Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help please

[CindyShane]

Hi there,

I am in Australia and have been on the hunt for a 1.5ct diamond for my engagement ring for a month or so now.
I have realised that I can most likely purchase a diamond from the US (Blue Nile, Whiteflash, James Allen etc..) and save a little money however I am extremely nervous about doing so.....

If my partner and I are going to hand over our hard earned cash to an O/S supplier I want to ensure we will not be ripped off.

Can anyone please advise/give opinion of buying diamonds O/S, will I get getting quality? Can I trust the images they place on the site for each diamond? Can I trust that I will get exactly what I pay for?

I will only be looking at purchasing a diamond that has a GIA certification.

Thanks in advance
Cindy and Shane

 

[adele_h]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

I think this might be posted in the wrong section - you might want to see if the mods can move it over to Rocky Talk.

There are plenty of Aussies that have had excellent experiences online - I'm sure a quick search would bring a few of these reviews up - but hopefully someone like ArkieB (from Perth) will catch this post and reassure you

From what I can tell, if you stick to a reliable vendor (like the ones you mentioned), you should be fine. Check into your credit card policies to see if they will protect you in the unlikely event a fraudulent diamond is sent, but these companies are highly reputable! Again, a good look through the Rocky Talk forum will reveal which vendors deal with the super ideal, top of the line diamonds - names that seem to be highly regarded included Brian Gavin, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold just to name a few.

I'm in Aus also, and plan on buying a diamond from the states when the time comes (provided the dollar doesn't tank further.. but even if it does, I suspect you could get a better quality diamond in terms of cut for the same price as what you'd pay here).

Good luck

 

[puppyguts]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

any pricescope vendors I would consider trustworthy

so your after a 1.5 ct diamond - provide more information on what you are looking for and you will get more responses. shape, cut quality, colour, clarity etc also list your budget and whether its in AUD or USD and whether your budget is for the diamond only or is also to cover the setting

myself personally I have purchased from JBEG (now JBG and LAD) and also BE and shipped back to AUS, currently I am putting together a 5 stone suite of OEC cut diamonds and will most likely get David Klass to set - to me it all about the choices you get online that I wouldn't get in Australia

do your research - check your return periods & policies to see if they suit you, and don't neglect to incorporate customs taxes into your budget.

ALSO - don't forget your $$ conversions some website will let you shop in AUD but most won't, our AUD is not great atm, about .76c US

good luck & congratulations

 

[Acinom]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Please note that you will need to pay a tax fee in Australia when you have the ring shipped to you. Fellow Aussies will be able to give you more information about the rates and the importance of proper forms used. Still, according to other PSers from Australia it's truly worth it to shop in the US.

I am from Europe and have worked with several US vendors for settings and colored stones.

Reliable vendors are: Jewels by Grace and Love Affair Diamonds for vintage stones
Good Old Gold is a great vendor. Their newly cut vintage style rounds and cushions are very popular here.
Brilliantly Engageged is a great vendor for settings as well as diamonds.
A complete list can be found as a 'stickie' on top of the forum.
It will depend on your budget and the type of diamond you are looking for what will be the best vendor in your particular case.

 

[adele_h]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Yep, we definitely need to pay GST on the item when it arrives in Australia - I believe it's 10% for completed rings, and perhaps just 5% for loose diamonds. The exchange and tax do add up - if your budget is 10K, for example, you'd be wanting to keep the total of the completed ring (in USD) around $7000 to stay within budget. There is some additional paperwork that needs to be completed by the vendor, but most of the PS vendors are quite familiar with what needs to be done (and many even write about it in the FAQ section of their websites).

There is only one vendor I've come across that states on their website that they won't ship to Australia due to confusing customs procedures, and I can't remember who they are off the top of my head - but it's definitely not one of the larger retailers. I believe once the ring enters the country, customs contacts you for GST payment, and the item is released to you once payment has been received..

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

The Aussie branch of BlueNile (yes same company as BlueNile in the US);

http://www.bluenile.com/au/

Jorgia over in Perth;

http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/

IDJ on a budget might be another good options, jewels by Grace sometimes has modern cuts preloved as well, Loupetroop and DiamondBistro keep an eye out on here in the preloved section for members with nice stones upgrading.

James Allen, Blue Nile IJD, Whiteflash, Victor Canera, Jewels By Grace, Good Old Gold are all trusted vendors its a matter of working out what you want to buy in budget. Our dollar is currently buying 25% less US and when it is added the 10% tax it is 35% less, so you need to add that into the final price as well.

You pay 10% tax if the vendors know how to fill in and attach the correct AUSTFA forms if not you pay 15% if they are not on the front of the box you pay the full 15% anyway and then have to argue with them for months to try and reclaim the 5%. Ask any vendor to keep and email you a copy of the correct declaration.

 

[CindyShane]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

OH thanks SO MUCH everyone for your responses, I really do appreciate them.
At least I know I can look at this as an option as well...

I will be sure to go to Rockytalky for the next question!!

Thanks a bunch!!!!
Cindy

 

[GeorgieQ]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Hi CindyShane - I'm in Australia and I bought a 5 stone diamond ring from Whiteflash last year and they were amazing to deal with! They seem to have lots of Australian customers, so they know all the paperwork that's required (which they take care of)and their diamonds are gorgeous! I think the US in general excels at customer service - I was able to track my ring as it travelled across the US with FedEx, which it did so in just a couple of days. Ironically it was once it hit Aussie shores that things slowed down going through customs - but all in all it took probably about a week to arrive at my door step. Stick with a reputable PS vendor and you'll be fine. Best of luck

 

[laurenk]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Hi!
I'm also an Aussie and have purchased through a merchant in Brisbane QLD. I would suggest www.jogia.com.au they have a new website which is great. Also, www.gsdiamonds.com.au - all prices are in Aussie dollars and I think with the awful exchange rate plus taxes you'll be better suited to buying here.

I have a 1.55 g si1 Princess which is superbly cut and a real fire ball - it came from the diamond centre in brisbane.

Happy to help with any further questions!!

 

[CindyShane]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Thanks very much GeorgieO and Laurenk, I appreciate the suggestions and you are right Laurenk, our crappy exchange rate for the Aussie $ is going to force me to purchase from here I think.

Is it too much of a personal question to ask Laurenk roughly what you paid for the 1.55 princess? In a round about amount??
I understand if you would rather not disclose it.

Thanks
Cindy

 

[laurenk]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Hi! I traded in my original 0.83 princess but when it all came out in the wash, I think my new princess was listed at $11K AUD excluding GST and I paid the difference. This was about 18 months ago now. I must say I went into Diamonds International the other day near where I live as they have their annual 40% off everything sale, and they had a beautiful 2.14 carat princess loose, it was s12 but totally eye clean and a fabulous size! With the sale it came to $15k and although these are retail shops, such a sale is similar to merchant pricing I suppose. Its GIA graded and I must say its tempted me! I definitely would go to Jogia also. I spoke to him at length last week about a project Im considering and he is so patient and helpful.

How do you want your stone set?

Lauren

 

[CindyShane]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Hi Laurenk,

Thanks for divulging the cost of your ring, that actually sounds quite reasonable.
I have tried Jogia and he was very patient yes I agree however I found that he was a little more expensive than the others.

I am really trying all my options you see, I have even started looking at pre loved items to use the diamond for the setting I want as I really only wanted to spend a total of $10 K with the diamond and setting and I'm dreaming if I think I am going to find a 1.5ct for that.

I WANT IT SO BAD!!!! - I do have a setting in mind as I have seen one in a retailer that was in yellow gold (I would like white), the diamond was a 1.5ct I colour but you could see the 3 - 4 inclusions directly with the eye... they had is originally for $15K and reduced it to $12K
I have uploaded the image that I have for the way I would like it set, let me know what you think.


It's my dream ring and I will try so hard to get it.. or as close to it as I can
Cindy

 

[CindyShane]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

P.S - My fiancé travels the country a fair bit for work so I am even looking interstate at what I can find!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

That is not a bad idea Diamonds International the Australian version which is not related to the US cruise ship one is having a sale and stocks some nice looking GIA stones so you could email them and ask what they have currently in their stores. It is Brisbane based but here is a link to them;

http://diamondsinternational.com.au/

If you are looking for a top performer;

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-50ct-i-vs2-premium-ideal-princess-cut-diamond.html

A bit over budget but very pretty;

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-54ct-h-vs2-premium-princess-cut-diamond.html

Smaller than you want but a nice stone way within budget;

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-30ct-h-vs2-princess-cut-diamond.html

I think the 1.30 GOG stone is good buying I ran a search on Aussie blue Nile and for a signature Princess that is an I VS1 1.30 carats you are looking at around $10128AUD to $10809AUD.

Email GOG make sure the 1.30 is 100% eyeclean, and show them a pic of the setting you like and see if they have anything like it. Get a total price/quote off them for both.

Have you ever seen Sholdt settings?

http://sholdtdesign.com/sholdt-ring/r432-1/

I love this one;

http://sholdtdesign.com/sholdt-ring/r428-1/

I will ask Niel if she has seen anything that looks great at JA....

 

[Niel]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

That is not a bad idea Diamonds International the Australian version which is not related to the US cruise ship one is having a sale and stocks some nice looking GIA stones so you could email them and ask what they have currently in their stores. It is Brisbane based but here is a link to them;

http://diamondsinternational.com.au/

If you are looking for a top performer;

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-50ct-i-vs2-premium-ideal-princess-cut-diamond.html

A bit over budget but very pretty;

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-54ct-h-vs2-premium-princess-cut-diamond.html

Smaller than you want but a nice stone way within budget;

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-30ct-h-vs2-princess-cut-diamond.html

I think the 1.30 GOG stone is good buying I ran a search on Aussie blue Nile and for a signature Princess that is an I VS1 1.30 carats you are looking at around $10128AUD to $10809AUD.

Email GOG make sure the 1.30 is 100% eyeclean, and show them a pic of the setting you like and see if they have anything like it. Get a total price/quote off them for both.

Have you ever seen Sholdt settings?

http://sholdtdesign.com/sholdt-ring/r432-1/

I love this one;

http://sholdtdesign.com/sholdt-ring/r428-1/

I will ask Niel if she has seen anything that looks great at JA....

Admittedly I am not amazing at princess cuts, but, here's a AGS 000 from blue Nile, and typically if you live chat with someone they'll tell you if its eye clean.
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD04787605?keyword_search_value=LD04787605

 

[laurenk]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Hi again
Id also talk to GS Diamonds and Danny Toren (diamondcentre.com.au) - you can search their inventory but they also have access to international stones too. In my experience make sure you are thoroughly happy with an i colour princess. I found out the hard way that i was too warm for me but others can detect no warmth so have a good look!

Happy to keep helping!

 

[CindyShane]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Thanks Lauren,

I just called Diamonds International - they quoted me a lovely sounding E SI 1.5 at $16K @ 40% off.... way out of budget
I will keep hunting but realistically I may have to go a bit smaller at around the 1.2 to 1.3 to get it in budget.


Cindy

 

[CindyShane]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Thanks Niel,

These are all very good suggestions....
I really appreciate your input.

I will have to show them to my partner and see what he thinks.

Cheers
Cindy

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

That sucks about Diamonds International if you call any other stores stress you are after a H or an I not an E it will make a big difference in the price. Another good option before you give up is IDJ, email Luann and tell her you are a fussy P/S member in Australia and explain that you want an eyeclean princess with a nice cut as close to 1.50 carats as they can find you, give them your budget. They have pulled a lot of rabbits out of hats ie stunning large stones for people on budgets a number of times. You also might save a bit if they can find a 1.40, 1.45 or 1.47 or something that looks like a 1.50 but is a bit under in weight as well.

http://www.idjewelry.com/

 

[CindyShane]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Ok you have all been a wonderful help.

There are a few diamonds as GS that I have seen on their website and they pricing is very reasonable as well, there is another wholesaler called GoldeNet here in Melbourne that I am considering as he is well priced.

Another question for you.
How important is the grading from the lab? As in I know that GIA is the most stringent with their grading however can other labs be considered such as EGL and IGI..

Can someone tell me the difference please?

Thanks again
Cindy

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

It is generally a VERY bad idea to purchase an EGL graded stone. Many of them have been graded in labs overseas in countries like India, and Asia, and this means they are frequently misgraded and are often several colours and clarities incorrect compared to the stricter GIA.

So what happens is that inexperience people get taken for a ride because they think they are getting a larger well cut stone for a better price when in fact if you were comparing the same stone apples for apples your EGL graded 2.00 carat H SI1 is really the equivalent of a 2.00 carat (that part is at least correct) L/M that is a I1 or I2 and the problem is that you can probably buy an L/M I1 or I2 that is 2.00 carat graded by GIA for a similar amount or less.

What this means is vendors selling EGL stones are intentionally misleading customers, so much so that the International diamond trading network has banned good diamond wholesalers from selling stones with EGL certificates;

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/rapnet-bans-egl-reports-from-trading-network.205934/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/rapnet-bans-egl-reports-from-trading-network.205934/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-israel-nightmare.194499/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-israel-nightmare.194499/[/URL]

Luann and IDJ will be a better source of finding an unbelievable bargain (if they can) for you than going down the slippery path of not knowing what you are really getting with an EGL or IGI stone.

If it is not certified by GIA or AGS then I would steer clear. And be warned many jewellers make up their own bogus valuation certificates that are not only inflated but they over estimate the correct colour and clarity of their own stones too so if it has no certificate an independent appraiser not known by the vendor is the way to go.

 

[CindyShane]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Thanks arkie..

That's awesome I will give this a go for sure!

Cheers
Cindy

 

[CindyShane]

Re: Australian - Looking to purchase US diamond - Help pleas

Hi arkie...

I just read the 2 items you posted in your reply and I'm a little upset at the fact that people would do this!!!!
I have recently read not to buy EGL International graded diamonds however that EGL USA were different, is this true?

So I should then stick to GIA/AGL only..

Hmm.. interesting I was going to make an appointment with a wholesaler here in Melbourne that has EGL and GIA diamonds.