Wholesale Diamonds Vs. Buying Diamonds Online

Q:

Dear Liz,

Thank you for your online service, it is greatly appreciated. I was offered 2 wholesale diamonds in person by a diamond wholesaler. The first: GIA # 2186244860 (0.80 carat, F, VS2, Very Good Cut) and the second: GIA # 2126149426 (0.80 carat, D, SI1 eye naked, Very Good Cut).

Both were offered for the same price: 4860$ Canadian Dollars, taxes included. My budget for loose diamond purchase is 5000$ Canadian Dollars, taxes included.

Do you think that I should proceed with the purchase of either of the stones described above, and if so, which one would you go for?

Thanks again for your assistance, it is greatly appreciated.

Mark

A:

Hi Mark,

The first diamond with GIA report: 2186244860 has a rather deep pavilion. I do not recommend this diamond as it will leak light and appear dark.

The other diamond with GIA report: 2126149426 also has a deep pavilion. The report is also from 2011 which is a bit unusual for that size and color/clarity characteristics. I suspect this diamond was a recent trade-in. I cannot confidently recommend either one.

I recommend you consider going a little lower in carat weight while not compromising on cut quality in order to fit within your $5,000 Canadian dollar budget.

For example, here is a stunning super ideal hearts and arrows diamond from Brian Gavin Diamonds. It is a .71ct G SI1 for $3,173.00: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.714-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104083068016

.71ct G SI1 super ideal Hearts and Arrows diamond from Brian Gavin

This diamond is graded by AGS and has ideal light performance, polish and symmetry. It is an SI1 in clarity with grade making inclusion of some tiny crystals but these are not visible without magnification. This is a great option for you and well within budget. The size difference between a .71ct and a .80ct is nominal.

Let me know what you think!

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you for your advice. I like the Brian Gavin option that you suggested. I’m just a bit skeptical to buy SI1 online as I am afraid that the SI1 won’t be eye clean. I will keep thinking about it. Meanwhile, I have found two other options:

http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD06709999

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.74-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1051087

What do you think?

Thanks for your advice and patience.

Mark

A:

Hi Mark,

The .71ct G SI1 from Brian Gain is indeed eye-clean. The magnified photos and videos are meant to help consumers see what, if any, inclusions a diamond may have and to what degree. With this diamond, you can view the HD video and see the magnified image of the diamond in movement and therefore know that this diamond will not have any visibile inclusions to the unaided eye. In fact, the inclusions are so tiny you can barely see them when they are magnified online. This diamond is super clean for an SI1! http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.714-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104083068016

As for the .74ct F VS2 from JA, I do recommend this diamond. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.74-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1051087

The Blue Nile diamond is also acceptable. http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-details/LD06709999

Overall, I’d say that the best overall diamond is the Brian Gavin super ideal hearts and arrows. These will always be superior in terms of brilliance, optical symmetry and scintillation. My second recommendation is the JA diamond. The Blue Nile diamond falls last due to the lack of actual images for further evaluation and assessment.

I’ve included my links so that ODBA can get credit for your referral. I’d appreciate you clicking on the appropriate link when you are ready to purchase.

If there is anything else that I can do, please let me know. If you would like further assistance, please just let me know. 🙂

Best,

Liz