Help on 1.06ct diamond :)

[jz77]

Hi, I have been searching online and also stores for a diamond for my girlfriend's engagement ring . Spent hours reading up and asking for quotes. So I think I have set my mind on this diamond but would like your opinion.

ROUND BRILLIANT

Measurements: 6.52 - 6.54 x 4.02 mm
Carat Weight: 1.06 carat
Color Grade: F
Clarity Grade: VS2
Cut Grade: Excellent

PROPORTIONS

Depth: 61.6%
Table: 58%
Crown Angle: 35.5°
Crown Height: 15.0%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star Length: 55%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted (3.5%)
Culet: None
FINISH

Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

The price is Singapore Dollars $13,000.00. Can you tell me whether this is a very good diamond, perhaps on comparing to WF's ACA cut and Hearts on Fire. I do not have the scope images though but I was told it forms a perfect hearts and arrows shape.

Thank you.

 

[chrono]

No, I do not think this is comparable to WF's ACA or a HoF. Those branded cuts have very tight cut requirements which this one does not show.

 

[jz77]

Thanks for the reply.

But looking at those proportions/measurements. Is this in your opinion a 'good' diamond?

 

[chrono]

It has the potential to look nice but I've seen some with good specs on paper that did not look nice nor perform well. No Idealscope, right? If this is being advertised as H&A, I would want to see proof of that. No pics either?

 

[SMC]

$13K SGD is about $10.6K USD. You could get a branded Hearts & Arrows diamond in the same size range from Whiteflash or Brian Gavin for that price - that is, if you're actually looking for H&A. What are the taxes you have to pay if you buy a diamond from a US vendor?

 

[jz77]

It has the potential to look nice but I've seen some with good specs on paper that did not look nice nor perform well. No Idealscope, right? If this is being advertised as H&A, I would want to see proof of that. No pics either?

It is not advertised as H&A. I am asking for the idealscope images, I hope they have it. Will post it here once i receive it.

Just wanted your opinion looking at those specs. However, I tried the HCA tool, it scored 2.7. (all very good). But i also read that HCA tool may not mean this diamond won't be good.

 

[jz77]

$13K SGD is about $10.6K USD. You could get a branded Hearts & Arrows diamond in the same size range from Whiteflash or Brian Gavin for that price - that is, if you're actually looking for H&A. What are the taxes you have to pay if you buy a diamond from a US vendor?

I understand i can get a ACA for that price. But problem is I would prefer if i could physcially see the diamond and would not like any problems if i have to ship it back to the US (for any reason). taxes maybe around 5-6%.

I am just thinking that if i could get a GIA triple ex with really good specs- then perhaps to a normal person it will look as shiny/brilliant as a e.g ACA.

Also, I can get a GST refund of 5% on that $13K SGD

 

[SMC]

Make sense. In this case, I think you should stick to diamonds that score < 2.0 on the HCA. You really don't want above 2 - none of this "very good" nonsense. You should also stick to GIA XXX and AGS Ideal only. The only time you can buy a diamond that scores above 2 is if it is AGS Triple Ideal (scores a 0 for everything) which means it's been evaluated for light performance already.

If you're looking for diamonds with measurements close to HCA, I always refer to this article from Nice Ice: http://niceice.com/brian-gavin-select-vs-signature-diamonds/

This part is particularly useful:
If you’re going to buy something from the Brian Gavin Select category (or anybody else for that matter) the best advice that I can give you is to try and keep the proportions within the following range to maximize light return in round brilliant cut diamonds:
Total depth between 59 – 61.8% and maybe up to 62%
Table diameter between 53 – 58%
Crown angle between 34.0 – 35.0 degrees and I truly prefer 34.3 – 34.9 degrees
Pavilion angle between 40.5 – 41.0 degrees and I truly prefer 40.6 – 40.9 degrees

 

[Christina...]

If you are going to be viewing the stones in person, you may find it helpful to purchase an idealscope and learn how to use it. The cheat sheet that sortmon posted will also be helpful for you. I don't think that any GIA EX is really going to be a dog, but there is definitely a preferred range of GIA EX for many of us here. Once you have viewed many many stones you eyes will tell you what proportions most appeal to you.

 

[jz77]

Make sense. In this case, I think you should stick to diamonds that score < 2.0 on the HCA. You really don't want above 2 - none of this "very good" nonsense. You should also stick to GIA XXX and AGS Ideal only. The only time you can buy a diamond that scores above 2 is if it is AGS Triple Ideal (scores a 0 for everything) which means it's been evaluated for light performance already.

If you're looking for diamonds with measurements close to HCA, I always refer to this article from Nice Ice: http://niceice.com/brian-gavin-select-vs-signature-diamonds/

This part is particularly useful:
If you’re going to buy something from the Brian Gavin Select category (or anybody else for that matter) the best advice that I can give you is to try and keep the proportions within the following range to maximize light return in round brilliant cut diamonds:
Total depth between 59 – 61.8% and maybe up to 62%
Table diameter between 53 – 58%
Crown angle between 34.0 – 35.0 degrees and I truly prefer 34.3 – 34.9 degrees
Pavilion angle between 40.5 – 41.0 degrees and I truly prefer 40.6 – 40.9 degrees

Thanks for your advice sortmon.

Looking at the diamond specs above, it complies with all of them except for the crown angle of 35.5degrees. I have been reading some sites which says that 34 to 35.5 will still be considered an ideal diamond. Assuming this is wrong, will the extra 0.5 degrees make a big difference in terms of how the diamond will look?

As for the HCA score, I will try my best to find something below 2. However, I am getting this diamond from Singapore which i am going in about 2 weeks time. The supply of diamond or the stock they have is not as extensive as WF or Brian Gavin which is why i am thinking of reserving the above diamond. (coz once that is sold, then they would have to wait for their stock to come in again).

 

[jz77]

If you are going to be viewing the stones in person, you may find it helpful to purchase an idealscope and learn how to use it. The cheat sheet that sortmon posted will also be helpful for you. I don't think that any GIA EX is really going to be a dog, but there is definitely a preferred range of GIA EX for many of us here. Once you have viewed many many stones you eyes will tell you what proportions most appeal to you.

Hi Christina. Yes i might consider getting one. Thanks!

 

[jz77]

Can the 0.5 degree extra from the ideal proportion range for the crown angle make that much of the difference considering the pavilion angle is 40.8. All the other specs look good right? I am puzzled..sorry

Btw, the vendor does not have an idealscope. So I cannot get the ideal scope images. Will this be an attractive diamond?

 

[Lula]

Can the 0.5 degree extra from the ideal proportion range for the crown angle make that much of the difference considering the pavilion angle is 40.8. All the other specs look good right? I am puzzled..sorry

Btw, the vendor does not have an idealscope. So I cannot get the ideal scope images. Will this be an attractive diamond?

The problem is that the crown angle on the diamond you posted is a bit too steep for the pavilion angle. The "list" of specs that makes the rounds on here, that was quoted above:

If you’re going to buy something from the Brian Gavin Select category (or anybody else for that matter) the best advice that I can give you is to try and keep the proportions within the following range to maximize light return in round brilliant cut diamonds:
Total depth between 59 – 61.8% and maybe up to 62%
Table diameter between 53 – 58%
Crown angle between 34.0 – 35.0 degrees and I truly prefer 34.3 – 34.9 degrees
Pavilion angle between 40.5 – 41.0 degrees and I truly prefer 40.6 – 40.9 degrees

tells only part of the story, and the part it leaves out is crucial indeed: it is the relationship between the crown and pavilion angles that matters, not the numbers themselves. In other words, you can't just pick one number at random from the crown category and another number at random from the pavilion category. For example, diamonds with the combinations 35.0 and 41.0 or 34 and 40.5 would seem to be great diamonds based on the above recipe -- in real life the first one may look small for its size and appear dark and dull in the center, and the second one may show head obstruction (look dark) when viewed up close. The stars and lower girdle facets can make a huge difference in the appearance of a diamond, and can actually mitigate the impact of unfavorable crown and pavilion angle combinations. The recipe above tells you nothing about stars and lower girdle facets. Another thing to keep in mind is that GIA rounds its numbers, so the numbers on the GIA report are not the *actual* dimensions of the stone. Minor variations in the pavilion angle especially can have dramatic impact on the appearance of the diamond. That is why you cannot buy diamonds, especially GIA graded diamonds, simply by the numbers. Finally, some of the most beautiful combinations are, in *my* opinion, a well-cut 60/60 diamond, and the Morse proportioned diamond, both with longer lower girdle facets and larger tables But that's my preference; it may not be yours. Similarly, the preference stated in the recipe above -- 34.3 and 40.6 -- is the preference of the author of that recipe and may not be your preference. It is certainly not mine.

Now, if you're still with me after that screed, let me say that the diamond you are considering looks like it has potential. The numbers are not cookie-cutter perfect, but remember, GIA rounds its numbers, so all we know is that the diamond's proportions are "somewhere" in the recipe range. I understand that you want to buy the diamond locally, rather than deal with the hassle of shipping overseas. That's certainly understandable. What you should do is look at as many diamonds in person as possible. The best situation would be is if you could purchase the diamond you are considering and take it with you to compare with other diamonds, look at it in all lighting conditions to make sure it has even sparkle and no dark or dull areas especially near the center or on the edge of the stone. Only buy this diamond if there is a decent return period, and take some time to look at it outside of the jewelry store lights.

 

[jz77]

Wow thanks a lot for the advice. I'm learning something new everyday. Haha okay understood. I will have a look at this diamond and compare.

I have actually been looking at this diamond from WF for a while now but I have no guts to buy it online: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2676066.htm

Thanks a lot again will probably wait for their new stock of diamonds to arrive I guess

 

[SMC]

Wow thanks a lot for the advice. I'm learning something new everyday. Haha okay understood. I will have a look at this diamond and compare.

I have actually been looking at this diamond from WF for a while now but I have no guts to buy it online: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2676066.htm

Thanks a lot again will probably wait for their new stock of diamonds to arrive I guess

Well, the WF diamond gives you a lot more info than the diamond that you originally posted about. It has an IS, Sarin, etc. If you're interested in this diamond, I'm sure PS members will give you their opinions on it. I pretty much don't know anything but I would say that the WF ACA and BG Signature diamonds are very safe bets.

 

[Lula]

Wow thanks a lot for the advice. I'm learning something new everyday. Haha okay understood. I will have a look at this diamond and compare.

I have actually been looking at this diamond from WF for a while now but I have no guts to buy it online: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2676066.htm

Thanks a lot again will probably wait for their new stock of diamonds to arrive I guess

Well, the WF diamond gives you a lot more info than the diamond that you originally posted about. It has an IS, Sarin, etc. If you're interested in this diamond, I'm sure PS members will give you their opinions on it. I pretty much don't know anything but I would say that the WF ACA and BG Signature diamonds are very safe bets.

Yes, I agree with sortmon -- ACA diamonds are a very safe bet. If you like this stone, put it on hold (it's free). Many people lurk here and posters have lost out on stones because lurkers have snatched up them up.

 

[jz77]

Thanks guys. I think i may take the leap of faith and change my mind and order from WF. Should i start a new thread as I have a couple of diamonds in mind and would really really appreciate your opinion.

And what are your thoughts on Ben Gordon as an appraiser? He was recommended to me by WF.

Thanks

 

[SMC]

Thanks guys. I think i may take the leap of faith and change my mind and order from WF. Should i start a new thread as I have a couple of diamonds in mind and would really really appreciate your opinion.

And what are your thoughts on Ben Gordon as an appraiser? He was recommended to me by WF.

Thanks

Yeah, I would start a new thread to solicit opinions on the diamonds you are considering purchasing from WF.