Would have liked to have asked earlier, but...

[Just Asking]

I just purchased a Blue Nile Signature Ideal diamond, and located this site afterward - should have done a little more homework and run this by y''all first. That said, I think the stone/ring look incredible, but I''m still curious as to whether I got a good value for the ~$23K I spent. Here''s the specs on the diamond from the AGS Report:

Shape & Style: Round Brilliant
Measurements: 7.37-7.43 x 4.56 mm
Cut: AGS Ideal 0
Color: D
Clarity: VS2
Carat Weight: 1.538
Fluroescence: Negligible
Table: 56.0%
Crown Angle: 35.1
Crown Height: 15.5%
Girdle: Faceted, 1.5% to 4.1%
Pavilion Angle: 40.5
Pavilion Depth: 42.5%
Total Depth: 61.6%
Culet: Pointed
Light Performance: 0
Proportion Factors: 0
Finish: 0
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal

I noticed on a couple of other threads that the pavilion/crown angles may be just outside of what''s preferred, but I ran the numbers through the HCA tool and it came up 0.5, Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, Very Good.

Also, I''d appreciate any comments on the size of the diamond for an 8-8.5 finger size. I was trying to strike a balance between getting something that would look decent-sized on her finger, but not so big that she''d risk damaging it (she''s fairly active and not at all used to wearing rings). Any thoughts on whether that size should work?

Thanks!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 7/25/2008 8:38:18 AM
Author:Just Asking
I just purchased a Blue Nile Signature Ideal diamond, and located this site afterward - should have done a little more homework and run this by y'all first. That said, I think the stone/ring look incredible, but I'm still curious as to whether I got a good value for the ~$23K I spent. Here's the specs on the diamond from the AGS Report:

Shape & Style: Round Brilliant
Measurements: 7.37-7.43 x 4.56 mm
Cut: AGS Ideal 0
Color: D
Clarity: VS2
Carat Weight: 1.538
Fluroescence: Negligible
Table: 56.0%
Crown Angle: 35.1
Crown Height: 15.5%
Girdle: Faceted, 1.5% to 4.1%
Pavilion Angle: 40.5
Pavilion Depth: 42.5%
Total Depth: 61.6%
Culet: Pointed
Light Performance: 0
Proportion Factors: 0
Finish: 0
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal

I noticed on a couple of other threads that the pavilion/crown angles may be just outside of what's preferred, but I ran the numbers through the HCA tool and it came up 0.5, Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, Very Good.

Also, I'd appreciate any comments on the size of the diamond for an 8-8.5 finger size. I was trying to strike a balance between getting something that would look decent-sized on her finger, but not so big that she'd risk damaging it (she's fairly active and not at all used to wearing rings). Any thoughts on whether that size should work?

Thanks!

Hello! Welcome to PS.
I will leave the C and P angles to the pros, but just with your comment that I've highlighted - in my opinion, the size of the stone will not impact this risk factor for damage. It will be all about what type of setting you decide to go with. From what I understand, its not exactly easy to chip a modern RB, but if you're really concerned perhaps a bezel setting is the way to go.
Sorry, you didn't mention if you had already chosen a setting?

As for the size, that really depends - do you know if she is a "size" girl? There is common advice around here when it comes to D colour stones - you could easily go down to F/G or even H and neither you nor her will be able to notice the difference. As you know, D carries quite a premium, so the "savings" can be sunk into a bigger stone, more expensive setting, or..well, saved.
Here is some education on colour http://diamonds.pricescope.com/color.asp
But, you may have your reasons for choosing D colour - it is all really just personal preference.

As to the value, there is a handy tool at the top of this page called "pricescope your diamond"- you can enter in the specs of your stone and search for simliar ones for sale - this will give you an idea of average price point.

Hope that helps!

 

[iheartscience]

Another non numbers expert here, but as a woman, if I had 8.5 size fingers I'd rather have a G, H or I colored diamond so I could get more finger coverage!

A 1.5 carat is a great size, but you could get a G, H or I diamond that will face up colorless, and then you could easily bump the size up to 2 carats and stay within your budget. A 2 carat will definitely not be too large on an 8.5 size finger, and as long as you set it low, there will be little risk of damage.

Also, Blue Nile does have access to a lot of diamonds, but they have no upgrade policy and they offer less information about their diamonds than other vendors. I would check out Whiteflash.com for a great selection of extremely well cut AGS 0 hearts and arrows diamonds. (Their "A Cut Above" line.) Whiteflash has a lifetime upgrade policy, which means you can trade in your diamond at any time and receive the full amount of money you paid towards another diamond.

Just my two cents! And welcome to Pricescope!

 

[K9]

I have a 1ct on a size 7.5 finger - personally, I think a 1.5ct would be proportionally lovely on a 8.5 finger. I also agree with thing2of2 that you could sacrifice color to go with the 2ct as well.

 

[dockman3]

Welcome to Pricescope!

I just wanted to say that I think you got a fantastic stone there! D VS2 is a great combo and there is nothing wrong with a D colored diamond. I happen to have bought one as well and I do love the idea that it is completely colorless and is the highest color you can buy. Yes, you may have been able to go lower and get a bigger stone, but if you''re worried about the size already, then you did great! The size shouldn''t be a problem at all, just get a setting that sits low if you are worried about her catching it on things. The crown/pav angles are slightly outside the range, but not by enough to worry about it. Remember, those are only guidelines and not hard and fast rules.

Again, a fantastic stone, but please post some pictures so we can see it!

 

[sparxs111]

I have to agree. I think a 1.5 would look great on a 8 to 8.5 finger size. You chose a nice stone. The only thing I would say is if you are unhappy with the amount you spent, look at some of the PS vendors and return yours if it would save you money. However, that is all I would consider. You chose very well and willl have an amazing stone for your ring. She''ll be thrilled.

 

[SYC]

Welcome Just Asking,

Sounds like you did a great job. I have a BN Signature Ideal D also (a bit smaller), and it is beautiful. I am sure she will love it.

Have you chosen the setting yet? With that size/quality of center stone you may not want to do too much to distract from it, but either pave diamonds on the band or sidestones will give her additional "coverage," so I would not worry in the least about the size of the diamond.

But it all comes down to preference -- if you''re really concerned about how the 1.5 ct stone will look on her finger and are within the return period, you could work with a vendor to get something a little lower in color -- eg, a G or an H, and larger for the same amount of money.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome to Pricescope!

The diamond looks great, no worries with the numbers! You could certainly drop the colour as the others have suggested and go for a 2 carat, but it depends on what you value more. You did good though with the diamond you chose!

 

[Just Asking]

Thanks for the input, everyone! As I said, I think it looks great, so I''m just going to run with it. I''ll be giving it to her well within the return window, so if it does look too small, we''d still have time to consider trading up in size.

Thanks again!