Genesisgalaxy,
Same advice as DaBee - shop around
When I went shopping for my diamond, I did my research on the 4Cs, brought along my 'diamond checklist', went shop-to-shop, asked them to show me their range (& certs) and wrote down each diamond's attributes on my checklist. Very systematic and the only way to remember the dozens of diamonds from Larry, Goldheart & so on. It also allows me to do some analysis and comparisons when I'm back home without any sales pressure.
Like u, I wanted mine in the upper range. But I didn't wanna pay for crap, so the hardnosed approach is totally worth it. (Some owners actually thought I was a journalist! ...now wouldn't this piece be something that a ST Life reporter would wanna do??)
However, I dun agree with DaBee on her compromise for a smaller diamond with the best grade. Let's face it, can u tell the difference between VVS1 and VS2 (
Clarity) with your naked eye? Nope, because it's only visible under 30x magnification, that's why
Ditto for
Colour. One can't really tell if it's D or G because the difference is so gradual and small.
Hence, if I were u, I'd go for the following criteria to max out value for carat:
Colour: F-G
Clarity: VS1-VS2
Cut: 'Ideal' (see discussion below) & Proportion and Symmetry
Cut is very often neglected but it affects brilliance more than anything. And I don't mean what some shops call 'Brilliant Rose' whatever. That btw, just tells me how many facets and the way it's cut, not HOW WELL it is cut. Bear in mind that even industry insiders can't agree on the exact 'ideal' cut. As an example, Table diameter: 53 to 57.5%; Crown angle: 34 to 35 degrees.... etc... but having said that, there's a certain range that the dimensions have to fall into. When I was shopping for mine, my criteria was a depth of 59 through 62 percent and table of 56 through 58 percent. (That's where my A4 checklist comes in handy
)
And if I haven't been convincing enough, here's a scenario. Your girlfriend, Cindy, comes in with her 0.7 diamond and flashes it at you. Then, you lift your expresso with your pinky daintily pointing up. But all eyes are not on your expresso or Cindy's ring, but on your 0.75 carat rock. Oohs and aahs follow and despite your protests, it quickly emerges that you paid less than Cindy. But-t-t they look identical, everyone exlaim.
For me, I wouldn't wanna be Cindy
. Oh well, I guess everyone will have their own yardstick be it top-notch invisible quality or a size that knocks-your-eyes-out.
I've compiled what I call "A Smart Girl's Guide to Diamond Shopping" document and a spreadsheet to go shopping with. If u're keen, drop me a line at
[email protected]
ps. always go for third party certified diamonds. A Certificate also details the table and depth proportions, symmetry, fluorescence etc..
pps. I don't buy the 'Brilliant Rose (or whatever) cut is best' argument. #1-How WELL it's cut is more important that how it's cut. #2-Some industry folks actually prefer the fewer facets of the 'old fashioned' cut because light reflections are a lot more distinct with fewer facets than more. #3- in Economic terms, it's just marketing fluff that attempts to differentiate a 'primary' product with the end objective of extracting higher consumer rents.
