help a newbie

Ok

so I'm a new member to pricescope because I stumbled accross the site midst a search for my girlfriend's engagement ring.  I am not educated fully on diamond buying, much less, online diamond buying.   So hopefully, someone can help.

I hope I don't get blasted for asking this, and I must say that I searched the site for it but couldn't find my answer, specifically. 

I've searched a number of different online retailers and found a couple of good stones through buydiamondsdirect.com.  I saw a thread on here that had some bad things to say about them, so I was wondering if anyone knew, or if anyone could tell me about their own experience with them.  I don't even know if they are a reputible company or not.  I guess I just need some reassurance on the issue. 

I have had a couple of conversations with Ron via telephone and he seems very nice, but when I asked about the BBB, he said they were not registered with them, but would be soon.  Is there any other resource that reports the validity of a online diamond retailer? (excuse my ignorance if there is)

Also, how do I know if the stone is real/the cut and clarity claimed by the company/etc.?   I guess if I can find out about the company that changes the question.  We discussed the return policy, but I guess I am a little leary.

I am buying the stone as a surprise for my girlfriend for valentines day and was hoping to find around a 1.25 carat emerald cut for under $4,000.00.   I found a couple (giving up color and cut, mind you).  But I just need that extra opinion.  And advise is welcome, thanks you guys!

clayton

(*•.¸(`*•.¸¸.•*´)¸.•*)
¨`•.¸ *belle*¸.• ´¨
(¸.•*(¸.•*´ `*•.¸)*•.¸)

Bill Leiberum
1948-2007
Thanks for everything and Rest In Peace,Bill.

Hi
I saw this thread and decided to answer some of the question. The reason we are not registered with the better business bureau is beacuse they didnot like the fact that we had written on our home page  "at wholesale prices to the public" which is now"at below retail prices"  I guess would be more acceptable by them even though they both mean the same to me , since we are working on changing the look of our site ,we figured that we'll wait until the new look will be up and then we'll incorporate logos and become members with the BBB.
As far as knowing what you are getting, We thought about that when we created the site, and  came up with this solution, We send the stone to a well known and reputable 3rd. party laboratory,that is not affiliated with us,they check the validity of the stone with the certificate it came with ( if the stone doesnot match the certificate it came with, they would not under no circumstance send it to the consumer,as they will not ruein their reputation),then they send to the consumer ,the stone,the original cert. ,and a passport size document thats called gem audit that states that the stone has passed the examination , then the 3rd party laboratory sends the stone directly on our behalf to the consumer in an insured overnight package.(We offer this service out for free to consumers who are purchasing over $10,000 , under 10k there is only a charge of $100.00)Thus protecting the consumer and ourselves. Many of our satisfied clients were very happy with this service and had mentioned that gem audit and our prices (and of course our friendly and knowledgable staff) are the reasons they liked buying from us.
Hope this answers some of the questions
I dont often frequent these forums ,and somtimes don't answer all the questions, my appologies.
when in doubt feel free to call or email and we'lll explain

best regards

Diamondsman

buydiamonddirect.com

Diamondsman

buydiamonddirect.com