3+ carat cushion cost?

[Niel]

You don't have to fly around. A good vendor will give you enough info to make an informed decision. This vendor will even make you a video of your stone.

Here's one that's about 31k, and more like the cut you like, sense you don't love antique. It reserve to see the price.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10778/

 

[yennyfire]

This is a lot of work!! I have a 7 month old so flying all around the world isn't an option. Maybe I just won't buy one yet..

It IS a lot of work. I dragged a 4 and 6 year old with me on my second trip to NYC (to exchange the included stone)...not my first choice, but no way around it. The vendors were pretty good about them hanging out there. I had games, books and snacks, so they were well behaved (promising a trip to Serendipity afterwards went a long way to insuring good behavior!!)

You don't have to fly around, though most cities don't have the variety of cushions readily available. If you can't make a trip, spend as much time looking online and reading through the cushion threads here.

 

[Oklahomamomma]

My jeweler said he gets diamonds on consignment so he can find whatever and there isn't any obligation to buy, I can basically return or exchange whenever I want for exactly what I paid.. And my mom can watch my little man for a few hours. we've really really enjoyed them, bought my first engagement ring, wedding bands, tag heuer, and my hubby's Rolex from there. Not sure yet what I'll do, I do like knowing this jeweler is down the road and if I go home and no longer like it I can call Jerry and get a new one no hassle, we did it with my first ring. Also I will get exactly what I paid for my original ring on my trade in, so I think that might help off set a few thousand dollars. Just a guess

 

[Oklahomamomma]

Btw yennyfire your oval is gorgeous

 

[yennyfire]

Btw yennyfire your oval is gorgeous

Thanks! I got really lucky in stumbling across it! You'll soon have your own amazing stone to share!

 

[bebe]

I searched for years for a cushion. Originally spoke with 2 or 3 local (Houston) jewelers and then gave up when the stones they brought in were nothing what my requested specs were. I was looking for a more pillowy, rectangular shape, modified cushion. Few and far between!! On a whim, DH and I were in NYC and I contacted ERD, GOG and Leon M. I eneded up buying from ERD. Out of all the stones I saw only 1 came close. (and I'm still wanting a redo) So I guess my point is, take your time. Study pictures and faceting patterns. Know what you want, it's very easy to get carried away in the bling of the moment. It was so worth my time in NYC and I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[heididdl]

Make sure if you buy from b&m that you buy a GIA certified stone remember bottom line is they want your money not your heart. So if they find a great stone. Ask for asset /ideal scope and post stats here and we will critic the stone for you. So that you get the best deal :tongue

 

[heididdl]

When you go to a b&m you get all caught up inn the moment and what they are showing you and you tend to not act rationally. Believe me I just went through this in buying my 2.41 studs....I saw they were certified but not realizing that EGL International graded much lower. So I ended up with nice stones but probably paid alot more than I would have from e vendor.

I was also in a similiar situation in that I needed to trade in old studs. In the long run. You get more bang for your buck working with one of the ps vendors. Plus using the expertise here to help you select. Regarding your current ring there is a place on the home page where you can get offers for your ring . Or sell privately on diamond bistro or jewelloupe. Anyway take your time do your homework and don't get caught up.

Again B&M just want to make the sale and they will tell you exactly what you want to hear the shape of cushion is tricky so don't be tricked.

 

[Oklahomamomma]

I understand what you are all saying, BC Clark (bcclark.com) is where I'm going. It's an institution in Oklahoma, no EGL graded stones. I'll go this weekend but I will say I'm not settling for something that's going to cost $35k and I can always return it, really I've done it before, my first stone I ended up changing I walked in said I wanted to change it they took my ring, handed me the new one and it was no problem at all.

 

[SB621]

I understand what you are all saying, BC Clark (bcclark.com) is where I'm going. It's an institution in Oklahoma, no EGL graded stones. I'll go this weekend but I will say I'm not settling for something that's going to cost $35k and I can always return it, really I've done it before, my first stone I ended up changing I walked in said I wanted to change it they took my ring, handed me the new one and it was no problem at all.

Oh that is too funny! DH and I lived in OK for a little while and everyone recommended BC Clark to buy stuff. I did end up getting a watch from them. However the watch could have been purchased anywhere I just had a gift card to use up. As far as B&M jewelers it is much better then other chains stores that have been brought up on PS. I would check them out but still look into other places. I like options. Don't get rushed into purcahsing something. From what I saw when I was in OK at BCClark it was still cheaper to buy online and quality was better. However this was about 5 years ago so things could have changed since.

However on that note there were some amazing malls in OK! Really blew me away since I wasn't expecting anything even medicore!

 

[Oklahomamomma]

My husband and I are all about spending a little more for customer service, that being said, I was curious if what I wanted was attainable before I walked in there looking "silly". But I will def spend a little more to know confidently I can walk back in there the next day or months later and say "I changed my mind and I want something new" and they will have no problem with that. Speaking of Oklahoma, the town to the north of me by about 10 miles just experienced an F-4 to F-5 tornado, heavily populated. everyone please pray.

 

[Oklahomamomma]

When you go to a b&m you get all caught up inn the moment and what they are showing you and you tend to not act rationally. Believe me I just went through this in buying my 2.41 studs....I saw they were certified but not realizing that EGL International graded much lower. So I ended up with nice stones but probably paid alot more than I would have from e vendor.

I was also in a similiar situation in that I needed to trade in old studs. In the long run. You get more bang for your buck working with one of the ps vendors. Plus using the expertise here to help you select. Regarding your current ring there is a place on the home page where you can get offers for your ring . Or sell privately on diamond bistro or jewelloupe. Anyway take your time do your homework and don't get caught up.

Again B&M just want to make the sale and they will tell you exactly what you want to hear the shape of cushion is tricky so don't be tricked.

I just read this, I will still explore my options. Thank you everyone! I am going to Bc Clark this weekend, and I'll let everyone know what I find out

 

[SB621]

My husband and I are all about spending a little more for customer service, that being said, I was curious if what I wanted was attainable before I walked in there looking "silly". But I will def spend a little more to know confidently I can walk back in there the next day or months later and say "I changed my mind and I want something new" and they will have no problem with that. Speaking of Oklahoma, the town to the north of me by about 10 miles just experienced an F-4 to F-5 tornado, heavily populated. everyone please pray.

Yup we are still waiting on heaing back from friends of ours still living there. I can't believe it went through Edmond!!!! I see now why everyone thought we were crazy for living in apartment building that didn't have a storm shelter. If we move back it will be high on the priority list.

 

[Oklahomamomma]

I know! Edmond is where I'm from and where all of my family lives, hit a block south of my sisters house. Yes, that is crazy! We have a storm shelter, it's a priority

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You don't have to fly around. A good vendor will give you enough info to make an informed decision. This vendor will even make you a video of your stone.

Here's one that's about 31k, and more like the cut you like, sense you don't love antique. It reserve to see the price.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10778/

I so agree with Niel that you absolutely do NOT have to fly to a vendor! I have bought several diamonds in the 7 years I have been here and they were all shipped to me overnight express. I looked at stones and sent them back when they weren't the right one. Very recently I sent for two of Good Old Gold's diamonds to compare them and choose one, which I did. They are a family owned store and just happen to sell online as well (thankfully!). They have stones I couldn't buy locally if I tried because they have some specialty cuts that just aren't readily available elsewhere. But I will tell you, I was very lucky 7 years ago when I came here to learn more about diamonds and was shopping locally. Because I got a MUCH better quality diamond for a lot less money than what I was being shown locally. Some of the saddest stories on here that we see are from people who bought from people they trusted, and later came to find that they overpaid and didn't even get a well cut stone.

One BIG red flag no matter where you buy is if they don't give you an unconditional RETURN policy...not exchange. You heard Yenny's story of receiving her ring and they would only let her exchange and she was never happy with that ring.

I can tell you now with certainty that it will cost you more overall to trade in your current ring with your jeweler than to sell it yourself and even lose half the value and start over because you'll overpay for the 3 ct diamond. We've just seen it too many times.

 

[SB621]

I know! Edmond is where I'm from and where all of my family lives, hit a block south of my sisters house. Yes, that is crazy! We have a storm shelter, it's a priority

Well I guess it is a small world. i have a feeling that the BC Clark where you are going is where I bought my watch

 

[Oklahomamomma]

I noticed bluenile wasn't mentioned? Does anyone have any experiences from bluenile? Adiamor?

 

[04diamond<3]

I noticed bluenile wasn't mentioned? Does anyone have any experiences from bluenile? Adiamor?

neither of those places have ideal scope images, videos or aset images. Which are very important especially if you're going to buy online. So no, we don't typically recommend them.

 

[Oklahomamomma]

Ok so good old gold or James Allen? Any other suggestions?

 

[Oklahomamomma]

Ok, sorry.. One more question. Would I be better off getting a round brilliant 2.5 carat in a cushion halo? Maybe an I color? Or H color SI1 for $33k?

 

[04diamond<3]

Ok, sorry.. One more question. Would I be better off getting a round brilliant 2.5 carat in a cushion halo? Maybe an I color? Or H color SI1 for $33k?

I love MRB's in cushion halos! Or a double halo! Yummy! I would recommend the following because they don't pressure you and they really care about helping you find the perfect stone: ID Jewelry (best prices), Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds and Good Old Gold.

What stone you should get is up to you. Rounds face up larger than any other stone, so if you want a big look for your $$, I'd go with a MRB with a double cushion halo. Unless of course you absolutely love cushions...I'd call IDJ and see what the biggest cushion (well performing of course) they can find you for your budget.

 

[SB621]

Ok so good old gold or James Allen? Any other suggestions?

I actually think ASET's etc are nice to have but with cushions you really need to SEE them to decide if you like the facet pattern. I think BN is great for RB's and more modern cuts (princess etc). For cushions you are more limited.

All the vendors that sell cushions are linked to in that thread I first puchased about making a HW halo. Any of them can souce cushions pending what kind you are interested in. I would personally reach out to them all to see what they can get you for your budget.

As far as the RB in a cushion halo that is up to you and if you will like it. If your heart is set on a cushion I personally wouldn't do it. I would also want to see how an RB looks in a cushion halo first as it is an expensive purcahse and not something I would want to live with if I don't like it.

 

[Oklahomamomma]

Ok, sorry.. One more question. Would I be better off getting a round brilliant 2.5 carat in a cushion halo? Maybe an I color? Or H color SI1 for $33k?

I love MRB's in cushion halos! Or a double halo! Yummy! I would recommend the following because they don't pressure you and they really care about helping you find the perfect stone: ID Jewelry (best prices), Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds and Good Old Gold.

What stone you should get is up to you. Rounds face up larger than any other stone, so if you want a big look for your $$, I'd go with a MRB with a double cushion halo. Unless of course you absolutely love cushions...I'd call IDJ and see what the biggest cushion (well performing of course) they can find you for your budget.

How do I find IDJ's #? Thank you!

 

[04diamond<3]

Ok, sorry.. One more question. Would I be better off getting a round brilliant 2.5 carat in a cushion halo? Maybe an I color? Or H color SI1 for $33k?

I love MRB's in cushion halos! Or a double halo! Yummy! I would recommend the following because they don't pressure you and they really care about helping you find the perfect stone: ID Jewelry (best prices), Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds and Good Old Gold.

What stone you should get is up to you. Rounds face up larger than any other stone, so if you want a big look for your $$, I'd go with a MRB with a double cushion halo. Unless of course you absolutely love cushions...I'd call IDJ and see what the biggest cushion (well performing of course) they can find you for your budget.

How do I find IDJ's #? Thank you!

their website is: www.idjewelryonline.com . I forgot to also mention that all of those vendors provide you with pictures, ideal scope and aset images and some also offer videos, which are all needed to make a proper purchase online. Good luck! Keep us posted!

EDIT: I forgot James Allen!!! But you probably already knew that

 

[Oklahomamomma]

Thank you!! I'll check everything out

 

[Oklahomamomma]

http://idjewelryonline.com/diamond_details1.php?id=44362597&shape=C&pricefrom=0&priceto=35000&caratfrom=2.9&caratto=10.00&colorfrom=D&colorto=I&clarfrom=IF&clarto=VS2&polish=ANY&cert=Any&symmetry=ANY&depthfrom=&depthto=&tablefrom=&tableto=&cut=Array&item_id=

Thoughts? How do i see the actual diamond?

 

[04diamond<3]

I would call IDJ about it, they can send you a picture, an aset image and a video if you request them...They can also work with you on the price. If you want them (specifically Yeukitel), to look for a similar diamond, he will find it for you!

 

[motownmama]

I think if your DH spoke to GOG he might have some peace of mind about buying online. You can get it appraised locally and if you don't like the stone you can return it.

 

[04diamond<3]

I think if your DH spoke to GOG he might have some peace of mind about buying online. You can get it appraised locally and if you don't like the stone you can return it.

That'd be true for any of the vendors recommended....