shape
carat
color
clarity

1 ct with a very good cut or .8 ct with a Sig/Ideal Cut?

OnlyOncePlease

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 16, 2013
Messages
43
Essentially, trying to decide if I should spend almost the same $ for a 1 ct with a very good cut or .8 ct with a Sig/Ideal Cut :confused:

Is this about what I can expect price wise, with a Princess Cut, everyting else being equal except the "cut grade".

Using Blue Nile's Cut Scale:

1.00 Very Good H VS1 $4,598

0.80 Signature Ideal H VS1 $4,229
 
Very good cut would not be an option for me. You can still get a GIA Excellent cut that is not a Signature stone. I really don't recommend buying from a vendor who does not provide magnified photos and an idealscope image of the stone, though.
 
I just spoke with a rep from Whiteflash.com who told me GIA cert does not provide a "cut grade" only AGS does provides this grade. (GIA cert don't provide a "cut grade" on that site)

How would I know what an "Excellent" cut grade is cert. by GIA?
 
OnlyOncePlease|1361390801|3385521 said:
Essentially, trying to decide if I should spend almost the same $ for a 1 ct with a very good cut or .8 ct with a Sig/Ideal Cut :confused:

Is this about what I can expect price wise, with a Princess Cut, everyting else being equal except the "cut grade".

Using Blue Nile's Cut Scale:

1.00 Very Good H VS1 $4,598

0.80 Signature Ideal H VS1 $4,229
Given the two choices you've presented, if I were in your shoes I'd look for a 3rd stone that has the following:

Ideal cut (never compromise on cut because it makes a stone look bigger, whiter, and will sparkle like nothing else)

Color: I (set as a solitaire or w/ tiny pave)

Clarity: SI1 (make sure its eyeclean)

Carat: As large as you can get w/ the above attributes

Vendor selection: This is critical. You need to work w/ a vendor that can show you actual pics of the stones & videos comparing them side by side (if you're torn between 2 or 3). They should be able to provide additional analysis like ASET/IS (for light return/leakage, etc) and magnified images to ensure that the stone is eyeclean (especially for SI1 or below). In the past BN has not offered these things, so you need to double check w/ them.
 
Julia_SD|1361400620|3385717 said:
So the differences between the way AGS and GIA grade cut quality is explained pretty well here:
http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/truth-about/diamond-cut/

It's not true that GIA doesn't grade cut quality. It's listed right there on their certificate right under color, clarity, and carat. Jamesallen.com will give you opportunities to view GIA certificates for their stones so you can check it out yourself.

They said GIA doesn't grade cut quality on fancy diamonds.. ie. Princess
 
I've seen 1 newbie ask for 3 ASETs on princesses and have them all come back spectacular... most people don't have that kind of skill.

I'm not seeing much on JA that beats the WF one I posted earlier...

This is a Leo princess; deep, but the spread is acceptable: http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.03-carat-H-color-VS1-clarity-sku-140867
This one is IGI, so have to ask if they agree on the grading. Deep, spread is low but it is inexpensive: http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-sku-197271
http://jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.01-carat-H-color-VS1-clarity-sku-144316

B2C has an 81% table... 86 that picture request. I like to keep it <=73... can push up to 75 if there are no other options. Honestly I would not bother asking for pictures on a princess if they don't already have them, it is an exercise in disappointment, and as the second most popular shape there are plenty of options that do have pictures.
 
Thanks for the info, I appreciate it!

Starting to think I can't wait till this is over :) Too bad there isn't a universal system, taking the guessing out of it.

My budget for the diamond itself is now: $4,600. Upped it a bit.
:geek:
 
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