Best place to buy

[garek007]

Hi,

I'm in the market for a half carat princess cut diamond. I see that pricescope has a diamond search utility that's pretty cool, but it lists several vendors. Who is the best vendor to buy from?

 

[JulieN]

do you think an upgrade is ever a possibility? Some places have better upgrade policies.

 

[Gypsy]

What's your budget and what kind of setting do you want?

Total budget
Stone budget
Setting budget

 

[garek007]

Upgrade? What do you mean? I don't really have a set budget. I'd like to keep it under 3k or even 2500 would be better. I was looking at half carat stones and thinking I could spend 1200 on a stone, maybe a tad more, depending.... So based on that I guess my setting budget would be 1300-ish? But right now I'm only concerned with where to buy the stone, unless you're suggesting I get both the stone and setting from the same place.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Upgrade? What do you mean? I don't really have a set budget. I'd like to keep it under 3k or even 2500 would be better. I was looking at half carat stones and thinking I could spend 1200 on a stone, maybe a tad more, depending.... So based on that I guess my setting budget would be 1300-ish? But right now I'm only concerned with where to buy the stone, unless you're suggesting I get both the stone and setting from the same place.

I would suggest getting both the stone and setting at the same place (don't have to hassle with insurance/shipping/damage during setting).

If you have a $3k budget, here's what I would suggest:

.706ct, G, VS1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3022051.htm

+ this setting:
14k White Gold 4 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring for Princess
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-for-princess-8.htm

That would put you out the door under $3k, with a top-notch stone and an elegant setting.

If you decide you want to put more money into the setting, but remain above a half carat, I would opt for this stone:
.52ct, F, SI1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3244881.htm

 

[garek007]

Thanks but what I really want to know is, who is the best vendor to buy from? Is White Flash usually the cheapest? What about Union Diamond?

 

[JoshuaNiamehr]

What does best mean to you? Best Price? Best selection? Best cut? Best Quality?

 

[garek007]

best quality diamond for the lowest price?

 

[Gypsy]

Yes, you should buy the setting and the stone in the same place ideally.

What type of setting do you want? That is going to make a difference.

I wouldn't buy from Union Diamond. I'd primarily stick with WF or James Allen for a princess.

 

[garek007]

I've bought from UD in the past and was pleased, so I'm curious why do you say not to buy from them? Are they generally more expensive?

 

[Niel]

I find often James Allen is a nice mix of quality, price, and selection and convenience
But what setting do you want. Solitaire? Solitaire with diamonds on the sides? A three stone?

 

[garek007]

I like either a 3 stone, or a 3 stone with side diamonds. I don't like the look of a plain solitaire