Why are Radiants Cheaper Than Rounds??

[dssxxxx]

What''s the basis for Radiants being cheaper than Rounds??

What do you think of this stone?

http://www.bluenile.com/radiant-cut-diamond-5-carat-very-good-cut-i-color-vs1-clarity_LD00685423

 

[denverappraiser]

Radiant’s make better use of the rough stone than rounds do. Much of the work, or at least thought and risk, of a cutter involves inspecting the original rock and deciding what final stone to cut it into in order to maximize results. They lose quite a bit of the original material in the cutting process, usually more than half. Most rough stones are closer to the shape of a radiant or a princess than they are to the shape of a round but rounds generally sell faster and for more money. They balance these and other things as part of their planning process before they even start to cut. Often it’s part of the decision to buy a particular piece of rough in the first place.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[dssxxxx]

Neil,

Thank you for the explnation.

What did you think of the above stone?

Also, what would you think of the above stone compared to this stone?

http://www.bluenile.com/radiant-cut-diamond-5-carat-very-good-cut-i-color-vvs1-clarity_LD00685344

Thank you.

 

[kenny]

IMHO the 5.01 carat weight is a red flag for cut.

When cutting they know they will get more per carat by keeping it above the 5 carat milestone so chances are optimum light performance was not a priority to the cutter of this diamond.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi dssxxx,
+1 to Neil''s explanation!

Although many people try and predict what a stone might look like based on a GIA report, it''s pure speculation.
Personally, I am often surprised opening the parcel paper.
A stone that ostensibly should be nice might not be- and another that sounds like crap on paper looks amazing in person.

The shape of a radiant cut= particularly the corners, has a very large effect on the overall personality.
For this reason, my advice is not to buy without photos at the very least.

There are times that stones which just make a mark- like 5.01cts - may show signs of saving weight- but it''s by no means a rule.
I''ve seen some amazing stones that were exactly on a carat size mark.

 

[decodelighted]

I''m just a fellow consumer but I''d be wary about an "I" color in such a large radiant. Radiant cuts are often used in fancy colored stones because it is designed to *highlight* the color in the stone. As opposed to Round Brilliants whose cut seems to better disguise tint.

Radiants have such different personalities & totally different "looks" from stone to stone -- I''d also be wary of choosing one without a picture and/or video. Frankly, I''d only buy after viewing in person. You can roll the dice & have it shipped to you or an appraiser for further scrutiny before committing to setting the stone. Returning it would be easier that way if you didn''t like it. If you do observe the stone in person, try all different lighting environments. There''s a thread today talking about how tinted diamonds can appear under harsh overhead office lights.

 

[Dreamer_D]

You really need video or pictures at least of fancy cuts.

 

[dssxxxx]

All great advice.

I don''t know whether I am learning or getting totally confused.......

No......I love all the comments and I learn from every comment and post.

Here is another to make comment (my wife sent this one):

http://www.brilliance.com/diamonds/search/ViewDetails.aspx?id=15818662&styleID=&SN=BSN0000988272

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 12/15/2009 3:48:56 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie
You really need video or pictures at least of fancy cuts.

Ditto again.

You really need to see them to judge fancies, you cannot judge by the numbers.

 

[decodelighted]

I like the "G" color better on that one!

Does anyone else know if Radiants generally have Table percentages larger than their Depth percentage? I''ve noticed that all of the OP''s choices have that going on & its something we warn against in Asschers -- curious about the effect on Radiants?

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 12/15/2009 3:19:12 PM
Author: dssxxxx
Neil,


Thank you for the explnation.


What did you think of the above stone?


Also, what would you think of the above stone compared to this stone?


http://www.bluenile.com/radiant-cut-diamond-5-carat-very-good-cut-i-color-vvs1-clarity_LD00685344


Thank you.

I don’t give opinions on stones that I haven’t seen in person. There are just too many variables beyond what you are providing to give you a useful answer and it would be professionally irresponsible to give it less than a carefully considered answer. When you get closer to the end, give me a call and I can arrange to look at it and do a thorough inspection.


Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[dssxxxx]

Neil,

Thanks for the advice and I will definitely be in touch when the time is closer.

Thank you agian for some great advice.