Any tips for third upgrade?

[Mrs.Cruz]

I will probably be selling my small truck pretty soon and am considering upgrading again with the money (a small one compared to those on ps). I have already upgraded twice since being engaged last summer and was hoping I would be content with the last one after we got married.....but I''m not. Just a little history: My honey and I are pretty young so we decided to get a marriage license now and have a small wedding with the family a little later. That being said, the one thing I had to look forward to until then is "the ring". My first RB solitaire I adored even though it was the smallest and had a very obvious inclusion. The second I got right after we were married by my aunt (she is a notary). It was a RB too that weighed .96 ct but had the spread of a .75 ct. I decided to trade that one in because in some lighting the depth showed like a huge black hole. My latest upgrade to a .90 cushion was really just a trade because it was actually less and wasn''t certified. The diamond had a visible warmth (I think close to the O-P range) which I liked so I just had to snatch it up! I was so excited about having a unique cushion shape that I chose too quickly. It isn''t close in brilliance to my last two and the yellow tint I enjoyed under the store''s lights, makes the diamond look cloudy at times. It''s as if it has a split personalitypersonality! Everytime we go back to the jewelry store I tell myself I am going to be more informed and ask more questions (I am a ps lurker after all), but I get mesmorized and begin behaving like a kid in a candy store after viewing the first loose diamond. I forget all previous knowledge that I learned here.

And now for the actual question....

drum roll please

........How do I make a smart buy when I can''t even get my words right in the presence of diamonds? Each time I go to the store I arrive excited but leave feeling doubtful.Their lighting alone can be misleading. I know that we aren''t even paying their electricity with our purchase so I am afraid to make any special requests. (The stone I have now was $2300 and I''m hoping to get about $1700 for the truck, which leaves us with $4000 to work with). Is it rude to ask to see the diamonds outside? Should I only consider certified diamonds? At least then I could run the measurements in the diamond calculator. Am I being ridiculous? The diamond and sales consultants already know me by name....first and last. Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

I would really appreciate any suggestions....any at all....even if it were to shut the heck up.....LOL

 

[surfgirl]

It seems like you're obsessing a bit too much over "the ring" part of being married. I know we're all here because we love and appreciate diamonds but...being engaged and married isn't about the ring, or the dress, or the "dream wedding" or any of that crap. It's about the relationship you create with another person. The ring is only a traditional symbol that says you're taken. And if I read correctly, you aren't on your third upgrade, it's your fourth in one year! It seems a bit obsessive/compulsive, to be honest (hey! you asked for honesty! Why not bank that money and let it grow. Use it for an upgrade on your 20th wedding anniversary. EARN that upgrade. It seems like you're never going to be happy with any ring so why keep spending more and more and more? Unless you are infinitely wealthy, in which case ignore what i said and buy all the rings you want!

Having said all that, how long have you had this stone and can you exchange it at the store you keep going to? If you can, then it's worth talking to them about an upgrade but only if you can get the full price from your current stone. I personally think its a bit crazy to keep upgrading your ring. You're just throwing away money each time.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 5/1/2007 1:29:20 PM
Author:Mrs.Cruz

Is it rude to ask to see the diamonds outside? Should I only consider certified diamonds? At least then I could run the measurements in the diamond calculator. Am I being ridiculous? The diamond and sales consultants already know me by name....first and last. Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

I would really appreciate any suggestions....any at all....even if it were to shut the heck up.....LOL

1) it''s not rude to ask to see the stone outside, some may let you, others won''t.
2) i personally would only consider certified diamonds for an e-ring (antique cuts exculed)
3) yep, get the cert and bring the numbers here for a HCA score (assuming you''re doing a round) if not, bring the #''s here for the experts on the cut you want to chime in on the #''s
4) Since you''ve upgraded a few times already, I''d try really hard to make sure this next one will count. I don''t know about your hubby but mine would get tired real quick if I keep changing out stones in such short periods of time. try to take your time and work on getting exactly what you really want and what will make you happy for a few years at least

 

[kcoursolle]

Have you considered buying online from a trusted vendor with a 100% upgrade policy??? This should help you A) pick a good stone, and B) take care of your indecisiveness with the upgrade policy.

 

[Mrs.Cruz]

I admit I am a little obsessive about the ring because it is the only thing that symbolizes the change in our realationship (we had been living together for a year and a half before hand). I value our relationship much more than a ring but it does mean something to me just like all the other brides out there. I am perfectly aware of what a marriage is about...if I wasn''t, I would have waited until I could get all of those other things....but I didn''t because they aren''t important to me personally(no offense to others who do have them). I knew it would be a waste of money that we could use as a downpayment on a house later. . The company we bought from does lifetime upgrades and it''s not as if my past two upgrades (the engagement ring is not an upgrade) were much difference in price. My engagement ring was bought with the intentions of upgrading once we got married and my current one was actually less than my second (they rang it up as an equal trade in because I could not go lower in price).The only thing we have thrown away is time which we have plenty of. You have to come up with something to do on the weekends right.

I posted here hoping to find out the secret to buying beautiful diamonds at a jewelry store (within our budget) because I am only able to see a small fraction of a diamond''s personality within their walls. Maybe I should exchange my current diamond and take a new loose one home before mounting to get more familiar with it. I know most of you are buying from on-line vendors (I now wish I had) these days but if anyone has succesfully picked out "a winner" then I would love to hear about it. Thanks in advance.

 

[mrssalvo]

what shape stone are you wanting?

 

[surfgirl]

mrs.cruz, I wasn''t implying that you dont value marriage, just basing my comments on your OP. In light of your unhappiness with your current stone, I still think if it''s not been too long a time since you acquired it, you should simply tell the store that you are not happy with it and why, and ask for an exchange - not an "upgrade" which would imply you are spending heaps more - but the "full purchase price" of your existing ring, towards a new and hopefully last one. Or just return it in full if you still can and start over elsewhere. You''ve gotten three stones that you''re not in love with at this vendor so if you can get out of it entirely, why not start over elsewhere?

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 5/1/2007 5:20:35 PM
Author: Mrs.Cruz
I admit I am a little obsessive about the ring because it is the only thing that symbolizes the change in our realationship (we had been living together for a year and a half before hand). I value our relationship much more than a ring but it does mean something to me just like all the other brides out there. I am perfectly aware of what a marriage is about...if I wasn''t, I would have waited until I could get all of those other things....but I didn''t because they aren''t important to me personally(no offense to others who do have them). I knew it would be a waste of money that we could use as a downpayment on a house later. . The company we bought from does lifetime upgrades and it''s not as if my past two upgrades (the engagement ring is not an upgrade) were much difference in price. My engagement ring was bought with the intentions of upgrading once we got married and my current one was actually less than my second (they rang it up as an equal trade in because I could not go lower in price).The only thing we have thrown away is time which we have plenty of. You have to come up with something to do on the weekends right.

I posted here hoping to find out the secret to buying beautiful diamonds at a jewelry store (within our budget) because I am only able to see a small fraction of a diamond''s personality within their walls. Maybe I should exchange my current diamond and take a new loose one home before mounting to get more familiar with it. I know most of you are buying from on-line vendors (I now wish I had) these days but if anyone has succesfully picked out ''a winner'' then I would love to hear about it. Thanks in advance.

have the vendors focus on cut quality when calling in stones and give them set specific requirements that the stones must fall under. Also, buy an ideal scope and use this at the store to look at light leakage. Finally, get that stone in different lighting beyond the store if they will let you do this. Store lighting often makes inferior diamonds look better than well-cut diamonds.

 

[iheartscience]

I think you should bring in a print-off of detailed ideal cut parameters for whatever shape you want. Bring an idealscope with you, too, so you can check out each stone for light return. I think you should definitely try to get a GIA or AGS graded stone as well.

Maybe you can bring someone with you whose job it is to remain calm and objective and who would actually be able to. (For instance, I know my sister would be a perfect candidate for this job because she''s not into jewelry or diamonds that much.)

Also, promise yourself, and mean it, that you are not going to decide the same day you go to look at stones. Your calm person you bring with you can also force you to do this. Check the diamonds out, get all the info on the diamonds you''re interested in, and think about it for at least one night.

Maybe you can post the diamond info here for people to judge. Also, if you''re going for a round brilliant, try to get crown and pavillion angles or percentages so you can plug the numbers into the Holloway Cut Adviser.

And of course it isn''t rude to ask to see the diamonds in outside lighting. I think that''s pretty standard and I''ve actually been to reputable jewelers where they''ve offered to bring the diamond outside so I can see how it performs.

Have fun and remember: STAY CALM!

 

[angeline]

Mrs.Cruz,

I can certainly understand where you are coming from. I get very dazzled too when in the presence of pretty sparkly diamonds!! I don''t know what I would do in your case... There''s 3 options I guess...

1. Do nothing - bank the money
2. Try to pick a winner from this store
3. Take the $1700 from the truck and buy a smaller but guaranteed winner from one of the online PS vendors. I did a quick check and you can easily get a .5ct ideal cut round for around $1500, and a simple gold setting ffrom them for the other $200. That way you have an upgrade path with someone that has great stones at good prices. The ideal round cut from one of these stores wil outsparkle 99% of mall stones.

The problem with continuing with this store that you already have bought stones from is that you are locking yourself in with ever-increasing $$$. I would quit now with them and not thow good money after bad. I know it is hard to let go of the money you have already spent with them, but it doesn''t sound as though they are helping you make informed decisions.

Anyway,... just my .02c Good luck!

a

 

[Mrs.Cruz]

The company I bought from unfortunately has a thirty-day return policy (maybe that is standard?) which started last year when I received my engagement ring. Now I really do wish I had gone somewhere else....a place that brings out well cut stones. I want this upcoming upgrade/exchange to be my last with this company.This will be the last period for at least 10 years. Thanks for all the wonderful advice. Maybe bringing my honey with me isn''t such a good idea....I usually feel rushed because I know he would rather be anywhere else but wants to make his indecisive wife happy. My sister would make a good candidate too....she already thinks I''m crazy for being fascinated with diamonds. I have seen the posts about the ideal scope but I always thought my budget wouldn''t allow me to by diamonds without light leakage.Thanks so much.... I will definately take all your wonderful advice. I''ll keep you guys updated.

 

[dtnyc]

I would take an idealscope no matter what-

Like others said I would wait or look elsewhere.

If you are set on continuing to work with the store where your ring is from, perhaps you should make an appt w/ this store, go in with notes, numbers, your own idealscope and loupe, and let them know in advance what you would like to see. See if you can sit down and look at stones, so you aren''t just "peering" into cases, but can take the time to sit down and examine the stones. Do not allow yourself to make another impulsive decision, go home, sleep on it.
Don''t take your husband on this "exploratory/educational" mission if you feel rushed when he is there, don''t take your sister either- you need someone who can be an advocate/voice of reason- if you don''t have person who can serve in this role perhaps you should go by yourself- but AGAIN don''t make a decision in the store, go home and sleep on it.

 

[Sparkles22]

I would try to decide before hand what you are looking for as far as clarity, cut, color, etc. Call the store and tell them they you want to be able to look over at least a handful within this range. If you give them like 2 weeks or so they should be able to bring some in to look at. I would just work with one person, so he/she knows what you are looking for and can be the one to get those stones in for you and go over the pros and cons of each. If the store is a chain, then they can get those stones with the specs you are looking for from a few of their stores, but you''ll have to give them a heads up. If they have GIA or AGS certs that is helpful as well. I wouldn''t walk out that day with any of the stones, if I fell in love with one, I would put it on like a fully refundable layaway plan or something and go home and think about it, this way I wouldn''t be stressed about it not being there the next day or week, or however long I needed to decide. Others on here have suggested an idealscope or loupe which is a good idea, just make sure you ask them before using, etc. Some places are weird about those kinds of things, and if they have them would probably prefer you use theirs.

Good Luck, and don''t forget to post pictures when you get it!!

 

[Mrs.Cruz]

I want this exchange or upgrade to be the last with them so now I have decided to get the stone I originally fell in love with... the round brilliant. I would stop all together but after looking at some pictures here on PS I realized my cushion has almost no pavillion at all...the sides come to meet at a line down the middle insted of meeting at a point at the culet. I don't know if this common with cushion cuts but it was just the opposite with a larger cushion I saw recently. Once I saw that picture I realized I might own a ?experimental? cut that isn't even recognized. If I am wrong please someone tell me.

I also have another question that some might be able to answer: Last time I went the jewelry store I asked them about round stones with graded cuts and the woman told me that it is a brand new thing with certifications. Is this true or do they only supply stones that have no cut grade? When a company has diamonds certified is that even an option? If they do not carry graded stones will the measurements alone determine whether it is a good cut? I am only asking because I don't know how they feel about me taking in an ideal scope (the store is one of those "factory direct" chains that offer diamonds for a fraction of retail which ends up being close to on-line prices). Thanks again for all your help.

 

[surfgirl]

Can you tell us the name of the place you''re buying from? It might help us to answer your question. On the issue of certs and grading, ALL stones they are selling should have been already graded and they should know what they are selling. "Branded" stone cuts are not the only stones to be graded. This is a weird comment, if I''m understanding it correctly. Cant you consider finding a place where you can trade in your existing stone for a new one? There are plenty of places (non chain stores) that will assess your stone and give you money for it as a trade in if you''re buying something in their store. I''m not getting a good feeling about this place based on their comments about not grading stones...

 

[Mrs.Cruz]

The place is called the Jewelry Exchange located in Tampa, FL. We originally went there because of commercials advertising their great prices, layaway plans and lifetime upgrade policy (100% within the first yr and 80% after). I''m not sure I worded my last post correctly....after asking why my last certified RB didn''t have the cut graded as being good, ideal etc., the diamond consultant at the chain said that the grading of round certified stones is fairly new. I didn''t push the subject any further because I believed her. When I called a half hour ago to ask about using an ideal scope there, another diamond consultant told me they do carry certified RBs with cut grades, so now I don''t know what to think. My last diamond was certified by EGL so that maybe why. It is probably the stricter more recognized labs that grade cut. I don''t know. I don''t like dealing with this chain at all...but I feel like I am stuck because I don''t know if another jeweler would give me anything for this diamond. Heck, I don''t even know how much it is worth because it doesn''t have a cert. or an appraisal. How stupid am I? I was so surprised that they had a cushion cut at all that I ignored the little voice in my head telling me NO! It looked great under their lights with only one inclusion visible under a loupe. I don''t think lusting after neatfreak''s and gothgirl''s cushions before hand helped me either. Maybe I should just exchange the diamond for a smaller but well cut RB and bank the truck money for a later upgrade from another company/jeweler. I would love to be able to buy from a good reputable on-line vendor like whiteflash or GOG. What do you think surfgirl?

 

[surfgirl]

I think you should call back and ask them if they have RBs with certs from AGS and/or GIA. If they say yes, then tell them you ONLY want to see those stones in a specific price range. Forget the EGL certs. Too much wiggle room there. With the other two cert labs you can feel secure in knowing what you're getting. Also, you say they give 100% value of your trade in within year one, you are still in year one, right? If so, then you can trade up to an AGS/GIA cert'd stone and still get your entire amount you paid for your ring right? If so, that sounds like a good plan. Even getting 80% is better than what you'd get if you try to trade it in to another shop. As for other shops trading in, I found that the smaller shops (non retail chains and stand alones) are usually willing to do that and if you're buying something significant they'll try to give you as good a price for your trade in as possible. I dont know what they'd do with an EGL cert'd stone though it is worth looking around for a local shop that would do so. I know all the places I went into in NYC in the diamond district all said they'd happily take any trade in I brought with me, as did some shops here in my town.

I cant help you with online vendors as I've never used them (I need to see in person!). Maybe some other folks here can tell you if there are any good online vendors who will take your stone as a trade in/up.

 

[Mrs.Cruz]

Yes they do carry AGS and GIA certified stones. It hasn''t been a year quite yet and I honestly couldn''t tell you if the year started with our first purchase or my last upgrade. I will have to ask about that. I guess I will make my decision on whether to exchange or upgrade once I have the extra money in my hand and can visit and actually view the diamonds. Thanks for the tips surfgirl.

Does anyone know if any on-line vendors accept trade-ins?

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 5/2/2007 2:09:17 PM
Author: Mrs.Cruz



Does anyone know if any on-line vendors accept trade-ins?

i think James allen does, but it may be only for stone''s over 1 carat. pearlman''s will too but you''ve got to have something worth trading, you might also check with Goodoldgold and Wink Jones at Winfields, not sure if they do but it never hurts to email a few of the vendors and ask.

 

[Mrs.Cruz]

Thanks mrssalvo, if I have a hard time with the Jewelry Exchange again then I will try to contact one of them.

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 5/2/2007 2:09:17 PM
Author: Mrs.Cruz
Yes they do carry AGS and GIA certified stones. It hasn''t been a year quite yet and I honestly couldn''t tell you if the year started with our first purchase or my last upgrade. I will have to ask about that. I guess I will make my decision on whether to exchange or upgrade once I have the extra money in my hand and can visit and actually view the diamonds. Thanks for the tips surfgirl.

Does anyone know if any on-line vendors accept trade-ins?

You might be able to sell your stone to bill pearlman for consignment. He took 15% of my sales when I sold a few pieces through him.

 

[Mrs.Cruz]

Date: 5/2/2007 4:25:40 PM
Author: kcoursolle

Date: 5/2/2007 2:09:17 PM
Author: Mrs.Cruz
Yes they do carry AGS and GIA certified stones. It hasn''t been a year quite yet and I honestly couldn''t tell you if the year started with our first purchase or my last upgrade. I will have to ask about that. I guess I will make my decision on whether to exchange or upgrade once I have the extra money in my hand and can visit and actually view the diamonds. Thanks for the tips surfgirl.

Does anyone know if any on-line vendors accept trade-ins?

You might be able to sell your stone to bill pearlman for consignment. He took 15% of my sales when I sold a few pieces through him.

Does that mean he subtracted 15% off your purchase from him?

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 5/2/2007 5:25:11 PM
Author: Mrs.Cruz

Date: 5/2/2007 4:25:40 PM
Author: kcoursolle

Date: 5/2/2007 2:09:17 PM
Author: Mrs.Cruz
Yes they do carry AGS and GIA certified stones. It hasn''t been a year quite yet and I honestly couldn''t tell you if the year started with our first purchase or my last upgrade. I will have to ask about that. I guess I will make my decision on whether to exchange or upgrade once I have the extra money in my hand and can visit and actually view the diamonds. Thanks for the tips surfgirl.

Does anyone know if any on-line vendors accept trade-ins?

You might be able to sell your stone to bill pearlman for consignment. He took 15% of my sales when I sold a few pieces through him.

Does that mean he subtracted 15% off your purchase from him?

No. I had a few estate rings that I wanted to sell. He sold the items for me and took 15% of the final sales value. I never ended up purchasing anything from him.

However, you might be able to work in some sort of trade in or something, it''s worth giving him a call. He is very friendly and easy to work with.

 

[Mrs.Cruz]

Thanks kcoursolle, sounds like a good deal.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I very seriously would start over with a reliable vendor so you can get an excellent stone, even if you can''t sell the present one right away.

 

[Sparkles22]

Date: 5/2/2007 5:35:24 PM
Author: kcoursolle

Date: 5/2/2007 5:25:11 PM
Author: Mrs.Cruz

Date: 5/2/2007 4:25:40 PM
Author: kcoursolle

Date: 5/2/2007 2:09:17 PM
Author: Mrs.Cruz
Yes they do carry AGS and GIA certified stones. It hasn''t been a year quite yet and I honestly couldn''t tell you if the year started with our first purchase or my last upgrade. I will have to ask about that. I guess I will make my decision on whether to exchange or upgrade once I have the extra money in my hand and can visit and actually view the diamonds. Thanks for the tips surfgirl.

Does anyone know if any on-line vendors accept trade-ins?

You might be able to sell your stone to bill pearlman for consignment. He took 15% of my sales when I sold a few pieces through him.

Does that mean he subtracted 15% off your purchase from him?

No. I had a few estate rings that I wanted to sell. He sold the items for me and took 15% of the final sales value. I never ended up purchasing anything from him.

However, you might be able to work in some sort of trade in or something, it''s worth giving him a call. He is very friendly and easy to work with.

Do they have to be branded or estate pieces? I have a semi-mount I want to sell, no idea where to start. I was told by one store they could only use it for scrap metal and would give me $50 (it has 0.5 ct diamonds in it). I originally (over-)paid $1900 for it!

 

[MWG]

Hi,

I saw the advertisement for the Jewelry Exchange and went to their website and looked at their diamonds and prices.

And if you can get your money back or even 80% of what you paid, then go shopping on Pricescope and get that gorgeous H&A (or any other super cut) diamond. I have ACAs from Whiteflash and they are the most beautiful diamonds I have ever seen. B&M diamonds will pale in comparison.

Other Vendors I would like to buy from in the future:

GOG
Wink Jones
James Allen
Whiteflash custom

Good Luck
MWG

 

[Mrs.Cruz]

I went to see a local jeweler today and he basicly told me to stop digging myself into a deeper hole. He said that if I hadn''t found anything I liked from the Jewelry Excahnge, then I would probabaly never would. I told him I would hate to lose the $2300 I paid for the diamond I have now and he said that it would be better to wait until I could afford to start over with a nice stone from a better dealer. It all makes sense to me, but I still feel as though I haven''t searched enough. It isn''t the stores fault that I selected so quickly. Each time I have viewed diamonds there I wasn''t completely open to all sizes. I had hoped for a 1 carat round ever since I was young so that has influenced my purchases thus far. The day I exchanged my .96 ct RB for the cushion I saw some beautiful diamonds of all shapes but under a carat.Some of those diamonds could have blinded me but were about half the size. The cushion I found is .90 ct but it has almost no pavillion (it looks as if someone sliced it half way through) so it faces up with larger because of its large crown and table. I also loved the yellow tint to it (I have always adored Y-Z and fancy light yellows).

I have decided to try to exchange my current diamond for one smaller, but of better quality...without putting anymore money into it......unless I find a real winner...and you all approve ofcourse. With your help anything is possible! I want to thank everyone who responded to my posts. You are all so patient and kind.

 

[surfgirl]

Again, I think you should only look at AGS/GIA cert''d stones at this point. That way, you can sell/upgrade elsewhere more easily in the future (since both those labs are considered the most reputable) and hopefully get as much as possible when the upgrade time comes!

 

[yellowsparkles]

M. Cruz, Do you have a picture of your ring/ stone. I would love to see it.