Emerald 2.6ct engagement dilemma due today

[bobbyv33]

First time poster, long time lurker and consumer of knowledge here.

I have to make a decision in the next 5 hours on a Diamond as I'll be proposing very soon!

Narrowed it down to 2. Both are similar specs and price. We like 1 of them more than the other.. but the 1 we liked a little less has a personal connection that has been trying to convince us it's the one for us.

Been torn for days and ultimately just want to see if anyone else has opinions here. I'll post our thoughts in an hour or 2 as to not bias.

The main technical differences boil down to:

Diamond 1 is Vs1 G with 69 table and dimensions a little bigger
Diamond 2 is vvs1 H with 64 Table

The rest is all pretty similar

Diamond 1: (Gia in link)

DiaCam360 Scan - 127280

Emerald, G, 2.60, VS1, GIA

up.diacam360.com

Diamond 2:

http://dasny.dyndns.org:81/Vision360/36905.html

GIA - Report Check

www.gia.edu

 

[lovedogs]

The second one by a long shot. The first one is very flat due to the large table and doesn't have much "life" in terms of facets turning off and on in the video. the second one is much more alive.

 

[bobbyv33]

The second one by a long shot. The first one is very flat due to the large table and doesn't have much "life" in terms of facets turning off and on in the video. the second one is much more alive.

Thanks for the quick reply! I was wondering if it was just the lighting since they did b&w but the table is definitely at the high end. I'll attach some in person pics of each but I also took an awful pic of Diamond 1 .. but for posterity sake I'll post

 

[bobbyv33]

Diamond 1 (not ideal pics I did a bad job on this shoulda put on my finger)

 

[bobbyv33]

Diamond 2:

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks for the quick reply! I was wondering if it was just the lighting since they did b&w but the table is definitely at the high end. I'll attach some in person pics of each but I also took an awful pic of Diamond 1 .. but for posterity sake I'll post

No, I don't think it was just the lighting. I think diamond 1 just isn't as well cut as diamond 2.

 

[bobbyv33]

No, I don't think it was just the lighting. I think diamond 1 just isn't as well cut as diamond 2.

Out of curiosity do you think that would affect the retail / rapaport price a lot ?

Diamond 1 has a 10% higher rap price because the G color vs H is apparently worth more than vvs1 vs vs1.

Of course that's if all things were equal and rap doesn't factor in table % etc

 

[lovedogs]

Out of curiosity do you think that would affect the retail / rapaport price a lot ?

Diamond 1 has a 10% higher rap price because the G color vs H is apparently worth more than vvs1 vs vs1.

Of course that's if all things were equal and rap doesn't factor in table % etc

I can't say one way or the other about that. But for me personally, I wouldn't worry about G vs H color too much, nor would I care much about VVS1 vs VS1 clarity since both will be eye clean. The fact that diamond 1 is more expensive just makes me more convinced that diamond 2 is a better choice haha

 

[Karl_K]

No, I don't think it was just the lighting. I think diamond 1 just isn't as well cut as diamond 2.

I agree,
Diamond 1 is in better lighting/environment but it does not take advantage of it.

 

[bobbyv33]

I can't say one way or the other about that. But for me personally, I wouldn't worry about G vs H color too much, nor would I care much about VVS1 vs VS1 clarity since both will be eye clean. The fact that diamond 1 is more expensive just makes me more convinced that diamond 2 is a better choice haha

About that ..

Diamond 1 has a 40k rap price. Diamond 2 has a 36k rap. I can get Diamond 1 for slightly less than Diamond 2 through a family connection in the industry. Family is trying to convince us to go with 1 for the value and bigger dimensions.

 

[bobbyv33]

I agree,
Diamond 1 is in better lighting/environment but it does not take advantage of it.

Oh really ? My crappy pics of Diamond 1 were actually better lighting ? Great to know. Clearly I'm leaning towards one

 

[Karl_K]

Oh really ? My crappy pics of Diamond 1 were actually better lighting ? Great to know. Clearly I'm leaning towards one

Was taking about the videos.
The pictures the camera is to close to the diamonds to be a fair comparison.

 

[momofive]

I agree with Karl and lovedogs. Also, the crown height looks flat on diamond 1. I wouldn't get it. I know the "connection" might be hard to fight, but I don't think you'll be happy with #1.

 

[bobbyv33]

update with my own bias and dilemma

Diamond 1 is 40k rap and being offered wholesale to us via a family connection for 29K. Very reputable source. We're also doing 2 .4 traps at wholesale for total of 31K. the family connection insisting it's the better Diamond (they were in the industry)

Diamond 2 I found and negotiated on my own. 36k rap with 31k price plus 3k for traps total 34k.

Dealer 1 showed us a few others initially and we wanted to use him due to family connection. Decided to look at dealer 2 and said we'd only go with them if the Diamond was that much better. We fell in love with its vibrancy and at that time made our decision to go with dealer 2. This caused some family drama and dealer 1 came back w this latest one. I looked at it but it felt like it was lacking I wasn't sure what it was but it felt flatter. Thought it may be the lighting or that I was crazy.

So I feel like Diamond 1 is supposedly technically the better valued Diamond and for cheaper and less family drama. But Diamond 2 I still feel likes blows Diamond 1 away in appearance.

I have no idea how much of that will change once it's set with the traps. Does that make a diff ?

If there was no family connection is Diamond 2 still the clear cut no brainer ?

Dealer 1 can probably eventually find us one we like (lower table? Better cut?) but he saw dealer 2 Diamond and showed us that Diamond 1 and i don't want to keep waiting. Diamond 2 deal expires today

Thanks everyone for helping and listing to my ranting. It's been a crazy time trying to figure this out

 

[bobbyv33]

Was taking about the videos.
The pictures the camera is to close to the diamonds to be a fair comparison.

Ah gotcha. That's great to know since both are professionally done. We love Diamond 2 but keep getting told by family that 1 is better overall.

 

[bobbyv33]

I agree with Karl and lovedogs. Also, the crown height looks flat on diamond 1. I wouldn't get it. I know the "connection" might be hard to fight, but I don't think you'll be happy with #1.

Thanks @momofive ! I was just reading your post before I posted this one. How's your progress going ? Sounds like we are looking into very similar rings!

Btw we were going to do LG initially as well and saw some amazing ones. We ended up doing natural to involve the family connection.

 

[bobbyv33]

Does anyone have any advice for what to tell the family member to let them down ? I already told them the Diamond doesn't seem nearly as Alive and they told me ... it's worth more, it's from a reputable dealer and that dealer wouldn't show me dull diamonds , it has bigger dimensions, etc

My gf and I love dealer 2 Diamond but my gf would be ok to settle for 1 to keep the family connection. Once it's set with the 2 traps will the difference in Diamond quality be as apparent ? I don't want us to look at it in future and be a little disappointed. Ultimately it's about us and she says she'll be happy either way and she's very family oriented... but Diamond 2 blew us away enough that even she said it was undeniably nicer and would go with it if my family was cool with that.

Thanks

 

[0515vision]

I’m super new here, so anyone who considers themselves an expert should weigh in on what I’m about to write.

My understanding is that the Rap sheet is a reference sheet for well cut stones. One of stones is well cut, and the other isn’t. So you shouldn’t be paying the Rap price anyway, correct? Rap A3 specs call for “excellent” cut.

I’ve heard that the Rap sheet gets misused to help sellers convince consumers that they’re getting a special trade price, when in fact a poorly cut stone shouldn’t fetch that price in the first place.

Good luck!

 

[0515vision]

Does anyone have any advice for what to tell the family member to let them down ?

My gf and I love dealer 2 Diamond but my gf would be ok to settle for 1 to keep the family connection.

If the connection is through your family, you could ask your gf to take the fall and tell the dealer something like, “She says she can’t explain it, but the other diamond speaks to her. She says there’s an energetic connection.”

If it’s through your family, then you might try, “It isn’t personal. I appreciate how much you’ve looked out for us, but we visually prefer the other stone.”

On a separate note, I don’t think you want them as a diamond dealer connection for the future if they are being this adamant about selling you a stone you don’t love. But if it’s about keeping relationships within the family smooth, I feel for your conundrum. Family friends and money don’t always mix well. Again - good luck!

 

[bobbyv33]

I’m super new here, so anyone who considered themselves an expert should weigh in on what I’m about to write.

My understanding is that the Rap sheet is a reference sheet for well cut stones. One of stones is well cut, and the other isn’t. So you shouldn’t be paying the Rap price anyway, correct? Rap A3 specs call for “excellent” cut.

I’ve heard that the Rap sheet gets misused to help sellers convince consumers that they’re getting a special trade price, when in fact a poorly cut stone shouldn’t fetch that price in the first place.

Good luck!

Ah thanks ! I was going off that they both had the same very good symmetry and excellent polish. This is great to know. I can't find rap specs for emerald / pear but assume either would not be a3 since symmetry is vg on both

 

[lovedogs]

I hate to say this, but your family/friend/connection is just not being honest here, or doesn't know what they're talking about. If they are insisting that diamond 1 is better, they are just wrong. It isn't better, and won't perform as well.

I would just say "sorry, there's something about stone 2 that we/I/she/he loves and we can't explain it. Thanks for all of your help!"

Also, I would avoid using this connection in the future since I worry they either aren't honest or aren't informed.

 

[bobbyv33]

I hate to say this, but your family/friend/connection is just not being honest here, or doesn't know what they're talking about. If they are insisting that diamond 1 is better, they are just wrong. It isn't better, and won't perform as well.

I would just say "sorry, there's something about stone 2 that we/I/she/he loves and we can't explain it. Thanks for all of your help!"

Also, I would avoid using this connection in the future since I worry they either aren't honest or aren't informed.

And @0515vision

And now for the kicker lol

The family connection is my dad was was in the gold wholesale industry for 50 years. He had to retire a few years ago and I know he misses being in the business immensely. He still does a few deals with this gem company and we wanted to keep him involved. He can still make us the ring and be involved but I think he's just taking this very personally and feels like I'm acting like I know more than him. I've tried talking to him but his bias is clear.

He says :
"First one looks larger for some reason and nice depth for brilliance. Looks like a 3 carat EC. Second one is nice but looks narrower, not as full. "

 

[bobbyv33]

And thanks again everyone! I was firmly in Diamond 2 camp and wanted to make sure I wasn't crazy or lacking knowledge. Looks like I'm going to try and have another tough talk with my dad this afternoon

 

[0515vision]

@bobbyv33!!! Your dad?!?!
Sending all kinds of love, support and fairy dust juju!!!

And once you have the ring, either way, we’d all love to see pictures!

 

[bobbyv33]

@bobbyv33!!! Your dad?!?!
Sending all kinds of love, support and fairy dust juju!!!

And once you have the ring, either way, we’d all love to see pictures!

Haha yes it's complex and I know he's being super biased and stubborn and in many ways don't blame him. He wants to be involved and be in the action and works with this gem guy for some smaller deals and doesn't want to upset him. The gem guy already told me it'd be nbd and not affect my dad


I'll send pics for sure !

 

[Patty]

Oh no, it’s your dad?!

I would just keep saying that you and your girlfriend prefer the look of number two. Don’t even try to dispute/discuss the cut or value with him. He can’t argue with your eyes and your preference.

 

[josieKat]

Since it is your Dad maybe you could appeal to him by saying that your intended just fell in love with option 2 and can’t explain it but just knows it is the one and you want to do what is right for them even if it isn’t what he’d choose?

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Wow. I always wished I had a connection but suddenly I don't anymore.
Good luck.

 

[lovetodream]

Haha yes it's complex and I know he's being super biased and stubborn and in many ways don't blame him. He wants to be involved and be in the action and works with this gem guy for some smaller deals and doesn't want to upset him. The gem guy already told me it'd be nbd and not affect my dad


I'll send pics for sure !

So, could you ask your dad to help with a lovely wedding gift for your future spouse? Maybe if you steered him toward another project using colored stones or something really different then, he'd still feel like he's part of the process.

Good luck!

 

[bobbyv33]

My dad finally gave in after talking with him more and sharing everyone's opinions. Thank you ! He'll make the ring and wedding bands. Will update w final made ring

Circle case attached here is the Diamond 1 and .97 traps we didn't like. Traps too big and Diamond well...

Rectangle case attachment Diamond 2 and .82 traps. Sorry for poor photo quality as usual. We now own this !