clueless_in_boston
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2007
- Messages
- 17
After doing my education on the 4 C''s, I was ready to buy. I had it down to a local B&M jewler, ERD, goodoldgold, a private diamond broker, and whiteflash. While all the aforementioned are perfectly acceptable depending on circumstances, ERD struck the best balance of service, information and price. Since I was going for a princess cut, I quickly ruled out the private broker. While the cost savings was enticing, I didn''t want to go through the potential of multiple appraisals and a lot of back and forth if I were to get a bad stone. Plus, I really didn''t know what defined a good cut on a princess, so I needed a professional''s help there. After a quick phone call I was convinced ERD was the right merchant for me. Mark knew which cutter''s are better at princess cuts, and being in the diamond district, can walk to the cutter and inspect many of the "virtual stones" that show up in the pricescope inventory. I gave Mark my criteria and budget and he came back with two stones.
I ended up getting a 1.2ct I/VS2 stone, mounted in a basic single stone cathedral style platinum ring. It''s a very good VS2, and I had to look very hard with my 20x magnifier to see the documented inclusions. My other option I was persuing on making sure I got a good cut was to get an AGS graded stone from one of the other merchants - at a starting price of $2k over my budget. While the stone I got is not AGS-0 cut, it is a great performer at a great price. ERD being in the diamond district can walk over to the cutters, give some criteria, and visibly examine the stones without having to call them in. Some of the stones aren''t even in the PS virtual inventory yet. This is a huge advantage and time savings. In effect, I feel like I got a "free appraisal" and consultation from Mark in picking out a few winners for me, giving me the information, and letting me choose. ERD was also very good in answering my questions about the pros and cons of various options. Communication was very good during the process.
So I popped the question at the banks of the Charles River in Harvard Square, and slipped the ring on my GF hand for the first time. When that first blast of sun hit it, it lit up like a firey rainbow. We just stared and gawked and made a big fuss about the ring the whole day. Now I understand the magic of diamonds. lol. All in all, I am very happy with the purchase. I would not hesitate to visit ERD again.
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