Which Diamond? Need Objective Advice Please

[bluedevil27]

I''ve probably done too much research for ER shopping, but I think I am pretty close to picking out a diamond. Unfortunately, all I have are the specs (no idealscopes, ASETs, SARIN). Before I purchase, I will get these. However, based on the numbers, does one diamond stand out from the other?

Diamond A:

GIA Cert 2.09 F VS2 Cut: Excellent, Polish: Excellent, Symmetry: Excellent
8.18 x 8.28
Th-M Girdle
61.5% Depth
57.0% Table
35.0 Crown Angle
40.8 Pavillion Angle
Star Length: 50%
Lower Half Length: 80%
Crown Depth: 15.0%
Pavillion Depth: 43.0%
HCA: 1.6 (Ex/Ex/Ex/VG)
Crystal and Feather inclusions around the table and facets. Inclusions are also shown on the underside picture as well. (comments: pinpoints are not shown)

Diamond B:
GIA Cert 2.09 F VS2 Cut: Excellent, Polish: Excellent, Symmetry: Excellent
8.27 x 8.32
Th-M Girdle
60.9% Depth
56.0% Table
34.5 Crown Angle
40.8 Pavillion Angle
Star Length: 45%
Lower Half Length: 75%
Crown Depth: 15.0%
Pavillion Depth: 46.0% (can''t see very well, fuzzy on the cert
HCA: 1.2 (Ex/Ex/Ex/VG)
Crystal @ 9:00 on table (comments: A cloud and internal graining and surface graining are not shown)

Thanks in advance for any advice/help!

 

[Ellen]

They both look very nice. The second one is facing up a hair bigger than the first. At this point, I''d want an IS of both, as that''s what I would use to ultimately decide.

 

[bluedevil27]

Unfortunately, one is a bluenile diamond and I can''t get an IS. Has anyone bought a diamond through BN and returned it? The other diamond is through WF and I can get a IS pic. Should I purchase the BN look at it via an IS and then decide? With this big a purchase, I guess it never hurts too picky. Is this a viable option?

 

[bluedevil27]

Another thing I''m worried about is that if I do get two IS, I am definitely not experienced enough to decide which one is better. Will it be easy for me to tell which one is superior with the IS?

 

[Ellen]

Hmmm, what is the price difference, if you don't mind my asking. Just the difference, not the price. And which one has the higher priced stone?

What I'm getting at is, if the WF stone is not a lot more than the other (and definitely if it is less), I would just get the IS for that one first. We can help you read it. If it's good, and the price is good, I'd just say go with that one. There are more benefits buying from WF.

ETA Factor in PS discount too.

 

[bluedevil27]

Diamond B is $3,600 more (including PS discount). I didn''t want that to play a factor in people''s decision though.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/24/2008 5:52:00 PM
Author: bluedevil27
Diamond B is $3,600 more (including PS discount). I didn''t want that to play a factor in people''s decision though.

Well, I understand. But when you get two that basically look the same, most do tend to look at that as a factor. And that is a sizable difference.

If you don''t think you would ever need/use the upgrade policy from WF, you might want to bring the BN stone home and have it independantly appraised.

 

[bluedevil27]

Ellen, Thanks for all of your advice and help. It is very sizable and that''s why I''m leaning towards diamond A. However, a part of me tells me that when paying for a diamond (especially on-line) I am going to pay for what I get. So if I''m paying $3,600 less maybe i''m getting a lesser diamond? Does anyone have experience with BN? Are there markups outrageous? Most of their pricing seems inline with other online stores.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/24/2008 6:03:37 PM
Author: bluedevil27
Ellen, Thanks for all of your advice and help. It is very sizable and that''s why I''m leaning towards diamond A. However, a part of me tells me that when paying for a diamond (especially on-line) I am going to pay for what I get. So if I''m paying $3,600 less maybe i''m getting a lesser diamond? Does anyone have experience with BN? Are there markups outrageous? Most of their pricing seems inline with other online stores.

You''re welcome.

As far as BN''s pricing goes, I''ve seen them be less, more, and just the same on a variety of stones. And I''ve seen people on here get nice ones from there. I see what you''re saying, but all in all, I think it would be worth it to bring this one home and see. You can always return it, they have a good return policy.

Or, if you could swing it, the ideal situation would be, bring them both home and compare. Not sure if that''s an option though.

 

[bluedevil27]

yes, that would be ideal, but don''t have the liquid funds to that right now. I also don''t want to deal with the hassle of having two diamond that I''m stressed about losing. Can I get them insured for a 30-day period? How long does insurance last? I thought insurance was typically an annual coverage.

 

[strmrdr]

have WF see if they can call in the other diamond and run their tests on it and price match.
If you don''t buy it you will have too pay shipping but its no more than shipping it too yourself then back.

 

[Ellen]

Yeah, I don''t "think" I''ve heard of getting temporary ins., plus, I don''t think they''ll insure a loose stone.

Then I would go back to bringing the BN home and see what you think.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/24/2008 6:26:32 PM
Author: strmrdr
have WF see if they can call in the other diamond and run their tests on it and price match.
If you don''t buy it you will have too pay shipping but its no more than shipping it too yourself then back.

There''s an idea!