Looking for a little guidance

[DiamondNewbie2014]

Hi All, I've been reading this forum for a week or so just trying to soak in all the knowledge and pointers. I've been in the market for a few month now for a ring/diamond and have really turned up my search the past couple of week. I've done the dog and pony show at some of my local retailers, and at one point put a desposit down on a ring, but later backed out. Lately, I've become more and more frustrated w/ the B&M retailers and decided I was going to seriously consider buying a ring on the internet. I've done some research and found a few that I liked (one in particular) on a few different website. I've tried to stick to my parameters of 1.75 - 2.0 CT, F/G color, round and Excellent Cut. I've been looking n the VS1/VS2 range and after reading this forum limited my parameters even more based on the ideal "proportions". I found a diamond I am very interested in, but wanted to get everyone's opinion (if possible). I am attaching the GIA report (unfortunately, no pcitures). Any cause for concern based on the specs? I realize you can't tell much withouth pictures, but any insight would be greatly appreciated. This being my first (and hopefully only!) time, I am looking for all the help I can get. Part of me feels like something might be wrong w/ the diamond if it hasn't sold since it was originally certified!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi All, I've been reading this forum for a week or so just trying to soak in all the knowledge and pointers. I've been in the market for a few month now for a ring/diamond and have really turned up my search the past couple of week. I've done the dog and pony show at some of my local retailers, and at one point put a desposit down on a ring, but later backed out. Lately, I've become more and more frustrated w/ the B&M retailers and decided I was going to seriously consider buying a ring on the internet. I've done some research and found a few that I liked (one in particular) on a few different website. I've tried to stick to my parameters of 1.75 - 2.0 CT, F/G color, round and Excellent Cut. I've been looking n the VS1/VS2 range and after reading this forum limited my parameters even more based on the ideal "proportions". I found a diamond I am very interested in, but wanted to get everyone's opinion (if possible). I am attaching the GIA report (unfortunately, no pcitures). Any cause for concern based on the specs? I realize you can't tell much withouth pictures, but any insight would be greatly appreciated. This being my first (and hopefully only!) time, I am looking for all the help I can get. Part of me feels like something might be wrong w/ the diamond if it hasn't sold since it was originally certified!

Hi Diamondnewbie and welcome!

Well, it looks as if your homework has certainly paid off, this diamond has excellent proportions and looks very promising. As you might be aware though, this vendor does not offer images which are so helpful in order to gain any meaningful info on the optical performance of a diamond...The stone does have a lot going for it, the proportions look good, VS should be eye clean in this size although it never hurts to check. On paper it's definitely worth further consideration, but have you looked to see what else is out there that has images available? If you would like, we could post some selections for you to consider so you have a few options? There is no problem with the age of the report, sometimes diamonds take a while to find the right home, no need to worry and in the overall scheme of things the report isn't old at all!

I hope this helps, as you have further questions don't hesitate to ask

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

Thanks! Yes, I've looked on James Allen a little (good site, since they provide the 360 video). However, there are just so many to choose from! Absolutely would welcome some assistance if you know of any in my range that offer pictures, etc.

 

[tyty333]

Can you provide us with your budget?

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

$23K is about my threshold, I would go a little over if the stone was worth it!

 

[WinkHPD]

Hi All, I've been reading this forum for a week or so just trying to soak in all the knowledge and pointers. I've been in the market for a few month now for a ring/diamond and have really turned up my search the past couple of week. I've done the dog and pony show at some of my local retailers, and at one point put a desposit down on a ring, but later backed out. Lately, I've become more and more frustrated w/ the B&M retailers and decided I was going to seriously consider buying a ring on the internet. I've done some research and found a few that I liked (one in particular) on a few different website. I've tried to stick to my parameters of 1.75 - 2.0 CT, F/G color, round and Excellent Cut. I've been looking n the VS1/VS2 range and after reading this forum limited my parameters even more based on the ideal "proportions". I found a diamond I am very interested in, but wanted to get everyone's opinion (if possible). I am attaching the GIA report (unfortunately, no pcitures). Any cause for concern based on the specs? I realize you can't tell much withouth pictures, but any insight would be greatly appreciated. This being my first (and hopefully only!) time, I am looking for all the help I can get. Part of me feels like something might be wrong w/ the diamond if it hasn't sold since it was originally certified!

That stone is still available to any of the vendors here, and were it located in the US I would suggest having someone pull it in to take the desired images for you. Sadly it is in Ramat Gan, Israel and it is difficult to pull in the diamond unless it is a sold deal because of the cost of shipping etc. Chances are that if you look and search that you will find it already listed on several sites around the Internet.

It is at the bottom of the acceptable range for pavilion angles with a 40.6, which means it could be good or bad depending on the variance between the lower halves and how the rounding was figured (GIA is infamous for its LARGE rounding allowance). This diamond could be a hero or a zero, without the images it is impossible for us to guess.

Wink

 

[Lorelei]

Thanks! Yes, I've looked on James Allen a little (good site, since they provide the 360 video). However, there are just so many to choose from! Absolutely would welcome some assistance if you know of any in my range that offer pictures, etc.

Understood, I will have a look to see what's available.

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

Have you had any experience w/ Blue Nile's "Signature Ideal" line and the GCAL report?

 

[Lorelei]

Have you had any experience w/ Blue Nile's "Signature Ideal" line and the GCAL report?

I have seen a BNSI in person, it was beautiful and I have helped with many here on the forums that I haven't seen. I personally prefer actual images than the ones GCAL provide, especially if a diamond is said to be hearts and arrows, which I believe is the case for BNSI. Are you hoping for a ' true' hearts and arrows stone, or just a beautiful, well cut diamond?

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

Gotcha. I want some that pops and is eye clean, doesn't necessarily need to be H&A but I do like the look of it. I've been leaning towards VS1s only because I feel safer that they will not be visible to naked eye, and not being able to actually "see" the diamond in some cases on the internet, it would give me more comfort. VS2s I worry, especially if the inclusion is in the middle and I have no pictures.

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

Since she "wanted" 2 CT, I'd like to stay above 1.75 if possible. I dropped down in size b/c I didn't feel comfortable buying and SI diamond in that size even if it was said to be "eye clean".

 

[Dancing Fire]

I love the proportions...if you can't get any images maybe you can get a helium report?

 

[Lorelei]

Here are some diamonds that might appeal to you. I posted some a little lower in colour and clarity as if you wished, you could go a little lower without visual sacrifice if the cut is superb, but this is just a suggestion.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12256/ $22770 bank wire price.

I added a SI1 just in case you are open to lowering the clarity grade slightly but please disregard if not. Otherwise you would need to check the stone is eye clean to your specifications by asking the vendor.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3075971.htm?source=pricescope

H colour in case you are open to that, again please disregard if not, these are just suggestions.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11882/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3075969.htm?source=pricescope

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.715-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104068964005

 

[Lorelei]

Since she "wanted" 2 CT, I'd like to stay above 1.75 if possible. I dropped down in size b/c I didn't feel comfortable buying and SI diamond in that size even if it was said to be "eye clean".

Doh...! We must have cross posted, not to worry about some of the stones I posted above!

Another H colour in case you are open to this colour grade, H will still be very white even in this size if you are amenable to the idea.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3098834.htm?source=pricescope

It might be worth asking for an Idealscope image for this diamond, B2C can provide these images on request.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5075940-1.73-carat-Round-diamond-G-color-VS1-clarity.aspx

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

The good old gold one intrigues me. I called and they said they would not provide the GIA report, so I don't know where the inclusions are. I asked if they had any pictures or videos and they said they would try and obtain.

 

[Lorelei]

The good old gold one intrigues me. I called and they said they would not provide the GIA report, so I don't know where the inclusions are. I asked if they had any pictures or videos and they said they would try and obtain.

They should be able to scan in the report to show you the plotting diagram and the proportions etc by email or give you the report number so we can look it up. Ask them if they can do so as you want to be able to see the plotting diagram for yourself to get a feel for where the inclusions are, but bear in mind you can't judge whether a diamond is eye clean or not by the report, the only way is to consult an expert with the diamond in hand.

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

Here is another one that peeks my interest. Are you able to tell if this is available on other sites w/ images?

 

[Dancing Fire]

The good old gold one intrigues me. I called and they said they would not provide the GIA report, so I don't know where the inclusions are. I asked if they had any pictures or videos and they said they would try and obtain.

They show the inclusions on their web site. the two dark field images.

 

[Lorelei]

Here is another one that peeks my interest. Are you able to tell if this is available on other sites w/ images?

I don't have that information but you could ask a vendor of your choice if it is possible to call any of these diamonds in for evaluation, the stone in question also has good proportions but without images as you know, we can't tell much more about how it will look and perform.

 

[Dancing Fire]

The good old gold one intrigues me. I called and they said they would not provide the GIA report, so I don't know where the inclusions are. I asked if they had any pictures or videos and they said they would try and obtain.

They should be able to scan in the report to show you the plotting diagram and the proportions etc by email or give you the report number so we can look it up. Ask them if they can do so as you want to be able to see the plotting diagram for yourself to get a feel for where the inclusions are, but bear in mind you can't judge whether a diamond is eye clean or not by the report, the only way is to consult an expert with the diamond in hand.

My Brit gf
GOG will no longer do that on a cyber stone if they took the time taking pics ,I-scope, etc, etc , then return the stone back to the supplier. They will only post lab reports on their in-house stones, it is a long story.

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

Hi All, just to provide a little update, I started working w/ one of the online vendors mentioned on here and so far the service has been great. I gave said vendor the parameters and they found something I think I may pull the trigger. Attached is a photo.

Here are the parametere:

Color: G
Clarity: VS1
Cut: XXX (GIA)
Carat: 1.8

Table: 56%
Depth: 61.5%
Crown Height: 15.5%
Crown Angel: 34.5%
Gridle Thickness: Thin/Medium Faceted (3%)
Pavillion Depth: 43%
Cutlet: None
Star: 50%
Last One: 75% (don't know what this is called).

Thoughts?

 

[luvdajules]

That last stone is gorgeous! Looks wonderful. Can't wait for you to see IRL and please post more pics. How do you plan to set it?

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

What is IRL???

 

[SB621]

What is IRL???

In real life

 

[SirGuy]

Hi All, just to provide a little update, I started working w/ one of the online vendors mentioned on here and so far the service has been great. I gave said vendor the parameters and they found something I think I may pull the trigger. Attached is a photo.

Here are the parametere:

Color: G
Clarity: VS1
Cut: XXX (GIA)
Carat: 1.8

Table: 56%
Depth: 61.5%
Crown Height: 15.5%
Crown Angel: 34.5%
Gridle Thickness: Thin/Medium Faceted (3%)
Pavillion Depth: 43%
Cutlet: None
Star: 50%
Last One: 75% (don't know what this is called).

Thoughts?

Photo looks nice!

The 75% you mentioned is the lower girdle (lower half) average facet length, represented as a percentage of the girdle width (total diameter).

Happen to have the pavilion angle?

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

40.8

 

[metatrix]

That stone looks amazing!

 

[SirGuy]

40.8

That looks quite lovely!

 

[DiamondNewbie2014]

Hi All, been quite awhile since I've been on here but I thought I would share an update. I ended up purchasing the above ring and popped the question this past weekend and she said YES! I really would like to thank everyone here for their guidance. Thankfully I didn't purchase a few of the rings I had looked at at the local jeweler's in my area. They clearly did not have the quality and selection that you can find on the internet. For any newbie's on here like myself who are hesitant about buying a diamond online (b/c it seems crazy to spend that amount of money without ever meeting someone in person or seeing it other than in pictures and ASET images), I can honestly say you will find a better deal and it's worth the little bit of anxiety you get when you wire that large sum of money (and just cross your fingers and pray everything works out). I ended up using Engagementringsdirect.com and Mark T. could not have been any more helpful during the process. Since I am only an hour or so away, I'll probably make the trip up to NYC at some point for the wedding bands (and to get the ring resized b/c it's a little big, I mised the boat on that one!). The ring was awesome, and thanks to the experts here I was able to weed out those that were not worthy. After looking at 30 - 40 diamonds or so through various jewerly places, this was by far the best diamond I had seen and all I had to go on was pictures and a GIA report. Thanks again and best of luck to anyone here who is about to make the plunge. My word of advice is to listen to the people on this board, they know what they are talking about!

 

[Travelgal]

Congrats! Beautiful ring. You should post it on show me the bling!