Solasfera Analysis help!

[jagldn]

Hi guys,

Great forum and very useful for a diamond novice like myself. I have settled on a 1ct Solasfera as I’m after something uniquely special for my gf, and I believe they are super rare in the UK (I know they aren’t the most popular on here). I have attached ASET, gemex and gia details below and I would really appreciate your feedback and critique on the stone before I part with near $10000!

The IF stone wasn’t any more than the VS2, thought it would be a nice touch despite visibly meaning nothing. My minimum specs are; 1ct, H color, ideal/excellent cut, VS2 if you have alternatives.

Thank you very much in advance for your comments.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Solasfera is a specialty cut with a very different look than a standard H & A diamond. The greater number of facets means that they are smaller resulting in more twinkle and less flash. If you have looked at it and love it, there is no reason not to go for it. It is unique and the IF is a nice touch. It would be a good idea to have it verified by an independent gemologist as the GIA report date is older. Whether or not it is a trade in or has just been slow to sell, you want to make sure it is in original condition.

 

[bmfang]

The ASET for that Solasfera looks like what I would expect to see for this type of modified modern round brilliant. Personally not my cup of tea, but I can appreciate why others would like this type of a modified round brilliant stone.

It is a nice find if the IF is not more expensive than a lower clarity stone. As Texas Leaguer has mentioned, given the age of the GIA report, getting it checked by an appraiser or re-sending it in to GIA should be on your mind to confirm that the IF clarity grade hasn’t been compromised in the time since the original grading.

Hope that you (or your significant other) wears this stone with good health. What are you setting it in?

 

[Tophat1]

Are you sure your SO would like a solasfera? I just ask because I know I would be very disappointed to get one vs a traditional round brilliant or old European cut because I love bolder firey flashes vs white splinters

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Jag and welcome!

I happen to like Solasfera and you're right, they are rare here. They do have a distinctive look, just to check your GF would enjoy the look of one?

Regarding the report, I'm not too concerned on the date as it's here in the UK, it is a speciality cut and not one you'd often find so there's that. As Bryan says, get an independent appraiser to check it over and make the sale contingent on the stone checking out. Don't get a jeweller to do this whatever you do as there'll be a conflict of interest there.

What's your UK budget please so we can look for alternatives as you suggest and how much for the stone and how much for the setting have you allocated?

 

[jagldn]

Solasfera is a specialty cut with a very different look than a standard H & A diamond. The greater number of facets means that they are smaller resulting in more twinkle and less flash. If you have looked at it and love it, there is no reason not to go for it. It is unique and the IF is a nice touch. It would be a good idea to have it verified by an independent gemologist as the GIA report date is older. Whether or not it is a trade in or has just been slow to sell, you want to make sure it is in original condition.

Thank you for your response. I haven't seen the stone in person but have viewed probably every single image and video of solasfera's available online and side by side comparisons with the standard H&A. Do you recommend any independent gemologists? and/or is still something I can ask the retailer to update if the GIA report is clearly outdated?

 

[jagldn]

The ASET for that Solasfera looks like what I would expect to see for this type of modified modern round brilliant. Personally not my cup of tea, but I can appreciate why others would like this type of a modified round brilliant stone.

It is a nice find if the IF is not more expensive than a lower clarity stone. As Texas Leaguer has mentioned, given the age of the GIA report, getting it checked by an appraiser or re-sending it in to GIA should be on your mind to confirm that the IF clarity grade hasn’t been compromised in the time since the original grading.

Hope that you (or your significant other) wears this stone with good health. What are you setting it in?

Thanks will look into getting it checked, i have only 30 days to return the stone to the US after purchasing, not sure what I'd do if a problem is identified outside of that time.

Setting is likely to be a custom 6 prong version of this: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...pave-crown-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53159

Moving the prongs upwards slightly such that a band can sit flush, I have found someone in the UK who can do this (Taylor & Hart), somewhere local with complimentary regular cleaning and inspection.

Very open to similar alternatives.

 

[jagldn]

Are you sure your SO would like a solasfera? I just ask because I know I would be very disappointed to get one vs a traditional round brilliant or old European cut because I love bolder firey flashes vs white splinters

Thanks for the concern, I am very fortunate that my SO would genuinely be over the moon with a generic $3000 ring from the high street, she has no idea I'm willing to spend this much for her. I think she'd be equally ecstatic for a traditional round, but finding a diamond with maximum light performance is so typical of my personality, I think (and HOPE admittedly) that it will go down well.

 

[jagldn]

Hi Jag and welcome!

I happen to like Solasfera and you're right, they are rare here. They do have a distinctive look, just to check your GF would enjoy the look of one?

Regarding the report, I'm not too concerned on the date as it's here in the UK, it is a speciality cut and not one you'd often find so there's that. As Bryan says, get an independent appraiser to check it over and make the sale contingent on the stone checking out. Don't get a jeweller to do this whatever you do as there'll be a conflict of interest there.

What's your UK budget please so we can look for alternatives as you suggest and how much for the stone and how much for the setting have you allocated?

I haven't purchased the stone yet, its currently in the US, unless you mean the report comes from the UK?

Thanks for advice regarding the independent appraiser.

My initial budget was £5k which has stretched to £7k when I factored in the setting. This stone however is tempting me to spend that little bit more on something unique.

Very happy to look at alternatives, would appreciate you taking the time to make recommendations.

I'd likely propose with a temporary setting as soon as the stone arrives, at which point confirm she is 100% on the solasfera, get it checked out, and show her the setting I have chosen. If i've somehow misjudged everything it will become a joint ring shopping exercise.

 

[Lorelei]

Ok, my mistake, I thought you'd found the stone in the UK. Also, does your budget factor in VAT and import duties?

Very happy to help you look and also your proposal sounds like a plan! Have you looked at any Crafted by Infinity diamonds? They're based in Antwerp and produce the most superb and precisely cut hearts and arrows diamonds, I'd definitely suggest you taking a look there if you haven't already.

Just to show you a couple of Infinities. Just wondering if it might work out cheaper if a stone is in Europe re extra charges.

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9691

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8250

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD7997

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10002

 

[jagldn]

Ok, my mistake, I thought you'd found the stone in the UK. Also, does your budget factor in VAT and import duties?

Very happy to help you look and also your proposal sounds like a plan! Have you looked at any Crafted by Infinity diamonds? They're based in Antwerp and produce the most superb and precisely cut hearts and arrows diamonds, I'd definitely suggest you taking a look there if you haven't already.

Just to show you a couple of Infinities. Just wondering if it might work out cheaper if a stone is in Europe re extra charges.

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9691

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8250

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD7997

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10002

I really like the first one, you've suggested, wow.

The import duties is a factor I keep overlooking, but no i haven't factored in these costs as I was considering collecting the diamond in person. However the more i read about this looks like this makes zero difference and a potential nightmare should I need to return the stone.

Might be back to the drawing board.

 

[bmfang]

CBI has UK dealers as well.

 

[Lorelei]

CBI has UK dealers as well.

That's the thing, so if you buy from here or Europe = 0 extra charges ( pretty sure that applies to diamonds within the EU). Indira Marchant used to sell CBI but she's out of the biz now, so we'll have to see if there's any CBI dealers here.

 

[Lorelei]

Fortrez
Mr Rob van Beurden
www.fortrez.com
Vestingstraat 59 2018 Antwerp

Belgium
Tel: +32 3 226 93 93
Fax: +32 3 226 96 20

Suokko Kultasepanliike
Mr Iiro Suokko
Aleksanterinkatu 25 33100 Tampere

Finland
Tel: +358 10 4204880
Fax: +358 3 2123440

Best Diamonds
Ms Céline Gouwy
2 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3DG

England (United Kingdom)
Tel: +44 777 0381 882


Durham Rose
Mr Manu Bhardwaj
14 East Bay Lane, Plexal, E15 2GW, Stratford

England (United Kingdom)
Tel: +44 337 422 4600


Precious
Mr Eoin McDonnell
Studio 2 Trinity Design Tower Dublin 2

Ireland

 

[rockysalamander]

While I admire the science behind creating the Solsafera, I find them very splintery in person. I prefer diamonds with more of a balance of features and that I can see the lovely arrows. I think CBI is a great option to consider.

What has your girl actually said about the diamond in terms of shape or color? Does she have a pinterest board to help us guide you?

 

[YoLaL]

Woah!!! nice diamond all red in IS... Is this a newly cut?

 

[Lorelei]

Woah!!! nice diamond all red in IS... Is this a newly cut?

It's a branded Solasfera YoL, these were cut specifically for a certain look and if you notice, instead of the usual Superideal 8 hearts and 8 arrows, the Solasfera features 10. These can be bright, busy and ' twinkly' diamonds, some enjoy the look including myself. But for what many consider the best overall visual performance, the more traditional Superideals and top commercial cuts are often preferred.

Solasfera have their fans and I seem to remember GOG used to stock them occasionally years ago.

 

[jagldn]

Fortrez
Mr Rob van Beurden
www.fortrez.com
Vestingstraat 59 2018 Antwerp

Belgium
Tel: +32 3 226 93 93
Fax: +32 3 226 96 20

Suokko Kultasepanliike
Mr Iiro Suokko
Aleksanterinkatu 25 33100 Tampere

Finland
Tel: +358 10 4204880
Fax: +358 3 2123440

Best Diamonds
Ms Céline Gouwy
2 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3DG

England (United Kingdom)
Tel: +44 777 0381 882


Durham Rose
Mr Manu Bhardwaj
14 East Bay Lane, Plexal, E15 2GW, Stratford

England (United Kingdom)
Tel: +44 337 422 4600


Precious
Mr Eoin McDonnell
Studio 2 Trinity Design Tower Dublin 2

Ireland

Thanks for this. I will be headed to the Royal Exchange shortly it looks like!

 

[YoLaL]

Yah, it's cool and amazing cut! It's totally all red in the IS. How I wish to see this in real life. I'm checking now and it does GOG cary Solsfera.

 

[Lorelei]

Here you go YoL.

 

[arkieb1]

If you can go and look at a Crafted By Infinity diamond as suggested by Lorelei, before you purchase the Solasfera and phone or email the company who cut Solasfera diamonds and ask if anyone in London or the UK has one for sale you can go see. They look great on paper but aren't a lot of people's "thing" in person and here is why, they have a very fine fast scintillation pattern and I personally don't find them that appealing in sizes under 1.50 carats, when you get to larger stones I can understand the attraction, I think you need to see what a well cut H & A looks like first to understand the difference and you might just buy a nicer stone and save yourself some money.

 

[Lorelei]

If you can go and look at a Crafted By Infinity diamond as suggested by Lorelei, before you purchase the Solasfera and phone or email the company who cut Solasfera diamonds and ask if anyone in London or the UK has one for sale you can go see. They look great on paper but aren't a lot of people's "thing" in person and here is why, they have a very fine fast scintillation pattern and I personally don't find them that appealing in sizes under 1.50 carats, when you get to larger stones I can understand the attraction, I think you need to see what a well cut H & A looks like first to understand the difference and you might just buy a nicer stone and save yourself some money.

Great suggestion arkie and I was on it, but can't seem to find anywhere in London that stocks them.....Jag, you could try Cool Diamonds in Hatton Garden, if not, ask around as someone might have one even as a pre owned so you can see. Also try Harrods jewellery department, they ' might' stock them.

 

[YoLaL]

Thank you so much for the link @Lorelei
It's really well performing diamond, more firey and more brighter than normal. It's good for people that want something new and unique and not common one.

Here you go YoL.

 

[Lorelei]

Thank you so much for the link @Lorelei
It's really well performing diamond, more firey and more brighter than normal. It's good for people that want something new and unique and not common one.

You're welcome and I agree. I've always liked the Solasfera as I enjoy the ' twinkly' look they produce, but I'm a Christmas fanatic and the Solasfera performance reminds me a bit of the twinkly Christmas tree lights I remember from my childhood. But then there's only one other person I can think of who enjoys the ' skinny arrows' look on a diamond here which the Solasfera features, so I'm very much outnumbered!

 

[jagldn]

You're welcome and I agree. I've always liked the Solasfera as I enjoy the ' twinkly' look they produce, but I'm a Christmas fanatic and the Solasfera performance reminds me a bit of the twinkly Christmas tree lights I remember from my childhood. But then there's only one other person I can think of who enjoys the ' skinny arrows' look on a diamond here which the Solasfera features, so I'm very much outnumbered!

Great advice from all above and I REALLY appreciate it.

Diamond House Jewellery London have asked me who referred me to them? I don't know if its possible to private message on here but I will gladly let them know it was you.

 

[Lorelei]

Great advice from all above and I REALLY appreciate it.

Diamond House Jewellery London have asked me who referred me to them? I don't know if its possible to private message on here but I will gladly let them know it was you.

That's very kind jag, the previous CEO knew me by my name here and my real name as we met in person, that was Dr Indira Marchant, but she's out of the diamond business now. But by all means they might be familiar with my PS name and I'd be glad for you to let them know it was me who suggested them. Thank you! There's no PM feature here.

 

[YoLaL]

Hi @Lorelei, just wondering aside from Solasfera cut, is there any other round modefied brilliant cut thats same effect with full red in IS?

 

[Lorelei]

Hi @Lorelei, just wondering aside from Solasfera cut, is there any other round modefied brilliant cut thats same effect with full red in IS?

Hi YoLal,

The Eightstar brand has fully red IS, you can see that here and to get this effect, these diamonds were brillanteered as part of the cutting style - hence the all red IS.

http://www.eightstar.com/the-symmetriscope.html

http://www.eightstar.com/what-is-an-eightstar™-diamond.html

 

[WillyDiamond]

I have held a 3 carat "Hearts on Fire" stone and it was amazing!
So if you are looking for branded stones, you might try Hearts on Fire.
It does sell at a premium. You will not be disappointed.

 

[OoohShiny]

I have held a 3 carat "Hearts on Fire" stone and it was amazing!
So if you are looking for branded stones, you might try Hearts on Fire.
It does sell at a premium. You will not be disappointed.

'Hearts on Fire' stones are also known as 'Wallets on Fire', aren't they?

I'm in the UK and bought a CBI through Wink at HPD on here, then got it set in a custom Platinum setting made in Hatton Garden. For the money I paid for an F VVS2 CBI in a Pt solitaire, the only options I could find in HoF or the other 'brand' cuts in UK stores were coming in at H-I colour, VS-SI clarity, and usually White Gold settings. (And usually smaller in size as well!)

Having lived with the CBI on my missus' hand for a while now, nothing I've seen in the shop windows in the UK has come close, even when apparently cut to Tolkowsky numbers!

So, for me, I would definitely recommend either buying a CBI stone locally or a CBI/one of the other SuperIdeal options from the US

@jagldn - call ahead to the London CBI seller and book an appointment if you haven't already. Ask them to provide size/colour/clarity options for your budget, and also a comparative GIA triple-excellent stone that scores under 2 on the Holloway Cut Advisor tool! (They may not be familiar with the HCA - perhaps it might be best to ask if they have a GIA XXX to similar proportions to the CBI options.)