Am I getting ripped off?

[gingerb33]

So, it''s our 10 year anniversary and we are looking at a 1.3Ct. Cushion Cut, G, SI2, EGL Cert. diamond w/ the following stats:
Total depth:60.9%
Table width: 64%
Crown height: 12%
Pavilion depth: 46%
Girdle: med, faceted
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None

Band: .36Cts, G-H, SI, set in 14K white gold, round brilliant diamonds surrounding center stone and along the sides of the ring.

Price for stone: $5100
Price for band: 1500
Prices are without tax

I''ve checked Pricescope and other site and found almost the exact same stone, EGL cert and GIA cert at $4200 - $4400. Are we making the wrong move in purchasing this ring from the current vendor? Do I have negotiating power since the lower priced vendors are online vs. in person?

 

[CharmyPoo]

I think you answered your own question - you can get it cheaper elsewhere. Also, not so sure if that stone is even worth buying. Do you have a grading report, aset, photo of the diamond?

 

[SmallSparkle]

Where are you buying the stone? From an internet vendor or a brick and mortar store?

There certainly are cheaper/better stones out there (there always is), but there are a number of things you need to consider along with the $$$. What is the return policy, upgrade policy ect.

When it comes to the Fancy cut stones, comparing prices without seeing the stone can be dangerous, a well cut stone with good light performance can be hard to find. Even the experts would never pick a stone on the numbers. You need someone with experience to look at the stone. Do a search on here and you will find lots of threads discussing cushion cuts. If you want comments about this specific stone, you will need to post some photo’s and preferably an ASET image.

You should also be aware of the reputation EGL has for soft colour/clarity grading, is the stone really G SI2?

ChunkyCushionLover has a good cushion buying guide

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/21/2010 1:27:13 AM
Author:gingerb33
So, it''s our 10 year anniversary and we are looking at a 1.3Ct. Cushion Cut, G, SI2, EGL Cert. diamond w/ the following stats:
Total depth:60.9%
Table width: 64%
Crown height: 12%
Pavilion depth: 46%
Girdle: med, faceted
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None

Band: .36Cts, G-H, SI, set in 14K white gold, round brilliant diamonds surrounding center stone and along the sides of the ring.

Price for stone: $5100
Price for band: 1500
Prices are without tax

I''ve checked Pricescope and other site and found almost the exact same stone, EGL cert and GIA cert at $4200 - $4400. Are we making the wrong move in purchasing this ring from the current vendor? Do I have negotiating power since the lower priced vendors are online vs. in person?

You could be but also there are some flags here such as the EGL report and the potential cut quality of the diamond, EGL are said to be soft on grading compared to GIA in some cases and with some EGL branches being less strict than others such as EGL Israel. What exactly are you looking for, just a decently cut cushion or do you want one with the best possible cut and performance?

 

[bagelboy]

Ginger, Welcome to Pricescope, If I was in the market to buy a cushion cut diamond, I would contact Mark T. at Engagement Rings Direct and Jon at Good Old Gold under vendors under the resources tab at the top of this page. They are two of the best anywhere on cushions and I know I would trust their judgement. They also can do the entire ring. As noted before, EGL may be lax on their grading and as a consquence, you may not have the value you are expecting. I would also be looking for an appraiser to give me his/her professional judgement on my ring. This is the direction I would go. By the way, there are many different kinds of cushions, more than a dozen or two. I hope this will help. Lots of pictures in the Show me the ring forum. Goodluck!

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI Ginger!

I''d second the others who have mentioned that EGL is not a report to be taken seriously.
Furthermore, I''d say that the seller should be up-front about that aspect.
It worries me if they are not.

Although the terms "best possible cut" and performance" have been mentioned, judgement of those aspects are only opinions. What one person ( or dealer) feels is the best cut is not going to be considered the best cut by everyone. It would be a great thing if you can look at stones in person to see which type of cushion you prefer.