B&M diamond opinions needed please...

[cgunna]

Hi guys,

I love site and have learned a ton from it in my search over the past few months. I am still strongly considering purchasing online from one of the wonderful PS vendors listed, but yesterday I saw a stone in a store that looked amazing to me...

Report: GIA
Shape: Round Brilliant
Carat: 1.21
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
Depth: 60.5
Table: 56
Crown Angle: 34.5
Pavilion Angle: 40.8
Girdle: Thin to Medium
Polish: EX
Symmetry: EX
Fluorescence: NONE
Measurements: 6.91-6.94X4.19
GIA cut grade Excellent

Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spread or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.1 - Excellent within TIC range

I was quoted 7k....with a little wiggle room if I purchase a setting also from there. The dealer had a H&A viewer and helped me see the hearts and arrows. Everything looked sharp and crisp to me. It sounds like a great deal to me. Can I do much better for the money?

Please help!!

 

[FacetFire]

That looks like a great price from a B&M. For comparision, here''s a similar stone from WF:
http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-6868608

 

[JohnQuixote]

Thanks for seeking opinions cgunna. It sounds like a nice find. The stats are good and the price is competitive with other diamonds boasting top cut & top lab report.

Since you are able to see this diamond in-person here are some ‘test drive’ suggestions:

Did you see it away from store spotlighting - assuming that was the store’s setup? If not, see it in diffuse lighting, perhaps in the store’s office fluorescents, to assess clarity and color: A GIA SI1 may very be eye-clean (if that matters to you), but do the analysis away from bright lights that maximize performance. If it’s as well cut as you indicate you may find it to ‘face up’ more colorless than an H of average cut - a plus with very well-cut diamonds. Wear a neutral color; a white, black or gray shirt to assess this.

Also examine it in any indirect lighting that’s available. A darkened room with an indirect light source would be great, but in a pinch you can hold the diamond under a counter’s ledge so no direct light is hitting it and rock it back and forth. Performance away from strong lights can give an indication of minor facet configurations (those should also be listed on your GIA grading report - to within 5%): If the diamond goes dark in soft lights it may be more attuned to direct light. If the hearts pattern you saw is nice, with no large clefts in the Vs of the hearts, it’s an indicator that the minor facets are in a balanced range and performance qualities should remain even in soft light.

You have the home-field advantage since you can see this diamond live.

If it’s beautiful and this B&M backs their product with good purchase benefits it sounds like a winner!

Let us know how it goes.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 7/14/2006 10:59:45 AM
Author: FacetFire
That looks like a great price from a B&M. For comparision, here''s a similar stone from WF:
http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-6868608

FF - LOL. I was typing my reply as you posted yours; that''s the same link I just brought up to do a comparison.

 

[dbgaap]

Good advice John. I even asked them to turn off the lights directly overhead when I was looking at a diamond and it was helpful to see the stone with less light overhead.

 

[cgunna]

John,

Thanks for the advice!! I moved the stone away from the direct light and it still looked fine. I will certainly go back and perform the additional light tests recommended. The stone was eyeclean. The inclusion was on the edge and could be covered by a prong (I hope)

Anyway,

On a related note, I have also been in contact with Whiteflash about the possibility of purchasing a ACA stone. I have heard raving reviews and wanted to see one for comparison. I must admit however, that after some encouraging dialouge the representative I spoke do somewhat took the wind out my sails with a recent response to an email....

I was inquiring about the possibility of seeing two stones in person. It was suggested that I buy them both (which I don't mind) and send back the on I didn't like. My second question was about getting actual pictures of the hearts and arrows of the stones I was interested in. I asked because I remember reading a thread in which it was said the pictures would be available if requested.

I got the following response: (I omitted her name)

Hi ,

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. As discussed, we have two options for you to see both diamonds. You can purchase both stones and then return the one you don't want. Or, you can contact an independent appraiser and we can arrange to have the stones shipped to them for you to see. There will be a fee for the appraiser. Here is the link from Pricescope to help you choose an appraiser near you.

http://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

We are required to get a credit card on file just as a policy. We don not charge a deposit, but you will be responsible for the shipping both ways for both stones. Should you decide to purchase one, the shipping charges for that particular stone will be credited to the balance of the diamond.

As for the additional hearts and arrow photos, if you look at the ideal scope photo on each link, that photo is one of the arrows. We generally do not take additional photo's of the hearts because they all look the same.

Please let me know your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kindly,

XXXX XXXXXX
Diamond Consultant

Whiteflash - A Brilliant Diamond Buying Experience

www.whiteflash.com

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 7/14/2006 11:22:16 AM
Author: dbgaap
Good advice John. I even asked them to turn off the lights directly overhead when I was looking at a diamond and it was helpful to see the stone with less light overhead.

dbgaap - in a B&M showroom? That''s awesome.

Very cool that they did it for you.

 

[dbgaap]

hey cgunna, I just wanted to play devil''s advocate here.
I am a serial upgrader at a B&M and I have been happy with several aspects of their service.

HOWEVER, my B&M falls way short on some of the customer service that we now take for granted from the Whiteflashes, GOG''s etc.

They don''t respond to email AT ALL.
They don''t send pictures unless I call and beg, and then sometimes they forget.
They have almost zero for me to look at online from the privacy of my computer at work (LOL, I SHOULD be working, NOT shopping for diamonds!)
And if I want a Sarin, sure I can get it if i ask, but they have none of the other fantastic images that WF and GOG routinely post on their websites.

It is just a really different business model.
Don''t rule out WF.
You might have the prefect diamond right under your nose at the B&M, but I bet they aren''t taking pictures of the hearts for you, either.

either way, you''ve got a couple of real winners on your radar screen there!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

And to add to what db said, once the stone is set, you won''t be seeing those hearts anyway! So I wouldn''t worry a bit whether you have that kind of photo or not!

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 7/14/2006 11:25:45 AM
Author: cgunna

John,

Thanks for the advice!! I moved the stone away from the direct light and it still looked fine. I will certainly go back and perform the additional light tests recommended. The stone was eyeclean. The inclusion was on the edge and could be covered by a prong (I hope)

Anyway,

On a related note, I have also been in contact with Whiteflash about the possibility of purchasing a ACA stone. I have heard raving reviews and wanted to see one for comparison. I must admit however, that after some encouraging dialouge the representative I spoke do somewhat took the wind out my sails with a recent response to an email....

I was inquiring about the possibility of seeing two stones in person. It was suggested that I buy them both (which I don't mind) and send back the on I didn't like. My second question was about getting actual pictures of the hearts and arrows of the stones I was interested in. I asked because I remember reading a thread in which it was said the pictures would be available if requested.

I got the following response: (I omitted her name)

Hi ,

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. As discussed, we have two options for you to see both diamonds. You can purchase both stones and then return the one you don't want. Or, you can contact an independent appraiser and we can arrange to have the stones shipped to them for you to see. There will be a fee for the appraiser. Here is the link from Pricescope to help you choose an appraiser near you.

https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

We are required to get a credit card on file just as a policy. We don not charge a deposit, but you will be responsible for the shipping both ways for both stones. Should you decide to purchase one, the shipping charges for that particular stone will be credited to the balance of the diamond.

As for the additional hearts and arrow photos, if you look at the ideal scope photo on each link, that photo is one of the arrows. We generally do not take additional photo's of the hearts because they all look the same.

Please let me know your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kindly,

XXXX XXXXXX
Diamond Consultant

Cgunna,

You're right. Wind out of sails is no fun. I think the explanation you were given could have gone into more detail. Here is the policy from our website:

Since each ACA is so precisely cut, the H&A photos are nearly identical. A sample image conforming to our guaranteed optical symmetry is posted on each ACA page, and we will gladly take actual photos on request for consumers making an ACA purchase.

Major labs grade polish and basic symmetry according to set standards. You could have magnified photos of basic meet points taken, but you will find they all meet the standards, since the lab’s reputation has been built on consistency, earning the trust of thousands of clients over many years. Major labs do not grade optical symmetry but Brian Gavin does, according to set standards. You could have magnified photos of hearts taken, but you’ll find they all meet the standards, since Gavin’s reputation has been built on consistency, earning the trust of thousands of clients over many years.

I hope that better explains our position. If a hearts photo is requested we usually task and provide it at the time of purchase. In broad terms they do 'look the same,' but I hope a more thorough explanation of our position at least unfurls your sails again - even if it doesn't put the wind back in there.

Right now the most important thing is that you find a great diamond that speaks to you, and the one you're considering at the B&M could be a winner. A jeweler should be able to tell you whether a prong can cover the inclusion. I would consider having an appraisal or at least a verification done, for insurance purposes & peace of mind.

By the way - thank you for providing the feedback. We hope you'll consider us again.

 

[cgunna]

delete

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 7/14/2006 11:45:52 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006
And to add to what db said, once the stone is set, you won''t be seeing those hearts anyway! So I wouldn''t worry a bit whether you have that kind of photo or not!

(gasp) Be still my heart! This from a charter member of the DOCD club?

dbgaap and DS, thanks for the input.

 

[cgunna]

Date: 7/14/2006 11:55:39 AM
Author: JohnQuixote

Date: 7/14/2006 11:25:45 AM
Author: cgunna


John,

Thanks for the advice!! I moved the stone away from the direct light and it still looked fine. I will certainly go back and perform the additional light tests recommended. The stone was eyeclean. The inclusion was on the edge and could be covered by a prong (I hope)

Anyway,

On a related note, I have also been in contact with Whiteflash about the possibility of purchasing a ACA stone. I have heard raving reviews and wanted to see one for comparison. I must admit however, that after some encouraging dialouge the representative I spoke do somewhat took the wind out my sails with a recent response to an email....

I was inquiring about the possibility of seeing two stones in person. It was suggested that I buy them both (which I don''t mind) and send back the on I didn''t like. My second question was about getting actual pictures of the hearts and arrows of the stones I was interested in. I asked because I remember reading a thread in which it was said the pictures would be available if requested.

I got the following response: (I omitted her name)

Hi ,

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. As discussed, we have two options for you to see both diamonds. You can purchase both stones and then return the one you don''t want. Or, you can contact an independent appraiser and we can arrange to have the stones shipped to them for you to see. There will be a fee for the appraiser. Here is the link from Pricescope to help you choose an appraiser near you.


https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

We are required to get a credit card on file just as a policy. We don not charge a deposit, but you will be responsible for the shipping both ways for both stones. Should you decide to purchase one, the shipping charges for that particular stone will be credited to the balance of the diamond.

As for the additional hearts and arrow photos, if you look at the ideal scope photo on each link, that photo is one of the arrows. We generally do not take additional photo''s of the hearts because they all look the same.

Please let me know your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kindly,

XXXX XXXXXX
Diamond Consultant

Cgunna,

You''re right. Wind out of sails is no fun. I think the explanation you were given could have gone into more detail. Here is the policy from our website:

Since each ACA is so precisely cut, the H&A photos are nearly identical. A sample image conforming to our guaranteed optical symmetry is posted on each ACA page, and we will gladly take actual photos on request for consumers making an ACA purchase.

Major labs grade polish and basic symmetry according to set standards. You could have magnified photos of basic meet points taken, but you will find they all meet the standards, since the lab’s reputation has been built on consistency, earning the trust of thousands of clients over many years. Major labs do not grade optical symmetry but Brian Gavin does, according to set standards. You could have magnified photos of hearts taken, but you’ll find they all meet the standards, since Gavin’s reputation has been built on consistency, earning the trust of thousands of clients over many years.

I hope that better explains our position. If a hearts photo is requested we usually task and provide it at the time of purchase. In broad terms they do ''look the same,'' but I hope a more thorough explanation of our position at least unfurls your sails again - even if it doesn''t put the wind back in there.

Right now the most important thing is that you find a great diamond that speaks to you, and the one you''re considering at the B&M could be a winner. A jeweler should be able to tell you whether a prong can cover the inclusion. I would consider having an appraisal or at least a verification done, for insurance purposes & peace of mind.

By the way - thank you for providing the feedback. We hope you''ll consider us again.

Thanks again.

I totally understand the policy. I guess its not that big of a deal afterall.

I appreciate your responses.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 7/14/2006 12:14:30 PM
Author: cgunna

Thanks again.

I totally understand the policy. I guess its not that big of a deal afterall.

I appreciate your responses.

Cgunna, we consider the impression we give a big deal. I'm glad you spoke up, or we would not have been able to elaborate.

In commercial markets the H&A images you see vary in precision, so your question is logical. In fact, it's the reason Brian Gavin established a set of guaranteed standards for ACA where the industry lacks one. Sellers with high standards often make such a guarantee or display actual images up-front with their diamonds.