Hello PriceScope!
I just wanted to first say what an amazing community you guys have here - I came upon it by chance while doing my due diligence and was pleasantly surprised to see an active message board dedicated to diamonds!
Background
My partner and I are finally taking the next step and preparing to purchase an engagement ring. We've been mainly visiting jewelry and diamond sellers to view loose diamonds that might fit our bill.
Desired Specs
- Elongated radiant cut
- 1.75 to 2.0 carats
- Eye clean (H+, VS2+)
- $10-$15k (preferably $12-$13k)
Main Problem/Issue
So far, we've narrowed it down to 3 diamonds we like with details in the section below. Two of the rocks (1.75c and 2.01C) are GIA certified, both of which are GVVS2. The third rock is 2.01C G VS1 but graded by EGL USA (I believe LA if it makes a difference). We understand the risks of EGL vs GIA and I know this topic has been beaten to death so I apologize in advance... but the price points, size, and report has us seriously contemplating the EGL diamond. My partner also likes the EGL the best but I suspect that is partly due to the more affordable size at bigger caratage. From what the community here can tell (and again, I understand it's hard to tell with just pictures and EGL grading), is this EGL rock worth it? Or would you recommend we just go with GIA.
Option 1 (EGLUSA, 2.01C, GVS1)
I actually ordered a copy of the full report because I wanted to take a look at their inclusion diagram (attached). I've also included some pictures we have of the diamond in a random setting the jeweler had.
As a follow-up on the whole GIA vs Non-GIA discourse, is the EGLUSA inclusion diagram accurate even if the qualitative grading of clarity and color may be overgraded? In other words, though the actual grading of the color and clarity might be off, would the pictures of the inclusion diagram still be accurate?
Price: $12,000
Pros: Price-point with a 2.0+ caratage. Acceptable specs (even if we were to take them down 1 each). Partner has expressed she likes this best. Inclusions actually look better than the GIA one's (but please correct me if I'm wrong)
Cons: EGL..speaks for itself. Even if we do love the rock, I do not want to overpay for it.
Option 2 (GIA, 1.75C, GVVS2)
Price: $12,500
Pros: Definitely visibly shinier, great GIA specs, within my desired price range
Cons: Though we really like this one, after trying many loose diamonds, I can tell she does prefer the 2.0C size.
Option 2 (GIA, 2.01C, GVVS2)
Price: $15,000
Pros: Great GIA specs, actually probably a great deal for the size and specs
Cons: I say $15k is my upper limit on budget but it would be much more palatable at the $12-$13k range.
In summary, we want a nice eye clean stone in the 2.0C range but the one's we've seen seem to be slightly out of our price range for GIA. An EGLUSA stone for 2C which visibly we like (but would like a more discerning eye to give some insights) is more affordable but of course we're worried that we're overpaying for a lower quality stone.
I've attached the diamond reports for each rock from their respective grading companies. Would appreciate any insights to all of the stones (as they're all in play) and whether the EGLUSA one gives you enough confidence to purchase at the price point. I've also attached some pictures of the rocks themselves but may not be super helpful given different lighting conditions, angles, etc.
Super long post but I greatly appreciate any help, insight or advice this community has.
Cheers!
I just wanted to first say what an amazing community you guys have here - I came upon it by chance while doing my due diligence and was pleasantly surprised to see an active message board dedicated to diamonds!
Background
My partner and I are finally taking the next step and preparing to purchase an engagement ring. We've been mainly visiting jewelry and diamond sellers to view loose diamonds that might fit our bill.
Desired Specs
- Elongated radiant cut
- 1.75 to 2.0 carats
- Eye clean (H+, VS2+)
- $10-$15k (preferably $12-$13k)
Main Problem/Issue
So far, we've narrowed it down to 3 diamonds we like with details in the section below. Two of the rocks (1.75c and 2.01C) are GIA certified, both of which are GVVS2. The third rock is 2.01C G VS1 but graded by EGL USA (I believe LA if it makes a difference). We understand the risks of EGL vs GIA and I know this topic has been beaten to death so I apologize in advance... but the price points, size, and report has us seriously contemplating the EGL diamond. My partner also likes the EGL the best but I suspect that is partly due to the more affordable size at bigger caratage. From what the community here can tell (and again, I understand it's hard to tell with just pictures and EGL grading), is this EGL rock worth it? Or would you recommend we just go with GIA.
Option 1 (EGLUSA, 2.01C, GVS1)
I actually ordered a copy of the full report because I wanted to take a look at their inclusion diagram (attached). I've also included some pictures we have of the diamond in a random setting the jeweler had.
As a follow-up on the whole GIA vs Non-GIA discourse, is the EGLUSA inclusion diagram accurate even if the qualitative grading of clarity and color may be overgraded? In other words, though the actual grading of the color and clarity might be off, would the pictures of the inclusion diagram still be accurate?
Price: $12,000
Pros: Price-point with a 2.0+ caratage. Acceptable specs (even if we were to take them down 1 each). Partner has expressed she likes this best. Inclusions actually look better than the GIA one's (but please correct me if I'm wrong)
Cons: EGL..speaks for itself. Even if we do love the rock, I do not want to overpay for it.
Option 2 (GIA, 1.75C, GVVS2)
Price: $12,500
Pros: Definitely visibly shinier, great GIA specs, within my desired price range
Cons: Though we really like this one, after trying many loose diamonds, I can tell she does prefer the 2.0C size.
Option 2 (GIA, 2.01C, GVVS2)
Price: $15,000
Pros: Great GIA specs, actually probably a great deal for the size and specs
Cons: I say $15k is my upper limit on budget but it would be much more palatable at the $12-$13k range.
In summary, we want a nice eye clean stone in the 2.0C range but the one's we've seen seem to be slightly out of our price range for GIA. An EGLUSA stone for 2C which visibly we like (but would like a more discerning eye to give some insights) is more affordable but of course we're worried that we're overpaying for a lower quality stone.
I've attached the diamond reports for each rock from their respective grading companies. Would appreciate any insights to all of the stones (as they're all in play) and whether the EGLUSA one gives you enough confidence to purchase at the price point. I've also attached some pictures of the rocks themselves but may not be super helpful given different lighting conditions, angles, etc.
Super long post but I greatly appreciate any help, insight or advice this community has.
Cheers!
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