March 18, 2024

1.19ct. Internally Flawless, I colour, Triple Excellent GIA, (1.39ct. tw). 14kt. 2.7gr. sz. 6 1/2. $7,750.00 CAD. 101-00479

From a clarity perspective, they don’t come much better than internally flawless. There is not a single inclusion that is discernable in this diamond. It’s colour as reported by The Gemological Institute of America is a very good I or near colourless. The overall cut, symmetry, and polish are all excellent. “Triple Ex” distinction from GIA means that everything humanly possible has been done to this diamond to provide the ultimate optical display of brilliance and dispersion. When exposed to longwave ultraviolet light, this diamond will fluoresce a chalky blue hue with medium intensity. The phenomena only occurs with natural diamonds, lab-grown diamond never fluoresce like this. It has been set into a 14 karat white gold contemporary design ring with 16 round brilliant cut natural diamonds bead set in the cathedral shoulders. The 2.7 grams, size 6 1/2 ring is in like new condition and perhaps was never ever worn. If you need the ring size adjusted up or down, one of our onsite goldsmiths can custom fit it perfectly for your finger. The full June 2013 GIA report can be seen online here. Diamond prices are experiencing ultra competitive market right now. If you’re looking for fantastic value, go down the rabbit hole and compare this GIA certified diamond to anything else on the market. We’re confident you’ll agree, this price is hard to beat. If you’d like a different style of ring or jewellery, the diamond is available alone for only $7,000.00. The complete ring is estate priced at $7,750.00 CAD. Stock #101-479.

February 28, 2024

Peoples Jewellers Celebration cut diamond (185 facets) 0.55ct. I1-I $800.00 CAD. 191-00144.

Diamonds are nature’s crystal mirrors, refracting and dispersing white light into spectral colours in an explosion of sparkle and brilliance. There is a finite amount of available light that any diamond can reflect back to the viewer no matter how perfectly cut it may be. A simple single cut diamond with only 17 total facets can be just as efficient with light return as this patented “Celebration” cut diamond from Peoples Jewellers with 185 individual facets. It showcases more than 3 times the facets of a traditional brilliant cut diamond. This doesn’t mean sparkles more, it just simply displays the same amount of sparkle in smaller components. The “sparkle” in a Celebration cut is very consistent and the facet appearance isn’t nearly as geometric compared to a round brilliant. With so many facets on the crown, it’s hard for the naked eye to distinguish individual facet surfaces. The Celebration cut from Peoples is reserved for Canadian mined diamonds only. They distinguish the individual diamonds with a unique laser inscribed serial number along with a diamond and maple leaf logo. This example weighs nicely over half a carat at 0.55ct. and grades a very conservative I1 clarity with an I colour and no fluorescence. We are offering the diamond as a loose stone available to set into any jewellery design you like. A new traditional style 14 karat gold engagement ring like this would likely cost around $700.00, a simple pendant could be done for under $200.00. Peoples Jewellers a currently showing a slightly smaller 0.50 carat diamond of the same quality in a basic solitaire ring setting on their website for $3,299.00. Our 0.55 carat Celebration cut is in perfect condition, ready to set into any piece of jewellery you can imagine. It is estate priced at just $800.00 CAD. stock #191-00144.

February 27, 2024

1.19ct. SI1-I fair cut with GIA report (1.54ct. tw.) diamond ring, 3.9gr., sz. 7, 14kt. $4,000.00 CAD. 191-00142

Forty years ago you walked into a jewellery store, saw a sparkly ring that appealed to you, and you bought it; simple. I suppose today that still happens from time to time, but our customers are interested in the quality, the pedigree, and most of all assurance they are receiving excellent value. The best way to determine value is to make sure the jewellery is described correctly and documented accurately. Accurate grading is the only way to comparison shop, and we welcome opportunity to demonstrate the excellent value of our estate diamonds and jewellery. Our latest estate diamond and ring can be purchased together or individually. We sent the centre round brilliant cut diamond to The Gemological Institute of America for a full grading report in January 2024. The full report can be seen online here. 1.19 carats in eight, SI1 clarity, I colour, fair cut, excellent polish, good symmetry, and strong blue fluorescence were The GIA’s opinion of this diamond. While it was there we spent a little extra to have the report number laser etched in the diamonds girdle. In case you lose the original laminated GIA report you can always look it up online and print off a copy. The cut is bright with lots of sparkle and brilliance, it could be brought up to excellent standards at the expense of around 10 to 12% loss in weight. That’s always the tradeoff when cutting natural diamonds; go for a perfect cut or try to retain some extra weight. If this diamond were to be recut the diameter wouldn’t change, only the depth would be altered, so it really wouldn’t look smaller in a setting. The strong fluorescence is a unique characteristic that only some natural diamonds exhibit (lab-grown diamonds do not fluoresce like this). When exposed to invisible long wave ultraviolet light some natural diamonds glow an eerie chalky blue colour like this. It’s a neat party trick that goes unnoticed until you’re getting your nails cured under UV light or you see the phenomena at glow in the dark bowling or similar. The 14 karat white gold ring contains 4 large baguette cut shoulder diamonds that are estimated to weigh 0.30 carat in total, they are of very good VS-GH quality. The 3.9 gram ring measures a finger size 7 and can be adjusted up or down a size or two. It’s flat edge makes selecting a matching wedding ring a simple process. This setting offers an almost endless selection of potential matches. If you’d like a different style of ring or other piece of jewellery, this diamond can be purchased separately for $3,500.00. The basic ring setting without the centre diamond is also available separately for $500.00. The diamond or complete ring comes with the original January 2024 GIA report, and our traditional blue presentation box. This estate ring is estate priced at $4,000.00 CAD. Stock #191-00142

SOLD

February 26, 2024

1.34ct. I1-H good cut (1.49ct. tw.) 3.7gr. platinum, sz.7. with GIA report. $4,900.00 CAD. 101-00556

We acknowledge and appreciate lab-grown diamonds, but our hearts will always prefer Mother Nature’s creations like this vintage estate ring. Lab-grown offer a cheaper alternative but offer little to no residual value, as their prices have been falling for years now. If the lab-grown diamond you’re looking at isn’t around 95% less than its natural equivalent then shop around because they’re asking too much. This diamond offers an outstanding value for two reasons; we acquired it pre-owned, and it is an I1 clarity but looks more like an SI2 (or better). We’ve seen VS clarity diamonds that don’t sparkle as well as this one. The grade setting inclusions are around the outside edge and can mostly be concealed with careful claw placement. The centre of the diamond is almost completely free from inclusions. The colour is a bright H, with a good overall cut, symmetry, and polish. As an added bonus the diamond exhibits no fluorescence. We recently sent this diamond to the Gemological Institute of America for a full diamond grading report. The full report can be seen online here. If you ever misplace the original GIA document you can refer to the microscopic laser etched number on the girdle and print a copy of the report from GIA’s website. This “don’t judge a book by its cover” diamond is set in its original vintage platinum setting that we believe dates from the 1950s or 1960s. It contains 6 marquise shaped brilliant cut diamonds of VS-GH quality (one chipped) that are estimated to weigh 0.15 carats in total weight. For under $5,000.00 this diamond ring offers exception bang for the buck and looks waaaaaay more expensive. If you’d like to set this natural diamond into a different piece of jewellery, it can be purchased without the setting for $4,400.00. This ring measures a finger size 7, it can easily be made a couple of sizes smaller or larger. Included with purchase is the January 2024 GIA diamond grading report and our traditional presentation box. The complete ring is estate priced at $4,900.00 CAD. Stock #101-00556.

SOLD

January 15, 2024

1.71ct. VS2-M marquise with GIA report, 14kt., 3.0gr., $8,050.00 CAD. 101-00135.

The round brilliant cut diamond has always been the most popular shape. Right now, ovals are a hot shape. Square Princess cuts were trendy 20 years ago. When I first entered the business in the late 1980s, fashionable brides to be, wanted a diamond just like this marquise cut. This marquise likely dates from around the 1930s or 40s, as the description on the 1980 appraisal describes its original setting in platinum with tapered baguette accent diamonds on the shoulders. Sometime after this document was produced it must have been remounted into this simple 14-karat yellow and white gold bi-pass style custom creation. I think this is a very flattering design, that shows off the slender 2.23:1 length-to-width ratio of this diamond. This diamond ring comes with a Gemological Institute of America report where it was graded a VS2 clarity with an M colour. The slightly warm colour is quite controlled in the simple wire shank setting. It faces up much more white than the M colour would suggest. The skinny marquise and relatively shallow overall cut of 57.5% make this diamond look waaaaay bigger than only 1.71 carats. Only around 6% of marquise-shaped diamonds are cut this slender. A marquise of these proportions and size is quite unusual. The October 14th, 2021 GIA report can be seen online here. This shape diamond would make a stunning pendant. If you have another design in mind for this diamond, bring your ideas in and let our talented team of designer goldsmiths create a one of a kind piece of jewellery for you. The complete ring is estate priced at $8,050.00. The diamond by itself is $7,800.00. Stock #101-00135.

December 12, 2023

1.00ct. I1-I good brilliant cut diamond 6.5mm diameter $2,300.00 CAD. 191-00128

All the really cheap lab-grown diamonds on the market have put pricing pressure on smaller natural diamonds of modest clarity. You can buy a 1.00 carat VVS-F excellent cut lab-grown diamond for $600.00 or less!!! If you’re buying a lab-grown make sure you don’t pay more.The cost of technology always gets cheaper over time, lab-grown diamonds are no different. You can buy lab-grown diamond for little more than the cost of cutting the rough crystals. It takes millions of years for a natural diamond to form but manufactured diamonds can be produced in about a month. This natural diamond isn’t perfect but it sparkles great, has really nice H-I colour, is well cut with a full 6.5mm diameter, and displays no fluorescence. It would make an excellent candidate as the centrepiece for a pendant, or perhaps we can match another to make some earrings. It’s impossible to measure in a clinical sense, but there will always be something special about the miracle of a natural diamond that can’t be duplicated the “laboratory” (diamond growing factory). This multi-billion year old natural diamond is in excellent condition, showing no chips or nicks of any kind. It offers great bang for the buck at the estate price of only $2,300.00 CAD. Stock #191-00128.

November 18, 2023

2.64ct. VS1-F transition brilliant cut diamond, with GIA report 2223893779. 191-00117

If you’ve never heard of a transition cut you’re not alone. Transition cut is a term that refers to diamonds from the 1920s into the 1940s. It was a time when the world was changing and technology played a larger role in life including a more scientific understanding of how optical physics related to the brilliance of a diamond. These transition cuts look mostly like old European cut diamonds but have some characteristics similar to a modern brilliant cut. They’re a bit of a hybrid and we love them. Smaller tables, taller crowns like antique diamonds but with longer lower girdle facets, and thinner pavilion main facets approaching that of modern diamonds. They have a unique look with tons of dispersion and are perfect in original antique rings or settings inspired by antique design. This diamond came to us in what we’re confident was its original antique platinum filigree setting. The ring was in good repair as the original setting had been re-tipped at some point in the past. The large centre stone was safe and secure but it showed wear and tear from being continuously worn for close to 100 years. The extremely thin girdle had several significant chips along its edge and several facet junctions displayed minor bruises. We felt the old diamond deserved to be repaired in order to display its full potential. We knew this meant sacrificing some size and weight to achieve an unblemished appearance. The chipped diamond originally weighed 2.86 carats and measured 9.10mm (average diameter). We were delighted after our master diamond cutter performed his magic and we lost just 7.5% of the original weight and 7.1% of the diameter. The freshly repaired diamond now weighs 2.64 carats and showcases an excellent F colour and very good VS1 clarity. The girdle edge is thicker now and will be much more resilient to chipping and other damage compared to the original knife edge girdle. The cut of this diamond still displays the antique geometry of the original. A small 54 percent table and steep crown angle of 37 degrees promote more dispersion (breakup of white light into spectral colours) compared to a modern round brilliant with an excellent cut. A short YouTube video of this beautiful diamond can be seen by clicking here. To see the April 2023 Gemological Institute of America report, click here. While the diamond was at GIA in New York we decided to spend a little more and have the report number laser engraved in the girdle. This permanent engraving allows the owner peace of mind if the original document is ever lost. Any diamond of this size and quality is special, but finding a transition cut from the 1930s is extremely rare. We’ve only ever had a couple of these old-cut diamonds of this size and quality pass through our store over the past 65 years. It would be great if the diamond and setting stay together but we’ll leave that up to the next owner as we have the ring priced separately for $1,000.00 CAD. The platinum ring contains 8 small single-cut diamonds (0.10ct. tw.), weighs 3.7 grams, and measures a finger size of 8 1/2. The repaired diamond will require a thin bezel setting to be used in the original ring due to the slightly smaller diameter. Keep them together or let us create a spectacular new engagement ring or dinner ring for you. Our goldsmiths can produce anything that you can imagine or have seen before. Diamond stock #191-00117.t Setting stock #421-00016.

Viewing by appointment only.

November 16, 2023

4.28ct. VS2-M, very good cut, with GIA report. e14313

Buying a significant diamond is unlike almost anything else you can spend a paycheque on. The economy of scale doesn’t really work with diamonds as it does with other items. There is a general rule when it comes to the price of diamonds; as the size doubles, the price quadruples. For example, a nice 1.00 carat GIA certified, VS2-F, excellent cut, excellent polish, excellent symmetry, none fluorescent, round diamond sells for around $10,000.00 CAD (if competitively priced). A 2.00-carat version of the same quality goes for around $35,000.00. Up that to a 4.00 carat and you’re talking about $140,000.00. Big diamonds are exponentially more rare than small diamonds, and finding one of high quality ups the rarity factor much more. It’s always exciting for us when a large diamond arrives in our estate department. This 4.28 carat whopper is cut exactly the same as a tiny diamond weighing only 0.01 carat. Every round brilliant cut diamond has 57 facets regardless of its size. Big diamonds are more attractive because they have more surface area for sparkling reflections. The bigger the diamond, the longer it takes for light to travel inside and then exit in a rainbow of dispersion much more than a small diamond could. Few jewellery stores carry diamonds much bigger than about 1.50 to 2.00 carats. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers always have some in the 3.00 to 5.00 carat size. Even if you don’t think a big diamond is for you, you should have a look at a large, well-cut, good quality, diamond and find out just how contagious our excitement is. Our latest diamond has a lot going for it. Eye clean VS2 clarity means no blemishes or inclusions can be seen without artificial magnification.  A very good cut, excellent polish, very good symmetry and no fluorescence make this diamond sparkle like a disco ball. The M colour displays a very slight yellow hue but far less than the M colour grade may lead you to believe. The Gemological Institute of America report is your assurance of impartial quality assessment. NEVER accept anything but a GIA report. Many other certificates and appraisals can be biased and sometimes downright inaccurate. There is no substitute for a GIA diamond grading report. If you’d like a second opinion of quality this diamond also comes with an International Gemological Institute (IGI) report stating the quality as VS2-L (one colour grade higher than that of the GIA). Let’s make an incredible ring together using this diamond. Our onsite goldsmiths and designers are eager to create something truly remarkable to showcase this beautiful stone. You can see a short YouTube video of this diamond here. Email us your number and we’ll WhatsApp you a better quality video. The diamond comes with its original laminated GIA report and a copy of the IGI report. Stock #e14313.

Viewing by appointment only.

November 2, 2023

2.11ct. VS1-F GIA certified marquise brilliant cut diamond $30,250.00 CAD. e12943 101-00284

Freshly certified December 5 2019 at The Gemological Institute of America with very nice results of VS1 clarity, F colour, no fluorescence, good polish, and good symmetry. The full report can be seen online here. The diamond is currently set in a simple, elegant, platinum setting with 2 slender baguette shoulder diamonds. Diamond only is priced at $30,250.00.00 CAD. The complete ring is priced at $31,450.00 CAD. A more thorough description of the finished ring and diamond can be seen on our website here. Stock #e12943 101-00284

Viewing by appointment only.

November 1, 2023

0.44 carat SI1 cognac diamond $499.00 CAD. e6251

Interesting looking brownish/orange diamond. The 0.44 carat diamond has been treated to create a stable new colour. The diamond is well cut and a SI1 clarity. It measures 4.90mm x 3.05mm. This would make an interesting alternative to a white diamond engagement ring. Estate priced at $499.00. Stock #e6251.

October 28, 2023

1.30 carat VVS1-E GIA certified $15,500.00 CAD. e8067

This diamond came in with an Amsterdam diamond report declaring the diamond “loupe clean of river colour”. These old terms refer to flawless clarity with perfect colour. Hoping for a similar opinion from the Gemological Institute of America the diamond was sent to New York for a more internationally accepted opinion. The results came back with a VVS1 clarity with an E colour. Both characteristics are just 1 grade off perfect. Fewer than 4% of diamonds receive a quality grade like this or better. The added length of a fancy shaped marquise makes them look bigger than an ordinary round diamond. The actual dimensions of 10.32mm x 5.62mm x 3.73 make for an impressive display. GIA report #2165031879 describes the symmetry and polish as very good. The diamond also will exhibit strong blue fluorescence when exposed to long-wave ultra violet light. The Estate price is $15,500.00, CAD.  Stock #e8067.The diamond is currently mounted in an 18 karat yellow gold setting with baguette cut diamonds available separately. Stock #e8067

October 26, 2023

0.51ct. SI2-H very good cut $1,000.00 CAD. 191-00103

Diamonds are by far the hardest of all gemstones. In fact, they are 200 times harder than the second hardest gem, but that doesn’t mean you can’t chip or break them. Much the same as wood has a grain, diamonds have directional hardness and cleavage planes. If impacted with enough force in the right direction, diamonds can be damaged. While this isn’t common we do see it from time to time. Diamonds of promotional quality with significant surface breaking inclusions are more prone to damage than higher clarity diamonds. When this estate diamond arrived to us it weighed 0.99 carats but wasn’t well cut and had a significant chip that extended into the stone. We knew it had potential, but it would come at the expense of significant weight loss. By the time our master diamond cutter repaired the stone, almost half its original weight was lost. Its diameter went from 6.25mm to 5.05mm with a resulting weight of 0.51 carats. As this diamond has been entirely remanufactured, it is now in perfect condition with a very good to excellent overall cut, a strong SI2 clarity, H colour, and showing no fluorescence. The grade setting inclusions are small white crystals that are invisible to the naked eye. This diamond comes with a cut report detailing all of the diamond’s geometry. This beautiful stone could be used in any creation, from a simple solitaire pendant or ring to half of a pair of stud earrings. Freshly cut and estate priced at just $1,000.00 CAD. Stock number 191-00103.

1.30ct. Internally flawless fancy yellow natural diamond with GIA report $9,000.00 CAD. 191-00131

The latest addition to our estate collection is this Internally Flawless (IF), natural colour, fancy yellow diamond. In terms of rare minerals, diamonds are scarce but not too uncommon. Natural yellow diamonds on the other hand are indeed few and far between. Our in store diamond database contains close to 700,000 diamonds from the world’s largest cutting factories, but only around 2,800 are fancy yellow diamonds. Of those, only around 50 are this size or larger and of the same or better quality. That works out to less than 1 per every 100,000 diamonds. Diamonds like this are not readily available or replaceable. Yellow diamonds occur when trace amounts of nitrogen are present when the rough diamond crystal formed billions of years ago. This yellow diamond is of Internally Flawless (IF) clarity. This means there are no detectable inclusions visible by a trained diamond grader when viewed at 10 times magnification. In person, this diamond is far more brilliant and bright than these still images show. Unlike most yellow diamonds, this one exhibits no secondary modifying brown hues as would otherwise be noted in the GIA report, pure primary spectral yellow is the most desirable colour. The diamond comes with a GIA report from the summer of 2012. It has never been assembled into a piece of jewellery and remains in perfect condition. The full Gemological Institute of America report can be seen by clicking here. What sort of jewellery do you think this rare diamond would look good in? I’m thinking perhaps a drop pendant or maybe a halo style ring with contrasting white diamonds. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. This diamond was originally purchased through Guild Hall Wealth Management. You may have heard their Sunday morning program on AM 640 Toronto. The diamond comes with lots of articles copied from Money Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, and various other internally produced documents from Gild Hall. A March 2015 Diamond Grading Report and Appraisal from Harold Weinstein suggests an estimated replacement value of $30,400.00 CAD. The original bill of sale (April 9th, 2014) shows an initial purchase price of $14,862.84 plus sales tax. This perfect condition, fancy yellow, natural diamond is estate priced at $9,000.00 CAD. Stock number 191-00131.

October 24, 2023

0.30ct. SI1-I excellent cut GIA certified $555.00 CAD. e10707

From cell phones to automobiles and refrigerators to ping pong balls; nearly every consumer brand name item carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price. The key to getting great value is knowing if and where you can get a lower than MSRP price. Shopping for diamonds is very difficult because they do not have a suggested retail price. The price you see is dictated by the level of profit needed by the vendor to cover their overhead and hopefully maintain a reasonable surplus to supply a decent income for the employees and owners. Modern commerce is extremely competitive, we welcome and encourage our customers to become informed and seek out the best value in diamonds. When you know what you’re comparing you know how to find the best value. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers is always about full disclosure with all our diamonds and jewellery in general. We’ll always show you everything needed for you to determine where the best value is in both new and estate jewellery. Over 60 years experience, much lower than average overhead, unique diamond sourcing/buying strategies, and generally just a lower markup give Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers perhaps an unfair advantage. I’m guessing our clients don’t really care about all that, they just care about getting the absolute best value. We’re happy to deliver fantastic value plus deliver a level of service only a fiercely independent vendor can offer. This pretty diamond is a great example of the type of value we can offer at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. It’s GIA certified, so comparing its attributes is just a click away by looking at the certification report online. This diamond was purchased in the spring of 2017 for almost $1300.00 plus tax. It comes complete with the original bill of sale, copy of GIA certificate, diamond card, guarantee, and folder. The diamond was never assembled into a ring. It remains in the little protective plastic/cardboard holder that it was delivered in. Whether it’s a $500.00 diamond or a $500,000.00 diamond everyone is looking for the best value. Take your time, look at the certificate (hopefully it’s a Gemological Institute of America report), don’t be influenced by perceived discounts, and most of all shop around. If this diamond is of interest to you please contact us or stop in to have a closer look. For $555.00 we feel it is the best value around. Dealer and trade inquires are always welcome. Stock #e10707.

October 18, 2023

0.52ct. I1-G good cut, 5.25mm diameter, $1,000.00 CAD. e14047 191-00027

On paper, this diamond is far from perfect, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sparkle or is attractive. We’ll be the first to admit there are a couple of white feather type inclusions that can be seen without magnification. The rest of the diamond has very good transparency, brilliance, and dispersion. We imagine a diamond like this will eventually end up in a pendant or paired with another diamond of similar quality in a pair of earrings. The strong G colour ensures it has no tint of yellow or brown. It’s bright, it’s white, it sparkles as a diamond should, and it has excellent value at the estate price of just $1,000.00 CAD. Stock #e14047 191-00027

October 14, 2023

1.46ct. VVS2 fancy vivid yellow diamond GIA certified $9,250.00 CAD. e737

1.46 carat VVS2 fancy vivid yellow colour enhanced round brilliant cut diamond GIA certified #5121011261. Details of the certificate can be viewed on GIA’s website by clicking here. The loose diamond is available alone for $9,250.00 CAD. This complete ring can be viewed in the estate rings over $5,000.00 section. Stock #e737.

October 10, 2023

1.53ct. SI2-F Asscher cut GIA certified $10,130.00 CAD. 101-00509

I’ve heard a rumor that there are some people who don’t like diamonds. I bet those people haven’t seen a nice quality Asscher cut before. Very few of these have come in over the past half plus century here at 52 Dunlop Street Downtown Barrie. This may be the nicest one yet. There is really nothing not to love about this one. From its almost perfectly square, large 6.73mm x 6.71mm footprint, to the fabulous “F” colour, this one explodes with brilliance.  I really don’t even mind the just eye visible knot inclusion just off centre. After all, unless you have exceptional vision it’s invisible. If the minor translucent inclusion wasn’t there, this diamond would cost around 75% more and would really only look better under a microscope. I’ll take the 7K in savings thank you very much.  The Gemological Institute of America has certified the diamond a SI2-F with very good symmetry, very good polish and no fluorescence. Click here to see to full September 2016 report. You seldom see Asscher cuts although they are becoming one of the more asked for specialty cuts. The clean tailored symmetry and parallel facets are a refreshing optical treat compared to the more common brilliant cut, square princess and round diamonds. If you try to compare similar weight Asschers you’ll notice most only measure around 6.3mm x 6.3mm. This is because most are cut much deeper in an effort to conserve weight without any improved visual impact. Trust me when I say finding a Asscher cut with a depth percentage under 60 is exceedingly rare and very desirable. The diamond is currently set in a high quality 18 karat yellow gold and platinum 7.6 gram setting (available separately for $1000.00). It’s ready to go as a fantastic engagement ring. If you have other ideas, come in with your imagination or even a picture of your dream ring and we’ll  custom make it for you. The diamond alone is estate priced at only $10,130.00 CAD. Stock #101-00509.

2.15ct. VS2-F princess cut excellent GIA report & free platinum setting $26,320.00 CAD. 101-00443

If you know what you’re doing, buying a natural round diamond isn’t very difficult. Assuming you are looking at a reliable grading report, the 4Cs (clarity, colour, carat weight, and cut) make it easy to compare diamonds and prices. The key of course is comparing accurate and reliable grading reports. There are many reports and appraisals in the market place and some are simply misleading and inaccurate. When it comes to important diamonds, the industry relies on The Gemological Institute of America (GIA). GIA developed the modern diamond grading system in 1953 that jewellers and gemologists use to describe the features that affect the value. They do this as a completely impartial 3rd party. GIA is not involved in the commerce of diamonds, gems, or jewellery. The Gemological Institute of America DOES NOT appraise diamonds or jewellery. If you have a report, certificate, or appraisal with any form of value attached, you are not looking at a GIA report. ALWAYS insist on GIA documentation if you’re considering a valuable diamond. The 4th “C” of cut is confusing for people and even many jewellers are not equipped to explain why the cut is so important. The geometry of how a diamond is cut dramatically changes how it sparkles. Round diamonds have well known established standards to compare, but fancy shapes do not. This means it is more difficult to find nicely cut fancy shaped diamonds. Many diamond cutters manufacture efficiently so as to produce diamonds that weigh as much as possible at the expense of potential sparkle and brilliance. All this talk leads us to one of the best looking (best cut) princess cut diamonds we’ve ever had come through our estate department. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the diamond already had a lot going for it. Over 2 carats in weight, VS2 clarity, F colour, no fluorescence, and just 0.0027% (0.02mm) of being dead square. Those details are straight forward and easy to compare against other princess cut diamonds. It’s the geometry of the cut where this diamond absolutely excels. Of the 35,000 princess cut diamonds on our database, only 36 have the same or better geometry. When we also factor in size, colour, polish, symmetry, and fluorescence characteristics, that number drops to ZERO! We can’t find a princess cut diamond close to this size and quality anywhere this nice at any price, end of story. To see a short Youtube video of the diamond click here. My amateur video was shot without any special lighting, just regular fluorescent ceiling lights in my office with my old cell phone. This diamond is already set in a traditional platinum double gallery setting with a thin 2.25mm wide round shank. The simple and flattering setting weighs 3.8 grams (net) in a finger size of 6. This ring is included for no charge with the diamond. We can adjust the size as required. If you’d like to see the GIA diamond report number 16178230, it can be seen online here. This amazing estate diamond including the complimentary setting is estate priced at $26,320.00 CAD. Stock #101-00443.

Viewing by appointment only.

September 18, 2023

0.41ct. VS2-I GIA certified in platinum head $799.00 CAD. e8355

I can’t ever remember selling a diamond in a setting that hasn’t been assembled into a finished piece of jewellery. I suppose there’s a first for everything so we’re going to give it a shot. Why recycle a perfectly good platinum 4 prong setting when there is a good chance we’ll just have to buy a new one to make this pretty diamond into a beautiful engagement ring or another piece of jewellery. This 0.65 gram platinum head would cost over $100.00 to replace but it comes free with the purchase of this diamond. The diamond is a very good cut 0.41 carat princess cut with VS2 clarity and I colour. Measurements of 4.05mm x 3.95mm x 2.98mm with a good depth of 75.4% and a table of 77% guarentee excellent sparkle and brilliance. Comes with GIA certificate #15450271. Estate priced at $799.00. Stock #e8355.

September 12, 2023

1.03ct. VS2-H average/good cut, halo ring (62=1.50ct. tw. VS-H) 7.7gr. 14kt. $12,000.00 CAD. 101-00381

At 9.84mm wide this ring is certainly teetering into super halo territory! The ring’s crown is a 1.03 carat round brilliant cut of lovely VS2-H quality with an average to good cut grade, with a large footprint of 6.7mm diameter. We removed the diamond to fully assess its quality and confirm the weight rather than estimate its quality while it was in the setting. The square halo features decorative filigree accents and 20 hand set petite round brilliant cut diamonds. The 6.95mm wide shoulders are covered by an additional 42 round and princess cut diamonds, bead, and channel set halfway across the ring. Together they equal 1.50 carats of VS-H quality, perfectly matching their main diamond. The 7.7 gram 14 karat white gold ring has been solidly constructed and features a wide bottom for durability. The ring currently measures a finger size of 6 3/4 with a bit of room to adjust. The ring is accompanied by a GS Laboratories certificate stating a replacement value of $21,000.00 CAD. We feel a more competitive replacement value with new would be $17,140.00 and our estate price is $12,000.00 CAD. If you’d like to purchase just the centre diamond, it is available separately for $9,500.00 CAD. Stock #101-00381.

1.00ct. princess cut SI1-H with GIA report. 5.7gr. 18kt. $4,690.00 CAD. e14471

When this diamond ring arrived it needed 4 new claws, as they had worn thin over more than 20 years of continuous use. We figured before making the necessary repairs, we might as well add some extra value by sending the diamond to The Gemological Institute of America for a grading report. The diamond ring already came with a DC Taylor appraisal conservatively grading the diamond an SI2 clarity with an H colour. I’m happy to say the diamond actually graded a slightly better SI1-H from the GIA. The complete October  15th, 2021 report can be seen online here. Be extremely careful buying fancy-shaped diamonds. There are no universally accepted standards for cut, geometry, and proportions for fancy shapes. Thankfully this diamond is nicely cut. The table facet of 74% is a little larger than optimum, but it is still good, all the other proportions are quite nice. The girdle edge is a pleasant medium to thick, many poorly manufactured princess cut diamonds have very thick to extremely thick girdles that add nothing but extra weight. Far too many princess cut diamonds are cut waaaaaay too deep. This example has a depth of 72.7% which is appropriate for a square/rectangular princess cut. The overall dimensions of 5.88mm x 5.32mm are much larger than many 1.00 carat princess cuts. There are 1.00 carat princess cuts out there that measure as small as  5.0mm x 5.0mm. Make sure the jeweller you are considering buying a fancy shape diamond from can explain how the cut affects the price and sparkle of a diamond. This bright and brilliant diamond is set in a simple 4 prong solitaire with a flat shank. The premium quality 18 karat white gold setting weighs in at a substantial 5.7 grams in a finger petite size 4 1/4. Fortunately, the high-quality, solidly constructed ring can be made up to 3 sizes larger if needed Our onsite goldsmiths can accomplish this task in only a few days. If you like this diamond but would prefer a different setting, bring us your ideas. We’d love to create a custom one of a kind piece of jewelley for you. The complete ring with 4 newly repaired claws (not completed yet) is estate priced at only $4,690.00. The diamond alone is priced at $4,060.00 CAD. Stock #e14471.

August 22, 2023

8.00ct. cushion SI2-M with GIA report, GemScan Pre-Cert, 14kt. solitaire 5.8gr. 101-00478

If you love diamonds and you’re reading this I’m sure you know how popular laboratory-grown synthetic diamonds have become. Growing diamonds in a laboratory is nothing new, General Electric has been able to do it since the 1950s. What has changed is the readily available technology and the efficiency of scale. In the 50s the quality of lab-grown diamonds was poor and the cost to produce them far exceeded mining natural. Today, high-quality, cheap synthetic diamonds cost around 95% less than comparable natural diamonds. In the face of this monumental difference in values, natural diamonds are holding their value very well. Real is rare and finite, lab-grown diamonds offer virtually all the small attributes of natural diamonds except rarity and value retention. As technology matures, costs fall, every time. Natural diamonds are rare and significant size diamonds are very rare. Our latest diamond is a cushion-shaped brilliant cut weighing 8.00 carats. We sent this important diamond to The Gemological Institute of America for a complete report. The finished document can be seen online here. GIA determined the clarity to be SI2, and the colour to be M. The SI2 clarity is almost eye clean. A couple of small feather-type inclusions may be discernable to the sharp-sighted under close-up scrutiny. The symmetry/polish was graded as good and the diamond exhibits no fluorescence when exposed to long-wave ultraviolet light. Our in-store diamond database shows over 600,000 diamonds for sale throughout the world, but only 8 of this shape, quality, and size (or larger). This is one extremely rare diamond. It is set in a simple 14-karat white gold solitaire setting (finger size 7 1/2) that showcases this large stone in a less-is-more design. We acquired this diamond with a GemScan report (#1269465 1/6/2020) describing the diamond as 8.02ct. SI2-K with a very good cut. The discrepancy of 0.02 carats is due to the fact we had the diamond repolished to remove a few abrasions on the pavilion. It seems this diamond was worn against a diamond wedding band that was rubbing the bottom of the large solitaire. Also included is an appraisal from Canadian Insurance Jewellery Appraisals Toronto. If you’d like a private viewing of this diamond, please contact us. We’d be happy to remount this exceptional diamond in any custom design you can dream up. Stock #101-00478.

Viewing by appendment only.

June 19, 2023

1.31ct. VVS1-F triple excellent GIA report (10=0.20ct. VS-G), 3,5gr. 18kt. sz. 6 1/4. $17,000.00 CAD. 101-00468

Among jewellers and those in the diamond trade a diamond like this is known as a “Triple X”. The 3 Xs refer to the excellent cut, excellent polish, and excellent symmetry. At no point in this diamond’s transformation from the rough crystal, to the finished gem was any part of the production compromised or rushed. No doubt, the master cutter/polisher responsible for cutting this diamond could have opted for merely a good or very good cut with a heavier finished weight but they didn’t lower their high standards. Very few diamonds stocked by most jewellers are manufactured to such high standards. Mother nature endowed this diamond with outstanding potential when it formed 3-4 billion years ago, in the form of exceptional clarity and colour. The Gemological Institute of America determined VVS2 clarity with an F colour. As an added bonus the diamond also shows no fluorescence when exposed to long-wave ultraviolet light. The full GIA report can be seen online here. Valuable and important diamonds should always come with a GIA report (there are no substitutes). If you’re considering any valuable diamond, insist it comes with a Gemological Institute of American Diamond Grading Report. GIA DO NOT provide appraisals and has no interest in the commerce of diamonds. They are an impartial 3rd party, interested only in research, education, and detailing the quality of diamonds and gems. This diamond has been laser engraved (at extra cost) with the GIA report number on its faceted girdle edge. The previous owner obviously placed a great deal of importance on quality. The white gold setting has been crafted from premium 18-karat white gold and hand set with 10 complimentary VS-GH  shoulder diamonds adding an extra 0.20 carats of accenting sparkle. This ring measures a finger size of 6 1/2 and weighs over 3.5 grams. If you need the ring adjusted in size, one of our on-site goldsmiths should be able to accomplish this task in just a couple of days. The classic 6-prong setting offers excellent security and can easily be matched with any flat-edged wedding or anniversary ring. This triple X-rated diamond ring is estate priced at $17,000.00. If you like to choose a new ring design or custom make a different jewellery item, the diamond can be purchased alone for $16,500.00 CAD. Stock #101-00468.

May 26, 2023

2.20ct. VS2-H excellent cut with GIA report (2.95ct. tw.) 6.1gr. 18kt. halo. $37,200.00 CAD. 101-00357

Where do we begin describing a ring like this? It would take a post thousands of words long for us to adequately describe the attributes of this ring and the absolute value it represents. We’ll start with the facts. When it comes to our estate diamond rings and other jewellery, wholesale is the new retail at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. You’d think with all those inexpensive lab-grown synthetic diamonds flooding the market, natural diamonds would be seeing some pricing pressures. Such is not the case, in fact, the opposite is true; while lab-grown synthetics are falling in price every day, properly graded, natural diamonds have seen price increases over the last year. Did you know that synthetic diamonds have fallen in price to only around 10% of their natural counterparts? If you’re considering a synthetic, laboratory-grown diamond, make sure you are getting it at close to a 90% discount compared to the real thing. The diamond in this beautiful 18 karat white gold halo setting is 100% natural in every way. The only thing humans contributed to Mother Nature’s creation was the skill to transform the rough crystal into the excellent cut, finished round brilliant cut diamond. What I love so much about this diamond is the 60/60 excellent cut (60% table and 60% depth). Almost no modern diamonds are cut like this anymore. Among accurately graded, excellent/ideal cut diamonds with reports from reliable labs, the average depth is more than 62% relative to the diameter. Two percent doesn’t sound like much, but it makes them appear noticeably smaller due to their compact diameter. Sorting through our 300,000 diamond database there are no stones of this quality anywhere near this price ($35,600.00 diamond without setting) with an average diameter of 8.45mm or larger. The other component of this 60/60 diamond is the 60% table percentage. This slightly larger table percentage contributes to the bigger look with a modest optical bias favoring brilliance over dispersion. A more brilliant diamond will display a touch more white/black flash, compared to a smaller table that shows more break up of white light into a rainbow of spectral colours known as dispersion. There is a little more to it than that, but rest assured this is a rare diamond with excellent cutting geometry compared to what is available in other excellent cut diamonds. This type of geometry was more common in 1950s and 1960s. The full 2011 Gemological Institute of America report can be seen online here. Besides the flattering excellent cut, the rest of the diamond’s attributes are very nice without being exceptional, resulting in all around great value. Its VS2 clarity appears flawless to the naked eye, the H colour is virtually colourless without a noticeable tint, very good symmetry/polish and no fluorescence finish up this diamond’s quality characteristics. The 18 karat white gold setting also makes this diamond appear larger than you’d expect for a stone weighing 2.20 carats. The ever popular “halo” design frames the centre with a string of tiny round brilliant cut diamonds, all expertly French set with a decorative beaded outline. The diameter of the halo frame bumps the ring’s diameter to just shy of 12mm. The 6.1 gram premium white setting contains 130 full cut diamonds of minimum VS-H quality that bring the total diamond weight to an estimated 2.95 carats. The ring measures a slightly smaller size 5. Our onsite goldsmiths can adjust the ring up or down a full size or so. The setting alone represents outstanding value considering it is estate priced at just $1,600.00 (without the centre diamond). Decorated on three sides of both shoulders plus the vertical sides of the halo frame and even a surprise diamond under the setting. As a final touch to love and romance, the filigree gallery of the ring consists of 6 hearts that go almost unnoticed, lost in the ornate design. The ring is in excellent condition, showing no worn areas. It comes with the original laminated GIA report from January 2011. The complete ring is estate priced at $37,200.00 CAD. Stock #101-00357.

Viewing by appointment only.

May 3, 2023

1.24ct. VS1-F transition cut diamond ring with GIA report (6=0.38ct.tw. SI-HI) 4.4gr., sz. 5 1/2, $11,400.00 CAD. 101-00546

If you’ve never heard of a transition cut you’re not alone. A transition cut is a term that refers to diamonds from the 1920s into the 1940s. It was a time when the world was changing and technology played a larger role in life including a more scientific understanding of how optical physics related to the brilliance of a diamond. These transition cuts look mostly like old European cut diamonds but have some characteristics similar to a modern brilliant cut. They’re a bit of a hybrid and we love them. Smaller tables, taller crowns like antique diamonds but with longer lower girdle facets, and thinner pavilion main facets approaching that of modern diamonds. They have a unique look with tons of dispersion and are perfect in original antique rings or settings inspired by antique design. This diamond came in to us weighing 1.39 carats with a diameter of 7.0mm. It was showing some minor chips around its very thin gridle. Our master diamond cutting removed the minor damage, thickened up the girdle at the expense of some of the diameter and a little loss of weight. He paid close attention to leaving the vintage character of the transition cut intact. The freshly repaired diamond now weighs 1.24 carats with a 6.9mm average diameter. The repaired diamond with its thicker middle section is much more resistant to chipping. While the diamond was out we thought we should send it to The Gemological Institute of America for a full grading report. It came back with the excellent results we expected of VS1 clarity, F colour, and no fluorescence. The full report can be seen online here. GIA do not comment on the overall cut of these vintage/antique diamonds, but from the basic geometry of 50% table with a 60% depth you know this old diamond is going to throw off fantastic dispersion and brilliance. We elected to return the diamond to the setting it has called home for many years. This 14 karat white gold setting contains 6 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing an estimated 0.38 carats of SI-HI quality. The 4.4 gram, size 5 1/2 ring has a beautiful pattern of overlapping claws on the gallery. The ring is in excellent condition and can be adjusted in size up or down by one of our onsite goldsmiths. If you have another piece of jewellery in mind for this diamond it is available alone for $10,500.00. The complete ring including the December 2023 GIA report is estate priced at $11,400.00 CAD.

SOLD

May 2, 2023

0.70ct. SI1-L round good cut 5.7mm – 5.8mm x 3.4mm $1,400.00 CAD. 191-00058

This poor little diamond has spent the past 45 years in a small folded piece of paper. It was purchased in January 1977 and was never turned into a piece of jewellery. To turn this nice sized diamond into a simple 14 karat gold pendant could cost as little as $100.00 more. We have many more loose estate diamonds in stock to choose from to suit any taste or budget. This diamond displays an eye-clean SI1 clarity with slightly warm L colour and no fluorescence. The original 1977 appraisal briefly describes the diamond and assigned a value of $1,600.00. I wonder what the previous owner paid for this stone, I suspect quite a bit less. This diamond would be easy to match and make an excellent pair of earrings or anything else you can dream up. Don’t let this diamond spend the next 45 years stored away where no one can enjoy it. Our estate price for this diamond is only $1,400.00 CAD. Stock #191-00058.

SOLD

May 1, 2023

1.30ct. internally flawless-F , triple ex. no fluorescence GIA report 2201879274 $21,000.00 CAD 191-00111

Mother nature doesn’t create “IF” diamonds very often. Internally Flawless is just about as good as it gets when it comes to diamond clarity. According to the Gemological Institute of America comments section of report 2201879274, the only thing keeping this diamond from being Flawless are “Minor details of polish”. The colour of this diamond is also an excellent F grade. Overall cut, polish, and symmetry are all excellent. This diamond also has the desirable characteristic of exhibiting no fluorescence when exposed to longwave ultraviolet light. When viewed through polarized light round brilliant cut diamonds display a unique pattern of “hearts & arrows”. If the cutting geometry isn’t perfect, the hearts and arrows become misshaped or completely disappear. The hearts can only be seen when viewing the diamond from the bottom. Valentine’s day is just around the corner; a hearts and arrows diamond would make a very romantic gift in any piece of jewellery. This diamond also comes with a very realistic and extremely thorough 4-page 2018 appraisal report from Imperial Gem Lab Vancouver. Bring us your ideas for the perfect ring, pendant, or another piece of jewellery for this diamond. Our team of onsite goldsmiths can make it happen. The diamond comes with the original laminated GIA report and Insurance documentation. Estate priced at $21,000.00 CAD. Stock #191-00111.

SOLD

March 29, 2023

0.73ct. I1-I good cut 5.9mm x 3.9mm $1,400.00 CAD. 191-00090

Good sized diamond with a pleasant if not perfect clarity, good colour, and good cut. This diamond is a worthy candidate for any jewellery item you may be considering. It looks bigger than many 3/4 carat diamonds on the market as it has a diameter of 5.9mm; many average to poor cut diamonds of this weight have much smaller overall diameters because they are cut too deep. Depending on the screen you’re viewing this on, these images are likely more than 10 times actual size, making the white feather inclusion appear much more significant than it is in reality. We are proud to offer the bright lively 100% natural diamond for the estate price of just $1,400.00 CAD. Stock #191-00090.

SOLD

March 26, 2023

0.64ct. VVS2-F very good cut natural diamond $2,468.00 CAD. 191-00102

At 0.70 carats the price for well cut natural diamonds really starts to take off. A diamond like this is substantially less and looks about the same size. Its average diameter of 5.55mm is 0nly about 0.8 millimeters less than the size of an excellent cut 1.00 carat but is close to 75% less expensive. This estate diamond was once in a BIRKS setting that we used for a different project. The diamond is in perfect condition, just looking for a new home. It would make an excellent pendant or the centre piece of a ring. Its estate price is $2,468.00 CAD. Stock #191-00102

SOLD

March 10, 2023

8.20ct. diamond studs SI2-M & VS1-L GIA reports $78,125.00 CAD. e14213 191-00018

Where do we begin with such an amazing pair of diamond earrings? This is the largest pair of diamond earrings we’ve ever put together, and just in time for Mother’s Day. I guess the best place to start would be by answering the question, how can a VS1 and an SI2 match when they are 3 grades apart? On paper, they are not the same clarity, but to the naked eye, they look identical. The grade setting inclusion in the SI2 diamond can be completely covered by a strategically placed claw. The white feather inclusion (circled in red) is located in the perfect position to be hidden with a small prong. Once set into a piece of jewellery the diamond looks like a VS1 or better, and matches the other stone quite well. Both estate diamonds weigh exactly 4.10 carat, both diamonds measure less than 0.1mm in average diameter of each other, and both are within one colour grade. Even comparing the geometry and proportions of the very good and excellent cut reveals just how close these two diamonds match. Diamonds this size don’t come around every day. Our typical jeweller’s tools aren’t made for diamonds larger than 10mm in diameter. There are no setting burs available this big to cut seats, and our parallel pliers don’t open wide enough to manipulate the claws. Necessity is the mother of invention, so we cut each seat individually by hand and modified a small pair of vice-grips to get the job done. This isn’t the first time we’ve raided the garage toolbox when something a little bigger is required. After some filing, cleaning up the tool marks, polishing, and a high-temperature ultrasonic cleaning these earrings are ready for their new home. We were tempted to use each diamond in separate engagement rings, but we’ve done that many times before. The temptation to make a giant pair of diamond studs was just too irresistible. I would have never guessed that an 8.20 carat pair of diamond earrings could be so easy to wear. Yes, they’re huge; yes, they’re hard to miss, but HOLY COW, do they ever sparkle. At only 2.5 grams per earring, the weight isn’t even noticeable. Both diamonds are in perfect condition and come with current 2021 GIA reports. The full Gemological Institute of America reports can be seen online here and here. Always insist on a GIA report if you are considering purchasing a significant diamond. Most of our estate diamond stud earrings are made up on-site by our goldsmiths using brand new, heavy, double gallery settings with large upgraded friction backs. If this 8.20-carat pair is a little out of reach, we have dozens of other estate diamond earrings in stock, starting at less than $500.00. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for ready to go, chances are we can make a pair up for you in only a few hours. Most of our estate diamond stud earrings are not shown on our website. If your mom, wife, or girlfriend doesn’t have a pair of diamond studs, now is a great time to get her a classic piece of jewellery that she can wear every day. If she has a smaller pair and would like to upgrade them, we do trade-ins all the time. If you’re interested in one of these diamonds for a different purpose, they are available individually. Dealer inquiries are welcomed. This fabulous pair of diamond studs are estate priced at $78,125.00 CAD. Stock #e14213 191-00018 and e14214.

SOLD

February 2, 2023

1.13ct. VS1-K European cut natural diamond 6.60mm x 4.05mm $4,500.00 CAD. 191-00121

They sure don’t make them like this anymore. In fact, unless it is a reproduction, they haven’t cut diamonds like this since around 1930. Wide pavilion main facets, large culet, small table, are all telltale signs of an antique diamond. 100 years ago almost all diamonds came from South Africa. The majority of diamonds from this geographic location exhibit a slightly warmer hue. This diamond is no exception. According to our Gemological Institute of America master colour comparison diamonds we are confident this diamond is a K colour. There is a tiny white crystal inclusion that is invisible in these photos resulting in a clarity grade of VS1. It has great symmetry and polish for a diamond close to a century in age. It is almost perfectly round with a uniform diameter of 6.6mm. We haven’t decided what to do with this one yet, so we’re showing it to you first. If you’re looking for a great value in something different than a cheap lab-grown alternative, consider this one. It would make a great centre stone for ring or in a simple pendant. This antique diamond is in perfect condition, there isn’t even the slightest scratch, scuff, chip, or nick or any facet. Estate priced at just $4,500.00 CAD. Stock #191-00121.

SOLD

February 1, 2023

9.26ct. VS2-OP (10.01ct. tw. VS-F) engagement/wedding ring set. E10891 191-00073

Once or twice a year a truly remarkable estate item turns up at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. The kind of thing that you almost never get to see or when you do it’s usually on a Hollywood celebrity. While not the largest diamond we’ve ever sold this is the largest round brilliant cut diamond ever to be offered at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. With an estimated OP colour, it’s easy to see a little warmth in the body of this diamond. The photographs appear much more tinted than in reality; it’s simply impossible to capture the brilliance and dispersion in a couple of still photographs. For a short YouTube video of the diamond click here. I can hardly keep myself from giggling as I write this post with the ring twinkling like a disco ball on my pinky finger. Big diamonds of nice quality have so much more dispersion than smaller stones. When light enters a diamond it slows down, refracted into its spectral colours, bounces around inside then exits in an explosion of rainbow dispersion. The larger the diamond the greater the distance of interior light travel resulting in even more dispersion. It’s hard to explain but it’s easy to see in person. Even though this diamond is roughly 10 times the size of the average engagement ring diamond it still retains the classic brilliant cut formula of 58 mathematically positioned facets. Each of these flat faces is strategically placed and angled to capture maximum brilliance and fire. Being a huge diamond each of its facets is sized accordingly resulting in an unparalleled optical assault on your eyes of white and black reflective flashes. It’s almost impossible to keep my train of thought looking at this diamond. It’s easy to become hypnotized by its sparkling display. The crystal is incredibly clear with a cautiously estimated VS2 clarity based on a natural located on the bottom of the girdle beside the claw as seen in this photomicrograph. The only real inclusion is this microscopic VS1 feather located on a pavilion main/lower girdle facet junction as seen through a bezel facet on the crown. The diamond comes with a December 15, 2017 certificate of appraisal stating the diamond is of VS1-MN quality with a medium cut weighing an estimated 9.21 carat. Sooner or later we will send the diamond to The Gemological Institute of America for official internationally recognized certification. We expect the GIA to grade it a minimum VS2 clarity grade, OP colour, good cut, very slight to no fluorescence, and a weight confirmation of 9.26 carats. Diamonds, in general, are not that rare with millions of carats being mined every year, but large diamonds are truly quite rare. Our in store database currently lists over 600,000 diamonds for sale. If you refine the search for 9.25 carats and larger that number drops to around 500. If you qualify the search further to reflect only round diamonds of VS2 clarity or better there are only 62 available. We have remounted this extraordinary diamond into a custom-made 18 karat white gold engagement/wedding ring set containing 25 small Canadian diamonds of excellent VS-F quality. The small diamonds contribute an additional 0.75 carats, bringing the total diamond weight in this set to 10.01 carats! The two rings weigh a combined 9.3 grams in a finger size 6 1/2. Click here for a short YouTube video of the ring set. If you have the means, this diamond ring could become a part of your investment portfolio. How much is that new Mercedes going to be worth in ten years? At Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers we like to think we can source almost any diamond you could possibly want. With close to 65 years of experience we know where to look, but finding one like this for the same price simply isn’t possible. If you have another setting style in mind we’d love to create a one-of-a-kind setting befitting such an incredible diamond. Dealer inquiries are welcome. Stock #e10891. 191-00073

SOLD

January 5, 2023

2.47ct. VVS2-E very good cut with GIA & HRD reports $50,000.00 CAD. 101-00473

I remember my father saying, “If you don’t know jewellery, know your jeweller”. Nothing could be closer to the truth these days. The competitive pressures of modern business have never been so intense. Synthetic diamonds costing 95% less than their natural counterparts are everywhere, inaccurate/misleading appraisals are still commonly seen in the business. It certainly can be a confusing time to be considering a significant jewellery investment. As we approach our 65th anniversary on November 1st in Downtown Barrie, you can take our word that this diamond is a genuine opportunity or you can do some research based on the 3rd party documents this diamond comes with. We have a reputation for having some amazing jewellery and watches pass through our estate department and this diamond continues that tradition. It was originally given as an anniversary gift to the previous owner. It was proudly worn for over 35 years. Advanced years and a changing lifestyle meant it was time for this 3 billion-year-old gem to find a new caretaker for a while. The original purchaser obviously made high quality a priority. This diamond is almost flawless in terms of clarity and missed a perfect “D” colour by just one grade. For a diamond that was originally faceted in the 1980s or before, the very good symmetry, very good polish, and a very good overall cut grade are impressive. The slightly old-school cut with its larger 64% table and 58.5% depth provides a modest bias for brilliance over dispersion. A side benefit of the cut is its larger than expected diameter of 8.85-8.90mm, meaning this diamond actually looks more like it weighs 2.75 carats! The diamond came to us with an Hoge Raad voor Diamant (Diamond High Council) report from 1986. The retro HRD report describes the diamond as a VVS1-F with very good proportions, a very good finish, and slight fluorescence. We knew this was a really nice diamond but felt it was worth confirming its quality with a second opinion from The Gemological Institute of America. When the diamond returned from New York, the GIA confirmed everything within a grade of colour and clarity. GIA issued the diamond with an “E” colour designation and a VVS2 clarity. The full June 2023 GIA report can be seen online here. This diamond also comes with a July 2018 GemScan Laboratories appraisal describing the diamond and the platinum ring it comes with. This fully documented diamond comes with a traditional 6-prong platinum solitaire setting. The 5.7 gram ring is equipped with a hinged shank that can expand to fit over a large knuckle to help keep the ring from spinning. We can solder the hinge closed if not needed. We’d also love to create an entirely new piece of custom jewellery for you using this exceptional diamond as the centrepiece if the original setting isn’t what you have in mind. Including the platinum setting this diamond ring is estate priced at $50,000.00 CAD (please add 2% for credit card purchase). Stock #101-00473.

SOLD

November 27, 2022

1.23ct. SI1-J excellent cut with GIA report (20=0.125ct. SI-HI) 2.1gr. 10kt. $7,350.00 CAD. 101-00320

Diamonds are made up of a single element, carbon; but 97% of natural diamonds contain trace amounts of nitrogen. Trace amounts of nitrogen can cause diamonds to fluoresce when they are exposed to invisible longwave ultraviolet light. UV may be invisible to the human eye but what does to certain diamonds certainly can be seen in the right environment. In a darkened room with a UV light, you can see how much this diamond glows along with a few of the shoulder diamonds (left side). This is a phenomenon that lab-grown, artisan-created, synthetic diamonds will never do. It takes millions of years for nitrogen to work its way into the crystal structure of natural diamonds. Manufacturers of inexpensive lab-grown diamonds only need a few weeks to a few months to grow their diamonds; nowhere near long enough for nitrogen to work its way in. The detectable presence of nitrogen is proof positive of natural origin. Strong fluorescence in diamonds in the JKL colour range benefit from the blue glow because it tends to make them face up a colour grade better. The warmer tint of JKLM diamonds is offset slightly with the blue glow because blue is the complementary colour to yellow. Of course, it doesn’t hurt either that this 1.23 carat round brilliant cut diamond is a very pleasant SI1 clarity with an excellent cut, excellent symmetry, excellent polish, with a GIA report. The full Gemological Institute of America report can be seen online here. The ring also comes with a July 2014 appraisal from Accurate Gemological Laboratories, when it was assembled into a more elaborate setting. Their document suggests it had a replacement value of $19,000.00 (sales tax included). Including its new more modern 10-karat white gold thin shank setting, we feel it has a competitive retail replacement value closer to $10,500.00. As a hardly worn, excellent condition estate ring, it is priced at $7,350.00 CAD. The ring currently measures a slightly small 5 1/2. It can be adjusted up or down a full size or so. This is a beautiful and significant size diamond ring with excellent documentation. Stock #101-00320.

SOLD

November 5, 2022

1.83ct. I2-H good cut with GIA report. $8,800.00 CAD. 191-00106

It’s hard not to judge a book by its cover. The same can apply when shopping for a diamond. The description of a diamond on a grading report can never replace seeing it in person. A cold clinical diamond report outlines the detail but can’t tell you what it looks like. This diamond recently returned from The Gemological Institute of America with their non biased opinion of the “4 Cs”. If you only saw the report you might just skip over this one, and I wouldn’t blame you. But when you consider everything this natural diamond has to offer I think you may just reconsider, especially when you factor in the price. The I2 grade setting inclusion is more obvious in certain viewing angles than others. In some directions it appears opaque and white, in others, it becomes more camouflaged and reflective. The strong H colour looks white and bright without a hue of yellow or brown. The weight of 1.83 carats and average diameter of 7.8mm is much larger than the benchmark 1.00 carat, 6.3mm round brilliant cut diamond. When we submitted this diamond to GIA in New York we thought it would receive an I1 clarity, we feel a little robbed about the I2 but considering the size, shape, number, colour, and location of the large inclusion, the grade is appropriate, but we still think this is the best looking I2 around. The full GIA report can be seen online here. We’ve seen plenty of dull, hazy, lifeless SI clarity diamonds that on paper appear better, but in reality, are disappointing. Although pictures say 1000s words, this short youtube video tells the complete story. This diamond will never be flawless but there isn’t a better looking one for this sort of price. We’d love to create something unique for you using this natural diamond as the centre piece. Stock #191-00106.

SOLD

1.44ct. VS2-K very good cut with GIA report $6,500.00 CAD. 191-00105

Lab-grown or natural, which are you considering? High quality lab-grown synthetic diamonds actually cost more than natural diamonds a few decades ago; today their wholesale cost is around 90% less than that of a natural counterpart of the same quality. Who knows how low the price will go for “created” diamonds? When you’re buying a synthetic diamond, you’re buying technology and technology always gets less expensive over time. Our latest estate diamond is 100% earth grown, Mother Nature created. It came back from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with a report detailing everything you need to know about the quality to determine the amazing value. Shop it around and you’ll soon find agree. We always give our customers the respect they deserve and offer true value without any confusing marketing or misleading appraisals. The full GIA report can be seen and confirmed here. We paid a little extra to have the diamond’s edge (girdle) laser engraved with the report number. Should you ever lose the original laminated document you can always print off another from GIA’s report check service. Don’t get us wrong, we appreciate lab-grown diamonds for what they are and we can help you purchase one at a great value. If you’re considering purchasing a synthetic diamond make sure it is close to 90% less than the natural or go somewhere else. This natural diamond would make a great centre piece for an engagement ring, or maybe a significant pendant. Bring us your ideas and let our talented goldsmiths create something fantastic just for you. This perfect condition estate diamond with its December 2022 Gemological Institute of America report is estate priced at $6,500.00 CAD. Stock #191-00105.

SOLD

November 3, 2022

1.50ct. SI1-G good cut diamond solitaire 2.7gr. 18kt. $12,375.00 CAD. 101-00413

Oval diamonds and halo designs are the hot sellers right now but there’s no denying the beauty of the traditional round brilliant cut solitaire. The design was first made popular by Tiffany’s in 1886. The design with its elevated prong setting really showcased the new and evolving European cut diamond’s optical properties. Before Tiffany most diamonds were low set, often in flat bezel settings. Over 130 later this style or versions of it are still some of our most requested. The diamond showcased in this 18 karat thin shank setting is a bright white 1.50 carat round brilliant cut of SI1 clarity, G colour with a good cut and no fluorescence. This diamond has a large diameter of 7.35 diameter and dominates the 1.75mm wide ring. Our team of onsite goldsmiths can adjust the size 6 Canadian made ring several sizes up or down as required. It’s a large diamond at a great price and it’s only available in Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers estate/vintage collection. Priced at $12,375.00 CAD for the complete ring. If you’ve got a different setting in mind the diamond is available alone for $12,000.00 CAD. Stock #101-00413

SOLD

1.31ct. SI1-I Antique European cut diamond with GIA report $9,975.00 CAD. 191-00096

You’d think with the proliferation of cheap inexpensive synthetic diamonds on the market today there would be pricing pressure on the natural diamond market. Well, in fact, the opposite is true. The price of synthetic, lab-grown, “artisan-created” diamonds continues to fall, while properly graded, well cut natural diamond pricing is increasing. Lab-grown diamonds are now 90 to 95% less expensive than comparable quality natural diamonds. And forget about trading them in if you want to upgrade. Most jewellers and diamond dealers want no part of purchasing a depreciating asset like a lab-grown diamond. As millions of carats of lab-grown synthetic diamonds dilute to the overall market original antique European cut diamonds like this are becoming increasingly rare. They stopped cutting diamonds like this around 90 years ago. From a purely technical and scientific perspective, a modern perfectly cut diamond should look better, well at least on paper that is. When viewed in person this diamond explodes with brilliance and dispersion that defies science. Master cutters knew exactly what they were doing in order to extract fire from these old stones. When we received this diamond it was in an unusual custom made 14 karat white gold ring set with 12 small accent diamonds. We weren’t big fans of the setting, and the large centre diamond had a small chip on its girdle (outside edge). We thought this was a perfect opportunity to give this old diamond a little refresh by repairing the chip. The knife edge girdle was completely faceted and the chip was removed by our master diamond cutter. We only lost around 7.5% of the original weight and a couple of tenths of a millimeter diameter. The newly repaired diamond is now much more protected against future chipping caused by accidental impacts. Unique diamonds of this size deserve a proper report so we sent it to The Gemological Institute of America in New York for documentation. They provided an unbiased review (not an appraisal) of the diamond and all of its pertinent details. The complete report can be seen online here. As far as antique diamonds go the GIA graded this one quite well. The clarity was determined to be an SI1, the colour was determined to be an “I”, very good polish, good symmetry, and no fluorescence round out the important details. This loose diamond is just waiting for your inspiration and imagination in a new jewellery design. If you’ve been looking for something special and unique, this antique diamond is the perfect starting point. If you like the 10.3 gram 14 karat setting it came to us in, it is available separately for $700.00 plus retipping costs. It contains 12 small round diamonds (0.18ct. total weight SI-FG) and measures a finger size of 6 1/4. Seeing a diamond this size 100 years ago would have been quite rare. Diamonds over 1.00 carat were uncommon and only seen on the very wealthy back then. Including a 2015 Gem Grade appraisal and the original May 2022 laminated Gemological Institute of America report, this estate European cut diamond is priced at $9.975.00 CAD. Stock #191-00096.

SOLD

October 18, 2022

2.04ct. I3-HI “Galaxy Diamond” $3,500.00 CAD. 191-00093

Still photography just didn’t cut it for this galaxy diamond, whose constellations and asterisms are a perfect mirror for the night sky. Featuring both elliptical and irregular galaxies of minute black and white inclusions in a complex layered pattern. The area between these galaxies is made up of highly reflective diamond, possibly the perfect antithesis of the dark vacuum of space, as it throws a great deal of white and every coloured light around its dark galaxies. The 2.04 carat diamond is an I3-HI quality and is ready to be the center of any out-of-this-world piece you can imagine! Have a look at this short Youtube video of this perfectly imperfect round brilliant cut diamond, but you really must see it in person. The estate price is $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #191-00093

SOLD

October 1, 2022

0.73ct. VS1-G excellent cut (5.88mm diameter) $3,600.00 CAD. 191-00104.

With accurate grading, diamonds of this quality and cut are spectacular. No visible inclusions without magnification, no tints of yellow or brown body colour, no fluorescence, and exploding with brilliance and dispersion. If you’d like to buy a natural diamond of this quality it really depends on where you buy it. Looking at Tiffany’s website, they show the same size and clarity with a lower “I” colour for $10,900.00 including a platinum setting like this Our beautiful natural diamond is estate priced at just $3,600.00 CAD. If you’d like a similar setting to the Tiffany example in platinum, our version runs around $1,000.00. There is no doubt the Tiffany brand holds considerable extra value, but we’ll let you decide if a lower colour diamond ring from Tiffany’s is worth more than double what our perfect condition estate diamond is. This diamond was recently recut by our master diamond cutter to repair a minor chip on the girdle from 60 years of previous ownership. A fresh November 2022 GIA FacetWare report is included. This peel off sticker is designed for the diamond wholesale trade, for judging the cut of a diamond that hasn’t been submitted to The Gemological Institute of America for a formal grading report. This little document only describes the actual diamond’s cut and geometry. Looking for an amazing diamond at a price that can’t be beat, consider one of our estate stones. This diamond would make an excellent centre piece for an engagement ring, a sparkling pendant, or any other creation you may have in mind. Estate priced at only $3,600.00 CAD Stock #191-00104.

SOLD

August 25, 2022

2.04ct. SI2-I very good cut GIA report (2.34ct. tw) plat. 3 gr. $16,500.00 CAD. 191-00108 141-00026

Anyone who loves vintage and antique jewellery will instantly recognize this classic design. Versions of this have been a popular choice for well over 100 years. The scale of this one is a little deceiving because of the extra large rectangular baguette cut diamonds (2 x 0.15 carats SI-H) on the shoulders and the slightly larger than average finger size 9. Although the complete ring is available, we’ll likely end up using the diamonds in separate creations. Diamonds of this size and quality deserve reliable documents; so we sent the centre diamond to The Gemological Institute of America in New York for a full grading report. GIA’s assessment of quality came back as predicted; SI2 clarity, “I” colour, and very good cut. The full December 2022 report can be seen online on GIA’s website. Almost all modern diamonds are cut deeper than they should be, with thick middle sections that hide extra weight, do nothing to improve the sparkle, and make them look smaller than their weight suggests. This older diamond was cut in the opposite manner. The slightly shallow cut of 57.5% helps it to look a little larger that its actual weight of 2.04 carats. Most modern diamonds of this diameter weigh closer to 2.25 carats. If the cut isn’t quite perfect, wouldn’t you prefer the diamond to look a little larger like this one? Its SI2 clarity is all but eye clean except for the most sharp sighted. The inclusions are small and scattered, hardly affecting brilliance, dispersion, or transparency. If you still prefer the miracle of natural diamonds over lab grown synthetics, this is a significant size diamond at a great value. The centre diamond is available alone for $15,500.00 CAD stock #191-00108 or complete with the platinum baguette ring for $1,000.00 extra. The ring needs a small repair to a portion of a claw and the fusing of a former sizing joint that has let go.

SOLD

August 9, 2022

1.28ct. SI1-F very good cut with GIA report $10,500.00 CAD. 191-00084

Artisan-created, cultured, and lab-grown diamonds are all examples of the latest fad sweeping the jewellery business; synthetic diamonds. We’re not talking about simple imitations such as cubic zirconia, moissanite, or even glass rhinestones, we’re referring to advanced synthetics that are chemically, optically, and physically the same as Mother nature’s versions. True synthetic diamonds have been around since the 1950s, but until recently technology didn’t allow them to be produced efficiently in high enough quality to be used in jewellery. If there is one thing people are good at its efficiency and technology where commerce is concerned. Industrial-scale manufacturing of synthetic diamonds has lowered the price to just 10% of the real thing, and this price is still falling. Keep that discount in mind if you’re considering purchasing a depreciating asset such as a synthetic diamond. Even though the market is flooded with inexpensive lab-grown diamonds, the natural diamond market is holding strong and seeing price increases over the last year or more. Our latest estate diamond is of course 100% natural, just as mother nature intended. It has one of the more desirable size/quality/price combinations. At just under 7mm in diameter, this stone will have a great presence, no matter how you end up using it. The high F colour is almost as good as it gets, yet there is still offers a decent cost saving over a D or E colour. The SI1 clarity is perfect unless you are examining it with artificial magnification. The very good cut sparkles and twinkles with great brilliance and dispersion while offering a discount over an excellent cut. The strong fluorescence also contributes additional savings compared to a non-fluorescent example. Blue fluorescence like this is your guarantee this diamond is natural and not synthetic. NO synthetic diamond will display this sort of blue fluorescence when exposed to longwave ultraviolet light. We admire the technology and beauty of synthetic diamonds and are happy to supply one to you at a great price, but remember this; not long ago they cost more than natural diamonds, today they are at least 90% cheaper and still dropping. Our latest estate diamond comes with a February 2022 Gemological Institute of America report that details every aspect of the diamond’s quality. The full GIA report can be seen online here. If you love diamonds and want to be sure you’re getting what you’ve paid for, insist on a GIA report. Their unbias opinions are the industry’s benchmark. All significant and important diamonds come with Gemological Institute of America documentation. Ask your jeweller to show you diamonds with GIA  reports. An appraisal done by a GIA-trained Gemologist or Diamond Grader is NOT a GIA report. At 1 to 3 billion years old it should come as no surprise this diamond has been previously enjoyed. As an estate diamond, it comes with further savings. This natural wonder is estate priced at $10,500.00 CAD. Let us create something amazing for you. Bring us your ideas or let the minds of talented custom designers come up with a unique creation just for you. Stock #191-00084.

SOLD

July 4, 2022

2.10ct. SI2-F GIA princess cut, 0.50ct. tw. VS-H, 4.9gr., sz. 6. $22,950.00 CAD. 191-00086

If you’ve ever shopped for an engagement ring you know how challenging it can be to try to find not just the perfect ring but also the perfect center diamond. That’s why we are almost always willing to separate a center diamond from the engagement ring that carries it. It’s for that reason that we didn’t reset this diamond into its original ring when it came to us in two pieces. We would love to keep them together but we’ll sell them separately if asked. We will happily reset the diamond into this original mount if you, like us, appreciate the combination. The diamond itself is beautiful in person (or rather, in motion) which is why we took this video! The 2.10 carat princess cut carries a GIA pedigree and is accompanied by its original certificate stating an SI2-F quality, Very Good symmetry and polish, and strong blue fluorescence. Only round brilliant cut diamonds receive a GIA cut grade. If GIA graded cut, this princess cut would likely receive very good results with its 73.5% depth and 75% table. The strong blue fluorescence can sometimes cause a diamond to appear hazy, especially in sunlight, but that is not the case with this diamond, where the fluorescence is simply a fun party trick to show when exposed to long-wave ultraviolet light. Along with its grade-setting inclusions (which are not visible without magnification), the diamond displays two abrasions on its pavilion facets which will be visible only to the sharp-sighted. These surface blemishes occurred because the previous owner must have worn this ring with another diamond ring that rubbed on the bottom of the large princess cut. Diamonds are incredibly hard but they must be protected from touching each other. These blemishes could easily be removed by repolishing the pavilion with minimal loss of weight, perhaps only 0.02 to 0.03 carats. The 3mm wide ring shoulders have been set with 10 high-quality well-matched VS-H round brilliant cut diamonds. Together they equal a nice half carat and are carefully balanced by a simple bright-cut halo of white gold encircling the main diamond. The 4.9 gram ring is solidly constructed and currently measures a finger size 6 with room to adjust. The ring and diamond can be purchased together for $22,950.00 CAD, and the diamond on its own for $21,620.00 CAD. Stock #191-00086.

SOLD

June 15, 2022

Natural diamond 0.73ct. VS1-J excellent cut GIA report $2,850.00 CAD. 191-00097

There is a lot of interest if lab-grown diamonds these days. We have never promoted them, but there is hardly a day that goes by without a customer asking about this option and how they compare to natural diamonds. Despite the hype surrounding lab-grown diamonds and being readily available at a much lower cost, natural diamonds have seen no depreciation at all. The cost of laboratory-grown diamonds has been dropping for years. At the moment they cost at least 90% less than their natural diamond equivalent. If you’re considering a natural diamond alternative, make sure you are paying an appropriate price for one, shopping around is always a good policy. Our latest estate diamond is this excellent cut round brilliant that weighs just under 3/4 of a karat. We sent it to The Gemological Institute of America for a diamond grading report in the spring. The report described this diamond with a high VS1 clarity, J colour, excellent cut, very good polish, excellent symmetry, and strong blue fluorescence. The fluorescence can really only be seen when viewed under a “black light”. The blue hue gives the J colour a little boost making it look more like an H or I. A side benefit of this type of fluorescence is that it’s your guarantee the diamond is of natural origin, as lab-grown diamonds do not fluoresce like this. The GIA report can be seen online here. Including the original laminated May 2022 report, this diamond is estate priced at $2,850.00 CAD. Stock #191-00097.

SOLD

May 10, 2022

2.03ct. VVS2-G good cut, with GIA report $33,000.00 CAD. e14346 191-00031

Okay, so the crown is a little thin at 10.0%, the crown angle is a slightly shallow 32.0 degrees, and the table is a bit big at 68%, but how about that VVS2 clarity and G colour? If you’d like a GIA certified diamond the same size, with identical (or better) quality characteristics and an excellent cut, expect to pay over $40,000.00 for it. Only being “good” cut from GIA is still high praise, as The Gemological Institute of America are very strict when it comes to assessing the quality of diamonds. Beware of loosely graded diamond certificates and appraisals. This diamond is very white, full of brilliance and dispersion. Here is a short YouTube video of this actual diamond. The VVS clarity leaves very little to see, even under a high power microscope. The GIA plot shows a couple of tiny pinpoint inclusions within the table border and that’s it. Here is a link to the Gemological Institute of America showing the full May 2021 report details. Let us create a one of a kind custom piece of jewellery for you using this beautiful diamond as the centrepiece. We are always eager to take in your interesting trades. This diamond is in perfect condition, with no chips, nicks or scratches of any kind. Estate priced at $33,000.00 CAD. Stock #e14346 191-00031.

SOLD

April 2, 2022

1.24ct. & 1.17ct. Internally Flawless Fancy yellow diamonds with GIA reports. $9,000.00 & $8,500.00 CAD. 191-00080 191-00079

We’ve seen a lot of diamonds come through our shop at 52 Dunlop St. West in DownTown Barrie over the past 64 years, but I don’t ever recall having any like these. The latest additions to our estate collection are two Internally Flawless, natural colour, fancy yellow diamonds. In terms of rare minerals, diamonds are scarce but not too uncommon. Natural yellow diamonds on the other hand are indeed few and far between. Our in store diamond database contains more than 3/4 of a million diamonds (of at least 0.25 carat) from the world’s largest cutting factories, but only around 10,000 are coloured diamonds. Of those, just 37 are this size or larger and of the same or better quality. That works out to less than 50 per million. Diamonds like this are not readily available or replaceable. Yellow diamonds occur when trace amounts of nitrogen are present when the rough diamond crystal formed billions of years ago. If a diamond grows with a trace amount of boron, its color will be blue. These yellow diamonds are both of Internally Flawless (IF) clarity. This means there are no detectable inclusions visible by a trained diamond grader viewed at 10 times magnification. While there is nothing like seeing them in person here are a couple 26 second YouTube videos 1.17ct. pear and 1.24ct. cushion. In person, these diamonds are far more vivid and bright. Both diamonds come with GIA reports from the spring of 2011. They have never been assembled into a piece of jewellery and remain in perfect condition. The full Gemological Institute of America reports can be seen by clicking these links 1.17ct. pear and 1.24ct. cushion. What sort of jewellery do you think one of these exceptionally rare diamonds would look good in? I’m thinking perhaps a drop pendant for the pear shape and maybe a halo style ring for the cushion shape. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. These diamonds are estate priced at $8,500.00 CAD for the pear shape and $9,000.00 CAD for the cushion shape. Stock numbers 191-00079 and 191-00080.

Both have been SOLD.

April 1, 2022

1.04ct. SI1-H excellent cut, with GIA report. $8,000.00 CAD. 191-00082

A large centre diamond with a few small accent diamonds set down each shoulder has always been a popular choice for an engagement ring, but this one takes the concept up a notch. The centre diamond is nicely over the carat mark weighing in at 1.04 carats with a larger than average diameter of 6.53mm. It was recently certified by the Gemological Institute of America in February of 2022. GIA’s graded the diamond SI1 clarity,  H colour, and excellent cut. They went on to report the diamond has excellent polish, very good symmetry, and no fluorescence. The full GIA report can be seen online here. GIA does not appraise diamonds and has no interest in the commerce or promotion of jewellery. They are only interested in providing unbiased information as to the quality of diamonds and other gems allowing a truly unbiased opinion of quality. They are the foremost authority when it comes to gem research and identification. Insist any important diamond you may be considering comes with a Gemological Institute of America report. Tiny accent diamonds on modern engagement rings add some extra bling and labor costs but not much in actual intrinsic value. This ring however comes with diamonds that are much more than tiny highlights. The 20 hand set diamonds circling the entire circumference of the ring weight close to 1/10th of a carat each, and they are all of matching SI-H quality. The size 6 1/2 setting was crafted from premium 18 karat white gold and has a net weight of just shy of 3 grams. While the diamond was at GIA in New York we asked them to laser engrave the report number along the faceted girdle edge. This diamond can be verified online anytime at GIA.edu should you lose the original laminated copy. This diamond has just a small cloud of tiny crystal inclusions that are only visible under magnification. The cloud can be seen in these photomicrographs just to the upper right of the culet (centre point of the diamond). The contemporary style ring is in excellent condition showing little to no wear. This is somewhat of a Cinderella ring, the complete eternity of diamonds around the shank makes adjusting the size a challenge. The ideal recipient of this ring should have a size 6 1/2 finger. Rest assured, this ring can be sized; our talented goldsmiths can make it larger or smaller if you are not exactly a size 6 1/2. If you’d like to purchase the diamond by itself, it is estate priced at $8,000.00 alone. Including the GIA report, the complete ring is priced at $10,800.00 CAD. Stock #e191-00082.

SOLD

March 16, 2022

3.40ct. VS2-J European cut GIA certified $55,000.00 CAD. e7247 101-00389

There was a time not long ago when a large antique diamond like this resurfaced in the trade, it would immediately be re-cut into a modern round brilliant. Little thought was given to the concept of keeping something original. The re-proportioned diamond would then be sold as brand new alongside other modern round brilliant cut diamonds. I suppose there is nothing wrong with this practice, after all, all diamonds are around 3 billion years old anyway. “Improving” the optical properties of an antique diamond should be a welcomed practice. In recent years however opinions about these old diamonds have changed. People are beginning to realize the value, rarity, and charm of these original antique diamonds. It has come to the point where an original antique European cut diamond of more than 3.00 carats is worth more than a modern diamond of equal size. In fact, there is no formal structured price list for these old diamonds over 3.00 carats that we are aware of. The only way to value them is by trying to find comparable diamonds on offer. 100 years ago any diamond was a scarce thing and a diamond over 3.00 carats was something extraordinary. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers sold this diamond several years ago to a client who enjoyed wearing it every day. It was recently traded back to us when a larger diamond became available. We’re happy to have this beautiful diamond back and we look forward to helping the next owner discover what makes these old stones so charming. They do have a different look compared to a modern round diamond, with a smaller table facet, chunkier bezel, and crown facets. These old stones provide a unique sparkle and a distinct pattern of larger white/black flashes with increased dispersion due to a steep crown angle. Most important modern diamonds come with a Gemological Institute of American certificate, not many antique diamonds come with any documentation. A full GIA report from 2013 can be seen online here. The report outlines all the pertinent information needed to assess the quality of this diamond. If you have a look at the report you’ll notice the document details a couple of minor chips along the sharp girdle edge. After 100 years of wear and tear, you’d expect the odd chip. These small chips are not significant enough to alter the value in any meaningful way. They can easily be removed with only a couple points of weight loss. The patina of a lifetime of wear helps prove the diamond is an original and authentic antique. It is set into a 14 karat custom made white gold ring containing two large tapered baguette cut diamonds. The high quality VS-GH baguettes add 0.33 carats of subtle tailored sophistication to the classic design. Estate priced at $55,000.00 CAD. Stock #e7247 101-00389.

SOLD

March 2, 2022

1.55ct. VS1-G very good cut with GIA report & free 14kt. setting $19,500.00 CAD. 101-00367

Most large diamonds are cut reasonably well but seldom perfectly. Cutting perfection means that much of the original crystal gets left on the cutting wheel in the form of lost weight. Lost weight means lost money when it comes to diamonds. The most common shape for rough diamonds is a double tetrahedron. This shape is efficient for cutting two diamonds that are both a little deep compared to their ideal potential. Manufacturing an excellent/ideal cut is less efficient and wastes more rough crystal, so true excellent cut diamonds are encountered much less often. If a diamond isn’t of excellent cut proportions chances are they are a bit deeper than they should have been in order to maintain extra weight. This extra weight does nothing to make the stone look better, it just weighs more. That’s why I like this diamond so much. While the cut isn’t perfect, it is very good. Instead of being cut too deep, it is cut slightly shallow. The overall depth of  57.7% as compared to the average diameter, is only around 3% shy of what a perfect cut should be. The slightly shallow cut means you get some extra diameter for free, and it’s the diameter that you see. Compared to a typical good-cut deep stone of the same weight, this one looks far larger. Most 1.50 carat good to very good cut round diamonds measure around 7.00mm diameter, this one measures 7.65mm diameter. The VS1 clarity with G colour is far better than average. The independent Gemological Institute of American report is your assurance of reliable impartial and strict grading standards. The full GIA report can be seen online here. Even if you don’t purchase a diamond with us, ALWAYS insist on a GIA report. This diamond comes with a previously worn 14 karat white gold six prong solitaire weighing 3 grams (without the diamond). The setting is included for no extra charge with the diamond. If you don’t want the setting or would like a different design we’d be happy to purchase it for our gold recycling program. Finding a 1.55 carat diamond of this quality that measures over 7.6mm diameter at this price is virtually impossible (we know, we tried). Wholesale inquiries are welcomed. This diamond and complimentary ring are estate priced at $19,500.00 CAD. Stock #101-00367.

SOLD

February 1, 2022

0.50 carat round brilliant cut SI1-I $1,195.00 CAD. e6344

The most popular shape diamond has always been the round brilliant cut. It is the most brilliant and dispersive of any shape. The diamond was just completely re-cut from some previous damage. It is now in perfect condition measuring 4.99mm – 4.94mm x 3.22mm and weighs an even 1/2 carat. It is estate priced at $1,195.00 and represents excellent value. Stock #e6344.

SOLD

January 15, 2022

0.56ct. I1-H good cut (5.30mm x 3.27mm) brilliant cut diamond $700.00 CAD. 191-00088

We could easily use this diamond and turn it into a beautiful 14 karat gold pendant for only $100.00 more. We can find a suitable match from our large selection of estate diamonds and make a pair of impressive pair of stud earrings. Or perhaps you have a custom project in mind. Whatever you’d like to do we can accomplish it. This diamond is very well cut with only a small dark crystal within the table border that sets the I1 clarity grade. The H colour is white and bright showcasing the cut. The tiny table facet and generous crown height enhance dispersion. Good things come in small packages and don’t have to cost a fortune. This estate diamond is priced at just $700.00 CAD. Stock #191-00088.

SOLD

December 8, 2021

0.56ct. SI1-H princess cut $1,100.00 CAD. e10642

If you’re buying a princess cut diamond wouldn’t you prefer to buy a well cut example? Finding a nicely cut princess cut can be a difficult exercise since there are no widely accepted standards for this type of diamond. Many examples we see are cut really deep with very large tables. This is an efficient method to produce a heavy diamond from a given piece of rough but it certainly won’t be the most dazzling to look at. This well cut 0.56 carat originally came to us as a damaged 0.67 carat. Our instructions to our master diamond cutter were to re-cut it to look great and let the finished weight be a function of the good cut. Many princess cut diamonds have been cut with a priority on producing a heavy diamond at the expense of a good quality cut. This freshly re-cut princess measures 4.30mm x 4.52mm x 3.35mm with a very small 70% table and a generous crown height. These 2 characteristics will always give you a good idea of how nicely cut any princess is. If you’re contemplating a stone that looks like an upside down triangle, lacking a decent crown, chances are it’s been poorly cut. As always, do some homework and learn a little about diamonds. Come in and have a look at ours, we can show you how and why sometimes they just look better. Better looking and a better price make our estate diamonds the way to go. At only $1,100.00 CAD we know the value is better too. Stock #e10642.

SOLD

December 2, 2021

1.10ct. VVS2-OP fair cut with GIA report $3,000.00 CAD. 191-00081

If you like the warm look of antique European or Old Mine Cut diamonds, this stone should appeal to you. At first glance, this diamond may look like it was cut 100 years ago or more, but it is a modern round brilliant cut. It features a table of just 54%, a crown height of 18.5%, a steep 38.5-degree crown angle, a large open culet, and somewhat shorter lower girdle facets. All these characteristics are common to antique diamonds and seldom seen on modern diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America’s analysis of the cut resulted in only a fair rating, but that doesn’t mean the stone doesn’t sparkle. It means it sparkles differently compared to the average modern diamond of excellent or very good cut. This diamond produces more break up of white light into the spectral colours (dispersion) and gives up a little white/black flash (brilliance). This bias for dispersion in diamond cutting was the preferred design before the early 1900s. The rainbow sparkle is easy to see in all three images. The increased dispersion and natural warmth of the OP colour actually make this diamond appear almost like a natural fancy yellow diamond. In fact, we were somewhat surprised with GIA’s colour grade of OP, we actually thought the diamond would be a least several colour grades lower. The excellent clarity of VVS2 and very good polish allow amazing transparency and reflective sparkle. The full February 2022 GIA report can be seen online here. The spirit of this diamond is calling for an antique-inspired setting of some sort. It would be the perfect centrepiece in an Art Deco or Art Nouveau inspired engagement ring. This lovely diamond is estate priced at $3,000.00 CAD. Stock # 191-00081.

SOLD

October 30, 2021

1.52ct. VS1-L GIA certified old mine cut diamond $5,700.00 CAD. e13856

Believe it or not, this diamond is pushing 300 years old. Mine cut diamonds are distant relatives to today’s modern round brilliant cut. In fact, the number and relative position of the 58 facets are the same you’d expect to see on a diamond that was cut today. From the early 18th century to the late 19th century, the old mine cut was the most popular way to facet a diamond. This excerpt is taken from the GIA’s website detailing how the name “old mine cut” came about. Some confusion surrounds the term “old mine cut,” especially as the term has evolved over the years. It probably came into common use around the late 1800s, at a time when diamond production from Africa began to eclipse production from the “old mines” of Brazil and even older mines of India. “Old mine cut,” originally meant any “brilliant” cut, squarish shape, colorless or near-colorless diamond that originated in Brazil or India. Then, as African mines began producing diamonds of higher color quality, the term old mine cut was applied to any diamond with exceptional color and one that had the older style cut. Eventually, old mine cut was applied only to squarish-shaped diamonds with faceting arrangements that were popular beginning in the early 1700s. The diamond clarity is a very good VS1 and the colour was determined by The Gemological Institute of America to be an L. The full December 2020 GIA New York report can be seen online here. A couple of centuries-old but good as new, I guess diamonds really are forever. Including the original laminated GIA report, the diamond is estate priced at $5,700.00 CAD. We currently have the diamond set in a traditional 14 karat white gold solitaire setting, 3.2 grams, size 9, available for $350.00 extra. Stock #e13856.

SOLD

September 10, 2021

2.90ct. SI1-H radiant cut GIA certified $34,970.00 CAD. e13046

The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular and also the most expensive of the traditional diamond shapes. Square princess cuts have been a popular choice too. Cushion, heart, oval, pear, marquise, and radiant cut are other less common variations of the 57 facet brilliant cut. I don’t know why this shape (the radiant cut) isn’t more admired. When well cut their brilliance and dispersion rival that of the benchmark round. They look great in many of today’s antique inspired designs. They’re far more uncommon only representing about 5% of the diamonds available from our diamond search database. Of those available, only a tiny fraction are nice and square like this one that measures 7.94mm x 7.87mm. Certified by the Gemological Institute of America with very good clarity of SI1 and H colour. The full GIA report can be seen online here. This example looks especially good because the centre table section is 100% free from any imperfection, only a few thin white feathers can be seen with strong magnification around the edges. We’ve had this beautiful diamond for a while now so we decided to do something spectacular with it. We made the mother of all 3 stone rings adding a couple of big shoulder diamonds. The price for the centre diamond alone is $34,970.00, the complete ring is $49,500.00 CAD. Stock #e13046.

SOLD

August 15, 2021

1.21ct. VS1-F GIA certified $11,770.00 CAD. e7870

Includes a Gemological Institute of American report detailing all the intricate characteristics that help establish value. The diamond was graded a VS1 clarity, F colour, very good cut, very good polish, very good symmetry, and no fluorescence. With this information, it’s easy to establish a value with any comparable you may be considering. As always be sure to compare equal reports because some grade to a much more “loose” standard than GIA. This diamond measures 6.94mm – 6.98mm x 4.08mm giving it a face up appearance close to many 1.50 carat diamonds that are not cut very well. The full GIA report #1152803947 can be seen here. Even if the GIA certificate is lost the laser engraved report number on the girdle can be used to order a duplicate from GIA. This diamond is priced at $11,770.00. Stock #e7870. Currently mounted in a very pretty white gold setting with pear shaped shoulder diamonds available separately. Stock #e7870

SOLD

July 10, 2021

0.73ct. I1-H good cut $1,300.00 CAD. e14344

A decent-sized, good-looking diamond doesn’t need to cost a small fortune. This natural diamond measures just shy of 6mm in diameter and would look great in a custom engagement ring or pendant. We could even locate another matching diamond to set into a significant pair of stud earrings. The diamond has been accurately graded by our two, on staff, GIA trained diamond graders as an I1-H with a good cut. Come in see how far your diamond budget can go with this sparkly estate diamond. Priced at $1,300.00 CAD. e14344.

SOLD

July 3, 2021

0.57ct. I1-J heart shaped brilliant cut diamond $1,190.00 CAD. e14212

The heart-shaped brilliant cut diamond is one of the less often encountered shapes, but we always seem to have a couple in stock. Our newest heart weighs in at 0.57 carat of I1-I quality. As with any fancy-shaped diamond, there aren’t really any right or wrong answers with a heart but there are certain things to watch out for. The easiest thing to check for is symmetry between the two halves of the heart. Next, you want to check that the lines leading to the point are even and smooth. You can see with our heart that is pretty much the case; they start off even and then tuck in a bit as they prepare to meet the point. The lobes of a heart should also be round and even with a distinct cleft, quite like the lobes and cleft of our heart. Buy it loose for a pendant or center of a ring. The estate price for this well-cut heart-shaped diamond is only $1,190.00 CAD. Stock #e14212.

SOLD

June 22, 2021

1.02ct. I1-D GIA cert. Pear solitaire 4.0gr. $5,180.00 CAD. e14443 (diamond only $4,800.00).

 This diamond is perhaps the best example we’ve seen in a long time of an I1 clarity diamond that is essentially “eye clean”; meaning, the grade setting feather inclusion isn’t visible without magnification. The size, shape, number, colour, and location of the inclusion(s) are camouflaged and disguised to the point where they practically disappear. Only with some closeup photomicrographs in darkfield illumination does the grade setting feather reveal itself at the 3:00 position under a bezel facet. This diamond is so convincing of a higher clarity than I1, both GemScan Laboratories and Gem Scope Appraisal Laboratories classified the clarity as an SI1. The truth be told, we hoped for an SI2 grade when we submitted the loose stone to The Gemological Institute of America for their unbiased opinion. The August 23, 2021, GIA report confirmed the perfect D colour and measured the weight 0.01 carat less than the others at 1.02 carat. The cut of this diamond is excellent, with a smallish 56 percent table, 62.1 depth percentage, attractive 1.55:1 length to width ratio, and beautiful outline. If you look hard enough you’ll find less expensive 1.00 carat, I1-D, pear-shaped diamonds out there, but I can guarantee they won’t look this nice. The diamond is set in a traditional double gallery, five-prong setting that weighs approximately 4 grams in a finger size 5. The diamond is available separately for $4,800.00. Accompanying the ring is the aforementioned Gem Scope certificate of evaluation suggesting a retail replacement value of $22,000.00 plus tax. Our opinion of value is roughly 3 times less at $7,400.00. As a like-new estate ring, we have it priced at $5,180.00 CAD. Stock #e14443.

SOLD

June 19, 2021

0.76ct. VS1 natural fancy yellow diamond with GIA report $5,000.00 CAD. e12945

Natural coloured diamonds are scarce at best. Finding a nicely cut, decent size example with an attractive colour is downright rare. Most “white” diamonds exhibit a tiny trace of colour that is expressed on an alphabetical scale from D to Z. When a diamond falls beyond the Z colour range it is considered to be coloured. The Gemological Institute of American rate the saturation of colour or intensity from Faint, Very Light, Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, Fancy Dark, to Fancy Deep. This estate diamond is a Fancy Yellow with even colour distribution and no modifying colours. The full GIA report can be seen online here. Not only did this diamond receive a very favourable report from GIA it is also a rare round brilliant cut fancy diamond, most fancy coloured diamonds are anything but round. Since colour is by far the most important characteristic when looking at these stones, GIA does not comment on the quality of the cut. Even though there is no cut grade assigned to this diamond, the 64% table percentage, 58.5% depth percentage, would have likely produced at least a good to very good cut if this diamond was an ordinary white diamond. The strong VS1 clarity is also a nice bonus for any fancy coloured diamond. This diamond comes with its original laminated December 2019 GIA report. It has never been mounted in a piece of jewellery before. Let us make you a unique engagement ring of another special piece of jewellery using this one of a kind natural yellow diamond. Estate priced at $5,000.00 CAD. Stock #e12945.

SOLD

June 15, 2021

1.89ct. I2-H GIA report $7,250.00 CAD e14445. (0.62ct. tw. SI-H, 14kt. ring $1,378.00 extra)

We’ve all heard the expression “don’t judge a book by its cover”. When looking to purchase a diamond, keep that saying top of mind. Diamonds of the same grade can look significantly different in person, to the point where some diamonds of lower quality (on paper) actually look better than a higher quality stone. At first glance, you may dismiss this diamond due to its I2 clarity grade, and poor cut according to the August 23, 2021, Gemological Institute of America report. Keep in mind, the generous dimensions of the diamond allow improvement of the cut by our master diamond cutter to at least a very good or excellent overall cut, with perhaps only a 10 to 15% loss in weight. We’ve decided to leave it alone as an example of why you shouldn’t judge this diamond by simply looking at the report. In person, the diamond sparkles and twinkles just fine. Even in our most revealing darkfield and reflected light photomicrograph images, the scattered crystal inclusions are not as distracting as the I2 clarity grade would lead you to believe. We selected a significant setting to showcase this large diamond. The 14 karat white gold setting has a net weight of 5.2 grams and contains 34, bead set, round brilliant cut diamonds of very nice SI-H quality that contribute an additional 0.62 carat of bling. The ring measures a finger size 7 and can be made larger or smaller a size or two. This versatile ring is easy to match with a flat-edged wedding or anniversary ring when the time comes. Including the original laminated GIA report, the complete ring is estate priced at $8,628.00. Loose diamond only is priced at $7,250.00. Stock #e14445.

SOLD

4.31ct. SI2-OP good cut GIA certified $28,000.00 CAD. e10459

Jumbo 4.31 carat round brilliant cut diamond with a Gemological Institute of America (New York) report certifying the diamond as an SI2 clarity, OP colour, and a good cut. The full April 24 2017 GIA report can be seen here. If you’re familiar with diamond geometry and optics, the report should give you a pretty good idea of what the big 10.6mm diameter stone looks like in person. The very small 54% table, slightly steeper 35.5-degree crown angle, and generous 16% crown height give this stone a beautiful antique look with ample dispersion and brilliance. The large culet and slightly warmer hue of the OP colour grade reinforce the vintage look as most old diamonds exhibit a similar tint. Here is a 20 second YouTube video of the diamond. Please excuse the quality as I just shot the video on a cell phone with an eye-loupe Scotch-taped to it. The diamond is currently set in a 6.8 gram, 18 karat white gold ring containing 150 other diamonds. The small diamonds range in size from tiny bead set 1.1mm diameter examples set in the halo and galleries to significant 3.1mm channel set examples running down both shoulders. The additional 2.00 carats of high-quality VS-H diamonds bring the estimated total diamond weight to a dazzling 6.31 carats. While we’re hoping to keep the 4.31 carat diamond and the beautiful halo setting together as a complete ring, the supersized diamond is available by itself for $28,000.00 Canadian. One of our onsite goldsmiths can adjust the size 5 ring up or down a size or two in just a day or so. This fantastic ring is in like-new, hardly worn condition. The original bright white factory rhodium finish is still fully intact. The complete ring is available for $31,025.00 CAD (trade-ins and dealer inquiries are welcomed). Stock #e10459.

SOLD

May 1, 2021

1.01ct. VVS2-D GIA certified $13,400.00 CAD. e9093

Perfect D colour and GIA certified too. You almost never encounter a perfect D colour. Diamonds almost always form with trace amounts of elements other than carbon causing subtle tints of colour. Most often a few molecules of nitrogen cause diamonds to show just a hint of yellow colour. This colour is expressed alphabetically on a scale from D through Z. To have a GIA certified D colour is the highest standard in the industry. The clarity of this diamond is also quite exceptional at VVS2. The overall cut, symmetry and polish have all been graded very good as compared to GIA’s strict excellent cut standards. No ultraviolet fluorescence finishes off all the details you need to know when comparing values. Measuring 6.30mm – 6.35mm x 4.07mm will make this diamond easy to find a standard 1.00 carat setting for. The GIA certificate can be seen online here. If you want to learn more about the 4Cs of diamond grading GIA’s interactive tool will show you everything you need to know when determining the quality of a diamond (sorry, not supported by Apple devices). The July 2015 GIA certificate is included to the estate price of $13,400.00 CAD, making this diamond the best value around. Currently set in a 14 karat white and rose gold setting available separately for $695.00.Stock #e9093.

SOLD

March 10, 2021

1.20 carat VS2-D GIA certified pear shape diamond $11,500.00 CAD. e8147

Take a good look because they don’t come by very often. A “D” colour diamond is exceptionally rare, especially if that D rating comes from the most trusted name in the diamond industry. The diamond was certified by the Gemological Institute of America with the highest possible colour rating. The report can be viewed at GIA. The VS2 clarity grade with no fluorescence really makes this one sparkle. The extra length of a pear shape makes the diamond appear much bigger than the actual weight of 1.20 carats. With measurements of 9.64mm x 5.83mm x 3.59mm, this pear shape puts down a much bigger footprint than most poorly cut overly deep cut examples with similar weight. The diamond is currently set in a new 14 karat white gold halo cluster setting assembled with 0.20 carats of high quality (VS-F) Canadian diamonds. The setting is available for $1,150.00 extra. Diamond by itself is estate priced at $11,500.00 CAD. Stock #e8147.

SOLD

March 3, 2021

0.81ct. VS2-I very good cut with GIA report, $3,275.00 CAD. e14410

Natural diamonds have proven themselves to be resilient in the face of much less expensive synthetic, laboratory-grown, created, artisan diamonds. While the price of lab-grown synthetics continues to fall as efficiencies of scale and technology make them cheaper every day, natural diamonds have seen a modest price increase at the mine and cutting factory levels. All forms of technology become less expensive over time and synthetic diamonds are just the same. Synthetic diamonds have been around since the 1950s but the technology to make gem-quality synthetics in quantity was too expensive for large-scale production. 70 years later a nice 1.00 carat synthetic diamond can be had for under $1,300.00 CAD and this price is still falling. Our latest estate diamond is of 100% natural origin and comes with a copy of its original GIA report. Weighing 0.82 carats of VS1-I quality and very good cut. It was recently traded in for something a little bit larger. It comes with a 2011 appraisal when it was mounted in a ring. A short YouTube video of the actual diamond can be seen here. Let us create a ring or other exquisite piece of jewellery using this diamond. Buying an estate natural diamond is the most efficient way to get outstanding value. We have a great selection of natural estate and new diamonds with Gemological Institute of American reports. Make sure any natural diamond you are considering comes with a GIA report, for peace of mind that you are getting accurate grading. The estate price for this 0.81 carat, VS2-I, very good cut, very good polish, very good symmetry, no fluorescence diamond is only $3,275.00. Stock #e14410.

SOLD

February 28, 2021

1.01ct. I1-I average cut (6.15mm x 4.00mm) $3,060.00 CAD. e14323

Call them as we see them has always been the way we describe the quality of all our diamonds. We don’t sugarcoat the critical details or supply optimistic, misleading appraisals. As trained Gemologists and Diamond Graders (GIA), with decades of experience, we focus on the important characteristics that make one diamond more valuable than another. This diamond is a perfect example of why you shouldn’t buy only the description. Here is the good news; this diamond is bright, white, full of sparkle, and will show well in any piece of jewellery. The I1 clarity grade approaches the SI2 range and is practically eye-clean. A small group of crystals in the centre of the stone are all but invisible except under extreme scrutiny. The “I” colour is doesn’t face up tinted yellow. The bad news is the cut was somewhat compromised in order to achieve a more psychologically appealing weight of over one carat. This diamond has a diameter of 6.15mm diameter; if it had been cut to theoretical perfect proportions it would weigh around 0.90 carats. Despite being only of average cut, it sparkles and twinkles very well. For the estate price of just $3,050.00, this diamond represents excellent value. We’d love to set it in a custom design, a new production ring, or an estate setting of your choice. We have 14 karat vintage settings priced from only $65.00 per gram, something like this 3-gram solitaire setting costs only $195.00. This diamond would also make a great pendant or we could source out a match for a knockout pair of earrings. If you have a different style of setting in mind we have many to choose from. The diamond by itself is estate priced at $3,060.00 CAD. Stock #e14323.

SOLD

February 3, 2021

1.87 carat VS1-I excellent cut GIA certified $17,800.00 CAD. e12083

Many 2.00 carat and heavier diamonds have diameters less than this one making them appear smaller. With an average diameter of 7.93mm, this diamond looks bigger than many 2.00 carat diamonds with only an average or even a good cut. Lots of diamonds are cut by those who decide to maximize weight at the expense of a beautiful cut; this is a shame. Did you know that the cut of a diamond can affect the price of two otherwise identical stones by over 40 percent? Of all the diamond characteristics that contribute to value only the cut can be controlled. Far too often the cut is compromised in order to create a psychologically more appealing heavier stone. No compromises were taken when this diamond was cut in Canada. The Gemological Institute of America has graded this diamond 1.87 carats of VS1 clarity, I colour, excellent cut, and no fluorescence. Report #2155596018 can be seen here. Diamond only is estate priced at $17,800.00 CAD. It is currently set in a 2-year-old 14 karat white gold diamond halo design containing 64 VS-GH quality diamonds weighing a combined 1.41 carats. The size 6 ring weighs a substantial 7.4 grams and is available separately for an additional $3,000.00. Stock number #e12083.

SOLD

January 20, 2021

0.73ct. SI2-K good cut GIA certified $1,500.00 CAD. e13577

A bright, attractive round brilliant cut diamond that is just under 3/4 of a carat for $1,500.00 is a great value and this one comes with a Gemological Institute of America grading port. The report can be seen online here. Its slightly shallow cut results in an average diameter of 5.91mm making it look larger than most 0.75 carat round diamonds. A few twinning wisps are visible in this magnified image but go unnoticed by the naked eye. If you’re looking for a good-sized, accurately graded diamond but want to keep the cost down, this is a great stone to consider. The diamond is currently set in a traditional style 4 prong, 14 karat, white gold solitaire ring setting. The petite ring measures a 4 1/2  finger size but can be made larger. The ring is available for an extra $150.00. Stock #e13577.

SOLD

January 3, 2021

1.02ct. SI2-D good cut GIA certifed $5,500.00 CAD. e13580

You do not see many GIA certified D colour diamonds. Generally speaking, you can expect a diamond with a Gemological Institute of America report to be of a higher quality the most. With that being said, D colour GIA certified diamonds represent only around 10% of the 327,000 diamonds on our in store database. You can’t get better than a D colour. The SI2 clarity is the result of a few white feathers that go unnoticed without artificial magnification. The large 6.67mm average diameter is bigger than most 1.00 carat diamonds and makes this one look more like a 1.15 carat. Good overall cut with very good polish, excellent symmetry and faint fluorescence round out the important grading characteristics. The full March 2020 GIA report can be seen online here. This diamond came to us in a 14 karat white gold setting with channel set diamond shoulders and a 2007 GemScan appraisal. The setting was in good condition, but we thought the exceptional colour diamond would be better showcased in a more modern rose gold halo style. 14 karat gold ring adds 16 brilliant cut diamonds framing the centre further enhancing the size. A short YouTube video of the actual diamond ring can be seen here. If you would like to use this diamond in a custom setting of your own design, bring us your idea. We love to turn your concept of the perfect ring into reality. The complete ring as shown is available for $6,200.00 CAD. Stock #e13580.

SOLD

December 21, 2020

1.75ct. VS2-I very good cut GIA certified $14,300.00 CAD. e3739

This is a great looking diamond with all the right credentials. Gemological Institute of America certified VS2 clarity, “I” colour, very good cut, good polish, very good symmetry, and no fluorescence. The full GIA report can be seen online here. With an average diameter of 7.75mm, this diamond will look like a little flashlight on your finger. Set it in a traditional solitaire or the latest custom halo creation. Let Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers can make you a ring to be proud of and save some $$$$$ with an estate diamond at the same time. It is currently set in a size 6 1/2 platinum diamond ring adding 0.79 carats of VS-GH bling (available separately for $2,730.00). We also have the same setting in a size 8 and a 14 karat white gold version size  6 1/2  if you have your own diamond or need a different size. This 4 billion year old diamond is in perfect condition and estate priced at $14,300.00 CAD. Stock #e3739.

SOLD

December 4, 2020

0.74ct. I1-F very good cut GIA certified $2,380.00 CAD. e11956

This diamond is a great example of why you should never judge the beauty of a diamond by simply looking at a gemological report. Most accurately graded I1 clairity diamonds are quite beautiful if as well cut like this one. What I find remarkable is the diamond was graded an I1. The translucent white, feather type inclusion is small enough and insignificant enough that we thought it was a pretty safe bet to receive an SI2 clarity grade from The Gemological Institute of America. In this magnified dark field contrasting photomicrograph it’s not difficult to see the inclusion just to the right of centre in the diamond’s pavilion. In a regular viewing situation, the inclusion all but disappears in the brilliance and dispersion offered by the very good cut diamond. In these two photographs, the inclusion is much more difficult to see without artificial magnification. From a naked eye perspective, this is a close as you could possibly get to a diamond with a GIA certified I1 clarity grade that looks flawless to a naked eye. It would be a lie to say we were not disappointed with the I1 grade but it’s pretty hard to argue with the world’s undisputed authority for diamond grading. After all, it was The Gemological Institute of America that developed the system of how all diamonds are graded today. Some savvy Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers client is going to get an amazing diamond considering its price is only $2,380.00 CAD. The full January 2019 GIA diamond grading report can be seen online here. Even within a specific clarity or colour grade, there is a range; a low SI2 is basically the same as a very good I1. A low J colour grade is pretty much the same as a very high K colour. At least if you’re dealing with GIA certified diamonds you know you are looking at accurate, unbiased opinions from a not for profit educational institution that has no direct interest in the commerce of diamonds or jewellery. You should also know that GIA does not appraise diamonds, they are only interested in accurately documenting the quality. We currently have this diamond set in a brand new 14 karat white gold 3 stone ring. The 2 shoulder diamonds add 0.52 carats in weight and are of very nice VS-GH quality. Please add an additional $1,500.00 for the complete ring. A short video of the actual ring can be seen here. Centre diamond only is estate priced at $2,380.00 CAD. Stock #e11956.

SOLD

November 30, 2020

0.42ct. SI1-J very good cut $769.00 CAD. e10641

There’s no sense talking too much about this diamond. We’re very confident it represents the best value for an accurately graded stone of this size/quality anywhere. Plain and simple, just how we like it. Colour has been graded by comparison to our Gemological Institute of America master diamonds. The clarity is based on a small white feather located at the extreme outside edge that can easily be completely concealed with even a tiny claw. The cut easily grades very good or better as this geometry certificate demonstrates. I’m sure we have another estate diamond in stock to match this one if you would like a nice pair of studs made up. Estate priced at just $760.00 CAD. Stock #e10641.

SOLD

August 30, 2020

1.03ct. VS1-I fair cut GIA cert. $4,895.00 CAD. e14091

Every natural diamond is a unique creation by mother nature. The human element of cutting them provides the everlasting sparkle that has made them so attractive for centuries. The savvy diamond consumer always considers the cut as an important characteristic helping to determine the value in addition to the carat weight, colour, and clarity. This diamond has a rather unique cut. While determined to be a “Fair” cut according to The Gemological Institute of America. this one shines and sparkles just fine, thank you very much. What is so unusual about the cut is the 54.3% depth percentage resulting from slightly shallow crown/pavilion angles and a medium culet. This geometry produced a diamond that weighs 1.03 carats but looks more like it weighs 1.25 carats (if cut to typical standards). Most diamonds that are not cut to optimum proportions almost always too look smaller they actually weigh because they are cut too deep. If priced the same, which you prefer, a diamond that looked larger than it actually is or a diamond that looks smaller than it weighs? I’d go for the larger looking diamond too. We sent this diamond to New York to receive a Gemological Institute of America report that outlines all the characteristics you need to determine its value. The full March 3, 2021 report can be seen on GIA’s website here. We take the extra time and spend the extra money on only GIA reports because to believe our customers deserve the best in unbias diamond grading standards. There are far too many prejudiced certificates and appraisals that are optimistic at best and sometimes downright deceptive. GIA will never supply an appraisal of value on your diamond or piece of jewellery. GIA has no interest in the commerce of diamonds and there are no wholesale discounts for those in the trade when obtaining a report. Every important diamond should have a GIA report. If the diamond you’re considering doesn’t come with a Gemological Institute of America report you need to ask why it doesn’t (there are no substitutes). Including the original GIA laminated report, this diamond is estate priced at $4,895.00 CAD. Stock #e14091.

SOLD

August 20, 2020

1.02ct. SI1-I good cut, very good symmetry & polish, no fluorescence GIA cert. $4,500.00 CAD. e14088

Wholesale is the new retail when it comes to estate diamonds at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. This beautiful diamond comes with all the right credentials so online comparison shopping should quickly have you in agreement with us, “this one is the best value anywhere”. No fancy marketing, no misleading discounts, just the promise to provide the best value in diamonds and jewellery. This estate diamond just returned from the New York facility of the Gemological Institute of America where it received its quality grading assessment. GIA sets the world standard with impartial diamond and coloured stone grading. ALL important diamonds should have a report from the GIA as your guarantee of accurate grading. I wish there was a GIA office in Canada we could send our diamonds to but their closest laboratory is in New York City. Our clients deserve the reassurance of a GIA report. We’re happy to pay the expense and go to the extra effort in order to offer the most trusted reports when our customers have selected us for a special diamond. This diamond looks great, free from any eye-visible inclusions. A nice “I” colour with very good polish and symmetry make it dazzle with sparkling dispersion at the slightest movement. The full GIA report can be seen online here. Let us create something unique for you using this estate diamond and the centrepiece. Estate priced at $4,500.00 CAD. Stock #e14088.

SOLD

August 18, 2020

2.01ct. VS1-H “triple X” GIA certified $24,499.00 CAD. e12265

It’s not about the price it’s about the perception. Where people buy diamonds and why they pay what they pay for them has always been a mystery to me. The same stone can sell for vastly different prices in different locations. There always seems to be room in the retail landscape for the ultra low cost and premium price for the same thing. Marketing must be a more powerful tool than we give credit for otherwise most businesses couldn’t compete with the lowest cost provider. Convenience, reputation, branding, confidence, emotion, and knowledge all play a roll in helping a consumer decide where to spend their hard earned money. We won’t go into a long sales pitch regarding our latest estate diamond. Right or wrong, subconscious perception just may be the greatest factor guiding you; but we know this stone is literally the best value anywhere (wholesale or retail). Hopefully, your objective side will do some research and compare this one with other diamonds of the same quality and certification standards. The full Gemological Institute of America report can be seen here. We are not able to duplicate this price once this diamond sells. Wholesale dealer inquires are always welcome but we’d rather sell it to one of our savvy customers. Estate price $24,499.00 CAD. Stock #e12265.

SOLD

August 10, 2020

0.51ct. VVS2-F GIA certified princess cut $1,250.00 CAD. e9849

Very nice diamond at a very nice price makes a very nice starting point for a great piece of jewellery. Recently certified at the Gemological Institute of America with excellent results of VVS2 clarity with an equally impressive colour grade of F. The full August 2016 report can be seen online here. There’s a good chance we have another diamond of similar quality in stock that would allow us to make a great pair of earrings totaling over 1.00 carat in weight. A stand alone solitaire ring or simple pendant would make a nice home for this diamond too. Estate priced at just $1,250.00 CAD. Stock #e9849.

SOLD

August 1, 2020

5.80ct. I1-K GIA certified $51,000.00 CAD. e12278 101-00020

We’re thinking of trying out a new slogan, something like “Barrie’s Over-Sized Diamond Destination” (just kidding). Might not stick but we really are getting larger diamonds more and more frequently. For the first 20 years of our business selling a 1.00 carat diamond was the exception and certainly not a regular occurrence. 1.00 carat solitaires really didn’t become the benchmark until probably the last 10 to 15 years. The Barrie area is rapidly changing; when we opened in 1958 the city’s population was under 20,000 people, now we are almost at 200,000 residents and growing fast! We pride ourselves on our unique offerings and really we are just diamond nerds so it’s hard to pass up a great opportunity even if the price point is significant. This fantastic estate 5.80 carat round brilliant cut diamond was a fantastic opportunity! The diamond has been proportioned slightly on the shallow side, though it still earned a Gemological Institute of America cut grade of Good. That slight shallowness gives the diamond its impressive 12.1mm footprint, a measurement you’d normally expect to find on a diamond weighing close to 7 carats. The diamond is an I1 clarity because there are inclusions that you may see without magnification. Considering that this is wider than some women’s fingers I think we can forgive a scattering of small inclusions that are difficult to find even in these magnified images, more visible in the second dark field contrasting picture. The clarity actually includes a few man-made laser drill holes which were probably used to remove some more noticeable black inclusions. The K colour faces up much whiter than you’d expect and we personally like a touch of warmth on diamonds this size; it adds authenticity at a glance so the ring doesn’t look like it came out of a gumball machine. We’ve set this behemoth into a brand new 14 karat white gold engagement/wedding ring set containing 22 certified Candian diamonds of excellent VS-F quality adding 1.32 carats of diamond weight.  If this creation isn’t to your taste we can easily build something completely unique just for you, a bespoke masterpiece worthy of the wearer. As with all important diamonds, the ring is accompanied by all of its original paperwork and a brand new GIA certificate from June 19th, 2019. The original appraisal documents reflect the full spectrum of appraisal opinions. A certificate from 1986 states a replacement value of $98,500.00; with the diamond graded incorrectly as an SI2-H. Another appraisal from just three years later suggests an appropriate replacement value of $68,100.00. Neither document from the 1980s noticed the microscopic laser drill holes. We agree with the latter but our estate price for the diamond itself is $51,000.00. If you like the complete ring it is estate priced at $55,555.00 CAD. Stock #e12278 101-00020.

SOLD

July 2, 2020

1.53ct. I1-L very good cut GIA certified $5,555.00 CAD. e13857

A lot of bling for not a lot of money. Although this diamond isn’t the whitest available, the L colour as graded by the GIA is well controlled by the slightly shallow 59.1% depth and 31.5-degree crown angle. These features promote an abundance of white/black sparkle as the stone is moved. The geometry also makes the diamond look bigger than it actually is. The 7.58mm average diameter makes this diamond look more like one weighing closer to 1.75 carats. As always, we suggest you look for accurate, reliable grading documents with any diamond you’re considering. Unfortunately, there are far too many optimistic, flattering, and biased opinions out there. Insist on only Gemological Institute of America grading reports and not some look-alike document. This diamond came to us with an appraisal proclaiming it to have an H colour. We submitted the diamond to the GIA’s New York laboratory for a full grading report and the diamond came back with a proper grade of L. Missing a colour grade by 4 full grades for a trusted appraisal certificate is disappointing, to say the least. The actual appraised value is simply an opinion to which you can draw your own conclusions. The rest of the diamond is quite pleasant. The I1 clarity grade inclusion could mostly be covered by a strategically placed claw and is invisible to all but the most sharp-sighted observer. The overall cut was graded by GIA as very good, with excellent symmetry, excellent polish, and no fluorescence. The Full GIA December 14, 2020 report can be seen online here. If you’d like to purchase the original 5.8 gram, 14 karat white gold setting with 24 diamonds (0.40ct. tw. SI-I-HI), it can be purchased separately for $500.00. Including the GIA report, the diamond is estate priced at $5,555.00 CAD. Stock #e13857.

SOLD

June 22, 2020

0.70ct. I1-F Maple Leaf Canadian diamond good cut $1,500.00 CAD. e13878

Our estate diamonds are by far the best value we can offer. Even more so with our Canadian estate diamonds, as we add no premium for the origin that everyone else does. Buying Canadian diamonds brand new usually represents a cost increase of at least 10-15%. Justifiable considering a government employee (Canada’s Head Gemologist) has to accompany the diamonds from mine to rough sorting facility (Botswana, if the mine is owned by De Beers), to the cutting facility, and back to Canada to be sold to retailers. As proof of all that travel, all certified Canadian diamonds all receive a laser inscription across their girdles. In this case, that tiny serial number is accompanied by a stylized maple leaf linking it to the Maple Leaf Diamonds brand. This beautiful round brilliant cut Canadian diamond weighs in at a nice, tidy 0.70 carat of I1-F quality and good cut. The grade setting inclusion is well disguised by the facet pattern, making it face up better than you’d expect. Estate price for the loose diamond and its original certificate, $1,500.00 CAD. Stock #e13878.

SOLD

June 21, 2020

1.14ct. VS1-E very good cut GIA certified $9,180.00 CAD. e13553

When only “almost” the best will do. It’s been a while since we posted a popular sized loose estate diamond for sale and this one is very interesting. It is almost perfect in so many of the ways gemologists assess the quality of diamonds.  The cut, colour, symmetry and polish all missed perfection by only the slightest of margins. In some ways, this makes the diamond even more compelling than an absolutely perfect example.  A flawless natural diamond of perfect colour and cut this size will set you back 2.5 times the cost of this one but won’t look different in the real world. In fact, I could make a strong case for this one being more attractive. The average diameter of 6.835mm makes it appear the same size as an excellent cut stone weighing close to 1.25 carats. The ever so slightly shallow cut gives it a bigger footprint compared to an excellent cut. This diamond has a recent (November 6, 2020) Gemological Institute of American report reviewing all the characteristics and geometry necessary for you to determine this diamond is the best value available anywhere, online or off. The full report can be viewed online here. Even if you have no intention of purchasing a diamond from us, due yourself a favour and insist on a GIA graded report with the diamond you may be considering. Important diamonds deserve truly impartial verification than no appraisal can offer. We’re 100% confident there isn’t a better diamond available at this price. Let us set this diamond in the custom creation of your dreams or let us assemble it in one our many ready to wear models. Dealer enquires are welcomed. The diamond is estate priced at $9,180.00 CAD. Stock #e13553.

SOLD

June 20, 2020

1.44ct. VS2-OP old mine cut diamond GIA certified $4,000.00 CAD. e13579

Something old and something new. Believe it or not this diamond is pushing 300 years old. Mine cut diamonds are the distant relatives to today’s modern round brilliant cut. In fact the number and relative position of the 58 facets is the same you’d expect to see on a diamond that was cut today. From the early 18th century to the late 19th century, the old mine cut was the most popular way to facet a diamond. This excerpt is taken from the GIAs website detailing how the name “old mine cut” came about. Some confusion surrounds the term “old mine cut,” especially as the term has evolved over the years. It probably came into common use around the late 1800s, at a time when diamond production from Africa began to eclipse production from the “old mines” of Brazil and even older mines of India. “Old mine cut,” originally meant any “brilliant” cut, squarish shape, colorless or near-colorless diamond that originated in Brazil or India. Then, as African mines began producing diamonds of higher color quality, the term old mine cut was applied to any diamond with exceptional color and one that had the older style cut. Eventually, old mine cut was applied only to squarish-shaped diamonds with faceting arrangements that were popular beginning in the early 1700s. Follow this link to see a short YouTube video of this diamond. This estate diamond was weighed in at 1.44 carats before it was set into this brand new 3.5 gram, Canadian made 14 karat white gold solitaire setting. The diamond clarity is a very good VS2 and the colour was determined by The Gemological Institute of America to a grade of OP. The full March 2020 GIA report can be seen online here. The larger slightly larger finger size 9 ring can easily be made smaller as required by our onsite goldsmiths. A couple centuries old but good as new, I guess diamonds really are forever. Complete ring is estate priced at $4,305.00 CAD. Stock #e13579.

SOLD

June 15, 2020

2.01ct. SI1-G very good cut GIA certified $22,000.00 CAD. e11744

We never said diamonds weren’t expensive but that doesn’t mean they can’t have amazing value. Especially when we’re talking about a GIA certified (November 2018) estate diamond that we feel is the best value in the world! We’re not kidding, we’ve strategically priced this diamond to be less expensive than anything available of the same specifications. We’ve compared it to online vendors, local mall stores, diamond exchanges, big box stores, and so-called wholesale to the public sources. A better price on a diamond like this can’t be had, period! This is the time of year you hear about 30, 40, 50% off, and more diamond sales; our sophisticated clients know better.  For $22,000.00 CAD this diamond offers the best value anywhere. It was just certified by the Gemological Institute of America with a very good cut, excellent polish, excellent symmetry, and no fluorescence. The full report can be seen online here. With an average diameter of 8.06mm it puts down a larger footprint than many comparable 2.00 carat diamonds. The best feature of this diamond is that it’s “eye clean”. Eye clean means when viewed without artificial magnification the inclusions are invisible. While it’s not flawless the inclusions are mostly isolated to the outside edge making them far less visible. This diamond is also currently listed on our trade access only wholesale database for the same price as you see here, so don’t think about it for too long. We sell wholesale and we sell retail, it’s all the same to us. We love connecting people with amazing value whether it’s a wholesale colleague or our own retail client. The diamond is currently unset, we’re waiting for you to come in with a custom idea that we can turn into reality. We insist you shop this diamond and its credentials around. I think you’ll find the value that Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers can offer can’t be beat. Estate price $22,000.00 CAD. (bank wire price $21,560.00 CAD). Stock #e11744. Wholesale dealer inquiries are welcome.

SOLD

June 1, 2020

0.69ct. VS2-H GIA certified $2,000.00 CAD. e13765

While diamonds are forever, they are not indestructible. Diamonds formed 3-4 billion years ago deep underground, under immense pressures and temperatures. For us to be able to access them we need to find them close to or at the surface of the earth. This diamond survived for billions of years, traveling from the earth’s depths to the surface likely through earthquakes, tectonic plate movement, and volcanic eruptions only to fall victim to a major impact to its edge. The following images show the chip on the edge that extends into the crown. All was not lost as diamonds can be recut or repaired. Since this diamond was GIA certified and laser engraved with the report number on the girdle we thought we should preserve the engraving. This means although the diamond is no longer chipped, its excellent cut grade could not be preserved. The symmetry and proportions are no longer perfect and the diamond would only be considered a good cut. The upside to this story is only 0.01 carat of weight was lost during the repair from its original weight of 0.70 carats. The original GIA report can be seen online here. The lower cut grade and reduction in weight have affected the value but this is still a very pretty diamond and represents great value for the estate price of $2,000.00 CAD. The diamond comes with its original GIA report. This stone could be the starting point for a beautiful engagement ring or another piece of jewellery. Estate price $2,000.00 CAD. Stock #e13765.

SOLD

March 2, 2020

3.25ct. SI1-K very good cut GIA certified $28,000.00 CAD. e10465

The “4 Cs” are important when considering a significant diamond purchase but I know of a few other letters that are just as critical in the world of diamond grading. GIA GIA GIA GIA GIA. I can’t stress those 3 letters enough. If the diamond hasn’t been graded by the Gemological Institute of America, purchase with caution. Make absolutely sure the diamond comes with an iron-clad money-back guarantee and get another opinion of quality and value. Unless you’re a diamond grading expert the subtle differences that contribute to proper pricing are difficult to determine. Just because the diamond you purchased is graded the same as another diamond doesn’t mean it was graded to the same uncompromising standards established decades ago by the GIA. There are many diamond certificates and appraisers who use the GIA’s terminology and language but don’t grade to the same strict standards. A GIA certificate costs more and doesn’t assign a value but the peace of mind it provides is priceless. If you’re going to spend well into 5 figures for a diamond take some time and watch this video by Martin Rapaport where he discusses overgraded diamonds and inaccurate reports. Mr. Rapaport produces a wholesale diamond price list that is widely followed in the industry. This guy knows his stuff. Our featured diamond fits the bill if you want a show-stopping look but still want to keep the price under control. Reasonable clarity, colour, no fluorescence, very good cut plus the estate nature keeps the value better than anything else out there. The fresh April 25 2017 GIA report can be seen online here. As a suggestion for a ring, how about this 18 karat white and yellow gold creation? It weighs 13.6 grams and contains 76 white and yellow VS clarity diamonds weighing approximately 0.63 carats total weight. You’ll need a tiny finger for this one as it measures just a 4 1/2. It can be made a little larger if required. The setting can be purchased separately for $2000.00 CAD. Complete ring is estate priced at $30,000.00 CAD. Stock #e10465.

SOLD

December 15, 2019

1.01ct. I1-E good cut GIA certified $3,500.00 CAD (ring $800.00 extra). e13578

When it comes to a diamond you’d have a hard time finding more bang for the buck than this. The super white E colour diamond provides an excellent display of brilliance and dispersion. A few scattered inclusions qualify the diamond as an I1 according to the Gemological Institute of America. The full March 2020 report can be seen online here. Diamonds of this colour/clarity and cut combination rival the optical performance of stones costing double or triple this one. The diamond is currently set in a custom made 14 karat white gold halo style engagement ring. This design has been a consistent best seller of ours for many years.  The petite size 5 ring contains 42 French set diamonds adding 0.33 carats of additional SI-HI bling. The fully dressed ring is available for $800.00 more. If you love the diamond but have a different style ring in mind the stone by itself is priced at $3,500.00. The ring is in like new condition showing no areas of wear. Complete ring with centre diamond is estate priced at $4,300.00 CAD. Stock #e13578.

SOLD

December 7, 2019

1.50ct. SI1-G GIA certified $10,000.00 CAD. e11743

Lurking within this 1.50 carat fair cut diamond is an excellent cut 1.37 carat diamond. Some careful re-proportioning of the diamond will achieve a superior cut but it will weigh close to 10% less. Such is the dilemma every diamond cutter faces when considering faceting a rough diamond; cut to maximize finished weight (and potentially profit) or cut to maximize sparkle and brilliance but end up with a smaller stone. Not only will you end up with a smaller diamond in order to achieve an excellent cut, in many cases the premium cut diamond may have a psychological disadvantage to anyone comparing it to a heavier stone of lower cut grade priced the same. Compare this estate diamond to the same quality 1.50 carat or an excellent cut 1.37 carat diamond, it is still priced better than anything else currently in the market (retail or wholesale). The diamond was certified by the Gemological Institute of America November 2018 with nice results. Strong SI1 clarity, G colour, good symmetry, good polish and no fluorescence. Sure the table is a few percentage points too big, the crown angle is a few degrees too steep and the total depth is 0.15mm too deep but still it looks amazing. GIA scrutinize the geometry of diamond cut like no other. They offer completely impartial grading analysis as they have no interest in the price or the commerce of diamonds. Always insist the diamond you are considering has been GIA certified, not simply certified by someone with GIA training and credentials. This diamond is also listed on our wholesale dealer only database for the same price as you see here, so don’t think about it for too long. At $10,000.00 CAD it’s less than any equivalent GIA certified diamond anywhere! We sell wholesale and we sell retail, it’s all the same to us. We love connecting people with amazing value whether it’s a wholesale colleague or for our own retail client. From big box store to large retail chains and even the latest greatest online vendor. We’re not afraid to compete with any and all competition. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers 60 years experience, unique business and operational advantages allow us the enviable position of being able to offer better value than anyone. We don’t take this statement lightly, we really mean it. This pretty diamond is estate priced at just $10,000.00 CAD. With a weakening Canadian dollar this diamond offers even more value. Included with diamond for no extra charge is an 18 karat white gold traditional 4 prong solitaire. The setting weighs 3.6 grams and showcases the diamond in a classic minimalist design that will never go out of style. Stock #e11743.

SOLD

October 24, 2019

0.40ct. SI1-J & 0.35ct. VS2-F excellent cut $600.00 & $700.00 CAD. e11851 e11852

We do love those great big diamonds that are the stars of anybody’s dinner party, but we also do smaller diamonds better than anyone else too. Here are a couple of freshly re-manufactured estate round brilliant cut diamonds. Both of these diamonds were perfectly acceptable but not outstanding in any sense as they only had an average cut. They each underwent a full re-cutting to bring up their cutting grade to excellent by GIA standards. Although they lost around 20% of their original weight they have actually increased in value. That doesn’t mean they’re expensive; on the contrary. Due to their estate nature we are able to offer them for under a traditional wholesale price (much to the frustration of our competition). The 0.40 carat SI1-J is priced at only $600.00 CAD and the 0.35 carat VS2-F is just $700.00. The colour and clarity are 100% guaranteed accurate to Gemological Institute of America standards and both diamonds have no fluorescence. We are the only store in the area with two full time, on staff, GIA certified diamond graders plus a Graduate Gemologist with 30 years experience. We have 1000s of other loose diamonds in stock, if you don’t see it on our website contact us. You can also check out our online database with thousands more accurately graded GIA certified loose diamonds. As always we encourage you to shop our pricing anywhere, we think you’ll agree that Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers offers the best value around. Stock numbers e11851 (0.40ct. SI1-J) and e11852 (0.35ct. VS2-F).

SOLD

October 5, 2019

2.20ct. SI1-D cushion brilliant cut GIA certified $24,600.00 CAD e11847

Cushion shaped brilliant cut diamonds are a popular alternative to a round diamond. They don’t show up in our estate department very often and this one is very exciting. Its got good size at well over 2 carats. It has absolutely perfect D colour as certified by GIA; excellent polish, very good symmetry and medium blue fluorescence round out this beautiful diamonds quality characteristics. The full Gemological Institute of America grading report can be seen here. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS insist on a GIA diamond grading certificate if you’re considering an important diamond purchase. We all too often see poorly and inaccurately graded diamonds. Almost all of our larger diamonds come with GIA’s unbiased grading report. We’ll always place our customers interests first at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. Full, accurate disclosure plus pricing allow our clients to easily compare diamonds. There are few jewellers with enough confidence to display not only pricing but all the other important quality characteristics required to determine value. This diamond is currently set in a custom made 18 karat rose gold/platinum setting with small accent diamonds running down the shoulders. The setting is available separately for an additional $1,000.00 CAD.  The diamond and ring come with a Harold Weinstein Ltd. May 2018 document of appraisal. Stock #e11847. Only available at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers under the big blue neon diamond in Downtown Barrie for over 60 years.

SOLD

September 9, 2019

0.59ct. SI1-I octagon brilliant cut diamond $1,300.00 CAD. e13044

Diamonds are extremely hard, harder than anything else in nature. Because of that fact people assume they are indestructible but this is not the case. Diamonds can be chipped or broken entirely during wear given the right circumstances. The only way to repair a chipped diamond is to cut away the broken material. A talented diamond cutter can estimate with accuracy how much weight and diameter will be lost in the re-cutting process. If the loss is going to be too high they’ll often advise cutting the diamond into a different shape. Really the whole thing is very common practice and happens with more frequency than you’d imagine. We regularly acquire previously owned, vintage, antique and estate diamonds to repair. Often our master diamond cutter is called upon to improve a poorly cut diamond to standards recognized by The Gemological Institute of America of very good or excellent cut quality for superior brilliance and dispersion. In over 61 years of business we have never encountered a round brilliant cut diamond that was re-cut into an octagon! We researched pricing on this unique cut within our international diamond database and out of more than 300,000 diamonds available only 11 were octagons. At 0.59 carat and 4.9mm in diameter ours would have been the fifth largest of those listed. This unusual diamond also boasts an eye-clean SI1-I quality. The diamond is ready to be the unique crown on any custom project for only $1,300.00 CAD. Stock #e13044.

SOLD

July 17, 2019

0.61ct. I1-QRS old European cut diamond 5.6mm $300.00 CAD. e13143

Value can by difficult to recognize unless you understand the product and have expert experience with its market. Diamonds can be a confusing subject to most people and the trade offers little assistance with confusing appraisals and misleading assessments of price. We thought we’d just throw this diamond out there for a great price and see what happens. This diamond is well over 100 years old and still looks as good as it did when new. It faces up with lots of sparkle and dispersion courtesy of its antique geometry showcasing diamonds amazing ability to break up white light into spectral colours. A very small table, tall bezel facets and wide pavilion main facets reflect chunky amounts of brilliance making the diamond appear far better than its I1-QRS quality suggests. These old world diamond cutter craftsmen really knew what they were doing. The diamond measures 5.62mm x 3.05mm and weighs 0.61 carats. It would make a great centerpiece for an antique inspired engagement ring or maybe a simple solitaire pendant. Our theoretical wholesale pricing guide suggests an antique diamond of this size and quality would sell for around $400.00 USD within the trade. At $300.00 CAD retail the stone is priced well under its wholesale value. Lets make something amazing for you with this antique diamond. Stock #e13143.

SOLD

July 9, 2019

0.60ct. SI1-I excellent cut with Spence Diamonds certificate $1,480.00 CAD. e13445

Beautiful diamond from a respected Canadian jeweller with accurate certification and priced way below its replacement value. This diamond came to us in a setting that was somewhat limited in its appeal. The setting was recycled leaving us with this beautiful 0.60 carat round brilliant cut diamond looking for a new home. SI1 clarity looks flawless without artificial magnification. The small inclusions establishing the slightly included (SI) grade are outside the table border making them difficult to locate. The “I” colour lacks any discernible hue when combined with the excellent cut. This diamond explodes with brilliance and dispersion. It would be an excellent candidate for an engagement ring or pendant. We could find another diamond from our database of loose stones and make an outstanding set of earrings. The diamond is accompanied by the original Spence Diamonds certificate dated June 12 2014. We’re sure this diamond offers better value than anything else you’ll be able to find online or off. We have the diamond currently set in a traditional 4 prong 14 karat white gold setting available for an additional $240.00. A short YouTube video of the ring can be seen here. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers price for the diamond only is $1,480.00 CAD. Stock #e13445.

SOLD

June 24, 2019

0.70ct. VS2-F excellent cut GIA certified $3,333.00 CAD. e13028

The difference in diameter between this diamond and an excellent cut 1.00 carat round diamond is only about 0.7mm. This diamond weighs 30% less than a 1 carat but it costs about 2.5 times less. That’s how it works with diamonds; as the size doubles the price quadruples. For a significant looking stone this 0.70 carat round brilliant cut offers the look of big $$$$$ but not the cost. GIA certified excellent cut, very good polish, excellent symmetry and no fluorescence assure you of amazing sparkle. Let this diamond be the starting point for that custom ring you’ve been thinking of or trade in your original “practice” diamond for something a little more significant. At $3,333.00 we guarantee this is the best value diamond of this size/quality anywhere. Online or off you won’t find better. Stock #e13028.

SOLD

June 22, 2019

2.12ct. VS1-ST excellent cut with GIA report $8,775.00 CAD. e12574

Included with diamond is a fresh Gemological Institute of America (October 2019) report, but the diamond came to us as a chipped transition cut dating from the 1920s. The extremely thin girdle on the original diamond left it prone to damaged along the edge. The original diamond measured a substantial 9.44mm diameter and weighed 2.72 carats. We instructed our master diamond cutter to repair the damaged area and improve the cut to excellent standards. The repaired diamond lost 22% of its original weight but now it’s far more brilliant, shows more dispersion and is much more resistant to future damage. It still measures a generous 8.42mm diameter and weighs nicely over 2.00 carats. This cut report illustrates the geometry needed to be considered excellent cut according the GIA strict standards. The full GIA report can be seen online here.The excellent VS1 clarity ensures there are no visible inclusions. The ST colour grade is indeed slightly tinted but the excellent cut, very good polish and excellent symmetry keep it sparkling as you’d expect. These warmer hue diamonds are seeing new interest from consumers looking for bright sparkle and good size without breaking the bank. We have the diamond currently set in a traditional 6 prong, 6.7 gram platinum setting that showcases the diamond very well. If you’d like the diamond set in a different style ring or perhaps an entirely new custom piece of jewellery the diamond can be sold without the ring. Diamond price $8,775.00 CAD. Complete ring $9,250.00 CAD. Stock #e12574.

SOLD

April 28, 2019

1.76ct. VS2-H excellent cut Hearts & Arrows GIA certified $18,300.00 CAD. e12480

When a round brilliant diamond is cut to exceptional proportions a special phenomena occurs. Viewed using filtered polarized light and a special viewing tool a unique pattern of hearts and arrows becomes visible. Looking at a Hearts & Arrows diamond face up reveals 8 converging arrows of identical shape. Flipping the diamond upside down with the pavilion pointing up displays 8 hearts. Only around 1% of diamonds are cut to the standards necessary to show a good H & A pattern. Our latest estate diamond easily conforms to the necessary geometry standards required to display the pattern. Without these critical proportions the diamond may still sparkle pretty well but the hearts and arrows patterns will be broken up, asymmetrical and/or unrecognizable. Differences of mere tenths of a degree or a couple percentage points can disqualify a diamond from showing the pattern. A fresh (July 26 2019) Gemological Institute of America is included. The full report can be seen online here. A unique GIA report number has been microscopically laser engraved on the girdle edge along with the Hearts & Arrows identification number. If you’re considering a high quality, important diamond, insist on a GIA report even if the diamond already comes with a Heart & Arrows certificate. This diamond has several reports and appraisal stating the diamond is of G colour. The GIA report suggests a H colour is more appropriate. Excellent cut, VS2 clarity, very good symmetry/polish and no fluorescence are consistent with all the included documentation. This diamond is going to make a great starting point for a spectacular ring. If you’re looking for an amazing diamond with internationally recognized and respected documentation at a price no one can match consider this one. Estate jewellery at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers offers unmatched value. $18,300.00. CAD. Stock #e12480.

SOLD

April 14, 2019

1.02ct. VS1-J excellent cut GIA certified $6,000.00 CAD. e12590

This diamond has an average diameter of close to 6.6mm. Most diamonds of this weight measure closer to 6.3mm, are not particularly well cut, and likely don’t come with Gemological Institute of America certification. This diamond came to us with a current appraisal (August 22 2019) grading the diamond VS1 clarity, J colour and very good cut. The appraisal failed to mention the desirable characteristic of no fluorescence. The Toronto based appraisal service suggested an insurance coverage of $14,300.00 plus taxes (including a simple 14 karat gold setting worth about $700.00). We’d suggest a brand new replacement value of closer to $9,000.00. We liked the diamond so much we thought it deserved a proper certification from GIA. Off to New York it went and we’re happy to report it came back graded just a touch better than expected. GIA determined the colour was an “I”, the appraisal estimated the colour at J. The overall cut was certified to be excellent compared to the appraisals opinion of very good. Symmetry and polish were never mentioned on the appraisal but GIA have graded both as very good. We’d suggest keeping the original appraisal for reference only. There is no sense having any item of jewellery assessed for more than its competitive replacement value. Your insurance company  DOES NOT pay out on what you have your jewellery insured for; they pay out on what they can actually replace it for. If you suffered a loss on this diamond your insurance company or competitive jeweller should be able to find a comparable GIA certified diamond for under $9,000.00  As a previously enjoyed trade in diamond with fresh September 24 2019 GIA certificate this diamond is exceptionally well priced. We CAN NOT replace this diamond for $6,000.00 should you want another. If you’ve got a custom project in mind this diamond makes a great starting point. 3 or 4 billion years old but new to you. You can only find this kind of value at one place, under the big blue neon diamond in Downtown Barrie at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. As always wholesale inquiries welcome. $6,000.00 CAD. Stock #e12590.

SOLD

April 2, 2019

1.71ct. VS1-H “triple x” no fluorescence GIA certified $15,500.00 CAD. e12683

The term “triple X” refers to the characteristics affecting a diamonds quality that can be humanly controlled and executed to the highest quality. This diamond has been cut to an “excellent” standard, it displays “excellent” polish and it also exhibits “excellent” symmetry. Being controllable you’d think all diamonds would be triple X (excellent) but many cutting factories cut to maintain maximum weight over maximum beauty. This Gemological Institute of America graded diamond was determined to have a VS1 clarity with a H colour and no fluorescence. This is the same quality you’d expect to find at Tiffany. A diamond of this quality and size set in a basic platinum setting sells for $45,700.00 at Tiffany. While our little blue box isn’t the same as Tiffany the diamonds would be indistinguishable aside from a laser engraved registration number on the Tiffany diamond. We’ve priced this diamond to be the least expensive in the world. Wholesale or retail we truly believe this is the most competitively priced diamond of its kind anywhere. The full GIA report can be seen online here. Wholesale inquiries are welcome (no further discounts available). Estate priced at just $15,500.00 CAD. Stock #e12683.

SOLD

March 20, 2019

0.85ct. VVS2-J excellent cut GIA certified $3,500.00 CAD. e12576

Exceeding your expectations with unbeatable pricing on loose diamonds and vintage/estate jewellery. Our latest example is the type of amazing value you can count on from Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. Just certified August 26 2019 at the Gemological institute of America. The GIA report can be seen online here. Only a couple pin point inclusions are keeping this diamond from grading internally flawless. The J colour faces up much more white than you’d expect courtesy of the excellent cut and very small 55% table. We’ve priced this diamond to be the least expensive anywhere. We truly believe there isn’t a comparable available for this price on or offline, retail or wholesale. A high quality loose round brilliant cut diamond with this sort of value is the perfect starting point for making a great engagement ring or any other piece of jewellery you may have in mind. Bring us your ideas and let’s make something that will capture their heart while protecting your wallet. If we’re not your jeweller yet call yours and ask for a quote on a GIA certified diamond like this. Wholesale inquiries are welcome (no further discount available). Estate priced at $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #e12576.

SOLD

March 6, 2019

1.08ct. SI1-G good cut GIA certified $5,555.00 CAD. e12589

Wholesale is the new retail. All’s fair in love and war plus perhaps online diamond sales. Traditional wholesalers and cutting factories are selling to online dropshippers forgoing regular retail channels. There have been more retail jewellers go out of business over the last few years than the last 50 as the chain of supply becomes more direct. It’s a difficult retail environment yet we’re busier than ever. Ever wonder why we’re one of the only jewellers around who proudly display our diamond pricing for all to see. We show every characteristic needed enabling you to determine true value. We have nothing to hide and we won’t pressure you with a hard sell when you come in. In a small way we like to disrupt the regular world of retail diamond sales by offering pricing on loose diamonds better than anyone anywhere (wholesale or retail). Online or in person we’re confident there’s no better value on a diamond like this. The fresh GIA report from August 27 2019 and can be seen online here. It’s a beautiful “eye clean” SI1 with a small white feather type inclusion at 12:00 o’clock on the extreme outside edge. This tiny little mark can easily be concealed making this diamond look more like a VS1 clarity. The Gemological Institute of America determined the colour to be a very nice G. Good cut, good polish, good symmetry and no fluorescence round out its desirable quality characteristics. At 59.7 total depth percentage the overall cut is just slightly shallow but this makes the diamond look more like a 1.15 carat diamond or larger. Wholesale/retail, there really is no difference any more. We don’t mind who buys this diamond, if you’re an end consumer considering this one you can be confident you’re getting the best value anywhere in the world. Wholesale interest welcomed (no further discount available). Estate priced at $5,555.00 CAD. Stock #e12589.

SOLD

February 25, 2019

0.62ct. VS1-K excellent cut no fluorescence diamond $1,400.00 CAD. e12098

Actions speak louder than words is a great way to describe what we do at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. We’ve all heard claims of wholesale direct prices, lowest prices guaranteed etc. These words usually come from sources who can’t come close to actually delivering their claims and never show you the characteristics needed to establish a value. Those who make lots of noise typically are the easiest to out price when the rubber meets the road. Whether you’ve been a customer of Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers for decades or you’ve stumbled across our website for the first time today. Welcome to the world of true value pricing without the song and dance. Our latest estate diamond came out of an antique platinum setting that had been modified with a white gold hinged shank. We’ll likely end up recycling the gold and platinum and use the small diamonds in a new creation. The diamond originally weighed 0.81 carat but was chipped along its edge. Our master diamond cutter performed his usual magic transforming the damaged vintage diamond into an excellent cut modern round brilliant. The diamond lost close to 24% of its original weight but the results are more than worth the sacrifice. The cut report from GIA Facetware details all the geometry that makes this diamond sparkle more than almost any you’re likely to encounter. High VS1 clarity with a slightly warm K colour and no fluorescence guarantee a show of brilliance and dispersion second to none. When compared to a F colour diamond it’s not impossible to see the slight tint of this K colour diamond on the right.Difficult as it is for me to take a good close up picture through polarized light you can see this diamond makes a very nice hearts and arrows pattern that only can occur with excellent cut diamonds. We’ll let the diamond softly speak for itself when it comes to showing who really offers the best value in new and estate diamonds. 0.62 carat, VS1 clairty, K colour, excellent cut and no fluorescence for just $1,400.00 CAD. Wholesale and dealer inquires are always welcome. Stock #e12098.

SOLD

February 2, 2019

1.40ct. VS2-G very good cut GIA certified $13,500.00 CAD. e11848

1.40 carat round brilliant cut diamond with a GIA certified very good cut, excellent polish, excellent symmetry and no fluorescence. Its 7.1mm diameter is way more than the typical 1.00 carat diamond and casts a footprint more than 25% larger. The full Gemological Institute of America report can be seen online here. The ring is currently set in a very sturdy 17.5 gram platinum & 18 karat rose gold engagement/wedding ring set with 1.56 carats of additional SI1-G diamonds. The rings are available separately for an additional $3,300.00 CAD.

SOLD

January 15, 2019

1.36ct. VS2-I good cut GIA certified $7,700.00 CAD. e12478

Nothing exceptional, just a great value in a beautiful diamond with the right credentials. It’s just been freshly certified (July 26 2019) in New York at the Gemological Institute of America with nice results. The full report can be seen online here. The ever so slightly shallow cut makes this diamond appear closer to the typical 1.50 carat diamond, a fair trade off for the good overall cut grade. Let us create a unique piece of jewellery using this diamond as the centerpiece. Estate priced at $7,700.00 CAD. Stock #e12478.

SOLD

December 29, 2018

0.80ct. SI1-H very good cut GIA certified $3,300.00 CAD. e11957

This very good cut 0.80 carat diamond has a diameter only 6% smaller compared to a very good cut 1.00 carat diamond, yet this one will cost you more than 50% less $$$$$$$. That’s one of the crazy things about diamonds; as the size increases the price goes up exponentially. The general rule of thumb goes, as the weight doubles the price quadruples. If you’ve ever played around with pricing out a nice 5.00 carat diamond you’ll see this relationship in action. This estate diamond was just certified January 25 2019 at The Gemological Institute of America with very good results and we stress the “very good”.  This diamond is a triple very good; very good cut, very good polish and very good symmetry. There’s little to fault with this laser engraved 0.80 carat SI1-H diamond. The price of only $3,300.00 is likely the best you’re going to encounter too. Measuring 5.96mm average diameter results in a bigger footprint compared to many diamonds of similar weight. Bring us a picture of the kind of ring or jewellery you’d like and let us make something unique and beautiful just for you. We’ve been creating jewellery from the same Downtown Barrie Location for over 60 years. Even our phone number hasn’t changed since 1958 (705) 728 3343. You can find us under the big blue diamond at 52 Dunlop St. West. Estate priced at $3,300.00 CAD. Stock #e11957.

SOLD

December 9, 2018

0.64ct. VS1-I excellent cut strong fluorescence $1,600.00 CAD. e12145

We want our customers to know everything about the diamond they are considering purchasing form us. We strictly grade all of our diamonds to Gemological Institute of America standards and price them to be the best value anywhere. We completely re-manufactured this diamond to excellent cut because of some damage it had previously suffered in the form of a girdle chip. We ended up with a smaller diamond by about 20% of its original weight but the results are well worth it. The superior cut geometry results in a diamond that just sparkles better. A very good clarity grade of VS1 means there are no inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye. With comparison to our GIA master diamonds our Gemologist determined the colour grade be a very nice “I”. Under long wave ultraviolet light this diamond strongly exhibits strong blue fluorescence. The curious blue glow occurs when this diamond is exposed to a specific wavelength of UV light. This image was taken using filtered long wave UV light in the dark. It’s easy to seen the phenomena. In ordinary lighting situations the blue glow goes unnoticed. In direct sunlight a very faint blue may be seen as sunlight has a large component of long wave ultraviolet light within its spectrum. The complimentary blue hue actually makes this I colour diamond look more like a G or H. This GIA Facetware report shows you all the critical geometry that makes this diamond sparkle so well. We hope you shop it around and compare it to what others are asking for a diamond of this quality. Once you do we know you’ll agree the outstanding value this diamond offers. Estate priced at $1,600.00 CAD. Dealer inquiries are always welcome. Stock #e12145.

SOLD

December 1, 2018

1.09ct. VS1-J excellent cut GIA certified $6,500.00 CAD. e12216

Nothing remarkable here just a beautiful diamond at a great price. Nicely over the benchmark 1 carat size, excellent VS1 clarity due to a small group in pinpoint inclusions located just outside the table border, good J colour, excellent cut, very good symmetry, very good polish and no fluorescence and of course it’s GIA certified. The Gemological Institute of America is the only certificate you should consider if you’re looking for an impartial opinion of diamond quality without bias and free from conflict of interest. GIA never issue appraisals, they are simply the most respected authority on diamond and gemstone quality evaluation. Always ask to see the GIA certificate on every diamond you’re considering purchasing. The complete May 15 2019 GIA certificate can be seen online here. We currently have this diamond set in a brand new custom made 14 karat white gold open gallery four prong solitaire. The simple and flattering design weighs 3.5 grams in a finger size 6. The ring is available for an additional $400.00. If you have a different style of ring or pendant in mind we’re happy to sell the diamond alone for $6,500.00 CAD. Stock #e12216.

SOLD

November 28, 2018

1.31ct. I1-L very good cut GIA certified $4,500.00 CAD. e12215

Marketing 101; “always showcase your products in the most flattering lighting conditions possible”. After all approximately 30% of your brain is devoted to vision. Well; I was never a student of marketing, I’m a student of Gemology. As a Graduate Gemologist with 30 years of experience, part of my job is to identify and demonstrate the multitude of characteristics that determine the quality of gems. Not many jewellers will showcase a beautiful diamond under the worst lighting conditions possible, but it’s the best way for us to illustrate what contributes to making this diamond an I1 clarity. With dark field illumination and lots of magnification the crystal inclusion is very easy to spot in the centre of the diamond. Under normal lighting conditions without magnification the small blemish all but disappears. This diamond just returned (May 15 2019) from The Gemological Institute of America with a full grading report (not an appraisal). GIA never provide appraisals and have no interest in the commerce of diamonds or jewellery. This policy allows them to document quality without bias. You can see the full certificate online here. The report goes on to determine the colour grade a slightly warm L, overall cut grade very good, excellent polish, excellent symmetry and no fluorescence. At 1.31 carats this diamond is pretty large, but at $4,500.00 Canadian the price is pretty small. In fact we’re not shy about saying we feel this diamond is the best value anywhere. Please shop this quality around and compare with any other GIA certified diamond. We think you’ll agree the outstanding value it offers. At Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers we never overwhelm you with clever marketing, misleading appraisals and other fancy documents. We don’t want to “sell” you anything, we want to help you purchase something fabulous. This diamond is estate priced at $4,500.00 CAD. We currently have this diamond shown in a simple 4.4 gram, 18 karat white gold, size 7 solitaire. The complete ring is available for an additional $400.00.  Stock #e12215.

SOLD

November 11, 2018

0.51ct. VS1-J Radiant cut diamond $500.00 CAD. e12124

When was the last time you saw a beautiful 1/2 carat diamond for just $500? This cool looking radiant cut diamond came in as 0.56 carat princess cut with a chipped corner. With a little reworking we only lost 10% of the original weight. The result is this 0.51 carat radiant cut. This diamond would be suitable for use in any piece of jewellery that would hold a round or square stone of similar size. Square diamonds with right angle corners are seen far more often than radiant cuts because when you remove the corners you remove weight, very few people are trying to remove extra weight when cutting a diamond. There are several upsides to taking the corners off a square to make a radiant. No sharp corner means they are much more difficult to chip. Radiant cut diamonds cost around 5% more than princess cut diamonds which makes up most of what is lost to weight reduction. Radiant cut diamonds are much more uncommon; our 1/4 million stone database shows only around 1 radiant cut for every 3 princess cut diamonds. And personally I just think they look better than a sharp cornered princess cut. This radiant cut is very good VS1 clarity with a close to white J colour when compared to our GIA certified master stones. Although the 4.25mm x 4.29mm x 3.36mm dimensions reveal a diamond that is cut a little deep, the tall crown and very small table promote tons of brilliance and dispersion. $500.00 for a great looking 1/2 carat diamond of any shape represents amazing value. Let’s make something as unique as this diamond for you. Estate priced at $500.00 CAD. Stock #e12124.

SOLD

November 7, 2018

0.46ct. SI2-H heart shaped diamond $799.00 CAD. e10098

Everyone knows where to find the best value when it comes to accurate, honestly graded diamonds. You won’t find it in the malls, and certainly not at one of the chain stores. Believe it or not you can usually find it at a long time independent home town jeweller. They’ve got the knowledge, experience and connections. They have usually owned their own stand alone building for decades so their overhead costs are far less. And if they’re like us at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers their work is more than just a job, it’s a honoured tradition of service we are extremely proud of. It’s really fun to sell those really big multi-carat diamonds, but even the more attainable and affordable sizes like this one are exciting. When I know there is no better value than this it’s easy to get enthused. Looking for something a little different? How about trying a very uncommon heart shaped brilliant cut diamond. This is an excellent looking example. It’s got great proportions, not too wide, not too tall. The lobes are nice and round and the cleft is the right size. Symmetry is everything when you’re considering a heart, pear or marquise shape diamond. At just under 1/2 a carat it has good size but it’s quite a bit less expensive than a diamond only a fraction of a carat larger. The clarity is a very strong SI2 that many may call SI1. When we compared it with our GIA certified master stones the colour was determined to be a H. This picture was taken between a GIA master E color and H colour. It’s pretty subtle but you can see the very slight tint of colour matches the H colour of the right stone better than the colourless E. With measurements of 4.90mm x 5.15mm x 3.13mmm this diamond could be used as a centre stone for a most unique engagement ring or pendant perhaps. Whatever you decide to set it in our team of talented designer goldsmiths have the necessary talent to turn any design into reality. If you don’t see the estate diamond you are looking for, give us a call. We have 100s of other estate diamonds in stock. You can also visit our online database that shows 1000s of GIA certified diamonds with pricing in Canadian dollars. This diamond is estate priced at just $799.00 CAD. On February 14 2017 the diamond was set in a Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers custom made platinum setting and is no longer available as a just loose stone. Complete ring is priced at $3200.00 and can also be seen here. Stock #e10098.

SOLD

October 12, 2018

0.62ct. VS1-F excellent cut $2,300.00 CAD. e12030

Actions speak louder than words is a great way to describe what we do at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. We’ve all heard the claims of wholesale direct prices, lowest prices guaranteed etc. These words usually come from sources who can’t come close to actually delivering their claims. Those who make lots of noise typically the easiest to out value when the rubber meets the road. Whether you’ve been a customer of Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers for decades or you’ve stumbled across our website for the first time today. Welcome to the world of true value pricing without the song and dance. Our latest estate diamond came out of an old Birks engagement ring from the 1950s. It had a small chip on the girdle and the setting was a little more worn than we like to see. Our master diamond cutter performed his usual magic transforming the damaged vintage diamond into an excellent cut modern round brilliant. The diamond lost about 11% of its original weight but the results are more than worth the sacrifice. The cut report from GIA Facetware details all the geometry that makes the diamond sparkle more than almost any you’re likely to encounter. High VS1 clarity, very nice F colour and no fluorescence guarantee a show of brilliance and dispersion second to none. Difficult as it is for me to take a good close up picture through polarized light you can see this diamond makes a pretty nice hearts and arrows pattern.We’ll let the diamond speak for itself when it comes to showing who really offers the best value. 0.62 carat, VS1 clairty, F colour, excellent cut and no fluorescence for $2,300.00 CAD. Wholesale and dealer inquires are always welcome. Stock #e12030.

SOLD

October 8, 2018

1.73ct. SI1-J old mine cut diamond GIA certified $9,000.00 CAD. e11963

You simply will not find a bigger diamond of this quality for anywhere near this kind of value. It’s not your typical round brilliant cut either, it’s an antique old mine cut diamond. This diamond was cut centuries ago, possibly close to 300 years ago. Old mine cut diamonds were the standard cut from the early 1700s to the end of the 1800s. Antique and vintage jewellery are particularly popular today; most contemporary styles owe much or at least some of their design inspiration to Art Deco and Art Nouveau designs from 100 years ago. Imagine what you could do with a genuine antique diamond of the size and quality of this one in a custom made piece built just for you. The diamond just returned from the Gemological Institute of America (February 2019) with a full certification of quality along with a unique laser inscription on the girdle edge. The complete GIA document can be seen online here. The clarity of SI1 makes the diamond appear completely flawless from a naked perspective and the J colour is very good for a diamond that is likely 200 years old. Old Mine cut diamonds almost always came from the “old mines” of Brazil and India. Stones from these historic locations often produced colour grades in JKLM range. Before the emergence of major diamond sources in Africa in the later 1800s diamonds were extremely rare and only the extremely wealthy could even afford a small one. If you’ve been looking for an antique diamond of good size and quality without breaking the bank this could be the one. Bring in your ideas and let’s create an amazing tribute to the vintage/antique ring of your dreams. The tiny table facet of just 50%, tall crown with steep crown angle, will give you an optical experience like no modern brilliant cut diamond can. Big chunky facet reflections with an abundance of dispersion are what these stones do better than anything. Believe me; the old diamond cutters from centuries past knew a lot more about optics than we give them credit for. This diamond would be very difficult to replace at any price. Wholesale inquiries are welcomed. Estate priced at $9,000.00 CAD. Stock #e11963.

SOLD

October 6, 2018

0.86ct. SI2-F good cut GIA certified $2,970.00 CAD. e12002

At only $2,970.00 CAD for this GIA ceritified 0.86ct. SI2-F round brilliant cut diamond we could sell this diamond into the wholesale market in New York, Antwerp or India but that isn’t really part of the Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers DNA. For over 60 years we’ve been Barrie’s and areas hometown jeweller. Our unique experience buying selling estate jewellery and diamonds allows us the ability to not only offer better value than any other retailer we can often out wholesale even the wholesalers. Our newest estate diamond was just certified at the Gemological Institute of America February 13 2019. The full GIA report call be seen online here. Offering a strong SI2 clairty, F colour GIA certified round diamond for under $3,000.00 is something few vendors are able to do. We’d love this diamond to go to one of our local clients or even to someone who has found us and our products online. The small semitransparent inclusion is a very interesting and a unique feature of the diamond. The inclusion is easy to resolve in these photomicrographs we took in dark field lighting through our microscope. Its outline looks like one of those 3 dimensional cubes we all use to draw when we were bored in class. The cubic outline makes sense given diamonds grow in the cubic crystal system. To a naked eye the inclusion all but disappears in the brilliance and dispersion. Only under extreme scrutiny and only by the extremely sharp sighted can it be seen at all. Let’s custom make something completely unique for you with this bright and lively diamond as the centrepiece. Estate price $2,970.00 CAD. Stock #e12002.

SOLD

October 2, 2018

0.29ct. I1-H certified Canadian diamond with papers $300.00 CAD. e11910

This would make a great starting point for an affordable solitaire pendant, ring or even for the first side for a pair of diamond earrings. We would have plenty of matching diamonds for the other earring. This diamond measures 4.25mm x 2.50mm and weighs 0.29 carat. The clarity is a pleasant I1; certainly not flawless but quite bright and sparkly. The colour grade is a very nice H and the cut is good. It comes with a Gem Scan certificate of evaluation from September 2000. You’d have a hard time finding another Canadian diamond that offers the sort of value this one does. Perfect condition and estate priced at only $300.00 CAD. Stock #e11910.

SOLD

September 24, 2018

0.70ct. I1-G marquise shaped brilliant cut $1,400.00 CAD. e11940

We were so tempted to call this diamond a SI2 as it’s virtually eye clean. The small translucent white feather inclusion is located in the top right section of the stone. At certain angles it all but disappears. In regular viewing situations it is eye clean, only when viewed through our microscope in dark field lighting does the dark background contrast help resolve this phantom inclusion. We’ve adjusted the brightness, shadows, highlights and contrast in this photomicrograph to highlight the grade setting characteristic. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers diamonds just look better. We are very tough graders and pride ourselves in the standards we strive to live up to. All of our certified diamond graders have been trained by the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA is the industry standard when it comes to unbiased certification. GIA do not appraise diamonds or jewellery and have no direct interest in the commerce of diamonds or jewellery. Our newest estate diamond is a great value when considering the conservative I1 clarity grade and the fact it is a marquise shape. Marquise shaped diamonds cost 30% less than  round brilliant cut diamonds of the same quality. The added length of this shape also makes then appear larger. The colour of this diamond has been graded a G when compared to our GIA master stones. Measurements of 8.13mm x 4.56mm x 3.10mm will have people thinking this diamond is much heavier than 0.70 carats. Let us make something extraordinary with this diamond. I can imagine a fantastic pendant with this one as the centre piece. Estate priced at just $1,400.00 CAD. Stock #e11940.

SOLD

September 15, 2018

1.17ct. I2-J very good cut GIA certified $2,980.00 CAD. e11954

Despite this diamonds modest quality on paper if faces up better than many I1 clarity diamonds I’ve seen that are hazy and dull. This one is bright and lively defying its I2 clarity grade. The grade setting inclusions are predominantly located around the outside leaving the centre mostly eye clean and  transparent. With an average diameter of just under 6.75mm this diamond looks waaaaay bigger than the average 1.00 carat diamond you’re going to encounter. Larger size, better looking, accurately documented with the world’s most respected certificate and less expensive than the competition equals value only Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers can offer. This diamond is likely around 3 billion years old yet the GIA certificate was just issued January 25 2019. I suppose we could have sold this diamond as brand new an no one would be the wiser but we love reusing estate diamonds and jewellery. Our estate diamonds are environmentally friendly as no new earth was disturbed obtaining these natural treasures; your pocket book will love the unsurpassed value they offer. We don’t mind adding some extra value with a Gemological Institute of America report to many of the estate diamonds we offer. It’s quite an ordeal for us to send a diamond to New York for quality assessment and it’s also very expensive. The GIA certificate cost $120.00 USD plus 2 way shipping/insurance costs, not to mention the hassles associated with exporting/importing loose diamonds across the U.S. border. GIA offer no wholesale trade discount; you’d pay exactly what we pay. We feel a GIA report is worth the effort and you should too. Our customers deserve a proper certificate of quality, not a bias insurance appraisal with an inflated price attached as is so common in the jewellery industry. We also spend a little more money getting the girdle laser engraved with the GIA certificate number. This way should you ever loose the original report you can easily retrieve the information online from GIA’s website. There’s not a report, certificate or appraisal available in Canada that has the international reputation of The Gemological Institute of America for accurate, impartial opinions of quality. ALL important diamonds come with GIA paperwork. If the diamond you are considering lacks this documentation, buyer beware. Make sure you get a rock solid refund policy if the diamond doesn’t live up to its claim. The more I look at this diamond and consider the weak Canadian dollar, I can’t believe it’s still less than $3,000.00 including the GIA certificate. This isn’t a sales pitch, we really get excited about being able to offer such great value to our customers. Come in and see just how nice this diamond is. Estate priced at $2,980.00 CAD. Stock #e11954.

SOLD

August 25, 2018

1.01ct. I1-H excellent cut GIA certified $4,890.00 CAD. e11958

It’s the benchmark size and it hits a very popular price point. Finding a great looking, excellent cut 1.00 carat round diamond for under $5,000.00 can be challenging. The grading setting inclusions in our latest estate diamond are predominantly twinning wisps. This type of inclusion is typically translucent and does little to obstruct light flow within a diamond. Being almost transparent they are quite often invisible without magnification. The twinning wisps in our latest estate diamond are mostly located outside the large table facet leaving the centre section quite clean. The GIA report was issued January 25 2019 and plots out the wisps on this certification. You can also see a copy of the report on the Gemological Institute of America website. The document also reports on every characteristic needed to determine the overall quality. Stong I1 clarity, very good H colour, excellent cut, very good polish, excellent symmetry and no fluorescence. Not all I1 diamonds are created equal, this one is a practically “eye clean”, meaning without artificial magnification it looks inclusion free. There are no black crystals or large white feathers. Many 1.00 carat diamonds at this price point have obvious blemishes that can easily be seen without magnification. We are proud of our diamonds and the value they offer. We encourage you to compare our diamonds with any others available. You can even buy ours and compare it with one at another vendor. If you feel ours doesn’t offer the best value we’ll happily take it back for a full refund. This diamond would make a great starting point for your partners dream engagement ring. Bring us your idea and we can create the perfect ring just for you. This diamond is estate priced at $4,890.00 CAD. Stock #e11958.

SOLD

July 29, 2018

1.00ct. I1-I heart shape brilliant cut diamond $1,980.00 CAD. e3117

This is the least expensive way to get a 1.00 carat diamond. All fancy shaped diamonds are significantly less expensive than a round equivalent and heart shapes are the least expensive of all. An estate heart shaped diamond makes the value better still. Our example is a strong I1 clarity that is virtually “eye clean” with only a small white feather within the table and some crystal inclusions close to the edges. The nice “I” colour was determined by using our GIA master colour comparison diamonds. Measuring 5.71mm x 7.43mm x 3.46mm this diamond puts down a nice sized footprint. Ready to be assembled into a jewellery item of your choice. It could easily be used in a ring or a pendant. Estate priced at $1,980.00 CAD. Stock #e3117.

SOLD

July 19, 2018

0.48ct. VVS2-F excellent cut $1,600.00 CAD. e11661

Looking for a no compromise diamond at a wholesale price? Try one of our estate diamonds. Our estate diamonds offer the type of value others can’t afford to compete with. This 0.48 carat round brilliant cut came to us as a chipped 0.58 carat with excellent clarity and colour but only average cut. After our master diamond cutter re-manufactured the stone, he eliminated the chip with 17% loss of weight. What it lost in weight it more than made up for in beauty. It now is cut to excellent standards as this report details. What didn’t change was the outstanding VVS2 clarity, F colour (as compared to our Gemological Institute of America master diamonds) and no fluorescence. At just under 0.50 carat there is a nice discount to be realized yet the diameter of 5.05-5.08mm is actually more than many average to good cut 1/2 carat round diamonds. Let us create something fabulous for you using this little ball of fire as the centre piece. Dealer purchases are welcomed. Estate priced at $1,600.00 CAD. Stock #e11661.

SOLD

July 16, 2018

GIA certified 0.75ct. internally flawless D colour triple X $6,390.00 CAD. e11818

When only the best will do we’ve got a diamond worthy of consideration. Every possible box has been checked off with this one. Sure you could buy a nice looking 1 carat round brilliant cut diamond for the same or maybe even a little less than this one, but it wouldn’t be anywhere near the quality. Internally flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare, finding one with a perfect D colour takes the rarity one step further. No fluorescence is the final desirable characteristic that mother nature contributed when this 100% natural diamond formed around 3 billion years ago. The triple X refers to the human element in the fashioning of the rough diamond crystal to the finished stone you see here. Excellent overall cut, excellent symmetry and excellent polish help bring out the remarkable display of optical fireworks that make diamonds so beautiful. Our in store diamond database contains around 300,000 high quality diamonds but only around 300 are of this size or larger and of the same quality. 1 in 1000 doesn’t express the odds of finding a diamond this good, this quality is very rare. Stores like Birks, Tiffany, Cartier don’t typically stock this quality of diamond, normally we don’t either. When the opportunity to obtain an amazing estate diamond like this presented itself at a reasonable price we couldn’t help ourselves. The full Gemological Institute of America report can be seen online here. Always insist on a GIA report when considering a significant diamond purchase. All certificates use GIA developed grading language but few grade to GIA’s strict standards. It’s common to see improperly graded and appraised diamonds. We often see diamond certificates that are optimistic when compared to GIA standards by a grade or two. An appraisal/certificate from a GIA trained gemologist doesn’t ensure it has been graded to the standards set by the laboratory, insist on an report only. GIA do not have a Canadian laboratory. The Gemological Institute of American DO NOT appraise diamonds and they are not involved in the commerce of diamonds or jewellery. This allows a completely impartial opinion of quality. If you’re going to spend your hard earned money on a diamond take a few minutes and watch this video by Martin Rapaport discussing over graded diamonds and inaccurate reports. Mr. Rapaport produces a wholesale diamond price list that is widely followed in the industry. This guy knows his stuff.  We invite you to shop this diamond around, we think it is the best value anywhere. Let’s create something incredible together to showcase this amazing prehistoric natural creation. This is the only one we have and we can’t get another for the estate price of $6,390.00 CAD. Stock #e11818. Dealer inquiries are welcomed.

SOLD

July 2, 2018

0.34 carat Canadian diamond VS2-I excellent cut $590.00 CAD. e9879

We love to showcase big diamonds and perhaps we’ve earned a reputation for selling diamonds a little larger than most, but we still rock the more accessible diamonds for the masses. Here’s an amazing example to consider. It’s 0.34 carats of very nice VS2 clarity, “I” colour as compared to our Gemological Institute of America master stones, excellent cut and non fluorescent. While the technical specifications may baffle the average man of the street, the fantastic sparkle and beauty, along with the price of just $590.00 make the appeal universal to all. Adding to the attraction is the fact that this diamond is of Canadian origin; complete with a unique laser engraved logo and serial number on its faceted girdle. We can turn this little piece of prehistoric Canadiana into any piece of jewellery your imagination can dream up. Don’t wait too long because for under $600.00 CAD it won’t last long. Stock #e9879.

SOLD

June 30, 2018

1.75ct. VVS2-L European cut Birks platinum solitaire 4.4gr. $11,403.00 CAD. e12217

There are not too many of these to be found. European cut diamonds haven’t been produced since the early 20th century. A few specialty cutters are making them for reproduction jewellery but for the most part they are only available as original antiques. Coming across  larger examples is happening less often all the time. When this diamond was cut around 100 years ago few people could afford any diamond, never mind a 1.75 carat. A Gemological Institute of America report (May 2019) comes included with purchase. GIA paperwork is your assurance of accurate non biased full disclosure grading. The full GIA report can be seen online here. The diamond has been microscopically laser engraved along the girdle edge with a unique certificate number. ALL significant diamonds should include a GIA report. If the diamond you’re considering doesn’t, insist on GIA certification and only GIA certification. There are many inaccurate and optimistic certificates out there. GIA does not provide appraisals. If the document you’re looking at has a price attached, it is NOT a GIA endorsement of appropriate value. Our latest estate diamond grades an excellent VVS2 clarity with a slightly warmer L colour. Most diamonds from this era were mined in South Africa and as such usually exhibit a certain degree of colour. It’s not uncommon to see MNO colour grades or lower when looking for antique diamonds, so the L colour is very respectable. Stones with warmer colour grades in the JKLM range benefit particularly well from the dispersion biased European cut style. When this diamond was new, artificial electrical lighting was practically unheard of. Sunlight and fire were the only sources of incandescent light, European cut diamonds make the most of these natural light sources. You’re going to be very surprised just how bright a properly graded, L colour, European cut diamond is when you see it in person. A tiny 51% table with a tall crown produce much more dispersion than even an ideal cut modern round brilliant. Currently set in a vintage Birks platinum four prong double gallery setting weighing over 4 grams. The size 8 ring can easily be made smaller to suit almost any finger. If you’d like this diamond set into a different style ring or perhaps a custom one off design, our designers can help produce the perfect piece of jewellery just for you. The diamond alone is available for $11,000.00 CAD. Stock #e12217.

SOLD

June 20, 2018

0.80ct. VS1-F excellent cut GIA cert. $5,100.00 CAD. e11615

I’ll admit it, buying a diamond can be a little confusing. How’s a consumer to know what diamond offers the best value when there is so much distracting noise around how they’re sold and promoted. Deceptive 50% off sales are all too common, misleading appraisals with inflated values used as sales tools are unfortunately the norm rather than the exception. We respect our customers far too much to participate in these marketing tactics. We always offer our best pricing on loose diamonds and promote accurately graded diamonds certified by The Gemological Institute of America. GIA certification make it easy to compare who really offers the most for your hard earned money. Our latest estate diamond is easy to compare because it is a “triple X”. Excellent cut, excellent polish, excellent symmetry and no fluorescence. The clarity is a very good VS1 with an almost perfect F colour. And of course the diamond is GIA certified. Compare this to any and all and I think you’ll agree Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers offers the best in loose diamond value. Make sure to ask to see the GIA certificate and laser engraving on any diamond you’re considering. If your jeweller doesn’t sell GIA certified diamonds you should ask yourself why not. Including the GIA dossier report (available online) this diamond is estate priced at $5,100.00 CAD. Stock #e11615.

SOLD

June 1, 2018

0.98ct. VS1-I excellent cut GIA certified $5,500.00 CAD. e11745

Diamonds are not really that rare, but high quality, excellent cut, good sized diamonds are. Finding a diamond just under 1.00 carat that’s been GIA certified excellent cut is exceedingly rare. Checking our 1/4 million diamond dealer database shows that only 67 other round diamonds weighing 0.98ct. to 0.99ct. are excellent cut. By comparison there are over 7,338 diamonds available weighing 1.00ct. to 1.01ct. of very good to excellent cut. What does this seemingly obscure statistic tell us; diamond cutters major concern is retaining as much weight as possible from a given piece of rough. The majority of consumers simply want a 1.00 carat and pay little regard to the quality of cut, instead of considering an excellent cut sub 1.00 carat that likely costs more but looks way better. This is a shame because many average to good cut 1.00 carat diamonds have diameters of only around 6.20mm and don’t sparkle as much as they could. Our excellent cut 0.98 carat has a diameter of 6.55mm making it look much larger than almost every other 1.00 carat you’re likely to see. The quality of cut is a major factor determining the sparkle and beauty of a diamond. The November 2018 Gemological Institute of America certificate for this beautiful estate diamond can be seen online here. We currently have the diamond set in a simple platinum 4 prong solitaire. The small size 4 ring weighs an impressive 7.4 grams (without diamond). The ring is available separately for an additional $500.00 plus sizing. As always we encourage our clients to shop around and compare the value we offer to anyone (especially on a day like black Friday). If you’re looking to purchase an important and significant diamond make 100% sure it comes GIA certified. A report or appraisal from a GIA trained gemologist is not the same. INSIST only on a seeing an original GIA certificate. Diamond alone is estate priced at $5,500.00 or complete ring for $6,000.00 CAD. Wholesale vendor inquiries are always welcome. Stock #e11745.

SOLD

February 7, 2018

1.02ct. VS1-F very good cut GIA certified diamond $8,000.00 CAD. e11741

Those who truly know diamonds and jewellery have ever accused Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers of being expensive. Our 60 years experience, unique business and operational advantages allow us the enviable position of being able to offer better value than anyone. We don’t take this statement lightly, we really mean it. From big box store to large retail chains and even the latest greatest online vendor. We’re not afraid to compete with any and all competition. We’ve priced our latest estate diamond with 18 karat white gold diamond ring below it’s wholesale replacement cost. This diamond is also currently listed on our wholesale dealer only database for the same price as you see here, so don’t think about it for too long. The price is less than any equivalent GIA certified diamond anywhere! We sell wholesale and we sell retail, it’s all the same to us. We love connecting people with amazing value whether it’s a wholesale colleague or our own retail client. The diamond was just certified by the GIA (November 5 2018) 1.02 carat, VS1 clarity, F colour, very good cut, excellent polish, excellent symmetry and no fluorescence. The full report can be seen on The Gemological Institute of America website here. A great feature of this diamond is its generous 6.44mm diameter. Many 1.00 carat round diamonds of very good cut have diameters only 6.2 to 6.3mm. It many not sound like much but you’d easily notice that 0.2mm difference when compared side by side. At only $8,000.00 CAD we believe this diamond is the best price in the world. If you like the simple 3.6 gram, size 6 1/2, 18 karat white gold setting with 18 small accent diamonds running down the shoulders, it’s available for just $630.00 more. The shoulder diamonds match the centre diamond displaying an average quality of SI1-F. Included with purchase is the full GIA grading report along with a 2015 insurance appraisal assigning a rather optimistic opinion of $22,000.00 retail replacement value. The complete estate ring is priced at $8,630.00. If you have a different setting in mind the centre diamond is available for only $8,000.00 CAD. Wholesale dealer inquiries are welcome. Stock #e11741.

SOLD

January 3, 2018

5.01ct. SI2-K GIA certified triple X no fluorescence $59,800.00 CAD. e10670

This just could be the perfect diamond for someone like you. Sure everyone would love a GIA certified diamond with all the boxes checked off; flawless clarity, D colour, excellent cut, excellent symmetry, excellent polish and no fluorescence. The problem is exceptional quality comes at a huge price. For example; a GIA certified 1.00 carat round diamond of absolute perfection will cost you well over $20,000.00 CAD at current exchange rates. If you want a perfect diamond the same size as this estate 5.01 carat expect to pay around $750,000.00 CAD. That’s right 3/4 of a million dollars (assuming you can find one). It’s not just the 4Cs of clarity, colour, cut and carat weight to consider when buying a diamond; there’s a 5th C. The “cost” is the 5th C that everyone needs to contemplate. Whether it’s a thousand dollars or one million dollars everyone wants to get the most bang for the buck plus outstanding value. That’s why I like this diamond so much, it offers a great big look and amazing value. It’s got the size at over 5 carats with an average diameter of 11.07mm, excellent cut, excellent symmetry, excellent polish and no fluorescence. The clarity of SI2 is 7 grades from flawless but it looks perfect without magnification to anyone except under extreme scrutiny and only from those with exceptional close up vision. The small white crystal inclusions disappear under any typical viewing situation. This high resolution, high magnification image reveals the insignificant natural inclusions that have been a part of this diamond since it formed billions of years ago. As a Gemological Institute of America trained Gemologist with over 25 years experience I can say with confidence this is a really nice SI2 (closer to a SI1 than an I1). The colour grade of K is ever so slightly warm but it faces up amazing with the sort of sparkle and dispersion you’d demand from a 5 carat diamond. The K colour is very strong when compared to other GIA certified Ks we have in stock. It must have missed a J colour designation by the slimmest of margins. This diamond was recently certified (July 2017) by GIA. The full report can be seen online here. While $60,000.00 CAD isn’t a small sum of money, if you’ve ever considered a significant diamond this one is likely the best value currently on the market. Finding large diamonds with particularly desirable quality characteristics are few and far between. Few jewellers have this size of diamond in stock. We are your diamond destination at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. We have the inventory and we’re confident of the fantastic value. We always display upfront pricing in Canadian dollars and the information necessary for our clients to comparison shop. Even if owning something like this isn’t in the cards right now, please come in and have a look. Or if you love diamonds the way we love diamonds and just want to see what a nice 5 carat looks like, come on in and check it out. This one is estate priced at $59,800.00 CAD. The diamond is currently set in a brand new, 3.7 gram, American made 14 karat white gold solitaire setting included for no additional charge. Stock #e10670.

SOLD

December 30, 2017

0.53ct. VVS2-E GIA certified round brilliant cut $2525.00 CAD. e11654

There’s a market for identical products at many different price points. An informed customer can do a bit of homework and quickly find out it would be virtually impossible to find better value in a diamond than one of our estate items. Most of the retail world rely on the fact that the majority of people haven’t a clue as to what something as mysterious as a diamond should cost. After being in business for close to 60 years we’ve come to realize we’ll simply never be able to connect with everyone. If you’re an existing Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers customer, thank you. If you are discovering us for the first time congratulations; you have found a jeweller that has earned our community’s trust and respects our customers like no other. You won’t find big discount sales and dodgy marketing schemes around here. We’re all about the absolute best value all of the time. If you don’t know jewellery, know your jeweller. Our latest featured diamond is a beautiful round brilliant cut 0.53 carat of almost perfect VVS clarity and E colour, with an excellent cut and no fluorescence. The GIA certified diamond is currently secured in a simple 4 prong solitaire weighing 2.6 grams available separately for just $100.00. The Full Gemological Institute of America report can be seen online here. The size 7 1/4 ring is showing some wear on the claws and could use a little laser welding to fill in a couple tiny casting pits. We can accomplish these minor tasks for the new owner if they wish. The diamond is available by itself if you have other plans for just $2525.00. Complete ring is priced at only $2625.00 CAD. Now that’s great value, do some homework and you’ll agree. No one does “I do” like we do. Stock #e11654.

SOLD

November 30, 2017

0.71ct. SI2-G good cut GIA certified $2040.00 CAD. e11556

Not all SI2s are created equal and neither are all diamond certificates. Diamond appraisals and certificate use common diamond grading language but not all grade to the same industry standards. All too often we see diamond and jewellery appraisals with optimistic flattering opinions that might make you feel good but don’t tell the true story. A third party unbiased opinion is what every diamond consumer should insist on. The Gemological Institute of America is the impartial industry judge for anyone looking for an accurate opinion on diamonds and gems. They have no interest in the commerce of jewellery and they offer no wholesale discounts to anyone for their services. They don’t assign value to any piece of jewellery. Anything submitted to their labs must be done so without any existing description of quality. This beautiful estate diamond returned from GIA with a SI2 clarity grade and very good G colour grade. This SI2 is so much better than many SI2s we encounter from other certificate providers. A small white feather at 9:00 o’clock is invisible to all but the most sharp sighted at extremely close range. Some twinning wisps running across the stone are completely invisible without magnification. The full August 2018 GIA report can be seen online here. This diamond is going to make a great starting point for an amazing ring, pendant or perhaps half a pair of earrings. It’s a blank canvas waiting for us to set into any of our production items or perhaps a unique one of a kind custom piece. It’s a fantastic diamond and an incredible value for the estate price of only $2040.00 CAD. Stock #e11556.

SOLD

November 26, 2017

0.97ct. VS2-G pear shape GIA certified $4600.00 CAD. e11543

Round brilliant cut diamonds have always been the most popular shape. From a strictly scientific perspective they are the most effective when it comes to optical efficiency. When cut to perfect proportions they return more light to the observer in the form of brilliance and dispersion than any other shape. The trouble is few round diamonds are cut to excellent or ideal proportions. Many manufacturers opt to trade off a superior cut for a psychological advantage in the form of maintaining some extra weight. Fancy shaped diamonds offer an interesting alternative to rounds. Often they look larger compared to the same weight of a  round diamond due some extra length. Marquise, pear and oval almost always appear larger than an equal weight round diamond. This particular diamond puts down a large footprint of 8.38mm x 6.01mm. The illusion of a bigger stone combined with less cost are reason enough to check out a fancy shape. Compared to the same weight excellent cut round diamond this pear shape costs about 25% less. Its estate nature extends that discount over a new round diamond closer to 50%. We just had this diamond certified at the Gemological Institute of America in July 2016. While I suppose we could sell it into the wholesale or retail market as a freshly mined/certified diamond, we’d prefer to sell it as the true previously enjoyed/estate diamond it is. The full GIA report can be seen online here. If you’re considering a significant diamond purchase insist on a full GIA report to be sure you’re getting what you’re paying for. Any jeweller confident in the quality their diamonds usually sells or endorses GIA certified diamonds. Reuse and recycle. Everyone should consider buying an estate diamond and consider a fancy shaped alternative. They’re out of the ordinary, they are less expensive and they open up many new design options. As with all diamonds, when they are of good quality and well cut they sparkle and twinkle like fireworks. With a VS2 clarity grade and G colour the quality is better than most by a good margin. Nice proportions, good polish, good symmetry and no fluorescence guarantee an amazing display on that custom piece of jewellery that’s been on your mind. Including the full GIA grading report this estate diamond is priced at $4600.00 CAD. Stock #e11543.

SOLD

September 30, 2017

0.90ct. I1-I GIA certified 14kt. solitaire $2280.00 CAD. e11455

The DNA of Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers has always been about supplying amazing jewellery values to our retail clients for the last 60 years. What you may not know is we also do some wholesale work to qualified vendors. While it’s easier selling to another retail jeweller we get far more satisfaction when one of our regular customers picks up one of our products. Our latest estate offering just came back from The Gemological Institute of America in New York. We use GIA as an impartial judge to certify many of our larger estate and new diamonds. The full and comprehensive plotted diamond grading report (July 11 2018) can be seen online here. GIA are universally accepted as the authority when it comes to diamond certification. They don’t supply appraisals and they’re not involved in the commerce of diamonds or jewellery. This ensures they are impartial to all, unlike most of the insurance appraisals we encounter. Maybe you should ask yourself; why don’t all jewellers supply GIA reports with their diamonds? We’ve also spent a little more money having the GIA certificate number laser engraved on the girdle. The 0.90 carat diamond has been certified an I1 clairity with a “I” colour and a fair cut. The modest results shown on the GIA document don’t tell you how lovely this diamond is. Just as a description of a beautiful woman can never do her justice. This diamond is bright and full of sparkle. There are a couple of white feather inclusions, a few small crystals and even a tiny cavity. All that being said its large 6.38mm diameter is bigger than many 1.00 carat diamonds and it sparkles remarkably well. We’ve selected a traditional 14 karat white gold solitaire to efficiently showcase the diamond is a simple 4 prong pedestal.  The setting weighs 2.7 grams and measures a slightly larger size 9 3/4. One of our onsite goldsmiths can adjust the size as required in just a day or so. If you’re looking for a good sized diamond ring but would rather not spend half a year’s mortgage payments doing it, have a look at this one. I think you’ll be surprised how nice a properly graded I1-I can look. We offer a full money back guarantee if you don’t agree. As always dealer inquires are welcome. In truth we’d rather have it go to someone who will be proud to say, “I got it at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers”. Estate price for the ring and diamond $2280.00 CAD. Stock #e11455.

SOLD

September 20, 2017

0.72ct. VS1-G very good cut GIA certified $3,060.00 CAD. e11470

We apologize to all the other jewellers that simply can’t afford to compete with the sort of value our estate diamonds offer. Our latest estate diamond came to us with a minor chip on the culet. We had the chip repaired, the overall cut improved then off it went to the Gemological Institute of America for certification. The fresh August 21 2018 report confirmed what we knew all along. We don’t need a piece of paper to appreciate a pretty diamond but a GIA certificate sets the bar when you’re comparing diamonds. If your jeweller doesn’t sell GIA certified diamonds ask them why not? If it’s not a GIA certified diamond you may not be comparing apples to apples. GIA are the industry authority when it comes to unbiased quality evaluation. Practically ALL important diamonds come with GIA certification. The geometry of this diamond falls just short of excellent cut with a slightly shallow crown angle and crown height. The side effect of a slightly shallow profile gives the diamond a generous 5.9mm diameter making it appear larger than many heavier weight diamonds of only good or fair cut. The full GIA report can be seen online here. If you’ve got a custom ring in mind this diamond is at the popular price point offering a big look without a huge cost. The VS1 clarity with G colour means you don’t have to be trading off the quality to get a significant size. Finally, the estate nature of the diamond allows you to save thousands compared to what a comparable diamond would cost at the mall. Estate priced at $3,060.00 CAD. Stock #e11470.

SOLD

September 10, 2017

2.01ct. SI2-I very good cut GIA certified $14000.00 CAD. e11559

2.00 carat diamonds are the new 1.00 carat. Maybe it’s a sign of our evolving business or the amazing values we offer but we’re getting more calls for bigger diamonds all the time. Here is a great opportunity to get a great looking 2 carat estate diamond for a significant discount over the replacement cost. The fully certified Gemological Institute of America diamond faces up very white with a strong “I” colour. The SI2 clarity grade was established due to the presence of twinning wisps. Twinning wisps are a preferred clarity characteristic because they are usually semi transparent or translucent. They typically go unnoticed without artificial magnification. The other pertinent quality characteristics are, very good overall cut, very good polish, very good symmetry and no fluorescence. The full October 2017 GIA report can be seen online here. Always insist on a GIA report if you’re considering a significant diamond purchase. All certificates use GIA developed grading language but many do not grade to GIA’s strict standards. It’s very common to see SI2 graded diamonds that are actually I1 clairty. We also see diamond colour grades that are often optimistic when compared to GIA standards by a grade or two. An appraisal from a GIA trained gemologist still doesn’t ensure it has been graded to the standards of the laboratory. GIA DO NOT appraise diamonds and they are not interested in the commerce of diamonds. This allow a completely impartial opinion of quality. If you’re going to spend well into 5 figures for a diamond take a few minutes and watch this video by Martin Rapaport discussing over graded diamonds and inaccurate reports. Mr. Rapaport produces a wholesale diamond price list that is widely followed in the industry. This guy knows his stuff. Our properly graded estate diamond is currently set in this 14 karat white gold ring. The custom made white gold ring contains 46 additional small diamonds and is available for $1050.00. The diamond alone is estate priced at $15050.00 CAD. Stock #e11559.

SOLD

August 25, 2017

1.46ct. SI1-K GIA certified $7000.00 CAD. e11310

If you’ve never heard of a transition cut you’re not alone. Transition cut is a term that refers to diamonds from the 1920s into the 1940s. It was a time when the world was changing and technology played a larger role in life including a more scientific understanding of how optical physics related to the brilliance of a diamond. These transition cuts look mostly like old European cut diamonds but have some characteristics of a modern brilliant cut. They’re a bit of a hybrid and we love them. Smaller tables, taller crowns like antique diamonds but with longer lower girdle facets and thinner pavilion main facets approaching that of modern diamonds. They have a unique look with tons of dispersion and are perfect in original antique rings or settings inspired by antique design. This diamond just came back from The Gemological Institute of America with fresh certification of 1.46 carats, SI1 clarity and K colour. The full report can be seen online here. This is a pretty big looking diamond. Its average diameter of 7.43mm is much larger than most 1.50 carat modern diamonds. The diamond came to us in an antique inspired modern manufactured 18 karat white gold filigree ring, bead set with 26 modern round brilliant cut diamonds. The small diamonds are of very good quality averaging VS-SI-HI. The 5.5 gram ring measures a finger size 8 1/4 but can be adjusted down a couple sizes if needed. Included with purchase is the May 11 2018 GIA report along with a September 2006 appraisal from Hyannis Massachusetts jeweller Diamond Perfections Inc. Their idea of replacement value is $14,000.00 USD (including ring). As with most outside appraisals submitted with jewellery we see, the value attached is a little optimistic in our opinion. To replace the ring and diamond at a more competitive retail price we feel an appraised value should be closer to $11,650.00 CAD ($9,100.00 USD). The ring and diamond are estate priced at $8155.00 CAD. The diamond is available without the ring for $7000.00. Stock #e11310.

SOLD

August 6, 2017

1.34ct. SI2-J very good cut GIA certified $6500.00 CAD. e11311

Is the diamond you’re looking at GIA certified? If not you better ask yourself, “do I know diamonds or do I know my jeweller?” Truth is, unless your diamond has been truly independently certified you are dealing with a biased opinion. The Gemological Institute of America does not work for anyone, there are no wholesale discounts available to the trade, they DO NOT appraise diamonds, the diamond graders from GIA do not know who submitted the gems they are working on and most of all GIA do not have any commercial interest in the commerce of diamonds. This makes it possible for them to impartially analyze and certify diamonds without outside influence. Many diamond appraisal/reports are simply wrong, with prices not reflective of the actual market and grades that are inaccurate. We are living in a time of incredible retail competitiveness as long as you are comparing apples to apples. Make sure the diamond you are considering is GIA certified or the jeweller offers a full refund if it falls short when judged beside a properly documented diamond. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers guarantee the best value in diamonds, period! Our latest estate diamond was just graded at GIA May 11 2018 and came back with a grade representing amazing bang for the buck. The full report can be seen online here. It’s a 1.34 carat round brilliant cut with SI2 clarity, J colour, very good cut, excellent symmetry, excellent polish and no fluorescence. Have a look in the local mall, your specialty jeweller, online, big box store or anywhere else you think would be a good place to buy a diamond. We’re very confident this one offers the best value. First come first serve, wholesale dealer inquiries are welcome. Honestly, you won’t find a better looking diamond for this price. We have it currently set in a 3.9 gram 14 karat white gold Lucida style setting available separately for $238.00. The diamond alone including the full GIA grading certificate is estate priced at $6500.00 CAD. Stock #e11311.

SOLD

August 2, 2017

0.58ct. SI1-K Lazare Kaplan ideal cut diamond $1300.00 CAD. e11069

 You’ve got to be a real diamond enthusiast to recognize the name Lazare Kaplan. I’d imagine even the majority of jewellers have never heard of the Kaplan family. They’ve been master diamond cutters for over 100 years. They were among the first to cut diamonds according to a strict mathematical formula developed using the science of optical physics. This precise blueprint for diamond cutting showcases optimum levels of brilliance and dispersion. Only a tiny fraction of diamonds are cut with this template in mind as it is more time consuming and typically yields a smaller finished diamond from a given rough diamond crystal. I think this is only the 2nd example of a Kaplan diamond we’ve ever had come through our estate department. It weighs 0.58 carats and measures 5.35mm x 3.22mm with a tiny table promoting incredible dispersion. Needless to say the polish and symmetry of these diamonds are as good as it gets too. Despite a slightly warmer K colour as compared to our GIA master diamonds this diamond appears much more white. The slightly yellow tint is almost totally lost in the fireworks. It’s a little ball of fire just waiting for you to set it in a ring or pendant. A few small white crystals close to the edge at 3 o’clock qualify this diamond as a SI1 clarity. With strategic claw placement these inclusions could be completely covered making the diamond look more like a VS clarity stone. Each Kaplan diamond has been uniquely laser engraved with a registered number. Kaplan were the first company to identify each of their diamonds with laser engraving. To learn a little more about this company have a look at their website. These high end branded diamonds command a much higher price if you were looking for a new one. As an estate trade in diamond we’ve priced it the same as any other ideal cut generic diamond making this one an even better value. We can’t replace it, when it’s gone it’s gone. Estate priced at just $1300.00 CAD. Stock #e11069.

SOLD

August 1, 2017

1.03ct. VVS1-G good cut GIA certified $7300.00 CAD. e10551

Which would you prefer; a 6.67mm diameter 1.03 carat VVS1-G good cut diamond or a 6.25mm 0.91 carat VVS1-G excellent cut diamond? Tough question made even more difficult because both of these diamonds would be the same price in theory. Go for size or go for a perfect cut? That is is the question we had to decide when this diamond recently came in. We opted for leaving the 70 year old vintage diamond its original size rather than re-cutting it to a smaller size but of superior cut. The weight of nicely over one carat and even larger dimensions of 6.57mm – 6.77mm x 3.73mm were the most important factors for us. Truth be told the good cut is really close to very good or even excellent from a purely visual perspective. A slightly shallow 55.9mm depth is better than first appearance because of a small open culet. The bigger table of 67% cuts down slightly on dispersion but actually promotes a bit more brilliance, so that’s a trade off. A slightly out of round circumference of less than 3% is invisible to a naked eye. Sometimes we get too caught up in the small technical details that have very little effect on the overall “sparkle” of a diamond. I’ve always said “pay for what you see”. Obviously the size is easy to see. A pleasing colour and clarity are also easy to appreciate. If it dazzles and dances like a ball of fire the cut is at minimum pretty good. With all this in mind we present this vintage GIA certified 1.03 carat round brilliant cut diamond for an incredible value. It just returned from the Gemological Institute of America (May 30 2017) with the world’s most respected certificate of quality. The full report can be seen online here. If you ever decide to improve the cut to excellent our master diamond cutter can easily deliver a 0.90ct. to 0.93ct. from this diamond. But to us this diamond represents a more appealing option. They’re only original once. We currently have this pretty diamond set in an 18 karat white gold palladium alloy naledi solitaire setting available for $725.00 extra.  Estate priced at $7300.00 (diamond only). Inquires from within the trade are welcomed. Stock #e10551.

SOLD

July 14, 2017

1.23ct. VS2-I Old Mine cut diamond $5500.00 CAD. e11202

You simply will not find a bigger diamond of this quality for anywhere near this kind of value. It’s not your typical round brilliant cut either, it’s an antique old mine cut diamond. This diamond was cut centuries ago, possibly close to 300 years ago. Old mine cut diamonds were the standard from the early 1700s to the end of the 1800s. Antique and vintage jewellery are particularly popular today; most contemporary styles owe much or at least some of their design inspiration to Art Deco and Art Nouveau designs from 100 years ago. Imagine what you could do with a genuine antique diamond with the size and quality of this one in a custom made piece build just for you. When we first obtained this diamond it had suffered some past damage in the form of a chipped girdle that extended 1/2 way down the pavilion. Big diamonds in the 1800s tended to be set very low in full bezel settings that protected the extremely thin edges typical of old mine cut diamonds. Modern diamonds have a girdle cut around the entire circumference eliminating the razor sharp edge making them much more difficult to chip.  Todays popular prong set styles expose a diamonds edge making a slightly thick girdle edge a necessity protecting against chips. We asked our master diamond cutter to repair the chip and facet the entire circumference creating a thicker girdle. The new and improved repaired diamond only lost a few 1/100ths of a carat in the process. This diamond now represents the best of both worlds; old world charm with modern durability and of course fantastic value that comes with all of Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers new and estate jewellery. The diamond has a nice sized footprint of 6.58mm x 6.10mm x 4.08mm with a confirmed weight of 1.23 carat. Clarity has been graded a solid VS2 with a conservative “I” colour. If you’ve been looking for an antique diamond of good size and quality without breaking the bank this could be the one. Bring in your ideas and let’s create an amazing tribute to the vintage/antique ring of your dreams. A small table, tall crown with steep crown angle will give you an optical experience like no modern brilliant cut diamond can. Big chunky facet reflections with an abundance of dispersion are what these stones do better than anything. Believe me, these old diamond cutters knew a lot more than we give them credit for. This diamond would be very difficult to replace at any price. It is estate priced at $5500.00 CAD. Stock #e11202.

SOLD

June 18, 2017

1.00ct. VS2-I very good cut GIA certified $6000.00 CAD. e11312

This diamond just came back (May 11 2018) from The Gemological Institute of America in New York a certified VS2 clarity, I colour, very good cut, excellent polish, excellent symmetry and exhibiting faint fluorescence when exposed to long wave ultraviolet light. The full GIA diamond grading report can be seen online here.  We currently have the diamond set in a simple 6 prong Tiffany style solitaire. The 3.9 gram, 14 karat white gold ring measures a finger size 7 and is available for an additional $300.00. As always we insist you shop around the competition, do some research and find out for yourself where the best value is. When you’re buying an important diamond, insist on one that comes with a Gemological Institute of America report. If is doesn’t, make sure it is fully refundable in case it isn’t what is represented. Diamond alone is estate priced at $6000.00 CAD. Stock #e11312.

SOLD

May 10, 2017

0.40ct. SI1-J ideal cut $590.00 CAD. e9889

You really can’t improve on something that’s ideal. This diamond was cut without regard to the finished weight. The finest cut was the only thing our master diamond cutter was instructed to do when a badly damaged 3.00 carat was submitted for an insurance salvage claim. We missed perhaps the finest opportunity of before and after pictures because I wasn’t sure if even the biggest 0.88 carat fragment of the original 3.00 carat could be cut into anything useful. Have a look at the cut report for this little ball of fire to see what we ended up with. Every single measurable component of cut is absolutely ideal. From table to culet, from crown angle to depth percentages, everything is perfect. All those little IDs mean IDEAL. This little stone is the standard to which all others should be compared when considering cut. SI1- J are good if not exceptional clarity and colour, but when combined with the phenomenal cut you’d think it was a flawless rare white diamond. The price and the sparkle make this diamond a great candidate for a simple pendant or ring for someone who appreciates the art of precise cutting. The fantastic value is pretty compelling too. Estate priced at $590.00 CAD. Stock #e9889.

SOLD

April 30, 2017

0.90 carat VS2-F GIA certified $5700.00 CAD. e6471

Beautiful diamond. Very good cut, with good symmetry, good polish and medium blue fluorescence. The February 2016 full GIA certificate can be seen here. This would be a great starting point for a fantastic engagement ring. Estate priced at $5700.00 CAD Stock #e6471.

SOLD

March 20, 2017

0.53ct. VS1-G round brilliant cut $1928.00 CAD. e6128

A very well cut half carat diamond measuring 5.15mm x 3.20mm perfect for almost any application in a piece of jewellery. You won’t find better at the estate price of just $1928.00 CAD. Stock #e6128.

SOLD

March 2, 2017

1.01ct. SI1-G very good cut $6380.00 CAD. e8236

One excellent looking diamond that I was tempted to call a VS2. In fact it may well be a VS2 but we would always prefer to under promise and over deliver when describing the quality of our diamonds. There is one tiny white crystal hidden under an upper girdle facet that could be completely covered by a claw when set in a ring. The G colour is well above average and the cut is very good with measurements of 6.43mm – 6.49mm x 3.85mm. This diamond exhibits no fluorescence as an added bonus. Two small extra facets on pavilion finish this diamonds unique combination of characteristics. Estate priced at $6380.00. Currently in a platinum setting with princess cut diamonds available separately. Stock #e8236.

SOLD

February 28, 2017

1.09ct. SI2-J excellent cut $4460.00 CAD. e10870

Most diamonds that weigh 1.00 carat usually have a diameter of around 6.2mm. Most diamonds that are cut specifically to weigh exactly 1.00 carat are usually not cut to ideal or excellent standards. There are many diamonds cut to appeal to the person simply looking for a 1.00 carat diamond rather than the sophisticated customer who appreciates a fine cut rather than just a heavy stone. After all what good is a 1.00 carat diamond that doesn’t sparkle because of an inferior cut. Our latest estate ring not only has an excellent cut, it also weighs nicely over 1.00 carat at 1.09. Because it’s cut to excellent standards the diameter is much bigger than the average to good cut stone. At over 6.6mm average diameter this one looks pretty big, especially when we are showing it in this flattering a split claw setting.  A solid “eye clean” SI2 clarity grade means the small white feather located at the 3:00 o’clock position in the top photo can only be resolved with magnification. According to our Gemological Institute of America certified master stones the colour is a J. With its superior cut the J colour looks more like an H. Cut is so important to how a diamond sparkles. Without a nice cut, the unique optical properties of a diamond can’t be appreciated as it will appear lifeless and dull instead of like a little ball of fire. This beautiful estate diamond is available for just $4460.00 CAD. Stock #10870. If you’d like it as shown, the brand new Canadian made setting costs an additional $1000.00. The  3.0 gram, 14 karat white gold setting contains 14 small diamonds of SI-GH quality.

SOLD

February 20, 2017

1.24ct. VS1-J very good cut GIA certified $6600.00 CAD. e10672

Like pretty much everything in this world, diamonds are priced in United States dollars then converted to your local currency when you purchase them. When Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers purchases new diamonds from New York, India, Israel etc. the vendors don’t want to be paid in Canadian dollars, Indian rupee or the Israel shekel. Diamond dealers only accept United States Dollars. That’s all fine as long as you have USD to pay for them. If you don’t, the U.S. cash is going to cost you a few percent due to bank currency exchange rates. The great thing about our estate diamonds is they are usually from Canada, we buy them with Canadian dollars and sell them in Canadian dollars. It may not sound too important but saving a few percent on a diamond purchase makes a noticeable difference. At one point or another all retailers lose a couple percent buying U.S. dollars then lose a couple more selling Canadian dollars in order to buy more USD so they can buy more diamonds from foreign suppliers. It’s a vicious circle that our estate inventory is thankfully not part of, making us extra competitive (let’s just keep it our little secret). This 1.24 carat diamond was traded in from a recently married young couple who inherited it. At this point in their lives a big diamond really wasn’t what they needed. We were happy to help them out and they were happy to pay off some debt. We submitted the pretty diamond to GIA in New York for certification. Almost every important diamond in the world comes with a Gemological Institute of America report. If the diamond you’re considering doesn’t come with a GIA report be extra careful and ask why not? The May 2016 report came back as expected with very good results of 1.24 carats, VS1 clarity, J colour and a very good cut. The full GIA document can be see online here. That’s the beauty of an estate diamond; they are usually bigger, usually better and ALWAYS less expensive. This diamond sets the benchmark in value at just $6600.00 CAD. This diamond is currently set in a Canadian made 10.5 gram, 14 karat white gold engagement/wedding ring set containing 0.20 carats of additional small diamonds. The two rings are available  for $1200.00 extra. Stock #e10672.

SOLD

February 13, 2017

0.61ct. VS2-G very good cut round brilliant cut $2200.00 CAD. e10806

You can get a really good looking diamond of significant size for not too much over $2000.00. This very good cut 0.61 carat round brilliant is proof of that. Buying a diamond is much the same as anything else in this world. It comes down to wants, concessions and budget. Every one wants a huge flawless diamond, perfect in every way, however life’s other commitments and responsibilities limit what the average person can do. This diamond faces up pretty big with the larger than average diameter (for a 0.61 carat diamond) of 5.56mm. The smallish 58% table, with an almost perfect 33 degree crown angle ensure plenty of dispersion and brilliance. A nice colour grade of G as compared to our GIA certified master diamond is almost as good as it gets. A cautious VS2 clarity grade means this diamond has perfect clarity to the naked eye. As an added bonus it also shows no fluorescence when exposed to long wave ultra violet light. While not a true ideal or excellent cut by the strictest of standards, it shows a reasonable hearts and arrows pattern when viewed through polarized light. Lets do something great with this diamond. Something unique and  fabulous for that special person in your life. Shop this diamond around, compare the specifications. Once you’ve compared what the competition has to offer I’m sure you agree, Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers offers the most value when it comes to diamonds and estate jewellery. Dealer enquires are always welcome. Estate priced at $2200.00 CAD. Stock #e10806.

SOLD

February 10, 2017

0.51ct. Internally Flawless J very good cut GIA certified $1500.00 CAD. e9749

It not the biggest, it’s not the most expensive but it’s one of the few certified internally flawless diamonds that we have. Even the polish has been determined by The Gemological Institute of America as excellent. The just over half carat size and J colour keep this stone attainable by many. Just to compare, a GIA certified 1.00 carat flawless clarity, D colour diamond with excellent cut, polish, symmetry and no fluorescence is selling for over $25000.00 CAD right now. The June 2016 GIA certificate is available to view online here. Less than 1% of diamonds currently available from our database are this good or better. For the estate price of just $1500.00 CAD this is likely the best value anywhere (seriously). Stock #e9749.

SOLD

January 30, 2017

1.28ct. VVS2-E princess cut GIA certified $13070.70 CAD. e9847

People will say that diamonds are not rare. Well, that may be true if your speaking about the average quality small round diamond but when it comes to high quality, larger sized, fancy shaped diamonds they really are quite rare. Our in store database contains over 400000 loose diamonds from cutting factories and vendors and all over the world. When we filtered out the average clarity, average colour, smaller examples, there were fewer than 100 princess cut diamonds of the same or better quality and bigger than this example. Once we searched for one as well cut as this there wasn’t a single comparable stone making this diamond practically one of a kind. This diamond just returned from the Gemological Institute of America with excellent results of VVS2-E. The full August 2016 GIA report can be seen online here. Looking at the certificate you’ll notice beautiful proportions of a very small (by princess cut standards) 70% table and an equally attractive depth percentage of just under 70%. 70/70 princess cut diamonds are very elusive because most cutting factories cut for maximum weight, not maximum beauty. Since there are no recognized cutting standards established for princess diamonds, many are made to less than ideal proportions. Everything that could be controlled when this stone was cut, was done to achieve the most brilliant, sparkling, fiery diamond possible. Even the dimensions of 6.12mm x 6.10mm are less than 0.003% off perfectly square. I’m not sure what the lucky person who selects this diamond is going to do with it but whatever piece of jewellery it ends up in you can be sure it will be a one of a kind item. Estate priced at $13070.70 CAD. Stock #e9847.

SOLD

January 27, 2017

0.51ct. SI1-H ideal cut (well almost) $1275.00 CAD. e10590

When it comes to diamond grading there is little argument that The Gemological Institute of America is the most widely recognized authority when it comes to non bias quality evaluation. These reports are usually only seen at premium jewellers who value an accurate document over the more sales oriented type appraisal report seen at most jewellery stores. Often these appraisal certificates are optimistic in their opinions of quality and price. GIA do not report on pricing as they are only interested in the quality of diamonds and other gems. The American Gem Society is another institution held in highest regard for their uncompromising standards. Some would argue that they have even tougher standards than GIA when it comes to cut grading. This diamond was compared to AGS standards for an ideal cut. Its geometry was perfect on all counts except for a slightly shallow crown angle of 32.9 degrees when it should have been no more shallow than 33.7 degrees. This 0.8 degree deficiency automatically rendered the diamonds cut to just excellent.  In practical terms this means almost nothing but the strict AGS standards have a very closed range and this diamond just missed it. It sparkles and twinkles like a little ball of fire, in fact the cut is better than all but a tiny fraction of diamonds on the market. When viewed through polarized light the coveted hearts and arrows pattern reserved for only the finest of the finest cuts still reveals itself very well.  Lets create something special for you. This diamond will make a great starting point for the high quality custom made engagement ring or dinner ring design that’s been on your mind for a while. A strong SI1 clarity with H colour are also very good and  better than most typically encountered diamonds. When is comes to value Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers always offers simply the best. This diamond including the cut report is estate priced at just $1275.00 CAD. Stock #e10590. Dealer and industry purchases welcomed.

SOLD

January 20, 2017

0.66ct. VS1-F excellent cut $3000.00 CAD. e10539

Nothing makes us happier at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers than connecting our clients with beautiful diamonds, jewellery and watches at terrific prices. The value of our estate offerings (especially in loose diamonds) are quite often the best in the world. That’s a big statement but we’re quite serious making it. We compare our pricing with those of the most competitive cutting factories in Mumbai India and Israel. This diamond for instance offers as good or better value than any other of similar size, cut, clarity and colour on the market. Our on site Gemological Institute of America trained Gemologist has close to 30 years of grading experience. We’re recognized as very tough and old school when it comes to assigning a quality grade on a diamond. We strictly adhere to only GIA standards. This stone is a perfect example of a fantastic diamond just waiting to be the centre piece in a stunning ring or pendant. It explodes with brilliance and dispersion. The VS1 clarity is excellent. You’re going to need at least 10 times magnification in order to resolve the small white feather located outside the centre of the table at 3:00 o’clock. The superb F colour was determined by careful comparison to our 30 year GIA master stones. The optical fireworks come from the efficiency of the cut as this cut report details. A diamond cut to this sort of excellent standard exhibits close to total internal reflection. This means, as much light as possible entering the diamond bounces around within returning to your eye with incredible dispersion and brilliance. Only a superior cut diamond will produce such fire. A still photograph simply can’t begin to describe just how pretty this diamond is. Estate priced at $3000.00 CAD. Stock #e10539.

SOLD

January 15, 2017

1.01 carat I1-F princess cut $3900.00 (EGL certified SI2-F). e8662

Nice size, great looking diamond with an excellent colour. However; I have a difficult time accepting the European Gemological Laboratory opinion of SI2. Their certificate can be seen online here. I’ve been a GIA trained Graduate Gemologist for over 25 years, and perhaps I’m just grading to a higher old school standard but this diamond appears to be an I1 in my opinion. The size, shape, number, colour and location of the inclusions are just a little too significant for an SI2 grade when judged to GIA standards. That’s the thing; “grading to a known and consistent standard”. There are many certificates and appraisals available to consumers purchasing jewellery. Many are accurate and properly represent the diamonds, coloured gems and jewellery they describe. However there are some that are optimistic in the grading and do not reflect a typical selling price. As with any purchase, take your time and learn about what you are about to buy. Ask lots of questions and make sure a FULL refund is available if a second opinion of quality differs from what was supplied from the seller. At Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers we endorse certificates from the Gemological Institute of America. They do not participate in the commerce of diamonds and jewellery. They do not supply appraisals, only certificates of quality on loose stones. This way they’re able to remain unbiased in regards to grading quality. We would prefer NOT to supply an in house appraisal on jewellery sold by us because of the potential conflict of interest this practice creates. This diamond is very bright and brilliant courtesy of the F colour as confirmed by our GIA certified master diamond. Measurements of 5.66mm x 5.46mm x 3.85mm give the princess cut a good sized footprint for a 1.00 carat square stone. It’s an excellent starting point for a ring, pendant, earring or any other jewellery project you may have in mind. A microscopically visible ELG certificate number has been laser engraved along the girdle edge for easy identification. Estate priced at just $3900.00. Stock #e8662.

SOLD

December 15, 2016

0.55ct. SI2-G very good cut $1,175.00 CAD. e10552

Here’s a deal for anyone thinking of a jewellery project. There are times when we like to throw up a killer offer just to see who’s paying attention. If you have no use for a diamond of any kind then I’m sure you can find a better use for $1175.00. But if a nice pendant, ring or any other piece of jewellery is in your thoughts this is a value that can’t be beat. This 0.55 carat round brilliant cut measures an average of 5.27mm diameter giving it a footprint closer to many 0.60 carat average cut diamonds. A small white feather at the 10:00 o’clock position within the table border gives it a conservative SI2 clarity (others may grade this type of diamond a SI1). As compared to our 1970s Gemological Institute of America master stones we’ve determined the colour to be a G (G master stone master on left, subject diamonds in centre,  “I” master stone on right). The minor colour difference is difficult to see in this image as it is only represents 2 grades. Overall diamond dimensions of 5.25mm x 5.30mm x 3.12mm help to combine for an overall very good cut grade. When exposed to long wave ultraviolet the diamond didn’t exhibit any fluorescence. Shop this diamond around and compare the pictures and details to any other out there. We’re sure you’ll agree this one offers the best value around. Trade inquires or purchases welcome. Estate priced at $1,175.00 CAD. Stock #e10552.

SOLD

December 1, 2016

0.63ct. SI1-F excellent cut $1,800.00 CAD. e9594

When you’re not concerned about yielding the heaviest diamond possible, you can cut to exceptional standards and let the finished weight end up where it should. I had a difficult choice to make but I’m so happy I decided to go for quality over quantity (in the form of weight). This diamond came into our store with a significant chip partially covered up by a claw on the ring it was in. After removal from the setting the full impact of the chip could be seen on the 0.88 carat diamond. Initially I had hoped to maintain a re-cut weight of at least 0.70 carats but after consultation with our master diamond cutter he said to hold 0.70 plus carats the diamond would only rate a good or maybe a weak very good cut. Rather than compromise the cutting standards to get a heavier albeit less brilliant diamond we opted to go for an exceptional cut and I’m happy we did. The freshly remanufactured diamond now weights just 0.63 carat (over 28% lighter the original) but holy *#@%! does it ever sparkle. The cut report shows every aspect of geometry is ideal. With a strong clarity SI1 clarity grade we can guarantee no inclusions will be seen without artificial magnification. When compared to our GIA master colour comparison diamonds this one was confirmed to be a F, just about the whitest of all diamonds available. When exposed to a long wave ultraviolet light source it exhibited the preferred NO fluorescence. Although it weighs 28% less than original it only measures 10% smaller diameter so it can still fit in the original 3.9 gram 14 karat white gold Lucida solitaire setting available separately for $250.00. Here is an opportunity for a lucky person to take advantage of an exceptionally brilliant diamond at significant savings due to the pre-owned nature. The diamond is estate priced at just $1,800.00 CAD. Stock #e9594.

SOLD

November 26, 2016

0.96ct. VVS2-E princess cut GIA certified $6,100.00 CAD. e9848

Square or diamond shaped? You can’t go wrong when it’s a VVS2-E that’s been certified by the Gemological Institute of America. WOW, what a sparkler too. There is nothing more attractive than a high clarity DEF colour diamond. As jewellers we see many diamonds every day but less than 10% are this sort of clarity and colour. The August 2016 GIA report can be seen online here. Very good symmetry, very good polish and no fluorescence keep the crisp, sharp sparkle going. Even though it doesn’t quite weigh the magic 1.00 carat it has bigger dimensions than many poorly cut 1.00 carat or heavier princess cut diamonds. Freshly certified and priced right at just $6,100.00 CAD make for a very desirable diamond suitable for an engagement ring, pendant or let us find another to match for a killer pair of earrings. Stock #e9848.

SOLD

November 10, 2016

0.98ct. SI2-G GIA certified princess cut $3650.00 CAD. e10052

Freshly certified November 15 2016 at the world’s most respected laboratory, The Gemological Institute of America. This estate diamond represents a great opportunity for someone to get a great looking princess cut for far less than usual. The just under 1.00 carat weight of 0.98 carat keeps the price in check. A nice SI2 clarity with G colour ensures excellent transparency and sparkle. The GIA report can be seen online at www.gia.edu. Buying an SI2 diamond can sometimes be a challenge as some SI2s have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. The grade setting inclusion(s) in this diamond are located off centre and are semi-transparent; our on staff diamond graders agree this diamond is “eye clean”. Eye clean means without artificial magnification there are no imperfections visible. The diamond measures 5.28mm x 5.18mm and is currently set in a traditional platinum solitaire with matching wedding ring, available separately for $760.00.Including the GIA certificate plus an independent appraisal from April 2004 the diamond is priced at just $3650.00 CAD. Stock #e10052.

SOLD

October 25, 2016

1.56ct. SI2-N excellent cut GIA certified $4950.00 CAD. e10545

This is my current favorite diamond. We have 1000s of diamonds in the store; most are smaller, a few are bigger, lots have a higher colour grade and they run the full range from flawless to heavily included. We find this one so interesting because of the unique inclusion located close to the centre of the table facet. Under minor magnification and even without, the sharp sighted can see a small dark inclusion. As magnification increases this totally random imperfection begins to take on a life of its own. A cute little fruit fly looking insect reveals itself as a group of crystals, needle and a cloud all coming together to form the body, wing, and even the legs if you use a little imagination. When we stepped up the power and took a photomicrograph through our microscope you can really see the tiny intruder floating in an otherwise flawless diamond. Intricate wing structure looks amazingly realistic along with the furry body.  Natural diamonds are unique creations that formed deep within the earth’s crust under incredible pressure and heat about 4 billion years ago. Sometimes the carbon doesn’t crystalize 100% transparent and can take the form of a graphite speck completely cocooned within the diamond crystal. Inclusions like this are never seen in synthetic diamonds and along with medium blue fluorescence are proof of 100% natural origin. Without question the inclusion makes this diamond far more desirable than a similar quality diamond without such a unique imperfection. We just had this diamond certified at the Gemological Institute of America May 30 2017. The full GIA report can be seen online here. There are even those who go out of their way and seek out unusual inclusions. The diamond is available in a simple 14 karat white gold 2.9 gram white gold solitaire ring for $5250.00 complete, or we’d be happy to sell you just the diamond for $4950.00. Stock #e10545.

SOLD

October 19, 2016

1.01ct. I1-F very good cut 6.4mm x 3.9mm $5185.00 CAD. e10425

Call us quick before someone else gets your diamond. Being a price conscience, value consumer and jeweller I really really like what this diamond has going for it. Nice size of just over one carat, fantastic F colour (according to our GIA certified master diamonds), very good cut, no fluorescence and a clarity that will appear waaaaaaaay better than I1 once it is set into a ring. Okay, it’s time to nerd out a bit about diamond clarity. When you’re considering clarity, bear in mind 5 things; size, shape, number, colour and location of the grade setting characteristic(s). 1; for size smaller the better. 2; the white feather at the 5 o’clock position is pretty small and compact for an I1 inclusion looking much better than a thin white feather that stretches across the stone. 3; one inclusion of reasonable size is much nicer than many (possibly 1000s) of tiny inclusions that make diamonds appear milky or dull. 4; a white inclusion is much harder to detect than an opaque black crystal type. And finally 5; just as in real estate it’s location location location. And for location the close to the edge mark is exactly where you want it. Strategic claw/prong placement will almost entirely cover the white inclusion depending how big the claw is. Even the other minor inclusion at 2 o’clock can be covered with careful claw placement. If you shop around you might even find a 1.00 carat I1-F very good cut for a little less than this one, but I’m positive you won’t find one as pretty. I1-Fs that look this good are very ellusive so don’t wait or you’ll miss this one. Perfect condition and estate priced at just $5185.00 CAD. Stock #e10425.

SOLD

October 18, 2016

2.00 carat I1+, I colour, very good cut $16000.00 CAD. e8679

Virtually “eye clean” I1 diamonds are difficult to find and  highly sought after. “H” colour diamonds look quite white without the premium price associated with DEF colour range stones. A very good cut promotes the brilliance, fire, scintillation and dispersion that only a quality diamond can possess. It’s certainly possible to find 2.00 carat round brilliant cut diamonds for well under $10000.00.  I’ll guarantee these bargain 2.00 carat diamonds will have easily visible inclusions, have a noticeable yellow to brown tint or they are very poorly cut. The inclusions in this example are small and scattered, having little effect on the transparency. Measuring 8.0mm diameter, this diamond has great finger presence in the brand new platinum Simon G ring. Model MR2615 is a brand new style for the California based designer. With platinum so reasonably price right now we decided to upgrade the metal from their usual 18 karat gold. The 5 gram setting contains 16 white diamonds of VS-FG quality along with 2 small NATURAL pink diamonds. That’s right 100% natural pink colour. These incredibly rare diamonds make a striking contrast when set in 18 karat rose gold against the platinum. MR2615 is available in traditional 18 karat yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum or any combination with prices starting at $2200.00 CAD. Estate diamonds make wonderful candidates to reset into a custom or production ring like this. You get fantastic savings on the largest component of value (the centre diamond) and a brand new modern Simon G setting that will leave her speechless. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers specializes in certified estate and new diamonds. Nobody does “I do” like “we do” at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. This half new, half estate ring is priced at $19108.00 CAD complete. The diamond by itself it is estate priced at $16000.00. Stock #e8679.

SOLD

October 12, 2016

1.00ct. VS1-F excellent cut GIA certified $11200.00 CAD. e6995

I bet if you look long enough you’ll be able to find another GIA certified diamond of the same quality for about the same price as this (maybe even a bit less). I doubt you’ll find one that measures over 6.6mm average diameter as this one does. In fact most excellent cut 1.00 carat round brilliant cut diamonds only measure around 6.3mm to 6.4mm. The diamond business is all about hundreds of millimeters and this one looks more like a 1.10 carat due to the extra couple of tenths of a millimeter. A GIA summary report can be seen online here.The May 2015 Gemological Institute of America report is included detailing all the quality characteristics of VS1 clarity, F colour, excellent cut, very good polish, very good symmetry and no fluorescence. A handy plot found on the certificate is a very useful tool showing where the inclusions can be found and the type of inclusion. A final security feature this diamond has is a microscopic laser engraved certificate number (1176144312) laser engraved on the girdle edge. Let this diamond be the starting point for a spectacular engagement ring. Or take it as is in the custom made 5.0 gram  18 karat white gold Michael Smiley solitaire for $500.00 more. Diamond only estate priced at $11200.00. Stock #e6995.

SOLD

September 18, 2016

0.99ct. SI1-F good cut GIA certified $6000.00 CAD. e9637

Most times you should look at the diamond before you become subconsciously influenced by what you think it will look like from a report. The GIA report while 100% accurate with its assessment of SI1-G good cut simply doesn’t tell the whole story. The medium sized culet (open point at the bottom in diamond) keeps the total depth to just 58%. This instantly keeps the overall cut from being very good or excellent. If you dismiss this one because it’s only a good cut you’re going to miss out on a very attractive diamond. Beautiful bright F colour and a strong SI1 clarity with big chunky pavilion main facets make it really pop. The just under 1.00 carat weight helps keep the price in check, plus the average diameter of 6.5mm makes it look bigger than most 1.00 carat diamonds. The full June 2016 certification from The Gemological Institute of America can be seen online here. The final characteristics that can affect appearance are a very good polish rating and no fluorescence makes the most of what this diamond has to offer. Let it be the starting point for a fantastic creation. We can custom make anything you can imagine. The diamond is currently set in a brand new 14 karat rose gold diamond halo creation containing 16 small accent diamonds. The setting is available separately for $1250.00.00.Including the GIA report the diamond is estate priced at $6000.00 CAD. Stock #e9637.

SOLD

September 17, 2016

1.11ct. SI2-N very good cut $2474.00 CAD. e10416

There’s absolutely no questions about it. To get the biggest bang for the buck; you’re going to have to find a diamond with a slightly “softer” colour and one that isn’t flawless. In a bang for the buck contest this 1.11 carat would be an excellent choice. With an average diameter of 6.37mm it certainly has presence on a finger, especially so when it’s been set on a skinny 2mm shank. The warm N colour certainly isn’t without a slight yellow tint but it has been cut to a very high standard, has excellent transparency, very good polish, very good symmetry and no fluorescence. These characteristics result in a diamond that dazzles with fantastic brilliance and dispersion. We’ve seen many diamonds with a better colour and clarity grade on paper that fall short of expectation in person because the are just hazy and dull. The SI2 clarity is still very attractive despite being 7 grades away from flawless. Without artificial magnification the dark crystal inclusion is completely invisible to all but the sharpest sighted. You can seen the inclusion in the top photograph at the 11:00 o’clock position about halfway to the table border. The centre diamond is currently set into a brand new 14 karat white gold ring with a string of 12 round brilliant cut diamonds set on the shoulders. The finished ring weighs just over 2.2 grams in a size 6 1/2. The diamond alone is offered at only $2474.00. The complete ring is estate priced at $2999.00 CAD. Stock #e10416.

SOLD

September 13, 2016

0.62ct. I1-I excellent cut $1400.00 CAD.

Once upon a time this diamond weighed the magic weight of 1.00 carat. It was sold to a person who didn’t understand how important an excellent cut is. The cut determines just how much brilliance and dispersion is produced. Originally it measured an average diameter of just 5.85mm and 4.10mm deep. It was perhaps the poorest example of cutting I has ever seen. It was waaaaay too deep, the girdle was much too thick, it had a giant extra facet on the lower half completely distorting the pavilion. Have a look at these before and after pictures. Even if you’re not a gemologist it’s easy to see what’s wrong with the original cut. We asked our master cutter to transform this ugly duckling into the beautiful brilliant cut that was locked inside the ugly exterior. The resulting diamond lost 38% of the original weight but now it explodes with sparkle compliments of the new found ideal cutting geometry. Every element from table percentage to pavilion angle is perfect as this cut report shows. Compared to the old lumpy, thick diamond the new one appears much thinner and symmetrical. The new cut displays total internal reflection that limits light leaking out the bottom and sides. It’s now a little ball of fire. The reasonable clarity of I1 with a nice colour grade of “I” contribute to an affordable, great looking diamond suitable in an engagement ring, pendant or any other jewellery application you can think of. Cut matters more than any other characteristic. Even though the diamond is much smaller than the original it’s actually worth more. Please consider and learn about cut quality before buying a diamond. Estate price $1400.00 CAD. Stock #e9302.

SOLD

September 10, 2016

0.62ct. SI1-H excellent cut round diamond $1875.00 CAD.

Beautiful diamond, just needs a new home. If you’ve got an idea for an engagement ring come on down. Our team of designer goldsmiths have helped create 1000s of rings and other jewellery items over the years. Use their experience to help build something extraordinary. This diamond has got a great balance of carat weight, clarity, colour and cut. The “4Cs” are well represented here and the 5th “C” of a really affordable cost is an added bonus. Although not absolutely ideal, the excellent overall cut grade is evident when the hearts & arrows test is deployed. These images clearly reveal the sought after hearts and arrows pattern.  The details of the exact cutting geometry can be further reviewed by the cut report that comes included with purchase. If you’re not sure what to do with this diamond, I have an idea. How about using it matched up with another estate diamond to create a fantastic pair of earrings. Our stock number e9302 is an almost perfect match. We can have them ready to go in brand new earring settings in as little as an hour or so. What ever you decide to do with it we guarantee you fantastic value for the estate price of just $1875.00 CAD. Stock #e10259.

SOLD

September 2, 2016

1.01ct. VS2-I very good cut GIA certified $6050.00 CAD.

If you’ve found our website we thank you. If you’re looking for a special diamond you’re looking in the right place. Our estate diamonds represent some of the best values in the industry. This diamond just returned from New York were it received certification from the most trusted name in the business. The Gemological Institute of America is a truly impartial opinion when it comes to certification of diamonds. They have no interest in the commerce of diamonds and they never supply an estimate of value, so there is no conflict of interest in their reports. Many retail jewellers use appraisals as sales tools and usually discount from an inflated value the report shows. The full GIA report can be seen online here. The VS2 clarity, I colour with a very good cut places this diamond in the better quality range. A further investigation of the certificate reveals very good polish, very good symmetry and no fluorescence (all desirable characteristics). The best thing about this diamond is the large footprint of 6.58mm average diameter. Most 1.00 diamonds measure only around 6.30mm diameter making this one look more like a 1.10 carat. If you have a look at other 1.00 to 1.10 carat diamonds you’ll notice the actual diameter is likely quite a bit less than our example. The valuable June 2016 GIA certificate is included with this diamond for the estate price of $6100.00 CAD. Stock #e9689.

SOLD

August 15, 2016

0.55 carat VVS1-H excellent cut $1925.00 CAD.

One extremely small microscopic white feather is the only clarity characteristic keeping this diamond from being graded flawless. It took several attempts under a high power microscope to reveal the minor inclusion. Grading the colour was a fairly straight forward process by comparison with our GIA certified set of master stones. Excellent cut is apparent just from observation but the cut report confirms the perfect proportions showing nothing but ideal geometry. When exposed to a long wave ultra violet light source the diamond exhibited medium to strong blue fluorescence that actually gives the diamond closer to a FG colour range. Weighing nicely over 1/2 a carat at 0.55ct. this diamond is quite likely the least expensive example on the market today. Estate priced at $1925.00 Canadian. International shipping by FedEx available. Stock #e8836.

SOLD