policy, you can have the appraiser look at the three stones together and tell you if they are suitably matched.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 2/1/2008 8:22:44 PM
Author: DRSDMS
Hi Ellen,

The cut is Very Good. When you say eye clean, are you speaking about clarity?

Finally, one poster said that you must see the three stones together. I am ordering the side stones from the Internet so it may not be possible to do that before I buy. I was planning on buying from this site or a dealer that is part of this site's network. I have a dealer in NYC, but he is not very responsive. Hard to know who to trust....

DRS

Yes, meaning no visable inclusions. Be sure to ask the vendor if they are.

Who is going to set the stones for you? Is it someone local? If so, I would follow Allison's advice on having them evaluated once you get them.

And a couple important tips on picking them out. Make sure the tables are all very close in size to one another, as that will have a more pleasing affect than if they're all different sizes. Also, make sure the pair you pick are fairly close in diameter, so they appear the same size.

If you're not having someone local do it, and were thinking of having a vendor do it, it would probably be best/easiest to just send the stone/setting to them, and let them find the best matching pair.

 

[DRSDMS]

Thanks to everyone for your help. As a result of your feedback, I decided to scrap the idea of looking for the side stones online. I took my center stone to a local diamond dealer and he is matching up my stone with two .65 I colored SI1 stones. (He also offered I colored .75 SI2 stones but I choose the better quality over the size.) My ring will be ready in two weeks.

Many thanks, DRS

 

[Sparkalicious]

Thanks for the update!
I''m glad you found diamonds and a jeweler with which you are comfortable. I''m sure that this ring will turn out beautifully!
Will you do us a favor and post pics when the ring is ready?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/2/2008 8:26:42 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 2/1/2008 8:22:44 PM
Author: DRSDMS
Hi Ellen,

The cut is Very Good. When you say eye clean, are you speaking about clarity?

Finally, one poster said that you must see the three stones together. I am ordering the side stones from the Internet so it may not be possible to do that before I buy. I was planning on buying from this site or a dealer that is part of this site''s network. I have a dealer in NYC, but he is not very responsive. Hard to know who to trust....

DRS

Yes, meaning no visable inclusions. Be sure to ask the vendor if they are.

Who is going to set the stones for you? Is it someone local? If so, I would follow Allison''s advice on having them evaluated once you get them.

And a couple important tips on picking them out. Make sure the tables are all very close in size to one another, as that will have a more pleasing affect than if they''re all different sizes. Also, make sure the pair you pick are fairly close in diameter, so they appear the same size.

If you''re not having someone local do it, and were thinking of having a vendor do it, it would probably be best/easiest to just send the stone/setting to them, and let them find the best matching pair.

Ditto both ladies.