In need of advice, please.

Date: 12/29/2005 6:34:19 PM
Author:fatsushi
Hello,

I've been reading a number of forum entries over the past few weeks and have learned a great deal. Thanks to everyone for contributing.

I recently came very close to purchasing a diamond ring, but I ran into a couple snags along the way and wanted to see if I can get some thoughts about my situation. I live in San Francisco and the retailer I have been working with is out of state. Here is my story:

I am looking for a three-stone ring with a round center and two pears on the sides. Ideally, the center would be 1 ct. and the pears .25 ct. each. The center diamond I have been considering is EGL-Israel 1.03 ct. H VS2 with 'excellent ideal' cut. Polish VG, symmetry EX, Fluor. none. The Table is 55% and the Depth is 60.2%. They are quoting me $4970. It seems like an okay deal, but the thing is, I was not told it was EGL-Israel until the last minute. Obviously this changes things as now I am assuming the color could actually be 'I,' which I do not want. The seller (supposedly a trained gemologist) tells me she doesn't think it's an 'I,' but at the last minute she told me she would probably rate it SI1 clarity, not VS2.

Well, now I'm looking at a diamond that is possibly 'I' color. And as admitted by the seller herself, the clarity is probably SI1. But I was originally quoted for an H VS2.

Then the two pears, which are supposedly H VS2 (no certificates), are being quoted at $1400 for the pair. Throw in another $600 for a palladium white gold setting and you have a grand total of $7000. I should also mention that the diamonds are already in the setting. I have the option of going ahead with this center stone, choosing another stone (she provided me with an AGS option) or taking my business elsewhere. By the way, I would not buy this EGL-Israel diamond without having it independently certified first.

Any thoughts or advice on how to proceed from this point?? Any thoughts on the price?? Am I on the hook at all because the ring is already set??

Thanks very much. Any feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Date: 12/29/2005 6:34:19 PM
Author:fatsushi


I am looking for a three-stone ring with a round center and two pears on the sides. Ideally, the center would be 1 ct. and the pears .25 ct. each. The center diamond I have been considering is EGL-Israel 1.03 ct. H VS2 with 'excellent ideal' cut. Polish VG, symmetry EX, Fluor. none. The Table is 55% and the Depth is 60.2%.
 
 Proportions?  the 'ideal cut' premium is usually based on at least those, not just table, depth and finish.


They are quoting me $4970. It seems like an okay deal, but the thing is, I was not told it was EGL-Israel until the last minute. Obviously this changes things as now I am assuming the color could actually be 'I,' which I do not want. The seller (supposedly a trained gemologist) tells me she doesn't think it's an 'I,' but at the last minute she told me she would probably rate it SI1 clarity, not VS2.

 After givig you a price, what could they say... without making it sound bad pricewise compared to better GIA/AGS 'paper'



Well, now I'm looking at a diamond that is possibly 'I' color. And as admitted by the seller herself, the clarity is probably SI1. But I was originally quoted for an H VS2.

Yeah...