shape
carat
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Your thoughts about a diamond

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
Hello everyone,

I'm from France, so don't be surprised with some typos/misspelling, i apologize for this.
I'm looking for an engagement ring. The setting will be 4 prongs with a paved ring.
Alloy will be yellow gold (as my girlfriend prefers yellow gold, although personally I will have chosen platinum).
Here, in France we have some websites which try to hit the same markets as whiteflash/bluenile or other websites in USA.

I benchmarked one of them (others websites answers are pending). Here is their proposal :
- The setting (don't pay attention to price and diamond characteristics here) : https://www.celinni.com/fr/solitair...-diamant-mon-amour-or-jaune-18k-750-1000.html
- The diamond : http://diamondtransactions.net/Sear...5313943693&carat=0.7&SID=6fh3m34jvjhqc0uksls7
HCA score is 1.6
I give them the set of parameters from beyond4cs for diamond filtering and only table size is out of scope (59%, I understood that I will affect fire) :

Total price is 5790€ (6390.83$), initial target price was 5000€ (5500$).
I ask them to have a lower color/purity quality to enhance cut quality but it seems they don't have (or they don't want to deal with) a diamond that fit beyond4cs parameters.
I don't have the detail of setting cost and diamond cost.
My point of hesitation/frustration/concern : I don't have any photo... I will have to take delivery of my ring in a shop, so I will be able to see it but after the diamond has been settled and I think I will have to pay (10% or more) at the beginning to confirm my request.
I have already read all of the advices about buying a diamond without seeing it.
I just want to ask if this diamond seems to be good and if there is a major risk to have an average diamond (not shiny or whatsoever).

Don't hesitate to elaborate about my search, websites to look or diamond choice.
Anyway, thanks a lot for your help, reading this forum has already been precious to help me to chose the right diamond.
 
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Kaycee2018

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 14, 2018
Messages
994
Bonjour and welcome to PS. I will be visiting Paris the last week of September :kiss2:

You have come to the right place for help in your diamond search. Here in the US it is often difficult to get advanced images except when dealing with "super ideal" vendors, but it surprises me that they cannot provide a photo or video of this diamond. The diamond being offered is more of a 60/60 style, which usually has more whit light. That is not a bad thing, just different that what is usually preferred here. I will let the experts chime in, but European shoppers are usually directed to BlueNile and HPI (for "super ideal" cut). Good luck to you and congratulations on your impending engagement!

https://www.bluenile.com/fr/diamonds/round-cut?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/
 

mwilliamanderson

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
1,221
Hello everyone,

I'm from France, so don't be surprised with some typos/misspelling, i apologize for this.
I'm looking for an engagement ring. The setting will be 4 prongs with a paved ring.
Alloy will be yellow gold (as my girlfriend prefers yellow gold, although personally I will have chosen platinum).
Here, in France we have some websites which try to hit the same markets as whiteflash/bluenile or other websites in USA.

I benchmarked one of them (others websites answers are pending). Here is their proposal :
- The setting (don't pay attention to price and diamond characteristics here) : https://www.celinni.com/fr/solitair...-diamant-mon-amour-or-jaune-18k-750-1000.html
- The diamond : http://diamondtransactions.net/Sear...5313943693&carat=0.7&SID=6fh3m34jvjhqc0uksls7
HCA score is 1.6
I give them the set of parameters from beyond4cs for diamond filtering and only table size is out of scope (59%, I understood that I will affect fire) :

Total price is 5790€ (6390.83$), initial target price was 5000€ (5500$).
I ask them to have a lower color/purity quality to enhance cut quality but it seems they don't have (or they don't want to deal with) a diamond that fit beyond4cs parameters.
I don't have the detail of setting cost and diamond cost.
My point of hesitation/frustration/concern : I don't have any photo... I will have to take delivery of my ring in a shop, so I will be able to see it but after the diamond has been settled and I think I will have to pay (10% or more) at the beginning to confirm my request.
I have already read all of the advices about buying a diamond without seeing it.
I just want to ask if this diamond seems to be good and if there is a major risk to have an average diamond (not shiny or whatsoever).

Don't hesitate to elaborate about my search, websites to look or diamond choice.
Anyway, thanks a lot for your help, reading this forum has already been precious to help me to chose the right diamond.

I’d probably avoid the diamond you’ve been offered due to it’s large table. Here are some diamonds in your price range that fall within ideal cut parameters. They are a bit larger as the clarity is a bit lower.

1) https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

2) https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,029
I’d probably avoid the diamond you’ve been offered due to it’s large table. Here are some diamonds in your price range that fall within ideal cut parameters. They are a bit larger as the clarity is a bit lower.

1) https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

2) https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab
The first one makes me a bit nervous because of the 41 pavillion. The second one is a solid option, but don't know if OP is ok with H color.
 

kmajid

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jul 11, 2019
Messages
148
Last edited:

mwilliamanderson

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
1,221
@lovedogs

Oops, I was just reading another thread where Serg commented on the 41 Pavillion. What are your thoughts?

“So the combination P41Cr34.5 was more risky 100 years ago. With modern cutting and measurements technologies such angles combination has almost zero risk either for cutters or consumers.

In same time P41Cr34.5 has higher real Optical performance for Human observation for several reasons:

1) Higher DETAS : a diamond scans faster light environment , catches more light sources during small tilting
2) a diamond has Higher angular dispersion
3) a diamond has Higher binocular rivalry ”
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
Wow, thank you very much, so much answers. I was not expecting so much. Your help is so much appreciated.
I'm back after my working day...
I will browse among your suggested diamonds and answer to each message.
As a general answer, yes i have some doubts (after almost 4 hours a day reading this forum for a week now) about this large table.

I was expecting you to advise me to watch blue nile.
I have already done the exercise and found this one which seems to me gorgeous : https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12688442?click_id=977556922 although a found it very expensive plus eur/dollar conversion gives me a 4850€ for 4500$... what is it..?! Maybe delivery costs?
I am not very comfortable with full online purchase (no shops even for delivery). But i may be able to overcome this apprehension.

I am not a big fan of blue nile's settings in yellow gold. They seems to be very thin...
Has anyone tried to buy a diamond at blue nile and ask a jeweler to mount the diamond in his settings?
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,029
Wow, thank you very much, so much answers. I was not expecting so much. Your help is so much appreciated.
I'm back after my working day...
I will browse among your suggested diamonds and answer to each message.
As a general answer, yes i have some doubts (after almost 4 hours a day reading this forum for a week now) about this large table.

I was expecting you to advise me to watch blue nile.
I have already done the exercise and found this one which seems to me gorgeous : https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12688442?click_id=977556922 although a found it very expensive plus eur/dollar conversion gives me a 4850€ for 4500$... what is it..?! Maybe delivery costs?
I am not very comfortable with full online purchase (no shops even for delivery). But i may be able to overcome this apprehension.

I am not a big fan of blue nile's settings in yellow gold. They seems to be very thin...
Has anyone tried to buy a diamond at blue nile and ask a jeweler to mount the diamond in his settings?

The one you found is a good one. The extra cost is likely from the VVS clarity (which you really don't need), and because it's part of the "Astor" line. I often find the Astor line overpriced, but this one does look very nice. I would definitely try to be open to buying online. You will get a much better stone for the money.
 

Kaycee2018

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 14, 2018
Messages
994
Wow, thank you very much, so much answers. I was not expecting so much. Your help is so much appreciated.
I'm back after my working day...
I will browse among your suggested diamonds and answer to each message.
As a general answer, yes i have some doubts (after almost 4 hours a day reading this forum for a week now) about this large table.

I was expecting you to advise me to watch blue nile.
I have already done the exercise and found this one which seems to me gorgeous : https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD12688442?click_id=977556922 although a found it very expensive plus eur/dollar conversion gives me a 4850€ for 4500$... what is it..?! Maybe delivery costs?
I am not very comfortable with full online purchase (no shops even for delivery). But i may be able to overcome this apprehension.

I am not a big fan of blue nile's settings in yellow gold. They seems to be very thin...
Has anyone tried to buy a diamond at blue nile and ask a jeweler to mount the diamond in his settings?

I agree with @lovedogs. By purchasing online with the help of the experts here, you will almost certainly get a better diamond at a better price. I understand if you prefer to have the diamond set locally, especially if none of Blue Nile's settings don't appeal to you. I cannot speak for jewelers in France, but my local trusted jeweler will set my online stone purchases. This might be the best option for you. Just be sure you are working with a reputable local jeweler. Here we have many "mall" jewelers who are not recommended. But Blue Nile is very reputable and there is no reason to be concerned about ordering a diamond from them.
 
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mwilliamanderson

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
1,221
I agree with @lovedogs...But Blue Nile is very reputable and there is no reason to be concerned about ordering a diamond from them.

It’s also great because it will give you a chance to inspect your chosen diamond before having it set.
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
Bonjour and welcome to PS. I will be visiting Paris the last week of September :kiss2:

You have come to the right place for help in your diamond search. Here in the US it is often difficult to get advanced images except when dealing with "super ideal" vendors, but it surprises me that they cannot provide a photo or video of this diamond. The diamond being offered is more of a 60/60 style, which usually has more whit light. That is not a bad thing, just different that what is usually preferred here. I will let the experts chime in, but European shoppers are usually directed to BlueNile and HPI (for "super ideal" cut). Good luck to you and congratulations on your impending engagement!

https://www.bluenile.com/fr/diamonds/round-cut?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/
Thank you Kaycee, you're welcome.
Haha, nice choice. If you need advises or somewhat like that don't hesitate. The wife of my girlfriend's brother is from United States of America (Orange, California). Il lived just near Paris (Levallois Perret) for 5 years until 2018. Now I live in Lille (2 hours far from Antwerp but it seems to be dangerous and not so much better to buy a diamond direct from Antwerp).
It surprised me a lot too. I think I will stop thinking to buy a diamond from this shop (even it is a well known website in France) or maybe if they give the possibility to cancel the order without fees after seeing the diamond.
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
I’d probably avoid the diamond you’ve been offered due to it’s large table. Here are some diamonds in your price range that fall within ideal cut parameters. They are a bit larger as the clarity is a bit lower.

1) https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

2) https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...MONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=sameTab

This my main concern.
The forst one is VS2, I want to say at VVS purity level.
The second was great but is now unavailable.
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41

It is maybe the main problem with blue nile and me.
I am not a huge fan of their settings in yellow gold (they have some good settings in platine or white gold).
I am undecided about the best setting. Two scenarios from my point of view :
  1. A setting like the one I posted : expensive and much paid for diamond pavement (although they don't have so much value)
  2. A much more simple setting (solitaire like) : will maybe less "tinsel", gives more space to the central diamond, gives me the opportunity to have a much bigger (or better) diamond for my budget.
I f I go for the second one, blue nile will be possible (even their solitaire settings are so much thin).
My thoughts about settle local a blue nile diamond make me think that it will be more expensive for the same result. Maybe I will call my locals jewelries to have information.
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
The one you found is a good one. The extra cost is likely from the VVS clarity (which you really don't need), and because it's part of the "Astor" line. I often find the Astor line overpriced, but this one does look very nice. I would definitely try to be open to buying online. You will get a much better stone for the money.
VVS is important for me even I understood that nobody people will be able to make difference in naked eye inspection. I am more opened about color grade compromise.
If I settle it on a simple setting (solitaire like) budget will be ok.
I am now convinced about buying online. I have done some research in locals jewelries : for the same price their proposal is 0,5 carats diamond GSI, without additional information. I am waiting for their detailed quote.
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
It’s also great because it will give you a chance to inspect your chosen diamond before having it set.

I agree it will be a good option. I enquire about locals shops to evaluate the budget.
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
Last information from one another website :

Total quote : 5000€
Two possible diamonds :
1) GIA 1339127747 https://www.gia.edu/otmm_wcs_int/pr...ReportNumber=BC9EA09B4186157631578751DAAABD18
Video available on request (I will request it)
Fit in beyond4cs requirements
HCA score 0.9
2) GIA 6331106717 https://www.gia.edu/otmm_wcs_int/pr...ReportNumber=BBED190323A1C9623CCABB48A67A0B9E
Video : https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By2HpOQbFUD5RWFTcDhMaEREbThweU95QW04WnpycGtvNE5z
Doesn't fit beyond4cs requirements but bigger : Depth 62.7% (0.2% more) + crown angle 35,5% (0.5% more)
HCA score 3.8

What is your opinion?
 

mwilliamanderson

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
1,221
Last information from one another website :

Total quote : 5000€
Two possible diamonds :
1) GIA 1339127747 https://www.gia.edu/otmm_wcs_int/pr...ReportNumber=BC9EA09B4186157631578751DAAABD18
Video available on request (I will request it)
Fit in beyond4cs requirements
HCA score 0.9
2) GIA 6331106717 https://www.gia.edu/otmm_wcs_int/pr...ReportNumber=BBED190323A1C9623CCABB48A67A0B9E
Video : https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By2HpOQbFUD5RWFTcDhMaEREbThweU95QW04WnpycGtvNE5z
Doesn't fit beyond4cs requirements but bigger : Depth 62.7% (0.2% more) + crown angle 35,5% (0.5% more)
HCA score 3.8

What is your opinion?

The first one looks potentially great! Get the video and see what you think. I wouldn’t consider the second one personally.
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
The first one looks potentially great! Get the video and see what you think. I wouldn’t consider the second one personally.
I totally agree with you.
Video for the first diamond asked. Waiting for it :).
 

mwilliamanderson

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
1,221
I totally agree with you.
Video for the first diamond asked. Waiting for it :).

You might want to put it on hold while you wait to make your decision so no one can snatch it.
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
Yes i know but as stated in their quote :
"Par contre, j'aimerais souligner le fait que XXXX offre des prix imbattables en proposant des pierres d'une très haute qualité disponibles actuellement au meilleur prix possible. En raison de la très forte demande, les pierres que nous proposons dans nos devis sur mesure ne peuvent pas être réservées ni bloquées, tant que nous n’avons pas reçu de paiement de la part du client."
which can be trasnlated by Google as :
"XXXX offers unbeatable prices at the best possible price. Due to the high demand, the stones we offer in the quote can not be reserved or blocked, even though we have not received any payment from the client."
a subtle marketing method... and maximum cut price (no stock, no locked-in money)
so finger crossed...
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
Are you sure they sent video for the right diamond? That stone has a huge table reflection! Something seems off to me. Anyone else agree? Quite honestly it looks horrible!
Yes totally. I am not able to describe what is the problem like you did but it appears to me with very very poor "contrast". Additionnally i may have seen inclusions, for an IF it seems to be strange, am i wrong?
 

mvoila

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
41
Yes totally. I am not able to describe what is the problem like you did but it appears to me with very very poor "contrast". Additionnally i may have seen inclusions, for an IF it seems to be strange, am i wrong?
Here is what i mean :
upload_2019-9-11_16-53-38.png
 
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