Am I Doing Okay? Engagement Ring Q&A

[routerx]

Met with with a Jeweler today in person. Looking for engagement ring. He showed me a diamond I really liked, but the cert was GIA from March 1999. I told him before I could continue negotiating, the diamond would have to be independently appraised. Did I do okay on this or do I need it recertified?



Diamond Info:
F, VS2, PEAR, 1.02 CT, DEP-58.1, TAB-58, GIRDLE: VERY THIN TO VERY THICK FACETED, CUTLET: NONE, FINISH: GOOD, GOOD, 8.71 X 5.97 X 3.47



He''s asking $4975.



Ring Info:
Platinum, .75ct baguettes, asking $2350.00.



I''m thinking my goal should be to walk in with a $6,000 check and say, "Let''s close the deal." Is that too aggressive on my part?



He''s asking a total of $7325.00 and I''m wanting to take him down to $6,000.00. That may be unrealistic?



Thanks for any help. I sure could use it.

 

[jenibear]

I know nothing of pears, so I can't help you on that one, but I know from experience I've always failed trying to get bargains from an established jeweler.

I guess it really depends on who the person is and what your relationship is, but I've never faired well myself in a store trying to get a bargain.
I've done my best dealing with shops that have an online storefront. But that is just me.
I suppose you should first find out if that price range is fair and then decide whether you are willing to pay, you know?

Whatever happens, good luck.

JB

 

[routerx]

Actually, I think his prices are about 5% high, but they are fair. Being that he is willing to negotiate, I want to see how far I can get him down. My main concern is that I'm missing something. Why is he only 5% over what I expect?!!!! THAT has be concerned.

I was referred to him by a friend at a private club, so that may be helping my price a bit.

 

[DiamondExpert]

Well, he can only refuse your offer...be prepared to move on in that case.

I know that if someone were confident enough in predicting the outcome of a negotiation with me to actually bring in a check with the numbers on it, I would refuse it out of hand just on principle...you might think about another approach.

You say you think his prices are fair, but ~5% too high (based on what?), but you want to take him down 18%?...be prepared to be treated with some distain.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Shouldn't be a problem unless he decides to shoot ya.

That's what that Philadelphia jeweler did last month, eh Gary?

Now THAT's what you call disdain...

 

[DiamondExpert]

Ya, Rich;

and if I recall correctly he was a pretty good shot!

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Yeah, left testicle, as I recall...

 

[valeria101]

Would you consider other seller? It would be more likely to achieve what you want online, with a different stone (preferably with better symmetry and something more durable than a very thin girdle) and a better deal on the setting...

For example:

1.03cts, F-VS marq (VG symmetry, Expolish), $4300

It is not easy to point to a stone without linking to a seller - but the same could be found at others.

The baguettes in the setting you have been offered are larger than most designers use relative to the size of the center - and this is what the price reflects. If you are not completely set on the look, it would be straightforward to stay within your set budget

No, I would not insist to recetify the center, but what grade are the baguettes supposed to be? I would like them clean at that size...