Is this a nice cushion cut?

[james1234]

Anyone have any thoughts on how this stone will look? Anything jump out to anyone as being good or bad? Not really certain what crowns or pavilions or facets are good for cushions.

Cushion Cut
Cert: EGL LA.
weight: 3.03 ct
dimensions: 8.82x7.73x5.28mm
depth: 68.3%
Table: 54%
Crown: 16.8%
Pavilion: 31.6%
Girdle: Medium to Very Thick Faceted

Culet: None
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG

Clarity: VVS2
Color: G
Fluorescence: Faint

Input is much appreciated.

 

[Rhino]

Hi James,

Impossible to determine anything about its actual optics or appearance based on this information alone. A 3d model would be needed to give you any meaningful information.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi James
One thing that stands out to me is the lack of a GIA report
On a stone of such high quality I would reccomend limiting your search to stones graded by GIA

 

[Rhino]

I hear that Dave. I hate to make blanket statements about any one particular lab and its possible to get a conservatively graded diamond by EGL but the chances are nothing like it would be with a GIA or AGS report.

 

[james1234]

Well, my understanding is that the overall price reflects this lack of a GIA report. But how could I tell if it is a good value or a conservatively rated EGL LA or vice-versa?

 

[stone-cold11]

The price. If it can get the same grades with GIA and getting a much better selling price, nothing is stopping the vendor from sending it to GIA, for about a month's time and about 200USD in fees.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Good point about blanket statements Jon!

James- to remove the blanket, and get more specific: let's look at the logistics of this.
Say a 3ct stone has an EGL report calling it J/VS2, and it's actually an M/Si2 ( and I've seen this type of discrepancy many times)- the dollar difference is a pittance compared to the difference in value on two 3ct diamonds where one is G/VVS2, and the other I/VS2.

For this reason, I feel that it's a big risk, unless you're capable of grading the stone yourself.

I'm really glad you've come to ask- as I find that many consumers are not aware of these discrepancies.

 

[james1234]

So whats the best way to get it graded? Buy it/site it and have someone review it? Only reason I ask is that it is seems on paper (yes, I know, only on paper) to be a pretty damn good deal. My logic is, even if it grades 1-2 color and clarity down, at +/-$35k, even if it was H VS2 it would still be a pretty good buy, right?

 

[Rockdiamond]

James- it's safest to assume that sellers using non GIA labs to "certify" diamonds know everything we're discussing here.
Therefore the assumption that one could get a great deal simply due to the fact the grading report is substandard is built on faulty logic.

When I look at offerings of diamonds with non GIA reports being offered ( both online, and in B&M establishments), the vital info we're discussing here is virtually never disclosed.
In my book, the lack of disclosure is a VERY real problem.
Transparency in business is a very good thing IMO

 

[antelope1]

But if it were an I or J color and a SI1, it wouldn't be a good deal. See this Pricescope search link: http://tinyurl.com/26hymt8

If it's a 3.4ct J VS2 (rather than a G VVS2), it would be $28k from Perry @ LM. Suppose it were 3cts instead -- it would be about $24k.

Without knowing what you're paying for, you would not be able to get a sense for whether you're paying a fair price.

I'd recommend sending it to an independent appraiser and seeing what he says in the way of color and clarity -- and I'd hold back on the cert too (make him/her do it blind).

 

[slg47]

what type of cushion are you looking for?

 

[Rhino]

Good advice antelope.

I have to tell ya ... not too long ago we acquired a diamond on consignment from a consumer (I think a PS'r) that was EGL graded E color (2 1/2ct diamond). We had an interested client in the diamond and we all agreed the diamond should be sent to GIA for grading before the transaction was complete. Long story short it came back from GIA 3 entire grades lower at an H color. Anyone researching prices on diamonds in this size knows there's a HUGE value difference just going from G to H, not considering E to H. In the end the diamond sold, the end client got a great deal and the original owner wasn't as happy but we assured her it was really the best move and everyone was happy in the end.

Bottom line. Any diamond of huge magnitude should be checked and double checked particularly if its not GIA or AGS graded. Dave Atlas, Neil Beatty, Rich Sherwood, Gem Appraisers, New England Gem Lab are good resources for excellent and educated independent opinions. It's funny cause EGL diamonds always make the consumer feel like they're getting the deal of the century.