Value/cut

[Gayletmom]

So I am doing the legwork before shopping for a RB stone, probably for a platinum solitaire setting. I am absorbing all of the info here on PS and learning how much more there is to know!

My eye is not super trained like some of you here and I want to get some size so I do not require a "perfect" cut (can''t afford $100k!). What I am trying to say is that I would like a very well cut diamond but it doesn''t have to be a "10"-maybe a 8.5 or a 9-on an imaginary cut scale. I don''t mind a little warmth, although I am learning here that color might be important in a stone of that size (as opposed to my 1.5RB) and was thinking H, I or J? What do ya''ll think. I am also am fine with an SI as long as it is eyeclean.

What would you cut nuts recommend as a good way for me to balance all of these factors and still get a really beautiful 3.5 ct? Are there some factors/measurements that would be more impt to you than others?

Many thanks,
Gayle

 

[marcy]

Definitely go with an ideal cut diamond then maybe H/I/J color with eye clean SI clarity. I would always go for a 10 in cut.

 

[Regular Guy]

Consistent with what Marcyc says, cut...as a function of the 4 Cs...doesn''t cost enough for you to skimp on it. Get at least a good performer on the HCA for a start, or better, an AGS0 which helps you shop more narrowly further.

Though the larger the harder to skimp on both color and clarity....an option like this one...not quite 3.5...is probably hard to beat.

Strategies below my signature...but these are not answering your question.

In a more ideal world, targeting G VS2 ish...again...mindful of the larger size. You say not $100K...but what IS your budget. Looking at even the BIG database here...not a lot of AGS options in this size, and these colors...so you''ll probably actually have to do a bit of work to open up the universe.

Regards,

 

[Gayletmom]

Thanks Marcy and Ira for the input and, yes, I am getting the message. Okay, so cut it is and I will evaluate that using HCA and AGS, correct? I know that there is lots of info on this site about how I do that.

Ira, I am expecting this to be a long process (several months, up to a year to get it right?), which is why I am starting early. One more value question, am I better off price wise looking for a non branded stone with great numbers? Or am I looking in such a small pond that I need to just look at everything? My budget is going to be around high $50s. If I don''t mind a little warmth, what do you think about an H, SI (picky SI)? And what do you think about strategy for finding the right diamond? Should I start with one of the PS vendors known for their RBs and assume that they all have access to the same stones? Or should I call a couple of vendors? Don''t want to put someone through alot of effort and then buy from another vendor.

Many thanks!

 

[stone-cold11]

I am thinking one of the ways to skim on the cut is to go to the BIC, FIC cuts dimensions, depending on which type you like better, as these are usually outside what GIA/AGS consider to be EX/ID cuts. But these are few, I think FIC is rarer of the two cuts, so searching for them might take a while.

My 2cts.

 

[Regular Guy]

Gayletmom,

Rather than not answer, I''ll simply respond by saying you''re asking what sounds like good questions...and I don''t think...based on a) both the diversity of opinion on this board, and b) the amount of time you have...that you should trust anyone''s answer than your own. Start picky, in other words...seeking branded, and from a vendor you have reason from at least this board initially to trust...and then...only as needed...search more broadly. Push the envelope...and be honest with your vendor about what you''re doing, and with what you want.

Though this answer may not be helpful...it''s the only one that makes sense to me.

Warm regards,

 

[MissGotRocks]

https://www.pricescope.com/origin.asp?sh=88&id=103&prc=51087

This stone doesn''t quite hit the 3.5 mark but does include most of your other parameters. . .

 

[diamondseeker2006]

WhiteFlash and Good Old Gold use different sources as far as their in-house stones go. So I''d probably contact them both and tell them what you''re looking for. Tell them that you have asked another vendor to look, too. Just be prepared to buy once you ask them to search. Here''s an example of what you can get for $50,000:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4527/ 3.18 H SI1

So you''ll have to go to I or J color, probably, to get to 3.5 cts.

 

[Regular Guy]

DS and MissGotRocks land on the same option, to no great surprise.

Not sure how to contextualize GOG''s options, unless we say their brand is his name...though he carries brands within, too.

Writing...to both appreciate DS''s practical approach, and to add you could also contact an Infinity dealer like Wink, and include them, as well, with the same suggestions about giving a heads up as to that you''re shopping...with a couple of other vendors, also.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/1/2009 6:04:00 PM
Author:Gayletmom
So I am doing the legwork before shopping for a RB stone, probably for a platinum solitaire setting. I am absorbing all of the info here on PS and learning how much more there is to know!

My eye is not super trained like some of you here and I want to get some size so I do not require a 'perfect' cut (can't afford $100k!). What I am trying to say is that I would like a very well cut diamond but it doesn't have to be a '10'-maybe a 8.5 or a 9-on an imaginary cut scale. I don't mind a little warmth, although I am learning here that color might be important in a stone of that size (as opposed to my 1.5RB) and was thinking H, I or J? What do ya'll think. I am also am fine with an SI as long as it is eyeclean.

What would you cut nuts recommend as a good way for me to balance all of these factors and still get a really beautiful 3.5 ct? Are there some factors/measurements that would be more impt to you than others?

Many thanks,
Gayle

One method, you can use the HCA to find which proportion combos work well, in most cases which score 2 or below, or if the diamond has top symmetry and scores over 2 - say between 2 and 3. Then evaluate using Idealscope and trusted vendor/ appraiser input from there. Or just consult a trusted vendor and tell them what you are looking for.

 

[Gayletmom]

Thanks to all of you for you input. I''m going to definitely go to a couple of the PS well trusted vendors when I am ready to buy-but not before-and let them know what I am looking for, mentioning some of your ideas here. I will, of course, be relying heavily on their expertise and trusting them to help me find the balance between ex cut and size. I will also give a heads-up that I am talking to another vendor. When the day comes I am looking forward to posting a candidate or two here for your approval!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/2/2009 10:21:50 AM
Author: Gayletmom
Thanks to all of you for you input. I''m going to definitely go to a couple of the PS well trusted vendors when I am ready to buy-but not before-and let them know what I am looking for, mentioning some of your ideas here. I will, of course, be relying heavily on their expertise and trusting them to help me find the balance between ex cut and size. I will also give a heads-up that I am talking to another vendor. When the day comes I am looking forward to posting a candidate or two here for your approval!

I look forward to seeing what you come up with