What to pay

[15yearann]

I bought the only diamond ring I''ve ever purchased 16 years ago and proposed to my wonderful wife in 1991. We''ve been married 15 years this month and I''m considering buying another diamond and a new ring for her. I have no idea what I''m doing. The ring I''m considering has a 1.51ct Oval Diamond, F color SI1 clarity, Very Good Polish, Very Good Symmetry, Slight Blue Flourescence, EGL certified with Diascript on the girdle. They want $10,800 for the diamond only. According to the web research I''ve done, similar ovals go for $8,200 to $10,500. This would have to be the best of the bunch to be worth more than all others.

I''m sure they''re putting the highest price out first, but how should I know what it is worth? Should I disclose my web research and expect them to come down in price?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[chrono]

Do you have more information on the oval?
1. Physical dimensions
2. Table and depth %
3. Crown height % (EGL certs have one)
4. Any bowties?
5. Girdle thickness

 

[neatfreak]

Yes, I would let them know what you''ve found online and go from there. Just to be clear: Make sure you''re comparing apples to apples by finding the exact color and clarity with EGL certifications. GIA and AGS certifications will be higher priced and stones without certifications will be a lot lower.

Also try to see as many ovals as possible before you buy. They are a hard shape to purchase and there are quite a few dogs out there.

 

[15yearann]

I''ll need to check with the jeweler on 2 and 3. As to No. 1, what''s the "EGL Certified with Diascript" they gave me in the spec? Doesn''t that mean it''s certified? The information in my post is actually all that they gave me in response to my request for specs.

Thanks for your response

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 7/13/2007 3:30:16 PM
Author: 15yearann
I'll need to check with the jeweler on 2 and 3. As to No. 1, what's the 'EGL Certified with Diascript' they gave me in the spec? Doesn't that mean it's certified? The information in my post is actually all that they gave me in response to my request for specs.


Thanks for your response

Yes, it does imply that it is EGL certified. But not all certifications are equal, and some aren't even worth the paper they're printed on.

Is it EGL-USA? They are the strictest of the EGL labs. Other EGL labs, like Israel, aren't really even worth buying as certified because their grading is so lax. AGS and GIA are known as being the strictest in the industry.

What does that mean? It means that if you buy an EGL stone, it is likely that it could be 1-2 color AND/OR clarity grades off. So you just need to be CERTAIN what you're really getting before you buy. The best way is to get it independently appraised before purchase.

Otherwise, GIA and AGS stones are safer in the sense that their grading is stricter and you are much more likely to actually get what you pay for. But these stones carry a slightly higher premium than EGL. BUT if you buy a G SI1 EGL that actually turns out to be an H I1, you would have paid much more than the stone was actually worth.

 

[jayreneepea]

When I searched 1.50 ct F SI1 diamonds with EGL certs the price ranged from $6775 to $8412.

It''d also be helpful to know which EGL certified the diamond you''re looking at as comparing EGL to EGL isn''t always apples to apples either if for instance one EGL is USA and another is EGL Isreal.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome to PS.

I would see about making the sale contingent on getting an independant appraisal with this diamond, also as you say you are new to this, I would take my time and contact some online vendors such as Jon at Good Old Gold, Mark at Engagement Rings Direct and Whiteflash, tell them what you are looking for and put their expertise to work for you. Fancy shapes are tricky and an expert to act as your eyes can be invaluable.

Check out this video made for a Pricescoper who bought a gorgeous oval from Good Old Gold, that way you will get an idea of how stunning these diamonds can look if well cut.

Here you go, click here for the video - look down under the topics and see the video for 4 2ct ovals.