Tiny update on 5ct project- Voting requested

[Phoenix]

So PS'ers, I have some update for you:

I got some quotes for the 3.02ct F VS2, not great just ok. Trying to also sell some other pieces and hopefully not have to take too much of a loss (what I sell will depend on what I end up buying).

Contacted vendors of the so-called Cartier 7ct EC and 4.5ct OEC pieces but no real replies. Figure they must not be interested or else the entire pieces are not real Cartier. So, I'm not pursuing them anymore. Also found a faint pink 7ct radiant but also gave up cos of the astronomical price.

Now I have a 5ct colour RB with SBF, 6ct EC H VS1, and a few fancies.

So, can you help me to decide. Pls vote for yr choice. Thanks.

1) 5ct H colour RB with SBF and not ideal cut (but strangely it has an HCA of under 2). An IA (who hasn't seen the stone, but states his caveat) told me that the SBF *may* make the stone hazy in direct sunlight. Vendor says no. Thinking of having it appraised. This is the second least expensive option. For the purpose of voting, pls assume that the hazy effect only occurs seldomly and only in very strong direct sunlight.

2) 6ct EC H VS1, no IS images, not much infor other than GIA report. Will have to rely on my own eyes. Most expensive option, but 6ct wooooo hoooo!! and vendor reputatable, whose representation can be relied upon.

3) 5ct greenish grayish yellow radiant (2nd pic attached) - large size also, third most expensive.

4) 5ct fancy light greenish yellow asscher (1st pic attached) -second least expensive, but am not so sure of the colour, it's also a I1 clarity.

5) 4.5ct fancy light yellow radiant (3rd pic attached) - least expensive, beautiful lemony yellow colour but the smallest of the lot.

 

[stone-cold11]

All the numbers for the first rb?

 

[MissGotRocks]

I have to be honest here. None of the options sound like the direction you wanted to go in which if I'm remembering correctly, was a well cut 5 ct. round brillant. I realize that you sometimes can't have exactly what you want but these all seem to be sacrificing too much away from the original goal.

The 5 ct. rb could be nice but we don't have numbers to judge. The SBF could be a problem. Won't do any good IMO to have a 5 ct. stone if it's subpar. A 5 ct. stone will show a lot of imperfections so you have to be careful in what you choose.

The 6 ct. EC was not something that I thought you'd consider as an option. Could be wrong though and maybe it's something that you would now consider. The colored ones don't interest me as much because there again, I thought you wanted a white stone.

Sorry to be a downer but I'd still rather have your current stone than any of the others you've mentioned. My vote would be to keep looking - are you really wedded to definitely getting one of these stones? If not, I'd keep snooping around to see what you could come up with.

As I said, probably not what you wanted to hear but it is my honest assessment. You have a very nice stone now and want to end up with another very nice stone. I wouldn't settle for less just because it's what's available at the moment.

 

[D&T]

Hey Phoenix, I'm just wondering if these are just more for immediate gratifications or if you really like these choices. For some reason, I still think you want a really nice 5 ct round. Have you thought about consigning your pieces with a PS vendor like GoodOldGold? once your pieces sell (if they are able to take them, I'm not certain for sure, but its' worth an email to Jonathan perhaps) then you can in turn use the "credit" for one of their diamonds as he may take a slightly less of a cut if you buy from him after selling (not sure, but check that out for certaintly)?, then have Jonathan source out the 5 ct RB you've been longing for? You will get a far better return then selling them privately plus you won't have to deal withthe customer directly, His commission is VERY reasonable I beleive far better than anyone else that consign peices I feel. Do check it out with Jonathan at GoodOldGold first. I think you will be very surprised at what will happen However, it is dependent on how long it will take to sell, while it's being consigned, you can then save up a bit more? until it happens maybe? just a thought.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I have to be honest here. None of the options sound like the direction you wanted to go in which if I'm remembering correctly, was a well cut 5 ct. round brillant. I realize that you sometimes can't have exactly what you want but these all seem to be sacrificing too much away from the original goal.

I agree 100%, though of the choices the 5ct RB makes most sense.

 

[E B]

I don't know if this is done with huge stones (so this might be a suggestion), but what about buying a so-so cut 5+ carat round at a reduced price and have it re-cut (by BGD, etc.)?

 

[LGK]

I have to be honest here. None of the options sound like the direction you wanted to go in which if I'm remembering correctly, was a well cut 5 ct. round brillant. I realize that you sometimes can't have exactly what you want but these all seem to be sacrificing too much away from the original goal.

I agree 100%, though of the choices the 5ct RB makes most sense.

Ditto. The colored stones really seem way to far from your original goal, and though the 6ct EC sounds lovely, again, I am pretty sure you'd still want a RB. The 5 ct RB may be great but it sounds like it needs some more investigation really at this point to know whether or not it's got a cut you can live with.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Hey Phoenix, I'm just wondering if these are just more for immediate gratifications or if you really like these choices. For some reason, I still think you want a really nice 5 ct round.

Yep, 2nd to D&T. I'm confused by you're decision to now consider other shapes/colors. In your shoes, I'd just hang onto what I have and enjoy it till I have enough $ to fund the exact desired diamond.

 

[AnneinGA]

My opinion, if you absolutely have to pull the trigger on one of your choices, would be the 6 ct EC, IF it was a pretty stone in person.

Now, I thought from all your other posts that you'd decided you wanted a RB. I, like the other posters, wonder if you're settling for other options because what you really want is not available, right now. If you liquidate what you have to settle on a stone that while may meet your carat but not your shape requirement, then in four, eight, or 12 months, will you be on the search again, liquidating (at a loss again) more of your current stuff to get what you really want? I get the -tired of waiting, just really want to DO something- jist of your post, but at the level of stone that your buying, and the price, aren't you ready for the stone of your dreams?

 

[Maisie]

Have you seen these coloured diamonds in person? I would recommend you do just so you know whether you love them or not.

 

[yssie]

Everything MGR said.

I too would much rather have your current stone than a coloured statement piece or a gigantic rock that might look oily in sunlight (and direct sunlight is not exactly a rare phenomenon!). Have you seen the coloured stones/tried on colours like that in person? My skin has yellow undertones like yours, and I must say I don't think any of those colours except the light yellow would flatter me.

If you like the EC that's certainly an option - IF you like that EC, and you like the idea of an EC more than an RB of the same size.

Honestly? I'm pretty sure if you purchased any of these now, in six months we'd see you posting again about the hunt for that 5ct ideal RB (that doesn't have fluoro issues).

 

[Kaleigh]

Ok going to be blunt here and that's not me... I think you need more time to know what you really want. You are all over the place...


I keep track of things on here pretty well. Knew you were looking for a larger RB , and now all these other options are in the mix, and not sure what you are getting for your current gorgeous stone.....


I want the best for you, you have been a member for many years...


These things take time...

Take the time to get what you want, and get what is fair for your stone.... Rome wasn't built in a day..

What's the rush??

I say all of this with great respect, just want you to make the right choice....

 

[btrflygrl23]

Respectfully, I agree with everything Kaleigh says...
I don't want to see you lose major money on your beautiful stone.
From your past posts you really seemed to have your heart set on a large RB.
I think you should really reflect on what you want and I would love to see you get your heart's desire you are a very sweet lady and great PSer.

I wish you luck and hope that you find a resolution within a time line that makes you happy!

 

[Phoenix]

Thanks for voting and for your comments, everyone. I'm very touched that you've taken interest in my "journey" (so to speak) and to look out for me.

It does seem that I'm all over the place. Perhaps I should clarity a bit:

- If I went for either option 1 or 2, I'd for sure have to sell the 3ct F VS2, and possibly even the pear too.
- If one of the 3 coloured stones option is chosen, I wouldn't have to sell the 3ct, perhaps just the pear and the 1.52ct G Si1 or maybe just the pear (note the the buy-back period for the pear is running out shortly - and then I won't be able to sell it back to JA at all).
- I love EC's almost as much as RB's. I know they have completely different looks. On a scale of 1 to 10, a RB would get a 10 from me and an EC a 9, esp a beautiful, well cut and LARGE EC (which this one would be). I could re-build later by slowly saving to perhaps a 2.5ct RB and halo it (I love haloe'd RB's ).

I will post numbers and pics for the RB. Our internet connection went out last night for some stupid reason!

 

[Phoenix]

No's for the 5ct RB:

Table: 60%
Depth: 59.5%
Crown: 33.5 deg
Pavillion: 40.8 deg
Girdle: Medium
Upper Star:50%
Lower Girdle: 80%

It seems more like a 60:60 stone and not ideal cut. Strangely enough it has an HCA of 1.5. Could someone please explain that to me?

The IS scope shows some leakage.

I'll try and post pics shortly.

 

[Phoenix]

Pic one:

 

[Phoenix]

Pic two - strong blue fluor glowing!

 

[Phoenix]

IS image - def shows some leakage (now why does that HCA show a score of under 2 again? Garry? anyone? )

 

[Phoenix]

Hey Phoenix, I'm just wondering if these are just more for immediate gratifications or if you really like these choices. For some reason, I still think you want a really nice 5 ct round. Have you thought about consigning your pieces with a PS vendor like GoodOldGold? once your pieces sell (if they are able to take them, I'm not certain for sure, but its' worth an email to Jonathan perhaps) then you can in turn use the "credit" for one of their diamonds as he may take a slightly less of a cut if you buy from him after selling (not sure, but check that out for certaintly)?, then have Jonathan source out the 5 ct RB you've been longing for? You will get a far better return then selling them privately plus you won't have to deal withthe customer directly, His commission is VERY reasonable I beleive far better than anyone else that consign peices I feel. Do check it out with Jonathan at GoodOldGold first. I think you will be very surprised at what will happen However, it is dependent on how long it will take to sell, while it's being consigned, you can then save up a bit more? until it happens maybe? just a thought.

Hmm...I did get in touch with GOG for a few smaller pieces. We talked abt putting the 3ct on consignment with him but am getting prices quoted right now for a reasonable price - not great but reasonable. The price range that Jon was talking about, after his commission, works out abt the same, more or less as what I'd be getting right now. I'm a bit reluctant to send over the 3ct by courier (since what happened with my Metro). I was thinking of going to the US and carry that 3ct with me, when I find the right one to buy (so I could see the new piece with my own eyes too before committing).

Also, consignment does take a long time and you never know when it sells - as you've quite rightly pointed out. I have a bit of a logistics problem/ a ball to juggle, so to speak: I am reluctant to sell my 3ct, which is a very very beautiful and sparkly piece until and unless I find a larger stone to replace it; and yet unless I have the proper funds in place, I may not be able to "pounce" on a beautiful piece when I come across it before someone else snatches it up. See my predicament?

And someone else did say, there's no point in getting a larger stone if it's not at least as equally beautiful as my existing 3ct stone. So maybe I should practise even more patience, eh?

 

[yssie]

IS image - def shows some leakage (now why does that HCA show a score of under 2 again? Garry? anyone? )

re. pics & IS -


no reason a 60/60 type can't score well on the HCA so long as crown and pavilion are complementary - often shallower c/p combo for stone w/ a larger table - which together mean a shallower overall depth.. that stone's numbers average and round out nicely

good HCA is not synonymous with ideal, it just means probably not crappy, as you know



the bright white in that IS doesn't look anything like leakage as the IS would show - looks like there was a second source of light and the scope was improperly positioned to allow that secondary light onto the stone

 

[Phoenix]

IS image - def shows some leakage (now why does that HCA show a score of under 2 again? Garry? anyone? )

re. pics & IS -


no reason a 60/60 type can't score well on the HCA so long as crown and pavilion are complementary - often shallower c/p combo for stone w/ a larger table - which together mean a shallower overall depth.. that stone's numbers average and round out nicely

good HCA is not synonymous with ideal, it just means probably not crappy, as you know

He he, I know. I def do not want crappy, just want a decent stone; and ideal is very difficult, if not impossible to get in this price range.

the bright white in that IS doesn't look anything like leakage as the IS would show - looks like there was a second source of light and the scope was improperly positioned to allow that secondary light onto the stone

How do I get the vendor to take proper IS images for me? Do you have any recommendations/ can you give me some guidance, so I can take them back to the vendor? And, would a PS IA be able to obtain them for me?

Yssie, how did you know that yours, not being an ideal cut stone, would turn out beautiful? Did you obtain loads of pics from WF (was it WF?), and/ or rely on the words of the sales rep there?

 

[Phoenix]

I don't know if this is done with huge stones (so this might be a suggestion), but what about buying a so-so cut 5+ carat round at a reduced price and have it re-cut (by BGD, etc.)?

I've thought about this option, but even so-so cut stones of this size are still in the region of $70k and above.

If you could find me one significantly below that, I *might* be able to think about this seriously. The stone is at risk of getting chipped or worse shattered when it's recut. Ya' know, I once enquired about this with Chubb and they said they'd insure that risk. Not sure if they knew what they were getting themselves into but worth checking it out with them again, def!

 

[Phoenix]

IS image - def shows some leakage (now why does that HCA show a score of under 2 again? Garry? anyone? )

Is it me or do these black crystal inclusions look a bit too prominent, possibly rendering the stone not eye-clean at all (say at 6-8 inches away and not using the loupe?)

 

[Phoenix]

Have you seen these coloured diamonds in person? I would recommend you do just so you know whether you love them or not.

I'd def not buy a coloured diamond until I've actually seen it in person.

 

[yssie]

IS image - def shows some leakage (now why does that HCA show a score of under 2 again? Garry? anyone? )

re. pics & IS -


no reason a 60/60 type can't score well on the HCA so long as crown and pavilion are complementary - often shallower c/p combo for stone w/ a larger table - which together mean a shallower overall depth.. that stone's numbers average and round out nicely

good HCA is not synonymous with ideal, it just means probably not crappy, as you know

He he, I know. I def do not want crappy, just want a decent stone; and ideal is very difficult, if not impossible to get in this price range.

the bright white in that IS doesn't look anything like leakage as the IS would show - looks like there was a second source of light and the scope was improperly positioned to allow that secondary light onto the stone

How do I get the vendor to take proper IS images for me? Do you have any recommendations/ can you give me some guidance, so I can take them back to the vendor? And, would a PS IA be able to obtain them for me?


Yssie, how did you know that yours, not being an ideal cut stone, would turn out beautiful? Did you obtain loads of pics from WF (was it WF?), and/ or rely on the words of the sales rep there?

I can tell it's not leakage b/c they used a black background, so all leakage is black.. White background (as in, no background, just stone's pavilion facing the *only* light source) is MUCH better for this purpose.

What is an IA? if the vendor just turns off the other bright light on the side of the scope setup if they have a backlight w/ a divot for the stone great, otherwise tweezers to hold the stone in front of the lightsource


Re. stones - how are you defining ideal? If you're going by the technical term - well, a non-AGS graded stone has is automatically out of the running I found a stone with numbers I liked on the virtual listings, had WF call it in and send IS/ASET. I took the chance that the spread could be large and the numbers reported weren't an accurate representation and got lucky on it! had it shipped out to see in person (mostly for the inclusions at that point, which I had WF stick under a prong). I love WF but when parting w/ that sort of money I want more assurance than the word of a sales rep, no matter how trusted. But my stone has a GIA report so yup it's not "ideal"

 

[Phoenix]

Ok going to be blunt here and that's not me... I think you need more time to know what you really want. You are all over the place...


I keep track of things on here pretty well. Knew you were looking for a larger RB , and now all these other options are in the mix, and not sure what you are getting for your current gorgeous stone.....


I want the best for you, you have been a member for many years...


These things take time...

Take the time to get what you want, and get what is fair for your stone.... Rome wasn't built in a day..

What's the rush??

I say all of this with great respect, just want you to make the right choice....

Thank you, Kaleigh. I know you're looking out for me. I'm touched, truly.

 

[MAC-W]

Phoenix,
have you seen this stone?

It's only a med blue fluoro and scores a 1.0 on the HCA, so might be worth investigating further?

I dont know what your budget is but this one seems to be considerably cheaper than all the others of approx same specs

MAC

 

[stone-cold11]

How do I get the vendor to take proper IS images for me? Do you have any recommendations/ can you give me some guidance, so I can take them back to the vendor? And, would a PS IA be able to obtain them for me?

Yssie, how did you know that yours, not being an ideal cut stone, would turn out beautiful? Did you obtain loads of pics from WF (was it WF?), and/ or rely on the words of the sales rep there?

Yap, definitely not leakage in the Idealscope image. http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.taking_IS_photos.asp

IA you will have to check with them individually, some will have the equipment and training to take the images some do not.

 

[sparkles]

I vote 5ct rb. You are not going to be happy with an EC unless its in the 9ct+ range...and even then,,,you will think to yourself , you could go 10ct. It's a very very understated cut. Your studs don't say, Understated.... ...

I'm a little worried you will get DSS even at 5ct. There was a time I was thinking about haloing mine.....but now I have so many other shrinkages going on.....

1.. House Shrinkage
2.. Car Shrinkage
3.. Hubby has car shrinkage
4.. Country Shrinkage
5.. Television Shrinkage
6.. Stereo Shrinkage
7.. Oven Shrinkage
8.. Wardrobe Shrinkage
9.. Boat shrinkage ......and we don't even own a boat!

I think I need a shrink to deal with all my shrinkage issues..hahah

 

[Phoenix]

I vote 5ct rb. You are not going to be happy with an EC unless its in the 9ct+ range...and even then,,,you will think to yourself , you could go 10ct. It's a very very understated cut. Your studs don't say, Understated.... ...

I'm a little worried you will get DSS even at 5ct. There was a time I was thinking about haloing mine.....but now I have so many other shrinkages going on.....

1.. House Shrinkage
2.. Car Shrinkage
3.. Hubby has car shrinkage
4.. Country Shrinkage
5.. Television Shrinkage
6.. Stereo Shrinkage
7.. Oven Shrinkage
8.. Wardrobe Shrinkage
9.. Boat shrinkage ......and we don't even own a boat!

I think I need a shrink to deal with all my shrinkage issues..hahah

I'm currently preparing for a potential assignment, massive and very high profile. Hope we get it but of course I wouldn't be able to disclose who the client is! Buuuuttt I saw yr post and HAD to response. Ha ha, very funny response indeed!

1. No sympathy from me there! We're currently in a condo! and am with envy!
2. and 3. Again, no sympathy! We don't even own a car anymore!
4. That, I understand, but it aint too bad otherwise.
5. No sympathy either.
6. Ours is almost 10 yrs old.
7. Ok, I'll give you this one!
8. Get out of here already!
9. Double get out of here!

ROFL!