Yet another noob

[gtmule]

Hey all, I''m hoping to propose in early April on a trip to San Fran, so I''m on the hunt. Haven''t done any B&M shopping, but like some others I''m a typical over-analyzing engineer, so I''ve gotta do my research. "We" have decided on an Ascher diamond in a platinum solitaire setting. I initially was looking to spend about 2k on the stone, but I decided that I can more realistically afford to spend about 3k, as long as the setting stays reasonable (< $850, say). I started out looking at stones in the G-H and VS1 range, which for my budget got me about .7-.8 ct. After a little reading I was convinced that I could back down to H-I and VS2-SI1. I found a stone that seems decent, and big for the price, and wayted to get opinions. All the stores have it listed, from between $2506 and $2804. Do you all think this would be a good choice? Am I giving up too much in order to get this size?

http://www.angara.com/diamond-details.do?pID=267729

 

[Ellen]

Hi gt,

I''m not an Asscher expert, hopefully he (strm) will see this as I give you a bump.

One thing I do know, eyeclean SI1 step cuts are few and far between, so don''t be surprised if you have to stay at VS2 and up.

I''d have GOG call this in, and maybe another in a higher clarity for you. They give much more info than Angara will, and they are very good at finding great Asschers.


Ok, time for strm.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Welcome!

The fact that the other vendors have it listed means it is at a supplier and anyone can call it in. I would deal with either Good Old Gold or WhiteFlash, because they can take pictures AND more importantly, tell you if the stone is any good. They won''t take a stone back in trade unless it is a really good one! Good Old Gold sells a lot of asschers and they could probably choose a couple of good ones for you to look at.

With step cut stone like an asscher, I would not go under VS. In a round brilliant cut stone, there is a lot of reflection that sort of obsures inclusions so you can get away with SI1 and sometimes SI2. But I think you can more easily see the inclusions in an asscher or emerald cut.

 

[gtmule]

hmmm, thanks for the info. The one I mentioned is NOT (even close to) eye-clean, so it''s on to something else.

 

[swingirl]

This one you are looking at has a large table which is not desirable for asschers. Good Old Gold is usually a good place to check for asschers but today their inventory looks like the stones are in a E,F,G category. I have an H which I am very happy with. Everyone here will tell you that you can start off by looking at the numbers but you will have to see photos to determine if you like the pattern and proportions. Go to the GOG website and start looking at their stones. James Allen also has some in your price range with photos. It'll give you an idea of what you like.

 

[gtmule]

How about this?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Good-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1132609.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

 

[gtmule]

or this: give up a little size for color, etc?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Premium-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1153241.asp

 

[Laura Kearns]

It's always a good idea to try and see a diamond on video or in person before you purchase it if possible to avoid the "ship-and-send-back-syndrome

.

Best of luck with your search!

 

[gtmule]

Laura, good point.

Care to make any recommendations from what you have avaliable?

 

[gtmule]

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1135741.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

What does anyone this of this stone?