say, two rings with the exact same band and settings

both with .75 carat weights, actual diamonds

I am looking for the cost of the least expensive
p.o.c. stone with a flaw or two

and at the other end of the spectrum
the way high end stone , flawless and great c.,c. and c.

Dave Truong knows.

Enjoy.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/

you can also price all grades on Blue Nile.

There is a huge variance between shitty diamonds and the highest quality.

thanks, now
does the cut have anything to do with the number of facets that they but on it?

or is the cut only the shape of the stone?

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
thanks, now
does the cut have anything to do with the number of facets that they but on it?

or is the cut only the shape of the stone?

Cut is essentially the geometric proportion and symmetry of the stone. A stone's brilliance or fire is created primarily by cut. It is the most obvious characteristic of a diamond, so is considered the most important. Think of how a signal mirror works. Precisely aimed it's quite bright at a distance, off slightly and nothing. A well cut diamond will reflect light back out through the crown and table very efficiently. A poorly cut diamond will "leak" light out the back or pavillion. There are 4 grades of cut, ideal cut being what you aspire to.

I don’t know if I’d agree with the “four grades of cut” bit, though you’re right that it’s the most important quality. GIA’s top grade is Ex/Ex/Ex (so-called “triple excellent”) and AGS’ is 0 (“ideal,” which is a phrase GIA doesn’t use). Some vendors use their own terms casually (“Our Signature Ideal Cut!”) which is in-house branding and not necessarily a report from an independent lab.

Cutters have been taking advantage of GIA’s loose grades for years, which allow steep/deep (crown and pavilion angle respectively) to earn their excellent grade. AGS is 10 years ahead of GIA when it comes to 3D ray tracing to determine performance of the stone.

The whole point of a diamond is to reflect light. Cut is king. You get what you pay for. Carat only refers to weight (0.2 grams), and be wary of stones cut close to big-selling weights (.75, 1.0, etc.), as cutters are financially incentivized to cut heavy, sacrificing fire and brilliance, to maintain weight.

On buying: be wary of “wholesale” sellers. “Buy cheap from us, we are a wholesale distributor!” No, they’re a retailer. The diamond market is very measured and watched. There are a lot of drop shippers. Very few retailers can afford to have millions in inventory; they instead have access to a wider marketplace, as do their competitors.

Ask for images (not just actual photos, but lighting scans like sarin, ASET, etc.). If your seller doesn’t know what you’re talking about, be wary.

Blue Nile is a drop shipper, for what it’s worth. Check out Brian Gavin, Whiteflash, etc. For a big purchase like this, it’s worth doing your research.

Don't sacrifice cut for weight. All you’ll get is more of less. Cut is king.

Best of luck!

quote:

Originally posted by ChuckFinley:
Dave Truong knows.

Dave would be my choice for any jewelry/watch items - as well as making unruly airline passengers behave.

Dave is working with my son to create an engagement ring.