Are these good deals?

[DefiantDragon]

I''ve got a friend of a friend (in the biz) who offered me these deals - are they good?
(I''m told they''re all eye-clean)

.64 H SI2 Ideal for $1500
.64 G SI2 Ideal H&A for $1700
.67 G SI1 VG for $1900

Also, maybe you can help me clear something up? I was told that Platinum is
bad to use for the actual setting of the stone (prongs?) as it''s a weaker metal
than White Gold. And that most settings are done in White Gold.

Is this true?

Thanks!

 

[JulieN]

can you get copies of the GIA/AGS reports?

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/16/2009 4:59:49 PM
Author:DefiantDragon
I've got a friend of a friend (in the biz) who offered me these deals - are they good?

(I'm told they're all eye-clean)


.64 H SI2 Ideal for $1500

.64 G SI2 Ideal H&A for $1700

.67 G SI1 VG for $1900


Also, maybe you can help me clear something up? I was told that Platinum is

bad to use for the actual setting of the stone (prongs?) as it's a weaker metal

than White Gold. And that most settings are done in White Gold.


Is this true?


Thanks!

No this is not true, it's actually the opposite, platinum is almost always used for prongs.

And just FYI, most people with a "friend of a friend" end up getting screwed.

 

[DefiantDragon]

Good question. I''ll have to ask her that specifically.

 

[DefiantDragon]

Hrmmm why would she say that Platinum is not good for prongs?

Platinum''s way more expensive, you''d think she''d try for the up-sell.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/16/2009 5:18:49 PM
Author: DefiantDragon
Hrmmm why would she say that Platinum is not good for prongs?


Platinum''s way more expensive, you''d think she''d try for the up-sell.

Because she doesn''t know what she''s talking about?

Sorry, I just don''t see any other reason unless there was a misunderstanding. Platinum is well known as the preferred metal for prongs because it bends unlike gold which would just snap if pressure is applied.

 

[emeraldluvr]

I''ve heard the same thing as well. Platinum is used for the prongs because it is a sturdier metal than White Gold. If I were you, i''d go with a platinum setting. Most people can''t notice the difference but platinum is a much sturdier metal. It also looks more elegant because 18k white gold is just very bright and almost comes off fakish looking.

I''d invest in a platinum setting and go for G-H SI1 VS2

 

[DefiantDragon]

Hrmmm... it may make sense that she doesn''t know much about gold - she works at a diamond wholesalers.

 

[Blinginator]

Date: 1/16/2009 5:25:44 PM
Author: DefiantDragon
Hrmmm... it may make sense that she doesn't know much about gold - she works at a diamond wholesalers.

I don't work at a diamond wholesaler, I don't even buy jewelry for my GF more than twice a year on avg but even I know platinum is preferred over white gold for prongs. Not to sound mean but the fact that she works in the industry and doesn't know this is something to worry about, I'm hoping she just accidentally mixed the two up and meant vice versa.

As for finding out if this is a good deal or not, I recommend going to various diamond sites, like the PS diamond search above or bluenile.com, mondera.com, uniondiamond.com, jamesallen.com, etc put in the exact same spec's or very similar spec range and compare prices.

Definitely need GIA/AGS report too.

 

[arjunajane]

Like DS, I don''t like hearing the "friend of a friend" line - you need to honestly ask yourself, if they are not your family or very close friend, what is their motivation?
Most likely to make money, Not to help you.
That said though, we have also seen many times ppl get screwed by very close friends and family too. Business and friendship and all that.

Also "diamond wholesaler" is a misnomer - if they were a true wholesaler, they would not be selling to the general public, such as yourself. Doesn''t really add up, yanno?
I agree that the only explanation for the plat is they don''t know much - if you work for a diamond seller, you need to have a working knowledge of the things that diamonds go into - rings.

Please do yourself a favour and do some reading and learning around here.
And have a look at some of the frequently reccomended vendors that have hundreds and hundreds of glowing reviews from consumers here too.

 

[Kelli]

You''d really need the certs and all the specs to know whether or not you''re really getting a deal. And as the others mentioned, people who say they have a "friend" in the business all too often wind up getting the short end of the stick, or just get exactly what they pay for and not really a "deal." It''s also frightening how many people in the business have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to diamonds/gemstones/gold/platinum/etc. You hear it way too often hear that jewelers don''t know the facts. Sorry to be negative, but I have way more diamond knowledge from being a member here than ANY jeweler/salesperson I''ve ever talked to, which is sad, as they''re making money off people who trust them.

That being said, if you get the certs from your friend, you could find out how good the diamonds really are. Maybe they are wonderful. If you post them here, many people will help you to see whether or not the cuts are good. Don''t forget that cut is the most important of the four C''s for a truly stunning rock. Good luck