Another Man in Need of Help

[DiamondDudley]

I need help.
I am married to a wonderful woman and certainly deserving of a nice ring. We have been married many years and still have great kids at home, so I have limited time to do a great deal of research, but I have been reading your forums and found them helpful in my search for a good quality diamond at a fair price to be put in an annaversary type ring for my wife. I think I would like the total ring budget to be near $30,000-$40,000, is this realistic for a platinum 2-4 ct ring?
I am looking for a Round 2 ct. at this time. I do think since she has a 1 ct. Solitare at this time she would very much like a larger diamond and of course sparkle is key.
We have looked at a very nice Round Vs1 or Vs2 2 Ct. H in Color, at a local retailer that is priced at $35,000. I must admit it is beutiful and no flaws are visible to the naked eye. It glows in the dark with fire. It has the pattended Millineum Cut which brings me to the first question?
Does this 88 to 89 facet add value or to the reason I should pay more for this stone? Have you heard of the J.C. Millenium cut by John Ceulemans Master Diamond Polisher of Antwerp, Belgium? or the 88 Facets by Stelman?
What about the 57 facets of Tiffany? Do the facets play a role in the price you should pay? I have not seen this anywhere but with the retailers marketing their wares.
Is there good value to be found in a diamond that is 1.9 cts vs 2.1?
The jeweler claims that I would be getting old pricing before the USD$ fell in value recently. How much do currency exchanges impact the price I should be williing to pay for the diamonds?
You have mentioned Good Old Gold several times in your threads, you all must like and trust them? How do they work as far as makeing a setting for you that I could surprise my bride with, or would it be necessary to go there for her to get what she wants?
I do want a great primary stone to surround with a stunning setting. 'Do you suggest any particular video galleries for us to look at for options to choose?
I just want to get a fair deal and not get taken by someone taking advantage of my ignorance and desire to please my super wife.Do you have to pay sales taxes on Internet purchased diamonds if they do not have a domane in the state you reside?


I hope you can help me to do the best I can. I really like the idea of having a group of unbiased helper like yourselves.

DD

 

[oldminer]

I just ran a Pricescope search for you for G-VS1 2.00 to 2.50ct rounds. Many diamonds came up and well within your budget. You should really put in the parameters and do some searching, too.

I used additional screening parameters of 53% to 59% table, 59% to 62% depth, GIA and AGS labs only. This will help eliminate potentially misleading situations and there still is a vast selection.

Paying more for more facets at 2 carat may be of minor merit, but not worth a terrifically important premium in price. Actually, having a diamond cut with less known faceting probably reduces the number of people willing to pay full price for it years from now if you decide you ever wish to sell it. Appearance-wise, 2 carat won''t change a whole lot with more facets. Maybe at 4 carat or 6 carat there is better reason, but market acceptance has been slow.

If you go into H color and SI2, you may find even more and larger choices. Depending on the personality and other circumstances of the recipient, a larger diamond is often preferred. However, some people just like a certain size and don''t find larger always better. Its very personal.

 

[gwendolyn]

Hah, you were writing this as I was responding to the other copy of this topic.

 

[Allison D.]

I agree with Dave that the ''more facets'' concept has been slow to catch on with folks who do their homework. It''s a catchy marketing thing, but such cuts are usually perceived as more ''trendy'' and generally less accepted.

There is good value to be found in a 1.9 ct. stone vs. a 2.1 carat stone *IF* all other factors are equal, especially cut. There is a significant jump in price at the 2 ct mark. Well-cut 1.8-1.9 ct. stones aren''t abundant, but if found they do represent a good value.

Regarding tax, internet vendors typically don''t collect taxes; it''s up to you to abide by whatever use tax may or may not be applicable in your state.

Good luck in your search; it sounds like your wife is a lucky lady and I''m sure she''ll be delighted with your thoughtful gift.