Undecided between 2 online diamonds - Please help

[wlee71]

Hi everyone - can the forum experts please give an opinion which one they think looks better among the two, and whether the prices are decent? I have plagued by indecision and am trying to decide over the weekend before my girlfriend comes to visit next.

1. 2.03 G VS2 24899

Diamond 1

2. 2.01 G VS1 25410

Diamond 2

Thanks everyone...

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hi wlee!

Both of your diamond choices have a great color/clarity combo, however, I''m thinking that there is room for improvement cut wise ... if you are so inclined and would like to place priority on cut and overal diamond performance.

I ran the specs listed on both certs through the Holloway Cut Advisor and they both scored over 2, Very Good not Excellent or "worth buying if the price is right". My understanding, from what has been shared here on PS is that if the score is under 2, this is a good indication that the diamond will have superior light performance ... This tool, in conjunction with, and idealscope picture should be able to give you some insight into whether or not this diamond is a keeper, as far as you are concerned.

For perspective''s sake, I will provide you with 2 links to some Whiteflash, A Cut Above, branded ideal cut diamonds. These diamonds are selected based on the quality of their cut amongst several other factors, therefore, there is no "guess work" involved, you know that this is a top notch "ideal cut" diamond. The pricing listed on the link is likely negotiable to a point or ate least, as a PS member you may be eligible for additional discounts or, at a minimum, bankwire pricing, which will certainly decrease the initial sticker price.

Diamond 1

Diamond 2

My 2 cents says that you can get a more superior cut diamond for within the price range for the 2 diamonds you have listed.
I hope this helps! Sorry if it only serves to confuse you further ...

Quick question ... What do you feel is the most important consideration in this diamond selection process?

 

[wlee71]

Hi Sparkalicious - thanks for the advice.

I'm just looking for an all-around diamond that's well balanced overall. I'm learning about the HCA.

I have the "friend of a friend" who had this GIA certified diamond available for about $26400

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 8.27 - 8.30 x 5.07 mm
Carat Weight: 2.11
Color Grade: G
Clarity Grade: VS1
Cut Grade: Excellent

Proportions:

Depth: 61.2 %
Table: 56 %
Crown Angle: 34.5°
Crown Height: 15 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.5 %
Star length: 55 %
Lower Half: 75 %
Girdle: Thin to Medium, Faceted
Culet: None

Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Additional Inscription: IGI 2-190-778A, H&A

Using the HCA, I see a rating of 1.0 - would this be a good one?

 

[Lorelei]

The diamond you just mentioned looks to be well cut, if a friend of a friend is selling it, does this mean it is a private sale or with an actual jeweller or vendor?

 

[Sparkalicious]

You are most welcome!

Now THIS diamond has a really great cut ... right in alignment with the type of "super" ideal cut diamonds that people often aspire to here on PS .... When I ran the numbers in the HCA, I got a score of 1.2, which is fantastic as it falls right within both the AGS Ideal and GIA Excellent ranges. It scores Excellent for Light Return, Fire & Scintillation & Very Good for spread or "diameter" for weight.

While this diamond does have a "superior"cut to the previous ones you posted, I am concerned about the "friend of a friend" business. The price seems good, however, is this friend a reputable dealer? Do they have the certification papers for you? Will they allow you to have the stone independently appraised prior to purchase OR do they have a 100% refund policy if you would like to return the stone within 10 days, for example? Just a couple of things to think about ...

With the G/VS1 color/clarity combo, I would say you are looking a beauty of a diamond that will be white, in color and have absolutely no visible inclusions.

 

[Allison D.]

Date: 2/2/2008 4:35:40 AM
Author: wlee71
Hi Sparkalicious - thanks for the advice.

I''m just looking for an all-around diamond that''s well balanced overall. I''m learning about the HCA.

I have the ''friend of a friend'' who had this GIA certified diamond available for about $26400

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 8.27 - 8.30 x 5.07 mm
Carat Weight: 2.11
Color Grade: G
Clarity Grade: VS1
Cut Grade: Excellent

Proportions:

Depth: 61.2 %
Table: 56 %
Crown Angle: 34.5°
Crown Height: 15 %
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.5 %
Star length: 55 %
Lower Half: 75 %
Girdle: Thin to Medium, Faceted
Culet: None

Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Additional Inscription: IGI 2-190-778A, H&A

Using the HCA, I see a rating of 1.0 - would this be a good one?

Wlee, just a quick caution for you.....if you end up considering ''friend of a friend'' option, I''d second Spark''s suggestion to see the certificate.

You''ve mentioned that it''s GIA graded, but the Additional Inscription information references an IGI grading report number. It''s entirely possible that the diamond was regraded by GIA, and if so, great. Just do make a mental note to actually see the GIA grading report.

AGS/GIA are the more venerable labs with reputations for strict grading; IGI is a ''softer'' lab and may be a little looser on the grading. Since grading affects the value of the stone, it''s an important thing to be aware of.

 

[wlee71]

Hi everyone,

Thanks to everyone who has chimed in, especially all of you who have the buyer beware.

The "friend of a friend" appears reputable - they are in the Diamond District and are a member of the New York Diamond Dealer's Club (not that I know really what that means). They are a wholesaler in general and have a website - the company is a wholesaler by the name of Esskay gems, but since my friend knows the family who runs the business and has purchased from the before, I do feel pretty comfortable. Comparing to pricescope, the price seems reasonable and not too good to be true, which would jump out at me as a red flag.

I have actually gone to see the diamond and they printed out a copy of the GIA certificate for me. There is a GIA laser inscription registry which they tried to show me on the diamond, but it was hard for me to see the numbers.


If I were to buy from them, what should I do? I have a checklist to do the following:

1. Get a copy of the original GIA report
2. Get the diamond appraised. Several people here have spoken highly about Mark Wolf.
3. Get the diamond insured immediately after getting it set.