What would you say about this 1.08 Carat H VS1 Diamond?

[serc]

Hi folks,

I am a newbie here and would like to get your opinion on a specific stone that I am looking for my girlfriend. Here is the specifications of the diamond in question which is EGL certified. I know EGL is not preferred and softer than GIA and AGS but taking that into consideration, would you please give me your frank opinion on the quality of this stone (e.g., table/depth and other angles) and provide alternatives if you could :

Shape: Round
Table %: 58 %
Depth %: 60.8 %
Carat Weight:1.08 ct
Color:H
Polish:Excellent
Clarity: VS1
Symmetry: Excellent
Cut Grade: Excellent
Make (Cut): Super Ideal
Measurements: 6.67 x 6.64 x 4.05 mm
Culet: None
Fluorescence:None
Pavilion Height: 44%
Crown Height: 14% (too high???)

The price for this specific stone is $4600 on Brilliance.com and Abazias.com. Here is the link: http://www.brilliance.com/diamonds/1.08-carat-round-h-color-vs1-clarity-super-ideal-cut-egl-certified-loose-diamond-D12206419#tab-details

My budget is around $6000 including the ring itself, any recommendations are welcome. Also, if you have worked with any of these two online vendors, please provide a feedback. One more thing, we will never trade/sell this ring, even if my girlfriend (future fiance) wants a new ring so we only care about how it looks rather than certification itself. Thanks for your feedback in advance.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If you were willing to look at an EGL H VS1, then I'd look at J VS2 stones with GIA or AGS reports. But after looking at prices for 1 ct. J VS2, I suspect the stone you are looking at is really lower than that. Here is the best comp I can find with ideal cut:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1436394.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

It's $6570 with pricescope discount.

 

[renogirl]

Hi. This past summer, I purchased a round diamond that was supposed to be an F color and VVS2 clarity, based on the EGL certificate. I thought if it was really an H, VS2, it might still be okay based on the price, as I had read up on the cut info here, and the diamond seemed to be in the range of "excellent" cut. Of course, I made sure I could return the stone for a full refund if I wasn't satisfied.

I took this stone to an independent appraiser who laughed when he inspected the stone and looked at the certificate. He said the color was more like K or L, and the clarity was more like an SI2. I searched comparable GIA certified stones with the K/L color and SI2 clarity...and guess what? They were cheaper than the stone I had purchased!

I returned the stone and made sure to purchase a stone with a reliable certificate, and from a vendor who provided excellent data and had a good upgrade policy.

If you decide to purchase an EGL certified stone, please just make sure it's fully returnable (only out the shipping), and please take it to a reputable appraiser.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hi. This past summer, I purchased a round diamond that was supposed to be an F color and VVS2 clarity, based on the EGL certificate. I thought if it was really an H, VS2, it might still be okay based on the price, as I had read up on the cut info here, and the diamond seemed to be in the range of "excellent" cut. Of course, I made sure I could return the stone for a full refund if I wasn't satisfied.

I took this stone to an independent appraiser who laughed when he inspected the stone and looked at the certificate. He said the color was more like K or L, and the clarity was more like an SI2. I searched comparable GIA certified stones with the K/L color and SI2 clarity...and guess what? They were cheaper than the stone I had purchased!

I returned the stone and made sure to purchase a stone with a reliable certificate, and from a vendor who provided excellent data and had a good upgrade policy.

If you decide to purchase an EGL certified stone, please just make sure it's fully returnable (only out the shipping), and please take it to a reputable appraiser.

That is about the scariest EGL story I have ever heard! I just flat out wouldn't consider one. I really wouldn't want to support something that looks a lot like a scam.

 

[renogirl]

DS - That's how I felt! I was a little shocked, not to mention terrified of losing the diamond or something before I sent it back.

 

[serc]

Thank you all a lot.