Advice on loose stone shopping for engagement ring?

[Sinj]

Hello, and please excuse the rambling in the post but its 4 AM and this has just been keeping me awake.

I could use some advice. I've been shopping around the past few months for an engagement ring. Firstly, I educated myself somewhat by buying a few books which explained the 4 C's, and all the things that go with it (I know I've only scratched the surface), as well as reading a lot of info online (which is how I found this site). But I think I am going about my shopping the wrong way....or doing something wrong.

Today, for instance, I went to Reeds Jewelers in my local mall. I explained the type of stone I would like (near 1 carat, D-F VS2 or so, Oval) and, since I've never seen a store with any loose ovals in stock so far, we decided to order a couple in from a large list of their stones. The ones we ordered in are "on sale" and will cost me around 5,500 to 6500 for the ones I listed above. I asked about their dimensions and was told she didnt have that info....hopefully when they come in I can find out.

Here is what I just do not understand. For similar stones, I've found internet prices for literally thousands less. One on the list that would cost me 7k at a local store might cost me 3-4k online. I mentioned this to her and she explained to me about how plenty of people come get their online stones appraised there, and are dismayed to find out that their stones are chipped, poor quality, not matching the certification, etc. She warned me "Do not buy online."

I'm naturally thinking that she is just trying to eliminate some serious competition. I know about overhead causing a large price difference, but these differences are huge. Still, I'm wary of making purchases online...I like to be able to see and compare several different stones before I buy. Anyway, what do you think of what I would be charged? Most stores here want to charge me around 6k for a .85ct oval with the qualities listed above, but online I can find them so much cheaper.

Am I better off buying the stone online? Would anyone like to give me some advice? I hate going in the stores because I'm a fairly shy person, and never really bring up the prices I can find online for fear I might "offend" the people there or start an arguement.

edit: Gah, still can't sleep. Every time my eyes close I see diamonds and I keep going over my mental check list of bands to choose from. After realizing this site has a long list of diamonds accessable from the front page, I see that the costs in the local shops around town are way too high. I was ready to just give up and pay the higher price earlier, but now I think I'm pretty much decided on buying online. The only question is from whom.

Where have any of y'all had any great success buying loose stones online?

 

[jadeleaves]

HI Sinj!

I was initially apprehensive about buying my stones online, but decided to take the plunge and bought my stones from Good Old Gold.

The chronicle of my "quest" and the finished result can be viewed here.

I am ecstatic with the results (Jon picked out beautiful stones for me and the prices were much more attractive than the prices I got from shopping around at some B&Ms) and will buy diamonds online again! Of course, I was nervous about things going wrong but I think choosing a trustworthy and reccommended vendor goes a long way towards assuaging those doubts.

Hope that helps.

 

[elepri]

What about finding an internet dealer that is close to you so you can view the stones before you buy and still get internet prices? I think at least some vendors on pricescope will see you by appointment and show you the stones you're interested in. At least that's what we did; kind of the best of both worlds.

 

[Sinj]

Thanks for the replies, I already feel much more reassured.

I took your advice and found an internet dealer who is apparently based in the VA/DC area, which is about a 2 hour drive from Richmond where I am. Sounds like I need to call and make a trip, and get some good sushi while I am up there.

What do you think of this diamond / price I found (Oval)?

Laboratory: GIA
Carat Weight: 0.81
Color: F
Clarity: VS2
Shape: Oval
Depth: 60.8%
Table: 60%
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Culet: N
Girdle: M-STK
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 7.40x5.23x3.18

Cut is Ideal

Dimensions sound pretty good dont you think? It is listed as $2,850, which sounds quite reasonable. But I figured I should double check with you guys before actually calling about it, because I tend to overlook obvious things sometimes..

 

[Daisy2418]

Hi,
Another thing that you can do, that might make you feel better, is have the internet dealer send it to an appraiser close to you, so you can see it, and have it appraised, instead of buying it blind.

My fiance bought mine from Whiteflash and knew it was it as soon as he saw it. So he says.

Personally, I'm all about buying a stone online from someone reputable. Bigger, better stone for less money? Heck yeah!

 

[phoenixgirl]

As long as certain checks are in place, buying a diamond online can be very secure and save you big bucks. Make sure that the store you are buying from has a solid return policy, is a member of the Jewelers' Vigilance Committee and/or BBB, and comes recommended on a forum such as this one. Then, if the stone doesn't measure up, just return it!

As somebody else mentioned, Good Old Gold is the only site I know of that does cut analyses on their oval diamonds. I didn't see any that were jumping out at me as being what you were looking for, but they do have a 0.76 D VS2 and a 1.12 G VS2.

If you were already prepared to spend $6500, you might want to check this out: 1.29 G SI1 oval for $5470 This stone has great results (compare the BrillianceScope Analysis to the other oval stones on this site, and remember that the GIA is the strictest lab, so another lab might call this is an F VS2.

Gem Appraisers (Click on AGA cut grade charts and rules and select oval) has guidelines for oval cuts.

I live in Richmond too, and I agree that the mall store prices are outrageous. I had my ring appraised last week in a local store, and all the stones had a "regular price" (ridiculous overinflated prices) and a "sales price" (not as ridiculously overinflated, but not great).

Especially if you are not the most assertive person, buying online is great because the prices are usually already the bottom line. At these local stores, just like with buying a car, there is room to negotiate. That just stresses me out!

As for the PriceScope search engine, there are pages and pages of results. There are some 0.90 and 0.95 stones if you are trying to stay under 1 carat to save $. Remember to adjust the table and depth percentages (use that chart) to narrow down the search results. (Note: just because the table and depth percentages fall within the recommended parameters doesn't mean the stone will perform well -- try to find a vendor who will communicate with you about the characteristics of the stone).

 

[ame]

I would NEVER EVER EVER purchase anything other than maybe a little pendant or something from a Mall store. The quality is horrid and the workmanship of most rings is a joke.

If we hadn't already developed a great relationship with our jeweler and found this particular cut, I would likely have purchased from one of the great vendors spoken of on here and DT.

Honestly, Id go online if you can. Its just as safe as buying elsewhere and the quality for price is definitely better as I see it.

 

[Hest88]

I don't think I need to add anything to everyone else's cogent advice. Just make sure that your online jeweler has a good return policy and, especially with an oval which doesn't really have ideal specs, it wouldn't hurt to get it appraised before purchasing. After all, what's another $100 or so if you're spending thousands for the purchase of a lifetime?

 

[Sinj]

Bah I made my post and went to insert a smilie and it deleted my post.

In a nutshell here it is again: The site I'm using is DirtCheapDiamonds.com, and using the search button I see that 99% of the people here had only great things to say about it. I'm not sure if I was really prepared to spend 6500 on just the stone, phoenixgirl. I'm in college, working full time, and paying for an apartment at the same time so things are a bit tight at the moment. I just know that I didnt want to skimp on the engagement ring, since I feel it is very important to me. The 2700-3000 range for the loose stone + 1500 for the setting band and labor is far more realistic for me.

The only thing I am still trying to figure out is where, ideally, the dimensions should fall for an oval so that it gives the best fire and brilliance. I have a chart that shows where they should fall between, but it does not specify whether higher or lower % is better for reflectiveness. For example the stone I showed above has Depth: 60.8% and Table: 60%, but I can get an "identical" stone for the same price with Depth: 62.6% and Table: 56%. I'm just not sure which would be better. Maybe they'll let me see both!

 

[Hest88]

Definitely see both. DCD has a good reputation, but with fancy shapes especially you've really got to see the stone.

 

[ame]

Try this one

 

[elepri]

You might want to contact dirtcheapdiamonds and ask about that particular stone but also see if there are other stones they would suggest. If you make an appointment to see the stone, I don't see why they wouldn't show you more than one. DCD comes highly recommended on this site. They were one of the vendors we contacted when looking for a stone and and found them very responsive. Instead of the one specific stone i inquired about, they sent me info and pictures of 3 different ones. I think others have had great experience with them too. Good luck with your search.

 

[phoenixgirl]

I gotcha, that was just what they were quoting you, not what you wanted to spend (I don't blame you!).

Dirt Cheap Diamonds is in Frederick Maryland if you want to go see their stones in person (just don't get stuck on the beltway during rush hour!).

Remember to check with them because, as you can tell from the search engine, some of the stones that they list are only available to them and are not actually in their stock.

Yes, there is a relationship beteen the different facets of the stone that reflects or loses light. Having an idealscope or brilliancescope image helps to get some data with which to judge, but of course there's no judge like your own eyes.

Have you seen this stone?

0.81 F VS2 for $2821

If you want a stone that is 0.8ct +, you may want to consider dropping color to G and/or clarity to SI1 (as some of us have been doing with the examples). That opens up a whole lot more stones in that price range and size. I personally would prefer a little more size over a little more clarity or color.

0.85 G VS2 for $2467

0.91 D SI1 for $2778

0.89 G VS2 for $2956

 

[Sinj]

I'm definitely willing to drop clarity to SI1 on the condition that it is eye clean. I hear most SI1's are going to be, but that there are exceptions. So it is certainly an option, just something I'd have to confirm with my own eyes - same with G, I'd want to make sure I could look at it without detecting any tint. My girlfriend, who "gave me an idea" of what she would like, said she didnt want a big stone, but I think it was just to make me more reassured. What girl can resist a large diamond!

But honestly, I'd much rather have a .8ct that had incredible fire and brilliance than a .92 that looked duller.

I appreciate you taking the time to look for me some stones in my range, it really helps!

 

[pearcrazy]

I am going to second the notion that you call DirtCheapDiamonds with your specs for the diamond. They can get you in a couple of SI stones that you can look at in person and make sure they are eye clean. You won't be able to notice the difference between an F and a G with your eyes but ask them to get one of each so that you can confirm that. Also with pears, ovals and marquise stones, you need to look at them to decide how you like your "ratio". Or how elongated or fat you like your ovals. You can certainly get an idea from the measurements. I've seen ovals so narrow they almost look like marquise stones and some so fat they look like squashed out rounds.

I can second the great buying experience with DCD. I purchased my upgraded pear diamond from them back in April. The stone arrived and appraised exactly as advertised. Many mall jewelers offer the IGI certification. I felt much better buying sight unseen with a GIA certificate. Best of luck to you. I love oval shaped stones.