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Ashoka or regular Emerald Cut?

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River2046

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 22, 2012
Messages
9
Hi all,

I have been trawling through numerous posts in this forum the last couple of months in my quest to find 'THE' engagement ring for my impending proposal. After several hints dropped by my girlfriend I think she's got her heart set on an Emerald cut diamond in a vintage halo setting.

However I have recently come across a few rings with an Ashoka cut diamond and I must say...it looks absolutely brilliant compared to the regular Emerald cut diamond. I am also mindful that my budget of around $11-12k may not stretch far enough to get a 1ct Ashoka cut stone hence I'm here to seek your expert opinion and advice.

What would be the average cost of a 1ct Ashoka stone? With my budget, should I just stick to the regular Emerald cut stones? If so, what do you guys think about the below 2 stones?

(1) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1310067.asp

(2) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1505725.asp

Thanks in advance for your comments/suggestions!
 
I strongly favor regular emerald cuts, personally, and since you know she wants an emerald cut, I think it would be a huge mistake to buy an Ashoka. For one thing, that is a really modern cut and she wants an antique style setting. One of those stones has a table that is much too large. I'd start over with the James Allen search and select ideal cut. That will narrow things down some for you. I really like Good Old Gold for any fancy shape diamonds because they will evaluate the light performance for you and they will select some good stones for you to choose from.
 
Stay with the emerald cut because that's what she asked for. And then get the most amazing one your budget allows!
 
Hi guys,

I'm also looking at Rectangular Radiants which IMO looks more brilliant compared to an Emerald cut.

I've found a few on JamesAllen which I'm hoping for your kind comments/critique...

(1) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1482406.asp

(2) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1263624.asp

(3) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1443320.asp

(4) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1435752.asp

Any words of wisdom/advise will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
If you know for certain that she wants an emerald cut, get her an emerald cut. It's such a personal thing, and a strong matter of personal taste.

I am an "emerald cut" girl, and I know that I for one would not have been happy with a radiant or any other rectangular stone that was not an EC.
 
pancake|1348442019|3273312 said:
If you know for certain that she wants an emerald cut, get her an emerald cut. It's such a personal thing, and a strong matter of personal taste.

I am an "emerald cut" girl, and I know that I for one would not have been happy with a radiant or any other rectangular stone that was not an EC.
Click to expand...
Agree with this.

I understand the impulse to get something "sparklier," but as an EC lover and owner, I have an EC exactly because it's less showy. That's what drew me to the cut. It's subtle, temperamental, has a lot of history... I wouldn't consider a radiant or ashoka to be a substitute.
 
Emerald cut, hands down. Classic elegance. Elegant white light return, cool steps that draw you in.

DO NOT BUY A RADIANT. They are the exact OPPOSITE of emerald cuts. The outside outline is similar (cut corner rectangle) but they are not similar at all. I know NOT ONE PERSON who wants an emerald that would want a radiant instead. The only thing they have in common is the outline. That's a mistake.
 
Okay. So here are some emerald cuts I like for you. Compare measurements, not carat weight.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1491446.asp This one has a lot of potential. And at 7.57 x 5.49mm it's got nice spread (it is shallow, but that's not an auto-disqualify with ECs) and is going to be the largest stone (measurements not carat weight). 7,600 leaves you a great setting budget.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1380024.asp Lots of potential, Most expensive recommendation. Beautiful octagonal outline. Size: 6.98 x 5.28mm

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1330027.asp Least expensive of the ones I'm suggesting. Lots of potential. Size: 6.73 x 5.20mm

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS1-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1424320.asp I'm a little less sure about this one. But I like the elongated shape and it could work out. Size: 7.04 x 4.86mm


Of the two you picked:

The G is a pass. It's not a nice stone. That one huge step that looks like a picture frame in the middle of the stone is not a going to be good for the look of the stone. Table is way too big.

The F is the better of the two, but I don't think that inclusion is going to be eyeclean in a step cut. And with how much you are spending, you want eyeclean.


Okay so... assuming 12k budget and a 7,500 stone. That leaves you 4,500 for a setting. Which is going to be a great budget.

This is a Bez Ambar setting but you can have something similar custom made by Steven Kirsch (timelessluxury.net) for your budget.

This one is set with a 2.3 carat stone, but the setting proportions could be adjusted to your setting.

file.jpg

file.jpg

file.jpg

This one is bezel set, but if you went custom you could do prong set or bezel set. Getting it done by Steven will give you forever quality, hand forged construction, and a setting that's customized to whatever suits your lady and the stone the best.

NEXT STEPS:
Pick three of the diamonds above. Put them on hold and ask for ASET images. Post them for us when we have them. The gemologist will also look at them for you and will give you their thoughts.

Once you have the stone. We can help you find the setting (unless you have one picked out), although I do highly recommend Steven.
 
Thanks Gypsy,

Those stones you've listed are great! I'm feeling kinda stupid now for even doubting the potential of an EC. The setting is gorgeous as well but I think my girlfriend prefers a more Rounded edge as oppposed to an Octagonal edge. I have attached a photo of the type of setting she's after. Will Steve be able to design something similar?

Again big thanks to everyone for their comments!

_20.jpeg
 
Hi again,

One other problem I'm faced with is that I'm not actually based in the US. As a result, I'll need to work out logistically if JamesAllen will be able to ship the stone to Steven Kirsch to be set and then for Steven to ship the ring to where I'm at?

Thanks!
 
does she know the stone in the setting you said she likes is an Ashoka cut?
 
Yes she does...but the EC diamonds as recommended by Gypsy looks very nice IMO...so I think I'm gonna go with an EC centre stone.
 
okay just checking! I think the emerald cut will be a great choice...can't wait to see the final result!
 
I am an EC lover too! I have been to see all of those stones in person and I must say, the EC was the only chose for me. Radiant cut (to me) looked like broken glass and had way to much going on. That's just my opinion. ECs are classic and you don't see many of them around which gives it a very unique quality. I always get compliments on mine. The only other cut I would have considered was an asscher cut and they are rare and hard to find in larger sizes. Well at least they are where I live.
 
Go with the best EC you can find. I agree with CharmedOne about the radiant cut. I am also not a fan of the Ashoka-in't it a CrissCut?
 
River2046|1348475428|3273510 said:
Thanks Gypsy,

Those stones you've listed are great! I'm feeling kinda stupid now for even doubting the potential of an EC. The setting is gorgeous as well but I think my girlfriend prefers a more Rounded edge as oppposed to an Octagonal edge. I have attached a photo of the type of setting she's after. Will Steve be able to design something similar?

Again big thanks to everyone for their comments!
Click to expand...


Definitely. That halo is similar to mine actually and Steven did mine. Just send him the picture and tell him that you want the corners to be the same as pictured. He'll be able to do it for her.

:wavey:
 
Gypsy, this is where you post a picture of your ring! (Every thread you comment in needs a picture of your ring, imo.)
 
Personally I LOVE Ashokas, but they are difficult to find and do tend to run a little pricier. However, if she wants an emerald then that is probably what you should go for...Ashoka below..


image__2_.jpg
 
Hi guys,

Finally received the ASET images from JamesAllen.

Here they are:

(1) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1491446.asp

1491446aset.jpg

(2) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1380024.asp

1380024aset.jpg

(3) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1330027.asp

1330027aset.jpg

Of the 3 diamonds, the gemologist at JA recommended Diamond 3 (#1330027) and determined that it has very nice light performance and performs the brightest of 3 diamonds. It faces beautifully eye clean and has the ideal proportions you hope to find in an emerald cut diamond. Diamond 2 (#1380024) is bright and has comparable light performance to Diamond 3. It's also eye clean and while its proportions are close to a traditional emerald, it has slightly wider shoulders. Diamond 1 (#1491446) is eye clean but it doesn't perform quite as strongly due to it appearing a little darker across the center.

What do you guys think? Keen to hear your thoughts...very close to purchasing now...Thanks!
 
Price difference between 2 (1.31 ct) and 3 (1.2 ct)?

If I remember correctly there was a pretty significant difference in price between them.
 
Hi Gypsy,

Yes you're right...I can't quite remember the price but I seem to recall (2) is around $7.5k and (3) is closer to 6.5k. Silly me I should have noted down the prices before they went on hold.

Now my question would be...which one of the two would give a more elongated look such as the one in the picture I posted.

I went to one of my local jewellers and he recommended the below stone to me which would give me the elongated look I'm after. The price quoted was around $8.5k. Waiting for him to email me the photos.

https://myapps.gia.edu/ReportCheckPortal/getReportData.do?&reportno=2126825673&weight=1.20
 
To compare their length to width ratios (that's what you are talking about in terms elongated shape) . Divide each one (smaller number into larger) and get the ratio. James Allen already has the Ratio listed to make this easier: The 1.31 ct (#2) has a ratio of 1.32 and the 1.2 carat has a ratio of 1.29 (#3). The jeweler's stone (I did the math for you) has a ratio of 1.45. Now use this tool: http://datlas.com/shapeselector.htm to see the relative differences in ratio. The one the jeweler has is expensive, but it is the longest of them. I don't know if I'd pay 2 thousand more for just a bit of ratio (yes, it is an F VVS, but that's not a visible difference). I wouldn't even pay 1 thousand for the slightly larger spread (mm size) of number 2 over number 3, since it's going in a halo and you won't notice it once set.
 
Honestly though, before paying 8,500 for a stone that measures 7.28x 5.01 :

I'd consider this one (if eyeclean, and there is a good chance it is): http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9681/ 7.37 x 4.9 It's almost exactly the same size (the other is a bit wider, but .1 is not a visible difference) and it's $4,800 and it's got a great ASET and it's got a ratio of 1.5 which is what you wanted. GOG will also do a video for you.
 
Thanks gypsy for your very sound advice.

Must agree I can't justify spending $8.5k for a stone that's not gonna be visibly better/different than the other 2 you recommended.

Have asked JA for another ASET image for the 4th diamond...so fingers crossed they'll be kind enough to make an exception.

I've also asked GOG for a video of the stone you recommended and also to confirm if it's eyeclean given the SI1 rating.
 
I know you're getting more infor, but you better put your stone on HOLD.
 
Hi again,

Yes I've placed both the diamonds on hold now.

GOG has just sent me the video for the SI1 diamond. It's the one on the left hand side of the video. It looks eye clean to me...any thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9yCUnSlrAA&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA&ind ex=35&feature=plcp

Thanks!
 
River2046|1349303679|3278874 said:
Hi again,

Yes I've placed both the diamonds on hold now.

GOG has just sent me the video for the SI1 diamond. It's the one on the left hand side of the video. It looks eye clean to me...any thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9yCUnSlrAA&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA&ind ex=35&feature=plcp

Thanks!
Click to expand...


Can't tell eyeclean from that video. You have to rely on what they tell you, from their observation of it in person.

Is that G SI stones available (far right?) that one lovely as well. I like that F though and it has that elongated look you wanted. If eyeclean and at that price... Definitely worth pursuing.

Since it IS so far under budget-- how about buying and asking them to send it to you unset? That way you can see if it's eyeclean YOURSELF and if you love it... keep it and go about getting a setting for it. If it doesn't work out, return and your only out shipping?

To me, it would be worth the peace of mind.
 
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