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Which would you pick? (help for novice engagement ring buyer)

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arronsky

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 3, 2009
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Hi all,

I''ve read a lot of threads voraciously here (thank you for graciously helping so many people!)

I feel like I''ve finally figured out the look and feel I want to get, but I''m struggling pulling the trigger on a diamond. Was hoping I could get some guidance.

The setting: I am going with a platinum cathedral pave-set band with ~.5ct tw diamonds.
Ring size: 4.5-5
The budget for the solitaire: <$5K
The goal: Get the most bang for the buck-- I''m not looking to spend the most possible, just to get the best combination of value and performance.

Here are two diamonds I''m considering-- the primary difference being between something slightly over a carat and the other below it... what would YOU do?

Diamond #1:
~$3.8K
0.90 carats
Ideal cut
G
VS2
1.01 lw ratio
71.7% depth
68.0% table
5.26 x 5.33 x 3.77 mm

Diamond #2:
~$4.9K
1.10 carats
Ideal
H
VS2
1.02 lw
70.5% depth
73.0% table
5.72 x 5.81 x 4.03 mm

Which would you get? I''ve learned more carats isn''t always better! Any help would be GREATLY appreciated

setting_template_main.jpg
 
Will need to see an ASET image for princess cut.

Can your vendor supply an ASET image for the stone?
 
Hi Arronsky

If these are sold online, can you ask for an ASET image, detailed photographs and a Sarin report for each please ( a Sarin gives detailed measurements of the diamond)? It isn't possible to tell much by numbers so the above tools would be very helpful.

Are these diamonds for sale online or from a store jeweller?
 
Hi guys, thanks for trying to help!

These are indeed sold online at one of the most well-known high scale online jewelers (not sure if it''s OK to say names here). They provide a GIA report, but not an ASET. In absence of that, what are your concerns (that should be MY concerns!)? Are there red flags here? Given they are VS2, I trust that there will be no visible imperfections, at the least.

THANK YOU again for helping!
 
Date: 10/4/2009 6:53:41 AM
Author: arronsky
Hi guys, thanks for trying to help!

These are indeed sold online at one of the most well-known high scale online jewelers (not sure if it's OK to say names here). They provide a GIA report, but not an ASET. In absence of that, what are your concerns (that should be MY concerns!)? Are there red flags here? Given they are VS2, I trust that there will be no visible imperfections, at the least.

THANK YOU again for helping!
You are most welcome!

It is very difficult to advise on these shapes without images unfortunately, the main thing I see is that the table % is greater than the depth on the second, usually the reverse is preferred for various reasons -so although this is not the way to choose, the first we can assume might be preferable by the numbers although there is much info we are still missing and as such can't say for sure. You could buy an ASET scope yourself and evaluate the diamond of your choice that way if you still prefer to buy sight unseen? You can purchase one here and inspect the diamond of your choice when it arrives, make sure you have a good return policy so you are covered.

This
page explains the use of ASET and how to interpret the images.

Yes its fine to say the name of the jewellers/ online vendor, I imagine it is one who does not offer images from what you say? If no images will be forthcoming then if you prefer to buy sight unseen it is a gamble whether the stone will be well cut and you will like what you see when you open the box....But if you do prefer to go this route, definitely invest in an ASET scope to help you unless you decide to shop with a vendor who offers all the info you need in the first place.

Also the term Ideal concerning the cut is probably vendor applied, GIA does not grade Princess for cut quality.

VS2 should generally be eyeclean but it never hurts to ask that it is clean from the top and the sides also.
 
Light performance. Which is why we need ASET. As there are many ways to cut a princess, numbers are useless even as a rough selection tool. With bad light performance, the stone can be leaky and will be dull looking.

From the numbers, #1 is more promising, if you can get a crown height it will narrow down the target but I still prefer to get an ASET image.

Can you ask the vendor if they will provide ASET? Some vendors do not provide off hand but will do so when ask. If not, go with a vendor that can provide an ASET, go with an AGS0 cut graded princess (AGS being the only lab that grades the cut performance of a princess) or if the return policy is good, get it independently appraised.
 
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