5 carat radiant yellow diamond

[missy]

I went to one of my favorite jewelry shops today and wasn't even thinking of a yellow diamond (let alone a radiant) but this ring just called to me. I know nothing about radiants or yellow diamonds but sometimes ignorance is bliss and if it wasn't for PS I just might have bought this ring today because the owner is willing to give me a decent trade in on my ER diamond which is the only way I could afford this ring. I have a feeling I know what the consensus will be regarding this ring but just wanted to post it anyway and make sure what I am thinking is correct. I know with just the pics and report (EGL ugh) it isn't enough info but it's all I have and I have a feeling that's all will be needed if what I am thinking is right. Enough of my chatter and on to the pics and stats.

 

[missy]

more pics...

 

[missy]

Last pic.
I will add that recently I have been wanting change. Something a bit more dramatic for my ER but I was just thinking of changing the setting. However, being the size ho that I am lol and being that I do have rather large hands I really like this size stone on me. And it looked beautiful on IMO. Though I realize the stone is probably not as good as I would want it to be but not knowing anything about this I would love the amazing PSers opinions because I trust you guys!

 

[athenaworth]

Where is this jewelry store?? I wanna go visit

I know nothing of yellow diamonds other than to say I'd buy it in a heartbeat if I could.

 

[MsP]

What was the asking price and specs? It looks wonderful on your hand!

 

[webdiva]

From the pictures, the color looks stunning and the setting seems quite nice, too. I'm in love with that band!!!

 

[kenny]

Ignorance may not be bliss with so much money at stake.
What if you overpay by thousands?

Very pretty, but I'd never buy an expensive (over $1,000) fancy colored diamond without a GIA report.
The price can vary tremendously with natural vs. treated color and color grade and GIA is the most trusted and reliable gem lab for evaluating fancy colored diamonds.
When it's my money I insist on being sure of what I'm paying for.
Then again, people vary and maybe you don't care about risk, would rather listen to a little voice in your head, or have money to burn.

Unlike EGL, GIA will not grade a diamond that is set.
There may be an ugly honking black inclusion or feather or chip right under a prong.

 

[chrono]

I am sure this ring costs several thousand dollars and considering it is to be your e-ring, I would not consider it unless it has a GIA report. How do I know if EGL is overrating it? This is why only a GIA memo would be something I'll trust. The exact colour grading sets the price, plus the other Cs is good to know accurately.

 

[pregcurious]

I have to agree on the GIA report for a fancy colored diamond. I would be concerned that it had been enhanced for clarity or color.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

I don't have any input about purchasing it because I don't know about colored diamonds either but I gotta say that I LOVE the way that ring looks on you! It was made for you! Not this one but, you should totally look into getting yourself a yellow radiant diamond ER! Enerchi is sick and isn't really around so I gotta instigate. You said you wanted change! I think this is an AWESOME change!!!

 

[justginger]

I would never, ever consider buying a stone of that size and value without a GIA report. The smallest differences in fancy colored diamonds mean a HUGE price difference. What if they grade it brownish yellow? Or fancy light yellow?...that is a real possibility, as the yellow-set stones get their color amped way up sometimes. The price difference in a stone of that size between fancy light yellow and fancy yellow would be pretty sizeable.

I understand the appeal of a 'bargain', but PS has taught me to trust, but verify. And EGL is not verification.

 

[junebug17]

It is a gorgeous ring! I love it, I can see why you are so tempted! But since EGL is so inconsistent, it is hard to know what the stone actually is. I wonder if the store would agree to send it to GIA? I am not very knowledgable about these things, but you mentioned you would be trading in your diamond for this ring, and I would want to make sure it was a fair trade!

Also, I'm wondering if down the road you would miss your MRB? Can you see yourself wearing this as your ering every day?

You seem to really love the ring, and be drawn to it, and that counts for something! I think it's a good idea to give yourself a little time to see if you were just caught up in the excitement of trying on a beautiful piece of jewelry, or this is a change you really want to make. But hey, if after a little time you realize this is something you want to do, then I think you should take steps towards doing it! But I think part of that is making sure you are paying a fair price for the ring.

 

[innerkitten]

Where is this jewelry store?? I wanna go visit

I know nothing of yellow diamonds other than to say I'd buy it in a heartbeat if I could.

Me too!

 

[Enerchi]

It IS gorgeous on your hand! It is beautiful and I love a halo!! BUT..... If it were me, I'd go to David and check this one out http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/Halo-branded-dbl-diamond-252ct-y-z-light-yellow-double-decker-historic-cut-gia-r4069.. Stunning!! Or http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/halo-diamond-245ct-cushion-cut-fancy-light-yellow-si1-gia-eye-clean-great-price-r4202

I've seen that quality and finishing and if you are going to seriously consider trading in your ering, that's where I'd be looking. I'd always prefer GIA cert vs EGL in this case.

Sleep on it...check out other options...take your time...don't rush into anything you may regret.

(Says the woman who impulsively fell for a new puppy last week!! )

 

[Jereni]

It is heartbreakingly beautiful on your hand. But like others, I would just sit on it a day or two and make sure you really want it.

 

[airplay355]

I really like ring #2 Enerchi posted from DBL. I vote for that one

 

[missy]

Ignorance may not be bliss with so much money at stake.
What if you overpay by thousands?

Very pretty, but I'd never buy an expensive (over $1,000) fancy colored diamond without a GIA report.
The price can vary tremendously with natural vs. treated color and color grade and GIA is the most trusted and reliable gem lab for evaluating fancy colored diamonds.
When it's my money I insist on being sure of what I'm paying for.
Then again, people vary and maybe you don't care about risk, would rather listen to a little voice in your head, or have money to burn.

Unlike EGL, GIA will not grade a diamond that is set.
There may be an ugly honking black inclusion or feather or chip right under a prong.

Thanks Kenny. This is what I was thinking but wanted to be sure as I don't have any knowledge about colored diamonds. I do not have money to burn. Far from it and making this purchase would have been a major one for us. I appreciate you chiming in here.

I am sure this ring costs several thousand dollars and considering it is to be your e-ring, I would not consider it unless it has a GIA report. How do I know if EGL is overrating it? This is why only a GIA memo would be something I'll trust. The exact colour grading sets the price, plus the other Cs is good to know accurately.

Thanks Chrono. I knew PSers would set me straight.


Thanks Pregcurious and JustGinger. And believe me, she wasn't giving me a "bargain". The big advantage however was she was willing to take my engagement diamond as part of the cost and even then it was costing a huge amount (to me). I knew posting here would shake the sense into me that I so desperately needed! I can make impulse purchases (see thread of same name) but when we are talking many tens of thousands of dollars it can be dangerous. Which is why I told my dh I must not do anything right then and get home and share this with my fellow PSers.

It is a gorgeous ring! I love it, I can see why you are so tempted! But since EGL is so inconsistent, it is hard to know what the stone actually is. I wonder if the store would agree to send it to GIA? I am not very knowledgable about these things, but you mentioned you would be trading in your diamond for this ring, and I would want to make sure it was a fair trade!

Also, I'm wondering if down the road you would miss your MRB? Can you see yourself wearing this as your ering every day?

You seem to really love the ring, and be drawn to it, and that counts for something! I think it's a good idea to give yourself a little time to see if you were just caught up in the excitement of trying on a beautiful piece of jewelry, or this is a change you really want to make. But hey, if after a little time you realize this is something you want to do, then I think you should take steps towards doing it! But I think part of that is making sure you are paying a fair price for the ring.

Hi Junebug, the more I think about it the more I realize that while I love all her jewelry she is extremely expensive (as in over priced) in my opinion and while I don't mind paying a premium for smaller ticketed items for her beautiful and unique pieces for the larger items (even with the trade in of my ER) I would probably be better off going to a PS vendor. At least I hope I would be because I got a bit (very) disillusioned last night when I realized she quoted me a much higher price than she was asking previously for said ring. I got so upset that I couldn't fall asleep for hours last night after I realized what she did. It makes me feel that all the cliches about the jewelry industry are true. Like the used car salesmen. Really upset especially since I am a good customer. My dh said she sized us up. Ugh. I don't feel like I can ever go back there and that's major because I love her jewelry. It doesn't bother my dh as much as me because he is not surprised but it upsets me terribly. I wanted to call her right then and there (11 pm Sat night lol) but fortunately I didn't do anything rash and after reading all the posts here I realize I am not going to buy this ring anyway. Though I doubt I will buy anything there anymore unless I am sure the price is fair.

But that makes me question who can I get a fair deal with here. I am not expecting a bargain but a fair price. If I cannot trade in my ER diamond my budget lessens considerably and I just might do a reset. Though I really did fall in love with that beautiful ring. Good question about if I will be satisfied with it as my ER. My dh asked me the same question and said he doesn't expect anything I buy for my ER to be forever as he knows me too well but he would like me to keep it for a long time if we were spending this much. I really love my dh. He is wonderful and I know how much he loves me as I do him. He is the real jewel. No other jewel can compare that's for sure. But I still want a beautiful and large ER stone. Why oh why am I such a size ho...

It IS gorgeous on your hand! It is beautiful and I love a halo!! BUT..... If it were me, I'd go to David and check this one out http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/Halo-branded-dbl-diamond-252ct-y-z-light-yellow-double-decker-historic-cut-gia-r4069......... Stunning!! Or http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/halo-diamond-245ct-cushion-cut-fancy-light-yellow-si1-gia-eye-clean-great-price-r4202

I've seen that quality and finishing and if you are going to seriously consider trading in your ering, that's where I'd be looking. I'd always prefer GIA cert vs EGL in this case.


Sleep on it...check out other options...take your time...don't rush into anything you may regret.

(Says the woman who impulsively fell for a new puppy last week!! )

Thanks Enerchi! I did think of David but I doubt he would buy my ER diamond from me towards the purchase but I can ask. I am going to check out the link. I do love his jewelry! And your puppy is so precious!!! You cannot compare. A beautiful puppy is priceless and giving him a loving home is beyond priceless.

Thanks for your input Airplay and Jereni.

Thanks Athenaworth and Ms P. I wish I could just buy it as an extra ring lol. Innerkitten and Athenaworth her store is in New Hope and all I can say is buyer beware now that I realized what she did to me. As I said, I don't mind paying a premium for her smaller ticketed items but she was quoting me a price way higher than what it was being sold for and I am fuming mad as well as hurt so not sure I want to send business her way right now. Though you should have no trouble finding her store because New Hope's not that big. If you want another amazing jewelry place to check out nearby where the owner is reputable and very fair you should go to Barbara Parks Antique Jewelry in Lambertville. Right across the bridge from New Hope. I was really hoping to find an antique ring there but it can be hit or miss. Though Barbara and Toni are now looking for an OMC for me that is above 4 carats. I don't know if I can take the lower color though for an ER.

 

[Enerchi]

Thanks Enerchi! I did think of David but I doubt he would buy my ER diamond from me towards the purchase but I can ask. I am going to check out the link. I do love his jewelry! And your puppy is so precious!!! You cannot compare. A beautiful puppy is priceless and giving him a loving home is beyond priceless.

Lily is so cute, it is hard to resist her sweet face, that's for sure --- so I hear ya on fighting temptation. I am NOT a good one to resist what I've decided I need....

But as for trading in your ring, you never know till you ask, right??? Its worth a phone call -- and who knows, if you are able to go in and meet with him, you just never know whatelse may be in the office or could be created!! Worth a chat, I think! And I have definitely seen 'trade in specials' on his site, so it could work out. Just sayin'

My new DBL band arrived this week and the workmanship on it is AMAZING!! the prong work on this cast setting is soooooooo tiny for shared prongs!!!! I'm VERY impressed! I have only had good experiences with David and DBL, so I'm very pro - "check it out"
(besides... who can resist the opportunity to go and try on all that bling???? SERIOUSLY --- get to 47th street STAT!!!)

 

[missy]

Thanks Enerchi! I did think of David but I doubt he would buy my ER diamond from me towards the purchase but I can ask. I am going to check out the link. I do love his jewelry! And your puppy is so precious!!! You cannot compare. A beautiful puppy is priceless and giving him a loving home is beyond priceless.

Lily is so cute, it is hard to resist her sweet face, that's for sure --- so I hear ya on fighting temptation. I am NOT a good one to resist what I've decided I need....

But as for trading in your ring, you never know till you ask, right??? Its worth a phone call -- and who knows, if you are able to go in and meet with him, you just never know whatelse may be in the office or could be created!! Worth a chat, I think! And I have definitely seen 'trade in specials' on his site, so it could work out. Just sayin'

My new DBL band arrived this week and the workmanship on it is AMAZING!! the prong work on this cast setting is soooooooo tiny for shared prongs!!!! I'm VERY impressed! I have only had good experiences with David and DBL, so I'm very pro - "check it out"
(besides... who can resist the opportunity to go and try on all that bling???? SERIOUSLY --- get to 47th street STAT!!!)

LOL, I'm with you girl!! I wish you were local to NYC because I would drag you with me!! My poor dh just sat there for hours while I was gazing at the ring on my hand. The whole day was spent jewelry shopping.

I love your new ring Enerchi!! TDF!
If I remember correctly David is not available on the weekends so that adds another layer of difficulty with regards to meeting him and checking out his store. But I can make it work. Just need to plan ahead a bit and hope no work emergency for my dh comes up. No way would I go alone. I am pretty shy when I don't know someone and need the comfort of my dh there.

 

[missy]

YayTacori I don't know how I missed your post and just wanted to say thank you for chiming in!! I don't think we are lacking enablers here at PS lol but I also know to listen to the good common (not so common unfortunately) sense of PSers!

 

[Enerchi]

I think he is in the office on Sundays, but not firm on that. Just call - or email - he's very quick with replies and would be really excited to meet another PSer!!! When I was coming to NYC, I just sent an email on the contact page and asked if it were possible to meet and he was very welcoming! When we met, he and my DH hit it off beautifully - and David was VERY instrumental in getting my DH interested in diamonds (YAY!!!) so I do think that your man would learn a lot as well, joining you when you meet with him. See that? I've already set up a meeting between you guys and you're still in the comfort of your jammies at home with a mug of coffee!! Geez, I'm efficient!! LOL!!

Maybe you'll be lucky to get him to play his pedal steel guitar for you, he has it in his main office!! Really COOL!!! (Ok, I know that is NOT the official name of the instrument, but its the best this medicated mind/cotton head/cold sufferer can come up with right now!)

If I were in NYC, I'd be there with you in a HEARTBEAT!!!! 'thump' and I'm with ya! - but not till April ---- so.... maybe you'll have a little sumpin' sumpin' to show me when we meet??? I'll show you my yellow, if you'll show me yours???

 

[missy]

Thanks Enerchi I know you would be there with me if you could!! I will contact David and see what we can arrange.

I love those rings you linked me to but they are too small...I wouldn't be gaining any size over my ER and probably losing size. I don't think David has anything right now that it the size I am looking for but I know that could change at any time. The thing is I wasn't even thinking yellow diamond until I saw that ring yesterday. I just know I want a change and preferably a larger diamond. I have also always loved chunky cushions but I don't think I would be able to afford the size I want. Sigh. I really just need to fall in love with a ring like I did yesterday but a ring that is graded properly and fairly priced that I can afford. I do not love the idea of going custom because in my experience it doesn't always work out the way you want it to. I have reset my ER 3 times (last reset 2006) and truly never loved any of the settings. Totally my fault and I would just love to get a ring already completed that I love. Is that too much to hope for? Anyway, please keep your radar up for anything you think I might love...I am hopeful and not in a terrible hurry as I already waited this long!
If I am still looking in April perhaps you can be my diamond buddy and help me!

 

[Enerchi]

Thanks Enerchi I know you would be there with me if you could!! I will contact David and see what we can arrange.

I love those rings you linked me to but they are too small...I wouldn't be gaining any size over my ER and probably losing size. I don't think David has anything right now that it the size I am looking for but I know that could change at any time. The thing is I wasn't even thinking yellow diamond until I saw that ring yesterday. I just know I want a change and preferably a larger diamond. I have also always loved chunky cushions but I don't think I would be able to afford the size I want. Sigh. I really just need to fall in love with a ring like I did yesterday but a ring that is graded properly and fairly priced that I can afford. I do not love the idea of going custom because in my experience it doesn't always work out the way you want it to. I have reset my ER 3 times (last reset 2006) and truly never loved any of the settings. Totally my fault and I would just love to get a ring already completed that I love. Is that too much to hope for? Anyway, please keep your radar up for anything you think I might love...I am hopeful and not in a terrible hurry as I already waited this long!
If I am still looking in April perhaps you can be my diamond buddy and help me!

Ok - I'll keep my eyes open! But--- if between now and April 14 - 18, if you find nothing, then you and me, little lady, will be spending a little bit of time at the DBL offices and playing diamonds!!! You're probably a teeny tiny size 6 finger, too, dammit, and everything there will fit you like it was custom made for you!! rats... I hate my hands!

 

[missy]

Thanks Enerchi I know you would be there with me if you could!! I will contact David and see what we can arrange.

I love those rings you linked me to but they are too small...I wouldn't be gaining any size over my ER and probably losing size. I don't think David has anything right now that it the size I am looking for but I know that could change at any time. The thing is I wasn't even thinking yellow diamond until I saw that ring yesterday. I just know I want a change and preferably a larger diamond. I have also always loved chunky cushions but I don't think I would be able to afford the size I want. Sigh. I really just need to fall in love with a ring like I did yesterday but a ring that is graded properly and fairly priced that I can afford. I do not love the idea of going custom because in my experience it doesn't always work out the way you want it to. I have reset my ER 3 times (last reset 2006) and truly never loved any of the settings. Totally my fault and I would just love to get a ring already completed that I love. Is that too much to hope for? Anyway, please keep your radar up for anything you think I might love...I am hopeful and not in a terrible hurry as I already waited this long!
If I am still looking in April perhaps you can be my diamond buddy and help me!

Ok - I'll keep my eyes open! But--- if between now and April 14 - 18, if you find nothing, then you and me, little lady, will be spending a little bit of time at the DBL offices and playing diamonds!!! You're probably a teeny tiny size 6 finger, too, dammit, and everything there will fit you like it was custom made for you!! rats... I hate my hands!

LOL, thank you Enerchi! You are the best!!!
And re the hands- I hate my hands too! My ring finger may be a size 6 but I have arthritis and Raynaud's and I don't love my hands at all. My fingers are long but big- if only I was a size 4 wow my ER would look huge and I wouldn't be going through this DSS!!!

 

[missy]

OMG!!! If only I could afford this ring I would buy it in a heartbeat!!! I would trade in (almost) all my jewelry if I could for it!

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/halo-diamond-ring-503ct-fancy-yellow-vs1-cushion-cut-uber-set-gia-r4105

 

[Circe]

I think that ring is gorgeous, but I agree with everyone here - including you, at this point! - that it's just too much of a risk.

I'm also peeved on your behalf that the jeweler tried to overcharge you. In defense of jewelers, they're really not all like that, but bad apples, etc. I was just in a shop on the LES calling dyed and heated glass "ruby quartz" and claiming that Anna Koplik opaline glass earrings were Peruvian opal. I ask you! The prices were in line with what they should be, which is the only thing that didn't send me shrieking, but oy! All those people out there feeling crestfallen when a friend corrects the misinformation they've been fed.

Is there a chance there's any extenuating circumstance? Like, last time she quoted a price to you was a while ago and prices have risen? Or perhaps she expected you to bargain (stupid plan if that's not up your alley and she just loses a customer). It'd be awful if she sours the pleasure you've taken from visiting her store.

P.S. - I'm local, if you want an enabler - er, diamond hunting buddy! - I'd be happy to oblige, if you'll return the favor the next time the diamond bug bites me!

 

[missy]

I think that ring is gorgeous, but I agree with everyone here - including you, at this point! - that it's just too much of a risk.

I'm also peeved on your behalf that the jeweler tried to overcharge you. In defense of jewelers, they're really not all like that, but bad apples, etc. I was just in a shop on the LES calling dyed and heated glass "ruby quartz" and claiming that Anna Koplik opaline glass earrings were Peruvian opal. I ask you! The prices were in line with what they should be, which is the only thing that didn't send me shrieking, but oy! All those people out there feeling crestfallen when a friend corrects the misinformation they've been fed.

Is there a chance there's any extenuating circumstance? Like, last time she quoted a price to you was a while ago and prices have risen? Or perhaps she expected you to bargain (stupid plan if that's not up your alley and she just loses a customer). It'd be awful if she sours the pleasure you've taken from visiting her store.

P.S. - I'm local, if you want an enabler - er, diamond hunting buddy! - I'd be happy to oblige, if you'll return the favor the next time the diamond bug bites me!

Oh Circe, you are so sweet and being a new mommy and all to be willing to take the time and help me shop!!! Big hugs!! I just might take you up on your too kind and generous offer when the time comes! Thank you!

Yes, I am so upset at this jeweler right now and darn it that she has such lovely pieces that they make right on site. So aggravated. I cannot think of what extenuating circumstances there would be though as she has had the ring for well over 6 (or 8?) months so even if prices have gone up she already had that ring. So sad she did that to me as it really changes the way I feel about her shop. She has always been a bit flighty and as my dh said he knows (as do I) they mark things up a lot but to charge me more than what it she was asking for originally really hurts. I know I am being silly to take it personally but I cannot help it. Maybe she did expect us to bargain I don't know. Hmmm. Just a fundamental disconnect or flaw in her strategy. My dh thinks she says so many different things (nicer way to put it than to say she is lying) that she just forget from one minute to the next what she says.

I am sure I will get over it but she really has changed the way I feel about her shop now.

 

[Enerchi]

What a fun day you two would have!! bling shopping with a new baby!!! (double awesomeness- diamonds and babies!)

Missy, I have had that same experience as well - someone you thought you knew well enough to trust that, while they still run a business, they would not intentionally 'rip you off', so to speak. And it hurts! I know that sounds very childish, but that was my reaction as well and I sure hate it when I discover a different side to people I thought I'd read correctly. I get disappointed in both them AND me! Crazy, eh? but it happens... So what I've done in that case - and probably the most ineffective response because they know nothing of it - but I just walk away. Their loss. You have to feel good about a purchase because its emotional as well as financial. No matter what - think of your gorgeous deck work at your weekend home - you 'connected' with the contractors and felt good about who you chose. Same deal with a diamond purchase (or any luxury purchase) because you KNOW you are spending "beaucoup de dollars" (that's my "franglais" (french/english) version of "WHOLE LOTTA CASH" ) on something that is a want not a need and it has to feel right for you. Its totally silly and I realize it, but something really weird could set me off --- I was mentioning to a friend about the Cartier trinity rolling rings I tried on in LV and the City Centre SA was a blast! He joked with my DS and I, he let us take pics and try more things on, all the while DS was goofing and the SA just played along and he was great about it! If I knew then my DH was going to get me one for my December birthday, I would have ordered it right there and then with that guy! However, when we went to the Cartier at the Wynn, the SA we spoke with let me try on the Love bracelet for another PSer (and maybe I threw in a few more tries of that aforementioned trinity ring...just sayin'!) she REAKED of cigarette smoke. Now, as a militant and crazy ex-smoker of 25+years, that just turned me right off and as lovely as she was, I'd buy from the other guy! So - ya - we kind of do 'buy' the product and the person, so I hear you when you have misgivings about this store.

As for that newly linked FYD halo ---- um.... GULP!!!! This is it on my hand (LH size 7.75)!!! I loved that diamond!!! Oh --- you'd be a FAR FAR better human being if you owned it!! I can tell you'd be kinder to old ladies, buy more girl scout cookies, rescue even MORE animals... yes... GET IT!! DO IT!!! IT is crying out to you!!!! "MISSY --- YOU WANT ME!!!!" (I am enabling from a distance, but picture me whispering that in your ear....!!)

 

[LD]

Missy - I started reading one or two posts but haven't read them all so please forgive me if I'm repeating what others have said.

1. Can the sale be dependent on the jeweller sending the ring to GIA for them to grade (obviously they'll have to send the unmounted stone off to them rather than the ring)?

2. As FCDs value is dictated largely by colour, whether the asking price is fair or not will be dictated by the GIA grading.

3. It looks gorgeous on your hand!

 

[missy]

Missy - I started reading one or two posts but haven't read them all so please forgive me if I'm repeating what others have said.

1. Can the sale be dependent on the jeweller sending the ring to GIA for them to grade (obviously they'll have to send the unmounted stone off to them rather than the ring)?

2. As FCDs value is dictated largely by colour, whether the asking price is fair or not will be dictated by the GIA grading.

3. It looks gorgeous on your hand!

LD, thanks for chiming in! I guess knowing what I know now I don't feel right buying it from her even if she would do that. Ugh, I hate what happened but I cannot change the way I feel. For right or for wrong it just is the way I feel. Your suggestions are excellent though and if I didn't feel so lied to and cheated to I would try to do just that!

What a fun day you two would have!! bling shopping with a new baby!!! (double awesomeness- diamonds and babies!)

Missy, I have had that same experience as well - someone you thought you knew well enough to trust that, while they still run a business, they would not intentionally 'rip you off', so to speak. And it hurts! I know that sounds very childish, but that was my reaction as well and I sure hate it when I discover a different side to people I thought I'd read correctly. I get disappointed in both them AND me! Crazy, eh? but it happens... So what I've done in that case - and probably the most ineffective response because they know nothing of it - but I just walk away. Their loss. You have to feel good about a purchase because its emotional as well as financial. No matter what - think of your gorgeous deck work at your weekend home - you 'connected' with the contractors and felt good about who you chose. Same deal with a diamond purchase (or any luxury purchase) because you KNOW you are spending "beaucoup de dollars" (that's my "franglais" (french/english) version of "WHOLE LOTTA CASH" ) on something that is a want not a need and it has to feel right for you. Its totally silly and I realize it, but something really weird could set me off --- I was mentioning to a friend about the Cartier trinity rolling rings I tried on in LV and the City Centre SA was a blast! He joked with my DS and I, he let us take pics and try more things on, all the while DS was goofing and the SA just played along and he was great about it! If I knew then my DH was going to get me one for my December birthday, I would have ordered it right there and then with that guy! However, when we went to the Cartier at the Wynn, the SA we spoke with let me try on the Love bracelet for another PSer (and maybe I threw in a few more tries of that aforementioned trinity ring...just sayin'!) she REAKED of cigarette smoke. Now, as a militant and crazy ex-smoker of 25+years, that just turned me right off and as lovely as she was, I'd buy from the other guy! So - ya - we kind of do 'buy' the product and the person, so I hear you when you have misgivings about this store.

As for that newly linked FYD halo ---- um.... GULP!!!! This is it on my hand (LH size 7.75)!!! I loved that diamond!!! Oh --- you'd be a FAR FAR better human being if you owned it!! I can tell you'd be kinder to old ladies, buy more girl scout cookies, rescue even MORE animals... yes... GET IT!! DO IT!!! IT is crying out to you!!!! "MISSY --- YOU WANT ME!!!!" (I am enabling from a distance, but picture me whispering that in your ear....!!)

First of all- It looks great even halfway on your hand Enerchi!! You should get it my dear because after all, you did see it first! Seriously though, if there was anyway I could afford that ring I would get it (if you didn't want to get it for yourself that is!) but as of now, there is no way. Unless David would be willing to give me what we paid for my ER diamond and I know that would truly not happen but a girl can dream can't she?
How sweet of your dh to surprise you like that with the ring you love (albeit from a vendor you wouldn't have chosen)...gotta love our guys! They are keepers and the one thing we will never change our minds on and need a "reset" for LOL!

Second of all, thanks so much for understanding-both you and Circe get it. I am hurt and I don't care if it is silly. I know they are in it to make a living but I just don't expect to get so "ripped off"! I think what hurts most is knowing I may never feel OK to buy another piece there again. Sigh. But, if I get my "dream" ring I would never need another piece of jewelry!!!