I recently acquired a large, slightly yellowish, un-certed diamond. Apparently dating from the 1940's, maybe earlier, it is a "spread cut" stone and with a very large table and shallow depth. It's big and impressive, but kind of a ho-hum visual performer. It doesn't exhibit a fish eye.
5.49 cts, table 69%, depth 55.9%, diameter 11.8 mm, color L,
clarity VVS2, culet very small, symmetry fair, it's noticeably different in appearance from a modern round brilliant.
The appraiser says this stone would be a good candidate for a re-cut in an effort to achieve more visual performance and potentially enhance its value. It seems to me I have three options:
1. The conservator approach: The stone represents the diamond cutter's art of 60 years ago, and like a classic movie from that era, should not be "enhanced". Remount it in a nice setting and leave it as is.
2. The bean counter approach: A five ct weight should be preserved. Striving for an ideal cut will result in too much weight loss. Ask for an improved, but not necessarily ideal cut.
3. The cut-is-king approach: Have it re-cut to ideal dimensions, even if the finished product weighs less than 5 carats. The smaller diamond should grade much better and its beauty will more than compensate for any loss of size and weight.
What would you do?
5.49 cts, table 69%, depth 55.9%, diameter 11.8 mm, color L,
clarity VVS2, culet very small, symmetry fair, it's noticeably different in appearance from a modern round brilliant.
The appraiser says this stone would be a good candidate for a re-cut in an effort to achieve more visual performance and potentially enhance its value. It seems to me I have three options:
1. The conservator approach: The stone represents the diamond cutter's art of 60 years ago, and like a classic movie from that era, should not be "enhanced". Remount it in a nice setting and leave it as is.
2. The bean counter approach: A five ct weight should be preserved. Striving for an ideal cut will result in too much weight loss. Ask for an improved, but not necessarily ideal cut.
3. The cut-is-king approach: Have it re-cut to ideal dimensions, even if the finished product weighs less than 5 carats. The smaller diamond should grade much better and its beauty will more than compensate for any loss of size and weight.
What would you do?
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