Is it worth upgrading the cut in a diamond but not the size?

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L

lavy

O.G.
Nov 30, 2009
429
689
#1
I am considering upgrading my diamond stud earrings. They are 0.95 tcw SI2 F color but I got what I could afford at the time and the cut is probably very good and they could probably sparkle more.

If I upgrade I can probably get the same specs but upgrade the cut to ideal. Do you think it would be noticeable? Would it be worth it?
 
#2
If they are not cut well, and you go to a much better cut quality, I believe you will notice the difference, yes. Do you have the numbers on the current ones?
 
#3
ame said:
If they are not cut well, and you go to a much better cut quality, I believe you will notice the difference, yes. Do you have the numbers on the current ones?
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I don't have the current ones, they were preset so they didn't come with certificates. I paid about $900 for the set.
 
#4
Yes, ideal cut diamonds are worth upgrading.

Are you very color sensitive? If not (like the most of us), you may as well consider downgrading the color from F to I, and use the extra savings for increased size ( in addition to top cut, of course). For earrings, which are viewed from a distance I color is plenty white. Make sure that the color is based on GIA or AGS spec., and not per the store's own appraisal (which can mean anything).

In order to know if the cut is ideal, the stones need to be GIA or AGS certified, and not preset, uncertified diamonds. Ask AME to help you with diamond selection.

Of course, if you are very good at judging diamonds based on real life appearance (under all lighting conditions other than store lights), you can consider going with uncertified stones. Just make sure that you can get full refund for return within the inspection period. This option of going with uncertified stones is not recommended for diamond newbies (for example, less than five serious diamond purchases).
 
#5
lavy said:
I don't have the current ones, they were preset so they didn't come with certificates. I paid about $900 for the set.
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Ok so you don't really know the cut quality or what really you have. It is definitely worth it for cut quality alone. And I would consider going down in color, as mentioned, to an I-J if that won't bother you. They're on your head, no one will know (hell, you probably won't either) an F from an I on your head.

Cut quality matters, so that's where I would not skimp.
 
#8
I agree too. I think it's better to even go down a little in size to get the best cut. You probably wouldn't even notice a difference especially if what you have now are deeper cut diamonds.
 
#9
The biggest concern I have is that you don't know what you own now. You THINK those are F SI1 stones, and that they're "Very Good Cut." But they're preset without reports. So they could be anything.
 
#10
ame said:
The biggest concern I have is that you don't know what you own now. You THINK those are F SI1 stones, and that they're "Very Good Cut." But they're preset without reports. So they could be anything.
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Very true, I don't know what i have. I went to the local jewelers to compare mine to some well cut diamonds and the biggest thing i noticed was that mine were quite a bit cloudier so it is probably worth upgrading.

Unfortunately the cost to go local is quite a bit more than online. If I go with a GIA certified diamond over the internet (and use the HCA/AGS tools), should I still stay with an excellent cut or go with a very good cut and a larger diamond?
 
#11
lavy said:
Very true, I don't know what i have. I went to the local jewelers to compare mine to some well cut diamonds and the biggest thing i noticed was that mine were quite a bit cloudier so it is probably worth upgrading.

Unfortunately the cost to go local is quite a bit more than online. If I go with a GIA certified diamond over the internet (and use the HCA/AGS tools), should I still stay with an excellent cut or go with a very good cut and a larger diamond?
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Online is usually less pricey because you're not paying for the overhead of a brick and mortar. Find a vendor that offers actual diamond images (so Brian Gavin, James Allen, etc.) so you can see what you're buying and gauge the inclusions.

Use my cheat sheet (in the reference thread) and go for AGS Ideal stones and GIA Excellent/Very Good (their grading system is laughable!), and definitely make sure they stay in the ranges. Run the numbers.

I would be very glad to help you select stones, so if you find some you want input on, PM them to me (don't post them openly because there are some a-holes that poach) and I can give input. You can post the final product after you've secured them.
 
#13
ame said:
Online is usually less pricey because you're not paying for the overhead of a brick and mortar. Find a vendor that offers actual diamond images (so Brian Gavin, James Allen, etc.) so you can see what you're buying and gauge the inclusions.

Use my cheat sheet (in the reference thread) and go for AGS Ideal stones and GIA Excellent/Very Good (their grading system is laughable!), and definitely make sure they stay in the ranges. Run the numbers.

I would be very glad to help you select stones, so if you find some you want input on, PM them to me (don't post them openly because there are some a-holes that poach) and I can give input. You can post the final product after you've secured them.
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What is your opinion on bluenile as a vendor for GIA certified stones since they don't provide pictures? They seem to offer the best pricing.
 
#14
lavy said:
What is your opinion on bluenile as a vendor for GIA certified stones since they don't provide pictures? They seem to offer the best pricing.
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This question wasn't posted for me but I bought a stone from Blue Nile that I was pleased with. They provide measurements and you can get photos from their vendor, they just aren't the scopes that are preferred.
 
#15
lavy said:
What is your opinion on bluenile as a vendor for GIA certified stones since they don't provide pictures? They seem to offer the best pricing.
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I almost never recommend them compared to any vendor that offers photos. You have no idea what you're getting as far as clarity or how the stone looks til it shows up and that to me is not worth the savings if you end up having to return it.
 
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